A Race Under the Belt

It really feels good to get one under the belt, so to speak. There is a level of comfort that comes with having toe'd the line and had everything gone, to a reasonable degree, as expected. The Open field was not large, only 10 or so guys lining up. I finished sort of mid-pack, 6th in my estimation. I was reminded of just how much the almost imperceptible difference in racing speed versus very fast training speed can make the body hurt so much more. Finding my rhythym and working on learning new courses are going to be things to work on in the very near future.

My start was good, had a blip getting into my pedal but was through the first turn in 3rd. Bobbled a turn shortly after, and dropped to around 8th or so by the end of the first lap. As the laps ticked by, my speed going through some of the more difficult turns increased exponentially. Need to work on sorting out the course at speed before the race actually begins. Can't be learning on the fly with the fast guys.

On-bike fitness was brilliant. I was able to close massive gaps up the longest climb on the course. All of the rides back and forth from home to work 'training with a backpack on' this summer seem to have yielded a great base of fitness. Where I was letting those huge gaps open up, over and over, was on the long uphill run-up (PS- barriers were NOT UCI legal!! wink, wink). Maybe dust off the old running shoes this week and work on that.

Second race of the year is today in Boulder. Unique indoor/outdoor course should prove interesting if nothing else. I'm interested to see who will show up. Race report to follow. Possible beer report to follow as well!