Race #2

Well race number 2 is done now. I had a good time at Swanson, for being my first time on the trail I think I did ok. The trail was awesome and I'll have to get out again to ride the Swanson trail.

Here is a little summary of Swanson.
Lap 1: -I was able to start on the front line which helped me stay in the top five going into the trees.(19 total racers)
- Started 4Th but was passed once during the first lap which put me to 5th. I tried to keep up with the top 3 guys but they were to fast for me.
- First time ever going down the steep drop off next to the stream. I still get chills thinking about that part of the trail. I actually lost footing on the left side and ended up riding on the frame of my bike for a bit. I think my heart skipped a couple of beats after that.
- The rest of the lap went ok, lot more climbing then I thought there would be. I ended up getting off the bike entering the old dump site. I also got bucked off during one of the turns in that same area. Pedal in the dirt, not good.
- Not sure if I got passed again that dropped me to 6th during that lap or the beginning of the second.

Lap 2: - This lap I did a better job going down the steep drop off, I actually stayed on the seat this time. If I wasn't racing I probably would of thought twice going down that spot, actually I think I did but by that time I was half ways down and all I was thinking was oh #@it this could hurt. Anyways I had a better time going down the second time.
- Hills were kicking my butt on this lap but I was able to get through it.
- Got passes by someone in the 35-45 group that ended up on the ground due to the only mud spot on the trail. It was on a turn and he tried going down the center of the mud spot. Shortly after that another guy hit a tree and I ended up going past him. I think he was in my class. Now if he was in my class I should of been in 6th at that moment.
- I had one guy coming up on me at the end but was able to push little harder to get away and once I got out of the trees all I had was the small little loop were we started to go yet. I had caught up with another guy who looked like he used up all his gas because he was slowing down, after I passed him I ended up in 5th.

POST RACE: Now for those who heard from others I got 2nd and was wondering why I'm telling everyone I got 5th, well the thing is the top three guys that I was telling you about earlier of being to fast for me, well they missed a small loop in the trail and because of that they were disqualified from the race. It was a bummer for them because they had the rest of the field by 5 minutes and the little loop they missed was about 1 min long. So because of that places 4th, 5th, and 6th go to stand on the podium for a picture. It still didn't seem right but I guess that's how it goes. Still a 5th place finish out of 19 isn't to bad either.

In the end it was a good time, I felt like crap up until 9:30 that night for some reason. It might of been do to the fact I ate later than I should of after the race and I don't think I drank enough water during the race either. Lesson learned I guess.

As for the rest of the crew, Rob got 8th in beginners 35-45, Harp after a couple of bike problems got 13th in sport open, and Justin had to play drums at church that morning so he didn't get a chance to ride. His friend Robb did great in the 35-45 beginners placing 1st. All in all it was a good day and I can't wait till Platte.