Hello from the City Brew in Missoula where I just got done checking out the photos and reminiscing over a cup of coffee and a blueberry scone about yesterdays mountain bike race in Lolo Montana. [results]
As I arrived it was apparent that last year's course had doomed the turnout for the race this year. The numbers were down, way down. Most of my competition was not even there. Needless to say I had a enjoyable race since no one challenged me for the win.
The big news of the day is the carnage. As I topped my second climb of the day I saw my friend walking up the course holding his shoulder. 
I asked if he was ok and he told me to keep going so I did. I kept wondering if he was alright. I remember a time when a friend back on the east coast never came off the mountain. We later found out he broke his back and had to be heli-ported off (remember that ROAR).
After the race he was at the parking lot all bandaged up in "Kona" course marking tape. I wish I got a photo as it was quite comical. What was not comical that he had to go to the hospital with a shoulder injury (Final Diagnosis–right AC separation, sprain: AC joint). looking around there were ripped shorts and skinless knees and elbows all round the finish line.
In the end my friends did well. One missed second place in the sport category by mere seconds while the Brown girls took top honors. And me, well I got some cash for first place.
Boneshakerbike 
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