Well, the Moab race went better than expected, and indicates that my winter training was effective. I managed to stick with the big boys for most of the cross-country, and finished fourth behind Peter Webber, Peter Swenson, and Dave Wiens, who seemed to be out for a stroll. I didn't feel like I was recovering as well as the weekend prior, but the power was there and the race was a short 1.5 hrs. I like these power courses, but I'm going to spend the rest of the summer working on my climbing due to a weakness in that area.

As for descending, alpine skiing has kept my form mostly intact. I finished 2nd on the Schwinn in the hardtail race, six seconds behind Jurgen Beneke on a rough, typically Moab course comprised of slickrock ledges and fast jeep road. I also raced on full-suspension for the first time, and though I was going much faster I flatted both runs. Those rigs are really a blast, but I rode on the mistaken pretense that I wouldn't flat due to the rear suspension, and thus hammered through all the rough stuff. If I can get a full suspension bike to practice on, I might have a better grasp of FS handling for next time.

As for the near future, I've made what is likely the most pivotal decision of my season. Due to a cash flow problem and increased personal finance awareness, I won't be racing in Big Bear. This would be the costliest race for me to attend this season and by removing it from the picture, I've effectively guaranteed my attendance at the rest of the Nationals. I plan to hit regional races such as the Iron Horse and Rage in the Sage to gear up for the Midwest Nationals, and I hope to qualify for the Georgia World Cup without Big Bear. Pro racing on a shoestring!

It's snowing here in Crested Butte (May 8th), and it's time to do some intervals. Yeeha, what a career choice! Ride fast, take chances.

----Jason