Date: May 7, 2000
Event: Fairmount Classic AMBC 2000
Class: OPEN
Category: Pro/Expert
Length: 16+ mi
Time: 1:31:11
Conditions: Sunny & Hot - 90+ degrees
Bike: TREK 9.9
Tires: Bontrager

Did you do anything special to prepare for this race?

I had two Sprites, two Cokes, a Diet coke. I was well hydrated.
Oh, you mean the cross country or the Dirt Crit? For the cross country I just had…whatever I had…I had a lot of fun.

Are you doing many hours?

Probably riding my bike 14 hours a week. Commuting two hours every day. Riding with Thomas Jenkins and the crew.

When did you put the hammer down?

Fourth lap. Eric Keim and I were playing the "I see you" game. I would say, "I see you," and he would say, "I see you, Paul," and then eventually…

Did you feel like you were going to get him?

I thought I was, then at the very end he said, "I see you" and I was like, "Ahhhh," and I knew he couldn't see me anymore. He saw me and passed me. I think I finished in about 1:30.

How did you feel in the dirt crit?

I just realized, if I'm hurting, everybody else is hurting, so that's how racing sometimes works.

What's it like riding with the Harrisonburg posse?

It's awesome. There are some of the best riders in the world.

When's your next race?

I'm not sure. I think we have a Trek race at Avalon coming up.

Was this an important race?

Yes, this was a big one. Did anything unusual happen? No mechanicals. I felt great. I had a great night's sleep last night. Saw Three Kings.

Heat didn't bother you?

No, everybody's got to race in the same conditions.

Did you like the course?

Loved it. I didn't know what it was going to be like. Last week I raced Dragon's Back, which was epic. This was pretty epic stuff too. The course is unique.

Anything different you'd do if you could do it again?

I think I had as much fun as I could. I don't think I would change anything.