For the final Round of 2008 Florida State Championship Series I was going into the race 2 points behind Victor and Ryan was 3 points ahead of Victor. This means I needed to finish in front of Victor and get someone in between us to move up to second overall. To finish in first I needed Ryan to have a mechanical (not likely). So here's how it played out...
The start was a nightmare, all the talk during my clinics about paying attention to Dave just slipped my mind. I missed the whistle and was still sitting on my top tube waiting for the start. I looked up and everyone was heading for the woods. I went into the woods in 8th. Because the course was so tight and technical I did not move into 3rd until the 3rd lap. At this point I was in pursuit of the leaders, unfortunately I could not catch them and I finished 3rd.
After the results were posted I realized that I lost the race because of my 1st lap time. Since I was so far back in the pack, and Ryan and Victor were leading, my first lap was over a minute slower than theirs, but, all my other laps were just as fast and even faster. O well thats racing!!!
That night at the awards banquet I received 3rd overall in the pro class. 1st overall in the team competition, and much to my surprise I was given the Espo award. This is a Sportsmanship award named after the late Jeff Espesito. The award means more to me than any finish or overall in my career. I work very hard to be an ambassador to the sport and this shows that my efforts are not over looked.
Well this is my 5th season competing in the Florida State Championship Series, my overall are as follows:
1996 2nd Pro Class
1997 1st Pro Class (Spring)
1997 1st Pro Class (Fall)
2005 2nd Pro Class
2006 3rd Pro Class
2007 3rd Pro Class
I can only hope to continue this top 3 trend for years to come. I feel better than I ever have, so to stop racing the Pro class is no where in my future.
Pictures will soon be posted.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Belleview, Santos Round #7
Belleview, Round 7, not a lot to say about this race. We started the race and I went in to the woods in first. I was passed by Victor mid way through the lap and realized he was pulling away ever so slightly. I chased for a few miles and realized Ryan and Robert were gaining on me, so I made a tactical decision and stopped pedaling, took a drink, and waited for them to catch up. This proved to be effective because their local knowledge helped me on cornering and line selection. Robert dropped off pace and I was left in 3rd.
With only about a mile left in the race I was in a switchback section and saw Ryan just ahead. I had not seen him for most of the race but I was getting splits (time gaps), in the woods that let me know I was close. I gave it my all and finished 10 seconds behind behind Ryan and he was 45 seconds behind Victor.
That's it, not an exciting race but still in the points chase.
With only about a mile left in the race I was in a switchback section and saw Ryan just ahead. I had not seen him for most of the race but I was getting splits (time gaps), in the woods that let me know I was close. I gave it my all and finished 10 seconds behind behind Ryan and he was 45 seconds behind Victor.
That's it, not an exciting race but still in the points chase.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Patience and Timing Round #6 @ Oleta
All right time for the work to begin. Practice day on Saturday I felt good but not great. Usually on Saturdays I never feel good but I was confident about Sunday.
15 seconds, 5 seconds, the horn goes off and we are racing. 30 yards into the race there was a crash and I was involved. I did not go down but came to a dead stop as everyone headed around the wreck and into the woods. Never the less I went into the woods in last place, 15 seconds behind the last rider, Wow this is going to be tough.
I choose to use my experience and not get excited but rather pick off racers one at a time. By the end of the first lap I was in a comfortable 4th place. All my competitors were waiting for me to attack but the question was when?
In my mind I wanted to get into the woods 1st at the end of the last fire road, not the case. Ryan was attacking me on every fire road preventing my ability to surge around at the end. So I remained patient, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally in lap 4 with about 4.5 miles to go I had moved into 2nd just off of Ryans wheel. We came out of single track to 30 yards of double track and I saw Ryan's right hand start to leave his bar as though he was reaching for a water bottle, and realized now was my time to go.
I stood up and sprinted around Ryan and dove into the woods. I went as hard as possible, pretty much a 4.5 mile time trial. I wound up winning by just over 30 seconds.
That was my first State win in 2 years, I was so freak'n pleased. I think my course knowledge and experience was the key to my success at Oleta.
15 seconds, 5 seconds, the horn goes off and we are racing. 30 yards into the race there was a crash and I was involved. I did not go down but came to a dead stop as everyone headed around the wreck and into the woods. Never the less I went into the woods in last place, 15 seconds behind the last rider, Wow this is going to be tough.
I choose to use my experience and not get excited but rather pick off racers one at a time. By the end of the first lap I was in a comfortable 4th place. All my competitors were waiting for me to attack but the question was when?
In my mind I wanted to get into the woods 1st at the end of the last fire road, not the case. Ryan was attacking me on every fire road preventing my ability to surge around at the end. So I remained patient, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally in lap 4 with about 4.5 miles to go I had moved into 2nd just off of Ryans wheel. We came out of single track to 30 yards of double track and I saw Ryan's right hand start to leave his bar as though he was reaching for a water bottle, and realized now was my time to go.
I stood up and sprinted around Ryan and dove into the woods. I went as hard as possible, pretty much a 4.5 mile time trial. I wound up winning by just over 30 seconds.
That was my first State win in 2 years, I was so freak'n pleased. I think my course knowledge and experience was the key to my success at Oleta.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Gainsville Race Round #4
Alright finally my Gainsville race play by play!
On Saturday I was speaking to a race friend, RW. We were discussing how the race would play out. In a nut shell I said everyone is amped up from a wet nasty Jacksonville, and looking to race hard on the perfect course at Gainsville, BUT, 5 laps of a perfect course with climbing can be deceiving. That 5th lap was going to hurt if you did not pace yourself. Therefore....
I had a great start and went into the woods in 2nd. After a the first long double track I was pushed back into 4th, that was fine with me. The pace on the first lap was to fast for me that early in the game so I decided to sit in on my own and wait for things to come around.
The second, third and fourth laps I saw the leaders in and out of all the rock quarries therefore I new the were not getting away. At the end of the forth lap I really was feeling good and closed the gap to 2nd and 3rd place. As we came through the finish to begin our last lap I made my move to pass them with a statement that I was still strong so don't try to go with me.
This proved to work out because they did not even attempt to hang on to my wheel. The rest of the lap I was gunning for my 3 year rival Ryan "The Man" Woodall. I had him in my sights for most of the lap but could only close a little. We finished seconds apart but I was so pleased to know that he was running hard because he knew I was coming.
In summary the race was a complete success and points are what matter at this time. I will be missing next round at Tampa so I need ever point I can get.
Thank you to all my clinic attendees the success this year is overwhelming.
On Saturday I was speaking to a race friend, RW. We were discussing how the race would play out. In a nut shell I said everyone is amped up from a wet nasty Jacksonville, and looking to race hard on the perfect course at Gainsville, BUT, 5 laps of a perfect course with climbing can be deceiving. That 5th lap was going to hurt if you did not pace yourself. Therefore....
I had a great start and went into the woods in 2nd. After a the first long double track I was pushed back into 4th, that was fine with me. The pace on the first lap was to fast for me that early in the game so I decided to sit in on my own and wait for things to come around.
The second, third and fourth laps I saw the leaders in and out of all the rock quarries therefore I new the were not getting away. At the end of the forth lap I really was feeling good and closed the gap to 2nd and 3rd place. As we came through the finish to begin our last lap I made my move to pass them with a statement that I was still strong so don't try to go with me.
This proved to work out because they did not even attempt to hang on to my wheel. The rest of the lap I was gunning for my 3 year rival Ryan "The Man" Woodall. I had him in my sights for most of the lap but could only close a little. We finished seconds apart but I was so pleased to know that he was running hard because he knew I was coming.
In summary the race was a complete success and points are what matter at this time. I will be missing next round at Tampa so I need ever point I can get.
Thank you to all my clinic attendees the success this year is overwhelming.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Jacksonville Race Round #3
Mud, Sweat, and No Gears. That was the story in a nut shell about Jacksonville. I watched the weather the week before the race and saw that they received 12+ inches of rain. I knew conditions would be tough but I was prepared for the worst.
Practice on Saturday was a joke, the course was under water, 5 laps of this s#*T, Dave was nuts! Well Sunday came and we were the late wave so I thought the early wave would push some of the mud out. Not the case!
On the starting line we were told that the race was reduced by 1 lap. That's fine with me! I was off to a good start and went into the woods in 3rd then made a few mistakes and dropped to 5th. There were 2 sections of the course that were about 40 yards long of 6"-8" of mud, this was so physically draining I can't even describe it. Not to mention these sections were in the beginning and the end of every lap. In the middle of the course was a few water crossings that were not bad at all, except one. This water hole was 10 yards long and thigh deep in the middle. The good thing about it was was you had a chance to clean your body and the bike. By the end of the race I was in 4th and caught 3rd but had nothing to challenge the position due to the fatigue.
My summary: New drive train, New brake pads, New bottom bracket, New headset, New shifter cables, and 3hours of rebuild time. 4th place winnings covers cables. Try to sell someone on why I compete in this sport after weekends like this, that's a tough one.
I had no good pictures to down load so check out Goneriding.com and look up the Jacksonville race photos and you will see the mess that occurred.
Gainsville race story in a few days, the race was awesome!
Practice on Saturday was a joke, the course was under water, 5 laps of this s#*T, Dave was nuts! Well Sunday came and we were the late wave so I thought the early wave would push some of the mud out. Not the case!
On the starting line we were told that the race was reduced by 1 lap. That's fine with me! I was off to a good start and went into the woods in 3rd then made a few mistakes and dropped to 5th. There were 2 sections of the course that were about 40 yards long of 6"-8" of mud, this was so physically draining I can't even describe it. Not to mention these sections were in the beginning and the end of every lap. In the middle of the course was a few water crossings that were not bad at all, except one. This water hole was 10 yards long and thigh deep in the middle. The good thing about it was was you had a chance to clean your body and the bike. By the end of the race I was in 4th and caught 3rd but had nothing to challenge the position due to the fatigue.
My summary: New drive train, New brake pads, New bottom bracket, New headset, New shifter cables, and 3hours of rebuild time. 4th place winnings covers cables. Try to sell someone on why I compete in this sport after weekends like this, that's a tough one.
I had no good pictures to down load so check out Goneriding.com and look up the Jacksonville race photos and you will see the mess that occurred.
Gainsville race story in a few days, the race was awesome!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Reddick Race Round #2
Well the year is under way and I thought I was off to a great start after the time trial and cross country in Tallahassee, NOT THE CASE. The week before the Reddick race I did some great training. That Thursday I did my normal "Dump" ride and I put it all out there. Most of the big hitter roadies were there so I was forced to hang. When the ride was over my legs were throbbing. Friday morning they were sore. I thought I would be OK for the weekend.
Saturday morning came and we were on the road as usual, 5 hours most Saturday mornings, thats a small price to pay to be able to train all year long. My legs were a little sore but nothing more than usual, I thought! We arrived at the track and I suited up, did my practice lap, then my clinic, then a team time trial, then finally off the bike around 6pm. I wound up riding for 3 hours that day, I was tired.
Saturday night I had a great dinner then kicked up the legs and rested. I woke up Sunday morning ready to go. We were the early wave so breakfast was not a concern. The gun went off and we were off. 40 yards into the start Woodall had a flat, one less to be concerned about, Right! Not when its Ryan Woodall!! I was working as hard as always but my body was not clicking. My lap times were good but not where I wanted them to be. I could not get it together, I pressed on as hard as I could and pulled off a 6th. I was not pleased with this finish but overall I'll take the points. After all this is my 10yr anniversary of winning the State. Oh how I would like to do it again. Therefore every point matters.
The course was the most difficult I have raced in Reddick, ever. More climbs, more rocks, more roots, more washout, and more new fresh cut trails.
Bottom line my bike performed my body did not. That's alright next week is Jax.
Saturday morning came and we were on the road as usual, 5 hours most Saturday mornings, thats a small price to pay to be able to train all year long. My legs were a little sore but nothing more than usual, I thought! We arrived at the track and I suited up, did my practice lap, then my clinic, then a team time trial, then finally off the bike around 6pm. I wound up riding for 3 hours that day, I was tired.
Saturday night I had a great dinner then kicked up the legs and rested. I woke up Sunday morning ready to go. We were the early wave so breakfast was not a concern. The gun went off and we were off. 40 yards into the start Woodall had a flat, one less to be concerned about, Right! Not when its Ryan Woodall!! I was working as hard as always but my body was not clicking. My lap times were good but not where I wanted them to be. I could not get it together, I pressed on as hard as I could and pulled off a 6th. I was not pleased with this finish but overall I'll take the points. After all this is my 10yr anniversary of winning the State. Oh how I would like to do it again. Therefore every point matters.
The course was the most difficult I have raced in Reddick, ever. More climbs, more rocks, more roots, more washout, and more new fresh cut trails.
Bottom line my bike performed my body did not. That's alright next week is Jax.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Florida State Championship Series - Round 1
MYSELF AND WOODALL AFTER SUNDAY'S CROSS COUNTRY
Well the 2007 Florida State Series is finally here with the first round being hosted by my old stomping ground Tom Brown Park, Tallahassee. The weather couldn't have been better. Friday it rained with a 40% chance on Saturday that never panned out. The time trial, Saturday at 5, proved to be a real challenge. Based on last year's overall standings, myself, Ryan, Martin and Drew elected to go first. Ryan was the first one out on the course. One minute later, I was chasing him down, which was not an easy task. The course was 4 miles of absolute hell, no recovery and pushing the clock the whole time. All for the chance to get 5 points. Wow, what a lot of work for 5 points! As it turns out, Ryan turned a 17 minute, 16 second lap and I came in at 17 minutes, 34 seconds. Never in my career have I worked so hard for 4 points! I knew trying to match Ryan's pace was going to be difficult, but I was up for the challenge.
Saturday night, had a great dinner, kicked up the legs and tried to relax for Sunday.
Sunday morning, woke up, had breakfast (of champions), headed to the park and prepared for the 11:30 wave. At about 10:30, I was pedaling around and feeling slightly fatigued from Saturday's time trial. 11:30 quickly approached and the race was on! At the start, I missed clipping in and lost 2 or 3 spots. Before the first water crossing, there was a fire road that ended by taking a 180 degree turn. As I was braking to take the corner, I felt like somebody punched my in the lower back and kicked me in the calf. Come to find out the person behind me seemed to forget that the fire road ended and used me as his stopping device. I put this incident behind me and raced on. Going up the first climb, I was in about 9th place. By the end of the first section of single track, I hadn't moved up any spots. But that was about to change. The course opened up to a short section of double track, at which time I choose to accelerate and pass my way up to 4th. Now it was time to race. Woodall was leading, Bounds was in 2nd, Alber was in 3rd and Yates was in 5th. In one of the tight sections of single track , I choose the wrong line and was passed by Yates. Woodall was setting a tough pace on the first lap and I decided I had to settle into my own race. Midway through the 2nd lap, Bounds was on the side of trail with a flat. Which left me in 4th. At the start of the 3rd lap, I started to feel energized and picked up the pace to catch up to Yates. While we were riding together, he made a slight mistake and went over the bars. After making sure he was OK, I began my chase for 2nd place. On the 4th lap, I was still feeling good and received a split from Bounds, who was now in plain clothes, watching the race. He told me that Alber was less than a minute ahead. I continued to push and unfortunately could not catch him, but closed the gap to only 30 seconds.
With the first race behind, I am truly looking forward to the rest of the race season. Having someone as fast and as talented as Woodall to compete against, drives me to train hard in hopes to challenge him each race.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
13 Hours of Santos (Solo)
My lovely wife had the pleasure of adding her artistic touch to my number. Needless to say, she is a cat lover!
1st Place finish in the 13 Hours of Santos, which actually was the 7+ Hours of Santos! Hats off to Drew for setting the awesome 
pace. Race details to come....
pace. Race details to come....
Want To Mountain Bike Like a PRO 2007 - Clinic Flyer
???Want to Mountain Bike Like a PRO, 2007???
www.goneriding.com
Once again another year has gone by and its time for the 2007 Florida State Championship Series and the South Florida Coconut Cup Series. Bob McCarty here - greetings to all. Thank you to everyone who participated in my 2006 clinics. I am back and ready for 2007. I have a new look and a new team for 2007 and 2008(I Hope). I will be riding for Bear Naked Cannondale. Because of the overwhelming response to last year’s clinics I am enlisting semi-pro Drew Edsall to help me this year. Clinics will be open to men and women from beginner to expert, dates and times are listed below. Clinics will consist of basic nutrition, bike setup, and a race lap focusing on climbing, handling, cornering, starts, and much more. Sections of the race course will be critiqued and repeated until everyone FLOWS through it. Reserve your spot today by emailing me at Mccartyrobert@bellsouth.net or Drew at Sponsorhouse.com/members/futbol1521. Below you will see my bio and Drew’s can be viewed online.
Come out, have fun, and learn how the Pro’s do it! Free swag for every person who signs up!
** Sign up: Via email or in person at the blue Bear Naked Cannondale tent 1 hour prior to each clinic. Remember space is limited to the first 20 riders. Riders will meet at the sign up location 10 minutes before clinic begins. Helmets are required!
** Cost: $15 Each Person. Clinic size is limited to 20 riders. Individual sessions are also available.
** Clinic Schedule:
2007 Florida State Championship Series
#1 Tallahassee: Saturday September 15th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#2 Reddick: Saturday September 29th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#3 Jacksonville: Saturday October 6th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#4 Gainesville: Saturday October 20th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#5 Brandon: Saturday October 27th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
#6/#1 North Miami: Saturday November 10th 12:00pm – 2:00pm
#7 Belleview: Saturday November 24th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#8 Reddick: Saturday December 8th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
South Florida Coconut Cup Series
#2 Sunrise: Saturday November 17th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#3 Hialeah: Saturday December 1st 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#4 TBA, #5 TBA, #6 TBA
www.goneriding.com
Once again another year has gone by and its time for the 2007 Florida State Championship Series and the South Florida Coconut Cup Series. Bob McCarty here - greetings to all. Thank you to everyone who participated in my 2006 clinics. I am back and ready for 2007. I have a new look and a new team for 2007 and 2008(I Hope). I will be riding for Bear Naked Cannondale. Because of the overwhelming response to last year’s clinics I am enlisting semi-pro Drew Edsall to help me this year. Clinics will be open to men and women from beginner to expert, dates and times are listed below. Clinics will consist of basic nutrition, bike setup, and a race lap focusing on climbing, handling, cornering, starts, and much more. Sections of the race course will be critiqued and repeated until everyone FLOWS through it. Reserve your spot today by emailing me at Mccartyrobert@bellsouth.net or Drew at Sponsorhouse.com/members/futbol1521. Below you will see my bio and Drew’s can be viewed online.
Come out, have fun, and learn how the Pro’s do it! Free swag for every person who signs up!
** Sign up: Via email or in person at the blue Bear Naked Cannondale tent 1 hour prior to each clinic. Remember space is limited to the first 20 riders. Riders will meet at the sign up location 10 minutes before clinic begins. Helmets are required!
** Cost: $15 Each Person. Clinic size is limited to 20 riders. Individual sessions are also available.
** Clinic Schedule:
2007 Florida State Championship Series
#1 Tallahassee: Saturday September 15th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#2 Reddick: Saturday September 29th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#3 Jacksonville: Saturday October 6th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#4 Gainesville: Saturday October 20th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#5 Brandon: Saturday October 27th 1:00pm – 3:00pm
#6/#1 North Miami: Saturday November 10th 12:00pm – 2:00pm
#7 Belleview: Saturday November 24th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#8 Reddick: Saturday December 8th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
South Florida Coconut Cup Series
#2 Sunrise: Saturday November 17th 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#3 Hialeah: Saturday December 1st 2:00pm – 4:00pm
#4 TBA, #5 TBA, #6 TBA
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