Transylvania

Transylvania

For the last couple years I had been reading about a race in Pennsylvania called the Transylvania Epic.  A seven day stage race held in the hills and mountains of the State College Pennsylvania area.  Mike Bush and Rich Oneil hatched the idea about coming out staying with them for the week and racing the Epic.

As the spring approached I began trying to get the plan to fruition.  With the help from Stan’s NoTubes, Richie Rich and Mike Bush, Mike McCormack and the Breck Epic and Honey Stinger the plan began to take shape.

A couple buddies, Dax Massey and Jake Wells would make the trip as well.  I was going to race in the 40+ Open Men and they would race in the Duo category. Our job is to do some promoting of the Breck Epic out in the west ad draw some attention to the Transylvania Epic out in the east coast, with a focus on getting stage racing in the US some more attention and to bring the attendance numbers up.

As soon as we got off the plane we were greeted with such great hospitality from Rich Oneil and Mike Bush from Stan’s NoTubes.  From picking us up at the late hours in the evening from the airport to letting us crash at their houses to taking us grocery shopping and working on our bikes.  These guys are the real deal.  Thanks guys!!!

For the pre ride of the prolog, we encountered some rain, which is something we don’t see much of in Colorado and could use a little dousing right now, to keep the fires away.  This place is slippery with rocks and roots, but the new trails and terrain are making it fun on every corner.

The prolog day was a long day of waiting around for the start and the rain forecast was looking to be right when in the middle of the race.  As it turned out the rain held off till the last competitor came through.  I couldn’t complain about that!

As it turned out I ended up 2^nd on the day to Kenny, another Stan’s rider and am quite happy sitting where I am for the moment. Dax and Jake got third in their division and had a little wrong turn which probably cost them a spot. 

Tomorrow the real racing starts with a 40+ mile stage with some good climbing.  I will be looking forward to a little longer day in the saddle and not waiting around till three to get racing.