Event: Race for Chocolate

Name: Michael Kirk

City: Kennett Square

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 37

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Vet 1

Team: Wooden Wheels Racing

XC Race Bike: Titus Racer X

Tires: Continental Explorer Supersonics

Conditions: Same as last time, but this course drains well?!

Email: michael.kirk.hj30@statefarm.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Actually better than I thought. Since Bluemarsh I've only been on my bike about 5 hrs each week.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was in 3rd entering the woods. My goal was to keep the leaders in sight.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Strong is not really the word to use in this race, I think I just tried to be consistent from start to finish, with a few short strong efforts. This race was just as much mental and physical, very draining event.

When did you put the hammer down?

About 300 yards from the finish.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Not unusually, but I did start cramping in both legs on the climb right after the pond into the woods. Robert (2nd) was right behind me at that point and I knew I couldn't run the hill. I walked the hill trying to go slow and work the cramps out hoping he would just stay my pace. Thank goodness he did. Also had to stop and put air in my rear tire.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Race was run exceptionally well, conditions could have been better.

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

Just the last mile before the finish, Robert and I were right with each other and I would bobble and he would gain the lead, then he would bobble and I would catch up, It actually was pretty funny as we kept doing this back and forth for quite a while. I figured whoever bobbled the least would end up taking the win.

Anything you would like to add?

Pray for dry weather!