Hey everyone, this is the start of my 10-4 racing blog for the 2011 season. I will be writing a blog after everyone of my races and describe how the race went in my own words. It should be interesting as there is alot that happens in 3 hours + of racing. Some good, some sometimes bad, but mostly good these days.
The Kirk Hare Scramble was the first race of 2011 VIHSS series. Held at Boyds pit in Sooke( close to Victoria). It is known for having a wide variety of different terrain and
some really cool trail sections.
I showed up to the race site, not nervous but more anxious to get this race underway. I had been working all winter to create this Island series, ( with the help of some others) and it has finally become reality and not a dream. KTM Canada Spunkys Motorcycles teammate Al Wilson and I have been working hard this off season. Training 2-3 times a week in the gym and jumping on the bike once or twice every week. I have never felt so good, not just on the bike, but in overall health and conditioning.
Feeling great, I took to the start line with 11 other Elite racers. My confidence higher then ever, I knew it was going to be a fun day. I had just picked up my new 2011 KTM 250 xc from Spunkys bike shop the morning prior, so I was still unclear what the bike was going to feel like. But it is a KTM so I knew I would be comfortable and fast right from the get go.
The cannon Erupted! The 12 of us were in a frenzy to get back to our seat from the front fender and start the bike to snag the holeshot. I, for some reason, have become nitorious for getting bad starts. I sat on the line trying to fire the bike for 5 seconds while the others were pulling away. I kicked the fresh motor over and was off like a rabbit.
I zapped 2 guys right away on the first corner, then sneaked my front tire in and dove infront of the next elite racer. Few seconds later I see teammate Wilson cursing on the side of the trail. He had broke his rear brake line on his KTM 250 xc-w and his day was done just like that. Next, I had Thomas Cordner to deal with. But, the gentlemen he is, he just waved me on by. The first logging road section I caught up to Ryan Horkoff and Sito Gonzalez and just made the passes on them before heading back into the bush.
Now, I had a Gas Gas rider infront of me. Must of been a local racer because he seemed to know every spot, and I could not make a pass for quite some time. Finally I made a crazy dash over some stumps and logs to just cut infront of him on a corner. Now for the FLYIN HAWAIIN. Koa Estrella, all the way from Hawaii, decided to come over to B.C. for the season and race all of our races plus some national events. I could see a decent sized mud hole ahead. Estrella took the high dry line, so I decided to blast through the mud hole to make the pass. I just came out ahead and now was already in 4th place in about 4 minutes. Next, was another WCR racer, Wade Edwards. But, as I was reeling him in, he connected with a tree and had pretty bad get off. So I took the position with ease. The 2nd place racer I could tell was having issues. He kept stalling his bike. So, around the 3rd time I saw it happen, I charged to his left and flew on by. Now for Travis Howell. Travis grabbed the holeshot and was out infront the whole time until now. He heard and saw me coming, and coming fast. Maybe with a little pump in the arms, he also decided to wave me on by. No dramatics to take over first! Thats ok, because once by I simply checked out and rode my new KTM 250 like there was no tomorrow. The course was awesome! Wet in some areas. With the beautiful day we had it didn't matter what we encountered. I came in to the main check after my first lap with a 2 and a half minute lead. With a clear track infront of me, I kept putting the hammer down and distanced myself the same amount on lap 2. I gassed up, then charged out for my 3rd lap. 5 minutes in my right hand gaurd had come loose and was dangling from the handlebar.A few times it created some havoc with it jamming in between my front fork and rad shroud. I pulled over and did a quick fix by forcing it under my front brake line on the number plate.
It held, but was now not quite as comfortable when dicing through the tight treed trails without my hand gaurd on. But, after the 3rd I had still distanced myself from the field.
Feeling full of energy still, I kept the burners on for the 4th. I had no idea what my lap times were like, but I was hoping and for sure thought I was doing a 5th lap. I decided to conserve some energy on the 4th, but there was no need. I came into the final check about 16 minutes after cut off. At first feeling a little disapointed about not making the 5th lap. Then, I quickly remembered I had won!!!! I ended up 10 minutes infront of 2nd place Thomas Cordner. I was and am still super pumped on the race! I think I can say the same for 97 other racers.
Now, with just over a week away, I am preparing for the first 2011 PNWMA race. The Roots of Doom at Whiskey Creek in Qualicum. It should be a fantastic race. It is also the 2nd round of the VIHSS. Sunday April 3rd is the day and the club is preparing for upwards of 200 racers signing up. Let's Go Racing!!!!!
I would like to thank everyone that is helping me out this year. KTM Canada, Spunkys motorcycles, STS Suspension, Ride Industries, Motul, Renthal, FMF, Alternative Groove,
Clark Pacific Excavating, EVS, Globe shoes, Save on foods, and last but not least, Mom and dad. You will all play a huge roll in my success this year, thank you for your support.
Until the next blog, ride hard, RACE harder! See you at the races.
May out.
