River crossing
OK really, this is it. The last one. I have more but I refuse to bore you any more than I already have.
You know the photo they use on the Ouachita Challenge web site header? The one of the cyclist crossing the river? That's the river in the photo behind me. We'd just crossed it.
I really had some mixed feelings about this time. The river crossing comes up really fast. Being my first time riding the Ouachata Trail I didn't know to expect it. Had I known it was coming I might have stopped for a few shots. As it happened Unit and I came up on it and just plowed right through. There was another racer to our right who had stopped, probably to walk through (portage?) the river. We probably splashed him good. If we did he didn't complain about it.
And why would he? That water was cold and it really felt great. It was probably only about half hub depth, the 29er wheel being the universally accepted standard of measure.
We ascended the bank on the other side and my second thought was concern that I'd soaked my camera. (My first thought was how good the dogs felt swimming in their little Shimano swimming pools.) I fished it out of my jersey pocket and it looked OK to me. That's when I realized I'd just missed the signature photo-op of the entire race!
We were climbing away from the crossing so I quickly snapped a few over the shoulder. The guy who'd crossed about the same time with us got a good laugh out of that. Just some good-natured kidding. Note though, he didn't offer to take the camera and shoot one of the Unit and me.
I'd have liked this photo a lot more if the silly camera strap hadn't chosen that particular instant to flap out in front of the lens. Ah well, it's a bicycle race. Not everything is always going to go perfectly.
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killer write-up!
Hey Mark - I was the guy on the green voodoo singlespeed 29r that was swapping places with you and your brother for a good portion of the time. I was typically was looking at your backside once the trail turned upwards... So back here in st. louis, and tomorrow (friday) will actually be the first time back on the bike since the OC. This week has been crazy, and i've only done a few runs (i'm kinda sorta training for the half marathon in a week. )
anyway, it was cool riding with you two dudes, i'll make sure to look you guys up next time i'm in jeff city! check out my "team's" blog - teamseagal.blogspot.com
Matt?
That you?
Seagal... That's killer. Good stuff.
I'm in StL. Unit's in JC. Headed there this weekend for a little Binder action. But not before the CW night ride tonight. It'll be a cold one but I wouldn't miss it. I'll look for you there.
Mark Ewers
I may not be fast, but I'm 2 old 2 go slow
oh snap
well I s'pose I'll be looking for you tonight at the night ride - look for the guy with the headlight. And yes, Chubb needs to be ridden soon! I'm not sure who did our graphics, you'd have to ask one of my teammates.
Cool blog!
Who made up all your graphics?
Looking forward to riding with you again...we have some minor changes to Binder you should check out. I want to get up to see Chubb sometime soon too....once it drys out.
Lets get together. I'll bring the beer.
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