Event: Fair Hill

Name: Karen Henry

City: Elizabethtown

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 36

Place: 1st

Category: Expert

CLASS +/or Age group: Women 35+

Team: Team Harrisburg

XC Race Bike: Merlin Extra Fat

Tires: Not sure.

Conditions: Muddy in spots, slick in other areas.

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Mediocre. A group of us had been out west in the Dakotas doing some mountain biking the week before Fair Hill. I think the combination of the heat, lack of sleep and long hours driving took its toll on all of us.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

I was a little further back than I prefer to be at the start of the singletrack.

Were you strong from start to finish?

No. I wrecked shortly after the midway point. I waffled my front wheel and knocked my front end out of alignment. Being the mechanical genius that I am, I didn't know what to do to fix any of it, so I had to just ride the rest of the course.

When did you put the hammer down?

I tried once after Kristine passed Theresa and myself but then I crashed and messed up my bike which put an end to that.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Just what I mentioned above. Right hand turns became quite an adventure.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, very. My hat goes off to the promoters and all the volunteers who put on the race. Thanks for all your hard work!!!

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

Not really-except that I missed Bill sprinting around the course snapping pictures and yelling words of encouragement.

Anything you would like to add?

Just want to say "great job!" once again to the promoters and volunteers at the race.