Ready to race (Image credit: Mike Broderick & Mary McConneloug)
By Mary McConneloug
Mike and I were glad to make our way back to the East Coast of North America after seven weeks in Europe. During our three weeks back, we raced the US NORBA National in Mount Snow, Vermont and the World Cup in Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec, and then we spent a precious week of down time on Martha's Vineyard island in Massachusetts.
It was great flying into Boston being picked up and taken care of by our sponsor and good friend Jennifer Miller of Seven Cycles. Thanks to her, we could easily transition from intense travels and racing to relaxing and recovering at her house in Medford for a few days. After living in an RV for extended periods of time, hot running showers and private space become a luxury. It was nice to be back in the USA where the sun was shining, people communicated in English, and best of all, we were heading excitedly for two of our favorite race venues.
US NORBA National #3: Mount Snow, Vermont
Mount Snow is a classic mountain bike race. The steep climbs and descents, riddled with technical rooty, rocky terrain is what off-road cycling is all about for us. This course requires a balance of good fitness to get up the unrelenting climbs and the skills to handle the bike on the bumpy and rooty descents. My first NORBA victory was on this course in 2003, and my goal was to repeat the win.
