Weather conditions? Waaaayyy too far in the future to predict but hopefully things will be a little cooler by then.

Course conditions? Well, the last race was actually pretty good considering the fact that it's been quite awhile since we've had any significant rain. I'd say that 80% of the course was hardpacked with only a few loose sections coming down "Big Tire" and then on the two big hills on the backside ("Mainstreet?") I haven't been out there since the race but I do know that a group of riders meets there about 6:30am on Saturdays to get a little dirt in. I'd guess that the trail will still be 70% hardpack.

Now if I can only figure out a way to stay close enough to Rooster so that I can let him drag me up those climbs!

I use a Camelback for much of my offroading. Not too long ago, I was riding home from work. It was really hot out and I kept feeling this strange wet sensation on my derriere. Now I knew I was sweating a whole bunch but it seemed excessive even for me. On closer examination, I found that I had a leak in my water bladders that was letting all the water drip out from the bottom of my 'Back! I immediately went down to my friendly LBS (local bike shop) and almost had a mini-heart attack when I saw what they wanted for a new bladder! OUCH! Retreating back to my lair with my stubbly little tail tucked between my legs, I pondered a DIY (Do It Yourself) solution. After all, it's just plastic. After talking to the guys at the LBS and calling up Camelback, I was no closer to a solution. Then a light came on in my brain ... opps, sorry ... that was just the wife opening up the shades. Why not ask the MTB Mailing List I'm subscribed to and see if they know any tricks.

Glory Be! After posting the question, I received a response. I tried it out and so far it seems to be holding just fine!

Go on down to your trusy, dusty Eagle Hardware Store (substitute your favorite store here) and pick up a tube of Plumbers Goop. Only costs about $5.00 or so and you get a nice big tube. There is an outdoor version of Goop but it seems to be the same thing, only a little more expensive. Find the offending hole in your water bladder and stuff some paper towels inside the bladder just opposite the leak. What's that for? Well, this stuff forms up pretty hard by the time it's set so the shape that your bladder is in when the Goop dries is the shape it's gonna stay. Apply a thin layer of Goop around the leak and allow it to dry. Apply one more thicker layer on top of that and you should be all set to go (Wait for the Goop to dry first though).

The guy I got the tip from said he patched a pretty big hole in his Camelback when his tube partially tore out. If can't hurt to try and if it doesn't work you have some calking left over to finish off that tub job that you're been promising your SO you'd get done.

Time to get out and put in some sweat equity! I'll be out there and I hope to see you too.