We got to the
Monteluce Winery in Dahlonega, Georgia early and picked up our Race Packets. We had to walk thru the Wine tasting area to get to the balcony were Namrita was set up to hand out Swag bags. Then we Ate all you can eat spaghetti at Coruso’s Italian in Down Town Dalonega, GA. Van, Charlie and I stayed at the Quality Inn in Dahlonega, Formerly the Econo lodge. I gave the two expert race contenders the beds and I slept on my Sport Class beach float on the floor. I got a good 6 hours of sleep. Was sleepn good when Van woke us up at 4:00 AM. We got it together and ate at Waffle House on the way to the Monteluce Winery for Race Check in.
Passed on some Good Photo Ops as the 50 Mile Group was leaving the Winery with the Vinyards in the Back Ground. My Plan for this 50 mile fools gold MTB race was to PEDAL more and Take Pictures Less! I only Stopped once to Pee on the First LONG climb up to Coopers Gap.
I was actually passing people, staying steady with a toe down Flat Pedal stroke. At the 1st rest stop I was very surprised to see Charlie standing around. He had gone down on Winding stair Gravel descent and had a Gashed elbow and skint Hip. Didn’t spend much time there and White knuckled the following Gravel Road Descents leading to some sweet roller coaster single track trail to the 2/3 rest Stop. Grabbed my Sag bag at the 2nd rest stop refilled with Hammer Perpetuem, Ate a Peanut Butter And Honey Sandwich, Lubed up the Chain with some Phil Wood Tenaciaous and attacked Bull Mountain. That’s were my Camera Battery started failing. That loop was both Fun and Difficult with some steep descents and rutted climbs. Made it back to the 2/3 rest top for my 3rd rest sag and ate some more, Lubed up the chain again and kicked it. Not far after leaving the 3rd sag it starteds to pour down raining. I was miffed to say the least but stayed positive it would end soon. It rained hard and long enough to make the rest of the ride muddie and sluchie in some places. My HARO escape comp can't catch a break. I was glad I had slatherd on the Phil Wood Tenacious, My bike continued to shift and ride flawlessly. Finished strong in about 8 hours, No cramping feeling Great! I did have some slight chafing but that was it! GREAT FUN RIDE! Thanks to All the volunteers and Eddie and Namrita! the Monteluce Winery
