RollinHusky
Husqvarna
AA Class
After well over 2 months since my last race, and a good month since I last started the bike, I decided (with a strong push from the girlfriend) to get out and race another enduro race. Of course, the race was on Sunday, and at decision time it was Thursday around noon. The bike was at the shop, which is a good 3 hours away! It was one of those moments were you just don't think. We hopped in the truck and drove our butts to pick up the machine. Not being one to call upon somewhere unannounced, I gave a shout out to Mark at Quad Expert and told him I was gonna be down in a few hours to pick up the machine and it better be ready!! Well....it was.
Fast forward about 1000kms (600miles) of driving, and there I was, 8am at the race track. Of course the event is only 3 hours away, so let's just say we took a few detours. The heat was on! Having raced the Florida GNCC event this spring, I knew what the heat felt like, but this time, the humidity was the real killer. 5 cases of heat strokes were reported the day earlier, while the ATVs were on the track. We had lots of water and I had just purchased my first ever water pack, so I was ready. About 2 hours prior to my start time, I took a pedal bike ride on what was to be our racing circuit. First reason was to get somewhat familiar with the track, second was to get myself warmed up before the race so that I didn't get all winded on the opening lap. As luck would have it, I broke the brand new chain on the pedal bike, and had to walk for a few minutes. That was the only break down of the day!
There I was, row number five, with 29 other amateur +30 guys of each side of me. As the flag dropped, I hit the start button with all my might. All it took was a little hiccup and I found myself mid pack in the first corner. Not the best of places, but nobody fell so all was good. I was able to pass a few guys on the mx section of the track before we hit the bush. About 30 seconds into the forest, I gently let the rear end of my machine slide out on some muddy rocks and carefully laid the bike down off the side of the trail, as to not impair the other riders. Carefully stuffing a few leaves in my GoPro holder, I patiently waited for the pack to pass before rejoining in the race. First lap through I was in 14th. Other than getting stuck behind quite a few slower class riders, the majority of the race was pretty much uneventful. I inched my way to 7th by the last lap. At about 1 minute from the end of the race, I noticed that I had caught up to 5th and 6th. Having conserved my energy, I decided it was time to let 'er rip and maybe get a 5th. The bike was not going to have any of that. Another gentle slip, this time in a sandy corner, left me on my side, with a handguard slightly bent up. 7th was mine to keep, finishing only 2 seconds behind 6th and 4 seconds behind 5th. Maybe next time.
At the end of the day, although I feel I should have pushed a little harder, I'm quite happy with the result. Considering I hadn't ridden in over a month, and this being my 3rd dirt bike race in 18 years, 7th was very acceptable.
Mountain biking is a sport I have gotten back into over the last month, and I must say that it really has paid off. Also not drinking beer the night before might have had something to do with the fact that I wasn't overly tired after the race. My 2011 Husqvarna TC449 didn't miss a beat throughout the race. Of course the mx suspension isn't the best for woods racing, but the bike was perfect!
Also racing was another Quad Expert Husqvarna rider, Jérémy Lanthier, #961 in the intermediate class. His Husky also ran strong and he finished 4th in a tough class. Here are a few pictures of the day below.
