The last stop on the ProXCT was in Vermont at the Catamount Family Center. This is a great course because it has plenty of variety. Grassy sections (power suck!), twisty singlet rack and 4 sections of man made obstacles. My favorite sections was a double drop. You had to have speed to clear landing. On the third of 5 laps I got the most air I've ever gotten and a rush of euphoria surged through my body! When I landed I let out a loud whoop! I had a great time riding the rock garden as well and that's where Dave McElwaine got a great shot of me (it showed up in Cycling News as well!).
Getting air like that demands a full suspension bike and my Jamis Dakar XCR was more than up to the job, landing everything smoothly! My Stan's NoTubes Valors helped me maintain my power through the grassy climbs and cornered like a rock star!
Lucky for me I'd made a visit to the Julbo Headquarters and had a fresh pair of the Ultra's (they'll be released next month) in florescent green. They have the Zebra light lenses that transition exactly as you need them to. When racing on the East Coast, transition lenses are key, and particularly on this course. There are open sections of grass with full sun then the trail goes deep into the thick woods where you need as much light as possible. These glasses were perfect, not to mention comfortable and groovy looking!
It must be mentioned that one thing that takes tons of abuse is my Borah Teamwear kit. I wear a kit every single day. They get crashed in (not that often:), sweaty, dirty, straight up disgusting then washed frequently. The result: perfect. They look and feel brand new still. They don't hold smell, they perform amazingly. This is my second season in Borah Teamwear and I have nothing but positive reviews of every single piece they make. After meeting the folks that run the company in Wisconsin, I'm even more of a dedicated fan.
It must be mentioned that one thing that takes tons of abuse is my Borah Teamwear kit. I wear a kit every single day. They get crashed in (not that often:), sweaty, dirty, straight up disgusting then washed frequently. The result: perfect. They look and feel brand new still. They don't hold smell, they perform amazingly. This is my second season in Borah Teamwear and I have nothing but positive reviews of every single piece they make. After meeting the folks that run the company in Wisconsin, I'm even more of a dedicated fan.
The Gaerne Shoes Carbon G.Kobra shoes were super comfortable and have held up through every weather and course condition I've thrown at them!
Thanks to ESI grips, POC Helmets, Backcountry Research, RxBar, Elete Electrolytes, LW Coaching, Elevated Legs, Inside Ride for their support as well, they all come together to make it happen for me!
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| Photo Credit: Dave McElwaine of CyclingNews |
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| With my son who cheered for me on every single lap |