Racing at home and getting pumped by the hometown crowd

Woooo weeeee! What a race I had Sunday. It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had racing and probably my best performance ever as well. The Bikechain.com crew was in full effect with a huge support team. Good memories were made.

Lap 1
I wanted a good start so I could exploit the speed of the Cadillac trail but I didn’t expect to get the holeshot. There was a weird lull in the pedaling just before the first corner but I kept cranking and there I was. Shawn found my wheel pretty quick and I kept the pace high enough on the way out that nobody passed but not so high I blew my wad. At the turnaround Shawn and I had maybe a 5 second gap. I pushed my tires hard and we stretched that out to maybe 15 or 20 at the bridge. I led to the first grassy hill where Shawn took over. He toned down the pace a bit which was probably a good thing. Even this early in the race he implies that it is going to be a race between the two of us and that nobody will bridge up. He led it to the end of the lap.

Lap 2
We’re already catching riders from Pro/EX 19-29. Shawn leads all of Cadillac and I come by after the bridge. I dab on the tricky rooty uphill and then get knocked to the ground by the almost last place EX19-29 guy. That was unnecessary. When we get to the hills I try to keep the pace high, hoping I can wear Shawn down. He is a big strong guy and I don’t want it to be decided at the line. We chit chat a little about his competition in the series and why I don’t do the whole series. I throw down some surges on the hills but I get no separation. After the second time through the start finish Shawn comments on the loud and rowdy BC crew and I replied, “You’re playin’ the home team baby!”.

Photo by John Kalin.

Lap 3
Now we’re starting to get down to business. The first hard attack comes after I dab again (dagnabbit) on the little rooty uphill. Shaw throws down pretty hard and gets a good gap. I come around the corner at the bottom of the first big hill and see him standing on the pedals digging. I know he means business because he hasn’t stood on the pedals all race. I chase down through the gun range and up the oak tree climb finally catching him at the top. I go right around him and throw down a surge hoping he has over committed on his attack. I push hard up the weems singletrack hoping for a gap that never comes.

Lap 4
This is my last chance for a gap. I ride hard through the start finish and turn down a feed. I must get a gap. When we get to the hills I push very hard… but he holds. A lapped rider incident allows him to get the lead before we enter the final bit of singletrack. We’re even as we enter the BMX track but he exits first. I am on his wheel around the last corner but he is to strong and I cannot come around… even with my tongue out. Shawn wins by a bike length.

Second again. We bump knuckles and agree it was an epic race. How can I be unhappy? My form was blowing my mind, my time was 3rd fastest of the day and the course was as fast and fun as it’s ever been. That’s 100% fun.

It was awesome having all the support around the course especially through the start finish. The BC crew was one raucous bunch. It was incredible to get that pump every lap. Thanks to everyone who hollered at me. Especially Kent and Mark for making the party happen. Racing is always fun but it’s more fun with a party.