PRHSSCRevengeRattlesnake

Press Release 05.10.2005

Press Release for Honey Stinger – Spinergy Cycling MTB squad

by Amy Dunkin

Revenge of the Rattlesnake XC Race - WVMBA Spring Series #5

Blackwater Falls State Park– Davis, WV

05-08-2005

I think Spring has sprung. What a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and a bunch of MTB racers were burning up the course at Sunday’s Revenge of the Rattlesnake race sponsored by Blackwater Bikes in Davis, WV.

Over the past few years this race earned a reputation. If you don’t like long 4 hour XC racing and mud bogs over your knees then don’t go. But to everyone’s pleasant surprise the course was changed and an excellent race course was provided.

The course was a true XC 6mile lap race. Starting on a grass clearing and then into the woods for s short prologue loop we then headed through some prime WV singletrack perfect ladden with roots, rocks, and a little mud for our complexion. Only one hike a bike was available. In reverse it looked like a cool downhill, but I digress. After some technical singletrack you were greeted with a super cool twisty trail though pine trees galore. Major fun here. Just watch out for the protruding broken branches. Ouch. Then you were greeted with some fast and fun downhill trails that would lead you to the lap finish. Jump that final bridge for a cool picture. Then time for another lap.

The HSSC WV MTB squad once again provided podium finishes.

Steve Thaxton racing in the Vet. Expert took off an never looked back to come up with a 2nd place finish.

Jon McClung racing Sport (19-34) was ripping up the course. Jon kept a good race pace. With only one unintentional rest stop. On a off chamber singletrack section with some big roots and rocks and then a small water crossing Jon lost control and flipped over the handlebars. A few scratches here and there he remounted and finished the race with a time of 1:25 to give him a 4th place finish.

Rich Boehm our other Sport was AWAL from this race for a beach vacation.

Lori Ware one of our Sport Women racers placed 3rd in her class. Lori loves riding in this area. As you can tell by the big smile on her face.

I, Amy Dunkin once again was plagued with bike problems. After installing a new front derailuer, new chain, and new rear rotor this week my middle chain ring decided to give up the ghost about 2 miles into the race. My chain would not stay on middle ring so I rode most of the race in granny, except for the downhills. It was a great day to be out and with some encouragement from fellow racer Gary Moorefield I went ahead and did my two laps to come in with a 4th place finish in the Sport Women (19-34) class.

HSSC results for the Revenge of the Rattlesnake– WVMBA Point Series race #5:

Final results have not yet been posted. Verification will be made when available.

Steve Thaxton 2nd Vet. Expert

Amy Dunkin 4th Sport Women (19-34)

Jon McClung Sport Men (19-34)

Lori Ware 3rd Sport Women (19-34)

Rich Boehm “Beach Bum” Sport Men (19-34)

www.honeystinger-spinergycycling.com

All photos courtesy of www.iplayoutside.com