Event: Race for Chocolate

Name: Kristine Oesterling

City: Bellefonte

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 27

Place: 1st

Category: Pro

CLASS +/or Age group: Expert Women 34 & under

Team: Trek/VW East Coast Factory

XC Race Bike: Trek Fuel 100

Tires: Bontrager

Conditions: slick and muddy

Email: ko_22@yahoo.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

My fitness level is where I'd expect it to be based on the amount of training I've been able to do.

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

I have a hard time going hard from the start, which must mean I need to do something about my warm-up. ;) I was 2nd going into the singletrack which is not ideal.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I was definitely stronger on my 2nd lap! My legs finally opened up and I was riding more "loose" over the roots and through the mud.

When did you put the hammer down?

Probably my 2nd lap. I wish we chose to do 3 laps instead because I didn't feel good until later in the race.

Did you have any unusual problems?

I had a few technical problems but nothing major. The bike has been holding up great in all the mud we've been racing in this spring!

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. They did a great job!

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

Not really.

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks to the Trek guys for their help! I think I owe our mechanic a steak dinner now for cleaning my bike. Thanks to Team Harrisburg for their time and effort put into promoting the event!