North American Enduro Tour #1 - Hood River

Thank goodness race season is finally here. With all of my early season preparations finished, I was anxious to get my first race underway. Enough fake racing on my Garmin already. Sorry fitness freaks, Strava times don't really count. The mental game at a real race is a far cry from riding by oneself with an iPhone tracking your every move in your pocket. Now don't get me wrong, I love Strava as much as Frenchie Alex, but I was ready to race some humans. 

My handy mirror compass is pointing me in the right direction

I have been to Hood River a few times now and have come to appreciate the laid-back vibe and great riding. It was dry this year, quite the contrast to last year's slip-n-slide gong show for me. 

I guess this view if Mt. Adams will do for the week, sheesh

After riding both of my bikes down the tracks, I was more on the fence than ever as to which rig to race on….

Sexy new girl with bigger curves, or the tried and true old steed…..

After doing some timed runs, which determined absolutely nothing, I decided to ride the big wheels. I have spent more time on my SB-95 Carbon lately, so it just felt more comfortable at the time. This would be the first race of my life on non-26" wheels. Would my result have been different on smaller wheels? Probably not. I love both of my Yeti's and choosing between them is like trying to say which beer is better, in the end all beer tastes pretty good. 

Racing for me has always been about the places it takes me and the friends made along the way. I mean, of course I race to win, but the community that comes out for these events really makes it special. So nice to see all of my "summer friends", so far removed from the eight months of winter I currently reside in. 

#teamcondor in formation again

When things are dry, the clippers come out. Schnell shaving precious seconds off of his tires. Braking knobs are overrated. Racers are dorks, myself included. 

Can you see the focus here?

Helmet cam of stage 7 filmed in practice on my GoPro. This stage was warp-speed fast. It was not technical in a rocky way but traveling faster than 30mph on a one foot wide trail, between trees, presents its own set of challenges. Like not dying. I was fortunate to win this stage on day 2. Braapp.

oregon stage 7 from nate hills on Vimeo.

Nice to see Chris Johnston, who took this sweet as photo. My fallen Nomad friend is healing nicely and will be back to kick our asses shortly, I am sure. It is killing him to not be able to race right now, I can see it in his eyes, but he comes out to support racing and has a great attitude. A stand-up dude and inspiring really. When I get hurt, I get grumpy and go into a shell. Chris just taught me something. Cheers mate!

Rivaling Chris's iPhone-gold photo is this shot from Mike Albright. Mike has some great race coverage to check out on Pinkbike. Thanks man! Check it here.

After eight stages, over two days, here is how things shook out. Less than a second separating me in fourth, from Carlson #thefrother in second, sounds about right after 35 minutes of racing. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Going to the airport sticky sucks. I think Keene's bike took the worst of it. BL #55 didn't show for the podium….. probably for the best. Great racing gentlemen!

I win stage 9 - Subie jenga

Stop scowling at me hitch hiker, I really don't have room for you!

Until next time, Oregon. Hopefully you are more moist, upon my return.