Sunday was the 2008 Edition of the Bulldog Rump at Kittatinny Valley State Park. Having missed out on it last year, I was excited to be able to ride it. I broke out the old style Marty's kit (because you can't go wrong with a classic), and convinced Biker Bill to take the drive up with me. I had a good feeling about this one.
People who have seen me ride are usually surprised to find out that I do the occasional race. I am not known for my speed. But I am not really there to race against the whole pack really (although I would not object if I lead the race). I am really there to race against just one guy. The Invisible Rider. The Me from the last time I raced.
It has been a good strategy for me. It pushes me to improve, more than anything else. The Invisible Rider is always there lurking behind me. I suppose I don't need to race to beat him, but it seems like a good, official way to test myself. And they are fun. If you have never done a mountain bike race, you should.
There will come a time when age catches me, and I won't beat that rider. But it wasn't this year.
