{"id":816,"date":"2013-07-22T21:06:43","date_gmt":"2013-07-22T21:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.werideourbikes.com\/?p=816"},"modified":"2013-12-24T09:39:23","modified_gmt":"2013-12-24T14:39:23","slug":"usac-nationals-super-d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.werideourbikes.com\/?p=816","title":{"rendered":"USAC Nationals Super D"},"content":{"rendered":"

The day had arrived, the USAC National championships Super D at Bear Creek Resort was here so an early start was upon us. 5am arrives a bit too early for my liking but Susan despises more than I. It’s all apart of living where we do and racing Super D and Enduro on the east coast…a love hate relationship if you will. Long drives are the norm so we deal with it. <\/p>\n

The drive to Bear Creek is usually just under 2 hours if we don’t hit traffic passing through Philly, which was the case today.

\"Lift<\/a>

Lift line for bikes over there, riders over here!<\/p><\/div>We arrived with enough time to check-in with registration then for me to catch the lift for one run down the course. The goal was to get two runs in before my race run but the slow lifts didn’t help me with that goal. I did ride the lift up a second time but during that ride up the pros had already started racing so I just took a different route down the mountain.<\/p>\n

It’s go time!<\/h3>\n

I was in a stacked field of amateur men (40-49 age group) with all CAT levels grouped together including some top XC guys. This course favored the XC racer who has some tech skills…a very “pedaly” course.
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\"Crossing<\/a>

Crossing the mtn after the first climb.<\/p><\/div>My pre-race timing was pretty good overall, I was able to warm up enough and get to the top for my race run. I wasn’t nervous at all but I guess being in a comfortable surrounding and knowing a lot of the racers helped. I know this course well and knew exactly what I needed to do to have a good result.
\nOut of the gate I tried to work harder through the first rock garden descent and through the tight single track sections. Out of these sections you have the first climb which is on a gravel road. I pushed a little harder knowing what I was up against. Across the mountain and back into the woods, Harlan Price<\/a> was there yelling my name which was a nice boost.<\/p>\n

I experienced several sections along the course where people were yelling my name. This was awesome for sure but I found it odd that they were yelling “Go Gerry Creighton”. They decided to use my full name..?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So far I’m hitting all of my marks and not getting on the brakes too much. As I hit the tight switchback section I get to the last & tightest switchback which always gives me trouble and I manage to get through without losing time.
\nAfter this you get to rip through a muddy and very rocky section. The last time I rode here a big rock bent my rear disc brake. A short uphill and onto the small bridge (video below) which I always try to hit as smooth as possible, some guys have enough speed here to launch over the entire thing. Wasn’t going to happen for me today. I was pushing a little harder than usual and after getting past this obstacle, I felt it. <\/p>\n