July 11, 1999 - Fair Hill, Maryland
The Delaware Trail Spinner's Fair Hill Classic:

Beautiful weather and a dry course lead to a fast and furious day as the Wooden Wheels Mountain Bike Team had a busy day. Although only 5 of 15 riders was able to race, the racers were well supported by the team mates. Alan Turns, Kelly Keith, and Ted McDaniel are all members of the train spinners and required to work the race. Diane Crampton and Jeanie Rengers also decided to volunteer their time working to help this large event. Bill Deputy was present collection information for mountainbikeracer.com, and saving up for Wednesdays 100 mile trek. Dan Chopko made it out to support the team, as did Tyler Keith who is recovering well from his recent surgery. The Race: Terry Blanch battled a tough Clydesdale class through a difficult 16 mile loop. Terry proved once again that he is truly the strongest big man in the game, winning the class. The 1999 Fairhill Champion raced a smart race and was able to use superior strategy and fitness to win his class. Lynne Shaffer had her best finish of the year. Battling the difficult sport curve all spring, Lynne was able to earn her first top 5 this year finishing 3rd. Lynne has lived by her mantle of consistency and hard work all spring. It is expected that she will continue to find success as the season continues on. Dennis Dischler continued his strong run as a beginner with another top 10 finish. Dennis has worked had to improve his fitness, and as he continues to gain experience he will find further success. Dennis finished up 9th. Mark Fitzwater may have proved to have the gutsiest performance of all. Early on Mark was in the lead group when he was caught in an ugly crash which sent thin into a large fence. Mark was dazed but not out. Mark dusted himself off and battled back to finish up 18th. Mark has shown good focus all spring. It is expected that he will continue to have good results. I also was fortunate to have a good day. A strong start gave me the opportunity to battle in and out of the lead for the majority of the race. On the final climb, I hit the wall and was gapped by three riders. In the final section of single track I struggled to collect myself for the final 200 yard sprint. As I recovered, two riders came up onto my wheel. One was Joe Garramone, 1998 Fairhill Champion (Dover Bike Line), the other was Justin Thompson (Trek, East Coast Team). Coming out of the track into the open I began to slide out. A firm hand from Justin kept me from crashing as I straightened up and sprinted to the line a head of the former champ. I finished up 4th. I was upset that an opportunity to win slipped a away in the final miles, but I was satisfied that I has given my best effort. Wooden Wheels should be proud of both it's presence and performance. Have fun Marc V.