Sunday, October 19, 2008

My Second Real Live Actual Race Report


Okidoke, I didn’t get lapped and I didn’t come in last, so once again, mission accomplished. The course was awesome, there was a sand pit and a weird uphill then off camber hairpin and back up a hill combo that was fun to ride. Other than that the course was dry, the sun was out, and the wind was blowing, a great day for a race. Here's a shot of me before the race. That's my best steely eyed competitive look. Sorry, it's all I got.
I could have used another 2 teeth on my freewheel, or another 30 pounds off my ass, either or both would have come in really handy today. I made it a point to try and get up a little further up in the pack, and totally hammered it on the start. My reward, I got to trade some paint and rub elbows the whole first half of a lap. That extra effort cost me a bit though, and I spent the rest of lap one hurting pretty damn bad, to the point I was worried about finishing the race.By the time I finished up the first lap I recovered a little. I saw a few riders about 100 yards ahead of me and made up my mind to catch them. I did eventually catch them, and then the three of us managed to catch another group. So we spent the last half of lap two playing leap frog, which I thought was fun, and painful actually, but I suppose that is racing. Eventually two of the guys pulled away from me, and I pulled away from the rest. From that point on, I spent the rest of the race by myself.
I promised myself I would try harder this race, and I did. I’m a little disappointed with my placement, but not with my effort this time. I hung out at the finish line for a bit after I finished. I tried to stay on my feet but I had to sit down, and I was getting worried I was going to have to puke in front everybody. That would have been pretty pathectic, puking for 58th place, fourth from last in a field of 62. Hell, even my asthma flared up, that almost never happens anymore. I guess I just need to work on my conditioning. It’s kind of late to make any real improvements this season, but I can try anyway. Dropping a few more pounds would do some wonders for my thrust to weight ratio too.This last shot of me is after the race, as I am slowly coming out of the "Oh God, I don't want to puke in front of all these people " stage. Notice the distinct lack of steely eyed competitiveness. I'm smiling because I am already thinking about St. Charles on November 2nd.

4 comments:

Jafael said...

I like the worn out but happy final pic the best. The race really does look like a lot of fun!

Anonymous said...

jafael, easy, he's married.....

Nice work John....I am pumped that you are actually racing! Do you ever think part way through, "I paid do this kind of torture"? We all do!!

Get some Hopkins rides in if you can, that will help a ton. Also, get Aaron off his ass to ride with you.

Unknown said...

I haven't heard a delta M in a while?

Unknown said...

you chicken $h!t