Florida SERC
3.16.2008

The Inland Construction Pro Mountain Bike Team traveled to Gainesville, FL for the first Southeast Regional Championship (SERC) race of the 2008 season. Heat and humidity greeted the team in Florida, a welcome change from the cool and dry weather in North Carolina. The Pro men’s field was nearly 30 strong and the stage was set for some heated competition. In typical SERC fashion, the start was a little hectic with a big sweeping turn that quickly narrowed. Lucas and Charlie found themselves together and trying to make the jump to the front group of riders on the first lap. Matt was just a few places behind them. The racing was close since the twisty course offered many chances to see the riders ahead of you, thus keeping the motivation high. Short and steep climbs were scattered about the course and many sections of fast twisty single track that favored the locals required the riders constant focus. Lucas, Charlie, and Matt held there own quite well against the local contingent–especially for such an early season race. Charlie finished his first mountain bike race of the season in 8th place. Lucas brought his Fuji home 15 seconds back in 9th. The young Inland star Matt Rotroff faded slightly late in the race but still finished a very respectable 16th place. The weeks ahead will be spent preparing for the upcoming National Mountain Bike Series race in Fontana, CA. The Fontana race will see the debut of Inland Construction’s 2008 equipment. All three riders will be ready to dial in the performance of their new machines and get the all-important NMBS season underway.

3.9.2008

Lucas Livermon and Matt Rotroff headed north to Richmond, Virginia for a local mountain bike race. Cold temperatures were the first obstacle faced by the riders. The high was almost 38 but that didn’t hinder the racing. The course was fairly dry with the exception of two very large mud holes that left the bikes sounding a little rough. Jeremiah Bishop (Trek) went to the front of the race at the start and set a blistering pace. The race shattered quickly and small groups began forming. Lucas and Matt found themselves in a small group together trying to pace there way back to the leaders. After a crash early in the race Matt eventually finished in 8th place on the day. Lucas, who also found himself on the ground on one of the later descents in the race would take 10th place nearly two minutes behind Matt.