SERC/US Cup East #3--Spartanburg, South Carolina (4/17/11)

It was another fun race weekend for the Mace family. This time we went up to Spartanburg, South Carolina for SERC #3.

It was really late when we finally got up to the Croft State Park. Our friends, Dan and Jane, had their RV at the campground and let us sleep there for the night. It was a good thing, too, because it rained really hard all night and the wind was blowing hard also. The next morning it was still raining, so we spent some time in the RV with Dan and Jane.

After lunch, the sun finally came out. It was still very windy but we were anxious to get to the trail for our usual pre-ride.  My dad's cousin Arik was coming over from Charlotte to ride in his first novice class race and we were scheduled to meet him and his family at the start/finish line. Also, my dad had gotten a new bike for Arik's 4-year-old son Matt and we couldn't wait for Arik to give it to him so he could try it out. Matty was shy about riding it at first, but once he got on it, it was hard to get him off. Arik signed him up for the race for 3-5 year olds.

My brother Ryan with Matt on his new bike

My dad, mom, Arik, and I rode one lap of the course together. It was muddy and wet, but fun. The first half of the course was faster and flatter than the second half, which had steeper climbs and a lot more roots.

Saturday night we pitched our tents right at the trail so we wouldn't have to rush getting up and ready in the morning. When we left to get dinner, we were afraid the wind might blow the tents over, but fortunately, they were staked down pretty well, and except for one side of Arik and Kim's tent, everything was in the same place when we got back.



It sure was a cold morning.



Race day was awesome!! It was cold in the morning, but warmed up and the wind went away. The kids' races started at 9:00 (instead of 8:30 like usual). All the kids except the 3-5 year olds started at the same time. I'm happy to report that I got another win in the 9-11 year old class and I got to cheer on Matty during the little kids' race. My brother and Trent's sister Lily helped Matty get around the course. Matt got second, but he was convinced he won. It was so cute!



Matthew crosses the finish line.



Unfortunately, I missed the awards and podium picture because the white wave (and my Junior race) went off starting at 9:30. It was the biggest group I've raced in so far with 15 riders starting. I had a pretty good start, but had a difficult time getting around another kid who wouldn't let me pass in the single-track. That slowed me down and was extremely frustrating. I mean, come on, if someone behind you is faster, let them by already!!



Me checking the race results



Anyway, I made some other little mistakes and got held up at the last big whoop-dee-do when some guy stopped at the top of the other side and I had to wait before I could go. That allowed 2 guys in my class to catch up and get ahead of me. I finished in 8th, which was very disappointing, since I think I could've done better. Trent got on the podium with a 4th place finish. I was happy for him but bummed out for me.

To see video of the course that we rode, check out the video of my dad's race at mtbmike.com.

Overall, it was a pretty good day for the family. Here are all of our race results:

Steve (Dad)--1st Place Base 40-49

Jen (Mom)--4th Place Base Women

Michael (Me)--1st Place Kids 9-11; 8th Place Juniors 11-14

Arik (Dad's cousin)--5th Place Novice/First-Timers

Matthew (Arik's son)--2nd Place--Kids 3-5

Next week is Easter, so we get a break before driving to Winder, Georgia for the SERC #4/GSC #3 race.