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Written by Doug Southwick
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Tuesday, 23 September 2008 |
Whiteface Fall Classic X-C Challenge
Wilmington, NY
September 20, 2008
 As we headed up the Northway it was looking like it would be a perfect day for racing: sunny, low humidity, a high of 70 and a breeze. We turn off exit 30 and into the heart of the Adirondacks, this section of the trip is so scenic, I am sure that’s why there were so many cars parked at the numerous hiking trail heads.
So fast forward to race time…there was a small turnout probably due to the race being announced so late in the season. I left my El Mariachi in SS mode even thou there was no SS category, and combine that with not preriding the course I was feeling a little nervous. The course turned out to be a great one, a combo of fire road and single-track climbs to get you up the mountain. I won't say the climbing was easy but at least there was flat and downhill sections of single-track to break it up. And with the exception of one real steep loose rock section I was able to ride all of it. The long downhill section was all single-track, and it was stellar. A lot of rooty sections, some tight turns, some fast spots, then into a section of pine trees, and at a few sections you could even hear the Ausable River. This part of the course was more fun and flowy each of the 4 laps we did as I learned the lines. One of the other racers said it was one of his favorite XC courses of all time!
 Whiteface also does lift assist riding so on occasion I'd see a DH'er buzzing down the Mountain, but between the course tape and course marshals they never were in the way. The also had the Gondola running for the early leaf peepers to go up top and take in the scenery.
There actually was only one other Expert in my age group. He was pulling away from me from the start, until we hit one of the longer climbs where I caught and passed him. At the end of the lap it was pretty open and I could see I was increasing the gap every lap, so I ended up with the win.
 Just before awards they handed everyone their class results which included lap split times. It was cool to get this information, and even cooler to see my last laps effort paid off being lap #4 was my fastest lap of the day. I knew the Pro's were getting some nice cash at awards ($500 for the win), but I was really surprised and pleased that I won $100 cash and a bike lift ticket (valued at $32). The sports and beginners also made out pretty well with some really nice prizes. I drove up with my friend Jen who won her Sport class, so we decided to head over to nearby Lake Placid for dinner. We picked a place with outdoor dining that was overlooking Mirror Lake and the surrounding Mountains. It was a great day and I will definitely be back next year for the 2nd annual Whiteface Fall Classic!
Doug
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