2021 was my favorite in 5 attempts. Physically I was the best prepared since my Birkie win in 2018. With the recent re-launch of BRF-Apex, I feel an almost fairytale like sense of synergy in our group and that certainly helps on race day. Though performing my best is still important to me standing on that top step doesn’t mean as much as a personal result as it once did. I find far more to it than standing on that top step. Many assume that 2nd is real hard to take for the 3rd consecutive year. Sure it stings a bit and to lose by a foot after all the time invested and countless miles ridden. The good news is there is far more reason to do all that than standing on a podium. The racecourse this year was once again rocket ship fast and once again we knocked a bit of time off the previous course record averaging just under 18mph on a very challenging Birkie course.
C.s. Stelljes (Corey) and I and others took turns for the first half keeping it reasonable and riders began to slowly fall off the pack. At the turn we had about 6 remaining but minutes later the bigger move was made and the race for 3rd was well behind us. Corey and I rode that final 10-12 miles together. No big moves, no big attacks. If a small gap did open we’d make eye contact and come seamlessly back together almost like teammates. It felt like a silent gentleman’s agreement. I was able to stay in control and never had to dig too deep. Corey took to the front to pull us most of the last bullet fast last mile or so up the power line. When the finish became visible about 400 yards away I pulled up alongside, we enjoyed a fist bump and a quick gentleman’s exchange and hammered for home. Side by side. No tactics. No funny stuff. Just 2 old dudes (Corey is now 40) pedaling our hearts out for 30 seconds at over 30mph on fat bikes…on snow. The trouble is we can only pedal those big fat bikes so fast as we are very limited by drag and gearing. Corey had that foot and held that foot to the photo finish. How bad did it sting? See that genuine smile in the picture!
We had 22 Big Ring Flyers ride Birkie and though not all of them finished on the podium I didn’t hear of a single bad experience on the trail. Everyone had goals and I do not believe anyone left disappointed. I got to stand on the Birkie podium with friend Steve Marshall yesterday. Steve is 49 and pours his heart into this sport. Very hard earned and deserved for Steve. Our ladies SWEPT the short course podium yesterday. Joining them for a candid podium shot may have been the highlight of my day. Though I’ll continue to pursue the journey for personal growth and with it some great podium finishes (and hopefully wins!) the past day and days should show (see Fat Bike World Championships opportunity that this sport has become much more broad reaching. The ability to involve the community, inspire my team, and have a great opportunity to travel and do that other places is incredible. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s next. Our partners are an instrumental part of that experience. So thankful for the passionate relationships we have. We can’t wait for what’s next.
Chris Stevens
