I wasn't sure how it would go. It's early in the season for Western NY. I spent the winter in the gym and on the trainer and feel stronger now than I ever have. My goal was to stay with the pack and not finish last (aiming high huh? ... )

We had only an hour of sunlight to work with and would do three laps of a 7 mile square circuit. Generally flat save for a short hill 2 miles in and a slightly longer hill a mile and a half from the finish line. The second hill would serve to break up the field. Rural roads to be sure. The first ten places get points and there was a prime at the end of the second lap that earned 3 points for first place and 1 for second.

Being a cat 5, I rode with the B group (which included some 4's). Approximately 40 of us rolled the first lap out at a decent clip (24mph). I felt good ... if not a little spunky (not always a good thing). The two thoughts I maintained through the first lap were ... watch your positioning and give yourself somewhere to bail and stay toward the front.

The second hill begins at a 90 deg turn in the road. On the second lap, as we approached this turn and the hill, I was in around 10th position. We turn the corner and the guy immediately to my left jumps his chain and slows ... slowing most of the group behind him. I see this as an opportunity to gap the main group and take off up the hill. I bridge to two guys who have broken off of the front and we try to work. However, at this point I'm toast and pegging 192 on the HRM. I stick with these guys for a half mile and have to drop back if I want to have anything left for the last lap. One of the two guys takes the prime and I miss the points by a place. Funny but the whole time I'm bridging to these guys I felt like it was a dumb move but was trying to convince myself that I would have no hope of winning a field sprint and that I should really try for the prime points. Didn't get them in the end.

Last lap ... groupo compacto ... I stay in the middle of the pack until we reach the second hill. At this point I find the wheel of a guy who I know is a fast sprinter and stick to it like glue. Problem is, he can't climb. Regardless, I'm patient ... and patient ... and patient. We crest the hill in ~15th place and he lays down the hammer with me in tow. In fact, I'm small enough that I'm not sure he even knew I was there. We're flying, passing guys left and right. I'm stuck like glue. I'm hanging and have some energy in reserve ... feeling good. Next thing you know, he sits up ... race is over. What?!? Whoa!?! Turns out I had no idea where the finish line was and missed the opportunity to kick for the line. DAMN!!! STUPID!!!

Any way ... I took 8th (probably could have taken 6th) and felt pretty fine about it.

Notes: First whomever said that tires and tire pressure don't make a difference ought to be shot. I routinely train on armadillos and often feel like I'm moving in slow motion with these tires. Durable as all get out, but slow. For this race, I put on my Panaracer Stradius Pro's and absolutely levitated around the course. They rolled SO MUCH BETTER at 130psi than the armadillos do at 120!! They're newer to boot. Second, my CAAD7 frame and hollowgram cranks are the freakin' bomb. This is an excellent bike. Predictable and responsive. Third, from now on I think I need to train above my AT a bit more. Seems I spent most of the race there ...

Had heaps of fun!! Next race, next Tuesday ... hopefully a new report.

Mark

Not bad for a first race at all, sounds like you had a good race. I would be proud with that. Probably better than I could have done.

Thanks ... I'm hooked again.

Mark

Congrads. Top ten after 12 years is excellent. Welcome back to racing...

Well it wasn't his first race.

Mark,

Congrats!!! Guess the dedication over the winter served you well. I'll have to check the website to see who finished in front of you.

Cheers,
Mojo

PS: send me a PM, since our ride I've shaved a bunch of time off my "short" benchmarking ride (still not all the way back but much improved). Maybe a cafe ride if Saturday is clear...

Good show Mark, keep it up.

first race in 12 years....and a top 10 finish?! that's awesome. you should definitley keep on this season.

Thanks for all of the encouragement guys!

Mark

Heck of an effort, especially considering you were riding that bike in your avatar.

i think his cadence was around 300.