Race 2 – 2012 Charlotte Summer Mountain Bike Series

ByMike Byrd

Originally Posted 4/25/2012

The first official race of the Charlotte Summer Series Mountain Bike Series hosted by Charlotte Sports Cycling was at North Mecklenburg Park.  I took the Cool Breeze Van down N. Meck and set the tent up.  With this being the first race and at a relatively easy course, the numbers were impressive.  I’m betting Neal had over 150 racers.  The Cool Breeze/Trek Bike Store team had 12 racers!  A great turn out!

I decided to race the Super Sport class for the Charlotte Mountain Bike summer series.  I considered the Expert class but don’t have a USAC expert license so I couldn’t sign up for the extra length required of the expert class.   We had 12 racers in the Super Sport class which is a great turnout for this class.

The mountain bike race started at the top of the parking lot, with a hard right turn at the bottom to enter the course.  I didn’t get a great start and followed my Team Mate Andy Good into the woods in 10th place.  I figured this was OK considering we had 4 laps to complete.  The group was pretty much together for most of the first lap.  About half way through the first lap, a gap opened up and 4 or 5 riders got away.  I decided that I would wait until we exited the woods to see if I could make up some ground.  The first lap was pretty uneventful and I felt good on the bike.

We exited the woods, I put the hammer down and managed to just pass Santana (Giordana-Clif Bar-Brica) going into the woods.  I was able to make up 4 spots but really had to work hard.  I kept working hard until I was able to make contact with the lead group.  Things were going well until we hit a steep section and caught a lapped rider.  Unfortunately, I slammed into the racer in front of me because I wasn’t expecting us to have to stop.  I ended up having to un-clip, run up the hill, and in the mean time, was passed by a rider in our class.  I managed to catch up to the group again and was planning my move when we exited the woods again.

Like all good plans in mountain bike racing, they only last so long.  I was doing well when I washed out on a left turn.  It’s amazing how riders can get away when you crash.  I didn’t think I was down very long before getting back on my bike, but lost contact with the lead group.  I was red lined coming out of the woods, backed off, drank some water and tried to figure out where I was.  I was able to see the last rider entering the woods about 100 yards in front of me.

Thinking I’d have no problem catching up, I kept going at a good pace.  Unfortunately, i ended up catching some lapped riders at the wrong time.  I didn’t think it was costing me too much time, but I wasn’t able to catch the lead group.  I kept riding as hard as I could thinking that maybe they would slow down.  On the 4th lap, I managed to see the lead group on some of the trail, but N. Meck is so twisty, that what looked close, wasn’t so close.  I kept thinking I’d catch the lead group.

But it wasn’t going to happen, not at N. Meck.  I ended up in Sixth Place, 35 seconds off of 1st Place.  So considering the course, crashes, lapped riders, I’m happy with my effort. I didn’t quit and had a ton of fun.  And the team is in 2nd place after the first event of the Summer Series.

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.

Similar Posts

  • 2011 South Carolina State Criterium Championships

    ByMike Byrd

    Sunday morning started much like Saturday, early.  Neal and I left the house right at 5:30AM to get to the criterium course held in Hampton Park next to the Citadel in Charleston, SC.  We stopped, got coffee and headed down I17.  There was a full moon and it seemed like we were going to drive right up to.  One of the coolest moon sets I’ve seen.

    We managed to get the Start/Finish Truss and stage set up in record time.  The SC Criterium Championship is held on a flat course with two real turns.  It’s a super fast 1 mile course.

  • 2012 NODA Criterium

    ByMike Byrd

    April 15, 2012 was the inaugural NODA Criterium held in NODA (North Davidson) in Charlotte, NC.  Since I had raced the Dillworth Criterium the day before, I slept in and did somethings around the house before heading down to NODA.

    I arrived about 45 minutes before my race, got dressed and found Mike Levine of Mills-Levine.  We warmed up for about 20 minutes.  MIke had raced the 4/5 race and was going to race the 3/4 race.  This would be our first chance to race together.  The course in NODA is super fun.  it has 6 turns and is a fast course with a long uphill drag on the back of the course.

  • Race 1 – 2012 Charlotte Winter Short Track Series

    ByMike Byrd

    Sunday was the first race of the Charlotte Winter Short Track Series hosted by Charlotte Sports Cycling.  Everyone was fearing cold weather but somehow Neal ordered a beautiful January day.

    My race was at 12 but I arrived early to set up the Cool Breeze/Trek Bike Store Team tent with Sarah.  My first race of the day was the Sport 40+ class.  I lined up on the 2nd row feeling confident that I could get a good start.  I was joking with my buddy Wayne when the race started.  I usually don’t have a problem getting clicked in but missed my pedal but managed to keep my momentum and eventually get clicked in before the first turn.

  • | |

    Snowy Weekend at Snowshoe: Discovering the Perfect Ski Conditions | Ski Vlog 2023

    ByMike Byrd

    Embark on our snowy adventure at Snowshoe Ski Resort. This vlog captures our second visit of the season, filled with the thrill of skiing and serene winter landscapes. We start by picking up Kim’s new skis at Snowcreek Mountain Sports, warming up with night skiing. Despite mixed forecasts, we find joy in the simple things – from ice cream treats to fresh, fluffy snow at Silvercreek. Experience with us the excitement of discovering perfect ski conditions and the anticipation of more snowy escapades. It’s a glimpse into the joys of winter sports and the beauty of Snowshoe’s slopes.

  • | |

    Snowy Adventures at Snowshoe: Celebrating a Special Birthday on the Slopes | Ski Vlog 2023/24

    ByMike Byrd

    Celebrating another birthday, Kim and I returned to Snowshoe Ski Resort in West Virginia. Our journey began with the memory of our first ski trip three years ago, marking my 50th birthday. This year, we faced mixed weather conditions, from disappointing rain to exhilarating snowfall. Despite the weather’s caprice, we relished a memorable birthday dinner at 10 Prime. The promise of fresh snow reinvigorated our spirits, leading us to enjoy the less crowded slopes of Silvercreek. The trip was a mix of challenging weather and joyful skiing, perfectly embodying the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of winter sports.

  • 2009 Tree Shaker Mountain Bike Race Fort Mill, SC

    ByMike Byrd

    The Tree Shaker 12 Hour race in Fort Mill, SC was my last ‘race’ of the year. Anything from here on out will be for fun.

    Last year, my team of Neal Boyd, Scott Streuer and myself took overall honors in the 3 person team event. This year, TJ Wood took Neal’s spot as Neal had timing responsibilities.

    The forcast was for wet weather but thankfully, we only had a few sprinkles throughout the day. TJ took the first lap, me the second and Scott took the third lap. The first lap always seems to be the hardest as you are trying to go fast, learn the course and not blow yourself up for the rest of the day. I had a great first lap and was looking forward to a good day.