October 7, 2017… pre race nerves are present this week leading up to the CA Enduro Series finale in Ashland, OR. But this time was a bit different, it’s been awhile since there’s been action so let’s get up to date. Time to rewind to mid summer, the week in week out grind getting stoked for round 5 at Snow Summit Resort in Big Bear, CA. Thursday practice, July 20th, feeling good after getting some more bike park laps at Northstar the week before and sneaking in a 7th in their DH race showing the little Stumpy can keep pushing the limits! Back to speed now, second lap and about 15 minutes of ride time… right hand corner leaning over at speed, clipped pedals on a sticking out tree root and next thing I knew, I was on the ground with a snapped collarbone. I never knew how fun bikes were until I couldn’t touch one for over a month! Was quite bummed having to miss the next 3 rounds but the down time allowed for some positive reflection. This was my first injury since pursuing mountain biking the past 5 years, and you know what, I finally realized how addicting this sport is and not being able to ride showed me how much this passion has grown recently.
 |
| Long walk down the mountain..#painful |
Fast forward to the present, September was full of one goal, what can I do to be back at my previous level or possibly better. Many road bike miles were ridden and soft gym work saw recovery going pretty quickly in my opinion, although there wasn’t much pain, the healing bone was pretty weak and had to follow its course of action which the doctor said would be beginning of October...but that didn’t sound too fun so I figured it was time to just send it as long I kept it on two wheels!
Ashland, Oregon, what else is there to say besides what may seem like a small town on the outside is actually filled with a diverse group of people and nestled beneath a beautiful mountain full of recreational possibilities. The Wednesday before the race, I made the drive up from Santa Cruz and landed at my home for the next few days, the compound of local ripper Noah “Bear Bait” Catropa (who took 6th in the stacked Pro field!). After meeting this dude a few years ago at this event, its made the perfect setup to follow him on his local trails and try to pick up some fast lines.
Needless to say, I was pumped to be riding MTB again and feeling just as comfortable as before, but with not being cleared to even ride yet, I knew I needed to stay within my limits and not push it. Saturday morning was race day, up bright and early at 5:30am to make it up the mountain for an 8:00 start. Although the day would consist of 5 stages and about 4hrs on the bike, the race would mostly be decided on your first run of the day...16+ minutes of seeing how you could balance sprinting and staying smooth across a wide range of terrain, plus starting off your run in sub 30 degree temps was a tough wake up call. Once crossing the first finish line of the day, I knew I missed the thrills of racing! The rest of the day was as best as it could be I thought, stayed off the ground which was my biggest goal and avoided sketchy moments, besides having to ride one stage with a flat front tire which dropped a lot of time, times were close enough in the mix to leave me hungry for being back at 100%.
Needless to say, I was pumped to be riding MTB again and feeling just as comfortable as before, but with not being cleared to even ride yet, I knew I needed to stay within my limits and not push it. Saturday morning was race day, up bright and early at 5:30am to make it up the mountain for an 8:00 start. Although the day would consist of 5 stages and about 4hrs on the bike, the race would mostly be decided on your first run of the day...16+ minutes of seeing how you could balance sprinting and staying smooth across a wide range of terrain, plus starting off your run in sub 30 degree temps was a tough wake up call. Once crossing the first finish line of the day, I knew I missed the thrills of racing! The rest of the day was as best as it could be I thought, stayed off the ground which was my biggest goal and avoided sketchy moments, besides having to ride one stage with a flat front tire which dropped a lot of time, times were close enough in the mix to leave me hungry for being back at 100%.
 |
| 13th overall for the year, pleased with all things considered |
Life is full of pressure and time frames which society creates that you feel you should abide by; college, work, relationships, and all that “normal” stuff. While balancing that “less cool” part of life out, I know that I want to pursue this passion and live up to the potential I’m capable of. Still being fresh in this sport, there’s many goals I have. But for now, it’s time to hammer down and put the work in, I’m ready for you 2018 and I’ll be on that podium.
Always a big thank you to those who support my efforts:
- Scotts Valley Cyclesport: best bike shop around, Duh!
- Specialized Bicycles: bikes built for speed, gear made for safety & style
- Praxis Works: components to withstand any terrain
- Gamut USA: cockpit set up to keep the Nicky D steez under control
- Stikrd: custom is the new standard right? decals to keep you factree 24/7
- Hammer Nutrition: fueling your body for every condition
- Smith Optics: protection for your eyes, style for your photos
- Krawl Clothing: gotta look good on the street
- Monster Army: unleashing your inner beast
- FOX: keeping your ride smooth no matter how far you send it
- ODI Grips: comfort for your hands makes throwing turn bars that much easier
Thanks for reading and catch ya soon!
Follow the journey// Instagram @nickyd358 Twitter @nickyd358 Facebook @ Nick DiNapoli
