The past year of my life has been a roller coaster of trials and tribulations, with more downs than up. I do not want this to sound like I am complaining, just sharing another part of my journey. It ranged from the loss of a sport from my life due to injury, my mom getting diagnosed with cancer, and the daily grind that they call school.
This past weekend was XTERRA Eureka Springs. If you haven't been to these trails you need to go, whether on foot or bike. This place is beautiful, serene, and where myself as a racer and a rider was always at peace. The trails are some of the most technical that I have ever ridden, kind of weird when you think about all the trails out there. Lots of rocks and overhangs, tree roots, switchbacks, drop, and of course everyone's favorite...climbing!
This race for me was my home away from home (don't tell my Utah friends that), so coming back this year not as a racer, but a volunteer was something that I was looking forward to. I camped out in a trailer, rode jet skis, got lost trying to find my aid station, and rocked out to a boom box while directing bike traffic.
As much fun as I had volunteering I felt something that I haven't felt in a long time, the itch to ride. I haven't ridden my bike in over a year, the injury that I suffered was something that took me a long. stinking. time. to come to grips with. I didn't want to look at my bike, I wanted nothing to do with triathlon or bike riding. I was so angry, at who I don't know, the world I suppose. Being back out on my "home course" this weekend was something that I think I needed, I feel like my spirit has been rekindled. I can't wait to get on my bike and ride and ride and ride. I feel like I did when I bought my first mountain bike, a giddy little kid who just wants to ride for hours upon hours. Thankfully I think that was something that I needed, the little part that was missing that I could never pin down, just riding for fun is something that I lost sight of. I sold my garmin, own no watch, so the freedom of time is on my side.
The race this year got taken over by Cne' Breaux and Kevin Ruehle. Let me tell you, do they know how to put on one hell of a race! The course layout was changed from the previous years, integrating climbing and technicality that wasn't as daunting to newer riders. I only wish I could've been out there on a bike! The course set-up also allowed the racers to be more visible to the spectators, with the riders coming through the transition/finish line area four times. Whew did we have some screamin' and cow-bell ringin' going on!
The run course was changed slightly, along with the bike course allowing more visitors who were unfamiliar with the Eureka Springs territory to get a taste of what we have to offer in the Ozarks. Post race there was BBQ and a live band.
As I looked out from behind the food table and gazed around all I could see were smiles and people laughing, couples dancing to the music, and families/friends laughing and sharing their race stories over BBQ. That is everything that XTERRA is about; coming together for a common love, perhaps a little suffering in between, but non the less a great time.
I think that Cne' and Kevin did a kick-butt fantabulous job as newbie race directors, can't wait to hear what they are already brainstorming for next year...
