Race Report OTH #7, week 1 second set

Fun race last night! Finally not DFL in SS lol

 

Don't blame me for Brownies registration problems!!!

....


I'm sure he'll be rushing to get his last place finish corrected....

 

I've never raced, and in fact, I've only been riding for 3 months now, but I'm really interested in participating in the Beginner class race.
I mostly ride solo, so it would be a pleasant change to see/meet other riders.

Please point me in the right direction. When I hear "race" it can seem intimidating...
I've looked at the FAQ's from OTH homepage, and it seems like anyone can enter? I just need to pay the registration fee, sign waiver and show up that day right?
(Of course, seems wise to get there early enough for registration and pre-race run)

Is there anything I might be missing? Anything I need to prepare for?

 

This was Ashlie's first Over the Hump race, so, of course, she encouraged me to do it. Just a tad out of shape--my training program has consisted of me cheering for her, painting walls, and doing laundry; it was a bit painful. Ashlie had a great time--her training program has been a bit more indepth, though she still needs work on mtb skills. I had to warn her about those guys who race because it's their only form of glory and the importance of holding her line, for everyone's safety. She said she made a point of doing just that, good for everyone (we've all heard stories of the rider who doesn't call out which line he's passing on and the one in front who tries to move in anticipation--resulting in broken parts).

She had a great time and is looking forward to going back. So, I'm sure I will be, too.

As a sidenote, what's with all the women's beginners and so few sports? That girl who took first should upgrade! I hope they don't do series awards for the beginner group; I thought that was supposed to be for racers new to the sport to get their feet wet?!?!?!

 

Haha! Thanks Mike......and thank you Steve for the killer pic, can't wait to see the rest

 

WTH are you talking about Rodger... I wasn't even there last night.

 

That's pretty much it brotha, it appears intimidating at first....key word appears but its a blast. Id write more but I'm late for work, someone else will convince you on it...trust me.

 

Pretty much like you have said. Pay your fee, sign the waiver and show up and race. It can be a bit intimidating but most every one there is friendly and willing to point you in the right direction. I would show up an hour or so early to pre-ride the course so you know what to expect during the race, make sure your bike is in good working order, and most of all have fun!!! It's a blast and a great place to meet new people who are interested in the same thing as you...mountain bikes.

 

My first race since last year, when I showed up to one but got 2 flats on my 2nd lap and then broke a pedal on the beginning of the third lap.

I had a much better experience this time, though. No mech issues! everything else was gravy. I also had the top 2 guys in S3 start passing me (I was S1) right at the last section of the 3rd lap (near the drop in front of the lake). They looked like they were throwing some serious elbows and going at it like the Ben Hur chariot race. Well, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I was certain I was about to see a collision while I tailed them for a few turns.

Happy to not hear of any major injuries, etc.

I forgot about the dust though... debating a Hong Kong style SARS mask for the next race. =P

 

My free pics of the week:

A tribute to anyone wearing Fox gear



Cause I'm sure he was like who is that guy when I told him "put the water down and pedal"



This is one of my favorites



The rest of the pics can be found here: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/18243899_GMRLfg#1403014458_MRCQmbH

 

Sorry I missed it, work got in the way. Will make it out next week for sure.

 

If anyone has any pics of a little girl (okay, not so little in anyone else's eyes) wearing a Simple Green kit with a pink helmet, please let me know. If I don't get one soon, I may use it as an excuse for me to sit on the sidelines.

**I didn't see any in the links posted, except for our posed "glass pic"

 

D'uh we missed you guys? Blake was bugging me to go ring a cowbell...I just wasn't up to racing last night and had to work. Hope Ashley had fun and will come back!

eDIT: Posed glass pic - guess she did great!

 

Are you looking for rider #1154? If so, yes, I got a couple good shots yesterday. I am finished editing my pictures and they are now loading to my website. It will take all night to load so check it out in the morning (Thursday).
Steve

 

Steve I gotta say thanks for that picture! I saw you out of the corner of my eye as I was heading down the hill buried over in the bushes there. I heard a bunch of shutter clicks and knew it was going to be a great shot!

 

Those were not shutter clicks. It was the rattlesnake I was sitting on.

 

haha im not even close to fast. I felt like death out there the entire race, maybe the sprained ankle or that my core temp was crazy high.

 

OK,OK...I was there, I did race Single Speed, and yes... Rodger kicked my as*!

When I pre-entered the series I was listed for Sport 3,... well I switch up classes depending on which bike I ride, but I didn't let scoring know which class I was racing yesterday...that's why on the finish list Rodger looks like he's DFL. He wasn't! I was!

 

My pictures are now posted from Tuesday's race. Here's a link to the photos:
http://www.plsphotography.com/Sport...-7-26-2011/18242884_SfCHvR#1403310951_M63tx6R