Wednesday, May 7, 2014

BuDu XC #7 Ft. Ebey

The weather was ominous on the drive to Whidbey from Seattle but once we got to the island conditions were pretty good for the last BuDu race that counts towards series standings.  Although they got some rain the night before, trails were in great condition and everyone was looking forward to the challenging but super fun course.  To me Ft. Ebey is a great example of what a cross country race should be!

Also something to look forward to was the post-race refreshments provided by Boundary Bay!  Epic Racing had a huge turnout with both Seattle and south-enders and our Bellingham racers turning out for the event.  It was awesome to be able to catch up with and also to meet new teammates.  

Although some of us were sad to be missing the Enduro of Subdued Excitement at Chuckanut, we were easily able to console ourselves with the good weather and the post-race company.

With one more race to go at Henry's Ride, XC season is winding down for most of Epic Racing, although a few of us with be participating at the Stottlemeyer 30/60 race this weekend.  Downhill events continue, and many are also gearing up for the first Oregon Enduro race at Hood River in June.  Many of our enduro teammates are also eagerly awaiting delivery of their new Knolly Wardens.  We will have plenty of pics when they come in!

Our fearless leader Marc Garoutte has this to say about our XC efforts this year: "With the BuDu XC series point championship concluded, we have achieved 45 individual race podium awards, 71 top 5 finishes, and 119 top 10 finishes. Thats not all...an additional 13 season championship podium awards have been earned and Thomas Farmer has earned the 1st of many season Champion Titles for his efforts in the BuDu CAT 1 19-34 year old class! And the 2014 season is just getting started!!!"


Thomas Farmer
Thanks to all of our sponsors for a great XC season: Boundary Bay, Wildwater River Guides, Afford-A-Vet Animal Clinic, Chainbrew, Wolf Tooth Components, Center Cycle, Pearson Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Schwalbe, CrapPhotos, Bicycle Center, Crank Brothers, Fanatik Bike Company, Lezyne, and Mazama.

Here's our results for the day and series -- 11 top 5 series finishes this year, a great way to start off the race season.  I'm especially proud of all of our Cat 3 women and juniors -- 6 of our series podiums were from them!  Will we see any of you move up to Cat 2 next season???


Shannon Sutherland

  • Cat 1
    • Thomas Farmer 4th 34&under (1st in series)
    • Scott Fleenor 4th 50+
  • Cat 2
    • Amy Josefczyk 2nd 40-49 (2nd in series)
    • Anthony Barlow 9th 40-49 
    • Dave Pringle 6th 40-49
    • Doug DeMars 8th 40-49
    • Matt Levin 4th 50+ (5th in series)
    • John DeWitt 3rd 50+
    • Gary Green 5th 50+
    • Matt Houchens 2nd Clydesdale (2nd in series)
    • Mark Thomas 3rd Clydesdale (3rd in series)
    • Marc Garoutte 6th Singlespeed
  • Cat 3
    • Megan Koziolek 5th 13-18 (2nd in series)
    • Janna Houchens 2nd 19-34 (2nd in series)
    • Alicia Taggatz 3rd 19-34 (3rd in series)
    • Sandra Barlow 5th 35-49 (5th in series)
    • Shannon Sutherland 3rd 50+ (4th in series)
    • Griffin Barlow 9th 12&Under
    • Haden Mills 3rd 13-18 (2nd in series)
    • Dan Wheeler 6th 19-34
    • Jon Nelson 50+ (3rd in series)