Event: Hibernia Spring Bash

Name: Karl Faruzel

City: Binghamton

State/Province: NY

Country: USA

Age: 46

CLASS +/or Age group: Masters 45+

Category: Expert

Team: Wooden Wheels

XC Race Bike: Specialized FSR XC Pro

Tires: Specialized S-Works Rockster

Conditions: Dry with one muddy section

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I did well at our local time trial the Tuesday before the race. But our weather has been so bad, that riding outdoors has been limited. I was a little unsure of my endurance.

Did you have any problems getting into the singletrack?

I was following Mike Eatough on the first downhill and Mike went down in front of me. I ending hitting him and going down. We both lost a number of places.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I felt good I'd say my third lap was my best. I reeled back the leaders. Then lead for a bit. Then Tim attacked hard on the one climb. I kept my pace with Kurt and he got a bit a bit later on the last lap.

When did you put the hammer down?

At the start. It was a fast first lap. Being my first expert race. I figured I had to keep at the front to see what kind of pace was being set and judge my effort from there.

Did you have any unusual problems?

No, I ran the Specialized tires that came with the bike. They were a little sketchy in some sections. But I don't think any tire would have been much better on the transitions to the gravel roads.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Very happy. Thanks Don for housing me the night before. Everything went well and I saw a lot of happy racers and heard nothing but good from others.

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

I'm riding for Wooden Wheels this year and my new teammates were very supportive. I heard a lot of "Go Wooden Wheels" or go "new guy". That was cool.

Anything you would like to add?

Many thanks to Don Morrison for all his work on this Series. The hardest working guy has to be Bill Deputy, he seemed to be every where on the course. The website is great and I'm sure people appreciate seeing their results and pictures on the site in such a timely fashion. Also thanks to the Wooden Wheels team for picking me up for the team.