I was fortunate enough to have pro Ben Allen from Australia to ore ride the course with yesterday. After a cup of coffe at our local hang out we were off. Good friend and local Kimiko was also along for the ride although she would leave us half as she wasn't planning on riding the whole thing. Saipan was hit by a tropical storm roughly two weeks ago but the outstanding job from the volunteers made the bike course well marked and rideable. It was also nice to be able to chat and ride with Ben and get a few tips. I think that's why Xterra races are so great, you can actually ride and talk with most of the pros. The first half of the course was quite smooth and after a quick stop for cold drinks, it was time to assault Mt. Tapachou. The road up is usually rough but this year they are in the process of paving so the road was flatten and sand had been placed over which made the climb, shall war say more manageable. We were greated by GL and Allison at the top, as they had employed a better mean to get up there. After a few photos, Ben and I were off heading down hill. The downhill path was a bit more dense with foliage but with saw Bobby and her crew doing some clearing, which should make this perfect for race day. Even the deep muddy rut laced with coral were for the most part rideable. Overall, the bike course as it stands is in good shape and well marked, but as we all know, it could all change come race day. Happy trails!
Carpe Diem
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