First Race of the Season

The Rio Grande cycling team and I geared up for the first local road race of 2008 Sunday. And even though Redlands was happening, the field showcased some big names like World Champion Ivan Stevic, Jason Donald and Taylor Phinny. Even our local announcer, Dave Towle is going to be giving the play by play at the Olympics road race this year. He was supposed to announce the Rio Grande/Vic's Prospect Criterium but I guess the Olympics takes precedence. I guess we'll forgive him. The race went hard from the start but stayed together into the strong head wind. Once we reached the steep dirt climb, someone in front of me dropped a chain and caused everyone to stop and run up the hill. I spent a huge amount of energy chasing in the cross wind back onto the lead group. I stayed there until lap three when I dropped a chain after I shifted into my big chainring. Running low on energy, I was unable to get back on and spent the rest of the race in no mans land fighting the winds by myself. Finally, with 3/4 of a lap to go I got lapped by the peloton. Teammate Joe Saperstein was in it and got a flat tire just after they passed me. I jumped off my bike, gave him the wheel off my bike and pushed him back into the race. He was unable to catch back on, but he only finished a few seconds behind. Although happy I could help the team, I was a little bummed that I pushed through that much of the race and had to drop out. Cory Carlson finished sixth and we had a few other guys in the top 20 so it was a good day for the team. Afterwards we all met for a few margs and a burrito at our favorite Mexican restaurant, the Rio Grande. It was a good start to the season.