August 1, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Don Pagano
City: Carlisle
State/Province: Pa
Country: USA
Age: 42
Place: 1st
Category: Sport
Class or Age Group: Vet II
Team: Yellow Breeches Racing
Race Bike: Santa Cruz Blur
Tires: Panaracer Fire Mud Pro
Conditions: Ultra muddy!
Email: hd383@comcast.net
How was your fitness level going into this race?
Ok, I'm never where I'd like to be. Had too little sleep the night before,
and one too many beers.
Were you happy with your position going into
the singletrack?
Yes, I got a surprisingly good start on the initial climb, where I usually
struggle.
Were you strong from start to finish?
I felt pretty good the entire race, though I thought I was going to die
trying to keep up with Bill Armbruster early in the first lap. Ouch.
When
did you put the hammer down?
I followed Bill Armbruster for a good bit of the first lap, just trying
to stay on his wheel. At one point on the trail Bill had issues with
the mud and it allowed me to squirm by. Bill is super fast and a notoriously
strong finisher, so I tried as best I could to open a bit of a gap. It
was an act of survival!
Did you have any unusual problems?
I got mud in both eyes 30 seconds into the race, and couldn't see very
well the whole race. I kept trying to rub the grit out, but my gloves
were covered with mud... I was also kinda nervous that something would go wrong
mechanically with so much mud to contend with. The last minute decision
to change tires to the skinny Panaracer Fire Mud Pros paid off big time
(thanks Mike Kuhn!).
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
Yes, they did a great job considering the conditions. I did miss the MegaDip
though!
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race
(exchanges with competitors/spectators)?
Sportsmanship was excellent throughout the race, especially considering the
trying conditions. I did get a bit off course early into the first lap
when a competitor slid into me accidentally and I sucked a 2 foot long branch
into my derailleur. I was sure I was finished right then and there, and
was shocked that it didn't break (Sram 9.0).
Anything you would like to
add?
That's the muddiest race I've done since the 24 Hours of Snowshoe. I hope
the trails recover; I love this event and hope to continue to race here.
I've been telling folks all year to watch for my esteemed teammate, Taylor "Bling-Bling" McClain
(Junior). "Bling-Bling" was an absolute rocket at Iron Hill, and fastest
sport racer overall.
*editor's note: the trails have been completely repaired by the FSVS crew
- known for it's responsible use of all trails.