It's been a while since I had raced. Almost 3 months. I guess Strava has been satisfying my cravings. I decided it was time to come out of hibernation and face my fears. I left my SS at home and lined up with the Expert/40+ geared crew. There are some salty old dogs in that group.
3 laps - 33 miles at race pace made me a bit nervous. My longest ride so far this year is something like 38 miles and that was on my road bike.
After a terrible start position (15 or so out of 20), I spent the first and second lap passing and playing catch up while trying to leave something in the tank for lap 3. As I came through the start/finish area to start my 3rd lap, I heard my kids, wife, and Jay cheering. That gave me a big boost (along with Bob S. heckling me.....All I remember is Bob pointing up the course and saying "hey Rick, the race is up there....").
I had some good legs on the final climb and made up a few more positions before the downhill. I managed to stay on my bike and avoid any mechanicals and finish 3rd.
It felt good to stand on that box again. But what's up the ghetto podium at the ICUP's? I'd pay an extra $1 for Ed to get a real podium instead of the plywood boxes. (but I do like the tweety chair).
Congrats to Corey L and D. Bagley for a 1, 2 finish in SS. Rico with the Expert 35 win, Daren C with 2nd in the 50+, and Whitney taking the Expert Women win. I have some very fast friends. I'm so glad I don't race against them anymore.
