Heading South- An Autumn of VORS RacingMaking sure to still have fun while pushing through the end of the year doldrums at the RVA 13 and Paranormal 6 Hour race. Tops spots for both Nankmans at both races.
RVA 13
October 6, 2018
Maidens, VA
1st open women for Jess, 1st single speed for Joël
This race is a re-visited version of the previously held RVA 24 and 18; which we have raced numerous times in the past. Now being put on by Ride.Run.Race; it is the same location and the same course as the previous versions but it is shorter, being now a 6 and 13 hour race rather than an 18 or 24 like it was in the past.Joël and I have always enjoyed this race; fun course, well organized, and just an overall good vibe. Being put on by a different race organizer, we weren't sure what to expect but we decided to return.
This year's version was not the same as other years, but nevertheless it was a good event worth making the drive to. It was well organized, the course was the same fun singletrack, was in good condition and well marked, and an ample supply of post-race pizza was perfect to fill one's belly after a long day in the saddle. Big bonus is hot showers on site, such a luxury! Gone were the aliens, chickens, and colorful lights along the course which were something racers always looked forward to.
Personally this was a very challenging race for both of us. I blew up, bonked, what ever you want to call it at about six hours in. I decided to do a little experiment at this race, to see how long I could push above my comfort level, because one never knows until they try. All I can say is it was along seven hours during the second half of the race. After my melt down, I was still wanting to go mentally but just physically had nothing. Mind over matter, I just pedalled along at a comfortable pace for the remainder of the race.
Joël had a spectacular first eight hours, then he fell apart. The temperatures were hotter than he expected, he pushed super hard the beginning of the event, and then felt it all later. Near the end of the race he took a short nap on a park bench mid lap until I came along, and then we rode the last few laps together.Sleeping in the van that night after the race was interesting. Both of us were so sore we would randomly have muscle cramps and spasms, something simple like rolling over was tough and often invoked moaning and whimpering. The sign of a tough race and a beat-up body.
Overall we were glad we returned to this event. It wasn't what it used to be but we still enjoyed our time at the RVA 13.
6 Hours of ParanormalOctober 20, 2018
Earlysville, VA
Joël 1st single speed, Jess 1st open women
A party with a race involved is what we kept hearing about this event. This has always been on our radar, but previous years something else was always happening during the race weekend. This year we made a point of making this event a priority and to clear our schedule to attend.
It certainly was a good time, and yes, there was a quite a bit of partying go on. One could be a serious racer or one could just go for the fun and meander along the course, all riders were welcomed and embraced.Costumes were sort of required for this race. Sort of being that if a racer didn't wear a costume they must run the prologue. All but one racer dressed up. Joël and I went with a luau theme, complete with grass skirts, leis, and flowers on our bikes. Our pit area for the lap race included a palm tree and hula girl.
The course was an eight mile lap; and the format was to do as many laps as possible in six -ish hours. Being all single track, the trails were tight and twisty with roots, roots, and more roots. No sustained climbs, but lots of punchy ups and downs made for tired legs. Overall the course was just challenging enough to keep riders on their toes but not over the top, enjoyable, and an appropriate course for a long lap race. The best part of this course was the Halloween decorations. All along the course were skeletons, tombstones, ghouls and goblins, ghosts, and decorative lights (check these out in the video below).
As for our races, both Joël and I took top honors, winning our divisions. Despite winning, neither of us had our best races. Yes, we enjoyed the course, the decorations, the friendly fellow racers, and the well organized event and volunteers. Maybe it was a little end of the year burnout, maybe it was spending a week taking care of my mom's horse farm previous to the race, maybe it was forgetting some items when packing...but neither of us was mentally in the zone to race. Sure, we wanted to ride and be on our bikes, we just didn't want to race. Add to that a good crash early on for Joël that produced a broken brake lever and this race become more of a survival event than a race.But positive attitude and sheer will power always prevails. Due to the mechanical I caught Joël and we decided to ride together for the remainder of the race. Singing songs, talking about all the cool things around the course, conversing about life in general got us back into the groove and we sped along together.
Post race was a big party. Adult beverages were provided, fire pits to sit around, and music made for the perfect place to hang out with fellow riders. Camping on site was allowed which meant all we had to do was clean up and roll into the van for the night.
Overall this was an awesome event that we would recommend to all others. Whether you want to truly race or just go there to party-race the ride, this is the event for you. Bring your friends and bring your family (oh ya, there was a kids race also) for the festivities. Just don't forget your costume!
So what did we learn from these two VORS races? VORS racers are a great group of people, always friendly racers before, during, and after the event. Always a good vibe and lots of fun. We also learned that Joël and I are so happy to have each other. When the going gets tough we can depend on each other to pull us out of a slump and who else would we rather ride with than each other.
Now it's time to relax, recover a bit, and prep for the next 24 hour race.
- words by Jess
- pictures and video by Joël
- post race cuddling by Clifford
Click on video above to play