Henry Shaw - Fort Ebey-The Race Report

Greetings All,

The Cooking in the Kettles race at Fort Ebey on March 22 was a good one. I strongly recommend this one as a "team race" for next year.

Ann is right about the Sega attendance; however, I would add that Larry was there too- with his super lightweight, all carbon, hard tail Giant- a very sexy bike. Anytime the term "sexy bike" comes up, however, I always think of Matt Lynch's fancy Scott bike. I digress.

Race conditions were cold (low 40's), sunny, and warming to the mid-50's through the day. The course offered 90% single track, but still had many areas to pass (or get passed). I liked the course because it had tons of fairly short climbs, punctuated with some screaming descents. I thought of Chris and Jim A. (rippin' fast Sega downhillers) during the race, because several fast downhill sections offered banking corners that allow the brave and skilled riders to milk speed from already fast sections. Even for us mere mortals, the downhill sections were quite thrilling without having to fear for your life, much.

The course had a number of field marshals to keep us from getting lost or getting hit by a car at the one road crossing. It was well marked and helped to naturally spread racers out.

There was ample camping right near the start line.

On a personal note, I had an exciting finish. Like the idiot that I am, I did not eat quite enough before the race. Consequently, for the last mile of the race, I dropped my speed and was caught by another racer. I offered to let him through, but he declined. Every time we approached a climb I poured it on to create some distance between us, and hopefully better position myself as we neared the finish line. He stayed right on my wheel. 200 yards before the finish line, the course turns right to empty racers out of the wooded single track onto a SLIGHT downhill, open, straight path. As I entered the right turn I stood to hammer it like John Henry in his battle against the steam engine. The finish line and crowds immediately came into view. I could hear that rat fink slamming and jamming behind me. I used every last calorie of energy that my organic,low fat, bran muffin from 3 hours earlier could provide to defend from defeat. I won by a tire length. Next, I collapsed on the ground to assume the fetal position and cry for my mother. That was embarrassing, but I have no pride.

Hopefully the Fort Ebey race will be included in the Indie Series next year. I would really be OK if they replaced the Valentine's Day race at Tahulia with the Ebey race. The course and weather conditions at Ebey are far superior.

Yours in the Quest,

Henry Shaw