2010 Over The Hump Series (Merged threads)

[davidB]

Thanks to Jordan, Dino, and Eric for the words of encouragement on the race course tonight! I put on my best result yet (3rd! Sport 1) thanks to the pressure those guys put on me. I think I had one of the 5 fastest times in all of the Sport classes tonight.

I've been getting faster throughout the series, and i'm so relieved to have finally put out a good race and finish well. I still think I'm slow so I've still got some work to do. I'm quite happy doing whatever the hell I'm doing that seems to be working, especially with some races coming up that I really want to do well at (Triple Crown Series).



Last year the OTH races, all 2 of them, were sold out. It was a cool vibe they had going but you could tell things were just starting to take off. This year they've got their stuff down. I've always thought this venue was the best place possible for anyone who wants to race beginner but these guys that run OTH really make it seem true. I also find it amazing they can get so many sponsors out there on a Tuesday night. This is a better ran race than some of the races that have been going on for years.

Racing at the front of S1, I don't have any of the same complaints mentioned in the last few posts. Anytime I come up on a group of slower riders, it's no big deal. I find a simple "thank you" seems to go a long way when passing someone. Heck, by the time I end up catching a lot of the Beginner's (and holey moley are there a lot of them) it's almost welcomed, as that means the race is almost over for me!

My only complaint (and it was only an issue tonight for me) was the uncertainty of the actual Finish line. I saw that guy crash into the stump/bar after the finish sign, and a couple others had mishaps coming in too fast. I saw some people call it quits at the Finish sign, while others did so at the finish table around the corner. Some people got passed in the short section between the two. A little clarity on this is needed.

p.s. anyone else get a song stuck in their head while racing?


edit: thanks to Jordan for this pic of my ass!

[socalchef]

I actually got quite a few thanks for moving over and giving them more room.

I forget to mention this, but yeah, I get more thanks then bumps usually, so cheers to those guys and gals!

[SamKT]

This was an awesome series, I have met a ton a great people over these 12 races and appreciate the enthusiasm that everyone brings. Sam, you totally deserve the special recognition given to you, it was good chatting with you on our prerides. I'm thankful for the series organizers, sponsors, and ALL CLASSES that participated. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.

It was good chatting with you as well. I also felt I met a lot of great people and hope to see familiar faces on the trails or at other events. It was great witnessing (and receiving) encouragement while people were passing others. I wish I could have done more of it myself, but I was typically out of breath. I'm still in awe of the recognition I got. I know a lot of people came and put out a lot of effort each week. I wouldn't be the rider I am today without this series. It made me push myself harder than I ever had on the bike, and made me happy to be pushing that hard! I'm definitely back next year.

Sorry to the person whose rear tire I clipped in the west side singletrack. You were nice enough to find a spot to move over after I asked to pass, but I misheard you. When you told me which side you were moving to, I thought you were telling me which side to pass on (or maybe vice versa - I just know I messed up). After that mishap, I decided I wouldn't try to pass any riders on the singletracks unless I knew I had more than enough room before calling out. It cost me some time just cruising behind people occassionally, but this being the last race of the series, I didn't want to ruin it for anyone with another screw up like that.

[mtnbikej]

My only complaint (and it was only an issue tonight for me) was the uncertainty of the actual Finish line. I saw that guy crash into the stump/bar after the finish sign, and a couple others had mishaps coming in too fast. I saw some people call it quits at the Finish sign, while others did so at the finish table around the corner. Some people got passed in the short section between the two. A little clarity on this is needed.


/IMG]

The finish line instructions were given out at the beginning of each race......usually every 2 classes. Everyone was told that they were to keep thier finishing position in the finish chute until you passed the timing table.

Based on the pure number people that raced this season, 99.9% of the racers were able to figure out/ listen to instructions on how the finish was set up.

Thanks for coming out.

[MnMDan]

Great series...the B classes are where you learn, and the distance/climbing/terrain isn't as intimidating as on some of the weekend races. Yeah, there's a bunch of people who aren't used to pack riding (the start) and crowded trails, and the per-race payoff isn't was it is on the weekend, but you get used to it, get quicker, learn when/how to pass and be passed, and how to ignore the d-bags. You'll also (if you're racing right) be a better weekend rider on the trails with better awareness of those around you, faster and slower. The only way to solve the overcrowding is to cap the entries, but I don't think anyone would agree that's the way to go...the vibe is so much better with that many people riding and the fans that come along for support along the course.

Once you get bitten by the bug and get quick, you find yourself wanting to move up to the S-Class to get that additional lap. Besides, there's fewer of us (S-2 averaged about 30 riders per week, so even when we started with S-1, it wasn't too bad).

Overall, great work on the series, thanks to the bike shop and local business support, and for organizing the zoo once a week.

I can't wait for next year (and that rumored fall race).

Kudos to Sam and enjoy the wheelset!

[CPATCRASH]

There are people who have never raced before and those with experience. It can be very intimidating riding with that many people around you. I raced motorcycles for many years and sometimes you get bumped, cut off or worse. You either have to suck it up and deal with it or just get angry and give up. Racing isn't for everyone.

[ezzyride]

Elvia, I think i am going, I can bring my tracer if she really wants to race.

Mark thanks for taking the Tracer for Julia and then she end's up on the Santa Cruz.

Julia had a great time and is now asking for road rides and climbing. It was fun watching her try XC racing. I think I enjoyed this event so much because everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Congrats to all the racers out yesterday!

-Elvia

[1X9er]

My first race! Ran in B4, got a 51:24 and wasn't last (21st actually, but at least I beat the one guy I followed around for almost 2 laps!)! If I can shave 10 minutes off my time I can win! Good to see some buddies I used to work with at American Honda, Chuck M. and Jon S. who got second and eighth, I guess with a few Baja wins and some National Enduro experience you can transfer it to MTBs! I had no trouble with other riders on the course, I let the fast guys by when I could and got a lot of "good job" and "keep goings" from them. I had some left at the end, so I probably should have pushed a little harder, but now I know.

Of course the big news is that Ryan, my 5-year old son (who some of you have seen on the STR and Toad kids rides) got the hole shot and ran away with the victory in the kids race on his skinny-tired (one-inch wide!), single-speed BMX bike beating 33 other kids!!! Of course a lot of kids were just out for a fun ride, but still!

Great to see the STR folks out there and I shouted out to them and got some encouragement, hopefully they got some photos of me (#521).

[CPATCRASH]

She did have a big smile on her face! Great job!

Mark thanks for taking the Tracer for Julia and then she end's up on the Santa Cruz.

Julia had a great time and is now asking for road rides and climbing. It was fun watching her try XC racing. I think I enjoyed this event so much because everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Congrats to all the racers out yesterday!

-Elvia

[denmother]

Wow, that was interesting. I went did a pre lap with DB and though the course was fun, but knew it was going to be ugly if you got stuck behind people who are not very skilled on a bike but can climb fast.

So I didnt know they were lining up and I start at back of pack. I pass some people going to first climb and then it all went south. I had on dude who was in such a hurry to pass people on he climb( with little to no room to pass) run into me. Then going into the first steeper DH part I get hit again, when I slowed up for all the people I didnt want to run over, then at the end of that section another person runs into me. At this point I was a little pissed, none knocked me down or anything but it was crazy to see how little skill, care for other etc... some of the people around me had. Then right at the split it a major bottle neck and no where to go, well unless you a ahole in orange jersey and white knee brace then you just try to blast up the middle of all the people, but my front wheel kinda got in the way( hope you earned that big paycheck for winning , oh wait you had a "B" on your leg). At that point I was DONE, I cruised the rest of the section back to the road and called it. I had no desire to be taken out by an idiot (an there were MANY) trying to get a top 40 finish in Beginner class. I saw to many people who really had no business trying to ride that course at the speed they were trying. Maybe had I know to line up early (I knew I wanted to be towards front on the climb but that didnt work starting at the very back) things may had been different but I think that will be my first and only race there. I will stick to the safer races, like DH, 4x and BMX.

I think that the races success is its biggest failure, there was to many people who have no respect for there fellow racers, after seeing dumb moves while out there and then a few more at the finish line that was very obvious. Plus there is way to big of a gap in skill levels in the beginner class, they really need a 4th class for those who are not out for hardcore race or don't have the skills to race the whole course. That would make it better for those who will make it safer with those do anything to win (or get do anything to get top 20) Beginner class racers.

Sorry you didn't have much fun, maybe you are not meant to race???

[pinnacle10]

Of course the big news is that Ryan, my 5-year old son (who some of you have seen on the STR and Toad kids rides) got the hole shot and ran away with the victory in the kids race on his skinny-tired (one-inch wide!), single-speed BMX bike beating 33 other kids!!! Of course a lot of kids were just out for a fun ride, but still!

I think I saw your son. Was it an Intense he was riding? He was really moving. Looked like he maybe could have gotten under 51 minutes in the beginner 2 lap race!

[ransom]

Here are a few photos from the season final from the OTH race series. If you see a picture you like and you'd like to have a copy of the orginal. Send me a message with your email address and I'll send you the file.

Thanks to Matt and John for putting on a great race series. I heard allot of positive feed back. Can't wait til next year...

http://picasaweb.google.com/frnkvill...Inrudf1iNjGlwE#

Frank

[HighRevPhoto]

Well I entered my first ever mountain bike race last night and had a lot of fun. Thanks to Matt and the whole OTH crew for putting on the races for us. Whether we are racing, taking photos, or spectating I know everyone involved has a great time. A few friends and coworkers raced with me as well last night and they all mentioned how well ran and organized it all was.

My goals for the race were:

1. Not get passed by the leaders - Sid passed me before the final single track on my FIRST lap.
2. Not get last place - got 49th out of 66.
3. Finish in under and hour - Finished in 55mins.
4. Have Jordan take sexy photos of me - accomplished.

I knew goal #1 wasn't going to be accomplished when a few juniors passed me on the second climb on my first lap . I think OTH should start drug testing as those 11 year olds must be doping to pass me like i was standing still lol.

Didn't have any problems all race with other riders, everyone who passed me was polite and gave me plenty of notice. No one tried to pass in spots where it was too tight. The lead group would give plenty of notice before they were right behind you so you would have time to find a spot to let them by. Also thanks to all the faster guys who gave encouragement as they would pass by.

Last night was also my wife and I's two year anniversary, she signed me up for this race as a fathers day gift earlier in the year. It was nice to be around such a positive atmosphere for our special day and thanks to Matt for giving us a shout out. What started out a few weeks ago with me entering my first race, it turned into my brother, his roommate, and 5 co-workers entering as well (if you saw a guy wearing a hockey helmet he was with us lol). We all had a great time and are looking forward to next year.

Thanks again to OTH for putting on this race, I've had a great time at all the races I photographed, and had even more fun last night getting to race with all of you. I think next year I may race every other one and shoot the others so we'll see!

Thanks to Jordan for making me look intense. I plan on cropping out your watermark and making prints on my own

[stevers]

Steve it was great getting to meet you out there. I hope we can meet up and push each other up Mustard sometime I saw you drop your chain on that first hill and was bummed! I feel your pain with the crazy passes sometimes, the first race after the break was the worst that I saw. There were tons of people tonight, pretty crazy out there, but where I was riding it seemed to calm down just a bit over time, especially those who were out for their first time and blew up on the first lap, like my first race Starting B1 separate from B2 seemed to help a little, and I agree with above that I don't think everyone understood the whole finish line thing.

I didn't hit my 45 minute goal this week, lost a chain and mentally wasn't prepared anyways, was coming up with excuses while I rode. That's not how you do it! Finished right at halfway in my group, under my original 50 minute goal, so that's ok. I'll get it next year.

A buddy of mine went OTB on the back side tonight and ended up with a sling and a ride to the ER, fortunately nothing broken, just some ligaments that hold his collarbone in place were knocked loose. The unfortunate part is he'll keep that sling for 4-6 weeks :O He's in great shape so that should help his recovery and I'm sure helped limit some of the damage.

Great job everyone, thanks for the support and tips and camaraderie. This has been a great experience for me.

Adam

I don't want to sound like I'm complaining too much. It was definitely a great experience. Every week I looked out for you (and a few others!) as a pacer. It's like a real-life version of the virtual training partner on the garmin! We had our little competition going through the whole series. Between just us, I won race #2, you took #3 and 4, I took #6 and #7, and then you decided to get all crazy and win the next 4. Healthy competition, met some awesome riders, and had a blast. Kinda sad that you'll be in B2 next year.

Sorry to hear about your buddy. My friend went OTB, too, but he wasn't seriously injured. I think the course is fantastic, but it's not as beginner friendly as I would have thought. Two or three steep dropoffs always make me nervous (especially after my crash week in week 6). Like someone said to me on cactus @ whiting, if you're not falling, you're not trying

[TREE]

I did not race last night due to work obligations but I too have had similar instances with some knuckleheads out on the track. One guy even bumped me and sent me OTB then kept on without even looking back. That motivated me to get back on the bike the following week and do it again. That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Congrats to all that raced and had fun, improved your times, reached personal goals and to all those that just got out on the track and gave it a shot. Takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and all that participated should be celebrated.

[Dino Brown]

The Good
-My favorite race to date!
-Great vibe. Everyone was happy. Awesome weather.
-At least a dozen (STR) first timers raced on Tuesday
-Could not believe how many spouses attended the event... heart warming!
-The OTH promoters (and volunteers)... Second to NONE!!!
-Hung out with my Hero (Marshall Willanholly)
-I absolutely love playing the role of... STR cheerleader!
-As each friend passed me by, I took a stroll down memory lane
(i.e. when I met them, how far they have come, shared memories etc.)


The Bad
-I tried a new "first lap" picture spot... Total disaster!
End result: Dozens of throw away pics (had to walk a great distance for second lap pics)
-Did I mention that I was very disappointed with this weeks pictures?
-I can't believe it's over!
-The injured riders bummed me out
-I don't wanna wait 8 months to do this again
-Someone accidentally walked away with (2) of my Verizon helmet bags

The Ugly
I forgot my bell at home!

My buddy Eric W
Finally got to meet his wife... Very glad that I did!


If this picture doesn't bring a smile to your face...


Rumpled
A thumb injury caused him to miss the entire series
Decided to race the season finale (without doctor's permission)


The Future




Hotchkiss and AJ923


If you want to know what OTH is all about, hang out at the starting line!
Smiles... Friends talking.. Racers introducing newly made friends to old friends... Awesome!


D'man


Jojon
Having way too much fun...


Xhuskr
First race... No doubt we will see him again


Randy
Proud of you... Huge improvements every week
(He's a BMX racer not a XC racer)


Sweetpea
Beautiful person... Beautiful smile...


Davidb
THIRD PLACE.... Aaaah yeah!!!


MnMDan


Dislocated1
If a guy wearing an orange jersey and shower curtain shorts can do it.. So can you!


Jojon passed the two riders behind him like they were standing still


Socalchef
Didn't recognize him without the "cactus" jersey (he crashed into cactus last week)


Hotchkiss


I've said it before...
Dirtsnack CLIMBS as fast (if not faster than) the pro's!


This dude was crushing it on his vintage race bike


EricW
My grandma took this picture
She lapped him- Stopped to take his picture- Made a 12 minute phone call- Lapped him again!


The father of these two kids may (very well) be the luckiest man I know


An Arrogant Bastard drinking an... Arrogant Bastard!


Xhuskr
First race... First mug... He was beyond happy!
Memorable moment #79: Kevin dialed a number... Said hello to the person on the other end..
Told them he had finished the race... He then informed them he had won "the mug"... Awesome!


Jojon... Quickly becoming a MUG collector!


Hotchkiss made it quite clear: "The only reason I am racing is to win a mug"
Mission Accomplished!


Kevin, his buddy (first timer, forgot name) and.. a model


The Queen
First Place Overall... Without a doubt, the most well deserved trophy of the entire series!


Don't know who was happier...
Sam for winning a wheelset or the guy holding his 1st Place trophy


To be continued...

[xhuskr]

I had a great time last nite...no big complaints, but an apology. I ended up rubbing the rear tire of a rider on the chunky paved first climb...I hit a pot hole and my line put me right on your tire...choices were ride it out or try and slow/stop and get run over....sorry On a bright side when I was in the s/t a rider in front told me to pass, but I said thnx for the offer but it's so tight, it's not worth the risk of ruining both our rides...I can wait... He thanked me and we pushed forward until there was plenty of room.
I was so beat/exhausted and pumped up at the same time when I finished. I am not a sprinter by any means, but was VERY pleased with my 46:16 time and the last person in B3 to get an award glass! woohoo..more pint glasses (wife not pleased).
Thank you everyone for making it a great event. Team Crash had 6+ people in the crowd and with my friends (and future friends) cheering us on...what a night. Yes Dino..I may be back...gotta train more/some.

[stevers]

Big thanks to Dino, the resident STR cheerleader! I couldn't hang out after the race, but it's awesome to see you out there.

[1X9er]

Yes that was him!!! Yes I think the "crossover point" to him beating me is going to come much too soon!

[Fullerton Mike]

Dino get time for sure. I must say when GOD made Dino he broke the mold, Not too many guys like you.. You are a goooooood guy and your support for the sport is second no NONE! you rock! thanks for all your support and efforts you put into the events and photos etc, My wife said you are a great guy!