Roktober Challenge

Happening on a last minute impule, I decided to race this weekend. The location would be R.B. Winter State Park in central PA. About 50 racers showd up for the 48 mile race that wound through some very technical trails. I would like to say that the race was rockier than Michaux, but it was just a different kind of rock. At Michaux you have a lot of rocks that are very large... about the size of beach balls and coffee tables. The largest rocks at R.B. Winter are bowling ball size. However at R.B. Winter the rocks are just piled upon one another and are strung out for what seems like hundreds of yards. The result: a riding experience where your feet and shins will get banged up from flying debris as you blast through the rock gardens accompanied by numb hands and aching wrists. Though uncomfortable sounding, the race was tons of fun and had a happy ending. From the start our lead out moto dropped the hammer and disappeared. Being without motors we all had to rely on my teammate, Rob Lichtenwalner's sense of direction to get us to the part of the course that had arrow markings. Once we got there Rob and I left the competition behind on the first climb... out of sight, out of mind. After not riding together all season, we took the time to enjoy the ride, the scenery, and each others company for the race, but were careful not to let anybody get too close to us. After 4:10:00 into the ride, I decided it was time to race. I was hurting in early parts of the ride, so I needed to test Rob and see how much he was hurting. So I put an effort into the last fireroad climb and saw Rob working really hard, so I slowed it down until finally attacking on the last section of technical singletrack. I rode away for the win, then waited for Rob to come in to get cleaned up and enjoy the post ride buffet. This seemed like a good tune up for the final Michaux race of the year this coming weekend. I can't wait... Due to Chris Eatough and Harlan Price putting in some sick times in the first two races, it looks like I will be racing for 3rd for the overall series standings against local hero Mike Keefer. However, don't count me out for the win for the race. Ride on.