What a great experience at the
Trans-Sylvania Epic 3 day MTB stage race May 25-31. Stage 1 was a 30 mile XC race, and I finished 3rd in open men. For stage 2 on Monday it was a 42 mile XC race, with lots of climbing of course! I was feeling good the whole race, and figured out how to pace myself just right. While running in 2nd with what had to be about 5- 10 minutes over 3rd, i encountered a flat tire around the 35 mile mark. I had to stop twice to fix it, erasing my gap over 3rd place and then some. I tried to chase back down to 2nd up the final 2 mile climb, but it was not enough. I still ended up 3rd for the stage and kept me in 3rd for the GC. Stage 3 on Tuesday was "Enduro day" which consisted of 5 timed segments on the most technical descents in the area. There was no race between the segments, all that mattered was the cumulative time it took to complete the segments. I finished up in 3rd spot in open men for that stage, which secured me the 3rd position for the GC! I was also awarded the "Best Young Rider" jersey and the U19 winner. It was cool to stand on the podium with pro racer Barry Wicks (he took the open men win) in only my 5th mountain bike race. Already looking forward to doing the full 7 day TSE next year!
Bear Creek Challenge - PA State Championships June 1, 2014
It was only a one- race weekend for me, which was nice for a change! Pretty straight forward race, just passed for the lead about half a lap in and stayed smooth for the rest of it. The rocky, technical descents definitely played to my advantage over my competitors. Got the win for cat 1, 19-24 It is a pretty light summer schedule from now until august. Next on the list is the Stoopid 50 endurance MTB in State College (June 15). Then the Marietta crit, Bear Creek XC Nationals on July 19, then the Wilderness 101 July 26.
Aaron demonstrates the Pro line here.. use the face of the rock as a ramp, and jump off it onto the bridge (warning, don't do that if the bridge is wet).
