I earned a third overall at this weekends OMA after some time off letting a broken toe heal from the previous round. I came into the event just looking to get back to riding while salvaging some points for the series points chase. Fortunately for me, I was very ready to get back to riding.

I had built a carbon fiber boot cover to protect my still tender foot and to help prevent excessive flexing. After a practice lap, things felt comfortable Saturday afternoon, so I convinced myself to race at 100%. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the lake and the go-cart track racing some other OMA regulars. Sunday morning came around and I lined up more inside than normal on the starting line. This played right into my hands as the two riders inside of me went wide and went down, allowing me to sneak inside and grab my first holeshot. With no front fenders to be seen in my peripherals, I pinned it into the woods.

Once into the woods, I stayed smooth and aggressive trying to create a cushion. I rounded the first lap (a little over 20 minutes) with a 16 second lead. My time off the last few weeks from my injury came knocking on my door within the next few miles as I started to get winded. Thad Duval passed me and Watkins and Whibley were next. I felt it was best to not push and risk smashing my vulnerable toe. Despite wearing down, I was riding faster every lap keeping the leaders a steady but distant gap away. I was taken out by a lapper midway, as he launched his bike at me looping out in a sandy berm. My first timer/volunteer pit crew was fairly speedy and got the job done. And Thad ended up with some trouble letting me pass for 3rd place. I really slowed my pace on the last lap as I had seen the leaders were untouchable and I was exhausted after my first lap blitz.

This sandy tight course was a real fun race and a great warm up for the Jack Pine National Enduro in 2 weeks. It helped me build confidence, and hopefully some fitness after a layoff from injury. Leading the first lap showed me just how much faster I can race when I don’t have to slow down and battle for the first 2 laps with slower riders. This is why I typically prefer the enduro format, let me out front and breathe! Now that I know I can, I will do just that, get out front early, ride at a much higher level, and stay on that podium.