My name is fatmarc vanderbacon. I once had the opportunity to be one of two "killer B" riders on the Fort Factory Team. That year I had the pleasure to follow around my teammates sponging up as much as I could from my more experienced teammates. That year, I learned a ton from that team, those riders. I am grateful for my time on their team. In my opinion, if there was was a Mount Rushmore of Mid Atlantic Cross it would probably be Yozell, Shogren, Elliston, Fergie, Auer and Ruether. I am happy to have a relationship with all of those guys.
Yesterday, as I was unpacking the fit, Fergie pulled into the parking field. I haven't seen him in probably a year. We started chatting, and he said he hadn't been riding much, and questioned racing. The race was in his home town. I encouraged him to race, that it was fun, and that racing cross is fun in of itself. The process is always good. Battling is always good.
I have always enjoyed pre-riding with Ferg. He sees lines, and breaks down a course in a manner that I don't always. He's been doing this so long, he is just so generous with his knowledge and such a resource. I appreciate his experience and guidance.. Plus it's really fun to ride with him. The day at
Caffeinated Cross was no difference. Thanks Ferg.
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| I was sandwiched between 2 MTBNJ riders for most of the day... |
Caffeinated Cross is a first year race about 45 minutes from my house. I want to tip my hat to the promoters. The course was super fun. It was balanced with some open long straights that require lots of watts, and lots of tricky off camber, tight corners, a log, some steps, and awesome loamy corners. So much fun.
My race went well. I can't say I had magic legs like last week, but it was a good race. I started strong, maybe a too strong. Mid race I was pedalling squares and battling with a good group of guys. The final two laps I got myself together a bit and tried to bridge back to Trevor, who passed me when I was pedalling squares. And who was dangling just off of me? Yup. Ferg.
Now, I know if Ferg had been in form, I wouldn't be in the same race as the guy. But here we were, one to go. Trevor right in front of me, Fergie right behind... And that's how the group settled out. I was happy with my ride, with my effort. As I rolled across the line and tried to get off of the vomit comet, Ferg rolled up to me and said, "good ride, no gifts today... no gifts.." My day was freakin' made.
Afterwards Ferg and I spun down a bit and collected our pit bikes. We talked about our races, debriefed a bit, and broke down how things went. This something I've done with Auer often after races, and with my brother, and in the past with Ferg. It was awesome. I gotta be honest, I was happy with my ride today, but getting the chance to hang out with Ferg, well that made the day.
Hope to see Ferg at the races again soon.
thanks for reading.
respect
vanderbacon
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