Revisiting Xterra

As more and more Ironman events have been postponed, I’ve spent a little more time on my mountain bike. I’m keeping an eye on the Xterra races since they are much smaller than Ironman races and also more remote. I’m hopeful that this combination will lead to a few of these actually taking place this season.

Last night I had my fill of my apartment so I made my way two hours northeast to the edge of the Adirondack mountains with the Salsa Horsethief in tow. I love the trip to this section of the wilderness where there is no cell phone service. It’s quiet, picturesque and a nice way to unplug. The black flies were out and were relentless but for the first time I did not mind. It was simply exciting to be out in the wild again and was a reminder that the Black Fly Challenge is a race I was scheduled to do a year or two ago but missed out on due to scheduling conflicts. It is something I’ve been looking at completing for a few years since my father has a small place near the race location.

The ride was short at 7 miles but I had some hills and the dusty dirt roads made for an experience I’d like to tackle more of. The Black Fly Challenge is close to me but eventually I’d like to try Heck of the North, Farmer’s Daughter or the Dirty Kanza to explore more. Maybe 2021 will be the year I tackle some of these gravel grinders. Until then I’ll be riding more trails, enjoying some car camping and getting dirty as I anticipate a return to road triathlon.