MattFracy.com

This past weekend saw a continuation of some fine riding by Matt in his first appearance this year in the PNTA championship which hold events in Wa, Or, and BC. It would also be  another benchmark of where Matt is with his continuing improvement, which seems to be happening on a monthly basis.

Although the event took place in one of our local riding areas, it was apparent right from the get go on Day 1 that the sections were not really going to be as difficult as Matt is used to riding, especially on Vancouver Island!! In an event where one mistake puts you out of contention, it is difficult to make up points. That was indeed the case for Matt after one small mistake on the double section of 3&4 the first loop pretty much determined the finishing order for the day. Matt did not give up though and fought hard the rest of the day to try and ensure a good finish. In the end, he was only 1 point short of the win!

On Day 2, our hopes of a more difficult event were dashed again, but Matt was not happy about his 2nd place on Day 1 and was determined to get the win. Right from the start Matt posted the lowest first lap score in the Intermediate class. From there he proved to have nerves of steel and rode a consistent and inspired trial! It was a great way to end the weekend, with a win and a margin of 7pts over 2nd place was a nice cushion for such an easy event. It was also another good lesson learned that despite being frustrated with the lack of severity of the  trial, it is what it is, and on the day, you still have to ride the best to get the win!!! It was reminisant of riding the Youth Nationals last year in Tennessee!

Next up for Matt is 3 weeks of good training and practise before the next event on the PNTA calendar which will be held in Ioco BC over on the mainland. This is usually the best event of the year in the PNTA and the sections and loop are Matts favorite! We will also keep our fingers crossed that his new bike will arrive in time to ride there too! Matt cant wait to ride the new 09 125 Raga replica GasGas!!!

Keep your eyes on the website for some pictures from the past two events that will be posted as we get them!

We are back now from a very good weekend of riding in the Okanagan of BC. Outlaw Dave and his crew did an outstanding job of putting together some very rideable and challenging sections for all classes. The week leading up to the event was a tough one for Matt as he came down with a horrendous stomach virus. It left him violently ill most of the week, and in fact, we were not sure if he was going to be able to compete. After only being able to eat any food at all, the night before, we were uncertain how it would affect him.

A uncharacteristically slow start for Matt was the lingering side affects of it all. A 35 point first loop put Matt quite a ways down in the standings, when a win was the hope. The second loop saw Matt rejuvinated, and he rode like a man posessed! He easily halfed his first loop score with a 17 and in doing so, posted the lowest loop score of the trial in his class, Intermediate. This was to serve notice to the competition that day 2 would  not be a repeat of day 1.

Day 2 saw warmer conditions and sunny skies with a temp of about 25C. Matt got off to a very determined start and posted a 19pt first loop which was good enough to put him in the mix for 1st place. The second loop was another inspired ride by Matt as he again posted the low single loop score for the trial with a 15. If it was not for one slight mis-cue on section 8, a section he had cleaned all weekend, the win would have been his! A tremendous effort for the whole day gave Matt a great 2nd place and puts him in great shape for the series heading into the final two rounds that will be held in Ontario in late August.

A big thank you to Dave Fair at GasGas Pacific for lending us another 125 GG for me to ride the loop and have as a minder/parts bike just in case!!! All in all a great weekend!

Matts next ride is now only 3 days away with the next two rounds of the PNTA championship in our backyard down at the VMC. We got out for some great practise tonight and are feeling confident going into this weekend. Keep your eyes here for results and pictures when we get them!

Today will be a practise day at the club grounds as we countdown to the Summerland nationals. Looking forward to making the trip and seeing everyone again!