I was stoked to race my 2014 Jamis Dakota D29 Team for the first time on a cross country course (I raced it at short track last week at Bonelli Park). My bike, built with the Stan's NoTubes Valors, weighs in just under 20 lbs, that is LIGHT! It was super stiff on the steep climb that Fontana offers up. This year the course was one climb, one descent, that's it! So having a stiff frame was essential. I was able to handle the bike with ease through the rocky, washed out descent and lay down all my power on the back flat part of the course. For the pre-ride I tested the Geax Mezcals. The Mezcals will inevitably be my tire choice for Sea Otter since I ran them there last year and they performed very well. I thought conditions would be similar at Fontana, however, the course was more washed out than last year, so I went with the Geax Saguaros, my pick for loose conditions.

I had another race of not feeling top form. I raced well March of last year, but since my training has been different this past winter I'm not feeling the spark or kick that I'm capable of. I'm very motivated to recover properly and prepare for Sea Otter!

Photo Credit: MTB Mike

Photo credit: Kenny When

Start Line (photo credit: Kenny When)