RATL #4

Interesting week on the bike. This was the 1st week this year I was able to get 4 rides in. Most weeks were 2 or less rides, with a quite a few bike-less weeks this spring. Tuesday's team ride, for me, was a warm up with the team, then most of the 35 miles were solo as I could not hold a wheel once the hills started. I made it back to the parking lot with Rick and Chris mercifully hanging out, with bikes already stored on the roof racks and clothes changed, just to make sure I got back OK. Good miles, but pretty deflating also. I could not seem to push myself at all. Legs were not responding and lactic acid build up was nasty.

Thursday's lunch ride (~18 miles) was the mental boost I needed. Legs felt like they had some snap and I was able to push into the red zone and hold it pretty well.

I entered the M35+ race at RATL, despite it being about 45, both temp and wind MPH. Quick 2 lap warm up with Parr and then we were off. Joel and Marshall also were in the mix. My goal was to not get dropped since this was my first race of the year, and Tuesday's ride was still on my mind. I felt decent for the first several laps and kept active near the front. Mid-race, I needed some recovery so I slipped to the back and sat in for about 4 laps. With 5 to go, I made my way back up front in hopes of helping out Rick. I was in position to try and hitch on a few breakaway attempts, but after one pull, I could feel that I didn't have the needed endurance to keep it alive. So I just focused on trying to help pull back the 1 or 2 riders that were off the front. With 3 to go, a Bike Authority rider had established a substantial gap, and his teammates (Rudy, Jim, and some others) kept the pack in check. He went on to win. I stayed near the front 3 positions in the pack until the lsast time through the parking lot. The pack sped up and I got swarmed in, so I decided to just hang on the back and watch the bunch sprint develop. My goal was met.

Wish I had a bit more in the legs to help them team, but had to feel OK with myself for race #1 of 2010.