2015 Bidwell Bump XC race report - getting gnarly!

The Bidwell Bump was my “welcome back to California” race last year. I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the race.  This year however I knew full well what I was getting myself into: gnar, gnar, gnar  - and don’t forget the climbing in-between.  

The day started out way too early with a 3am wake up call to make the trip north to Chico.  The sun was just rising as we pulled into town. It was a glorious morning with clear skies and crisp air. I went out to warm up a bit before the start and realized I wasn’t feel very motivated to give it my all. The combination of lack of sleep the days leading up to the race and the memories of “lava rash” that I received on the previous year were getting the best of me.

 

Everyone lining up together before the 2015 Bidwell Bump XC
Photo by Soul id

The XC race is a mass start so I was able to line up next to my hubby.  Before I knew it we were charging down the paved road toward the lava clad climb that would last for about 4 miles. I was slow getting going and I felt like everyone and their mom was going faster than me.  After about 10-15 minutes of climbing my body started waking up and I was able to pick up the pace and started picking off riders one by one.  At the top of the climb the trail takes a sharp right onto a rocky loose 1-1/2 mile singletrack descent that is full of surprises for those unfamiliar with the trail (like me).  I found myself flirting with disaster on more than one occasion but managed to keep things in check.  The B-trail singletrack ended at a dirt road where feisty spectators awaited to offer beer hand ups. Despite their generosity I refrained from the brewskis and proceeded to keep the pedal on the gas for the 1 mile gradual descent to the creek crossing. At this point I was shocked that my husband had yet to catch me and I started to wonder if something went wrong. 





Dropping the hammer on Guardian
Photo by Soul id

I’m pretty sure the creek wading portion of the race is about the halfway point and it felt like I got there pretty fast. At the same time I knew the rest of the course was pretty demanding from what little I could remember. Sure enough after turning my feet and legs into popsicles it was time for a nice loose climb for about a mile. The climb was the least of my worries. I knew there was some crazy stuff coming up and I didn’t want to have a repeat from the previous year.  Before things got crazy there was a real fun flowy section of trail that made me forget about everything except having fun. Wheeee!!! Then things got cra-cra on Bloody Pin Trail but I managed to keep the rubber side down this time. I knew I was losing a lot of time being extra cautious but I didn’t feel like donating more blood to this appropriately named trail.  I sighed in relief when I made it to the next trail junction and continued on with more confidence.

The trail continued downhill for a bit more dancing playfully through the rocks. I was having fun and started to forget that I was actually in a race when I heard a familiar sound behind me: my husband! Just when I thought I might finally beat him (oh well, one day!).  More downhill and then came the brutal hike-a-bike.  I had the hubby in sight so I charged up the hill. I just about caught him again when it was time for some more technical descending (his specialty).  Before I knew it I heard crazy cowbells and cheering spectators at the bottom of a steep rock feature.  Peer pressure won and I went for it, success! Shortly afterward I crossed the finish line. I had no idea how I did compared to the other women but I knew my time was significantly faster than the previous year. The end result was 1^st place in the women’s open expert. Hooray!!!

1st across the finish line but failed to make it to the awards ceremony on time...feeling awkward.

 

I recommend the Bidwell Bump to anyone looking for a “real” mountain bike race -the trails are very unique and challenging. It's not the longest course but there are no "empty" boring miles.



Photo by Soul id

Lessons learned: My little Ellsworth got it done once again, however a bike with more travel would be welcome on this course. Also, what a difference a year makes: over the last year my skills, fitness, and confidence have increased.  Today was proof. My race results were approximately 8 minutes faster than the previous year without truly pushing myself.  Hard work really does pay off over time.

 

It was awesome to end the MTB race season on a good note. I am movtivated and look forward to doing great things next year. :)