In the Nick of Time

Lots of people were asking how my first races back went, so I thought a post here would be best. First of all, thanks for all the inquiries. Some of you really know me and know how hard it is for me to not race. Let me say its been a long three years! Last year I did about three races, and only a mountain bike race the year before. Of course I am always riding, but riding for fun and riding to reach goals are different, and I prefer the latter type of riding.

I was nervous on Saturday but the (money) places went 25 deep, so I started with the goal of snagging one of those spots. The course was amazing. Very technical, up and down, a true crit course in my opinion. I knew after a few warm up laps that the wind and hills would make it a race of attrition, and I was right. There was no sugar coating on my first race back. I sat on the back a lot, lacking confidence in my handling and really unable to put the effort to get near the front. That and Stefan constantly drilling it! I hung on for dear life and pretty soon people started popping. I stayed with the main field untill about six laps to go and blew up on an uphill section. I thought to myself "Pull it together man! There can't be more than 30 guys left..." I recovered a bit and managed to stay on the lead lap and finished... 24th! When they say "never quit" sometimes it really pays off! I was happy having reached my goal, especially knowing I am far from competitive. I was a happy camper, tired, but happy.

Sunday was nice because we raced early and it was cooler. I finished 8th on this course a year ago, but the big boys were missing then. I wanted to basically finish and just get in some much needed speed work. The course Sunday again showed my lack of endurance and I got dropped after getting held up by a wreck (I was cooked anyway) at around seven laps to go. I cut my losses and pulled out to watch the finish.

It was great seeing all the guys from the Falls, and "My people" at the races. It's an atmosphere unlike any other and I surely missed it! It was just like old times with my Dad, I quickly put him to work and was glad to have him along side me. Next year is going to be loads of fun, and I can't wait for the early season races! Thanks for reading, and as always thanks for the support from everybody who believes in me!

Stay tuned for my next and last race of the season in Texarkana.

Dirty Diapers and Barking Spiders

I finally got to spend the weekend with my baby boy! Nothing makes a Dad more proud than when his son smiles at him like he was never gone. We got into our routine pretty quickly, the only difference was that he is mobile and gets to where he wants in a hurry. We had fun staying with uncle Mike, watching cartoons, taking lots of naps and destroying magazines. We didn't go outside much with the rain either.

On a couple of our attempts to get some fresh air however, we came across some rather interesting creatures (I would imagine for a little guy.) Uncle Mike and Lucas first stumbled upon a lizard trying to escape the rain. This got Lucas' attention real quick! Unfortunately Lucas pulled his tail off in his excitement. The Reptile struck back by threatening to crawl up someones diaper. Lucas jumped, quite surprised by this tactic and ran the lizard under the rug. The lizard was then released back out into the wild, I am sure feeling good about his escape from near death.

That would have given us enough laughs for one day, but luck was on our side. A couple of hours later, Daddy came across a Walking Stick and thought "lets see what the boy thinks of this!" Lucas was reserved with this odd creature and though he didn't mind the bug walking on him, he had no intentions of pulling his tail off, this guy looked a lot more dangerous.

We both felt we had a successful day of adventure, even for being stuck indoors. I hated to take him back to his Mom, and wonder how my Dad did it for so many years. I am grateful I got a couple of good days of fun though, and some fresh memories. Lucas is a thief of hearts, including mine, and anyone who has met him knows why! Thanks uncle Mike for letting us hang out at the pimpin pad.