Wilseyville
Hare Scrambles – November 2010
Finally got to do my first US hare scramble, an event called Wilseyville located about 60 miles east of Stockton in Northern CA in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 3000ft elevation. Run by 2 + 2 Racing, an AMA District 36 event part of 2010 MSR Western Regional Cross Country Series.
Loaded up the van and set off after lunch for 7 hour drive from San Diego to Stockton on Friday via LA traffic, as weather forecast was for rain with snow in the mountains and near freezing temps I decided not to sleep in the van so stopped in hotel in Stockton Friday night and it poured down most of the night.
Their rules meant I had to ride the C class, Senior + for over 45s so this was to start at 2.45pm after kids races so headed up there in morning with aim to see these races and look at the track a bit. On the road to start it was dry but then started to see cars and trucks coming down with a few inches of snow on them, and then snow ploughs.
The roads were clear but by time I got to the event there was 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground and the paddock was muddy/snowy mess with tractors pulling 2WD vehicles in and out, and my Sprinter was no exception.
So signed on, bought a transponder and watched the kids’ races, muddy, ruts, water, trees, crashes, great fun. Got back to the van with very cold and wet feet (no wellies) got the bike out and put on my spare wheels with new Michelin S12 mud tyres instead of Dunlop intermediate terrain MX51’s I had on that I used in Colorado. Then got dressed, was just above freezing but not raining so decided not to wear a jacket but a body warmer and headed to the starting line.
Scruitineering was a check numbers and transponder matched then onto start line, they had vintage class start first, mainly early 80’s maicos, yamahas etc. ridden by experts, second row was C senior then my class 3rd row and several more rows behind with over 50’s/60’s and women.
Start was supposed to be within 15 minutes of going to line but was delayed a bunch while they changed the course to put in loops the kids did not use, by this time it had started snowing and I was shivering and they had shortened race from 90mins to 60. Then off we went to shotgun firing for each row, I was mid-pack and just stayed out of trouble first few corners as those in front went down and got stuck in ruts. Was passed by guy next to me on the line who I had overheard saying he had finished 2nd last race so just followed him as he was picking nice lines and riding tidy, should not have been in this class either.
So came round at end of 5 mile lap and we went through scoring it showed he was class leader and I was 2nd 5s behind. Second lap I stayed behind him again and was able to get my carpal tunnel worked through and each time I dropped back if caught in traffic I could easily reel him back in, we came through scoring again showing we had 1st and 2nd places and 28 minutes left, so maybe 2 or 3 more laps. So decided to make move and midway round 3rd lap passed him and pulled away and at end of lap showed I was in lead and could not see anyone behind but did not see how much time was left. So dodging traffic put in a quick 4th lap (although ran out of roll-offs so had to pull my goggles off) got in with 3 more minutes left so went out for final lap by which time it was going dark, especially in the trees. Tried to ride last lap avoiding back markers and trying not to get mud in my eyes but ended up a few times without being able to see but was able to blink the mud out quickly and not give me problems with my contact lenses. By now my hands were freezing also so happy enough to see checkered flag although would have liked to get a fresh pair of gloves and goggles and done another hour. Was great event, fun track, not too difficult even with the snow and mud and where it cut up bad they rerouted quick enough. The bike was awesome and last couple of laps I was riding reasonably well, one of few times this year I have felt that actually. I loved the conditions but many struggled, there were bikes all over the place stuck, crashed, folks paddling along at 5mph in first where I was going past pinned in 3rd, didn’t fall off at all, got bit stuck once off track passing a fallen rider and had to push up little bank but that was it.
So packed van and managed to drive out of paddock through snow back to Stockton hotel for the night and welcome hot bath. Rained again much of the night so had planned to go back and race C vet+ (over 35) class Sunday but my eyes were still sore, with the extra snow it was going to be ugly getting there and just did not fancy getting back on the mud packed bike so drove the 6 hours back to San Diego and glad I did as it did turn out to be a mess with races delayed and merged etc.
In the results I won class by nearly 6 minutes but was still beaten by 3 vintage riders and 2 over 40’s although they did start ahead of me and had less traffic issues to contend with on first lap but I am happy anyway. So now have asked them to let me ride in B class for next race which will be in New Year which they have approved.
This a video of start of my race, I go through in 6th place.
This is helmet camera video of my race from rider in later row.
And another from same rider on final lap, see how dark it is in the woods, shame it stops as from results I was probably just about to lap this guy.