NAMRITA K. O'DEA

After deeply regretting missing the Iceman race last year I had decided it was going to be the "highlight" of the schedule in 2010...it has been the race I'm most excited about doing. My friend Danielle forwarded me the registration info last weekend and I promptly created a "pre-registration" in their system. Registration would open on Monday March 1 at noon.

Some of the best rides are the unexpected ones. After standing, talking, riding, and working for most of the day at the SEE-ME expo yesterday and getting Bob the new foster dog last night, I was pretty tired this morning. We had planned to salvage a good ride on Sunday and chose our favorite trail, Snake Creek Gap. I could barely keep my eyes open on the drive up and I was pretty sure I was going to have a slow, lazy ride. I took off because the guys were running late so at least the first hour of my ride was alone. It was nice..very nice.

Ergon and Competitive Cyclist are excited to announce the next stop on the Ergon MTB Klinik Tour. Running in conjunction with the Ouachita Challenge race weekend in central Arkansas, Team Topeak-Ergon riders will be on hand at Competitive Cyclist in Little Rock, AR for a no-drop mountain bike ride followed by a MTB Klinik.

Go here to download. Inside, you will find great photos, stories, recipes, and even a feature on the Southern Cross 2010. Enjoy!

Overall, it was a good early season race. We forgot some key things like a light for the pit tent, a changing towel and toilet paper, but remembered most of the other essentials. It's been awhile since I've been to an endurance lap race! It's also been a really long time since I've ridden at night...yikes.