Still Learning

But i still have a long way to go with this bike racing stuff.

i have not raced a lot on my bike. Not compared to a lot of these 35+ guys i am out there with. At times the strategy is what gets me in trouble, not the strength.

Rolled out to Lookout Hill Climb this weekend. getting there was hard enough. Out of workout a little before 8 and then hustle down to Golden. I met Breeze, signed up and hopped on the trainer for maybe 30 minutes of warmup. Not really enough for the effort that I was going to put out. Rode well early and was pooped a bit halfway up. Got in my own rhythm and was solid. I wish I knew the climb, because with about a k to go I was hurting, but had no idea where I was. I rounded the last corner and there was the line. I could not have moved up in the placings but could have squeaked another 10-15 seconds off the time. Oh well. I was 12th. Pretty darn good for 180 pounds. I may be the biggest climber you have ever seen.

The Sandstone crit the next day did not go as well. There was a lot of wind. I mean a lot. I was in the right place until lap 3 when into the crosswind I got out of line while the head of the race had it in the gutter. I was getting shuffled back and was in the wind. When i got in line I was blown and i was off the back. Ended up in the third group. We managed to not get pulled but it was a frustrating day. A ton of effort, but 24th and no chance of the front. Oh well, live and learn.

Big love to two athletes from his past weekend. Former swimmer of mine Mara Abbott won the overall at Tour of the Gila and current athlete Allen Gardner with a big 8th place at Wildflower in his first ever race.
Way to go guys.