Another full day at the races. It took less time than I remember to get to the Grandville, OH. I was there shortly after 9 a.m. and I thanks to friends I got help setting up the Trek tent, brrr it was a chilly start to the day. Busy start for me, three flat changes, several derailleur adjustments and a couple quick post crash repairs. About noon I got changed and started my warm up and it was cold changing outside! I was able to get on course for three laps, the first 3/4 was about the same as last year, but this before the start/finish area we made a left into a wide path with sand, soft dirt, a right there more sand over a narrow wooden bridge into a very soft slippery single track. The course snaked through this new section until a sharp right hander up a steep rooty climb. It took me three attempt to find the correct line to be able to ride it. I am glad it did because I road it every time during the race and if I do not have to get off the bike all the better for my knees. Plus on Friday I got my first round on gel shots for my knees and my left knee is not liking have the shot again.
Race time! Cat.3 Masters 35+ started up front and we (Cat.3 Masters 45+) started at the back. Since todays race was a combined Cap City-OVCX race we had a slightly larger field and a start time gap between both groups. With the 35+ already started it is now our turn. Whisle blows, we're off! This I believe has just had my worst start ever......I go from front row to the back of the group as we sprint up the paved start/finish hill turn right into the grass and dismount for the double barrier, I have no idea what my legs and brain where thinking, but they were some place else.....aaahhhhh! Now is set out in pursuit of the rider in front of me. Around the lake I caught one rider than another and soon I was on Riedel's wheel. I tried to get him to work with me, but he said after the race I shot by him and he could not stay on my wheel. Next ride was from the Team Dayton, I followed ebing and flowing section to section but I was not catching him. He passed one rider, than another and they became my new target. I caught one (Doug) and the second guy in orange (Douglas). I could close in on the power sections in the woods and the single track and lose ground on the climbs. The final lap my back was toasted and the last of my efforts were not gaining any ground on Douglas and I was able to stay in front of Doug. All that for 13th, I'll take it. Good day, sun came out and I think we had the warmest and the most sun of all the races.
When the Elite 1-3 race was nearing it end, with Riedel's help (Thanks John!) I got the Trek tent down and loaded up the van. It was getting cold again. I helped break down the course until about 6:15 p.m. and I was on the road back to Columbus. Thanks everyone for cheering for me during the race today and big props to Blair, three day after major shoulder surgery spending the day cheering all of us on (good meds!)
