sea otter classic 2011

[shiloh]

I've had a number of people tell me they don't race Sea Otter because its not a "real MTB course."  Its true, the riding is not very technical, Its an expensive race to attend, they don't provide as much for the athletes as some smaller local races.  But it's 40 miles and it offers the toughest competition I've found this close to home. 

      After my Eldridge time trail and NVDC I knew I was in the same shape I have been in the last 2 years. So I was expecting a top ten finish. Right out of the start gate I gave it a few hard punches to set my pace.  I quickly noticed that everyone else dropped in behind me. Aw crap, I thought, theses guys are going to sit on my wheel till the first climb then they will blow right by me. I slowed my pace a bit to see if anyone wanted to take a pull but no dice. Sure enough as soon as we started climbing out off the pavement about fifteen guys attacked and blew right by me.  Things spread out pretty quickly down the first fire road decent.  It was back and forth between me and a hand full of other dudes for most of the first lap. By the time i came around for the second lap my legs were beginning to feel a bit rubbery and I had completely lost track of what my position was. my best guess was somewhere between ninth and fifteenth. I was eating and drinking well and had no fears of dehydrating. thankfully the weather was about as good as I could ask for.  I got a feel for how well I was doing when Dario passed me, about two thirds of way through the second lap.  This is the second year in a row he has done that to me and I think I should make it a goal to not let it happen again.  So I finished the race in eighth place in about three hours seven minutes, the longest XC race I have ever done. I am happy with my results but feel I should try and improve for next year.  I love to break out of top ten and into the top five for the Otter next year.

[Jim Hewett]

Good job, Shiloh!  With some focus, I see you in the top 5 next year.