2024 US MTB Series, Explore Park, CAT 3 Mens 50+, Team CUTTERS (see description)

Race #7 in the series takes us up to Roanoke VA along the Blue Ridge Parkway for a 2 lap , 10.45 mile race. This race course was a combination of gravel road and single track. The single track section had a little flow but was primarily a rooty,rocky off camber grind. This race was so far the most technical course in the series and had me riding very cautious. My technical skills aren't that great but this race helped me improve in that aspect. The day before it took me 3 laps to ride through without crashing. But for race day I fell twice. The turn out for the race was a little low with only 3 racers , including myself , competing in my category. I placed 1st in this race . Pre riding the course the day before, definitely helped. My strategy was to start just strong enough to be in the lead when it turned to single track and not be trying to recover or catch my breath. In other words, save my energy for the sketchy climbs ahead. Team CUTTERS did very well with all participating team members making the Podium for a score of 97 out of 100 points earned. But Clemmons Bicycle Racing took the day with five 1st place finishes giving them 100 points. CUTTERS still has the lead over Clemmons for the series. CUTTERS= 682 , Clemmons=651. Only 4 races left. The next race is 6/22/24 Mayodan,NC. ,Battle of the Bikes and the NC/SC Regional Championship. Hope to see you there. Go CUTTERS.