Without Further Ado, Reddy Hole Preview

Ten days pre-race was the usual scrambling to get the bike ready.  Parts arrive that have to be fitted, parts don't arrive that have to be located.  New swingarm bearings, rear wheel bearings, sprockets were installed.  We ride in so much water any bearings do not stand a chance, so I have just come to expect they will be replaced a few times a year.

The weather finally turned hot and humid.  I knew it was coming, but it sure was nice to race in decent, at times even cold, weather.  Now it would be nothing but suffering and flirting with dehydration.  To top it all off the air conditioning in the van quit working.  At least I've got a home unit to hang from one of the van's windows and run off the generator, otherwise there would be no sleep.

Reddy Hole is an hour drive from home, very convenient.  Round 6 of the Virginia Championship Hare Scrambles Series, currently third in points.  We are camped under power lines you can hear buzzing.  I must have gotten shocked 62 times putting up my goddamn canopy.  I'm afraid I might touch some bare metal in the middle of the night and electrocute myself, or end up with some crazy mutation from this electrical energy.  All good fun.

Had to buy a cheapie bike stand because I forgot mine in the garage.  Support your trackside vendor!  $45 later and now the bike won't fall over.  I gave up on a kickstand long ago after it kept getting stuck in ruts.

Walked half the course.  Little rough and bumpy in the woods and a field section with multiple switchbacks of silty dust that appears to offer no traction.  No hill climbs or particularly technical sections, aside from the crazy tight woods stuff with trees so close together I think my hips will rub as we pass through.  Gonna be interesting tomorrow.....

Not sure if that's the sunset, or electrical sparks... 

At least the crappers were the right color, if not the perfect shade....

Shameless selfie to prove I do indeed walk the course.....