Graduation was pretty neat. The president of our University asked me to stand and announced my plans to attend the Pro GRT series to the entire audience and class. Clarkson will be sponsoring me for the rest of the 2012 season! We also filmed a short movie for their website that should air soon.

After graduation I headed home to begin racing. First stop was the Pro GRT at Mountain Creek. A few hiccups in practice but Mike V of FOX got me back on track real quick with some incredible 40 body work. Still plenty of room for improvement and I know where I can find lots of time, just a matter of execution. Qualified 25th, finished 21st on the weekend in Pro.

Photo-David Tufino

Dave Trumpore snapped a great shot during practice

Next stop was Plattekill for the 3rd Round of the Pro GRT. The course was loose and fast for the CAT 1's and Pro's. Qualified with a 2:37, a little further back than I would have liked for seeding. Set myself the goal of breaking 2:30. Practice went well and the bike handled great. I was able to cut 7 seconds off my qualifying time, and crossed the line with a 2:30 24th place.  Hank of Chuck's Bikes raced and won his first ever Downhill race with 3 gnarly Crashes! Isaac won Cat2 Juniors by a convincing 4 second lead! 3 generations of Chuck's Bikes throwing down hard!

 

My buddy Matt McGonigal came for the weekend to take part in the action. We hadn't ridden together since our trip across country and it was all fun laughs! Don't think I can keep a straight face with this kid around, ever.

At both of these races I have been racing against one of, if not the best Downhill mountain biker in the world. It is quite sureal, just two years ago I would have laughed had someone told me I'd be where I am today!