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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Zach Magoon
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Sunday, 08 October 2006 |
USGP Grand Prix of Gloucester
Gloucester, MA
The conditions couldn't have been better--warm, sunny, not too breezy--certainly a departure from years past. I lined up for the B races on both Saturday and Sunday down in Gloucester, MA with the intention of finishing without killing myself. I had come down with yet another cold this season on Thursday and was feeling rather clogged up.
Saturday hurt--my head pounded most of the race but mostly in the running sections--as there were two--one twisty sand pit that I tried riding one lap but managed to bobble and the classic off-camber, tight 180 degree corner, double barrier hill through the Cliff Bar arch. The course was fast--perhaps the fastest I've ever ridden at Gloucester. As much as I like to ride a fast course, this was more of a roadie's delight and not a technical mountain biker's dream. I found myself really trying to keep up on the flat sections, but definitely caught up on the technical. Saturday had me finishing in the 67th and Sunday 45th. I certainly did not have a great starting position on either day, but managed to pick off guys throughout the races. I really need to work on my starts. I can't seem to get motivated to sprint my hardest because I always end up slowing down at the first turn/pileup and pass guys caught up in the ensuing mayhem.
I would like to put in another good word out to my Salsa Las Cruces--this bike handles anything I can dish out. It's stiff in the sprints and very responsive in the bumps. In fact, I wish I could keep up with it. Our new skin suits are super comfy aside from the short arm length on the long sleeve. I do have this issue with some manufacturer's clothes, but these seem really short. The chamois fits well and stays in place perfectly.
Here are some photos from the races on Saturday.
Zm
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