April 25, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Ron Huebner
City: Waterford
State/Province: VA
Country: USA
Age: 42
Place: 1st
Category: Expert
Class or Age Group: 40-44
Team: Potomac Velo Club
Race Bike: Specialized S-Works FSR
Tires: Continental Explorers
Conditions: wet, muddy, cool
How was your fitness level going into this race?
I felt pretty good. It's always hard to tell this early when you haven't
been doing a lot of races. This is the kind of course where you can do
well if your fitness is not the best but you have a lot of technical riding
skill to manage the rocks.
Were you happy with your position going
into the singletrack?
I started at the back of the pack and was able to move up pretty far before
we hit the singletrack. Then I fumbled a bit on the first rock section
and quickly lost some ground.
Were you strong from start to finish?
I felt pretty strong all the way. This was my first race on this course
so it was difficult to gauge how hard to go. I was more frustrated towards
the end trying to establish some rhythm on those rock sections.
When
did you put the hammer down?
On the long fire road climb about halfway through the race. It was a relief
to be off the rocks for a little while.
Did you have any unusual
problems?
Well, let's see, I don't know if you'd call them unusual, but there were
many problems: chain sucking, chain skipping off cassette, having to
ride without my (prescription!)glasses on because of the mud flying up.
Were
you happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, it's a great race. The course was well marked and challenging. The
starting and finishing process could be fine tuned. The start was kind
of confusing to the uninitiated.
Did you have any interesting
experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Being my first time up there, the whole race was an interesting experience.
Anything
you would like to add?
Thanks to the race organizers for putting on the race. I'll be back again.