Stage 3 & 4.

Maybe I'm just finally acclimating to the heat or my legs are coming around but the last 2 days have treated me well and I've found myself just outside the top 10 in each day, something I'm pretty proud of with the deep field. Stage 3 was an hour twenty of XC style racing on a 4.5km circuit. The first 1/4 lap was in an open field and was really bumpy but it went into some nice singletrack that had punchy climbs, a couple water crossings and a rocky descent. We then went and rode a dirt bike path section across the beach before another singletrack section to the finish. I rode with Kris Sneddon pretty much the entire race and we worked together well to keep riding consistent. We each almost popped and different points so it was nice to have each other to keep pushing. I ended up getting him on the last lap and rode it in for 11th. I'll take it.

Stage 4 was exclusively all road. The fastest rolling tires I brought were some Bontrager XR3's which are great tires on the trails, but they were probably a bit to much tread compared to the semi slicks most people were rolling. Some Bontrager XR1's or 29-1's would have been good choices. I pumped those suckers up to 50psi and prepared to suffer pretty hard on the flat 13k leading up to the 13k climb. Luckily, the pace was relatively easy leading up to the climb other than a few surges on a couple rollers. We hit the climb and fortunately I'd rode it prior to the race so I had an idea what was in store. The bottom part was the steepest section so I wanted to make sure I didn't bury it to deep and was able keep pushing the whole way up. I was yo-yo'ing off the lead group and finally settled into the lead chase group a few km in. I rode with them for a bit but I had a few matches left so I went to the front and just rode my own pace and eventually dropped everyone. I rode the last 6km solo which worked well for me because I could ride my own pace and not have to match attacks or anything. Not 100% sure where I crossed the line today but I believe I was just outside the top 10. Another day in the money, and another step closer to working my way up in GC.

We finished the race early enough that we had time to rent the moto's again and cruise to the beach. It was a nice relaxing way to end the day. Tomorrow we have a 45 minute short track (ouch!) and then we're done racing. On Sunday there is a Jamboree ride which is just for fun but I imagine it will turn into a drag race. We'll probably have that afternoon free so we can shred the island some more on our scooters! I don't think riding scooters would be as much fun in America because you can't exactly cruise at whatever speed you want and blow by cars on a one lane highway. I really like making those sketchy passes, it makes me feel like I'm in a movie chasing someone down. haha.

After day 1, I was questioning whether I would comeback for another year but the last 3 days have been complete turn arounds. I'm having a total blast and am acclimating to the heat finally. It doesn't really bother me as much. As bummed as I am to be missing some epic fall weather back home and some surely epic rides with some buddies this has been a good trip for me to "vacation" a bit. Here are some pictures of me from the first couple days of racing.