Rockhopper classic

[Bill Surges]

The Acme Bikes team showed up in full force on this cooler June 5 morning. It was good to meet up with most of the team, I recall 9 teammates and Simon in support. The race organizer gave us recognition after the race for a large Acme turnout. The race was slowed after the start due to two equestrians being chased down by the oncoming riders. The course was then free and clear and the pace picked up. Jim and Stephen were out in the lead and I settled in near the lead group. I haven't raced the single speed in five years and have only ran a 2:1 gear ratio, so I knew it would be hard work, and I used to thrive in these conditions. The lead riders began to pull away after the second and longer single track climb. Mark was just ahead of me and stayed just ahead for the duration of most of the race. The fire road sections proved to be the most difficult sections of the course for me due to traction, which is always challenging on the s.s.. As we approached the top of the climb, I knew I wasn't going to push it on the 3+ mile fun descent. I first rode here in 1989 and knew the trail well, but I also knew one crash would disrupt any chance of being consistent each lap. I tried to race all 3 laps consistently and proved successful at that. Laps 2+3 I rode just behind Mark, until he washed out on the last descent. I could see nobody was near me , so the last 2 miles I was home free. I finished pretty far ahead of the next single speed, but Mark wasn't far behind. Greg and Mark B. Placed well a few minutes back and Jim was 1st with Stephen in 3rd. All in all everyone on the team represented well and I was glad to meet some members. Until next time, I look forward to some more races this year.