Super Downhill Mountain Bike racing

We sure don't race enough to be a mountain bike team...Our last race was in the fall of 2011. As fun as it was, we just haven't had the time to train for another race. When a new type of race was announced at Paris Mtn. South Carolina I knew I had to sign up. The race was supposed to be "mainly downhill", known as a  Super D. How hard could that be?
Raceday consisted of several shuttle runs to the top of the mountain for pre running and a really fun downhill course. I was placed in the "masters' category and placed mid pack in the end. The climb before the downhill proved to be too much for me.
Thinking the race would be mainly downhill, my training consisted of mainly cruising trails and hitting jumps, etc. I did not think I would have to climb- To my surprise, I did. Fitter "older" riders just flat out killed everyone, as their overall fitness prevailed, even on a "mainly downhill" course.

2 lessons were learned that day:

- Even downhill racing requires training and aerobic fitness.
- Older cyclists rule. Had I raced with the "young guys" I would have come in second place...40 is the new 25!

Enjoy the pics!

This is the first thing I saw when I got to the race.

Loading the shuttle truck

Pre race meeting

On the way to the top of the ridge. I didn't think I would have to pedal once I got to the top. I was wrong..

One of the Pros. He is going a lot faster than it shows in the pic

Had a great time and will be back next year!