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.
Monday, October 29, 2007
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.
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