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1st Place SPORT
Men Master II 50+
Andrew McDermott - WOODEN WHEELS |
Date: July 15, 2001 Event: Fair Hill Classic - Super Series Race #5 Name: Andrew McDermott City: Newark State/Province: DE Country: USA Age: 50 CLASS +/or Age group: Master II - 50+ Category: Sport Team: Wooden Wheels XC Race Bike: Specialized S-Works M4 Tires: Mythos.........fat ones with knobs Conditions: Perfect Email: fud@udel.edu |
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Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?
My preparation for this race included excess stress and worry. Throw in a lack of sleep and a bike that required a new crankset and front derailleure two days before the race and you have some insight into how I felt Sunday morning. On the other hand the weather was perfect and we were racing in my sandbox so I was confidant I could race well.
Was the water crossing fun?
I loved the pink flamingos at the water crossing. We are all competitive racers and work hard to win but such touches of humor keep it all in perspective; mountainbiking is about having fun. Thanks Todd!
What was your favorite part of the course?
As I mentioned above, Fair Hill is my sandbox. I know every root and rock by name so it's tough to pick a favorite section. I think the Five Bridges Trail gets the vote for this race.
Were you strong from start to finish?
I felt mentally strong and my core strength was good through the entire race. The last 4 miles my legs started whining and complaining a bit but I fed and watered them and they quieted down.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Climbing The Ruins trail I was slowed a bit by a rider in front of me. He was standing and pushing hard. Upon closer inspection I realize he had no seat! I'm always amazed at the strength and desire that people exhibit in these races. Also the lady that flashed me at the start, a certain Goddess I've spoken of previously, provided some great motivation.
When did you put the hammer down?
In a pre-race conversation Don Morrison and I agreed that we would take the first five miles easy..........so of course as soon as the man said "GO" I was gone! Don, you didn't REALLY believe me did you? *grin* Actually I waited until the first climb, about a half mile into the single track, before I went hard. From that first climb until the 3-field downhill I pushed really hard hoping to get a gap on my class.
Did you have any unusual problems?
I had a lot of good luck. No flats and on the three occasions people crashed directly in front of me I was able to avoid becoming involved. In fact, except for the water crossing I never got off the bike.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
I'm a member of the Delaware Trail Spinners, what can I say? Hats off to Todd Forrest (race director) and a big THANKS to Bob Cox the Trail Spinners treasurer. He is the man behind the scenes that makes all the registration and myriad of other details work to give the racers a good experience. Of course we have all hashed through the scoring difficulties a thousand and one times now. It's through pain and errors that we grow.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Just some comment about the competitors in my class. Second through fourth
finished within FOUR seconds of one another. AMAZING. How about Don doing half
the race with a sprained ankle only to lose second place at the finish line?
There are hundreds of stories just like that from this event. Racers like Pete
Saenger that moved up from Beginner to place 8th. in our field of 15. Way to
go Peter! How about Vince Aloyo; not only is he second in the points but I just
found out that he was second in class at the NORBA National at Snowshoe! Old
guys kick butt!!!!!