Event: Blue Marsh

Name: Michael Kirk

City: Kennett Square

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 37

Place: 3rd

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Vet I

Team: Wooden Wheels Racing

XC Race Bike: Titus Racer X

Tires: Continental Explorer Supersonics

Conditions: Muddy?

Email: michael.kirk.hj30@statefarm.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Not bad, could always be better, but I felt like I was in decent shape coming into this weekend. I took a couple day off the bike a week and a half ago due to an injury.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

I had a terrible start, close to last. I had slipped on my pedals several times at the start, but once I finally got clipped in, I was fine. I was 3rd at the top of the start climb.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I felt pretty good physically, just had to keep control of my speed due to a sight problem (couldn't see). This was a problem everyone probably had though. I felt good the first lap and road all the hills except the last long one, but did ride 3/4 of it. The 2nd lap was another story and ended up hiking/running most of the two longer hills.

When did you put the hammer down?

Never really, I just tried to keep the leaders in sight and was hoping to stay close with them until the finish.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Made the rookie error of making a parts change the day before the race without testing. Installed brand new tires with Stan's tubeless and ended up with a low front tire about 3/4 of the way through the race, forgot how to work my CO2 (duh, make mental note that to release air one must unscrew the cap). Lost the leaders after that.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Mother nature wasn't shining on us on Sunday, but the race was run exceptionally well. Start was right on time, results were fast. Well done!

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

None other than the first downhill after the jeep road climb, the hill was picking off riders like flies, riders were going down all over the hill.

Anything you would like to add?

Just want to thank everyone for the time and effort they put on the Super Series and Wooden Wheels Racing, great bunch of guys and gals! I dare you to race your singlespeed.