Paul and the guys put on a great race. We, Breeze Bars, were fortunate enough to be invited to be sponsor of the race and set up an expo tent. Sweet right? Get the brand out there and have some fun. Yes, but it made for some funky stuff too. Like manning the expo tent on the trainer. Or running over to do a hand up and then running back to the table. A little hectic, but worth it.
Open race was pretty full will 52 starters and a quick field. I had a great start and was in a good position coming down the hill. The first couple of laps were solid and we all settled in. I could see Shawn Harshman about 20 meters in front of me. Every time I closed the gap though, we came into those wretched mini barriers. Me and my credit card hops didn't even attempt to hop them, so every lap I was giving away 5 seconds or so. Then as people came up to us, it disrupted the chase. Josh Whitney was a menace on the road section and came flying by me at about halfway. We were in a great battle but seemingly horrible for each other in terms of closing gaps. I was slowing him on the downhills and we just couldn't get in a rhythm. Maybe if I could BUNNYHOP!!!!!!!! Oh well. I never did get Shawn and my man Ariel Brown recovered from a bad spot and dropped my ass. Great race by him. Nice to see him coming around.
With 3 to go the flood gates opened and the world went by. Josh, Mike, Scott and a couple others. I did manage to get Joe on the line (hahahahaha) as he flipped me off, but I did loose several spots in the last 10 minutes.
I still loose it a little at about 20 minutes to go, but it is getting better. A course like that shows just how much I need to improve my handling and my nerves. However cross is the ultimate community and Ward and Allen and all the guys are always so helpful and inviting.
The sad news of the day was Greg Keller avoiding a warm up rider during the 35+ race and going down hard. We all were torn up for him as we feared another broken clavicle. The good news is it wasn't the collarbone, but the scapula is a screwed up. Hopefully he heals soon. His enthusiasm and excitement will be missed. I personally vote for him to be the starter at Wednesday Worlds while he is out.
Off to bed tonight and then Louisville Rec tomorrow for Boulder Racing #3.
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