Over the horizon peer the helmeted heads of riders, sailing by at a rapid pace. The pulse jumps and then there is the thunder. A pack of rampaging downhill riders rumbles past, the wind whirling as they do. A cloud of dust rises up and then quickly dissipates. As quickly as they arrive, they vanish like a stampede of fleeing zebra....



Ed Note: Super D mountain Bike Racing is the cross country version of a downhill. It has the speed of the Downhill, yet is less technical in some aspects. Super D also encompasses some (but not quite all) of the distance of Cross Country. It is a hybrid of styles that makes it appealing to many types of riders. It's an adrenaline packed surge, to crank away at a fast course, that requires technique, finesse, and fitness.



Back to the race... as the reedy grasses rustle to the whims of the sage scented spring breeze, spectators march further up the sandy dirt course. Wildflowers in every color of the rainbow line the track providing a technicolor blur for the racers as they speed by. But, their focus must stay a few meters ahead. Where they look, is where they'll go. If they get distracted, even for a moment, disaster. Pedal, crank, grit, glide...


Many stories unfold on the side of this mountain in Monterey. An unusual team of riders zips down the path. They ride closely, too closely for trail riding. They almost appear to be drafting each other. Both wear WTB jerseys. The lead rider calls out obstacles, much the way you would hear on a group road ride. It seems odd. Right up until you find out. The second rider in the pack is almost completely blind. Bobby McMullen of WTB races in spite of his lack of sight. The lead rider is his guide. Some sighted would fear tread the grounds of downhill. Bobby, fears not, even without his sight...



The lady Super D riders blaze down the broad stretch of sun bathed steeply sloped hillside with power and grace, fierce and feminine. Spritely and deliberate, yet, animal. Women's racing was well represented by the competitors that performed at Sea Otter.



A wife and child stand by, waiting for a husband to explode through the gates. The race takes place in their backyard. Every twist and berm will be a familiar one. He's got the hometown advantage. Looking for the best vantage point to see their knight in body armor, mom and daughter spare no shoe leather as they hoof farther up the trail. Struggling up the steep hillside to witness the most exciting sections of the course. Whether the check falls in the win or loss column, there will be no real losing.



The experience itself is the win, the rush. The EKG spike that conjoins it is worth every ounce of the pain. Super D, instantaneous, yet prolonged... tantric.