Montrose Race Report. Back by popular demand
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 1:08 pm
Hat's off to the land owner Matt Keith #1078 & Family for putting on a great race venue. As a backdrop to the course layout, Matt, his son Nolan #1155 & I began cutting trail back in November and really didn't have it completed until Friday before the race. We had the course set up on only about 1/2 the land and it was difficult to connect a loop with all the hills and valleys. It easily could have been 10x harder but we thought it flowed well, a few challenging sketchy spots indeed. Dan and Jason from Orrick, helped tremendously on Friday setting up the course and adding new trail where needed. It was a hot s.o.b. this weekend and I know Matt appreciated all the help. All who help set up race day and races know its a bitch and a TON of work not to mention the countless trips to & from home getting it ready. I highly recommend seeking out the land owner & thanking all involved. Speaking for Matt, I think it turned out pretty well for the 1st rodeo...hope you guys liked it as well. I thought the pee-wee track was cool too.
on to the report form the 700's.
I'm not gonna lie it was freaking hot but once the bike starting moving, I didn't think it was too bad. If you didn't follow me in practice you should have... there was a lot of lines available & a lot more developed during the race too. Lined up with the usual suspects sandwiched between Ryan Walker & John Gordon. With quick start & 1st turn I thought it might get interesting. Board dropped...off we went. I think Walker or Nick Spooner may have hole-shotted but I was content with 4-5 into the woods. We were flying for lap one and it was like riding in a bottle of baby powered, it was a dusty mofo until you got near the creek. With all the good lines, managed to cross 3rd on lap one & only 10-15 seconds out of first. Emril threw some salt on me and Bam! Picked it up a notch trying to catch the leaders. Not only did the lap need salt, I peppered a tree just past the big cottonwood for a dirt nap. I knew I was carrying too much speed there and told Matt before the race--- someone will cream that 2" & 5" tree combo ...and yes..it was me. After shaking off the dust crossed 3rd again for lap 2.
Having the assumed home field advantage, I fully adjusted the mental tune and picked it up even more. Caught the 735 bike I think he was firmly lodged on a rock from a line that looked great but if you knew the track it didn't finish well. Crossed in Second for lap 3. Did I mention it was dusty? I did. Finally caught Walker on the hard line hill... I saw his bike sliding down the hill and thought man that's Walker that sucks...then MAN that's Walker Yes! Once I saw that I laid down even more throttle to put distance between us I know he'd probably catch me. I thought I laid down a stellar lap 4 & 5 finished up 1st for the checker at lap 6 for the win. I had a fun for my 1st true FMHSC checkered win.
Special shout out thanks to:
Matt & Nolan Keith who both finished first in their classes. Way to go guys.
The Keith Family
Dan Johnson & Crew. Best in the biz
Jason from Jason's Playground-Orrick. He & his Wife we great peeps we appreciate all their help
Todd Sexton a good dude for helping with the gate & keeping my wife entertained.
Chuck Kocourek #1099 for driving all the way from Nebraska to work the race.
All the racers & event caterer's who came and made Montrose a race.
The 5lb Bass I caught on a buzz bait Saturday evening
Gcat
on to the report form the 700's.
I'm not gonna lie it was freaking hot but once the bike starting moving, I didn't think it was too bad. If you didn't follow me in practice you should have... there was a lot of lines available & a lot more developed during the race too. Lined up with the usual suspects sandwiched between Ryan Walker & John Gordon. With quick start & 1st turn I thought it might get interesting. Board dropped...off we went. I think Walker or Nick Spooner may have hole-shotted but I was content with 4-5 into the woods. We were flying for lap one and it was like riding in a bottle of baby powered, it was a dusty mofo until you got near the creek. With all the good lines, managed to cross 3rd on lap one & only 10-15 seconds out of first. Emril threw some salt on me and Bam! Picked it up a notch trying to catch the leaders. Not only did the lap need salt, I peppered a tree just past the big cottonwood for a dirt nap. I knew I was carrying too much speed there and told Matt before the race--- someone will cream that 2" & 5" tree combo ...and yes..it was me. After shaking off the dust crossed 3rd again for lap 2.
Having the assumed home field advantage, I fully adjusted the mental tune and picked it up even more. Caught the 735 bike I think he was firmly lodged on a rock from a line that looked great but if you knew the track it didn't finish well. Crossed in Second for lap 3. Did I mention it was dusty? I did. Finally caught Walker on the hard line hill... I saw his bike sliding down the hill and thought man that's Walker that sucks...then MAN that's Walker Yes! Once I saw that I laid down even more throttle to put distance between us I know he'd probably catch me. I thought I laid down a stellar lap 4 & 5 finished up 1st for the checker at lap 6 for the win. I had a fun for my 1st true FMHSC checkered win.
Special shout out thanks to:
Matt & Nolan Keith who both finished first in their classes. Way to go guys.
The Keith Family
Dan Johnson & Crew. Best in the biz
Jason from Jason's Playground-Orrick. He & his Wife we great peeps we appreciate all their help
Todd Sexton a good dude for helping with the gate & keeping my wife entertained.
Chuck Kocourek #1099 for driving all the way from Nebraska to work the race.
All the racers & event caterer's who came and made Montrose a race.
The 5lb Bass I caught on a buzz bait Saturday evening
Gcat