 Alan Westerfield's MPOR Race Report (2008)  Race Report:
Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 1 By: Alan Westerfield I'm not really a big Clay City fan. I love the terrain, I just wish we could use more of it instead of the same type of dozer wide trails; it would just be a bit more interesting and the dirt was perfect. There's just so much potential there. As always, it's good to see Scott Summers show up. The guy brings a level of excitement to the races with his colorful full time racing past and as a Husky team manager. Marty and I convinced Rick to give Summers more time to get to the line…even though we got left behind last year. Ha ha. I grabbed the holeshot and set a slow pace for the first half of a lap. Marty was making a little noise back there so I let him lead for a bit; until he wadded up in a mudhole. I took off and established a good pace and pulled a slight gap on the first lap. On the second lap I came upon a bottleneck of probably about 50 bikes. I finally decided to turn around and Summers, Redferrin, and I went up the mountain to find a way around. I let Scott go first from there because I didn't want to hold him up. Its magic the way he rides a bike and even if it means losing, then I would rather learn something. He doesn't pin it and bounce off stuff….just keeps motivating along at a deceptive pace. Before too long I lost him and just rode my own pace until the 3rd lap where I passed him while he was getting fuel. We rode together on the 4th lap. Then we got the white flag….I forgot to get gas so I had to stop and lose him. I took off on a charge on the last lap and had a lot of energy left. Naturally, on the only fairly tight section of the whole track I got behind a rider that I couldn't get around. Now, you can tell when it's a beginner rider or just someone who can't physically let you by- and that's cool with me, everybody has to start somewhere and that's part of the learning curve; but this guy was a good rider. So he knows I'm there because I'm revving and all that so I give three chances. The guys throws his hands up as if to say " I can't get over"; while another rider pulls over to let BOTH of us by. So you can throw your hands up, yell back at me, and pass another rider but you can't let me by??? Ok, so I spent about $120 in gas, $45 on motel, $30 to sign up, $65 on food, and other hidden cost plus wear and tear on my bike to ride this course to the best of my ability and your not going to let me do it. You CAN NOT have a successful race if you spend too much time trying to pass lap traffic. I'd be afraid to guess how many riders we have to pass per race. I didn't spend all my time and money coming up here to ride around behind someone so I had to get aggressive and push my way past on the inside of a turn. Anyone in my class knows I won't hold them up and I really try to pass safely with caution and even throw a thumbs up or yell "Thank You" as I pass. Part of this kind of racing is sharing the course; and that goes two ways. I enjoyed the race, its not somewhere that I want to just go all out though because it is a bit sketchy at times. I wear no shame in getting beat by Mr. Summers. To me any race that I can finish and see my friends finish without injury is something to smile about. After the race I borrowed Ricks quad to go and look for one of my broken down buddies. I missed the trophy presentation and found out later it's probably good that I did. A young kid informed me later of a conversation they heard between two guys about what a bad guy I am while getting plaques. The words were vulgar, ignorant, and R rated. Now, it's a free country and you can think what you want about me…that's fine; join the hater club- it's your right. But come on, don't act like trash around these kids; this sport is better than that. WE ARE THE ADULTS. I admit there are times when I get excited, rowdy, or intense during a race; but IT'S A RACE! I don't celebrate mediocrity; therefore I want to be my best and represent the hard work I put in off the track. Sometimes people forget that human beings; when performing at their highest level, simply aren't machines that can be turned on and off like a light switch. Racing and possibly winning a KORHS race is probably getting close to being at that level for me. So I guess if people want to bring their drama to the trophy presentation; a presentation that reflects those performing at their highest level, then change the name to a trail ride series, have brownies and milk and the checkpoints, and give out awards for being a genuine sweet heart. So anyway, If I unknowingly offended someone then I offer my sincere apologies. KORHS appears to be coming full circle. The crowd was very good considering conflicting events and the race moved along like clockwork. Good Job guys. |