Mellow Johnny's Classic 2012

The Pro XTC opened with the Mellow Johnny's Classic this past weekend and we traveled to TX for Jansen to hit the trail.   The top juniors in the nation were at this race and the course was amazing!

We flew in Friday morning and the first thing we always do in TX is hit a Taco Cabana!  Yum!

Then the guys built the Niner and we headed out to the venue for a pre-ride.  Ryan Woodall was racing MJ's and then heading on to CA for the next Pro XTC at San Dimas.  Jansen and Ryan headed off to scout out the course.  Jansen came back with a rear brake that had lost it's hydraulic fluid and a big smile because he thought the course was so cool.

Saturday, Shey and Jansen spent the morning working on the brake and we hit a local bike shop for a back-up brake, just in case.  Everett, Jansen and I snuck in a little canoeing and Shey went for a run  before we left for the venue.

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We watched the pro race and cheered for Ryan, Jeremiah, Seamus and Victor!  They all raced strong and Ryan finished in 11th.  Awesome!

Ryan

The mystical beasts arrived and were delighted to have a band of kazoo players to keep them company!

Jeremiah

Then, another fun pre-ride for Jansen and I ran the course.  I got in 10+ miles of an amazing run over a rocky course and fun dirt roads. 

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Back to the cabins to visit with Shey's family, a little more brake work, then off to bed.

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Race day morning we arrived at the venue early and discussed our 'plan'.  The new post on the kiosk stated two laps instead of three for the juniors.  Different from the web site, so I asked the official and she confirmed that the juniors were doing three laps.  Okay, but I gave Jansen a heads up anyway, that this might turn into a very short sprint.

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This is a TX series race and the officials called up the TX series leaders, then racers in order of registration.  That put Jansen in the second row.  The official announced three laps, but the racers contested that it should be two laps.  She agreed to two laps and made the announcement.  So, now it is a 13 mile race.

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The start was fast and the guys were flying up the trail.  Lots of rocks of all kinds.  Large rock ledges, medium loose rocks, small loose rocks and really exciting terrain.  

Jansen rode a strong first lap and gained another four positions. 

He was gaining time on the leaders, but then it was over.  First place finished in 57:15 minutes!  Jansen 60:02 minutes

Very fun and exciting early season race.  Great to see the guys hanging out with their friends from the west coast! 

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