Fluidride: Bike Shop, Seattle Washington

Sven, Lars and I have had an amazing week here in Fort William, Scotland. The sun has been shining all week and the track was dry and dusty and oh so much fun. The only negative thing about the whole week, were the MIDGES, they are tiny little mosquito like insects that devour your skin and leave you covered in itchy bites. We all look like we have some sort of Scottish disease or something. I felt great all week, the track was extremely demanding, and I needed some MAN arms halfway down the track, but it is by far the best downhill track that I have ever raced on. I had a big crash on my first run this morning, thought I broke my thumb, but was able to do my qualifying run. It was yet again, not fast enough to qualify in the top 20, so I had to sit out and cheer my fellow female riders pinning it down the hill. Bitter sweet I tell you. I ended up being 24th, I know it doesn’t count, but I am still pretty stoked to be 24th at a World Cup, still trying to get back up to speed after a year of not racing, and considering I got back on my dh rig last weekend in Andorra, I shouldn’t be too hard on myself now. So for now I am heading to France for some family time and then hopefully I’ll be able to get an entry into the Mega Avalanche race. No World Champs for me, as the South African federation has decided not to send any women this year - sounds like we are moving back into the dark ages. Lars had a great qualifier, and was able to race today, he killed it, but I’ll let him fill you all in with the details… Go and ride your bike!