Koppenburg

What a day of racing in Boulder. I lined up for the 35+ open race at the Koppenburg Road race this weekend. 8 laps of fun, 40 miles and 8 times up the Koppenburg climb.

I rolled out of workout, watched Breeze's race and then got ready for mine. i had never raced in this cat on the road and these guys are the real deal. It was also my first race for the Vic's/Peerless boys. Gotta say, i was a bit nervous to see where I was.

So we rolled out and after a few nervous miles up the dirt road, we hit the climb for the first time. Teammate and coach neal Henderson told me today that he did not want to be near me on the climb, he didn't have faith in my ability to ride it. Well, he was right and wrong, because we both had to run it. Oh well, it cost us a few bullets, but we were in it. Others were not so lucky. Check out the video of onsite media on www.303cycling.com to see the damage.

The scary first lap was over and now we settled in. I felt solid, but i think i put out a bit too much energy in those first couple laps. A bit nervous and a bit too much time in the first 3 riders, but I was up there.

On the 5th lap, we started to see some issues. Neal was telling me later he was struggling on the 3rd and 4th lap, well for me it was the 6th lap. I hit the hill well, but man that top stretch in the 50 mph wind gusts were burying me. I hit hole on that road and my left shifer let go. not a big deal, but I was on the rivet already, it popped me. I was gone.

Two laps alone cramping was not fun, but I was not dropping out. I rolled in 17th. I was cooked, but I was happy.

Next week Roubaix. Pictures soon.