Event: Hershey Race for Chocolate

Name: George Bressler

City: People's Republic of Etters

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 46

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Master One

Team: Cycle Works

XC Race Bike: Cannondale Scalpel

Tires: Michelin Wildgripper Comp S Tubeless

Conditions: Cold, rainy & very muddy

Email: B1benben@CS.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Very good; my job keeps me in great shape, plus I ride w/ some very strong riders. The guy I usually ride with Fridays is unreal. (a singlespeeder).

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Not particularly, I was next to last. After my chain fiasco on the field climb (right after the start) I was happy to just GET to the singletrack.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I'd say so. My third lap was my best.

When did you put the hammer down?

During the third lap. The track was drying out (sort of) & I was having fun. This mud was much harder to ride than Blue Marsh; The first two laps really sucked. At least I didn't get mud in my eyes this time-- after BM I had to go to the eye doctor.

Did you have any unusual problems?

I warmed up on the road in the big ring & went to the line without realizing I was still in BR. I was leading up the field climb when some varmit tried to snake me on the inside. I downshifted & accidently went big-big. The pedals locked up tight & I had to stop & drop the wheel to get enough slack to shift. Meanwhile the ENTIRE group passed me laughing their asses off. It was a rookie mistake-- my chain was about two links too short-to improve shifting-- sometimes you just do the dumbest shit. After that everything went fine-- I did go over the bars a few times though.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes I was. It must have been a tough call for Dave Henry to make with the forecast but I thought everything went great. At least they canned that mass start from last year. I heard they were pulling sports off the course after two laps--Hmmm- I'm glad they did'nt pull me. I would've been bummed.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

It was great hearing Maple the dog barking for me!!

Anything you would like to add?

If Team HBG needs any help raking trails/ fixing DMG I will try to get some of my club members (YAMBA) to help out-- let me know. I'd also like to thank Bushey's Cycling & Fitness in Lemoyne PA for taking GREAT care of me & my (incredible) bike. You guys are the GREATEST!!! Thanks also to Team HBG for a great race & of course DON & BILL for all their hard work.