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Brialee's Ramblin Rumble 3 |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Jamie Tyler
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Thursday, 17 May 2007 |
Brialee's Ramblin Rumble
Ashford, CT
Sunday, May 13, 2007
This past weekend I attended The Brialee Ramblin Rumble in Ashford, CT. I left Maine Saturday morning to pre-ride the course. When I got to the campground, I was met by race organizers and a few Root 66 regulars. I suited up and hit the trails hoping that the ride wouldn't be muddy, but what can you expect, we do live in New England. The first section was pretty dry but the roots and rocks made for a pretty rough ride. A hundred foot section of dirt road followed but after a right turn, I was right back in to the roots and rocks. The rest of the course was pretty much the same, it had a couple big mud holes which slowed everything down but other than that the course was nice and flat.
I finished my lap and hopped in the showers, which I have to say was a nice feeling, it not every race you get to take a shower right after your ride, unless you call hosing yourself off a shower. My girlfriend and I then traveled about 30 minutes to Manchester where we ate dinner and got a hotel.
The next morning we drove back to Ashford without getting too lost. We arrived and I set my bike up into the stand to do some last minute tune-ups. I was feeling a bit down not really recognizing anyone until my friend Brad Perley and his parents drove in. I headed out for my warm up and started feeling pretty good about my race. 45 minutes later I got into line with the other Expert 19-29 riders. My first lap was rather slow but I picked up my pace the second lap. I'm pretty sure I was leading for about a lap until my fourth and final lap. I entered my last lap feeling a little tired, and just wishing the finish line would come. I was passed by a few riders and with a last burst of energy I told myself I wouldn't let anyone else pass me. I ended up riding with a fellow Bikeman.com rider Matt DeMeis for the last section of the course and finished the race in 5th place. I felt great until the end and qualified for Nationals which was my real goal for the weekend. My Salsa El Santo was wonderful, and my SRAM drive-train was flawless. Also my brand new Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes worked great even with the wet conditions.
I hope to see everyone in Camden for the Maine Sport Mayhem which kicks off the first Maine series race of the year.
Jamie |
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