The finals of the 2010 California State Series wrapped up in beautiful Big Bear Lake. The series was a best five out of seven races that were held throughout Southern California. Team Platinum Performance has dominated the team title for the past five years.
This season was no different having the team earn its six consecutive title!
Team Platinum claimed its sixth straight overall title in the California State Series. (Roxanne Moore Photo)
Platinum’s riders have been consistently placing in the top five of the seven race series. Individual State Champion titles were won by two of Platinum’s riders. Reny Takeda won the Boy 11-12 State title with his “never give up” attitude. Bobby Langin Sr won the Cat 1 50-54 title. Runner ups were Amanda Schafer (wm Cat 1 19-29), John Biron (Cat 1 50-54), and Jon Miller (Cat 1 55-59). Rounding the top three were Gary Douville (Cat 1 35-39), Todd Booth (Cat 1 40-44), Ron Takeda (Cat 1 45-45), and Steve Silva (Cat 1 50-54).
The seventh race held in Big Bear Lake took the riders on a 22 mile figure eight loop. The organizers added new very loose and rocky single track on the final descent. The course consisted of mostly fire-road climbs and descents with some tricky single-track thrown in. The weather was warm in the mid 80’s.
At the start of my race I was sitting in second position overall in the Cat 1 40-44 class with just 7 points off of first place. John Saliamonas was the current leader of the series. The race started off with a “lung burning” three mile fire-road climb. Jay Hammond rode the front of the race with a blistering pace that splintered the group up quickly. I was able to stay on his wheel for most of the climb which gave a gap on the rest of the field. Unfortunately, at the top of the climb my effort put me into oxygen debt which I paid dearly for the next five miles. Jay had a solid lead to the finish. Before I recovered, I was sitting in fourth place. John was riding in second and John Merrian was riding in third.
The race was uneventful until the top of the final descent. A tree fell onto a portion of the single-track completely blocking the course. I was following two riders at a high rate of speed down Fall Line. Around a blind corner the first rider hit his brakes hard and went over the bars just in-front of the tree. A “domino effect” started. I ended up landing hands first on top of the bike in front of me. Unfortunately, my hand grabbed the rear disc break of the competitors bike. I somehow smashed my index finger between the frame and the rotor. It happen so fast. My finger was bleeding severely. I knew I had to ride down to get off the mountain so I kept racing. I caught and passed John Merrian on the last mile or so. I ended up in 3rd place.
By the finish, my hand was covered with blood as well as the most of my bike. The tip of my finger as well as my fingernail was hanging on by just a small piece of skin. Thanks to the Team big Bear’s medical crew for cleaning me up at the finish. I was able to stay for the awards ceremony and celebration. I was happy to finish but disappointed with a third overall. John took it with 268 points, Jay “leap frogged” up to second with 265 points and I dropped to third with 263 points. What a season…nice battling with you boys! Later that night I went to the ER and ended up with five stitches in the finger.
What a day…..
Big Bear #7 Results:
Amanda Schafer — 1st Cat 1 wm 19-29
Bobby Langin Sr — 1st Cat 1 50-54
Reny Takeda — 2nd Boys 11-12
Todd Booth — 3rd Cat 1 40-44
Ron Takeda — 4th Cat 1 45-49
Mark Luke — 4th Cat 2 50-54
Adam Poytress — 5th Cat 1 30-34
John Reveles — 5th Cat 2 40-44
Roger Moore — 8th Cat 1 40-44
California Mtn Bike State Series Champions
Bobby Langin Sr Cat 1 50-54
Reny Takeda Boys 11-12
