Wow, my first bike race VICTORY !!!!
I entered the Masters 35+ C category since that was the category I raced last year and never had a top 10 finish. Well, what a difference a year makes.
I got to the start early, so I was able to line up in the front of the line. I knew that the start and the first lap was critical. I found myself in the top three around the 1st corner, so I knew it was time to "bury myself". I knew that if I could create a gap on the first lap or so then I could recover and then get into "git'er done" mode. Well, that's what I did. I was leading the pack the first couple laps.
One fellow caught me on the third lap as I got into recovery mode. I found that being first is a real tough spot mentally. You can look back occasionally, but it's tough to know what pace to hold. So, I let him pass me and followed him for a few laps.
He started to slow down on the 6th/7th lap, so I decided to pass him. In retrospect, probably a poor strategic move. Once again I wasn't positive what pace to hold. So, I just rode my own race. Ride hard enough at a pace you know you can maintain and try to recover alittle.
Well, on the bell lap (last lap), I looked back and didn't see him. It gets confusing on these races about position since I was passing the riders from the other category that started before us. I knew I had to finish strong, so I rode at that point where that blood taste as I coughed was bearable. I hammered hard on the straight stretch prior to the last corner - didn't look back, tried to listen for him - didn't hear anything, so I just hammered with what I had left. Well, turns out he was catching me on that straight stretch, as the crowd got all excited as we went through the final corner. I slowed down enough - since going to fast in a corner can mean big trouble.
Well, I held him off !!!! We had some good laughs after we both got up after collapsing in the field area after the finish.
I was very happy with my new wheels. I ran about 32psi which was much lower than most people I spoke to. They did awesome in the corners and my rear wasn't in total pain.
I was very happy with my mental toughness to continue on. Wow, that is the worst part to keep going when you get that "pukey feeling" or when you cough you taste alittle blood.
The post race victory beer tasted AWESOME.
I entered the Masters 35+ C category since that was the category I raced last year and never had a top 10 finish. Well, what a difference a year makes.
I got to the start early, so I was able to line up in the front of the line. I knew that the start and the first lap was critical. I found myself in the top three around the 1st corner, so I knew it was time to "bury myself". I knew that if I could create a gap on the first lap or so then I could recover and then get into "git'er done" mode. Well, that's what I did. I was leading the pack the first couple laps.
One fellow caught me on the third lap as I got into recovery mode. I found that being first is a real tough spot mentally. You can look back occasionally, but it's tough to know what pace to hold. So, I let him pass me and followed him for a few laps.
He started to slow down on the 6th/7th lap, so I decided to pass him. In retrospect, probably a poor strategic move. Once again I wasn't positive what pace to hold. So, I just rode my own race. Ride hard enough at a pace you know you can maintain and try to recover alittle.
Well, on the bell lap (last lap), I looked back and didn't see him. It gets confusing on these races about position since I was passing the riders from the other category that started before us. I knew I had to finish strong, so I rode at that point where that blood taste as I coughed was bearable. I hammered hard on the straight stretch prior to the last corner - didn't look back, tried to listen for him - didn't hear anything, so I just hammered with what I had left. Well, turns out he was catching me on that straight stretch, as the crowd got all excited as we went through the final corner. I slowed down enough - since going to fast in a corner can mean big trouble.
Well, I held him off !!!! We had some good laughs after we both got up after collapsing in the field area after the finish.
I was very happy with my new wheels. I ran about 32psi which was much lower than most people I spoke to. They did awesome in the corners and my rear wasn't in total pain.
I was very happy with my mental toughness to continue on. Wow, that is the worst part to keep going when you get that "pukey feeling" or when you cough you taste alittle blood.
The post race victory beer tasted AWESOME.
3 comments:
NICE WORK! I knew it was just a matter of time before you pulled one out! Awesome work and great job controlling the race.
Remember swallowing blood tastes better that swallowing pride--but either should be washed down with a cold beer. :-)
See you soon! -Brian
Congratulations on your victory. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. From the picture it looks like you ready for the Tour De France.
Look foward to drinking a beer with you sometime soon.
Pete
Congradulations! Great description of a tough race. You executed well and took the victory.
Steve
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