Black Diamond 3/08/09 Race Report

SNOW!

On Saturday it snowed off and on all day, but the trail report from Chris B., was that little snow accumulated on the trails and they were "in terrific shape." That night when I went to bed it was snowing so I was pleasantly surprised in the morning to see that there still wasn't any measurable accumulation on the roads. Race day around 8:15am it started snowing and it continued snowing throughout all 3 races, sometimes snowing so hard, it looked like we were in a blizzard. Weird weather!

There were 10 Team TAI members who braved the weather and elected to wake up an hour earlier (daylight saving time-spring forward) just for the thrill of racing at Black Diamond, the most technical course of the BuDu series and in my opinion the most fun.

Harry had a fabulous 2nd MTB race ever, competently handling the twisty singletrack, baby-head rocks obscured by the snow and the muddy roots. Congrats on your 3rd place!

The Experts raced next. Team TAI was well represented by Matt, Mike and Ron. Matt took off like a rocket and set the pace. It was Mike's first race of the year and he stuck to Matt's wheel like warm bubblegum sticks to the bottom of a shoe. Ron stayed with them for the first 3 laps until falling back slightly on the last lap. Way to ride guys earning 1st, 2nd and 3rd places!


When Ron finished the Expert race, the Sport category was already taking off. His disappointment in missing the start was evident by his tone of voice as he declined my offer to help him get ready for the singlespeed category. I was pleasantly shocked to see Ron racing 15 minutes or so later as he decided to race after all. Ron wins the "Pony Express" award riding a total of 7 laps. Ron knows what training he needs to put in now for the Sea Otter Classic in April.


Chris L. bike troubles continued this week. He was riding his 1997 vintage bike as he awaits the custom build-up of a new Litespeed. The seat clamp was not able to withstand his race-pace force and came loose on the second lap. He found a wrench at the pits, tightened the bolt and headed out for the last lap, only to have it loosen again. Good luck Litespeed, it is evident Chris is going to put the new bike through the ultimate test.

Jenn is one tough rider! Normally the 3 stacks of log piles don't bother her, unfortunately the first stack got the best of her today...probably due to the extra "snow" factor of the race. She did a nice endo and ended up with a beauty of a bruise, PINK no doubt, on her right thigh. She did not let this mishap deter her from winning 1st place. Awesome riding!

Francisco had a spectacular race, although it took some researching to confirm my observations. He looked so much more at ease at the race than I remember from the 2 times he raced at Black Diamond last year. Could it be Francisco is learning to actually LIKE the rooty, muddy and, today, snowy trails at Black Diamond? I predict he will like them even more once he installs his new fork from Fox Racing Shox!

The Men Sport 40+ is a very competitive, well attended category. There were 20 racers out there Sunday despite the cold and at times, difficult to see through the massive snowflakes, weather conditions. Of those racers, 5 also raced last year on the similar course. Of those 5, Francisco was the only one who was faster this year than last year. Fabulous riding, Francisco!

Bob McGee, you are my, and many other riders' hero. Never have I seen a team tent or Mr. Heater more frequently used. THANKS for setting it up and also for taking down the course tape after the race...I heard you got lost making your way back to your car???

Recap of placings:

Beginner U-18
3 Harry

Beginner Women 40+
1 Ann

Sport Women 30 - 39
1 Jenn

Sport Men 30 - 39
11 Chris L.

Sport Men 40+
11 Francisco
14 Bob

Sport Singlespeed
6 Ron

Sport U-18
5 Mitch

Expert Men 40+
1 Matt
2 Mike
3 Ron