SCS - Fontana Race

This was the farthest race from where I live, but I knew I was up in the series points, so I thought I would go out. I drove out and stayed in a hotel overnight. Driving to the race in the morning it was pouring rain, the radio said there were flash flood warnings, very wet. I knew there would be a lot of elevation here and there was, but I didn't know everything would be covered in 2 to 12 inches of mud. Registered and thought for a bit that Brad wasn't there (who was the serious threat for the series), but he got there late. They cut a lap off the race due to the conditions. Got a decent start but not great, probably 6th or so going into the singletrack right behind Brad. We passed a few people and he and I switched places a couple of times. Seemed like this course had no flats, either up or down and most was fairly steep. There is a 1.2 mile downhill at the end of the lap where they do downhill races that would probably be wicked fun if it hadn't been so wet. I was cautious on the downhills. Lots of approximate lines and letting it "float" through stuff. Brad had a small gap on me as we came through the start/finish to start the second lap. There is a road you ride for couple hundred yards and then take a left into singletrack. Brad for some reason took a right on one of the other roads. I thought he was bailing from the race. Didn't know why since he looked pretty strong. Turns out he just took a wrong turn. The first part of the singletrack has a 1/2 mile or so switchback climb. I heard him yelling from the bottom when I was about at the top. Didn't see him for the rest of the race. That was the only race I beat him in and only due to his route error. 

Stats: 3rd of 11, 14.6 miles, 110 mins, 7.94 avg speed, avg hr 163, max hr 174, bike XTC

This gives you an idea of the conditions.