The American Mountain Classic
It has been a summer or two since I had a target on my calendar that I focused on for months in advance. In 2006 it was the KTR. I remember reading about the race and the route in December, and becoming obsessed about it from that point on. Every day, every ride, was approached with a single minded focus on finishing the Kokopelli Trail Race. Other events have had similar, if less intense periods of focus. The E100 series, the 24 Hours of Moab, and even local XC races have all had time in the cross hairs of my tunnel vision.
For 2009 that focus is back. And the target is the American Mountain Classic. August 20-23 just became the dates in which all other dates will revolve. My training and racing will all be done in the name of the AMC.
It feels good to be focused. To have a concrete, specific goal. To want to be competitive. And what is the goal for the AMC? For now that is mine to know, mine to quietly stare down, mine to mutter under my breath when hill repeats or 6 hour training rides feel pointless and unrewarded.
So, like those spring days obsessing over the serpentine Kokopelli, I am very excited to spend the summer scheming about the high altitude singletrack of Brianhead, UT.
Exit Question: See you there?
7 Comments
Aaron
March 16, 2009Yes.
I like registering early. It makes coming up with excuses a lot harder.
Dave Harris
March 16, 2009Probably so. Don’t have all those summer pieces figured out yet…but AMC is looking very likely.
Great to have a goal, huh?
Pedal Circles
March 16, 2009Killer photo! Probably not racing, but I do hope to ride Brianhead this summer.
Keith
March 17, 2009Credit card already charged, guess I’m committed now.
dug
March 17, 2009at $400? no.
Cellarrat
March 18, 2009Hummmmm maybe…
wonder if doing co trail race and this would work out….
bones
May 19, 2009i raced this event last year and it was the funnest coolest most demanding four days of my bike life. look at the prices of other events and its a bargin. i wil be back to defend my class win…