Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.outofshape
05-07-08, 11:26 AM
Well as previously stated i began racing again after 15 years off the bike(last race and serious riding was 1993). I would have to say that my first race was a success even though I am a little disappointed.
I rode a very smart race, pacing myself and staying midpack throughout the race. I drifted all the way to the back for a couple of laps just to keep myself from going for any preams(sp) and tiring myself out for the final sprint.
With 3 to go I was mid pack and started to slowly move forward through the pack. With 1 to go I was about 10th, pretty much where I wanted to be. As we came to the last corner I made a bit of a mistake as I was on the inside going into the turn and got the door slammed on me by another rider and had to throw on the brakes. I regrouped quickly and found a wheel and then began my sprint from about 12th. I found some clear road to the right and quickly made up ground but ultimately ran out of real estate before I could catch everyone.
Just missed 3rd by half a wheel and ended up forth. The field was larger than I expected (30-40 riders) and the pace was certainly a bit quicker than I remembered (I averaged right at 24mph for the race).
My sprint is still pretty strong for an old guy (44) and I think i suprised some of the youngsters! I can say that all of the hard training the last few months has certainly payed off!
Until next week, adios!
Paul
I rode a very smart race, pacing myself and staying midpack throughout the race. I drifted all the way to the back for a couple of laps just to keep myself from going for any preams(sp) and tiring myself out for the final sprint.
With 3 to go I was mid pack and started to slowly move forward through the pack. With 1 to go I was about 10th, pretty much where I wanted to be. As we came to the last corner I made a bit of a mistake as I was on the inside going into the turn and got the door slammed on me by another rider and had to throw on the brakes. I regrouped quickly and found a wheel and then began my sprint from about 12th. I found some clear road to the right and quickly made up ground but ultimately ran out of real estate before I could catch everyone.
Just missed 3rd by half a wheel and ended up forth. The field was larger than I expected (30-40 riders) and the pace was certainly a bit quicker than I remembered (I averaged right at 24mph for the race).
My sprint is still pretty strong for an old guy (44) and I think i suprised some of the youngsters! I can say that all of the hard training the last few months has certainly payed off!
Until next week, adios!
Paul