Massanutten DH Yee-Ha 5-8/9

Thursday evening after work I set out for Mcgaheysville, VA. The
forecast for this weekend was supposed to be rain all weekend. It was nice
that it had rained everyday that week too. Might as well keep the riders
on the toes while skipping accross horrendous root infested off-camber corners,
and slippery rocks at the tops of all chutes. The Honda Element was loaded
with gear, tools, replacement parts, a backup bike, and my "support/fan club",
my wife Rachael. At Massanutten Resort we met up with Todd Nicolas of
Gretna Bikes, his girl friend, Krisha, and Chris Scotten. Saturday we
awoke to a beautiful morning. After breakfast we geared up and made our
way to the "worlds slowest" chairlift! I made the comment that they should
install cycle trainers on the lifts so we could spin for the long commute to the
top. Other racers agreed. I have never been to a DH event in which I
witnessed so many flats! There are always flats at a DH event, but this
course is head and shoulders more technical overall than most. Last
practice run of friday I went out of control in a chute, that resulted in me and
bike somersaulting, flipping, tallywhacking through the air. I believe I
cracked a rib. Later that evening, Todd, Chris, and I walked the
course and discussed line possibilities. Saturday, race day!
Hardtail riders went first, there were 2, so all podiumed! They looked
thoroughly spent when crossing the finishing line. Finally, 1:37pm and I
am off! That chute I careened out of control on the day before had a
suprise for me. I made the tight left corner with great speed and
confidence to nail this section, and then,...there was a turtle on the
trail! Exactley where I needed to be. Well, he was there first, so I
bunny-hopped him and I planned to "dance" through chunder. Turns out the
guy after me hit him, found out later after the race. I finished in
4:41secs, placed 8th in Sport Class, Masters category. The overall best
time down the course was 3:23secs! Great weekend and a wicked fun
trail!

--Mr. Ben "Dream" Weaver

Click here for the pictures.