SERC Series: Clemson

The ninth race of the Southern Classic Series is history. A huge turn out, despite the unseasonably high temperatures, helped make this Trek South Eastern Regional Championship race another great success. The usual suspects were all in attendance to continue their attempt at winning the overall in the SERC series…and in case you’re wondering, yes, Terri Berger did lead out each category on his motorcycle.

The Clemson Experimental Forrest was the backdrop that provided the hardpack/dry single track for Thomas Turner (Jamis Bicycles/Outspokin Bicycles) and Norma Rainwater (Sorella Cycling P/B BVM Engineering) to dominate the men’s and women’s pro field. Turner was shadowed by less than a second for the first lap by eventual second place finisher Robert Marion (American Classic/Kenda/Tomac). It wasn’t until the third lap that Turner was able to really pull away….eventually winning by just under four minutes. On the contrary, Rainwater came through transition in fourth with only one lap to go to make her move. Two teammates, Tiffany Horn, and Jennifer Ballew as well as Amanda Green (Grace Law/Trek) were all hammering with just over thirty seconds on Rainwater. In the end, Rainwater proved a strong finisher by closing the gap as well as dropping just over a minute on her competition.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ursala Sandifur made a go of it in the single speed field, finishing a respectable seventh behind some stout competition. Derek O’Shields (Clemson Cyclery) made quick work of the single speeders punching out lap times as fast as most geared cat one’rs. “Turned out to be a great day. I ride here several times a week…it’s pretty much my “home” course. When you know it inside and out it definitely helps. It’s always nice to get a win at home,” said Derek.

The next race for the Southern Classic Series is the “Sizzler” in Greensboro, NC July 19th and next up for the SERC is Raccoon Mtn in Chattanooga, TN July 11th. Complete results and information can be found by visiting www.goneriding.com or www.southernclassicmtb.org.

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