It was a blistering hot race this year, with temperatures in the "Oven" breaking the century mark.
What could of easily been our biggest turn out yet--without a few last minute cancellations due to injury and racers fleeing the heat to colder climates--was still a great showing with 14 racers.
Wildlife was king this year with snake sightings, deer sightings and Geoff won points for the "Special Trophy Award" by having a bear leap out in front of him on East Side Hillbilly Hill.
The "Special Trophy" was added for those who drew blood, beat their best time, brought the best supplies, got her first, etc. In the running this year, Geoff for Bear sighting (and 4th place), Trev for getting a flat, going home to change it, then completing the race, and Don and Mark for most Improved.
1st place this year goes to Toby (1:14), Toby worked on his swimming and running in the off season, and warmed up with a 40 mile Montrose ride that morning, he took the lead early and kept it for the victory.
2nd Place goes to Danny (1:16). Shortly after Trev took the lead away, with his death defying BMX move down the cliffs, Danny regained the lead for a time before being passed on the killer wash climb, by Toby, Danny held strong to second throughout the race with a furious finish, closing in on first.
3rd Place goes to Andres. Andres was the new kid, and the wild card of this race, riding with seat low, and Michael Jordan High tops strapped tight, he used youth and guts to put the heat on Danny most the race, but the front-side "oven" slowed him down, and Danny pulled away. But he was def. the surprise trophy winner and he finished strong behind Danny. Great Job Andres.
4th Place goes to Geoff (1:22), returning for his third year, not yet a year off of ACL surgery, Goeff braved the heat, and kept a steady pace to defy bears and the elements to bring home part of the special award, 4th place trophy.
5th place goes to the Most Improved Racer, Don, who kept a strong pace. At 58, Don is training for a Lance Armstrongs 100 miler and it payed off. Of course this is only super pre training for the 5000 miler he'll be doing across America at age 75! Go Don!
6th place goes to Jason, who also is a Most Improved, with a strong finish at (1:34).
7th Place goes to Michael, who, without much training, still did alright at ((1:41).
8th Place goes to Mark, another Most Improved candidate. (141:56)
9th Place goes to Keith, a first timer, who did great. (142)
10th Place goes to Vick, who having spent the last year building up houses and businesses, was in cruise and enjoy mode. (1:43)
11th Place goes to Fred, another Most Improved candidate, finishing strong. (1:54)
12th Place goes to Trevor, who was pushing hard for 3rd, neck and neck with Andres at end of run, only to find his bike with a flat tire...rumor has it, Andres Danny, and Toby were seen messing with it...but I'm not saying anything about that...after a few brain farts, trying to steal a bike, harassing the people up toward Hillbilly for a pump, Trev finally decided to go home, change the flat, then continue the race.(1:59)
13th Place goes to Eric B. Who, after getting lost, found himself at the house with Trev, who was changing a tire. He decided to finish the race, and followed Trev back up to Hillbilly. (2:03)
14th Place goes to Eric's dad, who, although a strong rider, was stuck with a bike with no granny gears, and with no course knowledge, ended up back at the house.(DNF)
"The Burbank Six"
We don't call it Hillbilly Hill for nothing, the guy who owns these trucks has been placing bolders across blind corners lately...just makes it exciting.
It was a great year guys, can't wait till next year, keep training!
Love God, Live Large!
