Race Report

Race Report by Allan Sherlock

The Big Foot Classic
July 16th, 17th & 18th
Arcata, CA

We left Friday July 16th at 9 A.M. and took the coastal root up Highway of the Redwoods. We stopped in Ukiah another name for Hell, and found we had a flat tire. Thirty minutes and twenty dollars later we were back rolling along. We arrived in Arcata at 3:30 P.M. all and all a very lovely trip. Loved the Redwoods, I hope heaven smells like that! After stretching and a shower, we found some food at Tomo’s sushi bar. With the town right on the ocean we figured right about some wonderful food and great service. Bellies full we decided to check out the time and drive out to the race site. From the town of Arcata down highway 299 to Lord Ellis point a twelve mile drive went quickly, but once on the dirt logger’s road, we slowed to fifteen miles and took a slow cruse. We had to roll down the windows to take in the pristine air and enjoy the scents of the earth and tree’s. Ah the beauty of mountain biking. Meandering down the road we finally came upon the race spot, approximately 20 minutes from the highway.

7:30 A.M. Saturday started with an omelet, pancakes and lots of coffee, then off to the race for good parking. We are two hours early for the race and I take a pre ride on the trail, which is a fresh cut- single track. And the ride is awesome! The race starts at 10 A.M. sharp, we line up on a fire road facing up hill. Approximately ten pro’s, and twenty sport class and a few beginners. We follow the fire road up, and through the beautiful, tight single track through the rolling hills. I finish my second lap at 1:43 and some change, putting me in 1st place! Wahoo! Another redwood foot, now I have a left and a right in my possession! All in all the race was intimate, well done and I hope many more will join in next years race to even the odds.

Happy trails!

Allan

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