This past weekend saw the California Enduro Series racers attack the technical terrain of China Peak Ski Resort. This also was the first stop of the Golden Tour, featuring more difficult stages and increased prestige for the Pro category, which brought out 42 riders on the start list ready to battle! High temps, loose/rocky terrain, and five very physically demanding race stages each starting at about 8,700 ft elevation made for an eventful day on the mountain..
I was antsy for the day to start, practice was a blast and this year saw a newly added fifth stage being a super steep, rocky trail straight down the slope that was a challenge just to make it down still connected to the bike.. I started off a bit slower than I was expecting, nothing major but definitely was struggling to push myself with the thin air and trying to make each pedal stroke count when it needed to most on the flat sections between the gnar. As the day continued and the adrenaline rush increased, I was stoked to get on stages 4 and 5. These were all about high speeds, rocks shooting out every direction, and deep momentum draining sand...It was too much fun pushing your limits on both of these and I was able to lay down clean runs and nail my goals of top 10 times. Crossing that final finish line for the day without too big of mistakes felt like a solid accomplishment. Times tallied up placed me in 12th, and with the stacked group of racers, I was stoked to be in the mix only 3 seconds off the top 10 overall! This year is creating such an incredible learning experience and I finally feel like I'm understanding how to push myself to the level I know I can be at. Currently running 7th in overall points while our team of Scotts Valley Cyclesport holds down the lead for Team standings!
After seeing the technical terrain fight back against riders and equipment all weekend resulting in sliced tires, cracked rims, and everything in between, I want to give shoutout to those supporting me with top quality product that stood up to every ounce of abuse. Wheels and China Peak don't mix as well as other places...Through the pits you could find racer's rushing to find replacements for broken wheels. With the sharp rocks and high speeds over them, exploding carbon can become a reality when rider error happens. Praxis Works based in Santa Cruz has been on the rise with producing components that have held up to all the abuse I can dish out. The C32 carbon wheels took a beating all weekend, and with nothing set up differently other than a tad higher pressures in my Butcher Grid tires, I was yet again impressed at not having a single issue! And there's something to be said about how versatile the Stumpjumper 29 from Specialized is. 29er's are fast, smooth, and the ideal choice for these California Enduro races. Once you find your preferred set up which I believe is important since it is lesser travel, the bike is capable of hucking any downhill obstacle while also making pedaling as efficient as possible. With the long days of enduro racing and the fatigue on your body, I've been realizing how important fueling yourself with hydration and food is. Having support from Hammer Nutrition this season has taught be a great amount thanks to their staff as well as knowledge on how to prepare best for your preferred sport. With the heat of China Peak, my go-to in replenishing electrolytes was the Endurolyte capsules in the morning and then adding the equivalent Fizz tablets in water throughout the day. The Perpetuem mix was also the perfect tool with the race day fitting the recommended 3hr+ time period where calories and protein begin to break down and need replacement, plus what's better than my favorite strawberry flavor?!
Thanks for checking out a glimpse of my race adventures and catch ya on the trail!
-Nick DiNapoli
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Sponsors: Specialized Bicycles, SV Cyclesport, Praxis Works, Gamut USA, Krawl Clothing, Monster Army, FOX, Stikrd, Hammer Nutrition, Smith Optics, DNA Cycling.
After seeing the technical terrain fight back against riders and equipment all weekend resulting in sliced tires, cracked rims, and everything in between, I want to give shoutout to those supporting me with top quality product that stood up to every ounce of abuse. Wheels and China Peak don't mix as well as other places...Through the pits you could find racer's rushing to find replacements for broken wheels. With the sharp rocks and high speeds over them, exploding carbon can become a reality when rider error happens. Praxis Works based in Santa Cruz has been on the rise with producing components that have held up to all the abuse I can dish out. The C32 carbon wheels took a beating all weekend, and with nothing set up differently other than a tad higher pressures in my Butcher Grid tires, I was yet again impressed at not having a single issue! And there's something to be said about how versatile the Stumpjumper 29 from Specialized is. 29er's are fast, smooth, and the ideal choice for these California Enduro races. Once you find your preferred set up which I believe is important since it is lesser travel, the bike is capable of hucking any downhill obstacle while also making pedaling as efficient as possible. With the long days of enduro racing and the fatigue on your body, I've been realizing how important fueling yourself with hydration and food is. Having support from Hammer Nutrition this season has taught be a great amount thanks to their staff as well as knowledge on how to prepare best for your preferred sport. With the heat of China Peak, my go-to in replenishing electrolytes was the Endurolyte capsules in the morning and then adding the equivalent Fizz tablets in water throughout the day. The Perpetuem mix was also the perfect tool with the race day fitting the recommended 3hr+ time period where calories and protein begin to break down and need replacement, plus what's better than my favorite strawberry flavor?!
Thanks for checking out a glimpse of my race adventures and catch ya on the trail!
-Nick DiNapoli
.
.
Sponsors: Specialized Bicycles, SV Cyclesport, Praxis Works, Gamut USA, Krawl Clothing, Monster Army, FOX, Stikrd, Hammer Nutrition, Smith Optics, DNA Cycling.
