The 2024 NOMBS series brought us a special treat- the first ever race held at one of our Cuyahoga Valley Metroparks trails… some notes from Rae
When I was a young foundling, many many years ago. we had the Akron Hines Hill garbage dump. It was a trash mountain that was closing up because they couldn’t cram any more shit in there. I know now what happens to trash heaps when they are retired- they bring in dirt and trees and wait. For years and years. So this spot in the Cuyahoga Valley was a trash pile, then it was a trash pile with enormous amounts of dirt piled on top of it. And then, eventually, there were enough trees and life to make it into a recreational area. And so the Hampton Hills MTB Trails were born.
On the backside of Hampton, there are a row of signs declaring the closure of these “historical sewer sludge lagoons.” It’s a constant local joke. People have made teeshirts about it. I’ve been riding there with my parents since it opened up and there are clues it was always intended for racing (three square sandstones near the parking lot which look suspiciously like podium blocks) but this is the first time we’ve had an event on site.
I spoke briefly with one of the park rangers, who was standing at the parking lot intersection looking completely overwhelmed. I asked if this was more crazy than he thought it would be or less. He told me he’s the leader of the CVNP bike patrol but has never been on the trails. Sounds like someone from CAMBA or Rust Belt needs to offer this fella and his crew a tour offroad! But he was impressed how upbeat and respectful everyone was and that’s a testament to our wonderful community.
Martin’s been racing the series all summer and complains that being a 30-sumptin in Cat 2 Sport is a real drag. I guess those 16 year old kids are just wiping the trails with the older guys. In fact, the extremely young looking juniors in Martin’s category passed me a full 7 minutes before he did on the second lap. We high fived and I said, “just enjoy the ride, they’re like 7 minutes up.” Damn kids!
I’ve been struggling with my blood oxygen all summer. I suspect it’s long covid, but I can’t get any straight answers out of any doctors so here we are. I set my goals high and try to be kind to myself when I fall short or finish last or have to stop because my health band is telling me I’m down below 90. Good new is, I’m still well enough to enjoy a day out with my friends and i can still at least muster the O2 to sing the little red caboose song when I DFL!
See you dorks at the McLain Farm Adventure Race in a few weeks!
E.O.T., Capt Rae out!