Fort Rock Revenge, NECS #5

Fort Rock Revenge, NECS #5, today in Exeter, NH.  What a fine soggy day to end the EFTA mountain bike race season.  Despite this mornings heavy rain, the race course was in reasonable shape with a few mud sections but the balance of roots and rocks were simply slick as expected.  A last minute course change due to the weather resulted in a super fun short course, approximately 4+ miles. Sport and expert did 3 laps, elite had the pleasure of 4.

We all got off to a quick start up a grassy path and quickly shot into the woods for some technical adventures right out of the box.  Having local knowledge was a huge plus, but being named Ft. Rock for a reason leaves many rocky rooty technical challenges ahead for all.  Throw in a little rain and mud and instantly the game changes.  For me today, my game plan was to ride the course as much as possible without crashing, even if it meant slowing down more than my usual slow speed.  I got a great start, third into the woods, and waited and waited for the rest of the sport pack to pass.  Surprisingly, it never really happened.  I was passed by a few, but road steady to a 5th or 6th overall sport finish.  1st place for sport masters, my first win of the seson and it felt pretty good, depsite my top competitor not showing up to race.  That pretty much secured my 2nd place finish for the overall NECS season.  I’m happy that is now over because it is 100% focus on cross time through the end of the year.

Big time kudos to Aaron of Riverside Cycles, Derek of Recycled Sports, and the Smokin Man (Dave Michaud) for overcoming all the logistical difficulties of making this race happen.  Also thanks to all of the folks who came out today and really had a great last race of the season.

- John Adamik 27 Sept 2009

John Adamik @ Fort Rock Revenge