Event: Iron Hill

Name: George Bressler

City: 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/Kenda

Conditions: Dry

Email: B1benben@CS.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Felt great- been training on the road. I didn't know road riding was so much fun-- too bad roadies are such snobs. I never met a mtn biker I didn't like-- I haven't met a roadie I like yet.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

After an inspired effort thru the prologue I led into the woods.

Were you strong from start to finish?

The first lap was okay- I felt alright but the heat was getting to me a little. The second lap I did a hammergel, picked up the pace & tried to avoid those POINTY LITTLE ROCKS. The third lap I felt like I got shot out of a cannon-- I guess the gel finally kicked in.

When did you put the hammer down?

At the start & the entire third lap.

Did you have any unusual problems?

There was a section of trail that ran near a highway-- I tried to jump a gully in that section (going downhill)& scared the shit out of myself

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

I would give it FOUR stars out of a possible(4).

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

Thank God my buddy was waiting at the finish with a bottle of ice cold water! Drank half- poured half.

Anything you would like to add?

I don't know what it is about Iron Hill that pegs my fun meter like it does- I remember thinking the same thing last year. Easily the most enjoyable race of the series.