Date: March 12, 2000
Event: Spring Series #1 AMBC/Gainesville, FL
Class: Master 50+
Category: Beginner
Length: 10 mi
Time: :55:07 / 10.88
Conditions: Sunny - 60 to 70 degrees
Bike: Cannondale Super V Raven
Tires: Front: Continental   Rear: Continental

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

Trained my little rear off. Constantly RIDE. Probably ride 100 - 125 miles a week right now. That will probably increase as the season goes on.

In the last two months how many hours a week have you trained on average?

Probably 8 hours a week and that will get stepped up probably by at least 10% per week out through the season until we get up to max.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I was very consistent. Both laps were 27 minute laps. A little bit over It went well. I don't think I was quite all out - I could have had a little bit higher average heart rate.

When did you put the hammer down?

I went into the hole shot second place - went across the back - went through one technical section and then passed the lead guy. After that it was go as hard as I could for the rest of the race.

Did you have any unusual problems with the race?

One guy crashed right in front of me and then I crashed. I didn't want to run over him, although tread marks are cool!

How do you rate the course?

This course was in excellent shape. The rain last night killed the dust and packed in the berms a little bit better so you didn't wash out. It's a very fun course, the rock climb where you go up the granite is a pain, but...that's the name of the game.

Yes. GoneRiding does an excellent job on running their series. I did both their series last year and they are very consistent. Very consistent.

What was your prize for first place?

First place prize was the medal, T-shirt and a bottle of champagne and a bag of goodies from University Bicycle Center that sponsored this particular race.

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

I might put a little bit faster semi-slick tire on. It would be a little bit lighter. Other than that I'd probably try to go a little bit harder and get the average heart rate up into the 160s where it typically is when I race.

Is there anything you would like to add?

It's a lot of fun. If you haven't tried it DO IT!! It'll eat you alive, you'll love it, you'll become obsessed, it's great!