SERC#7 Fontana Dam, NC

If you are looking for a hard race look no further, becuase it doesn't get much harder then Fontana Dam, NC. After finishing 7th place in the Semi-Pro / Pro class, I came to the conclusion that my experience of pain on a mountain bike had only just started. The race began with a very steep climb on asphalt that lasted for about 10-12 minutes. Following this were deathly single track trails that were very tight and difficult. But it didn't stop there; the entire race was filled with small, steep climbs here and there and fast, rocky decents that were a blast, but left no time for any rest. It was work, work, and more work. My legs cried for a rest, but I only encountered climb after climb after climb. This was one race that I was extremely happy to be done with. Next year it is on though. I know what to expect and I will bring everything I have to this race. If you haven't been there, try it out. Hard, painful, and challenging.

  Bump and Grind Race 06/05/2007

Without bad days, how would you know what a good day was! That’s exactly what I heard myself saying this weekend after riding in what was one of the toughest and unpleasant races I have ever competed in. It was, to say the least, an incredible venue with a 16.5 mile loop and very picturesque scenery. But after driving for 12 hours followed by a series of crashes within the past week, I was on the verge of burning out.

Everyone that is anyone in the Southeast region showed up to the Bump and Grind race to try for a shot at the $700.00 1^st place winnings. I came up to the semi-pro / pro starting line seeing very familiar faces and I knew it was going to be a very, very fast race. Within the first 7 miles I was huffing and puffing and far over my threshold level. Within minutes I was being passed by riders who typically I never see within the entire race. A painful experience that I am determined not to let happen again. I fought my legs the entire race. They had little to no power. Agony spread through my legs with every push on the pedal. However, I was able to stick it out and finish 16^th out of the 18 riders that finished in the semi-pro/pro class. I was happy to be done, but disappointed in my results. This was an unhappy ending to what was a very solid 5 races in a row! Now it’s on to the next race at Fontana, NC. I guarantee the training and nutrition within the next week will bring me back to the upper level of my class! They always say that many of the top performers hit rock bottom before bouncing back and finishing at the highest of highs. That’s the plan and I will stick with it and stay positive. So look out for the next races results because I am on the way back to the top!