2022 Rails To River XC Race

My first go at the Rails to River mountain bike race hosted by EX2 at Lake Fairfax in Reston, VA. I was in the Men's Open class, which is for participants aged 19 to 3. The MTB race loop was a touch over 7 miles each and Sport class was 2 laps for about 14.3 total miles.
My goal was simple. Finish, and not be last in my class. Apologies for the low camera angle. Mounted the GoPro on my helmet and didn't get it quite right.
Equipment and Gear used:
OneUp 35mm Carbon bar: amzn.to/3kaRrmf
Shimano SLX 4-piston Brakes: amzn.to/3xIYKHB
Shimano XT Derailleur: amzn.to/3Oqdth8
PNW Loam grips: amzn.to/3tIFmru
Wolf Tooth dropper lever: amzn.to/3tGYrud
Ergon SM Enduro Comp saddle: amzn.to/3Ofieuu
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 in Electric Blue: amzn.to/39KSKWz
Recorded on GoPro Hero 9 Black: amzn.to/3loV33u

[@lazyclydesdale499]

Congrats on the finish, I bet you cut 15 minutes off next year. You brought a lot of bike to that race- I ran a procaliber, no dropper, on Dissector front and Mezcal rear and it was plenty for the terrain. I agree w you on the momentum strategy; I run those tires for rolling efficiency but more importantly to hit corners hard so i dont squander my speed. I won my CAT1 class w platform pedals, so dont be afraid to stray from clipless.
That was the best race event I've seen, I will definitely be back. Good luck man.

[@JoshTaylor]

Yeah man! I don't think I used my dropper but a few times that race. And every time I ride at Lake Fairfax now I run that race's route. Haven't raced any more since this one but would be thrilled for a better finish in 2023.

[@zombierider2794]

You racing this year? Thinking about doing the Male open class. Cool vid!

[@JoshTaylor]

It's my wife's birthday and I couldn't convince her to race too, so no. I'm going to try to make the Hoo-Ha enduro at the end of the month, though.