There is more than corn in Indiana
by Bryan on June 21st, 2007
DINO Series race number 2 and 3 are proof positive, there is more than corn in Indiana!
Race #2 took place in Brown County State Park (BCSP). These trails are the “show piece� of the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA). The trails are a testimate to the hard work and dedication of the HMBA, and the cooperation of the Indiana DNR.
Now about the race, BCSP is a flowing bunch of single track with moderate climbs throughout. If you can climb, you’ll like BCSP. It is also a fairly fast course due to the incredible flow designed into the course. The turn-out for the race was above average, as many people enjoy the trails at BCSP. The heat played a factor in the race as temps climbed into the 90’s with no airflow through the dense forest. After 3 weeks off the bike for a family illness, I was a little worried about my fitness. As the race progressed and I found my pace my fears went away. I was able to stay out of “no-mans-land� (a place where there is no one in front or behind you), which helped to maintain my pace throughout the course. The climbs were all ride able, so time off the bike was none. I emerged from the woods with a rider on my front. He was within striking distance as there was about a quarter mile of wide open grass before the finish. The race was ON! A big ring sprint ended in the finish squeeze with me on top. Final results showed 27th overall and 14th in the 30-39 age group.
Race #3 took place in Ferdinand State Forest, in Ferdinand, In.
The race was approximately 3 to 3 ½ hour drive from my home. I was unable to go down the night before to camp, so it was and early morning and a long drive to the course. The temps were rising into the “Africa Hot� range by the time I arrived at the race. Bank signs were showing 100 deg. Temps in town. The thick, hilly forest did not allow for any air flow. The attendance at the race was slightly below normal, probably due to the heat, the drive and the course. The course? What on earth could be so bad that someone would skip the race because of the course? I found out! I can describe every inch of the trail with only two words. All the course fit into one of two categories, ascending, or descending. Now, don’t misunderstand me, I am not complaining, the hills separate the men from the boys. It was a brutal, hot, difficult race with tons of climbing and descending. I entered the woods second in my age group, but as the suffering set in, one by one I was passed. At about the half way mark, I fell into a pace and I began to gain some back. I committed to staying on the bike for the remainder of the climbs. Then, unexpectedly, my cassette suffered a “high speed come apart�. The lock ring on the cassette had failed and I was no longer able to use the smaller half of the cassette. I had adjusted my front derailleur just prior to the race and it shifted like a dream. So, I used my 3 up front and about 4 in the back and was able to stay on the bike for most of the remaining climbs. Final finish was 11th overall and 5th in the
30-39 group.
Special thanks to EVOMO for keeping me looking good no matter how much I am suffering!!
Race Report submitted by:
Darin Koelm
Avon, In
June 22nd, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Right on! Growing up in the south suburban Chicago area, I used to cross over into Indiana to find any hills (except for highway overpasses!) I remember that Midwest heat and humidity well. As soon as you step outside you are sweating. Great job riding through the mechanical problem.