FORD #1

Design Physics Racing headed up north for great day of duathalon racing. The sky was clear and the temperature was mild. Representing the team Lisa, Paul and myself (Joe).

The team represented the Richmond area with some solid finishes, Lisa 3rd and Paul 2nd in their respected categories, and I took the overall win. Big thanks to FredEvents and all the others that make these events happen.

Entering into the FORD I was fully confident in my fitness but was unsure what the competition would be like.

The race started with a hard pace, I concentrated on staying within my comfort zone not worrying about small gaps opening up. I finished fourth off the first run and figure I had two racers to worry about since the leader was racing in shorts and a tee-shirt I was sure to put big time on the MTB.

The bike portion went great except for a small crash. I past all three ahead of me within the first mile or so and recognized my main competition was one other racer (who I never got his name).

The effort wasn't easy but wasn't too hard either and I felt like the race was mine. At the end of the MTB portion I was in the lead by around 5 minutes over second.

The second run went well overall and at the finish I added around another minute on second place.

Another great day of offroad racing!

FORD #2

FORD #2 was awesome this year.  The weather finally cooperated, and the trails were in great condition.  Seems like this is rare as it is the norm for the trails to be wet and/or muddy.

Two of the DP crew rolled into the Quarry trails with high hopes of bringing in some VORS points.  I was not aware that Matt Juaneza was going to make the event, but decided at the last minute to participate in the beginner field after missing the Stamped the day before.  We discussed before the event that neither of us had really done much running this season, but I assured Matt that this race is usually won on the mountain bike.  This proved to be a normal FORD with Konrad really mixing in some tough climbs with the mountain bike portion of the event.  Matt and I both felt pretty good as he was rocking the Giant Anthem and I on my Stijl.

Matt and I took full advantage of the mountain bike portion allowing us to win both of our races.  Matt won the beginner course and I took the advanced distance win.  I have been close to winning before, but this was the first time I was able to snatch victory!  It felt good.