Race # 2 - Was it worth it?
The 116 mile drive to Eugene this morning took a couple hours and halfway thru the trip I was wondering if this was going to be worth it. I’ve had a slight cold for the last couple of days. Congestion.
I brought everything I could think of: gloves, leg warmers, racing license, a blank check, trainer, my helmet, bike, hammergel, under armour, etc …
There was only one port-a-pottie a quarter mile from the start line. It came in handy twice, so while I wished there was another one closer it didn’t take long to ride there. Forty minute warmup with hill repeats followed. Ten minutes before the race, I packed up the trainer, locked the car and headed to the start line.
Weather was partly cloudy, but no rain. Perfect. Except for the wind which I’m told ave 16 mph at times. I’m partial to the cooler weather. Mixed CAT 4/5 on a 1k loop for 25 laps. Roughly fifteen mile crit. My second race.
I like crits. I like the repetition of negotiating the same corners a little different way around each lap. The first lap was quick. Max 28.3 mph, Ave 22.2 mph. Crazy. Well … I lasted four laps with the group. As much as I tried to keep up I was dropped. Then there is this terrible corner on every lap where the wind just slammed into you.
Rather than fret, I kept going more and a couple more folks were dropped. I passed them. Then we’d get lapped. Ugh. Where do you ride when the peleton is going to blow by you? On the outside? Inside?
I tried both inside outside. Got plenty of practice ‘cuz they lapped me three times. Or was it four? Well, seemed outside was better. That way they didn’t have to fight me for position on the corners. I did get a little rest pumping along in the group before being spit out the back yet again. I’m getting used to this, but this is something I should work on. Stamina. With eight laps to go, I started hammering harder. Gobs of snot were coming out my nose and I spit thick phlegm. I was sick to my stomach, yet I could still see pretty straight so I knew I wasn’t reaching the danger zone.
But I passed a couple more guys. They grabbed my wheel and I carried them back around for a lap. I turned around after that and they were nowhere to be found. They ran out of gas.
So I finished and I wasn’t last. Or did I? I don’t know if I’ll get an official time since I was lapped more than once. As far as I’m concerned, I did finish. My glutes hurt. Weird. I road the whole course as fast as I could - 19.5 ave mph. Faster than I’ve ever ridden for that long ever.
By the way. It was worth it.
April 2nd, 2006 at 7:49 pm
Way to go Bro!!!
I am proud of you, you stuck it out snot streaking and all. I bet it was encouraging to know you were not last and that you are not alone. Keep up the good work. What is goin gon next weekend? Wanna Ride?