The Cave Creek Cactus Classic Race course is relentless and challenging in more ways than one. The initial road climb is very fast, and the sprint for the prime is even more challenging, especially since the steepest climb on the course follows the creek crossing and winds up into the mountains. From there the major descent for the course begins, and is both fast and rocky until it reaches a few other short climbs, and then loops back into town. The Overton descent is by far my favorite part of the course, as it is a wicked fast descent with a bunch of water bars that are incredibly well built!
I was able to get into fourth overall on the long climb from the start after missing the sprint to the creek. From there I rode solo until I passed someone who had flatted, and took third place back into town. I finished with a time of 1:31, about a minute off second place, and Four minutes off the winner, Nick Gould.
I was happy with my efforts on all parts of the course. My rear tire flatted with about 5 miles to go but thankfully it sealed up at about 17 psi and I was able to ride it into the finish without stopping. I am looking forward to training for the 2017 Season!!