National Championships-part 2

Today was the first day of practice and I am so glad to get it out of the way! I’m not gonna lie I woke up today pretty nervous but very ready. I slept in again ‘til 10:30 then got some breakfast and headed up to the mountain to course walk again then start practice. I am so happy to be right at the bottom of the resort because I can simply come back to the house in about one minute. Yay for not having to drive anywhere!

Practice was from 1:15 until 6 and the course remained pretty busy all day with the top pros showing up in the afternoon. The course ran better then I thought I would, not a terribly long track but a good mix of flowy and tech. The top section remained really greasy all day and ended up just feeling like organized/unorganized sliding. There was no rain today and it’s supposed to clear up for the weekend so I’m hoping the woods dries out more come Sunday. That or just torrential downpour and ride the river (Thx Fraser)!

From the upper woods you cross the road and head into the fairly flat rock garden. When I walked the course it seemed like the best line was the far left but after trying quite a few of them out I think the middle line is the fastest. It’s hard to decide whether you want to slow down a bit to get to the better line or just blast through the rough stuff and keep your speed but take the longer line. Tomorrow I’ll just have to turn on the speed and see what lines really work. The only ouchy of the day was going too inside at the top and smashing my little broken finger on the pvc posts holding the tape, drew some blood and everything! Nothing ice and tape can’t fix. The bottom section is really fun, just lean those side knobbies in and hope they hold! Heck yes HighRoller2!

I was happy to see some familiar faces today, PNW represent! Plus my mommy arrived today so now I have a complete support crew that is making this race so stress free and fun. Thanks mom and dad (most amazing parents ever)! Btws there are little baby kittens that are living downstairs on the porch! After screaming last night when I thought they were weasels I was so happy to find out they are adorable little black and white kitties!

Looking forward to another day on the course tomorrow, time to start gaining some speed! Maybe I'll go to bed before 1am tonight too!