I purchased a monthly planner and added all the events on the East Coast that I might be interested in doing with post-its, that way I can remove the ones I don't do, but I still have them on the calendar just in case something works out that I can make an event that I didn't think I could. I am also using this as my training log.
I have a few key downhill races I hope to do, not as many as in the past since the number of races in the southeast has been significantly reduced this season and I can't travel to the northeast that often. Here in the southeast they are running a Southeast Series at a few different mountains. It is a new concept, but only includes 4 races. (Granted, we don't have that many mountains). Previously we had a race series at two of the mountains for a total of 6 races, plus one independent race at a 3rd mountain. In comparison, the northeast has something like 20+ DH races, plus a few local races, but most of those are at least 9 hours away for me (that makes a 4 day weekend, which food service likes even less). I know races are expensive to run and the concept of a Southeast Series is a great one and one that I would like to support. Unfortunately, my schedule will only allow me to get to 2 of the 4 races. I hope that the concept will grow and that we will see more DH races here in the southeast in the future so our very skilled pool of riders can have more opportunity to test their mettle. Making your way in the world of DH racing and gaining sponsorships depends a lot on visibility, but without the opportunity to be visible many talented riders here in the southeast struggle to keep their passion to compete a reality.
Between DH weekends, we do have a fun local XC series, hosted by Racing in the Woods, that I am planning to hit a few times during the season to keep my cardio strong. I also intend to race at all 4 of the Southern Super D Series races this year. Last year I took home a lot of loot for winning 1st place in the series. Both of these series have a great group of local racers and are loads of fun. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to get out and try some racing this season. I am also looking forward to trying some BMX racing at our nearby track at Tanglewood and gaining some new skills from that when I can fit it in. Some BMX racing will have me tuned up for our Blue Ridge Pumptrack Series in the fall too!
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| Brad and I riding the pumptrack at Rocky Knob Bike Park in Boone, NC, one of the venues for the Blue Ridge Pumptrack Challenge. |
There will also definitely be a week at Highland Bike Park in New Hampshire, because that place is amazing and great for skills, and well worth the 14 hour drive. And of course a few weekends at Snowshoe and Beech just to get shreddy.
And to top off the season, I have already registered for the Liv Ladies AllRide /GRIT Clinic at the Bike Farm in Pisgah National Forest in September. I am really excited to work with some rad coaches in Pisgah and meet some more women stoked on bikes. I would highly recommend signing up for this clinic now if you've ever wanted to ride Pisgah or if you already do! It is going to be badass and it is going to fill up fast!
