Virginia City GRand Prix
The most unique off-road motorcycle races of its kind
AN ICONIC RACE EVERYONE SHOULD TRY
Howdy, fellow dirt-loving daredevils! It’s Kari, and I’m excited to share my wild ride at the 2022 Virginia City Grand Prix. It was a heart-pounding adventure filled with dust, competition, and a good old-fashioned showdown on the main street of Virginia City itself.
Inspired by Legend
So, what made me want to take on this iconic race? Well, ever since I moved to Reno, Nevada, I couldn’t escape the buzz surrounding the Virginia City Grand Prix. This race is legendary, starting right on the historic main street of an old western town and then veering off into the rugged highlands of Virginia City. It was a piece of off-road history I couldn’t resist.
Training Regimen
Preparing for this 4-hour (100-mile in my case) endurance race wasn’t so bad it was kinda comical, I would come home and do my “training regime” whish consisted of one-hour power laps from my home in Verdi, Nevada, through the always fun, always changing from erosion and weather Pevine Mountain trails. No particular challenges came my way during training; I just focused on getting as much riding in as possible and getting as much cardio in while riding as I could.
Race Day Highlights
The atmosphere on race day was electric. I arrived to find a sea of fellow riders, all itching for their shot at glory. Pre-registering was key to securing a better spot on the starting line, (which in good old Kari fashion I did not do) so I found myself at a dusty 402nd position, way in the back. This meant I had to navigate through a lot of congestion, especially on those congested hill climbs.
Tina Honea, one of my closest friends, was the event announcer, and she nailed it, adding to the excitement of the day.
Some pro pics from VCGP
Conquering the Terrain
The race course was nothing short of epic. It offered a mix of terrains I hadn’t quite anticipated. Sand, steep descents, challenging uphills, single tracks, and wide-open stretches all tested my skills. But the most thrilling part was the race’s start, right on Virginia City’s main street. I was warned not to go too hard on the first corner, as many riders tend to bail there before entering the off-road section.
Dusting Off the Dust
Nevada’s dusty terrain didn’t faze me; I was used to it. I made no specific modifications to my bike or gear, although I did encounter a setback when my fork seals blew, causing a leak into my front brake, leaving me without it for the latter part of the race.
Competition and Camaraderie
The Women’s Pro category was filled with some incredibly tough competitors, although I wasn’t too familiar with their names since I lean more towards enduro riding. Instead, I spent the race battling it out with my male buddies, enjoying every moment of the ride. While I was second for most of the race, my old back acted up on the third lap, making the fourth one a real struggle.
Crossing the Finish Line
As I approached the finish line, exhaustion had set in, but I was elated to complete the race. Securing 3rd place in the Women’s Pro category was a fantastic achievement, even if it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. Starting so far back on the line certainly presented a challenge.
Takeaways
In terms of lessons learned, I couldn’t pinpoint any specific ones, but the entire experience was a reminder of the importance of perseverance and having fun on the trail.
Virginia City Beyond the Race
Beyond the race itself, I absolutely adore Virginia City. I’ve explored the town on numerous occasions with friends, and it’s always a blast.
Memorable Moments
The camaraderie among my friends and fellow racers was heartwarming. My pit crew was lightning-fast, and my bestie, Tine, announcing the race, made it even more special. The Virginia City Grand Prix was a fantastic experience made even better by the people around me.
Advice for Future Racers
To future racers eyeing the Virginia City Grand Prix, my advice is simple: sign up early and secure a good spot on the starting line. The congestion in the first lap is intense, and every position counts.
So, there you have it, folks – my unforgettable journey through the dust and glory of the 2022 Virginia City Grand Prix. Until next time, keep the throttle wide open and the adventure alive! 🏁💨