MW Windows Mountain Bike Race - CycleOther

I went out from the gun in last place. The first hill is afirly long, and occurrs about 100 yards out from the start. It is about 400 yards long, I picked my way thgough the pack, and by the top of the hill, I was leading the clydes. The race follows a ridge, then descends a very dicey gravel road down to the Pigg River. I held my lead and nailed the descent faster than I normally do.
At the river crossing, which I was aboe to ride without trouble earlier in the week, I bobbled a little and had to come off the bike. The second place clyde got around me because he was able to ride the river clean. I took off in pursuit.
The first climb of "Still Hill", which is always a 50/50 proposition as to whether it is rideble or not I was able to ride about the first third and pased a couple of the Sport class riders who had left 2 minutes earlier. Aout 100 feet later, I was off the bike and pushing it up the hill. The combination of heavy traffic and wet clay on the trail surface made pushing the faster option. I was able to re-pass the leading clyde while pushing.
Knowing that I was in the lead of the clydes did wonders for my confidence. I was able to simply concentrate on riding a smooth, and fast race for the rest of the two laps. I was, however constantly checking over my shoulder for other big guys.
I managed to hold on to my lead for the entire rest of the race, The second lap flew past.

Not a single thing. I executed the best race I have had in a very long time.

There were some glitches with the organizers tabulating the results, but they worked through it and alls well that ends well.