WHAT I LEARNED AT BWR AZ

DOWNLOADING THE KNOWLEDGE after a race can be super helpful.  We always learn something we didn't foresee, that could...

... help us go faster, have more fun, next time.

What mapmyride didn't tell me...

• there would be miles of whoops
• those whoops would suck the life out of my legs on the return
• divebombing into the first single track would make or break a race

... I see why it's not called scout my ride.

Smart things I did...

• Camelbak was perfect for drinking over the raucous opening terrain
• Lowish pressure in the tires, 22 front and 26 rear
• Fastest rolling gravel tires vs mtb tires

Dumb things I did...

• Only 32 oz in the Camelbak, 44 (2 bottles worth) woulda been better
• Letting my mind wander for a split second and washing out in a turn
• Didn't bring a mini-tool, got lucky and didn't need

Nice surprises...

• Best bathrooms of all time at a race - air con, sink, soap, private
• Water handups on course, came in super handy
• My pal Kristen caught me and we teamed up

What worked...

• road shoes with MTB cleats very comfy
• Classified hub bailed me out with the super quick shifts
• the Ergon seatpost over the washboard was Cadillac smooth

What failed...

• when I crashed the derailleur hanger bent, and next time I need granny gear it through chain into spokes 
• my arms were so bloody from snagging them on "cats claw" bushes
• the dang helmet needed a good wash before, I would have avoided eye-searing sweat

... those are pretty much all me failing.

Next time...

• run new tires, these were too worn for all the sand
• drive out Thursday vs Friday and be more relaxed
• more liquid in Camelbak

Overall, super fun riding and racing.

The weather was perfect,
hi 70's.

BWR team and volunteers put on a very classy event.