The Campmor H2H Series race season got off to a good start on May 4 at Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt NJ. Black Bear Cycling did a great job, as always, running the race. Rains the night before, eventually gave way to heavy fog by day break. The drive up the hill and past the upper lakes to the park in the morning was eerie, and although the rain was done, the rocky, rooty course was slick in spots, offering plenty of challenge for the racers. There was a large turn out for the beginner race, which is nice to see.
Racing from Team Campmor in the sport class were Tyler Conlon and new team member and Campmor bike shop manager, Tahir Thomas. The sport racers lucked out, as half way through the sport race, the sun came out, making for a very nice day to backdrop all the grins out on the course. Tahir made a great come back to racing with a first place finish, and Tyler racing in his first sport race, finished 2nd. Also in attendance and supporting at the race were Jeff Sauerman and Jeff Coneys, both unable to race due to illness. Thanks for coming out!
Racing later in pro/expert fields were Ben Williams, Darlene Phillips and Laura Winberry all taking 2nd place in their classes. Ed Ceccolinni took the win in the large pro field. Zach Koop, racing for the first time in the expert class, was disapointed with a flat early in the race. He fought hard to catch back up, finishing 8th. This was also Laura's first expert race, and she did very well, finishing only minutes behind me. I expect her to be passing me soon. Other finishers from the team were: Tom Stanowski, Joe Barros, Art White, and Jeremy Swift. Art, who is returning to racing after a full hip replacement in November was happy to report meeting all his race day goals ..... not to break any bones, ..... not to get lapped by Eddy and not to finish last.
Team Results:
Ed Ceccolini - 1st Pro
Art White - 12th Pro
Ben Williams - 2nd Exp 40
Darlene Phillips - 2nd Exp 35+
Laura Winberry - 2nd Exp
Ellen White - 3rd Exp 35+
Tom Stanowski - 5th Exp 50
Zach Koop - 8th - Exp 19
Joe Barros - 11th - Exp 40
Jeremy Swift - 16th Exp 30
Tahir Thomas - 1st Sport 30
Tyler Conlon - 2nd Sport Jr
Team Campmor women ran an open to anyone All-Girl Pre-Ride the Sunday Prior. Fifteen women ages 11 to 50 attended the ride. Eight of these women raced beginner or sport at Wawayanda, some for the first time. It was very gratifying to see four of those women win 1st place in their races. Rock on ladies!
It was a good day for team Campmor and racing in New Jersey. Many thanks to Geoff and Nicole for neutral support, and to the Jeff's that offered team support. See you in a few weeks!
Ellen
