Carl Buchanan - Mountain Bike Racer

I was able to make my appearance for the second MTB TT of the season that the Bike Tech Racing Team puts on. It had rained on and off all day so we were a little curious if they would even happen. Kerkove and I set out and 5pm for a warmup ride to Hudson and back with a really nasty crosswind. We arrived at the south side of the course near the turn around area and ran into Rob and John setting up the course. Well, that answers the question of if they are going to have the race or not.

The TT was a test of sorts for me in a few ways.

First, make sure that my legs are feeling snappy for the 12 Hours of Branched Oak in Nebraska this weekend. They do.
Second, this would be a good chance to really throw down on Rush #1 to make sure that everything is working correctly. It is.
Third, I installed flat bars on both Rushes this week to get a bit more of an aggresive XC feel. Definately have that.

Signed my forms with John, paid my buck, and then cruised through a warm-up/sighting lap with Jeff and Doug. There were a few spots that were a bit slick or would require some of those tech skills that MTBers should have. Some of these included an off-camber right-hander that was a bit on the greasy side, slippery root in the middle of another off-camber right-hander, a couple of sections of two-way traffic, and quite a few low hanging leaves and branches.

I was the third rider to start, following Jeff and Rob H. in that order, and was able to get a pretty good start. The Rush was clicking over smooth as glass and the flat bar definately gave it a snappier, more aggressive feel. Definately happy that I made that change. I made sure that I paced myself during most of the TT so as not to destroy myself before the finish and to make sure that I finish the whole course in a strong manner. All of the areas that I mentioned earlier were no problem whatsoever, always a good idea to pre-ride if you can. I saw Jeff coming out of the turn around area around the mid-point of the race when I was going in so I figured that Rob couldn't be too far ahead. I maintained my pace but never did see Rob. I finished third overall with a time of 15:57 behind Jeff with a 14:15 and Rob with a 15:46. 11 seconds away from Rob H. Rob, you are officially my carrot for next week. :) Some of the riders posted faster times this week in the wet than they did last week when it was dry. My dad even shaved off almost thirty seconds!! That's awesome!! Bidwell made the trip down from Clarksville to rage to a 7th place finish with a time of 17:55...on a Canonndale Prophet. Noteable riders absent from last nights gathering included Super Saul, Jeff Slade, and most of the local roadies. Maybe next week, eh?

Hanging out in the parking lot pre-race

Bidwell getting into his zone

Bidwell, Rob W., Kerkove, myself, and father

Pops getting ready to rage

Make sure you ride strong all the way throught the finish line. It is a race against the clock afterall and every second counts.

Rob W., Bidwell, and John discussing whatever it is that they discuss
All photos were taken by the Cheese Queen
Thanks to John, Rob H., and Lisa for helping out with the TT last night. It was a good time even with the damp conditions. Results can be seen here. A few more photos can be seen here.