First off, hats off to Mac. This guy knows how to put on a race. Not matter how low key his races are, he always goes above and beyond. Live music, great courses, food, drinks, you name it he has it. He’s really put a lot of sweat and hard work into that riding scene, and it was awesome to see so many people come out to support him and his crew. He was a proud man, because this was his biggest race yet. We had 16 expert racers! The most I’ve seen down there is 3-4. The sport and beginner crowd was stacked as well.
Here you see the few remaining seconds before the start. Trav and I
have the look of the tiger in our eyes, the breathing technique down as evident by our puckered lips, and legs ready to crush pedals. Little did I know just moments later, I would wreck harder than ever. It was not a pretty moment.
And we’re off! See that? Huh? Huh? Ya that’s right, my turbo diesel engine was able to take the holeshot with my SS again. Trav took over then Justin, then I got the short end of the stick when a racer tried a last ditch effort to pass causing me to wipe out at 20mph+ into a cedar tree. My adrenaline took over, but only after the whole sport class passed me.
It took a half lap, but I passed all the sport field. That’s never an easy task…
Sometime in the second lap I passed Travis, who suffered a flat. Up to that point Justin and him were leading the race at what he called a “comfortable” pace. That would be uncomfortable to the rest of us. That was his bad luck for the day. I keep on, and managed to pass Justin who flatted half way through the last lap. From last to second with first just outta sight and I was raging ready for the comeback of the day. Then that wonderful sound… Psssttttt…. Yup, I flatted and it wouldn’t seal.
Thanks a million to Richy Rich who threw me a big air as my canister weren’t doing it. I did a pretty slow fix as I watch 6 or 7 guys passed before I realized we were still racing and I had to pick it up. My only real break came when I passed Justin again, (the only other 19-29er and my nemisis of the last couple of races), with his second flat. He was out as he didn’t have any other tubes. Bummer.
I made a few last passes, and was finished. That was a true race, down to the wire. Travis made his way back to 2nd overall and 2nd in his age group to the winner, Rock Wamsley. I was 5th or 6th overall and first in my age group.
Podium Pics!
Steve rocked the sweet singletrack goodness too, and finished strong in his sport class. I only wish I’ll be that strong when I’m that old. I’m pretty sure he’s got double my age plus some. Badass.
On another note, Kevin rocked gravel like a pro after only starting real training this year. He managed 100 miles of the 200+ miles of the Dirty Kanza. Maybe he’ll post up his thoughts on it later, but either way that’s impressive for a new rider. He’s continually getting stronger, and as long as he still wants to ride his bike after Saturday, will be rocking strong this year. I also saw this pic of Dave rocking it SS style, and I'm pretty sure Tim tried his had at the DK too.
State's only a few days away! That’s right, Cwood goodness, and stiff competition. Be there or be a square…
Later
G
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