ECEA Round 4: Greenbrier Enduro

Photo by Joann Hauser

Race: ECEA Round 4: Greenbrier Enduro

Bike: 09 KTM 200

Result: 1^st A-200, 18^th Overall

Sponsors: I would like to thank Stickman Graphx, Unabiker.com, EKS Brand Goggles, Kriega USA, Rekluse, All Balls Racing, EBC Brakes, Fly Racing, Mika Metals, DT-1 Filters, Works Enduro Rider, FMF Racing, Vertex Pistons, Powerseal USA, Matto Cycle, Offroadviking.com, Clockwork KTM, Torc 1 Racing, Motorex, G2 Ergonomics,  Joann Hauser, my family, and my Dad.

Report:

            I have been looking forward to racing the Greenbrier Enduro for a few months now.  It is always known to have great trail that separates out the competition fairly well.  I have been working hard to make subtle changes on the bike this season so that I am more prepared for the races.  Sunday morning, my dad and I drove down to the race.  I rode on row 28 with Ben Smith.  My plan is to ride the rest of the year with Ben as I am hoping to learn a lot from a AA rider so that I can hopefully race AA next season.

                My day started off a little slow as I shook out some cobwebs and missed the first couple flips.  Total, I missed 3 flips by fewer than 10 seconds which is frustrating but shows that I am on the edge of taking my speed to the next level.  Early on, I decided that subtle suspension changes were needed since the trail was smoother than previous weekends, and my front end seemed to be diving too much.  Once those changes occurred, I was able to finish the rest of the day strong.  I was surprised at my conditioning for the 15 mile section which I set a fairly good time in.  I am learning to keep my intensity up which can be tough in a 15 mile section.

I am going to keep this week’s report short as I am in my final two weeks of school and finals are next week! Yikes!  But at the end of the day at Greenbrier, I came out with another A-200 class win and was able to finish 18^th overall in a stacked class.  As long as I finish top 20, then I am happy with my riding because consistency is key for me making AA.  I want to thank everyone for their support as well as the Hammer Nutrition Recoverite product which got me back on my feet by Monday!  It is magic for the body.

Photo by Joann Hauser