Round #1 Race Recap

Well for my first race in the new class and on my new bike, I must say that I am a little disappointed in the results. Everything about race day was perfect except for the race it’s self. The track was as dry as I had ever seen it, hard as a rock and flat. Every single time that I have raced at Flying Dutchmen it has been a slop fest – not this time. The weather was great, partly cloudy all day with a nice crisp wind to keep you alert. I got an okay start, probably in the top ten in the first corner. There were 29 guys in my class so being in the top half at the start sure does eliminate some hard work throughout the race. I wasn’t even through the first lap and I got the worst case of arm pump. I kept pushing hard hoping that it would work its way out of my forearms; I think that only made it worse. For those of you who don’t know, arm pump is like getting shin splits but in your forearms. Kinda hurts a little considering that you have to try and hold on to that bike. Keep in mind that your forearms are taking the brunt of it. I wasn’t riding to my potential and the first half of the race I was worrying about my arms instead of the racing. About 1 lap past the half way point the arm pump started to fade and I found my groove. If I were in my old class I may have been able to make up some ground but the guys this year are way too fast. I felt really good the second half of the race and the track was finally starting to develop some good lines. I pushed and flowed through lapped traffic but riders in my class were no where to be found. I went through the barrels after the white flag and probably put in my fastest lap of the day. When I came around to see the checkered I knew that it was too little too late and I ended up finishing in 14th place. Flying Dutchmen is known for being a motocross style harescramble track so there were motocross guys who know that track better than anyone. I’ll have to put in a better effort next weekend and start off the race at my pace and try and relax a bit. As far as my class goes, I’ll get a better understanding of where I stand when we reach Round #3 at Hurricane Hills- a much more realistic harescramble track.
D. Haggs Sr. made an impressive showing at Round #1 finishing 19th in his class. His line was packed from one side of the start to the other. He looked good in his new gear and when I had the opportunity to pass him he was showing good technique and better conditioning. His last lap was a little more enjoyable this time around. Hopefully he can keep up the good work for the remainder of the season!
As for now it is back in the gym and on the bike this weekend to get read for Round #2 which is hosted by Flying Dutchmen again on the 9th of April. I will hope to have a better race recap for you then.I would like to thank Kenny and Mike for making it to the race. Kenny snapped some good action shots which can be found in the post just below this one. Thanks again…