The last couple of weeks have been pretty good, but overall, 2006 has been a crappy year for NoCal mountain bikers. From rained-out training rides to unrideable trail conditions to poorly functioning equipment, this year's record rainfall has left local mountain bikers underprepared, underconditioned, and slightly frustrated heading into the prime-time riding months.

Because of this year's early season muddown, local mountain bikers have been looking to July for salvation. In addition to the legendary Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Festival at the end of the month, this year, both the Cougar Mountain Classic at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma and the NORBA MTB National Championships in Mammoth are being held in the middle ofJuly, moved up from their traditional dates in September.

D'oh!