Skyline Park MTB Race Report

Skyline Park MTB Race

Race Report by Brenton Hamilton

Thanks Rich - actually I just do it for the wine they give away in the raffle.

TWW did have strong showing at Skyline with 1st place finishes for Jerry Brown (rippin it up in the 19-24 sport category (i think i got that right)) and Julie (time to move up to Sport); second place finishes for Jenny in the sport woman and Ben in the junior (<14) men. I missed part of the awards so I apologize if I left anyone out. In addition to this, sporting the TWW colors were Allan (tore himself up on the finish line), Loren, Paul, David, Kirsten and another guy whose name I can't remember.

I finished 11 of 18. I've really got to work on my technical downhill. I was a pussyfoot on the first lap but managed to dial it in on the second. It's a great course but one you should definitely pre-ride.

There was a group shot taken afterwards. Allan - can you send the photo to Mike Gin so he can post it. It should be a good shot - nearly all of us were sporting the wine we won in the raffle.

Next race - July 4 weekend at Donner Ski ranch. Who's going to join me?

BHam

Race Report by Loren Thomas

Sorry it took soooo long for me to write my race report..... Skyline Park - June 15th 2003 Jerry and I carpooled to the race on Sunday morning. We had plenty of time to register since it only takes 1.5 hours from the south bay. I talked to several of the TWWers at the race and most of them were there for the first time. I heard there would be a long climb then it would turn super technical. I was happy to have my Yeti! The temperature was nice when we got there, but that wouldn't last for long.

This was my first race of the season (not counting the 8hr). I wasn't feeling very good, but I had already paid my $40 so I was not about to back out. I started off at the front of the pack, but I let everyone pass me up the climb since I knew I would need to conserve. The climb was really tough. I got off and walked a few times. The second half of the course was fun, but I didn't have the energy to go fast. I rode everything while watching several bail OTB in front of me.

The second lap was even slower. I couldn't push myself like normal. My heart rate was high and my legs didn't have anything. I still had fun on the downhill portions until I felt the start of quad cramps. Since I was nowhere near the front, I got off the bike for 5 minutes to let the cramps subside. I think all 8 racers that passed me asked if I was OK. I told them all that I was fine. I got back on the bike but took it really easy until the last 1/2 mile. I hammered pretty hard at the end. I finished 11th in Sport 25-34? with a time of 1:54

The Skyline Race has one of the best courses around (except for the climbing). I rank it up there with 24hr of Tahoe and Downieville for technical appeal. The climbing was tough, but it just inspires you to train harder for next time. I will definitely be back next year!

Loren

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