Class Act Racing

The Natchaug Epic, aka "The Quiet Hell", is a bike tour of Windham County, Conn., held the last weekend in March. Members of Class Act Racing enjoyed the route of 75 miles with 19 unpaved sectors and 5,000 feet of elevation. Twisting roads, scenic views. It’s not so bad, right?      The 19 sections of the dirt/gravel really spread out the course. The Connecticut roads were absolutely stunning with lots of farms, horses, newly green fields and not an automobile in site.        The course contained lots of climbing There were lots of wood cutting trails, this allowed for sticks bouncing off of wheels, puddles of questionable depth. Class Act's Luciano used these sections to his advantage. When the trail turned to rocky and rooty he was able to sneak around some of the tentative riders.       Southern New England had no snow on this weekend. The roads were crystal clear. You could definitely tell who the roadies were and who the mountain bikers were. This was noted on th

       Caloosahatchee Regional Park  ( better known as CRP to riders ) in Alva, Florida hosted the Coconut Cup # 6 Southern Florida Series which is a Gone Riding race production.       The 11 mile course was ran counter clockwise this year and as has been done for the past few years most classes completed the race by riding an extra "short loop" to get the mileage and times in line. The course undulated through densely vegetated landscapes, which varied between pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, scrub oaks and oak hammocks. With lots of  narrow sandy single track, some areas offering a bit more challenge with cypress knots, roots, and rocks to wend around. These features provided for an interesting race day!       I had an incredibly slow start and played it safe over the starting humps that were scatted on the initial start loop. I was forced to take the B line when I saw a pileup at the first mound. This allowed me to gain a few spots. I took a deep breath and remained calm.

     This year the SERC season started in Newberry, Florida at Hailes Trails. Racing at the famous Haile's Trails is a once or twice a year thing so you've got to grab that chance. This is such a great place to race on so many levels. The place has it all from challenging your technical skills, to your desire of conquering the steeps and it will truly test your heart at the same time that it captures it.      The mid-morning raindrops left the rocks temporarily slick for the Category 1 crew, but as the skies cleared and the conditions for the racers changed to firm and tacky by the start of the race.   The race started out fast. With a long straight away leading to a sharp left hander into the singetrack. Racers jockeyed hard for position. As having the lead into the woods would have an advantage. I was able to enter the woods in seventh. I knew I had some work to do. Instead of pancaking I opted to not let it bother me and to trust my skills along with fitness.        The race

     The very almost secret trail called Hailes Trail in Newberry, FL. The course is on private property and is only open a few of times a year by the landowners, don't miss the opportunity to ride this trail as the limited usage keeps it in great condition and the terrain is challenging for all. The race is put on by goneriding.com  You can come here to preride these trails if you don't want to race the day before or just come and race. Saturday is an open ride day to the public before the race on Sunday.      I made the trip to Hailes to pre ride the course. had heard a lot about Haile's Trails and the consensus was built on ruggedness. As I mentioned to my friends that I would be racing here, I heard statements such as. You need to pre-ride the course. It's very rough. So upon arrival I kitted up and sought out the cross-country race loop that's only rideable during race weekends.       I'm glad that I had the chance to squeeze in my pre ride. Hailes has a su