Date: May 19, 2000
Event: Chevy Trucks NORBA NCS#1 - Big Bear
Class: OPEN
Category: Pro
Length: Two laps - 17 miles
Time: 1:36:15
Bike: Trek 9.9
Tires: Bontrager: Front-Jones Rear-super X

                 (Pictures from Fairmount AMBC - Phila., Pa)

Did you do anything special for this race?

Yes. A couple of things. There were a couple key workouts that simulated the big bear climb. It was 27 minute climb done 3 times in a row on a road bike. Also tapering off so that I would have fresh legs. Hydration is super important at altitude, so I drank a lot of water.

The race was on Friday....... when did you get into town to start your "altitude training?"

I arrived on Tuesday around noon and just went for easy rides all week, riding the course only 3 times.

What was your position at the starting line?

I got called up around 15th because that was my finish in the series last year. I was in the second row on the far right side. Position didn't matter at all at this race because there was 1.5 miles on a flat road before the singletrack.

Does the rush of an big event like this make you stronger during the race?

I like the "big" races a lot. It is exciting because they call you up and there are a couple of people actually watching the race. It is an adrenaline rush when you start passing big names like Shari Kain, Willow and Carmen Richardson. Honestly, I was super relaxed at the start of this race and I took that as a good sign. I get nervous when I have doubts about my ability.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I had a great start and decided to lead the race for about 1 minute. The start was very slow and I thought that I could get on TV if I lead the race. Of course everyone started jumping to get to the single track and I got passed by a lot of girls then. I got stronger as the race progressed.

When did you put the hammer down?

My second lap was actually faster than my first. I passed four girls on the long climb on the second lap. If the race had been longer...I might have been on the podium.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Yes, I got passed on the downhill moving me back into 11th place. I'm not too good on those super fast loose downhills, with tricky turns.

How would you rate the course?

The course is stale. They have used the same course for about the last 12 years in a row. It is just fire roads, nothing too special, but it is decent. This year I just accepted the course and tried to do my best on it and I can say that I liked it. Obviously the course was way too short. When the winner of the race finishes in 1:29 that is not a worthy NCS course. Also, the finish didn't allow for any passing and didn't allow for a sprint finish. You can see from 5th place to 12th we were all in the same minute. That seems a little strange to me.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Sure. The race almost didn't happen because of problems with Fish and Wildlife Regulations, so I know the promoters worked very hard to make it happen, so I really appreciate their efforts.

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

I would use less brakes on the downhill and maybe be on the edge a little more on the downhill instead of being a hair conservative.

Do you think that the 10 women in front of you could have beaten you if the race were held on the 10th and Final Michaux course (in Pennsylvania) where you took 1st Place earlier this year?

I guess we'll never know. But to give those girls credit, the top riders are the top riders no matter what the course.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I encourage everyone to go to Mt.Snow so, we have a great eastern turnout and they will make more NCS races on the east.

Thank You Sue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!