Despite being rather unprepared to re-enter the endurance mountain bike racing scene after such a long hiatus, Steve and I just couldn't resist the chance to head down east for the Brunswick Brawl this morning to try out a new-to-us trail. I did at least realize the shorter option was probably in my best (lack of fitness) interest, so signed up for the 3-hour category instead of the 6-hour. On arrival at the venue, the sun was out with temperatures in the 70s - just absolutely perfect mountain biking weather.
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Brunswick Nature Park |
Of course, the sign at the entrance to the Brunswick Nature Park warning of wildlife in the park with the HUGE pictures of venomous snakes and alligators - yes, ALLIGATORS - had me more than a little uneasy! Fortunately, during my three laps on the roughly 9-mile course I didn't see any snakes or alligators, although Steve said he saw a copperhead on one of his laps. And on my second lap I did hear something large moving around in the low grass next to the trail as it skirted the edge of the water. Needless to say, I didn't wait around to see what it was, electing instead to pedal on as fast as I could...
The trail itself was really nice with pretty views, some fast flowy sections and plenty of tight stuff through the trees, although I did have to be careful in the turns as the soil down there near the coast is obviously very sandy with some sketchy corners.
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Crossing the Finish Line |
There isn't much in the way of elevation, again due to the coastal location, but the trail builders have done a great job of making the loops a lot of fun and you can always up the challenge by riding faster. ;-) And for this event, the race promoters provided super nice swag bags, even including a seriously cool wicking jersey to all participants!
The race loop was roughly 9 miles long, and somehow despite struggling through intense muscle fatigue and general less than optimal fitness, I managed to complete three laps in 3:25:19, good enough for a second place finish, about 19 minutes behind first in the women's three-hour category. Oh, and did I mention they paid out CASH for at least the top three in each division?!?!?! We had a great time and will definitely keep this trail and race on our list of fun things to do.
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Women's Three-Hour Solo Podium |