The Big Bear Shoot-Out was a great event. Race organizers announced that attendance was twice what it was last year with nearly 450 riders registered. Parking lot, starting areas, and the post race taco line was crammed, so we don’t doubt that they had a really good turnout. It really feels like racing is picking up momentum here in SoCal.

 

The course was true to big bear style: A “wonderful” 5 mile climb right off the start, into rolling fire-roads with plenty of high speed turns. It was definitely fast and not a course to let your guard down (a couple riders did, and ended up on their faces - literally. Luckily, everyone was OK). the fire-roads turn off into some really fast and fun singletrack sections with small creek crossings, and tight turns. After that, more climbing - at altitude. I remember that the highest point on the course is around 8000 ft - pretty serious elevation for those of us that live at sea level.

 

The final few miles are some of the best downhill single track up there. It is pretty technical, loose and rocky, and it’s a section where someone with good skills can really let it fly.

 

Megan, Laura and Michelle hit the course and as usual, did not disappoint. Laura took 2nd against her nemesis Susan Thompson from Pasadena Athletic Club team, while Megan took 2nd and Michelle finished 5th in their class.

 

I ended up going out fast for the first 5-6 mile climb and broke away with a nice spot in lead 5 or so riders, but my pace was a too high and I could not maintain it. About 1/2 way through I was cooked and just tried to recover and keep from getting last! I ended up 18th out of 26. Not great results, but the event was still fun, and the scenery up there was awesome.

 

Next week I hope to get some revenge at Elings Park XC in Santa Barbara...

 

 

REPORT BY : TIM VANGILDER