Trimax Xterra Race Report

June 28, 2009
R.B. Winter State Park
by Mike Hebe

While the rest of the team was busy pedaling the grueling VisitPA.com Marathon, I was announcing and making sure the race was going smoothly. This decision was made so that I would be ready and able to contest the RB Winter XTerra race on Sunday.

Knowing parts of the bike course I figured I would have to have a good shot for the overall win. Seeing the race winners from 2007 and 2008 made me realize I would earn whatever place I received.

The race started with a run on a beach then a two lap swim in the small spring fed lake. The water temperature was 58, so you definitely knew you were alive when you hit the water. I had a decent swim and made it out of the water in the top 10. Unfortunately I also noticed that I felt frozen on the run to transition.

Removing the wetsuit and getting the cycling shoes on was a task, as I struggled to get going.

Once out on the bike it was taking a long time to warm up. Even as I was passing riders, I knew today I would rely on my awesome Cannondale 29er more than my legs themselves. I finally moved into the lead on the Old Tram trail and proceeded to let my Cannondale do the work. And do the work she did. The bike was flawless and I was coming around. I entered transition first and headed out for the run. After a mile of slight uphill, the trail pointed skyward for some hiking. Once through and out to the road I took a peak behind with two miles to go and saw the 2007 winner behind me. I entered the woods again and was going well until some crazy hand over foot climb through a boulder field. At the top I bombed the run to the bottom and stretched my lead.

Unfortunately there was one more climb to go and I was caught by the second place runner. I held the lead until 300 meters to go, when my body let me know I gave what I could on that day. Try as I may I could not hold the lead and ended up second overall.

With the great support of the VisitPA.com team and our generous sponsors I was able to attend the event and move into first overall in the XTerra Atlantic Region. Next up Rocky Gap, MD XTerra.

Hebe