Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the local racing scene and our buddy Mike Hecker and The SGDC. It was a small but mighty turnout, seems like the approximate numbers where 13 XC, 20 DS and 40 DH!!!

We got there early Saturday morning, signed up, did some DS practice then went over fro some DH practice. The shuttle trailer was quite appropriate for the venue and was actually a very comfortable ride. A few people whined about the dried cow poop on the walls, but hey, it's a cattle ranch!!!!

Then it was off to qualify for DS, then race. No girls (what else is new) so I raced with the Sport men, and of course there were 2 "new guys" who were stinking fast!!! Got the pants beat off me but it was oh so fun!!!

Roger had never raced the DS course before and he got to race in the Expert Men class (those 40 - 50 year olds are fast, let me tell you). He got eliminated after 2 runs, but he had a great time.

After DS, Mike was nice enough to give us time for a few more DH runs before holding the DS awards ceremony. Not too many people showed up, but we got our swag and headed to dinner. Gino's in Buellton is Da Bomb, we had great Italian food and hung out for a while. Lacey, Esteban, Mark, Lee, Roger, Troy and I were in attendance.

Sunday morning we were the first in line for practice (as always) and got in about 5 runs. I finally cleared all the jumps and the drop (which I hadn't done before). Ate some food, did some more practice runs, then riders meeting, then off to racing.

We actually missed our first seed time and had to go off last. I got to race Pro/Expert women with Gabi Williams, one of my long time DH riding buds!!! She smoked me of course, but I gave her a run for her money fo' sure!!!

The 2nd run we made it on time but there was a wicked head and side wind that made the railroad tie jump/drop a little precarious. I opted to go around (glad I did) and Roger was not so lucky. He said his intuition said go around, but he did it anyway and got blown sideways into the tape. He decided to wait for Bob Burns to pass, uncoiled the tape and made his way down ever so slowly. He must have slid on the grass for a while cause his white shorts now have green and brown stripes!!! He only got a few cuts and raspberries on his right calf and thigh, but other than that is okay (thank goodness).

Packed up the truck and headed to awards. I got 2nd and ended up with a $6.00 payback (my second time winning money) and a Park mini-tool (wayyyyy better than a medal/plaque I might add).

I look forward to racing there in 2009. Mike puts on a great race and now we don't have to have a USAC license, so bring your friends out to the next one.

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