Napa Valley Dirt Classic 2016

[Dave Benjamin]

  Continuing my season of trying to race into shape, I convinced myself to head up to Angwin for the NVDC.   It had rained the day and evening before and a light rain was falling as I pulled into the parking lot next to teammates Greg Alsterlind and Mark Buell.  Team Acme Bikes was out in force with approximately 9 riders.  

   The start was uneventful and I seemed to be mid pack at the mud hill run up.  Once on the fireroad along the airport I could see Greg up ahead and used every wheel I could find to pull myself up to him.  Of course the catch happened right before the first descent and that was as close as I would get.  I was fortunate to have a free run or at least equal ability riders in front through the single track.  The fast, muddy descents were no bueno for me as self preservation mode kicked in a few times, letting faster riders pass.  I probably lost a couple minutes through the sketch (for me) mud sections.  I was actually looking forward to the long climb out.  As I hit the climb I was able to pass four or five riders of mixed categories.  Coming out of the climb into the meadow I saw Roaring Mouse rider Shannon Lee about 100 yards ahead. I was able to catch and pass him in the vineyard above the finish area.  Noting we were in the same category, I was stoked to have passed and opened a gap.  But just before coming out onto the track I got a glimpse of Shannon closing fast.  I hit the track and heard Greg and Mark cheering for me.  I red lined it around the track keeping Shannon from getting on my wheel.  I finished 10th in the CAT 1 45-54, not great but felt good I was able to pass 3 riders from my category in the last mile.  

   Congrats to all the Acme riders on a great race.