Dave Tripier Podiums at CCCX Mnt Bike race-5/26/12

Race: CCCX MTB # 5

Class: Cat 2 w/15 riders
Result: 3rd
Location: Monterey, Fort Ord
Length 23 miles 2500 ft of climbing

Sunday, I headed off with the whole family to the CCCX race in Monterey. I love the circuit there, tight single track, not too much climbing, and real friendly atmosphere. The kids also like it because the bikers make multiple laps which provides them something to see and enjoy.

My race started out with a quick warm up lap to check out the course, see where the crash traps are, and to plan out my race strategy. The pre-ride was good idea because there was some big sand traps around blind turns which I thought to myself – “there will be carnage..”

The start we went in a normal group by category (pros, cat 1, cat 2) by age as well. I did my normal strategy which was been be in the top 5 heading into the single track – I was 4 heading into the narrow single track.

I held that position for the majority of the race hanging behind the 3 place guy who was a roadie. He was a great climber but lacked handling skills especially around tight turns and sand. He would get a gap going up and then I would catch him on the down and through technical sections. He did crash in the sand on the forth lap – out of 5 – but caught me on the climb again and passed me on the 5th lap.

I stayed on his tail until the end and beat him on the sprint home for 3rd place.

Very happy with the result,

Dave