Tim,
Yes, I received the new snout on Friday. Thank you very much.
I did ride with it on Sunday, and, actually, I thought that it DID fit under the helmet a bit better. There was not
as much “bunching” or squishing of the snout; it was easier to get into the proper position, and I did not find
it performing any differently than the others that you had sent.
Let me tell you this, I am a fan of the snout.
Two weeks ago, I wore it for the first time in a race.
The way we start the races out here is that all of the “Pros” and “A” riders get up on the starting line, with a
dead engine. The promoting club raises their banner, and when they drop it, we start our bikes and start the
race. Then the “B” riders move up, and when the dust clears, the club raises the banner again, and when it
drops, the B riders are out on the course. Then they do the same thing for the C class.
I ride in the first wave, and when the banner dropped, I could not get my bike started! Kick! Kick! KICK!
Nothing.
By then, the first wave was gone, and the B riders were moving up. I am kicking frantically, because
whenever I can get the dang thing lit, I am free to go. Kick! Kick!!
Just before they raised the flag for the B wave, I got my bike started, and took off. At a HUGE disadvantage,
of course.
About 3 miles in, I started catching up with those who got off on the banner drop, and I cannot tell you how
confident that the snout made me feel. As dusty as it was, I knew that I was getting a full lung-full of clean air
with each breath, and that let me be a bit more patient that I would normally be. Wait for them to make a
mistake, be in the proper position to capitalize when they did, and move forward through the pack.
After 56 miles, I came into the pits, and stopped for gas. I wanted to complain about what a terrible start I got,
and my club members were saying “who cares? You have moved up into the top 10!”
With that, I took off for my second lap. Unfortunately, I hit a big rock coming out of the first checkpoint in the
second lap, and went over the bars. I got up; straightened out the front end (handlebars got a little sideways)
and got back on the trail. As it turns out, I broke a rib in that crash, but I was able to hold my position. From
that point forward, I did not catch anybody else, nor did anybody catch me.I finished up 7th overall. Not bad
considering the horrible start, and the wreck.
You can see my results here:
http://www.sidraracing.org/Points/RaceResults/Rats/Rats%20Ass%20Classic%20100%20Results%2010-07-
07.htm
Thank you very much for letting me use the Wolf Snout! I fully believe that it is giving me a competitive edge
while it also is simply making the riding experience more enjoyable.
Brandon Whallon
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