Sundance

I pre-rode the Sundance race course tonight. All I have to say is wow! After 6 races in the desert, the ICUP finally moves into the Alpine. Sundance is a mini Deer Valley. Tons of tight switchbacks, lots of sustained singletrack climbing, and roller coaster downhills. Tonight there were no ruts, no loose rocks, just tight, hard packed, fast immaculate trail. I hope those conditions can hold up until Saturday. The loop is 7 miles, climbs 1000 feet and tops out over 7100 feet in elevation.

I wish I had my camera tonight, the views from Archies Loop down into Provo Canyon were amazing. On the backside of the course Mount Timpanogos loomed large. It never fails, each time I hit the Wasatch Back for the first time each year, I am awe struck. So, no camera, my wife had the audacity to take it with her to Italy! 😉

I am excited to race Saturday. My legs are feeling light and happy tonight, and with the ideal conditions I was feeling giddy at the prospect of lining it up again. Everything right now is pointing toward June 24th, but sometimes I have to just enjoy an XC race for what it is, a short hammer fest through great trails with a lot of good friends. Results are secondary in these events for me, but that doesn’t mean I wont be out there racing for the win. The event is sponsored by Mad Dog Cycles, so I will be out there “representing” on our home turf.

If you are in the mood for some extra motivation, check out the highlight videos from last years E100 series. I get chills watching some of the shots of riders twisting through the meadows and mountains of Park City. Summer is here, and with it comes long hot days in the mountains. Bring it on! I have been waiting all winter for this!