Downcountry Enduro 2023 Race at DTE Trail Michigan - Day 1 CCW

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Downcountry Enduro. I signed up for "expert category" but I am not expert by any mean.
The storm 2 days ago create a big mess and debris on the trial. Like magic, volunteer and trail crew have cleared all down trees (9?) right before the race ! Thank you and KUDO!!
Breakdown - Day 1 is CCW (Saturday) Direction in order of my ride.
Big Kame - 3 stages (1-3)
Winn loop first half - No segment just 4 miles of easy cruise.
Sugar loop - 2 Stages (6-7)
Winn loop 2nd half - 2 Stages (4-5)
All 7 stages mostly downhill but both Sugar stages are like XC with weird uphill start, some good punchy climbs and relatively long like 2-2:30 minutes.
Despite I make ALL Strava PRs today, but my overall race time today is 75% at bottom, and skill-course point is depressing. Still way behind to become a good rider.
What impress me the most is eventually I met several people I interacted in Strava in person first time today. Also drink, snacks and hotdogs are provided.
Scary moment was when I ride a lot faster than my ability on 3rd stage, miss the flow line and nearly lost control from panic. Then I become a lot more conservative after and just make sure I don't crash.

[@RookieStyles]

Super cool. I want to do this race 2024.

[@benjapolcycling]

Yes let's go! Lots of good riders will be there (I'm like the bottom 25%).

[@RookieStyles]

@@benjapolcycling heck yea! It's all about fun. I'm there.

[@mittenmod]

I’ll be there for the 2024 race! What bike are you using for this? I’m torn between my Santa Cruz Chameleon or my full squish Trek. I feel like the Trek might be overkill

[@benjapolcycling]

I use Stumpjumper alloy base model full-sus. I guess I could not give you good advice as I finish ranking 25% from the bottom LOL (it's the rider not the bike). Hardtail or lightweight XC Full-sus probably enough, as you still need to pedal hard at the start, and to maintain speed for small up-hills .

[@mittenmod]

@@benjapolcycling 🤣 thanks man