Event: Fell Mountain

Name: John Fuchs

City: Chester Springs

State/Province: PA

Country: Chester

Age: 51

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Masters II 50+

Team: Wissahickon

XC Race Bike: Gary Fisher, Sugar 2

Tires: Hutchinson Pythons

Conditions: hilly, rocky, sometimes muddy

Email: drmmr9@aol.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I felt good, I am getting more riding time between races

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was 3rd and in touch with the leaders.

Were you strong from start to finish?

No, I fell a few times on the first lap, I even fell waiting for the race to start...I felt stronger and more focused on the 2nd (and last) lap.

When did you put the hammer down?

I tried as hard as I could the whole race, I expected Don Morrison to catch me at any moment, I didn't realize that he had flatted (twice on the first lap) and dropped out, so I never felt like I could let up.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Yes, during one fairly rocky slightly down hill section, my left hand somehow slipped off my handlebars. If you would like to duplicate the sensation sometime when you are just cruising, snap your handle bars 90 degrees left and you'll see what I mean. For me, it meant a wild and immediate flight over the front of my bike, not fun.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Absolutely

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

I almost hit a tree at the bottom of one of the very short and very steep down hills and Andy Wulfkuhle who was close behind and about to lap me said "whoa, nice save". I liked that.

Anything you would like to add?

What a great series, it starts with Don Morrison, but it's everyone's contributions; promoters, sponsors, racers, friends, and families and THIS WEB SITE. And one more thing, the Silva's provided me with some excellent support. Thank you all.