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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Great post Brian! Wish I could have finished with you...guess I'm just a p*ssy these days.
Well I don't think I'm going to Texarkana, but you never know, maybe I'll end up going. Do you have a place to stay set up yet? Maybe I'll go for the hell of it anyways...gotta keep myself busy to stay outta trouble ya know...
Thanks Francis! I don't think you are right about the p*ssy part. Not having any speed in your legs is one thing, not having it because you did a ride across an entire state is another! I am only doing the crit Sunday, and will just drive up Sunday morning. I live about 1.5 hrs away, so you are welcome to stay here if you want to kill sometime. I work on Saturday...:(
wait, what are we going to kill? Should I bring my gun?
ahh, all the drilling didn't work :-) just kidding. was good to see + the fam back at the races!
Post a Comment