Santa Ynez mtb race

OK like before never been to Los Olivos which is where the Santa Ynez valley classic race is. The drive was going to be around 4:30 hours to get that's far for a 1:30hr long mtb race, but this was going to be my third race in the series and another podium would be great.
We got up there mid day and went to the motel, checked in then went to the race course to pre-run it, after all the racing was done the course was open. I did a easy first lap at around 50 minutes, well the course was long about 9.5 miles lots of hills and super bumpy. Oh and it was also pretty cool under 60 at 5pm, I went for my second lap a little faster 45 or so minutes the course easy to learn and the rest were hill so no need for any more laps.

Sunday morning it look like it was going to rain, had an early breakfast at paulas pancake house in Solvang. Got to the race at around 10am, same procedure pay and registration, Sunday was much colder around 45 or so and it didn't look like it was going to climb much also the rain was in the wings too. Also at around 10am the wind started to pickup and people left, by the time 11:30am came around it was a full Santa Ana, to say it suck, would be the understatement of the year. So happy to finish the race in one piece, the wind blew a couple of guys of their bikes and at least three tents.

11am came decision time what to wear, rain stuff, jacket all kind of warmers or risk it and see what happens. I went for the what happen, with arm warmers and leg warmers.
The race started and I just took off, since all the cat2 start almost together my goal was to finish in front of all of them. When the second big climb came my back started to get tight, and anyone that pedals will tell you that when the back goes the legs go. I still finished the first and my two laps in front of everyone, but I had a shadow(that's) what my dad calls anyone right behind you. I held the front all but the last 3 miles when my back just gave out so I lost 3 minutes on the back and came in second overall. I think it was all the bumps on the course and the big pushing that did it.
I won by 15 minutes or so, the cup is a lot closer three races and three first places. So if everything keeps going like it is the cup will be mine. I also got the invite to the mtb national championship in Colorado, in July. Yes we are going.

Next stop big bear may 16.