ECV representatives Jack Hayden, John and Connor Adamik

Connor hammering the staircase

Bear Brook Blast-Off, NECS Race #2 (New England Championship Series presented by EFTA), Sunday 5/31/09.
This year's weather couldn't be better for the Bear Brook Blast-Off mountain bike race presented by EFTA with proceeds going towards Medical Missions For Children, a great cause.  The course was 25 miles of single track with a rocky section followed by the famous log staircase to test the technical skills, doubletrack to let it rip and plenty of up hill climbs to stress the body.  The field was very large, I think most people skipped race #1 and considered this event the start for the series.  My sport masters class had 22 entrants versus race #1's four; where did all those old guys come from? 
Jack Hayden raced expert veteran II, an unbelievable line up talent that makes this group extremely competitive.  Jack was feeling pretty good at the finish with an outstanding time of 2:10, finishing up in 4th place.
Connor had a nice season opener racing in sport junior class, a promotion from last season's novice.  A big jump in distance and competition.  He had a great race, riding the bike for the entire race (as compared to plenty of hike-a-bikers) and finishing with a time of 2:43 and 5th place.
I was pleased with my results, but I always feel like I could have done better.  I also promoted to sport in masters 50+ class and have a lot to learn about racing with this group of very skilled riders with lots of racing experience.  My goal was to just hang with the group and not fall off the back, but I found myself somewhere towards the front somehow.  That lasted for about the first 14 miles, but I suddenly found myself with occaisonal leg cramps.  Needless to say, the cramping became debilitating on the climbs and with only a 1/2 mile from the finish and the final short climb, my legs cramped into to rigid sticks causing me to just fall over and squirm in the dirt for a few minutes (seemed like an eternity).  At least 3 of my competitors road by me, offering advice, assistance, etc., which I am very gracious for, but at the end of the day I alone had to drag my bike across the finish.  I did finish, it wasn't very pretty, my time was 2:35 with a 10th place.  OK, so next race we will work on the electrolytes, etc. and prevent the cramp thing from reocurring (I hope).
The next race is The Pinnacle (NECS #3) with the famous Pinnacle Plummet, on 6/14/09 in Newport, NH.  I hope to see you there.