Bonelli Park XC, San Dimas CA- US Cup HC

Its been a long winter here in Idaho. I've spent an inordinate amount of time in my basement trying not to fall off the rollers, counting lumps in wall paint and re-watching Indiana Jones and Zombieland. In other words, the time to escape and get after some good dirt has finally arrived, and not a moment too soon.

To celebrate, my Mom and I flew down to the second round of the US Cup Series at Frank G Bonelli Park, in San Dimas California. The park is named for Los Angeles County Supervisor Frank Bonelli (1958-1972) who was instrumental in pushing for the development of this recreational area. The original planners had only intended to create a water storage reservoir for the region's rapidly growing urban development and population expansion during the early 1950's. Frank had pushed for recreation opportunities and helped to negotiate water purchase agreements that would allow the city to keep the man-made "lake" full year round. Bonelli Park contains roughly three square miles or about 2,220 acres of open space and natural areas. According to the park website, this area is ''composed mainly of rolling hills and moderately steep canyons covered with chaparral, cactus, and costal sage scrub habitat." With roughly 14 miles of hiking and riding trails, picnic areas, parking for "up to 4800 vehicles," boat-launching areas, an RV park, equestrian facilities, and a golf course, this little urban gem was an ideal locale for a bike race.

Now back to that part about cactus.
I'm always wary when I find myself in the midst of a trip that is going smoothly; I just don't trust it.

Our plane that day had departed and landed on time, we had retrieved all of our baggage items with ease and caught the shuttle within minutes of landing. Our rental car was ideal and fit the bike bag perfectly, we had found the hotel easily and were able to check in early before grabbing a nice lunch at Sprouts Market and taking scenic Route 66 (the long way) to the course for an early pre-ride and packet pick-up...you get the idea- too good to be true.

After building up my bike, the warm California sunshine pretty much went straight to my head- it felt like paradise in that 75 degree light breeze and bright sky. I spun through the parade lap at a light clip and prepared to ride out onto the short but hilly and power-focused course, feeling giddy and carefree. About halfway through the lap, I decided to push the pace and went a little (ok, a lot) too fast into a corner that was hardpack and ball-bearings. After failing to steer out of the death swerve, I was vaulted over the bars- haphazardly landing on the uphill side of the trail. My first thought was "Oh man I got lucky, something broke my fall- that should have hurt more" but as my senses returned, the reality of my situation sank in quickly: a large, friendly and well-established prickly pear cactus had, in fact, been so kind as to break my fall. The adrenaline started to fade and I began to notice sharp, little stabbing feelings ALL OVER my right side. A few juniors pedaled by at this time; seeming both concerned and amused they asked me an uncertain, "Uhhh, are you ok?" I'm sure something was muttered through clenched teeth about having been better but I can't quite recall, and they carried on as I attempted to wriggle my cactus-covered behind out of its unfortunate predicament.

Ever had cactus spines in your armpit before? Pro tip: Don't. Just don't.

After an excruciatingly "long" ride back to the expo area, I realized my Mother had the rental car keys and had gone off to take photos for at least another hour. I picked as many of the fine little spines out as I could, but without the skills of a Cirque du Soleill contortionist, it just wasn't going to happen and I was COVERED in them.

Enter Adam Pulford, Ridebiker Alliance Team Director and all-around great guy.

Without too much laughter, Adam walked me down the row of expo tents to one that I knew well, the bright yellow and familiar ESI Grips family tent. Maria and Gary seemed to have lots of experience with cacti and quickly took me in like one of their own. Have I mentioned that they are also my (amazing) grip sponsor?! Talk about going above and beyond to support your athletes, waaaaay beyond. 45 minutes later, and I could at least sit down again. Maria, if you are reading this: YOU ARE MY HERO!! It wasn't my most comfortable night's sleep and even now, I'm still a little banged up from the crash but I was very fortunate to be able to line up to race the next day.

Bonelli Park is the first HC level race on the 2017 US Cup Tour- this means maximum UCI points and a very competitive, World Cup-quality field. National Champions, Pan-American Champions, Olympians, Olympic Medalists and World Champions all toed the start line in the corral ahead of me. As the anthem finished and we awaited the whistle, I was so glad to be back on that white paint line, finally ready to start my second season with these amazingly talented athletes.

The course was fast: full of steep climbs, rocky descents, fun features and lots of singletrack. To date, it might be the most challenging course I have raced and I am content with my first real ride of the season. There's still lots of work to be done but I am so glad to have the season off and rolling!

​Huge thanks again to my Mom, Maria and Gary Stewart of ESI Grips, Adam Pulford of Team Ridebiker, Mike and Nico of Shimano Multi-Service, Roger from Kenda Tires, Marty from KTM Ridebiker, Philip from PB Creative for the on-course heckling and all of the wonderful volunteers from Team Big Bear who helped make the whole event happen. Also big thanks to Chinook Winds Casino Resort and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz for helping me make this season possible! If you are ever in Lincoln City, OR be sure to stop in and say hello to them- Chef Jack does a mean oyster bar.

Love to you all- stay tuned for Sea Otter in 2 Weeks!!
-FF