I know I'm a little late with last weeks post about my race experiences in New Jersey but better late then never I always say.  I had a real itch to race last weekend and one of my favorite courses just so happens to be the rooty, rocky insanity at the Waywaywanda State park in northern New Jersey.  Its my third time doing this race and the place gets better and better everytime with alot of obvious trail work done by the locals.  Reminds me of our trails at home and worth the 3 hour drive.  Aleksandra chose to stay at home and get some good training in and have a relaxing afternoon of gardening.  I was actually questioning spending 3 hours in the car driving to NJ on the first really nice day we've had all spring but I really wanted to race.  Like usual I got lost and showed up really late for the race.  So late they had to postpone the start by 10 minutes so I could organize myself with registration and setting up my feed.  Anyway a quick rundown.  I felt pretty good, took off from the start and led the race to the end.  Winning always feels good and either way I love racing in northern Jersey.  Also I raced my new S-Works Epic 29er which now that I've worked out the bugs its turning out to be a real race machine.  Although I still love the Bedford Hardtail I'm starting to get used to the full suspension.  Its a tad bit heavy (Specialized is full of it with the 21lb weight) even with the single Rotor front, XX build and 125gr SLR saddle I think its hovering around 22.5lbs.  I know this sounds pretty light but compared to my hardtail which is 20lbs it feels like a tanker truck, but it needs no trail and travels over anything.  I think it might be the ultimate trailblazer.  I had the chance to take it to my favorite trail system this weekend just outside of Saratoga at Moreau State Park (spierfalls) and had a ton of fun.  Its a different kind of riding then with the hardtail and takes some getting used to but I'm looking forward to racing it again next week.  Two races next weekend.  Tymor Park and Winsted Woods.  I can hardly wait.  

See you out there
mike