QND Filthy 50 - 55+ Race

Congratulations to our MTB squad.  They swept the podium at the Filthy Fifty race in the 55+ category last weekend.  Here’s the race report form Greg Fenton:

We started in the third wave back on the start, experts first, then sports.  Ken led the way with Randy, Jimbo, and myself following.  Within the first couple miles we started to pass the Sport class (there were 50-60 racers in this class).  We should have started in front of the Sport Category but Ken did a good job passing 4 and 5 at a time. Unfortunately when we got to the first climb, Jimbo got tied up behind some Sport racers and was off of the UCC lead train. 

​From then on, the three of us did a good job swapping out pulls, keeping our lead, and keeping the pace up.  When we got to the switchbacks we were still passing groups of racers but managed to get through it without incident.  The backside of the course went well, but then as we returned through the switchbacks we were challenged with oncoming beginner racers, which was pretty difficult at times. 

What a welcome sight it was to have members from our team handing water bottles out on the way back in by the dam.  Unfortunately I lost my water bottle within the next mile. Thank you Ken for sharing your one and only bottle with me (I owe you a drink buddy, and not that “Hot Shot” stuff)!  I was glad to come across the last support station by the bridge where I was able to borrow a bottle (much to Ken’s relief).  We continued to swap pulls until we reached the last climb where Randy ran into some slower riders who blocked him and he was separated from Ken and I.  Ken and I came into the finish together, he was gracious enough to let me cross first.  What a site to see, so many of our expert class teammates cheering us on at the finish.  It was great racing with such strong and supportive teammates and UC Cyclery/JW Flooring was well represented with so many of our team racing this event.  This was a very well run event and very challenging (thank goodness it only happens once a year)! 
Results for our class were:  me (Greg) 1st, Ken 2nd, Randy 3rd, and Jimbo 7th.  It must have been my lucky day because I also won the raffle for a Beach Cruiser.  I’m not sure what class it qualifies for, but I think I’ll race it next year.  Good luck to all of you who race the Mtn. Bike race next weekend.
Greg