Oh You Fancy Huh-Race Report, Shimano Winter Series 2011 #2
On Sunday the Downhill Dept. of the MtnBikeRiders.com Race Team participated in race #2 of the Shimano Winter Series in the beautiful city of Fontana, Ca.
For some reason I felt fancy this weekend. Rather than sporting my 2011 jersey that looks pretty fly, I opted for my one of a kind MtnBikeRiders.com Tuxedo Jersey.
Wes, RL and Joe (Corey was on the mountain practicing already-that kid is FAST!)
After 4 practice runs, I was race ready on Sunday. I didn’t particularly like this course due to the lack of flow. There were a ton of blown out turns/berms and it was pretty sandy in some sections. Then again, I really shouldn’t be complaining because we’re lucky enough to have a venue to race DH. For me it only a 40 minute drive, others come all the way from Arizona just to race!
I have to note that this weekend was SUPER windy. Fontana had wind gusts that were clocked between 50-60mph! In fact, you can see the wind mess with people since it would blow some riders down.
As usual, they line us up at the top by class and age. One at a time they release us from the gate. Though I am a very competitive guy, I make sure I wish all the other riders in my group the best of luck and to stay safe. For some reason it actually makes me feel better and helps lessen my anxiety level. Cuz’ I ain’t going to lie, I still get nervous when I race.
Donny Jackson, counts me down; 5,4,3,2,1! I take off with ease. The first half of this course is very similar to a path we’ve ridden in the past. I was feeling very confident in my riding as I traverse down the mountain.
By the way, I’m riding the Airborne Taka again. I’m really digging this bike! It performed flawlessly!
When I reach the dreaded wall, which happens to be a 1000ft sprint, I’m almost toast! But I still had a bit left in my legs and I stood up to mash on the pedals for as long as I can and pedaled until I couldn’t give any more.
Photo courtesy of Cleghorn Photography.
With all that racing and fun that I was having, somehow I managed a 5th place! I was pretty stoked about my results because I’m riding against some really fast guys. 5th place earns me a spot next to the podium and a pretty medal.
Photo courtesy of Monique Spaulding.
Here I am with my tux…in downhill mountain biking, its all about looking good…
I’d like to take this time to thank all of our sponsors: Evomo, Ergon, VIP Energy Mix, Dirty Dog MTB, Serfas, and Ice Toolz. But I’d also like to thanks the guys at Airborne Bicycles. They’ve allowed me to use the Taka beyond our testing time period so I could race with it.