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The Chris Davidson diary
Chris Davidson is a former mechanic for Bontrager Racing Service, now in the service of Shimano Multi-Service.
Chris' diary entries will show you what life is like inside the pits and an insight into the mind of a mechanic.
NORBA National Series #4 - Mount Snow Resort, Vermont, June 17-20, 2004
"East Coast" welcome; Shimano send the home team
Day 1 - June 17
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Around the US and back. One week ago I passed through Albany, NY in the T-Mobile truck early in the AM. I was driving from Montreal to Philly; it was before 8:00am when I drove through Albany. Fast forward one week, its 12:30AM on Thursday morning and I land at the Albany airport, the flight was almost two hours late out of Minneapolis. Pop into the rental car and 90 minutes down the darkest highway in America I arrive in Mount Snow, Vermont. 2:30AM and I am on site for another weekend of turning wrenches for Shimano at a NORBA event. As the world turns...
I am actually pretty interested in this stop on the NORBA circuit, because it is new for me. It is different than what I am used to, it is what they call, "East Coast". This means wet, rooted, and rocky. And tight single-track. Today after the work in the tent, I headed out for a loop on the XC course, to better educate myself on what the riders face. This East Coast stuff is serious; I rode 90 minutes in falling rain. It was like someone had poured automatic transmission fluid over the entire country side. There were several times when the bike was out from underneath me so fast, I would hit the ground before the bike would come to a stop. Big props to those who can ride fast over this stuff, I can't.
It was good to be back in the tent. The service work traffic today was pretty strong, I forget that there were no downhill bikes for me to work on at Waco or Sonoma. Lots of bikes had to be redirected to the bike wash; they were too covered with mud to be serviced. Most of the service today revolved around shifting issues, the little ring was getting plenty of use out there today.
Joining us in the tent this weekend are some real insiders at Shimano. Shimano America does a good deal of development and testing of new parts (called the Skunk Works Crew), but this weekend we have some of the 'home team' with us. The Bridgestone Anchor team from Japan contains Japan's best off-road riders, Raita Suzuki (2002 Japanese XC Champ) and Keiichi Tsujiura (2003 and 2004 Japanese Cyclocross Champ). These guys are supported by Mitsuyoshi 'Bass Man' Shirai. These guys get to test Shimano prototypes before they even hit the US. 'Bass Man' is the most revered bike mechanic in Japan, yet is very modest and personable. If you are in Vermont this weekend, come by the trailer and say hi to the 'Bass Man', this guy is a living legend.
Tire choice will be key this weekend for both the gravity and the XC riders. There are a lot of big pro names missing this weekend, some have chosen to chase UCI points and Olympic dreams in Europe. My pick for the men's XC events is Geoff Kabush. He killed them last week and he is still hungry.
A potentially overlooked placing that happened today needs mention. They held the finals for the Super D event today and in the Pro category there was a surprise in the men's category. Super D is a mass, Le Mans-style start race that contains mostly downhill terrain, but has some uphill sections. The podium was dominated by big guys, mostly with solid downhill credentials. And then there was fourth place in the Men's Pro category, Billy Holmes. Billy is a pro XC rider for Intense, and has the handling skills. What Billy lacks is weight. He actually weighs only about 120 pounds; not what most people think of when they envision the Super D event. This sport needs more events that bring all types of riders together. Good ride Billy.
Stop by the tent if you are at the event and say 'hi'.
Until tomorrow, thanks for reading,
CD