Photos by - Chris Vandivere and Ian Fleming - Karmabiker Photography
Juan Pelota Ranch, home of Lance Armstrong, hosted the inaugural Mellow Johnny Classic this Sunday. Indeed Armstrong himself made one of his rare appearances on a mountain bike at the first year event. Along for the ride was one of the most talented fields outside a national championship level event including National Champions Heather Irmiger and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher), Dave Wiens (Topeak-Ergon), and Ironman hotshot Chris Lieto.
MJC host Lance Armstrong
Bright hopes for the first dry texas race of the fall were dashed as rain poured down in Dripping Springs, Texas, right outside of Austin. The excitement surrounding the first ever mountain bike race on Lance Armstrong's exclusive trails, was at least partly dampened by the deluge.However, as the grey dawn rose on Sunday there was a distinct feeling of impending sunshine. However, it was not to be for the dedicated Cat 2's and 3's who made the trek out to race in the mud. The signature texas sun wouldn't appear until later. Despite the ominous clouds the racing action in the Cat 2's and 3's was hot. Surprisingly large crowds turned out to see the Singlespeeders at 9 am, and from then on the crowds only grew.
One of the singlespeeders gets a taste of the slick conditions
As the morning wore on the weather hinted at lifting but did little towards actually improving. Around eleven pro's started to appear. All were asking the same question "How are the trails?". The report wasn't very heartening. The rocks were treacherously slick and the mud holes had been churned even more by all the racers in the morning. About then a ray of light literally fell on all the disconcerted Cat 1's as they pondered the bleak conditions. The return of the sun to the picture changed the whole outlook. By the time the roll call started, around 1:30, the course had improved visibly. Sections that had been soupy troughs turned into a concrete-hard clay ribbon. Up at the start line the racers lined up, impatient to tear up the fast drying trail.
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski grinding out a climb
A more varied category is hard to imagine. Beside legends such as Dave Wiens and Will Black there were juniors, regional pros, and the occasional singlespeeder. Not to mention current national champion and all around nice guy Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski. Just before the start "the man" himself, Lance Armstrong, rolled up to the line. As he did the photographers, film crews, and spectators crowded close for a glimpse of one of the most famous cyclists of all time. Off went the gun and almost as if by magic the compact mass at the line was at the first corner. They were led by well know Texan Rick Wetherald closely followed by Bryan Fawley, JHK, and Lance. Close on their heels were the other 50 some riders ready to tackle a course that under normal circumstances is not easy.
The spectators ran from point to point to cheer their favorites as they bombed down rock gardens and pinballed up roots and ledges in real Texas style. It was apparent from the start that Lance, Bryan, and JHK were going to make a break immediately. Their momentum caused the pack to split into many pieces. However when the dust settled Jeremy was out front being chased by Lance and Bryan closely followed by a group including Jason Sager, Will Ross, Rick Wetherald, two of Texas's fastest junior Payson McElveen and Kevin Fish, as well as a host of others.
Armstrong follows Jason Sager through the rocks
Now comes the twist in the story. All over the course were slick little rocks just waiting for the eager racers, and down they went. Will Rader, Will Black, Will Ross, Payson McElveen and many others were forced to drop out due to everything from multiple flats to sheared brake hose and broken frames. By no means least was our famous host, Lance. While chasing down Jeremy he flatted and decided to call it a day. Casualties not with standing, the race continued as hard as ever. As the second lap turned into the third and final the gaps between riders became more established.
Bryan Fawley on the chase
JHK not only maintained but increased his lead with Bryan Fawley still in hot pursuit. Behind them Jason Sager had broke away from his following and looked as if he might reel Fawley in. After the pack had torn through the start/finish area, the crowd headed down to the final climb just to see if they could spot the winner. Sure enough Jeremy rounded out the third lap with a blistering time to finish in first. Fawley increased his lead on Sager for well deserved second. The real question now was who would round out the podium in fourth and fifth. That question was answered as Kevin Fish came tearing up the final climb to claim 4th place at only 17 years of age, followed closely by Matt Gordon.
Heather Irmiger was the fastest women of the day
Will Black - Texas Cycling Legend
Pro/Cat 1 Men
1, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.47.01
2, Bryan Fawley (Park Place Lexus) 1.53.55
3, Jason Sager (Jamis) 1.57.17
4, Kevin Fish (Bicycle Sport Shop) 1.59.01
5, Matt Gordon (Team Six) 2.00.02
6, Scott Henry (Hammerhead Bicycles)
7, Wiley Mosley (Specialized)
8, Stewart Stafford (Austin Flyers)
9, Brian Kuehl (Bicycle Sport Shop)
10, Jorge Munoz (Gold's Gym)
11, Len Zanni (Honey Stinger)
12, Tristan Uhl (Looking for a Team)
13, Keith Hargis (RBM/Matrix)
14, Robbie Robinette (Team Hotel Sna Jose)
15, David Wiens (Topeak Ergon)
DNF Lance Armstrong(Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop)
DNF Will Black (Colonel's Bicycles)
Pro/Cat 1 Women
1, Heather Irmiger (Subaru/Gary Fisher) 1.26.18
2, Alexandra Robinette (Team Hotel San Jose)
3, Leslie Reuter (Bicycle Sport Shop)
4, Melanie Etherton (Cycle Progression)
5, Claire McKenna (Team Hammerhead Racing)
6, Sara Krause (Krause Sport Performance)
7, Julia Jenkins (Bike Sport)
8, Luan Roberts (UH)
9, Megan Steward (Hill Country Bicycle)
10, Kathleen Karpinski (Austin Bikes)
Cat3 19-29 Women know how to party
