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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Mike Joos
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Tuesday, 12 June 2007 |
Holiday Farm
Dalton, MA
Root 66 Race Series
June 10th, 2007
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Having a bike race on a working farm makes it a little more interesting then a typical venue. I got to watch some pigs roll around in the dirt as I waited for the port-o-poddy. And I got to watch some lady almost loose a finger while trying to pet a horse.
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I thought the course was pretty good too, it was familiar to me because I did a solo 24 hour race here back in 2003 and I did this race last year as well. About half of the course changed from the previous years I had done it. There was less climbing, more ups downs, narrower trails, a couple of slippery plank bridges and more low mud prone areas.
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The course was over 7 miles per lap that figure eight through with an over and under bridge. 4 laps for my category meant about a 3-hour race. I was lucky to have my dad there feeding me. I went through 8 water bottles. Volunteers were also were giving out cups of water.
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The pro/semi pro turn out was pretty good compared to what I've been seen at most of these root 66 races. 17 riders, three of which were bikemen (myself John Burns and Andrew Freye) just enough of us to sweep the podium. Unfortunately it didn't play out like that.
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I was 2nd onto the single track with Andrew just behind me. A good start for bikeman. Once the trail opened to an up hill dirt road the rider in front of me Christian favata stood up accelerating up the hill. About 5 guys came around me to chase. No one caught Christian, he won the race. I managed to pass three of the guys who came around me to finish 4th.
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The Carver 96er has been great so far this season. It is really growing on me. I'd have to say without a doubt it's better than my old traditional 26” bike. I can't think of a hard tail frame I'd rather be racing on. Which is why I'm surprised that 69er's are not more popular. I haven't seen anyone else riding one. I guess it is going to take some time for people to catch on. Some day I will be able to tell my grandchildren “I was riding 69ers before they were popular.” and they will think I am so cool and original because of it. But more likely they won't care.
Mike
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