Event: Blue Marsh

Name: George Bressler

City: Etters

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 46

Place: 1st

Category: Sport

CLASS +/or Age group: Master One

Team: Cycle Works

XC Race Bike: '02 Cannondale Scalpel 2000

Tires: Michelin Wildgripper Comp S Tubeless

Conditions: (rivers of) MUD

Email: B1benben@CS.com

How was your fitness level going into this race?

Excellent- I felt great from start to finish. Except for the mud in my eyes, I could have done another lap. I ate lasagna for five straight nights,(Mon-Fri) then spaghetti Sat. night.(three bowls).

Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?

Yes, nothing but wide open racetrack in front of me. Too bad after the first downhill my eyes were so mudded up I couldn't see much past the handlebars.

Were you strong from start to finish?

Yes- I did walk the climb (in the back part of the course) though. The first lap I made some of it, the second lap, none. I'm sure it was rideable, but not with that mud!

When did you put the hammer down?

As soon as I hit the first hard road section(going across the bridge). Even though the mud was deepest in the center of the trail, it was still the fastest line.

Did you have any unusual problems?

Nothing unusual other than mud in the eyes and mud related shifting problems. My chain locked up tight on the final downhill,(I was on the big ring)-I went to the middle ring & it unstuck.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

Very much. Great course, Great arrows, Great scoring, GREAT music, Great mud, Great everything.

Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?

EVERYONE was VERY cool today about moving over so you could pass.

Anything you would like to add?

Bill Deputy runs through the woods like a deer. Watch him sometime!