Date: September 17, 2000
Event: Terror of Teaberry XC 2000
Class: Senior
Category: Expert / Pro
Length: 23+
Time: 2:16:55
Conditions: Sunny - 70 degrees
Bike: Trek 9.9 with Hayes disk brakes
Tires: Bontrager Jones

Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?

I pre-rode the course 3 days before the race (very important, especially on a point to point race since you can't "learn" the course on the first lap, and it's helpful to know where you are).

In the results you are listed as Chris "QuikFil" Eatough... could you tell us about that?

I guess they are poking fun at my flat tire exploits. I was leading the race about half way through, but I flatted. I didn't realize at the time, but the reason for my flat was a big slice through the sidewall of the tire (I suppose it was cut by one of the many Michaux rocks). I changed the tube, but of course with a sliced sidewall, I flatted again right away. This time, I knew something must be wrong, so I inspected the tire and found the problem. I was carrying a 2nd spare innertube and CO2 (always advisable at Michaux), and also a tire patch (cut up piece of old tire sidewall), so I was able to repair once more and get going again, although this took a while and any chance of winning was now gone. I flatted yet again later, and had to borrow a tube and pump to fix it (making my result "unofficial") so that I could at least keep riding to the finish.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I felt very good for the first hour, but it is difficult to ride in a strong tempo after spending so long fixing flats.

When did you put the hammer down?

On the rocky sections, about 15 minutes into the race, I was getting some gaps on Dave Radziewicz (eventual winner), so I pushed the pace to keep him stretched. I had a lead of around 30 seconds when I flatted.

Chris Eatough at Big Bear
(photo courtesy Sue Haywood)

Did you have any unusual problems?

Carrying all my used up tubes, CO2 cartridges, etc. My pockets were bulging! What part of the course was the most fun for you? The rocky ridge trail, one of the best trails anywhere.

How would you rate the course?

Excellent. I ride the South Mountain area of Michaux often.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, Jess and the guys always put on great races.

If you could do the race again, would you do anything differently?

Check my sidewall after the first flat, but it's something you don't think of when you're hurrying to replace the tube.

The race promoter seems to be very interested in having a real "mountain biker's" mountain bike race series utilizing probably the most challenging single-track on the East Coast (Michaux) next year. Are you excited about this?

Michaux is the ultimate mountain biking area. The more races there the better!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Congratulations to Dave R. on winning 2 Michaux races this year, and to everyone else racing at "The Terror"

Thank you Chris Eatough for the interview!!