This course was way too hard for the competitors involved. We were told by games veterans that this was the hardest course they have ever seen at the Transplant games. I would guess that 70% of the competitors had to walk part of the large hill. Absolutely no shade on the course either.

Once again, I threw my chain at the beginning of the race. This time it was my fault because I cross chained it on a quick drop. I came down the start hill in 50X12 and as I hit the hill I popped it to 34X12 instead of moving the rear cog to the center first. Chain came off to the inside and I could not fix it without getting off of the bike. I was in last place in my age group less than 1/4 mile into the race. I had to climb this huge hill from a dead start. I worstened matters by being angry and attempting to catch everyone that passed me on the large hill. My legs were fried after I got to the top. I had to coast some of the downhills to get some leg strength back, but the overall damage was already done.

Rode back to the parking area to load the bike and attend the medal ceremonies.


Bull-headedness and the inability to control my emotions, mostly. I need to do more hill work, though I generally ate everyone else up on the hills (I was never passed on any hill bu the large one).
I should have brought my triple bike instead of my Comp. I could have used the granny gears for that hill and the 53 on the downhills.