“…I stay in front, being able to pick my lines makes it easier. All my remounts after the jumps are horrid, but I hang on to my lead. After each technical section my lead widens, but if I slacken my pace I see her getting nearer. I remind my self to ride carefully, don’t take chances, and “it’s not over till the fat lady sings”. At each lap I ride up the steep uphill – it gets harder each time, but I know I can do it, just focus. On the last lap I see her getting a little closer-oops, better turn it on. I speed up, I know I’ve got this as long as I don’t crash. My faithful cheering section is there every lap, and as I cross the finish they are right there. I am pretty spent and pull off the course to catch some air. It seems like a long time before the second place rider finished, but I don’t know the times.

I can’t really believe I just won the “state”-“really?” “Really!” This was not the hardest race I have ever done. But is was certainly a lot of fun, and I am so glad I came, and I am very proud to have represented Michael David Winery Cycling Team…”