Urban riding....

A view of the urban sprawl from the top of the course...

Today was all about getting the bike and body dialed in before tomorrow's race. Not only is California completely different terrain than what we are used to, this course is in Fontana; think suburban Los Angeles with smog and graffiti. It's odd to be out riding and the course arrows have been "tagged" with gang type symbols. The trail itself is a good race course and it should be fun if my body doesn't revolt from breathing all the smog (it's really gross!!!). One minute you are riding along thinking you are in the mountains, the next you are riding past spray painted culverts and construction sights.

Is that a bomb shelter on the course??!!

This was the "scenery" we were treated to on parts of the course.

Our course is short. REALLY SHORT. Apparently because it is a UCI race and an Olympic qualifier there are VERY specific regulations they have to adhere to. We are doing 3 laps on a course that is 7k. That is NOTHING. I am pretty bummed about that; I tend to do better in longer races. We did two laps today as a pre-ride. I felt good and had fun. I also played tourist while on the course to take pictures of the graffiti and bomb shelter....

Mike smiling about the fun trail.

Tomorrow is race day, wish me luck!!!

Thanks for reading....

Ps. I am still upset about the Joshua Trees.