Jeep Finals
This weekend was the last race in the Jeep KOM series which was held in San Luis Obispo at the Mondonna Inn. It's always a great venue and this year didn't disappoint.
The points battle was close between about 4 riders, myself not included as I didn't do the second race in Utah and after a #1 qualifier at the first race I made a stupid mistake and went out early, so the pressure was on for me to redeem myself, while others were feeling the pressure of the overall.
photo by Stikman
Minnaar made the trip all the way from South Africa, Palmer showed up to give it a go again, but wasn't feeling to confident on the course so decided not to risk injury, some new comers from the bmx world gave it a go, and even some HI POSTERS from the xc game came out to see how they could fare. With only 16 spots available, it was tight for some just to make the show, while others were hopefully given an eye opener to how hard DS is and didn't even come close to making the show.
Carter did a good job on the course. Pretty straight forward, but super fun and even a nice 40ft step up to test the balls of some.
Qualifying went well as I took home the #1 spot, but close behind was Cody Warren and Greg Minnaar.
Race day I felt good and was riding confident. Cody Warren was feeling the pressure and went out in the first heat, ending all his hopes of the overall. Same for Petr who was the 5th qualifier I believe, out in the first heat. JD had a shot at the overall, but Jared Rando eliminated him in the second round, which kept Jared's hopes alive for the title. So going into the semi's it was Jared and myslelf and EC and Minnaar. With double points on the line for the final it was going to come down between EC and Jared for the overall, but for myself I was just looking for the event win. I eliminated Jared to advance, but EC still had to get by Greg to wrap up the title, otherwise it was EC vs. Jared for the overall title and however won was the champion. Well, EC rode strong and put the pressure on Minnaar and Greg had a couple little tire slides while pushing to try and beat EC, and that gave EC the added distance to get by past Greg and take home the overall title.
So in the final it was EC and myself and Greg vs Jared for 3rd & 4th. EC I could see was super tired from his epic battles. I rode smooth and took home the win, while Greg defeated Jared for 3rd.
It was a good weekend, 5K is always a good payday, but I was more happy with how I rode all weekend. I chose the Tranny hardtail and flat pedals, while EC, Greg, & Jared rode their fully's and clips.
Congrats to EC and Melissa Buhl for the overall's and thanks once again to Jeep for giving us a cool series with TV time and good payouts.
Posted by Brian on October 26, 2008 2:46 PM