Falltime

During and after my recovery from being sick, I got to some races. The first being the WVMBA final in Morgantown, WV. Feeling kind of like garbage, but wanting to visit friends and race. The race started up a road climb and i was glad i was still fit enough to feel ok there, but the real test started in the woods. Rolling through the singletrack on Shogren's wheel, with TJ Platt leading, i felt fine for about 10 minutes. Then something grabbed the bars from me and i went face first into the ground, landing on my shoulder and collarbone as well. Stunned and upset, i got up quickly but couldn't do anything. A guy who crashed behind me grabbed my bike and put it off to the side. When i gained my wits, i set off at a furious pace to catch the leaders. Made some mistakes and about 30 minutes later, realized i was in trouble. i wasn't blown, but almost. I ran out of water somewhere around halfway, and the finish couldn't have come soon enough. What a way to end the series, a disappointing 6th, 10 minutes back!?

But that is how MTB racing goes sometimes, i am glad that i didn't break my body or my bike, and i had a great cheeseburger dinner courtesy of my great host family in town.


Fast forward a few weeks to this past Tuesday, which was the second Blue Ridge Cyclocross, here in town. My first for the year. It is east VS. west, and Charlottsville (AKA the Foof) had to be shut down. With Jeremiah and Nick Waite here, as well as Andy, I knew we were in good shape. The pace was brutal, and at first i wondered why i was getting passed, but then i remembered my lack of fitness! After about 30 minutes in i started feeling good, and just wanted to maintain my 5th place. Mission accomplished, came in 5th about 3-4? minutes back from the pro train. Didn't feel bad about that. Hopefully some fitness will be gained from that.

This weekend is the Poor Mountain Hillclimb down in Roanoke. Time to find the skinniest tires for my bike (i wish i had a cross' bike!) and climb into the sky for 40-45 minutes. Maybe i can notch up a win?