Event: Fair Hill

Name: Jill Wiest

City: Lykens

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 42

Place: 3rd

Category: Beginner

CLASS +/or Age group: Women 35+

Team: None

XC Race Bike: Ironhorse Envy or Cannondale Scalpel

Tires: Continental Explorer (Scalpel)

Conditions: Muddy

Email: rebjsw@epix.net

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Getting there...I'm working on this part, and with each race I'm finding new tactics that work better than others -- riding hard several times in the week vs easy-pace riding...eating the right foods, etc. I found a good combination for this race: Extra Iron intake (to combat low endurance), and a semi-easy schedule the week prior to the race. I rode fairly hard over the 4th of July, then took it easy last week and it was successful!

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Sorta...I surprised myself being 3rd going in; but quickly realized I shoulda been 2nd 'cause being "new", I wasn't aggressive enough to pass and ended up following that gal for about 3 miles -- 3 miles that could have been used to gain more lead on the others.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Yes. I felt great for a change.

When did you put the hammer down?

From the start.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Besides mud? No. Mud has become my friend -- it's making me a better rider!

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Yes. Great location -- lotsa room to park and spread out. Great trails -- well marked. Nice prizes and they let the women go first! What a treat for a change!

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

No.

Anything you would like to add?

We did the Poker Run a couple weeks back and had a great time. It's nice to be able to pre-ride the courses and get a feel for what to expect on race day. Thanks to the Delaware Trail Spinners for organizing the pre-ride AND putting on a great race. Even with the rain and mud, it was a blast.