Thursday, August 10, 2006

From the brink

This weekend I came the closest I've ever come to quitting cycling. Saturday I bonked real hard in the Deodate Road Race and dropped out half way through the 2nd to last lap. I was so pissed that I told myself I was quitting, at least for a little while, and focusing my energy elsewhere.

Alone this result would not have pushed me to the edge- but this result combined with a disappointing summer plagued with illness, fatigue, and poor results seemed to be putting the final nail in my cycling coffin. Although I told myself I would not do the the Doylestown race on Sunday, I did it anyway. I didn't have anything else to do and was looking for some redemption.

The 3/4 race went pretty shitty. I felt real sluggish and I did not contest the sprint as it was sketchy. I don't mind going elbow to elbow in a sprint, but these were the worst bike handlers I've seen to date in a race. Call me a pussy, but I've got bigger fish to fry than the cat 3's.

Immediately following that finish I was feeling great. So, I slapped on a Dynaflow jersey to race with Lou and Andy in the Pro/1/2/3- a test run if you will. It went amazingly well. I spent the first half of the race covering early moves and was amazed at how strong I felt. It felt good to reel in the big boys. Lou was very strong up front and Andy pulled out some balls at the finish to lead Lou out. It didn't go quite as planned for us- I was tired from previous racing and Andy got caught up behind a wreck I think, but it shows some real promise for when the 3 of us come together under one goal. Not to mention I love racing with those guys.

So, this weekend is Christiana. I love the crit there- it is super fast and super technical. I won it as a 4 last year and took 3rd in the GC. Hopefully my bike will be decked out with a set of Zipp 909's for the TT.




Then I am off to the beach with my lovely girlfriend and some of her family for a little R&R. It'll be a fun little road trip for the two of us. We have the best times making fun out of simple adventures.


Bring it on Christiana.