So I decided to pack up and do the "New Mob" DH race in Bootleg Canyon, Nevada. Daniel, Brian, Karen and I "mobbed" up to Bootleg Friday night in the blue bomber and settled into the Hacienda Hotel Casino for the night. Saturday practice was interesting. I was definitely not accustomed to the feel of the new bike and the first 3 runs or so were...sketchy. I hadto remind myself that I was on a completely new bike and that I was still accustomed to the Judge that I had ridden for the last 2 seasons. After the 4th run I finally felt a bit better and faster on the Flatline. Sunday, race day. I went up for my two practice runs and felt good. The pro course at Bootleg this year was very pedally, the bottom half had many rises (Yes, uphills) and I was not pumped on that. Race time came and before I knew it, I was in the gate. I felt pretty ragged at the top but figured that the most time would be made at the bottom where the course flattened out (to say the least). Well I did not make it far, I flatted on the 6th or 7th corner of the track, so pretty darn close to the top. I rode the rest of the course on a flat and cheered on the other competitors who went by me and my flat rear tire. Despite the bad luck with the puncture I had a good time and look forward to getting some more quality time on the Flatline.
