Kids Race!

Jed, thanks for keeping us posted on the future of the sport.

Well, Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers along with Shimano, hosted the Kid’s Race up at Firestone, or whatever Mike Hecker is calling it now.

The race got off to a speedy start with the 2 and under age group, one kid being pushed in a stroller by dear old dad. The heat got to all after the first lap, so we called it a race, and all got 1st place. Next came up the 4 through 6 year olds, and being led by some women pros, went the 2 lap distance. There was a nasty crash in the first turn, but all got up smiling and pushed on. There were 6 kids in this group, and judging by the looks and tears, they all had a tough race, but all came out on top with first places. Lining up next were the 7 to 10 year olds, and by then, the pros were getting tired. Boy were they sorry they volunteered for this gig. These kids came tearing out of the gate with determination in their faces. We sent them off for 3 laps, but the two first places, tied to the finish didn’t stop. They kept going, round and round, neither one giving up ground to the other. The race officials finally had to pull them off the track, both taking first place in the process. All the kid’s took home a shirt, a water bottle and a 1st place medal. We all missed Sam Schaffer’s kid’s, I think last year they took first place.

In other news, MIKE ABBOTT needs to write report. It’ll be a long one, as he Raced the downhill on Saturday taking first, then raced the Dual Slalom, taking I think 4th. Toady he raced the crosscountry, taking 4th, and as I was leaving, (I was beat hosting the kid’s race), he was lining up for the Super D.

Jed Hirsch

Jed "The Downhiller" Hirsch's Sea Otter Report

Pictures of the campsite and peeps.

A fun time was had by all, as evidenced in these pictures.

You will note the Ramirez's trailer set up complete with homey touches like lamps, flowers, potted plants, paintings hanging on the wall. They really know how to camp.

Thanks for setting all this up, Matt and Kim.

My race went well, I went as fast as I could in the downhill 40-49 sport. My time wasn't good, but I was going as fast as I could. I had a good run. Very fun. After the race, my wife, who was watching on a steep downhill section said to me "I'm glad to see you weren't bombing it" and "I'm glad you were being cautious". I looked her in the eye and told her the truth "yeah, I knew you were watching". Shoot, that was as fast as I could go and I felt like I was flying! I was redeemed when Ben Edwards' son Sean told their dad that "Jed was going so fast when he came by." Thanks kids. Rule # 72 "be somebody's hero". (Quoted from Tom on Beauty and the Geek last night) I finished "mid-pack" 20th out of 39 in my class.




Mike Abbott, a few hours after racing 30 or so miles cross-country raced the downhill, and got an impressive 12th out of 30 in his class.
Imagine if he quit pansey cross-country and focused on DH.
All our kids had a great time on the pump track and jump course. They borrowed demo bikes from Haro and killed it. I took pics, but my camera snaps a second after I hit the shutter, and I got a lot of good pics of back tires.

On a somber note, if you want to read the latest coroners report article about the guy who died, here is a link. Kathy and I are following it.
http://www.montereyherald.com/ci_9011364?source=email

DOWNHILL RACE REPORT! Thanks Jed

The weekends race reports would not be complete without a true salute to Jed, Mike, & Ian who braved the infamous downhill course at the Stump Grinder Downhill.

Race report for Downhill.

This may not be as interesting as Gabe’s, but I’ll give the lowdown:

Hecker’s event at the Chamberlin Ranch was actually a success. About 80 downhillers participated, and there were pros, and serious experts in town for the Sea Otter that made their way over to Santa Ynez.

It wasn’t as hot as it might seem, there was a cool wind blowing the stars around.

Chicken Ranch was represented by 2 Guys, me and Mike Abbott, who beat me handily.

Oh, well, I am still the shortest on the team. I think. Brett? I’m 5’-4” beat that.

I raced Sport 40 and over, got 3rd out of 5, despite falling on my second run. I may have gotten 2nd, without the fall, but I didn’t hurt myself, so, it’s all good.

Mike raced Beginner, with a huge field, and should have raced sport, because then he would have bumped me out of 3rd, and he would have taken it. His times were faster than mine, even without the fall, but I’m better looking.

The HUGE upset, was that MY friend, carpool buddy,and riding partner, Ian Mcfarlane raced his 3rd downhill EVER. He raced sport, because, how would he know otherwise. HE BEAT ALL THE PROS FOR THE FASTEST TIMES TODAY.

He is a regular on the Wednesday rides since he was 13 (he’s only 16) and I taught him everything he knows.

See you at Sea Otter….

Jed Hirsch

Way To Go Jed!

Jed, and the rest of the SB Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers Organization were recognized by Parks and Rec for their terrific service to the community. Check out the story on Edhat. There is a good photo of our man Jed with the rest of the group. If you don't know Jed, he is one of our B Team Downhillers, maybe the only one. Downhillers Rock!