This weekend was two races for me. The first was the "Race Around Chase," Columbus Ohio and the second was the "Top of Ohio" at the Ohio Caverns, West Liberty , Ohio.

Saturday started was overcast and chilly with a slight breeze. The race was held on the service road around Chase Bank corp. headquarters and was just over a one mile loop. In the womens open we had 8/9 riders. My goal was to get group riding experience, drafting, in the peleton and to lead if possible. I accomplished all three with me drafting and riding amoung the riders, pulling one full lap and about a third of another. I spent most of my time on the rear just watching. Nearly was droped twice and was able to pull back up.

I knew that 2 or 3 of the leaders I could not beat, but I fealt confident that I could finish top 5. When we had a nasty crash out of mid pack. One rider was bumped and she touched a rear wheel, she went down hard with two others pilling on her. I seen this happen and I missed the wreck. The first rider slammed the pavement very hard sliding on her face. I stoped to help and to make sure she was OK even thjough this meant my race was over. She was torn up pretty good with the helmet busting. She ended up riding away on her bike with no obvious majour injuries.

The second race I was absolutely fantasic weather. I was the only female rider and the hilly roads around Ohio Caverns. All I had to do was finish and I won, which I did with an awsome sunburn. Hills, hills hills. I dont have climbing legs but I'm working on it. I am still learning the little nuances with the bike but I am getting a hold on it. I did hit 39.7 mph on the longest downhill.

Short and sweet ... Jamie