Event: Spring Mountain Challenge

Name: TIM MESSSERSMITH

City: YORK

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 50

Place: 1st

Category: Expert

CLASS +/or Age group: 45+

Team: FIRST CAPITAL VELO

XC Race Bike: TREK FUEL 100 / HAYS DISC BRAKES

Tires: HUTCHINSON PYTHON TUBELESS

Conditions: Sunny, Hot, Humid, and Dry

Email: TIMMES@MSN.COM

How was your fitness level going into this race?

It was so so, nothing to brag about. Just trying to hold on!

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, I was happy going into the singletrack since I was in the lead and led the whole race. Although, on the 2nd lap Kurt seemed to gain some ground on me on the steep switch back section, but after I hit the down hill he didn't seem to be a great threat for the rest of the race.

Were you strong from start to finish?

A lot of times I'm not sure how things are going to go until we get into 3/4 of the race, but I just tried to stay consistant and fluid through the entire race.

When did you put the hammer down?

Actually I tried to put the hammer down from the start of the race. I rode the steep switch back climb on the first lap and the 2nd lap about half & half, the 3rd lap I walked it, and the 4th and final lap I rode it. I do think it was faster riding than walking. It certainly a lot more fun riding than walking.

Did you have any unusual problems?

No, I felt pretty decent throughout the race with no technial problems.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes, but I was disappointed with the payout.

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

I enjoyed racing with everyone. Everybody was quite courteous!

Anything you would like to add?

I would like to convey a special thanks to my family and friends for supporting me this season. I would also like to thank Adventure Cycling and Fitness, First Capital Velo, Trek Bicycles,and Bell Helmets. Also, a special thanks also to Don Morrison, Bill Deputy, and to all my competitors for making it a fantastic season of Great Racing! I hope to see everyone next year and hopefully some new faces to compete with.