Bryce Gartman's Saddleback Race Report (2007)
"The Little Flatlander Goes to Saddleback "
Race Report:
Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 7
Rider: Bryce Gartman - 2nd Super Mini Winner - 3rd
Overall
Bike: 07 KTM 105SX
By: Bryce Gartman
Race #7 would be held at Saddleback East. This is a good thing for me because saddleback
is my home on the weekends. The track was 3.2 miles long, with some challenging
singletrack, up-hills, off-cambers, a small creek section, and of course A
LOT of rock. The weather was a factor for the mid-august race. It
was very hot, and staying hydrated was key to surviving this race.
I luckily had my camelback on my back and threw some ice and water into
it. At the start I was anxious to get out on the track, because just
sitting on my bike I was sweating like crazy. I sure wish I had some vented
gear, but yet I don’t know if that would be enough to cool me off.
Well when the race had started I was third off the line followed behind
Dillan Hamilton and Austin Schaffner. Dillan would take the holeshot and
enter the woods with an early lead. After the first chaotic 100 yards Austin
made his way around Dillan and I was on a mission to do the same. I ended
up passing Dillan at the road crossing and I had Austin in my sight. I
rode behind Austin for the first mile and he made an unfortunate mistake
by stalling his bike. I was quick to react and got around the very talented
#60 rider. The first lap I was trying to gain a lead by pushing myself
to a fast pace. I had a great first lap but the next few laps would not
be so graceful.
My second lap I was feeling comfortable and smooth but
then came trouble. As I was passing a lapped rider in the short creek section,
I came across a race-ending situation. The idea was to go around the lapped
rider in hopes of keeping my lead. When I made my move around the little XR100
I hit a rock that popped my front tire flat. Yes, I got around the rider but
I also got a flat tire out of the deal. So I was going to make the best of
it and try and ride my butt off to keep my lead and win the race. My little
dream of coming across the finish line with a flat and in first place quickly
ended as I was passed by Cody Hardesty on the following lap. Then Austin flew
by me a few seconds later. My flat tire was very unfortunate, but it
happens and I was just glad to have finished. In the end, Cody Hardesty took
a well-deserved overall win, followed by Austin, me, Anthony Wagler,
and Dillan Hamilton. The course was awesome, and the racing was definitely
interesting. If you couldn’t make it to the race then you missed out.
I hope to see everyone at big hill, where I have to get consistent because
currently I have the points lead in the Super Mini class, and Cody Hardesty
has the points lead in the Mini A class. The next few rounds will determine
who will break the current tie and claim the KORHS Mini Overall
Championship. Should be interesting at the next few rounds! Well that’s
all for now, see yall at Big Hill!
Bryce Gartman |