Habitat for Humanity

Saturday - 34 mile Road Race
Saturday's race got off to a rocky start. Traffic going to the event site was heavier than I anticipated, so I felt really rushed when I got there, and I didn't get the warm up I had hoped for. The worst part - I totally had the time to, but I was waiting around the start line in case they started the race. As soon as the race started, I could tell that most of these guys had no idea how to ride. The group sped up and slowed down for seemingly no reason. One guy went down in front of me, and I managed to avoid it. After about 10 miles there was a climb into a right hand turn into some more climb. At the right turn, I was hurting and people were dropping around me. I lost touch with the pack and that was it, they just rode away from me.
After that climb, there was another pretty tough one, where I caught up to two other riders who had also popped. We started a chase group, but there was no way we were gonna catch the others. Overall, it was a lot of pushing fun and I now realize that I'm going to have to work a lot harder to win one.

Sunday - 35 minute Criterium
The crit race was so much fun. I tried something new by warming up along the start/finish straight on my trainer, it allowed me to get a warmup in to the last possible second. I'll definately do that the next race.
The cat 5 field was only 15 people deep. I ended up getting lapped 2 times, as the 4 leaders were hauling butt. Myself and two others raced to the line, but I was in a terrible position coming into the last turn, which cost me a sprint. However, I learned where I need to be next time.

Now it's back to training!

Club members now complete

Today I got all 12 members of the club. I also called USAC to get the forms from them that I need signed. Tomorrow I'll take the papers to Dr. Eaglin, then Thursday I'll bring it to OSI. This is awesome!

February 10, 2008

Well, I'm back from Gainesville. It was a pretty tough race. Saturday's time trail was really fun. Nice rolling hills, but a strong headwind on the way back.
Sunday was a total slap in the face. I had no idea what to expect for the crit. Warmup was great, and so was the start of the race. I held on to the lead group for 3 laps, then basically stayed in it to finish. With one lap to go, the leaders were coming up on me, so I slowed up and got out of their way.
Fun weekend, now I know what to expect.

February 8, 2008

So, this is the first time i've ever had a blog. I've seen them in use at work and they are pretty cool. But this isnt the only new thing happening. This weekend is my first criterium race as a cyclist. It's in gainesville, fl and I am really excited. We'll see how it goes.