Another year of the Sunset series is just about done. With only two races left, only two races finished and needing 4 placements to score I could not afford a DNF for this race.
Been DNF'n due to flats these days. Switched out Karma on the back to the fatter 2.1 Nev and put in a tube filled with Stans. Running the Nev 1.95 on the front.
Lined up for the race with about half the normal crowd, I guess due to holidays.
Had a decent start and felt not too bad during the climbs. Was probably the coolest day we had yet at around 25c but still humid.
Been dry around her for the pas couple weeks and I think this is the driest it's every been on the race course. I definitely prefer the wet and mud. Traction was great on the rocky sections and most of the trail but there where some very sketchy sections due to being so dry. Was like cornering on ball bearings in a couple spots.
On lap two and 3 I had to granny it on the first climb out of the start area up the mountain so I wasn't feeling quite as strong as the last two races which I was in 3rd or 4th gear on lap two, flatted before lap 3.
Otherwise I was feeling ok.
On lap 3 near the beginning I was passed by a guy I think was in my class, on a HT. I figured if I could keep him close on the climbs I might reel him back in for the decent and make a pass near the technical finish and get the win. Sadly my carrot got a flat and was not the way I wanted to beat him to the line.
So finished with no flats, mechs, or crashes and an ok time in 6th.
One race left and I need it to count for my 4 races for my totals.
Front tire was flat a couple days after the race but I had a slow leak I believe from an old patch. Will have that fixed for next race maybe with some Stans in there for insurance :)
Cheers,
Paul
