Race Report: Southridge Challenge, Fontana CA November 20, 2011
Southridge Park in Fontana, CA was the location for the 2011 Southridge Challenge, the last race of the year at Fontana. The downhill race was held on Sunday, and everyone was hoping the forecasted rain would hold off for the days action. McKenna headed up to Fontana bright and early Sunday morning to check out the course, and get as many practice runs in as possible. The course was very challenging with many tricky rocky sections and several small drops. Most of the corners were deeply rutted with lots of soft of soft sand to catch you off gaurd. The finish line was located in the lower lot, which meant the race course included the dreaded "wall", a long flat pedaling section before the last jump and the finish line. McKenna was able to get almost three full practice runs in, and was feeling good about the course overall.
Racing got started around 10:30, and McKenna being one of the last riders to start, waited for the last shuttle before heading to the top. As she waited for her turn to start, a light sprinkling started, and the wind picked up substantially. By the time it was her turn, she was freezing and couldn't wait to get on the course and warm up. The starter counted down, and on 3, 2, 1, McKenna was off. She dropped into the first turn, over some erosion bumps, up a slight uphill, and into the first rock section. A slight hang-up here forced her to put a foot down in order to get lined up and going again. The rest of the run was fairly smooth and generally mistake free. McKenna did her best on the "wall", but it took its toll on her little legs. Finally the finish line was in sight, and she gave it 100% as she sprinted across the line with a time of 4:20. Get a riders-eye view of the course McKenna raced here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3SziSJSA2Y
The rain couldn't hold off any longer, and the awards were given out as the clouds opened up. The wet conditions couldn't dampen McKenna's spirit as she received her medal and took her place on the second step of the podium. She again had a great time at her second downhill race ever, and looks forward to next year, and the Southridge Winter Series held in Fontana. McKenna would like to thank all her family, friends and fans for following her and her racing exploits. Stay tuned in for future reports.