Delaware Classic

I liked this course, and I loved the way I started feeling more confident cornering as the race progressed. I took the field out, did a bunch of side to side riding on the first lap because it wasn't a SHC woman on my wheel. I gave that up, figuring I'd pull for a little, then play the game of slowing down until someone else decided to pull. Brooke, I didn't want you to pull! But the field was only 6, with 4 of us being SHC. Brooke got stuck up there until the guys lapped us. At that point, our pace picked up, and rumor has it the guys slowed down.

I didn't want to get in the middle of the 4-5 race, but we settled ourselves in the middle of their field. Twice Erin Ford and Louanne moved up, and I worked through riders to make sure there were never more than two riders between us. My aggression paid off. Twice the men attacked, and the three of us followed. I had lost track of where the other women were. Another attack, and this time I picked off Luanne by taking the far outside line on a turn, and accelerating while others coasted. I grabbed Erin's wheel on the uphill.

When the prime announcement came, we were down to two laps. The prime caused another attack, and I caught the tail end of the breakaway. I lost Erin's wheel, but then I outsprinted her for the line, thinking the women would also have a prime. I guess not--I heard the call for the men's winner, but not ours. That was my mistake. I had been near my redline, and I blew up. Erin passed me, I tried to grab her wheel, but the legs were done. I rode hard to the finish, with my goal to keep anyone else from passing me. We had more distance on the field than I knew, and I was able to hold my position. Not a bad race. My average HR came in at 108% of my LT. No wonder I blew up with that sprint for the prime!

We SHC ladies can be proud of our racing in the event. Brooke, nice job at the front--just try to get someone else to pull, and save your legs. I wanted to sprint up there, help you out, but having raced with Erin before, I knew it would take all my energy to stay with her. I guess I don't have to trot out any of the ready-made excuses I had. I'll save those for tomorrow's race...

It was good... I had some fun with the guys agin. But it also stunk i was on the group then bam third corner it was stuped and things happen but it was my spot in the feild and jeffs skin so that stunk but over all it was cool and i finished. And Shri you rock your a beast!!! And good job ryan and jermy and all you looked great out there and it was fun waching you!!

Hmmm...Yet another crit. To Jeff, I am so sorry for the crash. There is a reason I love Time Trials, no-one is ever on my wheel or near me when cornering. I have survived another one of these events. I will openly admit to being a rather non-technical rider, hence the inability to corner well. I still go out and give it my best shot. I must say, I think I am getting better at these things. Just one more to go. Tommorow in Upper Arlington, Jeff, if you're coming, WATCH OUT!!!
I enjoyed this race and only got lapped by the guys twice. I think this is a new best for me. Shari, Brooke, and JoMay-Good Job Ladies. See you all at the next race.

Overall it was good race. I felt pretty good throughout the night. I made a few bad choices of wheels to follow so I missed the final break. Lost a few positions around the last 2 corners but outsprinted the rest of the field.

Tonight was the first time I tried to race on the Bontragers, Thanks Rick, they felt good. I thought about 3 laps in I was going to flat when the rear felt funny after running over a man-hole cover. I have a bad history with man-hole covers, gotta avoid those things.

To Wendy,

Don't sweat it. I'll heal.

The news of the evening was my son Gordie winning the 6/7 year old race. He won on a solo flyer by 10 seconds. He also got a $50 savings bond, therefore, I will be racing in the kids sprint category in U/A. Way to go Gordie.

4 days of racing should be enough right? Wrong! I created more problems for myself mentally and physically. After yesterday's sprint I thought I had more in my legs, and could beat myself up some more today. Boy was I wrong!

The race started harder than ever before. I hung on with all I of my might. I made it into the winning break that lapped the field 4 laps after I got dropped from them. I gave up knowing I had nothing left to give. The pain in my tail bone was to much for me.

Doc said off the bike for 2 weeks or prolong the healing process. With Nationals around the corner I will need a miracle to do good there.

Dear Heavenly Father I thank you for all of the blessings you have giving me. I pray that you help me be a better witness for you. Help keep me focused on you Lord. Please Lord restore my body. I pray that you will also be with my Teammates and our Family and friends. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name Amen