Indie Series #1 Race Report

Race Report: North Seatac, April 12, 2009

Those of you who race cyclocross are probably quite familiar with this race course. Wick wove many trails used in cyclocross races into this cross country mtb course. Although the trails were fairly dry and fast the day before, race day brought lots of steady rain, which saturated sections of the course. A number of the climbs, which were possible the day before, caused all but the strongest riders and best mud tires to spin out. Consequently, many climbs required dismounting due to the mud. There were two short paved road climbs, which offered some relief (in a sick and twisted way). Also, there were at least two flat winding sections that provided riders with 6”+ of thick mud. The energy cost required to get through these muddy sections was so high that many riders began to run, rather than ride, through the muddy flats. One rider claimed that the mud sucked the tire right off his wheel. Generally speaking, the 3.5 mile course was winding, mostly flat, without any technical challenges. Lastly, I should note that even sections that might offer recovery time were difficult due to the deep mud. My bike handled a little like large boat- upper body strength was required to skate the bike through. The bike swam to the left and right with my front wheel acting more like a tiller (sailor talk for steering wheel) than a race bike. Handling for all racers was sluggish and squirrelly.

Special commendation goes to Troy and Ann who showed up only to support all the beautiful people on TAI (and Henry too). It really means a lot to all of us when teammates come out to support each other. Hurray for Ann and Troy. We love you! Troy was quite popular because he brought our Rudy Project helmets and glasses. Rudy Project products certainly improve the bling factor for our modest team. Yea for Rudy! Also, I want to say hurray for Nuun whose electrolyte tablets were key in maintaining top performance for our racers. Lastly, thanks to 661 and their excellent protective gloves. They came in handy (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Despite the challenging weather, TAI had a good turn out. Thanks to all who braved the elements to race. It was a tough one as was born out in the numerous DNF’s. I look forward to seeing everyone at South Seatac on May 3rd.

Submitted by Your Humble Servant in the Quest for Speed and Health,

Henry Shaw

Recap of Placings:

Jr Boys Beg 11-14 (2 laps)
3 Harry Shaw - (54:19.4 and 2nd place rode 53:55.1)
4 Aaron Agudo - (First MTB race for 2009!)

Jr Boys Beg 10 and younger (2 laps)
3 Daniel McGee

Jr Boys Sports <18 (4 laps)
2 Mitch Davis

Sport Women 35+ (4 laps)
7 Jenn

Sport Men 35-44 (5 laps)
6 Henry Shaw
13 Bob McGee
16 Chris Liebsch
DNF Jeff Osborne (Finished 3 laps, says he did not have the fitness level yet…recent surgery has kept him off the bike. I suspect that losing braking ability played a part on him not finishing. On the steep hill he could not slow enough that he had to crash into the scotch broom at the bottom. Later when he checked his brakes the pads were totally toast)

Sport Men 45+ (5 laps)
8 Francisco Pons

Expert Men 35-44 (8 laps)
3 Mike Gile (only 34 seconds out of first place)

Expert Men 45+ (7 laps)
DNF Vince Haag (Has been using tubeless tires. Did a short preride found the back tire did not offer enough traction. Changed tire right before race which meant he had to use tubes. Rear tire flatted on lap 3, lost a few places (apparently he is really fast at changing flats), caught some riders, just to have it flat on lap 5 again. Vince says the creek crossing was over 12” deep in his race-compared to the couple of inches depth flowing during the first race of the day).

Open Men (8 laps)
DNF Matt Lynch (1st Open race? From what I could tell he was riding strong as usual, but then came back over to the tent after lap 4 and said he had had enough of trashing his bike. He and his bike were literally covered head to toe in mud just like Mike and Vince.)