April 25, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: "Uncle" Don Pagano
City: Carlisle
State/Province: PA
Country: USA
Age: 42
Place: 1st
Category: Sport
Class or Age Group: Vet II
Team: Yellow Breeches Racing
Race Bike: Santa Cruz Blur
Tires: Specialized Roll X with Stan's
Conditions: Raining, muddy, typical Michaux!
Email: hd383@comcast.net
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Better than it has been in a long time. Mike Kuhn educated me on all the
things I've been doing wrong in years past (beer isn't considered proper
carbo loading?!!!), got me onto base training, nutrition, strategy, and
proper rest, and Mark Laser keeps me on track and reminds me that I'm really
a slug on a road bike. He also taught me the value of tempo training.
Were
you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
Not really. I struggled on the hard-road climb at the start, but I knew
that the sloppy conditions would be the equalizer.
Were you strong
from start to finish?
No. Despite a nice warm-up ride with Brett Weiser, my legs felt dead at
the start. Once into the single track things began to click.
When
did you put the hammer down?
I shadowed local fast guy John Bobb for a long time, and we had a fast
pace going through Grave Ridge. I caught him on the downhill section
after Grave and we rode together until about half way to Huckleberry. I got
a second (third?) wind on the second half of the climb, and the rest of the
race was a blur. I felt really strong and rode about as well as I ever
have through My Favorite, Fender, and Shake-n-bake. The Santa Cruz Blur
was spectacular in those conditions.
Did you have any unusual
problems?
Not really. I've suffered a long and disappointing string of flats and
mechanicals, and not having these issues on Sunday was a Godsend. Mud
and grit in my eyes was an issue. Thanks to Greg and the gang at Busheys Cycling
for making sure I had a set of Roll X tires and a rear shock for Sunday.
Were
you happy with the way the race was run?
Yep. Big thanks to all the folks involved. It was nice of y'all to give
us trophies and prizes.
Did you have any interesting experiences
during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Kept getting mud in the same eye. Shifting went to crap after the first half
hour. Wet lycra is a treat. Downhills are more thrilling when you don't
have brakes. Was amazed at the number of people who braved the weather to cheer
for us deliriously tired racers. Special thanks to the YBR folks (Taylor's
mom, Mrs. Laser, Al Padilla, Keith Wickard, etc.) who turned out for support
and bottle hand-ups. John Bobb and I rode together and bullshi***d most
of the race. I didn't have a single flat. I ingested more mud than Extran.
Anything
you would like to add?
Cold beer waiting in the car is excellent motivation. Watch out for "Bling
Bling" Taylor McClain - he's going to be a rocket. Can't wait for Curse
of Dark Hollow. Much respect for the Monster racers and the single speeders.
Go Fish!!!