Paul Whibley's Salt River Run Race Report (2007)

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 4
Rider: Paul Whibley - Bike Overall Winner
Team: Moose, Parts Unlimited, Honda
Bike: Honda CRF 450X

The promise of fresh trails lured riders to round 4 of the Kentucky harescramble series, even after a few days of rain leading up to the event. The trails were going to be slippery and probably cut up but that is the fun part of having a brand new venue.

We lined up on the start, ready to see what this event had in store for us.
The green flag waved and I pulled a rare holeshot. We were arrowed straight into the woods and into some tight trails. You had to be careful not to brush up against the trees or overshoot a turn as there were some mean spikes growing out, just waiting to stab into the closest body part. I led the first half of the first lap chased hard by Alan Westerfield. I was struggling to pull any lead as I was constantly searching for the track. Alan was able to watch me and read the direction of the track. I managed to break away and began to build a lead. Then late in the lap I took a wrong turn, realising my mistake I turned around and rejoined the track just in front of Alan who latched on to my back wheel again. The 8 mile course took about 28 minutes to complete a lap.

On the second lap the track was more marked out but still super slippery. I began to pull away again enjoying the track as the lines became more obvious, and ruts formed.

By the third lap the track was sweet and traction was perfect in most places. A couple of the hills had rutted up and were giving some grief to the riders, but some momentum saw most reach the top.

A quick stop for gas on lap 4 and at the end of the 5th lap the chequered flag was waving. Alan Westerfield mantained his 2nd place position and Jeff Cregg on his CRF 250 was 3rd overall.

Paul Whibley
[Click on his name to check out his site]

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