Event: Hibernia Spring Bash

Name: John Keller

City: Ellicott City

State/Province: Maryland

Country: USA

Age: 39

CLASS +/or Age group: 40+

Category: Expert

Team: Sun & Ski Sports/Gary Fisher

XC Race Bike: Gary Fisher Big Sur

Tires: IRC MythosXC 1.95

Conditions: dry & fast

Email: jkeller@fidelisrealty.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

I felt pretty good. I have been trying to ride more in the last couple of weeks, but you never know until you race where your fitness level is, especially this early in the season.

Did you have any problems getting into the singletrack?

Yes. I just wanted to keep the lead guys in sight.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Yes, but there were a lot of places you could recover and no killer hills to suck your strength.

When did you put the hammer down?

I don't know about the "hammer" part, but it wasn't until 3/4 of the last lap that I was able to pass the leader and (because he was right on me) I pushed it as hard as I could to the finish.

Did you have any unusual problems?

In the 3rd lap I dropped my chain over my big ring and it got caught under my crank and between my derailleur. After 2 or 3 good yanks,I freed it up. I hate when that happens.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. It was expertly run.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

No.

Anything you would like to add?

This was the first time I had raced this course and I loved it. I'm glad it was dry.