June 27, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Brad Bugher
City: Newark
State/Province: DE
Country: USA
Age: 43
Place: 1st
Category: Beginner
Class or Age Group: Vet II
Team: Y's Guys
Race Bike: Gary Fisher Sugar 4+
Conditions: Dry and Sunny
How was your fitness level going into this race?
A combination of spinning a few times a week over lunch and one bike ride
a week had me in good condition. This course demands you be in good cardio
shape as there are no hills to catch a brief rest on while coasting down.
Were
you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
I had a poor start and was 3rd entering the singletrack. Despite a recent
tune up my bike would occasionally shift on me.
Were you strong from
start to finish?
Yes, even after warming up the start usually feels like someone dropped
a cinderblock on your chest after the first few minutes. After working
through the first half lap I settled in and just tried to concentrate
on turning the cranks.
When did you put the hammer down?
I usually try to come out hard and then hang on to the lead. I was able
to move from third to first in the first half lap. After passing Tim
Schultz who was first into the singletrack I just focused on passing other
riders as quickly as possible in hopes of opening up a lead.
Did you have
any unusual problems?
A bout with chain suck had me off the bike for a few seconds. After finishing
the race and riding back to change my shirt at the car my front tire
suddenly went flat. It didn't shake me though as the Corona was already cracked
open.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Hats off to D & Q and all who worked on the course. I rode it 10 days before
the race and it was in bad shape, but on race day it was great. The new
trails around the wet spots were a good idea and the optional split in
the trail was a good place to pass anyone who went to the right.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
I liked the spectator with the cow bell near the end of the course. Even
though it was not ringing for you, hearing it at a distance was still motivating.
Anything
you would like to add?
I thought the left fork in the trail was slightly shorter. Be sure to invite
Miss Red Bull back for the Fair Hill Race.