Ride Against the Machine / Salvagetti Mountain Bike Team
Race Report (6/29/08)
Rider Results and Comments from this weekends race...
Special thanks to: Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop, HoneyStinger bars and gels, Maxxis tires
Winter Park Cross Country Super Loop - Winter Park, CO
Shawn Meredith - 3rd place Expert Men 30-34 - Time: 1:27:19.3
This race was ridiculously fun and hard. Never riding any trails at WP, I hammered the open sections and hoped I could keep a lead in the single track. Half way through the race a lead group of three formed on the open dirt road. I left everything I had on the final climb putting some distance between me and the other two riders (Stefan Griebel and Derek Strong). However they both caught me on the final descent, and I let them pass. It was great to battle it out with two great riders, and a perfect race.
More of Shawn's report at http://shawn-meredith.blogspot.com/2008/06/carpe-weekend.html
Nicolette Clark - 3rd Sport Women 19-29 - Time: 2:13:11.8
After three years of longing to be a part of this series I finally competed in my first Winter Park race. I can't say it was what I expected, or wished for. I started the race with an unconfirmed case of bronchitis, which made for a rough ride in itself, major chain problems and a decent crash towards the end. Overall it was fun to race with a good bunch of people and it was fun to see friendly familiar faces along the course. It was harder and longer than I expected, but fun all around. It was great to see Chris along the way cheering us on, and to see Marni, Melissa and Scott cross the finish line, with big smiles on all of them. I can't wait to race with everyone again in a couple weeks!
More of Nicolette's report at http://nicoletteclark.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/winter-park-race-2-cross-country/
Marni Plesko - 4th Sport Women 19-29 - Time: 2:19:02.0
Yesterday was my first Winter Park cross country race of the year. It was an advertised "Just over 16 mile" race that, in reality, was closer to 19. Due to this discrepancy in distance, I timed my eating for 16 miles, and was basically bonked by mile 17. At this point the trail was pretty technical and I did not, stupidly, stop to eat something. I made silly mistakes that I will remember not to do next time. I got 4th in my Sport group, only 6 minutes behind my teammate who got 3rd. Considering that I think of her as a much stronger rider than myself, I was super happy with that. I will write more of a race report later, with pictures, as I have realized that looking back on these reports the following season is very helpful.
Melissa Clark - 4th Beginner Women 19-29 - Time: 2:25:19.2
Scott DeLeeuw - 21st Beginner Men 35-39 - Time: 2:19:37.6
As tough as the race was, I had a blast. Anytime you can get out and ride with friends is a great day. I had some frustrating moments on the downhills where I could have gone much faster but there were others in the way, but that's how it goes. Overall the race tested me, I was in about as bad a shape as I could be in, but I think it also flipped a light switch in my mind. It's nice to feel good when you are out there and I want to work back towards that. I'm always so impressed with my teammates, they just fly! Shawn is unbelieveable, and Marni and Nicolette have improved so much. Even Melissa did very well despite being super worried about it. Great job everyone!
More of Scott's report at http://rideagainstthemachine.blogspot.com/2008/07/winter-park-cross-country-loop.html
