On the extreme eastern edge of Wyoming on I-70 is the town of Pine Bluff. An interesting geological abnormality lies immediately to the south of I-70 as it passes through town. A low bluff covered with pines (quite striking in the gamma grass plains of eastern Wyoming) juts up about 100 to 150 feet or so. We did about 15 miles on what for me was quite a technical course, winding up and down the bluffs on single and double track. It was a very fun course, and I believe that the majority of riders traveled the relatively short distance from Laramie. I am surprised that more Cheyenne or Ft. Collins riders do not come -- but, hey, there were enough people and with the best prize list I have ever encountered at a mtb race for non-professional riders, I hope they do not show up!
I thought I was way back because the leaders had disappeared from sight so quickly, but in fact I wasn't that far back at all. I lost time on the single track sections, but did well on the climbing portions. I had a few problems -- missed one turn and had to backtrack, went over the bars and rolled head over heels while trying to remount on a steep downhill, and took the hardest blow I've ever received to the family jewels while dismounting at a hike-a-bike section. I ended up second in my age group by only 30 seconds. Anyone of those mishaps probably cost me first, but he probably had his share of problems too. Anyway, I won a $30 gift certificate to a bike shop, the biggest prize I have ever received in any race! Not only that, all racers got a free lunch at the Subway in town. I think I actually made money on this race!