Well, what can I say, I’m back for more Breck Epic this year.

The 2010 edition is….harder. Much, much harder. The field is stronger, the stages are longer and the elevation profile is..you know,around 10,000ft, so that’s the same as always.

Last years race was a prologue complemented by 5 stages. This year, the prologue is out, and in its place is a queen stage. Yup, they throw us out to the wolves on day 1. No “here, go get your feet wet”, or “this will give you a little taste of what to expect“…nope it’s straight on out for 42 miles of flogging.

Today started with a little ride on some of the local trails. Despite feeling like I was riding on the moon at times, the trails here are spectacular.

Of course we are out here in the backcountry where anything can happen. Mountain lions, bears, or rabid raccoons are threats in this neck of the woods, so I decided to bring some muscle for today’s ride. Dad’s got my back.

During my ride I realized two things. The first was more of something I realize every time I do a race in a cool place: When you race, you really do end up missing some of the cool views. No doubt I won’t look over to admire anything like this tomorrow.

Secondly, it really baffles me how..for a lack of a better word, stupid we get when racing. Do we really need three bright yellow arrows AND a confirmation arrow for a single turn? Yes….unfortunately yes. Thank god the Breck Epic crew realize not all cylinders are firing when racing up here.

After the ride is was business time. Registration and …what? dinner?…”no I didn’t get a meal plan”. “I get dinner anyway?”

AWESOME.

Everyone is smiling today. I think things will be a bit different this time tomorrow.

Big Black- OUT