Greenbrier MTB Race Report 2011

The 11:30am Cat 2 race went out under perfect weather conditions. The trail had
a few boggy sections left over from earlier rains but most of it was fast and
dryish. From the gun, the tempo was spirited in each age group. In the 40-45
group, B. Teller, D. Stealy (my fellow roadie cross-over) and I watched Alex
Mata (Evolution) & friends set a silly quick pace up the initial rise and
sustain it through the first lap. Working through the 35-39 group ahead, I
found Brian racing right side-up but Stefan racing in the kneeling position on
the side of the trail nursing various mechanical issues. I estimate he spent at
least 25 minutes tinkering instead of spinning. On the final lap, I found
George Lowe (I think...by then my brain was extra hurty and my mouth tasted like
poop) spinning out a steady pace. The three riders w/ me latched onto his wheel
and I watched as steady George pulled all of them away from me, and onto the
(40-45) podium. George also rolled onto the podium in the 35-39 group. Post
race, Paul (NCVCs only rep in the 45-49), David Jones and Alan (both top ten
finishers in the 50+) all agreed that the course was challenging. Everyone
finished w/ a layer of the trail mud highlighting the periodic muddy spots. As
a testament to the wheels in the 40-45 group, Ben Teller's 11th place finishing
time would have earned him third in the 30-35 & 6th (just behind George) in the
35-39. Kudos to dirt-convert Dave Stealy for riding in right behind Ben and
Lancaster for identifying the owner of the unclaimed post-race shorts by the
sniff test.

This was my first experience with enjoying the benefits of reserved NCVC parking
& Tent accommodations. Its the best way to race. We took a team picture
post-race but unfortunately our only podium finisher, George, was not there as
he was supporting his wife Rebecca in her race.

Apologies if I mangled details/names/events.
Special thanks to Ben for the lift to and from and Alan for toting the tent. I
look forward to racing w/ all again.