Farewell 09

As the great Dr. Seuss would say...Oh the Places You'll Go.

Look back to move ahead

Every year when the race season concludes, I am always tempted to launch right into the planning of the next season. However before I can really plan ahead, I must first look back and provide an honest assessment of how the year went. What went well and what was more challenging (areas for improvement)?

By far the most challenging part of any season (including off-season) is achieving the proper balance between the sport and the rest of your life (family, work, play, travel, etc.). Every athlete faces this challenge and every athlete has different measures for what constitutes equilibrium between these two areas; rarely are the measures quantitative. For me I met that challenge better than in previous years and with a more relaxed approach to training/racing. That approach went a long way to keeping my stress level lower. The key is being able to set goals that stretch and challenge you, but being realistic knowing the constraints one must work with. I am sure the wine didn’t hurt with keeping a relaxed approach through the season.

Although I had a more relaxed approach, I still worked hard to succeed. I put a lot of effort into running off the bike this year. However that effort didn’t always pay off. Again this year I struggled in my triathlon runs (primarily at half iron distance). The solution to this problem continues to elude me so I have sought to find answers from former triathlon pros like teammate Nate Llerandi and from 5x world champion Simon Lessing. Both have provided valuable information for me to chew on in the off-season and incorporate into my planning for next year. Now having said that, I posted PRs for my run in triathlons at every distance I raced in this year. I have just happened to have had more bad runs than good runs.

To balance the bad with the good, there were several bright spots to this season that I hope to carry into 2010. Racing in more hill climbs may not seem like a bright spot, especially if you find fighting gravity a challenge. For me (and almost every other sprinter), hill climbs are very much like time trials; you are often alone and always in pain. However due to my travel schedule this year, I would either race hill climbs or not at all. In racing in hill climbs, I found that while I suck, I could suck a lot worse. Yep, that’s what I call motivation!

The only crits I raced in this year was Louisville where I placed 5th and Bannock where I placed 25th. Although I found Bannock to be a sketchier than normal for a 3s race, I was reminded of how racers fight for every place in a race, whether it was for 5th or for 25th. After all, you spend an hour racing your ass off, why stop 200m from the finish line? For me it’s just for pride; going out and finishing what you started.

That same sentiment was applied to the 5430 Long Course when my derailleur cable came loose. I lost precious minutes trying to get to an aid station to have it fixed, however I didn’t let that become an excuse to soft pedal the rest of the course. I continued to race hard until the end. Even to the point of blowing up on the run (I told you my runs could use some improvement).

All in all, I would consider the year a success. Whether in triathlon or cycling, I learned a few things this year that will hopefully lead to greater things in 2010. I narrowly missed out on a qualifying slot for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, which has really given me a focus and determination through the off season that I have probably lacked in previous seasons. While I was unable to score any victories, I had fun and performed to a level that continues to drive me to want to succeed even more.

Coming up to speed

It’s been a busy few months since my last post with lots of surf, good wine, work, and some training and racing mixed in there.

Louisville Crit

Let’s start with the Louisville Criterium. A good pre-race race to keep the legs from getting stale going into the Hawaii 70.3 triathlon. While I found the race a little difficult in the beginning, things came around and I finished in a respectable position, 5^th place. You can read it about here.

Hawaii 70.3

Then it was game time with the Hawaii 70.3 race. When we got to the big island, the heat and humidity was exactly what I imagined. In a word, suffocating. Regardless, I felt like I had put the training in to do well in this race and was ready to finally test myself. My goal was to get into the top five for my age group and do so with a solid run, hoping to repeat my California 70.3 run.

Of course the race started with the swim which turned out to be a pretty flawless swim for me. I needed to exit the water around the 30’ mark to stay in the mix of things. I enjoyed the mass swim start we had instead of the typical wave start. We are all equal at the start and face the same conditions on the course. I found some feet that would take me to the swim exit in just over 30’. So far I was right on track.

The bike course is essentially the middle portion of the Hawaii Ironman bike course. From Hapuna, we head south for a bit before turning around to head to Hawi and back along the Queen K. The trade winds were out as was the sun, just as I had hoped in some demented way. While the first part of the bike leg was pretty aggressive with a lot of attacking, I found a comfortable but hard pace I knew I could sustain. In the heat, you really have to stay on top of your hydration, which I felt I did. As I neared the end of the course, my legs started to feel the twinge of cramping but nothing at that point to slow me down. Put your head down, grit your teeth and keep turning over the pedals. I completed the bike segment in 2:28 which was about 3-4 minutes slower than what I was aiming for on this course.

Although the twinge of cramps were present, I left the bike to run transition with a little bit of a hop in my step. Surprisingly it felt really good to be running. The run course would be dominated by running on the golf course (fairways, greens, rough, cart paths, etc.). Over six miles of the course were on grass. Add the humidity and heat, and it felt like you were running in molasses at times. Nevertheless, my first two miles were run at 6:45 pace. I felt good in those miles, I knew I needed to run a pace that I could sustain over the remaining half marathon. I pulled back to just over 7:00 miles for the next two. At that point, the heat really started to take its toll on me. In the span of a quarter mile, I went from feeling good with a bounce in my step to holy crap, am I done yet? I hadn’t even hit the half way mark. The rest of the race was about running from aid station to aid station. Just survive and try not to let anyone pass you. I survived the race running to a 1:39 half marathon which was six minutes north of my goal. My total time was 4:42 and some change. While I felt like I absolutely melted on the run, my time was good enough for 6^th place in my age group and 36^th overall (out of about 1100 competitors).

The race was hard, but I was pleased with my effort I put forth. The only downside I really take away from the experience is not going to the awards ceremony where I could have picked up a slot to race in Hawaii in October for the Ironman World Championships. It’s safe to say I am hungry and already eyeing coming back here next year to win my age group. To do so, I’ll most likely need to upgrade my TT bike to the new Specialized. If anyone is looking for any gift ideas for me for Christmas, Hanukah, my birthday, or your birthday, I would need a 56cm.

5430 Sprint

Coming off the Hawaii 70.3 race and a couple of weeks in Hawaii and Maui, followed by work trip to DC, I had done very little to prepare for this race. Try to add to the difficulty of the race, I took the opportunity to have a hard 3.5 hour bike ride the day before in our local mountains. Needless to say, expectations were low and I didn’t disappoint. My only real goal was to not blow up on the short swim and to run a sub 20 min 5K. I didn’t meet any of those goals which made me realize I really can’t let my foot off the gas for very long after a race. Lesson learned . Even after 5 years in this sport, I am still learning some valuable lessons. I guess that is one reason I like it so much, the challenge of racing my competitors and myself.

Next up for me is the Boulder Peak Triathlon and Mt. Evans Hill Climb. Now we get into the heart of the summer race season. Why can’t we have summer year round?

Train hard,
Jonathan

Oceanside…A sea of surprises

The first race of the season (California 70.3) is now in the books.  What a surprise! The week before the race I was trying to decide at what point I would pull out of the race (end of the bike leg or end of the first lap of the run?).  I was also trying to determine if it is better to DNS or DNF.  Both have the element of quitting, it’s just a matter of at what point that happens, right?  

My goal of using this race as an early season barometer and spring board got tossed out when I was sidelined for a couple of weeks due to illness in the final month before the race. I felt like I was already behind the eight ball in training so this was something I couldn't afford.  Even when I returned to training from being sick, I had to make sure it was a gradual return so I didn’t land myself back in the doctor’s office, which had happened already and why I was out for a little over two weeks and not just a few days.

Now after completing the race and having my best half ironman run, I am left with trying to figure out why it went unexpectedly well?  Everything I usually look at (including how I felt fitness wise) told me to prepare for a long brutal day.  So how is it I knock five minutes off my best half ironman run on little training with no speed work?  I’ll be looking to answer that question over the next couple of weeks as I start my training in earnest.  Right now it just doesn’t add up and I need to figure out why so I can repeat it!

A quickie

Just a quick post on the world of J-Rod...It has been a busy couple of months and the trend will carry me into April.  That's a good thing considering the economic climate.  Although I am very secure in my job, it's never easy hearing about friends losing theirs and just last week Megan asked if I still had a job (I think she had Kit Kitridge on the brain - but nevertheless, do you want your kid asking you that question).

Holden is still racing down the slopes, scoring his first win in a GS downhill.  I might need to start making reservations for Vancouver for 2010.  Megan has also started her assault on the slopes as well leaving poor old Dad #4 in skiing ability. I'll need to get some photos posted (as well as  video).  Carey has been instrumental in their rise to greatness. Keeping the sport fun while providing new challenges has been the key.

I said it would be quick and it was.  Until next time, keep on keepin' on.

J-Rod

Feedback teaming up with Panache

Feedback Sports Road Cycling team will be teaming up with Panache Cyclewear for the 2009 season. We continue to enjoy generous support from our sponsors and are excited about the addition of Specialized. With Feedback Sports changing corporate colors to red/black, it only made sense for the road cycling team to do so as well, which fits well with the Specialized colors.  The change in color also allowed us to rethink our design.  We needed a bold design to match the riders. With that in mind, we solicited the help of Dylan Nelson. You may have seen some of his previous work in the pro peloton (the old CSC team).

We are excited about racing this year and expect our 2009 season to be just as successful as our 2008 year. 

St. George pictures

The early going.

Finding a rhythm.

Splashing through the puddles.

Approach to the finish.

The finish!

A note from a friend in a deep red state

walker -

imagine how great it will be to one day tell your kids about where you stood in this election - how you felt, and what you believed in.  this beloved country has given us but a handful of truly great leaders, and we are about to witness its next great contribution.  this man is a phenom - the stuff that rushmore's are made of.  washington, jefferson, lincoln, teddy, fdr - these guys all had naysayers, too.  naysayers who were all dead wrong.  it's nice to be on the side of right, for i know in my heart of hearts that obama is truly what is right for this country.  this is one of those historical moments that we will never forget - we are on the brink of monumental change - change we can all believe in.  word.  tru dat.
the hurricane

It’s time to cast your vote (if you haven’t done so already).  Both candidates have stated clearly that this is an election for change.  I think the choice is clear, especially if you believe the country is in desperate need of change.

I voted last week like almost one third of Colorado.  I voted for someone and not against someone.  That is the first time I have done that since being able to vote. My voting record is embarrassing.  Although I have voted in every election since turning 18, I have not based my decision on facts and knowledge of the candidates.  Usually the politics of fear steered my decision.  This year I am rejecting that philosophy and making a decision on what I think will help our country move in a direction that will get our economy back on track, restore our image in the global community, and move us away from our dependence on foreign oil.

You have a voice. Tomorrow you need to use it. Regardless of your choice make it informed.

Vote smart,

J-Rod

Losing all your marbles

Before embarking on my first marathon training program, I asked the question, "I have never run more than four miles before, how will I be able to run 26? In one day?" The answer was complete cheese and went something like this...

"I'll give you a bag of 26 marbles and after each mile you throw out one marble.  When you cross the finish line look down in your bag and you will see you just lost all your marbles." - Mark Foist.

Officially my time in St. George was 2:59:36.  I thought about what I would write, but in the end decided there probably wasn’t much to say.  I had a good race and felt great. The weather looked menacing at first but helped keep my legs cool and wet. I ran a negative split of 1:33/1:27 just like I had hoped and planned. I told Carey the day before the race I planned to run sub 3.  I laughed when I said it knowing that if I truly wanted to do that, I would have to run my fastest half marathon ever and it would be in the second half. Although I laughed, a part of me thought I might be able to pull it off.

My favorite moment in the race came after I crossed the finish line (of course).  In previous marathons and Ironmans, when I crossed the line, it was done. No emotional ending or discharge, just a simple “I am glad that is over.”  This time was different. I embraced Carey and had a hard time holding back. It was roughly six years ago that Carey and I became active in running.  It was the finish of the San Diego marathon that captured my attention. Watching runner after runner endure a pain unimaginable to cross a line marked on the ground before the clock overhead struck 3:00:00. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. In the grand scheme of things, whether I finished 2:59:59 or 3:00:01 is irrelevant.  What’s a couple of seconds after all? But on this day, this race, this time, it mattered. I don’t know why, but I know it did.

This is how I got it done.

1 - 7:43 (7:43)
2 - 7:26 (15:09)
3 - 7:13 (22:22)
4 - 7:00 (29:23)
5 - 6:51 (36:14)
6 - 6:05 (42:40)
7 - 6:44 (49:05)
8 - 7:40 (56:45)
9 - 7:47 (1:04:33)
10 - 6:46 (1:11:19)
11 - 7:19 (1:18:39)
12 - 7:06 (1:25:45)
13 - 6:54 (1:32:40)
14 - 6:47 (1:39:27)
15 - 6:33 (1:46:01)
16 - 6:19 (1:52:21)
17 - 6:44 (1:59:05)
18 - 6:17 (2:05:23)
19 - 6:56 (2:12:19)
20 - 6:51 (2:19:11)
21 - 6:04 (2:25:16)
22 - 6:36 (2:31:53)
23 - 6:31 (2:38:24)
24 - 6:30 (2:44:55)
25 - 6:39 (2:51:34)
26.2 – 8:05 (2:59:39)

Run smart,

J-Rod

2:59

Enough said.

Changing winds

Fall is beginning to whisper in my ear and in previous years, I dread that cold whisper. Not surprising since I have lived in Houston and So Cal for over 25 years absorbing the warmth and sunshine deep into my flesh. As a result, my motivation for braving the cold is usually absent during fall/winter which causes me to struggle in early season races. Last year was the exception when I struggled through the entire year. This year I am trying a new strategy. I haven’t been on my bike since the 5430 Long Course back in early August except for once. Even a month later I am not chomping at the bit to get back on. I simply haven’t thought about the bike that much since the race. For the time being, I am enjoying being a pure runner. I hope my St. George results reflect the work I have put into my running and more importantly, I hope that same running fitness carries over into next year. I have always struggled on the runs in a triathlon so I am trying to give myself a jump start this time around.

I am hoping that by the time mid-October rolls around, I will be craving to get back on the bike regardless of weather. Until that craving comes, I’ll let the bike rest in favor of running shoes.

Those that know me know it is usually around this time I start the great debate. Do I hang up the triathlon gear in favor of being a pure cyclist? This year there is no debate. I am triathlete AND I am a cyclist. At least for another year.

So as I look ahead to St. George and beyond to next season, I see a lot of areas I need to work on to really improve and continue taking steps forward. Much like this year’s election, this off season will be about change. I need to do something different to get off the plateau I have been on the last couple of years. So what is in store for me next year? I can’t say just yet, but you can bet that I will be changing things up in the racing scene as well as the off season. Besides, if I make any big announcements here, it will take away from another big story.

Run hard,
J-Rod

Republicans in a nutshell...

Thoughts from a 56 mile ride during the 5430 Long Course

- Should I be hurting on the bike this soon (less than a mile into the race)? Better back off.

- Crap, speed up, you just got passed by a girl. At least, she rides for Toyota-United. Still gotta pass her back though.

- I need a new saddle.

- That dude has four water bottles on his $6K carbon bike! WTF? There are six aid stations on this bike course. Idiot!

- Was that Steve running on Jay Rd? Maybe I should be doing a long run instead of this race. He’s fast ya know.

- Dammit! She passed me again. Go hard, show no mercy.

- Wow, that’s the fifth dude that has passed me and we haven’t even hit the 5 mile mark.

- I am glad the clouds are covering the sun.

- Why won’t my legs go faster? Push! Fuck, that hurts, back off.

- Those three guys are pace lining it. Assfucks!

- I wonder what it’s like to do the entire race in a speedo.

- Damn, my legs really hurt right now and I haven’t even finished the first lap. This is going to suck. I mean this already sucks.

- I wonder if Carey and the kids still plan on coming to the Rez? They are probably watching the Olympics.

- I dig women’s beach volleyball!

- I want to go to Maui. Maui Waui! He he. I wonder what it would be like to do this race high. Never mind, I don’t have enough food with me. It would suck.

- Can’t wait to have a burrito at the finish.

- Shit, I may not finish. This ride really sucks.

- Holden’s a tough monkey. He wouldn’t complain like this. I should be a tough monkey. Be like Holden.

- I need to get some work done after this race. Maybe I should go to the office. Will I be too tired?

- That’s the third racer I have seen with a flat tire. If I flat, I would be fucked [I don’t race with spares]. Wait…I hope I get a flat.

- Are you kidding me? I have to run after this shit.

- Triathlon sucks.

- Fuck, I dropped my water bottle (I only have one water bottle cage). I wish I had four water bottles on my bike like that one dude. I am an idiot!

- The next asshole with a disk wheel (and that trademark disk wheel sound) passes me, I am going to chuck my water bottle at them. Wait, I don’t have a water bottle. Idiot!

- Don’t overcook that corner. Damn that was close.

- I wonder if I actually have to finish the race in order to get a burrito.

- Will Carey think I am a pussy if I quit? I bet Holden will. I should at least start the run.

- Finally, the Rez. That was a shitty ride. Don’t do that again.

Plain and simple, I lacked focus. Usually I focus on turning the pedals without all the other noise. That didn't happen Sunday. The season is over so plenty to think about in the fall/winter. I do have one race left this year and it has nothing to do with a bike. It will be a nice change of pace.

Run hard,
J-Rod

When racing turns to finishing

There two groups of people that compete in triathlons. On one hand you have people that do it to challenge themselves, to basically finish the race. On the other hand, you have people that compete not only to challenge themselves, but also challenge others. In other words, they race.

I have been in the second group for a few years now. When I show up at a race, I intend to do just that, race. However yesterday at the 5430 Long Course, I found myself about 1/3 of the way through the bike course wanting to just finish. I had been passed by numerous riders, something that doesn’t happen to me on the bike. My thoughts then shifted from racing and pushing myself and others to just finishing. Some thoughts even drifted to wishing for a flat tire (I don’t carry a spare in races) to end my day altogether. Never before I have dreaded the run like I did yesterday. Fortunately for me, I didn’t flat and made it through the bike leg.

Surprisingly, when I started the run, I felt good. The first 4-5 miles, I had a consistent 7:20-7:25 pace. The middle miles were by far the toughest dropping to upper 7:50s and even some 8:00s. That was also about the time my mindset changed back to racing. If someone were to pass me, they would have to work for it. My goal was to catch those that had already passed me and turn this back into a race (even though it was only for top 10 in my AG).

With a couple miles left in the run, my I saw the guy that passed me around mile 3. Never before have I been able to catch someone who passed me on the run. That changed with a mile and a half left in the race when I passed him and put another 1:30 on him before finishing the race. That was perhaps the only highlight on the day. A day that was tailor made for PRs with the overcast skies and cooler temperatures, I came up short. I mentally checked out of the race early on the bike and couldn’t pull it together.

Next up, St. George marathon. Yes, I will do a marathon without swimming or biking beforehand. I really excited about it and hope I can post a good time. Since it has been so long I can’t say exactly what my goal is for the race. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3:25??? Right now, I am just looking forward to being a runner first and a cyclist second.

Run hard,
J-Rod

The professional age grouper

Every town has the professional age grouper. The professional age grouper is not a professional turned age grouper, but instead it is the average Joe that trains like a professional only to scrape the top ten in their age group. I happen to have one of these so called professionals at my work (this person also happens to compete in my age group). I am trying not to be too bitter about them putting the beat down on me recently. I used to wonder what it would be like to be someone whose sole responsibility in life is to one’s self. No longer do I wonder that. Having others, primarily my family, depend on me gives me a sense of purpose in life. I also depend on them as much as they depend on me.

The more I race and train, the more I realize that the real professionals are simply gifted athletes. Even if I quit my job to train full time, I would never achieve a fraction of greatness professionals do. This became even more apparent when we hosted Nicolas Becker (Nico). After talking with him, he is very much like the average guy who has a full time job and trains when he can. He just happens to race as a professional. Again, I see him as a gifted athlete. That doesn’t mean he does not work/train hard, he must do it within the constraints of his job that pays the bills. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him and many others like him.

I may not put in 20 hours or even 15 hours of training a week, but do know when I toe the line, you will get my best effort. When I show up to a race, you can always count on getting the best I have on that day. Some days, it may not be much, and other days I may grow wings and take off. My first goal is to do the very best I can and my second goal is to beat the professional age grouper.

Ride smart,
J-Rod

Boulder Peak Triathlon 2008

My build up to the Peak had been going good. Not great, but good. Swimming had been a little spotty since Florida ½ IM, but I was beginning to find my stroke and also riding into form on the bike. Running was also good, but not great.

Bike racing the two weekends before the Peak would be on tap to really build my speed going into the Peak. Niwot was the first of three bike races on menu and as it turned out, it would be the last. After running a solid race for the first 58 minutes, the final lap turned into a disaster. Long story short, I took the final turn too fast and hard and hit the deck at 25-30 mph skidding across the pavement donating copious amounts of flesh (from both sides of my ass) to the town of Niwot. For the next week and half I would ooze blood and slime through bandages and pants. Clearly I would not be working out the final two weeks before the Peak. In addition to half of my ass missing, I suffered some trauma to my left wrist tearing some tendons that connect the ulna to the little finger. The tear while minor made riding up and down hills painful and swimming was a bit of a challenge.

Thankfully the triathlon gods smiled down on me because on the Wednesday before the Peak, I could start training again which I promptly took advantage of. By the time the Peak rolled around, almost all of my injuries had healed or was at least not significant enough to play a role in how I raced. I no longer had injuries to worry about on race day, instead it was just fitness.

The week leading up to the Peak, the family and I were honored to host a one the men’s professional athletes from France, Nicolas Becker. Nico is an easy going guy that seemed to just blend into the family.

I had no real goals for the race. After all on the Tuesday before, I basically threw in the towel after attempting to swim and unable to due to my wrist. I was just lucky to be there. That being said, if I show up at a race, I plan to go hard.

That’s what I did when we launched into the water. I went hard. Too hard! After the first 250-300 meters, I blew up in spectacular fashion. I stopped to look around praying I was only dreaming and would get a do over. But no luck, only charging athletes looking at me ready to swim right through me if I didn’t get moving. After doing some back stroke, breast stroke, doggy paddling, floating, etc., I finally settled into my own pace. At the conclusion of the swim I swam almost two minutes faster than last year. I suspect the swim course was shortened.

The adventure continued with the bike leg. Following the enforced speed limit of 35 coming down Old Stage, once I hit the bottom I began to really crank on the pedals out of the saddle to build back up to speed. That’s when my chain came flying off the big ring sending my legs out of the pedals and my body nearly over the top of my handlebars. Not a good feeling at 35 mph. Luckily, I stayed on my machine and avoided disaster. I reached down to get my chain back on (not an easy task at 35mph) which it did not want to go on easily. It finally made it on and I was off again. The remainder of the bike (and the race for the most part) I simply could not seem to push or go hard. I was on cruise control and unable to accelerate. Same thing for the run, but by that time, I had checked out of the race mentally. I still enjoyed the race (not the heat) and kept a positive attitude. I crossed the line 1 min faster than last year. Again, the swim course had to have been shorter since my bike and run times were slower. The race can be characterized as a comedy of errors. I have three weeks until the long course (half Ironman) so hopefully I can fine tune some things and really have a solid race and be able to push hard.

After my race, I waited for Nico to return from the bike leg (pros started 1.5 hours after age groupers). The men’s pro field was stacked with Olympians, Xterra Champions, and World Champions (Matt and Shane Reed, Simon Lessing, Peter Robertson, Seth Wealing, etc). Matt Reed set a punishing pace on the bike and followed that with a blistering pace on the run to capture the title. Nico, coming off of the Providence 70.3 race last week, put in what I thought was a great race against the best athletes in the world to finish 12th.

The remainder of the week I live like a bachelor with Carey and the kids living it up in Oklahoma with the Bushyheads. Chaos can’t even begin to describe what it’s like there with seven kids and three dogs in that house.

Stay tuned for some more updates as I head into the final part of the racing season.

Ride hard,
J-Rod

Taking the country by storm

Thanks to people like you, my campaign has finally gained some traction and together we are generating a buzz across the country. Get the full story from News3Online.com

Need a loan?

You think gas prices are high now?

Disney (and 70.3), TTs, crits, politics and more

I am due for some updates. Let's see, there was Florida 70.3, Disney World, road racing, politics, and a whole lot more. I won’t hit all these topics in this post but I do plan to cover it all over the next week or so. So sit tight.

City Park

My first crit of the year turned out to be a crash filled race with no less than 5-6 separate incidents. Anytime you mix 80 egos with super high octane aggression and a technical course, crashes are inevitable. Some crashes are the result of the aggressive riding, some a result of carelessness, and one or two just an act of God.

As usual with any crit the three elements it takes to win, especially technical crits like City Park, are positioning, fitness, and luck. I had most of those elements in the race but lacked in the fitness department to really impact the race and could have used a little more luck.

Fifteen minutes into the 60 minute race after a prime sprint, I jumped off the front. When the pace slowed a bit I took that as an opportunity to make something happen. I was joined a short time later by Delaney (eventual winner) and a rider from Spine and Sport. This attempt netted the three of us nothing more than a several minutes of being clear of potential crashes in the pack.

Tucked in the back in the early break.

For the rest of the race, I just tried to stay near the front and hope luck would keep me out of trouble. With a couple of laps remaining, I saw Diran moving up to the front with Jeremy in tow. Once I saw this, I too moved to the front to help drive the pace the final two laps and hopefully setup any one of our capable sprinters. After drilling it at the front for about a minute, I eased up hoping someone would pull through to keep the pace fast. That’s when a rider from Horizon Organic pulled around and said something like “Let’s go.”’ I turned back and saw a gap had formed so we punch it. Unfortunately the fuel tank was flirting with Empty and once again my attempt for glory in a break failed.

The remaining lap was about recovering as much as possible for one last dig for the inevitable sprint finish. Approaching the final turn I was sitting 5th wheel. That’s when Delany streaked by on the outside to preempt the sprint. I knew when he passed by that was the winning move. We all scrambled for some wheels and as we came out of the final turn, a rider in front of me we down for no apparent reason (this was one of those crashes that had to have been an act of God as I saw nothing to bring him down). Although I was able to avoid the crash, it was enough to disrupt my sprint causing me to lose 4-5 places. That’s where I could have used a little more luck. Regardless, the winning move had been made and we were all just sprinting to slide into a money spot. In the end I crossed the line in 10th place just good enough for the last money place. It took a protest and a review of the finish video to actually get my result. Initially I was scored as not having finished.

Revving it up for the sprint before the act of God

The kids then took their turn for racing glory in the kids race. Although it appears Megan was ready to stick it to the rest of the field (including big brother), don’t be fooled. Immediately after the start, the deafening screams from obsessed parents froze her in her tracks like a dear in the headlights. I managed to get her to ride the one lap. I think we will need to check the photo finish as I am pretty sure she pipped the last rider on the road to be the 74th out of 75th rider. It was all in good fun.

All systems go!

TTs

There is no other race that hurts more in my opinion than a TT. I jumped into the Bouder TT series last week to work my upper limits more and I did just that. It was the first time on the Javelin since Florida and I hadn't quite put the bike fully back together. Unfortunately I didn't remember this until my handlebars started sliding around and my seat post started dropping on Hwy 36 about a quarter through the race. Regardless, I posted a decent time and succeeded in working my upper zone.

That was last week. This week I took cover under the shelter of a nice glass of red wine instead of showing my grit in the rain. There is always next week.

Ride hard,

J-Rod