Rockhopper Classic '16

[Greg Alsterlind]

This was a late add to the race season- in part - due to the cecelation of the 2016 Tamarancho race. Acme bike team showed up in good numbers ( Jim, Kathy, Stephen, Michael, Dave, Bill, Mark I,Buell, me and Simon) and finished really well. Jenifer was missed but had a great excuse riding the day before in the 8hr. Wente race! I did not preride the course but Buell did and gave Mark I and I tips on some of the faster loose sections. I stayed with my normal set up (Top Fuel- Maxxis Icons) . I lowed my pressure 3 lbs. to 27lbs. To help with grip on the loose stuff. I felt slower and my down hill times showed it but I didn't slip and I think I was the only one in the Cat 1 40+ group that didn't come off the bike? The trail was 75% exposed with a lot of climbing but we lucked out with a nice cool breeze and an early (9am) start. The climbs were fairly short but consistent. The down hill was long - not to steep and fairly fast. Our start was slowed by a horse and rider on the trail about a minute into the race. Once clear, my focus was to stay near Buell for as long as I could, figuring Mark I would be way gone early. I had a back and forth with Brian Berry most of the first lap and we lost big ground to Buell on the down hill. I got around Brian near the bottom and tried to close the gap. I got a fresh bottle from Amy and Kate Benjamin as I headed back up the hill ( big thanks to you both) and a report that Buell was about 30 sec. Ahead. I got through the short climb and steep drop before the dried lake bed near I80 when I finally saw him. I shoved about 3 Clifs shot blocks in my mouth as I headed up the first switch back climb. About half way up I doped my chain. I pulled over and waited a few seconds to let Brian by before I popped it back on and tried to make up the lost ground. Here was my learning lesson of the day. I took off like it was the start of the race and the pace along with the shot blocks I couldn't get down made me feel ill. I backed way off and settled in to an easy tempo until I felt better. By the time I started the second trip down the DH I had passe Brian and was back looking for Buell. I felt better better than expected for my 3rd lap but I could time myself to Buells locations ahead of me and see he was to far ahead. With no one in sight from behind I just focused on picking good lines down the hill. I had a slight panic attack when I remembered I needed wrench to change my front tire and mine was still in the back of my truck - damn- so many things to remember. In the end it all worked out fine. Mark I, Dave, Buell and myself all raced Cat 1 40+ and all finished under 2:30 min. Nice job Boys! Jim, Bill and Kathy each won ! Stephen, Michael and Mark Ingerwersen all got 2nd. Place. Fun day