Single Track Sunday
Event: Greenbrier Classic
Place: Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro, MD
Ridden: May 2015
Click on video to play
Things learned from Greenbrier that we need to remember for next time: drive down the night before, three hours is a long time to drive for a 9am race start; don't forget riding gloves, especially when it it hot and humid out which makes for slippery grips; don't believe the rumors that awards are starting in 10 minutes, take the time to eat and shower first since awards always take longer than expected to get started, sitting around in dirty riding clothes while being super hungry is no fun.
Despite some bad decisions highlighted above, the Greenbrier Classic 4 Hour Endurance race was a good time for both of us; lots of smiles and good times when racing. Many familiar faces to catch-up with before and after the race and lots of friends to chat with while riding. Nothing better to help the time pass during a long distance race than friends and fellow racers to talk to! Numerous fellow Giant Co-Factory Northeast riders were racing, many of whom we have not seen since last year, so it was great to get to catch-up and get to see teammates again. Additionally, a few Saucon Valley Bikes racers were there, good times with old friends.
The race was a multiple loop course; the winner being determined by the rider who could do the most laps in four hours. Each lap was just under 6 miles, not too long but deceptively hard. With just over 700 feet of climbing per lap, a good portion of that being technical climbing, the legs were burning for most of this race. Overall this is a nice course, nothing outstanding about it but the park area is quite nice and the trails are well maintained. One additional feature about being in a state park is showers for after the race!
Race wise it was another good week for Joël and I. First place for me and second for Joël. A great race and good feeling going into TSE in just under a week.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël