May 2, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Bill Ringler
City: Newark
State/Province: DE
Country: USA
Age: 46
Place: 1st
Category: Beginner
Class or Age Group: 45-49
Team: Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
Race Bike: Trek Fuel 100
Tires: Panarfacer XC Pro
Conditions: moist and firm
Email: bringler@INFOSYSINC.COM
How was your fitness level going into this race?
I felt about 75%. I've been running but not a lot of time on the trails.
I'm looking to start to take advantage of the weather and try to ride 2
X's a week.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
I was 2nd going into the single track behind Ed Camelli who passed me on
the first mile plus uphill.
Were you strong from start to finish?
Ed maintained the lead for the remainder of the first 4 miles. I kept him
within 10 - 40 yards and adjusted distances as my energy fluctuated.
After passing him, I was able to put another couple of racers between us and
begin to pull away. The last couple miles were a race to the end. The
additional pressure gave me the fuel to finish strong.
When did you put the
hammer down?
After crossing the road where we started the race, the uphill out to the
last singletrack was "the ride home".
Did you have any unusual problems?
Other than getting myself "started up the first long hill"?...
Were you
happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, the event was top notch! One suggestion would be to "mark each racer's
calf" with the appropriate class identification so you know who you're
going against as people pass.
Did you have any interesting experiences
during your race (exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
I rode up the "starting uphill" (on my 2nd time through) with a "Jr Rider".
We conversed about our positions. It took my mind off the pain and pressure
of coming in the home stretch, and allowed me to relax through the last clover
leaf single track in the woods.
Anything you would like to add?
Life is GOOD...