A Fun Way to Spend a Mild Winter in Tahoe

Spring Riding at Martis

During the last few weeks it seemed as if spring were officially here.  Of course, because of the lack of snow in the Sierras this winter, it felt like bike season hadn't even ended!  To take advantage, I spent countless days hike-a-biking at Pine Nuts before work which kept my head where it needs to be.  Other days off were spent building a new trail, which has been deemed The Trail (clever, huh?) down near Pollock Pines.  The Trail is a great trail to train on, it is technical without it being scary gnarly.  Lots of good off-camber sections, sprinting areas and a great finish down a steep section into a beautifully built berm, and into an awesome finish.

When we weren't working on building, there was a very local grass-roots race series I was lucky enough to participate in.  So far we have only had two races, but we intend to race The Trail hopefully the first weekend of April, weather depending.  The first race we had was down Ridge Trail at Pine Nuts.  After spending plenty of sunny days all winter riding it, I was stoked we were going to get to race it!  I was the only female that could make it out but it was still a blast.  Ridge starts out with a gnarly rock area at the top with a mandatory small drop into a berm.  This is one trail that really does just START, there is no option for a warm-up!  My favorite part of Ridge is the chute at the bottom into a double.  We all raced unscathed, and after we raced down the fire road.  Which, believe me, was much more exciting than it sounds!!  With full speed, attempts at using no breaks, and loose fist-sized rocks, it was total trust in your tires.  What a treat to race with friends out there in January, it was definitely a major highlight of my winter.

The Start to Pine Nuts Ridge Trail (PC Allison Oliver)

Kings Trail was race number two.  With steep and committing sections the entire way down, you definitely needed excellent breaks and full body armor!  There were two different trails we raced, both equally as fun as the other.  Both races had about nine participants, and for Kings Trail, our friend Nina Fenn joined me in the female class which added tremendously to the fun factor.   

Sea Otter is next on my list, I hope the riding and racing I could do this winter will pay off a little bit.  More than anything, it will be fun.  This winter reminded me simply how fun it is to race.  Everyone is filled with a little fear, a lot of adrenaline, and an innate desire to be the fasted one down the course that day.  Sometimes you get to stand at the top, other times you are humbled.  The important thing is to have fun, not be too hard on yourself,
and remember why you race in the first place if something doesn't go quite right during your race run.  There is always another race.