Brighton - May 30-31, 2008

Wolverine Sports Club/American Cycle & Fitness Elite Mountain Bike Team Race Report (May 30-31, 2008)
Rider results and comments from the races...
　
Bill Clikeman

Time Trial – Place: 7th Elite Men – Time: 0:29:28 "Blind corners and overgrowth leave me wishing I had more practice on this trail; at race speed it keeps things exciting for sure."

Short Track – Place: 4th Elite Men – Time: 0:21:41 "I was hoping to get a better start, but I was able to work my way up to 4th by mid-race and hang on to my position for the finish."

Cross Country – Place: 6th Elite Men – Time: 2:50:22 "This is a long race compared to other XC races, so I was relieved to have cooler temps. I was by myself after lap 2 but really enjoyed riding the trail and trying to maintain my pace through to the finish."

Combined Overall: Place: 6th Elite Men - Time: 3:41:32 "Overall a unique and fun weekend of racing, and was happy with the results."
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Robert Herriman

Time Trial – Place: 9th Elite Men – Time: 0:30:50 "Some indecision on which bike to race, Superfly vs Fuel EX. Ended up happy I picked the Fuel as it was so easy to control on the out of control twistyness of the torn shirt trail."

Short Track – Place: 8th Elite Men – Time: 0:22:17 "Ouch! 20 minutes in the pain cave can seem like an hour. Near the end of the race I thought I saw Beelzebub taking pictures on that sandy climb. Maybe he has a smugmug account."

Cross Country – Place: 8th Elite Men – Time: 2:54:33 "A freeway closure had me running late but with a 40 mile race I'd just warm up during. Not the best plan as guys rode away at the start. Still, despite my slow start, I had a blast and I was able to improve my position by the finish."

Combined Overall: Place: 8th Elite Men - Time: 3:47:40 "This was my third year in a row doing the Brighton stage race. It always makes for a great weekend of racing and hanging out with friends!!!"
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Amanda Ryan

Cross Country – Place: 1st Elite Women – Time: 2:42:09 "The trail conditions were perfect, but I was a little tired from riding some the day before and could feel it catching up to me by the second lap when my legs started to cramp up, but catching a glimpse of the 2nd place rider trailing behind me forced me to keep pushing myself to go as fast as I could to the finish line."
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Michael Bliss

Time Trial – Place: 10th Expert Men – Time: 0:33:34 "The Torn Shirt trail was optimal. Traffic was a little heavy out there; which made passing a challenge. I like this trail, short but sweet. Made for a good ride."

Short Track – Place: 5th Expert Men – Time: 0:24:13 "A Very intense 24 minutes. A good start makes or breaks your race. So that's what I went for. Somehow managed to stay in front of most of my group. My best finish on the weekend"

Cross Country – Place: 15th Expert Men – Time: 2:59:58 "Strong first two laps. Then came the pain. Murray Lake has such nice flow, that even in your own little world of hurt, your happy. A high 'fun' quotient for this event. Don't miss it next year."

Combined Overall: Place: 10th Expert Men - Time: 3:27:46 "Three races in 2 days, what could be more gratifying? And what a great place to have this event. Good weather made for a great weekend of some fine racing. Can't understate how Brighton can bring on the pain. A don't miss event for sure."
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Patrick Russell

Time Trial – Place: 2nd Elite Singlespeed – Time: 0:30:37 "I made sure I pre rode the course before the race just to keep all the features fresh in my mind. This allowed me to ride conservatively but still keep the speed high. The rain earlier in the week helped eliminate the loose up-hills making a much easier course to ride. My fastest Torn Shirt lap ever."

Short Track – Place: 3rd Elite Singlespeed – Time: 0:23:16 "A tentative start had me working to limit my losses from the start. Once the course opened up I was able to keep the time loss reasonable and finish strong."

Cross Country – Place: 2nd Elite Singlespeed – Time: 1:42:26 "The body didn't feel good before this race but once the race started the legs responded. An easy first lap of posturing led to a big attack into the single track on the second. I was sitting third wheel and ready. I followed the attack and almost made contact with the first place rider. I continued to pour it on trying to gain as much time for the stage result. Pin balling off of trees I managed to finish second and gain enough time to move up to second in the stage results."

Combined Overall – Place: 2nd Elite Singlespeed – Time: 2:36:19 "The top four position were very close going into the XC race. The high speeds and technical course resulted in everyone being bloodied and bruised. The double points make it all worth while. What a blast."

Reported by: Robert Herriman