Florida Endurance series #3 + E Vortex – 12 hours of Santos – Ocala, Fl

Friday’s E bike race was held on the same course that the endurance riders would use the next day (although dry) which was a nine mile mix of flowing single track and punchy red trails (which had been toned down due to the weather forcast for the next day). The E MTB’ers faced two laps and there was $500+ on the line for the top riders, and it was Nick Mackie and Simone Berger that took home the bulk of the loot by winning the men’s and women’s open classes. Many thanks to the Z Boys for the purse money and to Revolutions Cycling for the prizes!

Well another week of wet forecasts certainly took it’s toll on the attendance and the 12 hour race but things started out not too bad with some misty stuff falling and the course was in good shape up till about the six hour mark when it started getting slick. With the radar not showing any relief the decision was made to turn the race into an eight hour event instead. Oh I forgot to mention it was a bit chilly as well! Hats off to all the brave racers that endured the day and congrats to all of the winners. Also many thanks to Ron Henion and club OMBA and all of the fine sponsors of the series.

Bob McCarty came and saw and dominated the men’s solo class with 12 laps and Jessica Nankman claimed the top female spot with 9 laps. Other winners include Allison Anjos and Patricia Doring (6 hour solo winners) and Jack Mizoni (3 hour men) and Simone Berger (3 hour women). Top team of the day was the two man crew of “Jumbo Ballzma” David Hall & Karl Yachulke (12 laps), while the best of the four man teams was “Wyld Stallyns” also 12 laps but 12 seconds back.

The FLE leaders jerseys are now firmly in the hands of Dianna Bridges and Bob McCarty entering into the midway point of the series.