I have never finished this course. First time I ever raced here I got spooked after a bad crash, got dropped and then pulled. The next couple attempts were fitness problems and I just got blown out the back (granted I was REALLY sick last years race) and for a 1 minute period yesterday I thought it was going to happen again.
The first 10 minutes were pretty fast. I have to say I was completely red lined but looking at a lot of the guys around me, we were all in the same boat. 30 minutes in and I was getting comfortable but had a hard time holding position. I’d find myself at the front going up the hill only to get shut down and slammed to the back around the water tower.
Midway through I tried to move up on the right side of the hill and tagged the curb, dropped my chain and shot right to the back. A spectator gave me a great push and I was able to get the chain back on but not in the big ring. I hit the support and Phil said he would put me back in the pack but a lap down. At the time what he said didn’t register with my brain and I was stoked that my race wasn’t over.
I finished mid pack but because of my “non mechanical pit” I was put last which doesn’t bother me too much. I wasn’t anywhere close to placing just happy to get this race done :-)
Great team showing with Aaron, Brad, Tony, Alex, Ryan and Darren.
Race – Volunteer Park Crit, .8 mile course 1 hill 2 tight turns – 60 minutes
Bike – Flyte SRS2 50-34 x 11-21 SSC SL Wheels
Breakfast – 2 eggs, pasta, cottage cheese and a bagel
Lunch – Peanut butter sandwich, snickers bar and Heed
Race food – Nothing. I didn’t even take a drink of my water bottle. Sheesh!
Max HR – 204
Avg HR – 145
I’m spending Easter trying to get my BMC working. I might have to break the epoxy and swap the cranks out.