SPYDER BUKAK Race Day

The race format was a hill climb done in similar fashion to 4-cross. Groups of 4 riders would start together, and the 4 riders with the overall fastest times would qualify for the final heat, which was where all of the prize money was. Normally, I am more of a sprinter and not so much a hill climb kind of rider, but I can usually do pretty well on climbs up to about 5 minutes. Looking at previous times from this race, a winning time was a low 6 minute, so I felt that there was still a chance for me to do somewhat well.

I was very impressed at how professionally this race was put together. From the glass racer sign in board, to the starting stage, to the portable restroom playing classical music, to the live results board, everything was just overall very smooth and well thought out and put together, which was great to see.

I particularly enjoyed this rider sign in board made from glass. I’ve signed numerous rider sign in boards before, but this was definitely my first time doing it on a glass one! Fancy!

Right before the start of my heat, they conducted a mini interview with me about my cycling history, which was apparently broadcast live in Korea (which my other friend in Korea just so happened to watch).

My heat finally was underway! Derek told me that the guy in green was the winner from the previous year and to just follow him. My strategy was to just try and sit on and save energy for the first half, and then see if I had anything left for the finish. Luckily, the pace wasn’t too bad for the first half and I was feeling confident I could sprint out the second half of the climb. Unfortunately, when the guy in green started his attack, the other rider in between us did not react, so my chase was a bit delayed and I wasn’t able to catch him before the finish line.

I ended up with a time of 6:48, which put me in 5th place overall.. Which was one spot out of the final round, the podium, and the money.

Chris Uburti ended up having the fastest qualifier time with a 6:17.

He then went on to win the final round by dominating the sprint, which was a sight very familiar from our collegiate racing days together..

Fun random fact: Derek, Chris, and I all used to race in the MWCCC (MidWest Collegiate cycling conference), and all used to race for the same US domestic elite team, RGF/Panther. Thought the team split into two teams when I joined, and we ended up as rivals rather than teammates.

The SPYDER BUKAK race continued to impress with the level of quality of the awards ceremony. There was a proper awards stage, DJ, professional announcer, and even a KOM jersey for each race winner.

These trophies were also pretty massive and weighty. I think Chris had to check another bag on his flight just to get this home and add it to his trophy rack.

There was also a pro Men’s division in today’s race, but apparently the pro racing and amateur racing is completely segregated in Korea. If you’re curious about why all of these professional cyclists are showing off their legs / cycling tans, be sure to watch the full day’s video here:

SPYDER BUKAK CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP 스파이더 북악 스카이웨

Race GoPro Footage

More information

http://www.spyderbukak.com/

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I’ve heard stories in the past of cyclists dying in accidents and while they are tragic, the feelings associated with them do not compare to when it happens to someone who has played an important role in your life.

I met Carla in the fall of 2008 in my first semester at Lees-McRae College. This was the semester where her collegiate cycling domination began. I was intimidated when I first met her because when we would be climbing in the mountains at a fast pace, I would be struggling while she looked perfectly fine. As I grew to know her better I observed her strong will, complete dedication, strength, and personality. She quickly became an athlete that I truly respected. During college, it’s common for many people to goof off and put their training aside. Carla certainly was a goofball at times, but she always had the perfect balance between that and training. Not only was she constantly improving, but she seemed to truly be enjoying herself throughout the process. She was able to live life to the fullest.

In the fall of 2008 I was there to see Carla claim multiple national titles at collegiate track nationals. Her family even hosted us in Georgia to train at the Dick Lane velodrome in preparation for that. I saw her dominate mountain bike nationals, winning xc and short track to take the omnium title as well. I then saw her finish out her season by winning at cyclococross nationals and helping us win team omnium. With all of these races and every other one in between, she was an inspiration to me. I saw the hard work that she put in and was very happy for her to see everything pay off.

She really was a genuine person. I would always bug her with questions and ask her for advice and she never turned me down. I learned a lot from her and I am extremely thankful for everything she has done for me.

Even after I left LMC, I was still excited to hear about her results and watch her at races. Large races like Speedweek and Nationals are great because they are like a reunion for the national cycling community. Whenever we were at the same races I would always do a few course laps with her to catch up. It saddens me that I will no longer be able to have this tradition with her.

Carla, thank you again for everything you have done. Even after your passing you continue to teach me. You touched many people and led a beautiful life. You will be missed by many.

2008 collegiate track nationals LMC team sprint

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