Monday, September 17, 2012

Sorry about not posting in a while. I've been pretty busy with school and training. FSC #1 was great. I got a third place win. The trails were amazing. It rained like crazy the day before and trails were literally underwater, but the next day, the trails were in perfect condition. I was in the lead for the longest time in the beginning of the first lap, but as climbing one of the climbs I was pushed to the outside as two other racers passed me. I followed them for a while until I was not able to pass someone. By then I was not able to catch back up. A little more experience on passing will help a lot. I'll post the link to the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXM4c9TXUSA&feature=youtu.be



FSC #2 was crazy awesome. I had another third place. I was yet again blocked by another person from my group for several minutes while my two other competitors rode off. There was no possible way I was going to catch them, but third in the state so far. If anyone as any tips on passing, feel free to comment. I has an amazing time. I can't wait until Gainesville.

FSC #2 - Fernandina Beach



FSC #2 - Fernandina Beach - what a blast! Pre-ride was great. The course flowed really well and it had a fun rocky climb. Felt really good about what I could do on Sunday. After the pre-ride, my family and the Burnett's headed to the beach for some fun in the sun. That was the best time ever! The waves were huge and kept beating us down. Did some boogey boarding and tried the skin board was didn't want to get hurt. Afterwards, we went to eat at Slidders which had awesome food. I hung out with the Burnetts and Karras' and carbed up for the race. 

Didn't get my best start race day. Michael Mace and Troy Davis shot out like rockets with Jordon Karras right behind them. I got caught behind another rider at a tight turn and it took me about a minute to make the pass. A minute might not seem long, but it can make all the difference in a bike race. Was able to pull up to 3rd before the climb and made the climb without a problem. The second lap was a problem, hit a sandy patch and crashed. Luckily, I didn't get hurt and got right back on my bike. Rode like the Devil was chasing me and crossed the finish line in a nice 3rd place. Have a better idea of what I need to work on for future races and can't wait for Gainesville - Hailes Trails!

Want to give a big shout out to Troy Davis for his first 1st place win in the FSC series!!! Congrats, bro! Congrats to Michael Mace for 2nd place, Jordon Karras for 4th place, and Dustin Zimmerman  (not picture - he was down at the beach) for 5th place. 

Another shout out to my teammate Cody Burnett for riding a great race and hitting the podium in 2nd place in the Juniors 15-18. Great job!


FSC #2 - Made the podium again - 3rd place!  

Making the climb
Hanging with my mom and Cody at the top of the climb before my wave started.

Morgan showing us all how it's done going up the climb!





Cody Burnett on the podium - 2nd place!

FSC #1 - Tallahassee

FSC#1 - Pre-ride had me worried because it rained like crazy! Wasn't sure what to expect come race time. But I was completely surprised when we got to the race and it was pretty dry. Made it out the start in 2nd and was able to pull ahead of Troy Davis (in first) and Michael Mace (in third) and maintain the lead for a good part of the first lap. Unfortunately, they got me at a turn and bumped me to third. Wasn't able to pull ahead of either of them but placed a very respectable third. Riding with Michael and Troy really pushes me to become a better rider. They are both wicked fast! Looking forward to FSC#2 in Fernandina Beach. 

Congrats to my CycleYouth/LeRoys teammates for making the podium:  Cody Burnett - 3rd place Juniors 15-18, Adam Cohen - 5th place Juniors 15-18, Jordon Karras - 4th place Juniors 11-14, Ethan Audette - 5th place Juniors 11-14, and Madison McDaniel 5th place Women's Base. All of the CycleYouth/LeRoys riders did a great job! Congrats to my brother, Morgan, who rode a great race!

Crossing the creek
Out of the start gate - Troy Davis in the lead, me, and then Michael Mace 


Teammate Adam Cohen - Juniors 15-18

Teammate Cody Burnett - Juniors 15-18 3rd Place

My brother Morgan - riding like a pro!

Morgan out of the gate

Teammate Jordon Karras - Juniors 11-14 4th Place

Teammate Madison McDaniel - Women's Base 5th Place. Watch out all you female bikers, keep your eye on Madison - she is a tough competitor!
Podium!  Pulled out 3rd place. Michael Mace 1st, Troy Davis 2nd, Jordon Karras 4th, and Ethan Audette 5th. CycleYouth/LeRoys went three deep on the podium in Juniors 11-14!











Monday, September 3, 2012

Great race yesterday in Gainesville, the 8 hours of Labor (San Felasco)...and the name was no joke!  Our team was great: me, Cody Burnett and Chris Burnett. Was a tough race, lots of expert and pro racers, but what a great experience! The day started out hot and then got rainy and humid.  It didn't stop us and in the end we managed to pull out a strong 10th place! The highlight of the day was meeting Tinker Juarez, what an awesome rider! Each race gives me more experience and confidence to dig in deep and show everyone what I'm made of. 

Looking forward to the first FSC race next weekend in Tallahassee. CycleYouth/LeRoys has a strong team and we are ready for some action. Super pumped up! As always, I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped my along in my journey:  my parents, LeRoy (LeRoy's Bike Works), my coach Chris Burnett, my other mother Christie Burnett, and all my teammates. 

Meeting the infamous Tinker Juarez!!!!

The up and comers: Shelby, Morgan (my little brother) and Adrian

On the front line: me, Jordan Karras, Michael Mace and Tinker Juarez!


A Le Mans start

Morgan pulled out First Place in his race!

Me and Michael Mace on the first lap

Strategizing.....