Race 3 – 2011 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

ByMike Byrd

Sunday was a good day on the bike at the Charlotte Winter Short Track Series. The weather finally turned and I was able to race without arm or knee warmers. It felt good to feel the sun on our skins and actually work up a sweat.

The mountain bike race started off fast and I went into the woods in about 5th place. I tried to take it a little easier on the first lap and try to get warmed up without going into the ‘red zone’. The first couple of laps went smoothly, with no issues and I was rolling along in 3rd place. I could see the two guys in 1st and 2nd place going through the start/finish line.

As it always is with mountain bike racing, you think you are much further along than you really are. I started hurting and Neal said we still had 23 minutes to go – we were only half way through the race. I could still see the two riders in front of me and got into a decent rhythm and was slowly starting to gain on the riders. I’d get a little closer and then catch slower riders. At one point I was trying to pass a rider and let him know I was behind him and that I would pass at a good point. He found one and promptly slammed on his brakes, forcing me to a complete stop. Oh well, that’s racing.

Mike Racing Charlotte Winter Short Track Series
Mike Racing Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

Finally Neal said two laps to go and I went as hard as I could. I wasn’t that far behind the leaders and luckily had a clear run through the single track and kind of caught a second wind on the last lap. Coming out of the woods, I could see the rider in second place and could tell he was hurting. I went as hard as I could and caught him in the grass section. Climbing the hill by the ball fields, I started my sprint and went hard to the finish. 2nd place after a good day on the mountain bike. I’m hoping my fitness is starting to build.

The Bike Racer

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the Internet. My name is Mike Byrd and this is my website. I enjoy sports, being outside, new challenges, marketing and anything that comes my way. I am the author of the blog posts on thebikeracer.com. I enjoy writing about cycling, poiltics, coffee and anything else that fits in the "My World" category. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to say up to date on anything new that gets posted to thebikeracer.com.

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