The Race
The 6th annual Nimby Fifty is one of the biggest and best races in BC. The first three years I finished 3rd overall and have dreamed of the elusive top step. The Nimby is just really good old fashion mountain biking – no other race really compares. This year I knew I would have my work cut out for me racing against some very fast young guns. Quinn Moberg has been winning just about everything in BC this year and his riding partner Rhys Verner is a 17 year old man-child from Squamish who can really send it. When you have $1000 for the win you always attract some fast dudes. I love the Nimby because you have to be an all-round mountain biker, no roadies allowed. Growing up in the Fraser Valley, riders are blessed with huge climbs and tough descents, much like the make-it-or-break-it parts of the Nimby. From my count 20 out of the 385 riders competing this year were from Chilliwack and Abbotsford.
The Bike
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is phenomenal! This will be my second year on the same frame and I feel it’s the best “quiver of one” in the world – super reliable and solid. I can race a full-on XC race or crush an enduro event, and the bike just slays trail like no other. My Instinct is nothing fancy – it just works. Complete with a Shimano SLX derailleur, aluminum 780 mm handlebar, 130mm front and rear travel, 11-36 rear cogs, 34 tooth front chain ring, and egg beater pedals. The one thing that is fully baller on my bike is my NOBL I9 Trail TR28 Wheelset. Wheels are one of the most important things on a bike due to the rotational weight and performance gains. If you’re going to spend the money… do it on the wheels. I ran 2.25″ Schwalbe Racing Ralphs with 25psi on my NOBL wheels for the Nimby, awesome set up for sure.
The Play by Play
The start loop of the Nimby is very important, because you need to be in a good position for the epic 101 switchback climb. There is also a $100 prime at the top of the start loop, and who can say no to Mr. Brown. The start loop is a really good place for your legs to do some talking. I was second into the single track this year, missing out on the cash for the first Prime, but maybe saved myself for later in the day. I rode the first downhill as fast as I could and came out in front. This put me in first place going up the big climb and I managed to take the second Prime (top of the main climb). I cruised down the “Fifty” and maintained my lead into the Red Bull downtime on the trail Overnight Sensation – “race within a race”. I had a great run but finished second to Colin Kerr who just crushed everyone for the fastest time of the day. Being out front is obviously a great place to be, and it felt awesome because I was able to control the race. I rode within my limits and every time Quinn would get close I would just pick it up a bit, then back off again when I regained my ground. 20 years of racing really teaches you things like this. I was able to stay smooth and fast the entire day and not cook myself. But in the end I rode a smart conservative race and came away with the win! The Nimby Fifty is really the best race ever!
