Joe Halcomb's Big Hill Race Report (2006)

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 10
Rider: Joe Halcomb - Vet B 1st Place
Bike: 06 CRF450

My compliments to (KORHS) family and staff, what a great season!

The morning of the race was truly un-routine for me, as we stayed in a Comfort Inn the night before the race so not driving three to four hours to get to a race left me time to enjoy a nice breakfast . . . I knew better but could not resist biscuits and gravy. Directions to the race were spot on and the landscape was picture perfect. We set up camp next to the course and guarded space for some friends, signed in went over bikes, geared up and then it off to the line.
When I’m on the line I look around to see if there are any new faces welcome them in to the infamous Vet B Class and wish them well because when your in the Vet class we’re all want to win but have to go to work on Monday and were not sure how much we want to risk until the flag drops then most of us loose our mature minds for the more youthful approach of I CAN DO THAT.

It’s that time Flag drops OH YEA I got so nervous one the line that all of the tips everyone gave me to get a good start slipped my mind in the anticipation of the start, last off the line again. It was single file until the field section where I was able to pass the diverse terrain was changing from traction to no traction then the stalagmite rock garden. I had to concentrate so hard I think my hand prints are still on my pro-tapers from gripping so hard, off that section and onto the mud road where I didn't think I would get any traction but it proved to be different, going through the first lap I found myself in 2nd and could not believe I had gained six places! The 2nd lap I was in first, I don’t know which is better gunning for first or being in first with the gunners in back of you but first is sweet but the fact is that anyone of the series riders could have one this race I just happen to be the lucky one.

Things that made me laugh: Allen Westerfield’s dad before the race he couldn't get his bike to start so he laid it on the ground and said now don’t you boys know before a hard race you need to let your bike take a little nap!
Things on the course I most remember: After you pass the barn and started up in the woods there was a rut with a root that was almost 2 feet deep. Also, the field section where berms started you could slam into the corners and make up lost time.
Things that made me nervous: The Start! And when getting passed, most people you can here them yell but I got to tell ya when BIG DAVE is coming there is no need for him to yell with his new bike you can here him coming, it made me so nervous I almost wrecked!

(KORHS) I don’t know what I liked best about the series racing or getting together with friends It was like a mini-vacation each time we went and the drive home this time seemed to be longer this time. We can’t wait until next season.

Thanks: Joe and Zach Halcomb