The Sparkler

Recently my incredible fiancé helped me purchase my first full suspension bike. Not only is it a sweet Rocky Mountain ETSX 30 with adjustable front and back 3.5” – 4.5” of suspension, but it’s a really pretty blue. Thank you, baby! So, with that I decided to take it to the next level and enter the beginner version of Breckenridge’s infamous Firecracker 50 mountain bike race….The Sparkler.

Geared up and ready, we led off the 4th of July parade downtown and started in a frenzy up the 7 mile climb on Boreas Pass. Encouraged and confident on my new set of wheels, I amazed myself by jockeying for position within the top 3 girls. By the time I was approaching the first aid station, no one was in sight behind me. I had visions of standing on the podium, the race director congratulating me, cameras flashing…Walker would be so proud….I decided I needed to be fresh and recharged for the singletrack and final downhill descent, so I eased over to the alluring snacks and icy cool Gatorade. Savoring that moment, I suddenly watched all of the remaining beginner girls race past me. Damn! My reverie was instantly shattered as I shoved in the last bite of my banana bread Cliff bar and hopped back on the saddle. I pushed myself hard and took some drops that in weeks before I would have walked, and I went faster on trails than I ever have before. With a polite “excuse me” and “on your left” I regained some ranking. All said and done, I placed 4th. Maybe next year I’ll make it to the podium….

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