Steele Creek GNCC

March 25, 2007 - Morganton, North Carolina

This was my first trip to North Carolina and I was pretty anxious to see what the track was going to be like.  I had heard it was pretty rocky and hilly and wasn't sure if that would help me or hurt me!  The start of the race didn't go so well as just like in Florida, it took two kicks before my bike fired up.  As we headed into the woods I just tried to get by as many riders as possible because I knew the leaders would be setting a fast pace up front!  I was able to get up into 4th by the end of lap 1 and could see Rodney Smith and Cole Calkins both just a few seconds ahead.  A little ways into the 2nd lap I saw Thad Duvall off to the side of the trail trying to get his bike started. I figured he'd probably be making his way back towards the front soon and I was right!  He came up behind me as we were finishing the 2nd lap and I thought it would be good to try to stick with him.  We were able to reel in the leaders and it was pretty fun racing for awhile.

Unfortunately, I have to say "awhile" because at about the 2 hour mark I just completely ran out of the energy to continue on with that pace.  The lack of energy had me making mistakes that I normally would not have made and that slowed me down even more.  I crashed a couple times and stalled it several times as well.  I  tried my best to hang on to a top 5 finish but I lost it near the end and had to settle for 6th.  It's a definite disappointment for me because I really feel I blew an opportunity for a much better finish.  I'm going to make some changes in my program and come back more prepared as the season rolls on. 

As for the course, it wasn't like I expected!  While it was definitely hilly, it wasn't really as rocky as I thought it might be.  That doesn't mean it wasn't rough though!  As the race wore on more and more roots became exposed and the rest of the course became pretty choppy and rough..  All in all, I'd say it was  really well laid out and a true test of your physical endurance.  I can't wait to see what the rest of these tracks are going to be like!