2009 Addison Oaks Fall Classic Chapter Benefit Race. As I approached the weekend I had not planned to do this race. As fate would have it my weekend plans took me to the in-laws house which is close to Addison Oaks County Park so I decided to jump on in. Addison is always a fun event and it was great to see all my mountain bike brethren. This was my first time on the mountain bike since June and the Lumberjack 100. As we lined up I saw several riders in my class who in the past, have consistently had little difficulty in handing me my ass. Like usual, the start was fast and I was mid-pack sitting in 5th or 6th. As we hit the singletrack it was business as usual as I stared at the wheel in front of me trying to make sure I wasn't too far in the red. I found myself on the wheel of Will Botens (RBS) who was in the hunt for the MMBA CPS. The pace was fast, but doable and we proceeded to pull in DJ Jurvalin (CycleFit) and pass him at the end of lap 1. At the beginning of lap 3, I passed Will and saw Matt Daly (Team Hasbin) only a short distance away. I caught up to him and we rode together for the next two laps. In the beginning Matt was very chatty but soon stopped talking and grew tired of me hanging on his wheel. He kept accelerating on the last lap to try and get a gap on me but I found I was able to keep it tight. Amazing, this never happens to me. I knew as long as I hung with him coming up to the grass finish I would use him to lead me out. I went around him near the finish and he had nothing left. Awesome. It turns out another rider finished in first about 3 minutes ahead of me but I was happy with my ride. I felt strong right up to the end and made few mistakes. As a footnote, Matt Daly and DJ Jurvalin have been battling it out here in Michigan for over 20 years for the top spot. I have a lot of respect for these riders and any day I can beat these dudes is a good day.
RESULTS:
2 comments:
You and your medals. YOU'RE THE COOLEST!!!!
Don't hate the player, hate the game.
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