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On the Rocks at French Creek |
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Written by Josh West
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 |
On the Rocks at French Creek
MASS XC #2
French Creek State Park
Birdsboro, PA
5/10/2008
French Creek is notoriously challenging because of its rocks and roots and swift verticals. This year it was an 11.5 mile loop. A couple of inches of rain on Friday left the course extra challenging with wet rocks, roots and run-of-the-mill mud. Race day weather was great. Fairly cool with sunshine.
This year I moved up from Expert to Elite. MASS in non-NORBA. The MASS Elite class generally consists of NORBA Semi-Pro and Pro (or equivalent) riders and a handful Experts who realize the value of a dollar. You just get more of a beating for your money. The competitive Elite riders definitely turn it to eleven.
Anyhow, we went off the start line at around 11AM. It was a really fast and drawn out uphill fireroad start. I felt great and was happy to be sitting about 2/3 the way back in this talented field. At the end of the fireroad we turned onto some technical uphill singletrack that lasted about a half-mile or so. At the top we made a sharp left turn and started to descend immediately. This is classic French Creek, straight up/straight down - and rocky and rocky.
I was pretty comfortable and started to settle in a bit. Then my chain snapped on a quick technical climb. BUMMER! ! Just as I was starting to feel like I could keep the pace. Also, I left my usual race saddle bag on my singlespeed. My chaintool lives in that bag. I was traveling with CO2, tube, and a SRAM powerlink (keep those things in my toolbox - no extra compact chaintool though).
So, I stood around for a few minutes with chain in hand waiting for some compassion. (Just kidding, I don't really expect anyone to give up there tools and take the chance of ending up in the same situation.) Eventually, a real nice guy named Sean threw down a chaintool. Lost a bunch of time with this one. Watched all of the Elites and a handful of Experts pass by as I was in the pit.
Eventually got things going again but for myself, there is almost zero margin for error racing the Elite class if I want to make the top 20. Judging by my second lap time and the placement of the guys I was riding with or ahead of when my chain snapped, I likely would have just squeezed into the top 20. Final result was 27th out of 33 starters.
Josh West
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