TOTV late report

Just wanted to put a post up to show that I still know how to sign on and what my URL is.

I did do the 2 crits included in the inaugural Tour of the Valley. Friday evening in Canfield was a blast. Loved the technical section through the neighborhood, but wish I had the fitness to stay at the front, because I hate braking into those turns, but when your at the back, thats what happens. A successful 2-man break formed and Stark Velo missed out on the opportunity, but Brent Martin dropped the hammer on the field through the neighborhood and rolled in for 3rd place alone. Rick was up in the pack sprint too.

Sunday's jaunt through downtown Youngstown was a bit less technical, but with much worse pavement which made things quite interesting. Brent got in a 5 man break early, so Rick, John and I just chased anything trying to bridge up. We felt Brent's chances were good in the group up the road, and they managed to go out of sight after a few laps. I felt sooo much better than Friday night and was looking to get in good position with 2 to go to set up well for the sprint. I worked my way up on the final lap, was sitting 4th wheel heading into the final few turns, and also had Rick right up with me in 2nd wheel. As we were flying into the final turn, I see someone standing smack in the middle of the road waving us down as they stood above a fallen rider from the break. Things were a blur, but Rick and Drew Bercaw were both just ahead of me and managed to slip to the inside of the crash victim on the turn which gave them a good shot to the line. I was just outside of Drew's rear wheel and was heading right at the person tending to the down rider...I locked up both brakes, nearly hit both people, then stopped just before hitting hay bales. Sprint opportunity nixed...Rick and Drew went 1-2 in the field sprint, though.
I was disappointed, but got over it quickly realizing I could have been much worse off if I didn't see the wreck early enough.

Oh...and I seem to be finding these hammers that Brent keeps dropping all over Ohio. (He rode away from the break on the last lap for the win).

Major props to the Carbon Racing crew as the events were run very well and I'm looking forward to next year (want to do all races for the GC).

On the CrossFit side of things, July 10-12 was the annual CrossFit games in Aromas CA. I do believe that they are gaining in popularity and don't be surprised to hear more about this over the next couple years...here's one article:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/28281/a_day_at_the_crossfit_games

I still a few things to wrap up on the gym out back, but the workouts are already a blast...
Later...