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Whidbey Island Mudder, Indie Series #3
15 May 2005
Report by: Derik Andreoli
Reversing a troubling trend, the bunnie squad composed of Ben, Shawn, Barry, and me (Derik) arrived at the
site for the Whidbey Island Mudder 2.5 hours before start time - a full half hour before registration even
opened. The skies threatened torrential downpours but teased us with sun breaks. The weather was perfect -
cool and overcast - by the time the race started. Turnout for the race was unusually large which disrupted
the organizers' plans and pushed the start time back an additional 15 minutes.
With ample time to pre-ride the course, the bunnies were able to get a thorough, non-rushed warm-up on the
course. The course itself was exceptionally fun. Straight sections were slick and muddy, but the twisty
sections were tacky. With few exceptions, most tight turns had small burms, and there were just enough
rough sections to make maintaining a quick pace difficult.
I personally felt good during the warm-up laps (which took about 12 minutes at race pace) and the team
looked strong! After warming up, we all shed extra layers and headed to the start line. Originally, the
organizers had planned to stagger the start times by age group, with the 19 to 29 group going first followed
by the 30 to 39 group. Once we were all lined up, the powers that be informed us that due to the delays,
we would all do a mass start! In my opinion, this decision was *crazy*! The 30 to 39 group is typically
faster than the younger guys. The sprint was a short one, and we all hit the single track at exactly the
same time. I now know what is really meant by the term 'space-time convergence'! Ben and I were forced
into the tape as a large group piled up at the entrance to the single track. I believe that Ben got a tire
tattoo on his calf courtesy of Shawn who was also sucked into the mele. Once bikes were untangled from each
other, the race was on!
Ben entered the single track ahead of me, and we were all at least 15 to 20 places behind the overall and
age group leaders (Nick Valison). I felt good and was 'ready to rumble', so I wasted no time in getting
up to LT! I quickly passed Ben, who let me ride by. Then there were The Brits (who cares if they are
Aussies or Kiwis or Irish!). These guys ain't fast, but they can play some 'D'! My go-karting experience
finally paid off, though, as I passed them both by 'stealing' their lines. After another lap and a half,
I had passed everyone and had the race leader in my sights. I slowly reeled him in as we taunted each
other (there are places where the trail ran in a serpentine pattern allowing one to see one's competitors
from a distance). When I caught his wheel, I just sat there and let him do all the work.
I finally laid down my pass halfway through the second to last lap. The pass stuck, and I was able to pad
my lead by a few minutes.
Results:
Derik Andreoli 1st, Beginner Men 30-39
Ben Ulness 5th, Beginner Men 30-39
Shawn Larson 6th, Beginner Men 30-39
Barry Campbell 10th, Beginner Men 30-39
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