Greenbrier, in an eggshell.

Went up to the MD this past weekend, for some racing in Greenbrier state park there. Last year was a disaster. I was sick, tired, and broke my bicycle, then rode it for a lap with a flat before deciding to quit.

This year was much better, a starting field of 22 or so in my first real pro race. The usual suspects were there, but this time i got to race with them! The race started out fast, but not too fast with humidity high and temps in the mid 90s. Hanging in the lead group, someone in front of me flubbed part of the 2nd uphill and i had to dismount. This is where i lost contact with the leaders. I felt good about that, 3rd race of the year and all.

I quickly realized that i was getting caught by the pack and gave it. Fatiguing at a consistent rate and finishing in 11th place, good enough to qualify for the national championships i am not going to, but out of the cash!

I am still a bit sore and it is now Wednesday...did i mention i got a new bike?

Michaux this weekend? I'm not too good for the longer stuff, so maybe this will help me, if not be a bit embarrassing.

Race season has started, and it is nice to gt started racing a bit earlier than usual. the O hill meltdown in C-Ville went well in the mud, and a race near Richmond at Camp Hilbert didn't go so well, as i fell from third to 6th place after i blew up for unknown reasons. Hopefully it makes me faster, because i was sore after the race at Hilbert, and i hardly ever get sore, but even after the five guys blew past me, about 3/4 through the race i kept the gas on and i think it will be good for me down the road.

I related news, two (or three?) weeks ago i went down to SC again. A very fast bike ride, missed train, and a looooong bus ride later i arrived in Charlotte, NC. My Uncle had witnessed the state of the Chevette upon my last visit and said "I don't how much longer that thing will last." At the time i passed it off as nonsense! This car has lasted me thus far, why would it quit now? Well she lit on fire, and my Uncle purchased a GMC Safari van and did a great deal of work to it for me, I am very thankful to my uncle and enjoy the van immensely.

I had seen it in the lot before i left last visit, and it looked like a new van! It now has a carpet and is ready for camping in forests and at races!

i was only in SC for about 5 hours, but it was a great visit with everyone down there, I always eat too much. thanks for the cookies and pie Grandma!

I will probably hang around Harrisonburg for this weekend, maybe borrow a road bike for Harri-Roubaix to get some racing in.

Greenbrier at the end of the month!