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2nd Place EXPERT
Men Senior I 19-26
Erik Silva - WISSAHICKON CYCLERY |
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Event: Fell Mountain Challenge Name: Erik Silva City: Glenmoore State/Province: PA Country: USA Age: 20 CLASS +/or Age group: Senior 1 Category: Expert Team: Wissahickon Cyclery XC Race Bike: Jamis Dragon |
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Tires: Hutchinson
Conditions: Very lofty soil with various wet spots
Email: knightrider@reprisal.org
Did you do anything special (apart from the whole training lifestyle) to prepare for this race?
Well I took off the 1.75"ers from last weekend and put on pythons which have a much larger volume for absorbing rocks and roots.
Did you find the rock gardens challenging?
There were a few times when I 'm telling the bike to go straight but these slick rocks/roots are saying otherwise and the tires are simply squirming everywhere... that's frustrating.
Were the other riders courteous when passed or passing?
I had no problems. On the last lap I was climbing up that steep climb in the back and in front of me there was quite a bit of hike-a-bike traffic. I called ahead and they all very courteously pulled off to the side so that I could continue riding... that's sportsmanship.
What was your favorite part of the course?
A couple miles before the finish the course took a right onto some "slick rock," from that point it was just a short distance to that long fast DH and then into the finish. It was always a relief to make it that point knowing the finish was coming soon.
Were you strong from start to finish?
It seems that car rides before races that exceed 2 hrs make me sick. I got to the race and felt horrible, I ended up lying down for an hour and a half hoping to feel better. Only after I got on the bike did I finally start feeling better.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Well I think I have this fan club that I met last weekend down in MD. It's this crazy group of naked girls that live in the woods and all ride DH bikes. So that was another interesting experience
When did you put the hammer down?
In front of the naked girls of course, I have to show off! I was riding by myself for much of the race and I kind of slowed down on the second lap enough that 3rd place began catching me. So at the end of that lap I threw my fist down and started riding fast into the final lap and through to the end.
Did you have any unusual problems?
I ran out of water on the second lap. A big thank you to Donald Snoop for handing me a bottle half way through that lap. Thanks again.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Superb, although I heard someone else got lost so hmmm...
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thanks to my Dad/coach of RUFIT. He has a great sense of motivation that he
generously shares, he also cheers really loud. And my Mom who without her awesome
meals and great race support I would never make it.
