Me in the green here, Red Trolley 2014 cat5, mid pack finish but I like to use it all up! (pic by Kawika Ohumukini)

It was very wet! Got within 20 seconds, formed a small group, but never caught the main field. First race of the year, frustrating to do something stupid like miss the start, but if I am going to make a mistake, so be it, get it out of the way.

Saddle up a little more? I'll have to play with that today.

Almost did the same on Saturday. I got to the race and realized I forgot my helmet. Luckily, my wife was able to run one down just in time. I was able to throw it on and jump in the back. Also, got lucky that she grabbed an old beater of a helmet so I wasn't too upset when it got thrashed in my crash. Quite nerve racking to still be at your car when your group is lined up getting instructions.

Tour of New Braunfels Cat 4 RR a couple weekends ago. This is the end of my 4-mile solo TT to secure 3rd behind a teammate and another guy who stayed away. You can see the battle for 4th looming behind me.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=363898
Photo by Lester Rosebrock

Actually, in hindsight I think it would have been luckier if she didn't get you the helmet in time.

You'll always be able to spot your team mates with that kit.

Too true. I think I was parked next to you. I recall a Pearl Izumi kit and a Cervelo S2 on the car next to me while I sat shivering in a daze trying to think if I should drive home or call for a ride.

Been going over the race in my head, should have been further up going into that last turn so I didn't get stuck as bad as I did.

It's true. I have to keep an eye on a couple of them around here.

Good race there Tyrell

Not that we're locked into any particular color scheme but for as long as I've belonged, my team has been sponsored by JBL, so we have a nice bright orange accent color. But every year the argument is black jerseys or white jerseys. I keep arguing to go the Euskatel route and go solid orange jerseys with black shorts. It would sure make picking out teammates in a pack much easier. I guess I'll renew my argument next fall.

2nd ever CX race, and last of the season. Photos from friend John:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps79232928.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps7876c43e.jpg

That's pretty legit on that course for Cat5. I only averaged 4.8 w/kg (for 40 minutes) in my 2 man breakaway on that course last year in the Cat3s.

Who won the 1/2 race?

Yeah, it was pretty fast after the first 5 minutes or so. My NP in the pack was just under 4 w/kg. I think we caught the Cat 5 35+ at the end who started 5 minutes after the -34s.

From the BMW Performance Crit. Credit to: On the Rivet Photography, a facebook page.

I am the one with all black, white booties and orange glasses.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p...6-no/crit3.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T...6-no/crit2.jpghttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f...1-no/Crit1.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p...0-no/crit5.jpg

You're a true inspiration after seeing that other photo of some walrus you claim to be you @ 215 (I can joke, right? Since that was then.. plus I used to be, ahem, oh, a tad heavier myself so I can talk). I'm wondering what your ride stats looked like (understand if you don't want to post your first races online).. I'm just wondering if I can hang. At least tell us, did you get dropped at anytime or did you keep up with the group the entire time?

Either way, good job man!

Thanks man, I'm fine putting up some info. I got dropped the first day @ the crit. I was top 5-7 until lap 10 of 12. I made the mistake and decided to not follow an attack thinking I was going to get them later. Too late, they were gone. I can't blame it all on that. I was on the RED very badly too. Average speed was 24.8mph, Ave watts 251, Duration 34 minutes. A very flat ride with only 200 ft of climb for almost 14 miles.

Road race, This one was much better. Hung out with the main pack and strategized to minimize energy consumption. Paid off at the sprint where I took a few places. Ended up 6/14 (+3 that crashed). Time: 00:57:36, Distance: 21.8mi, Ave power: 250watts, Ave speed 22.5mph. A little bit more climb on this one with almost 50ft per mile.

Hope this helps. It is very tough, Cat 5 riders are strong riders even if it is the lowest cat. You should definitely try it, just be careful of crashes. They are very easy to get into.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364330 My first race - the Mississippi River Bridge Time Trial 2/8/14. 18 degrees, gusty winds, road wet with patches of salt and sand. Big fun! Wasn't as fast as I hoped, but spent 94% of the race in zone 4, so at least I think I paced myself about right.

Pic courtesy of Michael Dawson:https://picasaweb.google.com/1183553...eat=directlink

Niiice!~

Man I wish the fields here were that small!

your garmin is vertical!

Then you'd have less chance of placing :D I kinda wish they were bigger really. I'm sure this sundee will be a different thing.

dude you dont even have to sprint and you'll get a top 10!

That's just the mount bending from my awe-inspiring speed!

LOL - it's easiest to read with a slight angle.

not suffering in the normal sense of the word, but given tongue placement, I think my mind was wandering toward donuts. Jeff took the picture.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d6...ps2rich7vr.jpg

Todays Race sprint finish. Got smoked. I am the one in blue, orange glasses.

(Admin edit: photo deleted - no credit for photographer given)

Getting beat by a C&V bro with a GoPro. Harsh. :)