Kelly Creek Classic, Kerrville (expert)
(9/3/2005 to 9/4/2005)

"Sticky Mud"
John Rigdon

Pete and I showed up to pre ride Sat. The trail was kind of muddy and slippery in some sections so we both decided to go with a knobby tire up front. Pythons didn't work too well. The STICKY MUD in some sections sucked but overall the course was not too bad. Race day the turnout was light but I still had 25 guys in my class as opposed to the usual 30+. This was my third expert race so I didn't have the race jitters and I would have to say I was not very motivated since it was a C race for me.

The field took off at 25+ mph and someone on the left got confused and decided to make their own trail. Half the field went behind him then the came back over to the trail and almost took everyone out. I saw bikes hitting bikes but no one crashed. I got stuck behind some guys at the stream crossing that I think dabbed at every technical section they got too. The first lap sucked. I was just behind the lead group at the first climb on the north loop but couldn't recover so I had to drop back. Then for about half way thru the race I rode with a group of guys and we just talked about stuff so it didn't feel like a race. I got bored and took off and I think passed about 6 people in my class riding. I also saw a lot of guys at the side of the trail either blown up or with mechanical. I took my time and probably conserved too much energy. I ended up getting 14th out of 25 with 2 guys finishing behind. I still had plenty of energy but its hard to get motivated when you know your not going to win like in sport.

Pete did great and had third place up to the point were he bent his rim. Congrats to Mike Rossi who I heard did very well. Not many Houston guys at this race but I cant say I blame them its a technical course and when its muddy it gets tricky.