Event: Iron Hill

Name: John Fuchs

City: Chester Springs

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 51

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Master II

Team: Wissahickon

XC Race Bike: Gary Fisher Sugar 2

Tires: Hutchinson Pythons

Conditions: dry!!!!! + fast

Email: drmmr9@aol.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

My fitness was OK. I had just returned from a tandem biking trip with my wife (our first, we really had a ball!!). All that riding must have helped my fitness, despite all the pies and ice cream we ate during our travels

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was fourth in a tight fast group.

Were you strong from start to finish?

No, I got tired in the middle of the first lap and tired again during the third lap

When did you put the hammer down?

The last 1/8 mile

Did you have any unusual problems?

No

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, absolutely, excellent as usual.

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

I thought I had a fairly comfortable lead on the last lap when, with about 1/8 mile to go, Rich McCurdy passed me. I was so shocked. I didn't think I would be able to step up my pace but I started peddling harder and managed to retake the lead and hold it to the end. I could hear Rich's bike right behind me the whole way. Very exciting. Rich made it a great race.

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to Don Morrison and everyone involved in putting on this event. The Masters II class is such an awesome, funny, and friendly group of competitors. We have gotten closer with each race. It has been great fun. Finally, unanswered question: will Don Morrison ever finish another race? He's had such bad luck recently, I hope it turns around.