Glen Rose, Tx., Race #5- 04/24/10-04/25/10: Solvaca Ranch

Note- The Race #4 post for the St. Jo, Tx. race isnt missing. We didnt go.  Its hard enough to make it to the minimum 6 of the 8 races for the TMBRA Series overall standings, so we knew at least one would have to give and St. Jo was it. Its pretty far for us and im not all that fond of it. With that said and the DORBA guys rolling their eyes its on to Glen Rose, Tx. and Solvaca Ranch for TMBRA Series Race #5.

None of us have ever ridden out at Solvaca Ranch but have heard some good things about this venue so we are anxious to get on the trail. Since we re racing in North Texas this weekend we decide to meet at Dan’s place for the take off Saturday morning.  Its only Dan, Lance, Eduardo, and Tom on this trip.  Why not,  all 4 of us are top 10′s right now and gotta stand our ground. There’s some fast guys out there looking to get our places. We manage to roll out about 30-45 minutes late which is about par for the season but at least we re on the road. Tom’s driving with his wife, Leslie, and daughter Reese til we get to the ranch, then she is off to see some friends. That leaves the rest of us in the Green Manalishi with Bam Bam behind the wheel.

Lance and I do our best to keep Eduardo included in the conversations, and the beer drinking, but with spotty results as our spanish is pretty bad. He’s a trooper and deals with us and the spanglish and even has a few tall dogs with us which he usually waits on. Now we re excited, we got Eduardo buzzed and, well, we are doing alright ourselves.  Checklist- case of tall dogs, ice, Ipod jams, ya thats about it, for now. Got our heads together and we are taking the scenic route. ALWAYS take the scenic route. Channo would be so proud!

We get to Solvaca Ranch and Tom is already there and has us a spot for the pop up camper for the weekend. Great spot Tom, close but just far enough. We are gonna put the rolling cooler jams on 11 you know! After we get settled and get our registration packets we prep up for a preride.  This course has few hills, only short punchy ones but nothing too hard or too long. We cruise it at a good pace, its gonna be fast. The wind is blowing constantly and gives a bit of trouble out in the huge open field we have to criss cross each lap. shouldnt be too bad though.  There is about 6 creek crossings and each one is full of water.  Hey, we love the slop, and it looks like there will be some on race day.

Thank goodness for an 11am start! we get to sleep in, which Lance and I need, and take our time hydrating and carbing up for our race. Toms up early and has the cooler jams going. Can I get Black Betty at 11?!! Time to toe the line. Toms off first with the SS’ers, then Eduardo, Lance, then Me. Beautiful day for a ride! Sun is shining and temp is about 75-80. Now that the Cat 1′s have been over the course they have made the water crossings somewhat boggy, a bit tricky in places, and nasty wet up the exit side. Now thats some fun mountian biking!! Did I hear someone crying about getting their feet wet ?? What is wrong with these people?? My shoes have been wet since November!! so OMW Bitches, coming through!

Toms steals the show with a 4th place finish but got complacent in the last 1/2 mile and gave up 3rd place. He wasnt very happy and I feel bad for his competitors next go round. Dont get complacent on the trail, yo! Dan pulls down 6th, Lance gets 12th, not his best day either, watch for him to read and crush very soon. First he reads, then he crushes!! Eduardo leads his group out for 14 miles or so,  only to flat with a couple miles to go and walks it in for 17th. He has to get some points to stay in the top 3 overall, and does. He’s a bit unhappy with that, for Eduardo its all bad unless you win. I feel bad for his opponents also at the next race. Thats one crazy rabbit and now he’s pissed.

Another successful weekend of racing down. We have competed thru race # 5 with 3 races to go. Coldspring next weekend, then Smithville, then the finale at Lance Armstrong’s  ranch in Dripping Springs.  Overall results are out and OMW Racing has 5 in the top 10 overall. Is that any good?? We’ll see you in Coldspring,Tx.  next where we’ll be staying in the A-frame cottages on Lake Livingston. Wayne you old muther scratcher how the hell are you!?

OMW Bitches!!