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Date: April 6, 2003

Event: Hibernia

Name: Doug Gray

City: Downingtown

State/Province: PA

Country: USA

Age: 42

Place: 2nd

Category: Sport

Class or Age Group: Vet. II

Team: First State Velo Sport

Race Bike: Trek 930

Tires: Specialized

Conditions: Partly Cloudy

Email: doug@graymatterinc.net

 

• How was your fitness level going into this race?
   
  I wasn't really sure. It's my 1st race. I've been riding my bike to work to accumulate base endurance miles
   
  
• Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
   
  Yes. I was running 5th or 6th the 1st lap
   
  
• Were you strong from start to finish?
   
  Yes, I don't have top end power/speed right now but I think I've got a decent base so I can keep the pressure on throughout the race and not suffer too much.
   
  
• When did you put the hammer down?
   
  On the open non-technical climbs and the fireroad. I used my big ring and hammered here each time
   
  
• Did you have any unusual problems?
   
  Yes: Two problems. I put my chain into the spokes on the big climb coming off the road. I had to dismount and put it back on. Another time I caught the marker tape in the deraileur and pedal. I had to dismount and remove it.
   
  
• Were you happy with the way the race was run?
   
  Yes. I think one way to avoid disputes at the end would be to do it like Fair Hill and have someone detach the number and post it on the board. Results are immediate and any problems can be resolved quickly.
   
  
• Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
   
  No
   
  
• Anything you would like to add?
   
  I'm a road racer with very little mtn. skills so now I have to decide if I'll pursue the MASS this year.