Jim VanSchoonhoven

We flew to West Virgina this week-end for the 24 hour's of Snowshoe. It

is the World's largest 24 hour race and the third stop on the North

American Trials Series, the North American Championship Series.



The race in general is really cool. Lots of fun and excitement. The

crowds are huge and very supportive. It is a much bigger event than the

NORBA Nationals and a lot better attended. Not bad considering it is out

in the middle of nowhere.



The trials courses were very hard and a real challenge. They were the

hardest courses I had seen since the World Championships last year. My dad

and I both ended up getting sick back there. I think it was something we

ate.



I did not have a good day, but I still rode much better than I would have

even 6 months ago. I was out of the running for first place after the

first three courses. I made some dumb mistakes quickly, but then settled

down. In the end, I ended up taking 3rd place and I was thankful for 3rd.

The rider that took second, Lance, rode the best I have ever seen him ride

and I was happy for him. He is a reall great guy and one of the funniest

persons alive. He makes everybody laugh. I really should have been able to

beat him, but he is real good and he had a great day and I did not. Still

it was a good lesson in not counting your chickens before they are hatched!





Another lesson I learned was that J.J. the guy that placed 1st is not only

riding the best I have ever seen him ride, but that at this point in time,

he is just plain better than I am. Even on my best day I would not have

beaten him the way he was riding. It was great to see him ride and I think

he may have a chance at a medal at the World Championships. He has been

riding for 10 years and you could tell he has learned alot over all those

years. He is a great rider and fun to watch! My dad shot some video of

him and I will be learning from it.



In two weeks we go to Canada for the 4th stop on the five stop series. I

am in third place over all and only 5 points seperate 1st and 3rd. I

should have a good chance of moving up. At least, I am hoping to move up.

The stop after that is in New York and unless I get a new sponsor, I will

not be going to it, due to a common problem to lots of racers, not enough

money.



I hope all of you are having as much fun riding and racing your bikes as I

am. Work hard and have fun!!!



Jeremy VanSchoonhoven