What did we learn at Little Beaver?

Sunday May 20

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What did we learn at Little Beaver?

Keith Doherty
Class:
Sport Vet
Race Bike:

Stumpjumper Comp 29
Favorite Bike:
Stumpjumper Comp 29
Favorite Ride:
Pisgah National Forest, N.C.~ Green's Lick Trail
Favorite Course:
"Creek to Peak," Eleanor, WV

ACE Adventure Resort, Oak Hill, WV
Food:
Maryland Blue Crabs
Drink:

The Coldest Can in the Cooler

keith_action_banner

While I’ve ridden a bike here and there since college, I have only recently made the transition from mountain bike owner to mountain biker. And by the judging standards of my last bike, some folks might say that I have only recently become a mountain bike owner. (They would be wrong of course.)

I’m a Class V kayaker and raft guide by nature. When I was first introduced to whitewater, I was instantly hooked by the power and beauty of the mountains, the excitement of running rapids, and the friends and lifestyle that accompanied it all. Fifteen years later, the adventures have evolved, but the passion remains true. Kayaking has always offered a sense of personal satisfaction and sanity that can only be found in few realms- skiing for some time, and now mountain biking.

When I first started riding on a consistent basis, there were several aspects of the sport that appealed to me. It initially reminded me of being a Class III-IV kayaker. Still exploring the beauty of the mountains, but experiencing a transitional stage where you didn’t have it all mastered. The pure challenge of climbing hills, hopping logs, and staying upright on a technical downhill was addicting. Just like those first days on the river, I was ending each ride with a big smile.

The logistics for mountain biking were much easier than kayaking too- no shuttle, no aborted missions if you couldn’t find someone to go. Just pick a trail and go ride. When it comes to adventure sports, it just doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Finally, it occurred to me that mountain biking is the perfect complement to kayaking. Rain or shine, I’ve got options. Poor conditions for one often offer ideal conditions for the other.

With the formation of Team WELD-NRB, I have now committed myself to the world of racing. While my lungs will probably question the wisdom of this decision for quite a while, I’m already enjoying a level of fitness that I have not experienced for some time. With my first mountain bike race in the books, I have officially been introduced to a sport surrounded by enthusiastic folks with positive energy, getting together every weekend because they simply love riding bikes in natural terrain. I can appreciate that and I’m encouraged to be a part of it.

1. Team WELD-NRB South has a heck of a trail system in their backyard.

2. Darrell and Scott gave Team WELD-NRB North some great insight to the lines at the technical spots. Thanks guys!

3. Even the rocks and the trees were rooting for Darrell on race day.

4. Haynes and Jess are climbing WVMBA point totals. Also Haynes no longer needs a new shock. (He-He)

5. Philip only races in wet conditions and always makes the podium. 1st place this week.

6. George is well suited for the technical stuff and if the race had been under three miles, he might have won it all. Slow down one speed!

7. Rumors of sandbaggers are starting to circulate.

8. The trails at Little Beaver can handle the rain. During a gully-washer the night before, I was riding in 3 inches of water rolling downhill and the trail was as hard as can be.

9. Pat is fast. So is Darrell.

10. Scott got robbed. (Slashed tire)

11. Chris has a future in natural terrain graffiti art.

12. I still know how to break a chain at the most inopportune moments and I have no future with a NASCAR pit crew. (How do those guys work that fast?)

13. Andy needs to get out of the shop and come race with us.