Southridge Series, DH Race #5 - Fontana, CA

Race report by Nancy Harris, member of The Path Race Team

Headed into the weekend with a little pressure (self inflicted) on myself since I was tied for 1st place overall.

Since Roger had to work Saturday, we headed out Friday to practice and got 6 or 7 runs in with some sessioning. Went down to the park and said hi to Traci and the gang who were setting up camp, then headed over to Jose's for some grub.

On Saturday I slept in and headed over around 10:30ish. I had arranged to do some practice runs with Leigh Donovan (my mentor) so I waited for the shuttle since my legs were tired from Friday's shutttle escapade. I got in 2 runs and then my derailleur cable decided to come loose so I got a ride back down on the truck and got it fixed. Got in 2 more full runs by my lonesome and then headed down to find Traci. She had opted to go ride with Bryguy since I was sooooo tardy (sorry Traci). I hooked up with them later and we did a couple laps and some HAB and tried to get the uphill section dialed. I got the bike loaded on the rack just as the downpour began!!!



Nancy Harris, The Path race team - Open Women. photo: Jason Cleghorn Photography



Roger Gutierrez, The Path race team - Expert Men. photo: Jason Cleghorn Photography

Sunday dawned to clear skies and hero dirt (it having rained on and off all night Saturday). The 1st two practice runs were awesome but the 3rd and last run the mud/sand got a little greasy on the rocks as the temperature dropped due to the cloud cover. All my perfect lines were somewhat skewed as I seemed to be sliding more (yeah I know, too much braking). The uphill was giving me grief and even though I made it in granny, it was a struggle and I knew in the back of my mind that it would be the "break-it" section for me.

I had a good run with 1 bobble, but unfortunately my lack of climbing strength put me in 3rd place and my time was less than stellar. I ended up 2nd overall for the Winter Series, having missed 1st by 5 points!!! Some people say 2nd place is "1st loser" but I had a blast and got to meet and help inspire a whole new group of racers this year.

We all know that Fontana DH racing is quite tame compared to the "Pro circuits/courses" but it's all we got and I for one will enjoy it until I can no longer ride!!!!



Roger Gutierrez, Expert Men. Photo: Mike Lord



Nancy Harris, Open Women. Photo: Mike Lord

Props to everyone who came out and raced and thanks to all the spectators and photographers, you guys make it fun!!!  Congrats to my Teammates Jake and Tony who also made podium. And major props to Tony for coming out of retirement and winning the Series!!!



Tony G, Expert Men. Photo: Mike Lord



Jake Payne, Junior Expert Men. Photo: Mike Lord

So long Winter Series, it has been fun!!!! California Golden State Series, here we come!!!