entry posted on my website...

For Haven's Sake Charity Time Trial Race Report

Tom Ament organized a night time trial and fun ride at McDowell Mountain Regional Park to support a cause everyone can appreciate. More information on Haven is available here. The event was well organized and supported, and, from everything I'm hearing, it was a definite success!

The race started off well for me - all of my gear was cooperating. Lights were working, tires were holding air, (tested out a new pack on the market from Kole Gear - its a pressurized hydration pack - I'll get thoughts on it up shortly), etc. About 15 minutes in, a mild, cool breeze started up, which was a nice offset to the hot, arid air typical of Arizona.

I was passed by a handful of riders somewhere around the completion of the first mile; but, I was maintaining a pretty decent pace in respect to my 1:00 goal. All in all, my riding was pretty good - I was taking a few descents with more speed and control than usual, and powered up every hill but two, both of which because I missed my line and slipped into a rut.

I have ridden the course before - its a great loop with a decent amount of variety and reasonable amount of climbing. Riding at night changed it completely. I could not see the "hairy" section coming up until I was too close for a material velocity change - so I just barreled into them by happenstance. It worked out well and I definitely felt that the 8 mile loop significantly improved my riding skills.

I came across a couple riders with flats, but being ill prepared myself, I didn't have tubes, patch kits, or C02 to help. Then, after railing through the technical section on the south ridge, I came across a nice woman who was walking with no lights. As it turned out, her light had quit on her. I was riding with two bar lights and a helmet light, so I figured I had one to spare. I offered her a light and she followed me back to the finish coming in a minute or so behind me. The transfer of the light probably cost me a minute or two, and I ended up finishing in a time of 1:01. So, I felt good - my time was hit, I flew through the rock garden, the ride was fun, I wasn't winded, and I was able to help someone and built up some good karma (not to brag...).

Little did I know that the good karma would pay off immediately. I stayed to enjoy a killer porter from SKA and the charity raffle. The grand prize - a Vassago frame and fork. And guess who's name was drawn for that.

The frame is a Fisticuff - which is a cool bike. Unfortunately, the frame is a bit small for me - so Tom came through again and offered to switch it out for the correct size. I mentioned that I may want to build it up single speed, and he mentioned in passing that in addition to switching the size, it may be best to switch to a different frame. This is an offer I can't pass up, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a new frame to build into a great bike with unique geometry.

The entire race was great - and for me, it was further proof that the cycling community really is a community. I've been asked by numbers of riders in the past if I've needed help - this time I returned the favor. And while winning the frame is awesome, the main point of the event was the philanthropic side - and I think everyone was glad to help.