Event: Hibernia Spring Bash

Name: Ken Stadden

City: Lancaster

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 50

CLASS +/or Age group: Master II

Category: Sport

Team: Unemployed Webmasters

XC Race Bike: Jamis Diablo LE

Tires: IRC Mythos

Conditions: Cool, dry, sunny

Email: ken@stadden.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Pretty good. I used an Axiom Powertrain computerized trainer over the winter. My friend Kyle towed me over Texter Mountain a few times recently. I was trying to get down to 134 pounds like last year, but only made it to 136.5.

Did you have any problems getting into the singletrack?

Yes-- right behind Don Morrison. I figured he knew the way better than I did. And he was flying. The course looked completely foreign to me, my only other experience with it having been last year's mud bog.

Were you strong from start to finish?

I had a GU at the end of lap two, then threw the empty pack and my arm warmers at my wife Mary, who advised me, "He's right behind you!" (Don, that is.) My legs still felt good, and there was only one lap to go. I managed to stretch my lead during the last lap.

When did you put the hammer down?

After that.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Threw the bike away on a medium-speed turn with a berm on the third lap. No damage except for a mild scrape on my right leg, and there was nobody behind me.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Outstanding from start to finish. In fact, I felt kind of bad beating Don. He probably had several hundred fans rooting for him.

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

Except for one overwrought guy who forced his way by me going into a turn somewhere on lap 1, every racer I encountered was polite and cooperative about sharing the trail. Kind of makes one feel good about human nature. A few spectators cheered me on, which I appreciated.

Anything you would like to add?

A thoroughly enjoyable experience. This Web site just adds to that. Keep the whole thing going forever!