Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/935202
18 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com Pro Racer and Overall Winner, Zach Nolan plows through the course! so winded when I got to the top, I adjusted my position on the seat, took a deep breath and twisted the throttle determined to keep going. I was counting off the miles as I would see the markers and talked to myself about getting through. When I completed my first lap Billy yelled to me that I was in the lead. I was excited but also calm and reminded myself that it can all change in an instant. Off-Road is crazy. The course changes so fast that you need to stay alert and not get lazy or complacent. I continued my pace and on my final lap had a few mess-ups. One time I had just passed a guy and everything seemed fine and straightforward, then all of a sudden I hit something under the snow and it shot me off the trail. I made the slowest, widest, biggest U-turn in history but got back out there. Once that happened my mind was racing. I was thinking any moment someone from my class would be whizzing by. Somehow I managed unscathed and held on to my lead to the end. This victory felt surreal. I was proud that I managed to do what I set out to do — not thinking of anything other than my race. I let go and it felt amazing. I was also happy that I could bring Billy this victory because it was more like a victory for us; he knew I was having a fun which is what he wants for me. I missed the awards because I got right back at race duties; however, my buddies brought me in for post-race selfies and podium pictures. Amanda Knapp and Samantha Kilgore rounded out the podium with me — so cool! I'm super proud of them for sticking it out in the cold and slick conditions. The rest of the race day went off without a hitch. I grabbed my camera and shot pictures of the A/B race and hung with some great people enjoying the remains of the day. We got into promoting this race because of how much fun I had. You could hardly remove the smile from my face no matter how challenging it was. If we weren't having fun, then what's the point? It certainly is stressful trying to plan a race in winter when most people stay inside by the fire or head South. But we're talking about the Mid-Atlantic's iconic Hangover Hare Scramble — it must go on. Our goal is to continue to improve this event. So I hope you'll join us January 2019 for another memorable race day! Keep up with us online at hangoverharescramble.com and Facebook.com/hangoverharescramble Thank You to This Year's Sponsors!