More Racing Adventures March 20, 2010

Steve and I competed in the Bariani Road Race. This one was 30 miles. It was Steve's first road race. He raced for Bicycle Planet and I raced for Team Mad Cat. All in all it was a good experience. Steve was able to stay with the pack until just before the end, but came in just a few seconds behind.
I finally had some Mad Cat teammates with me. It was a frustrating race because they had a center line rule where you would be escorted to the back of the pack if you crossed the yellow line on the road. With 50 women riding it made it difficult to be able to move up in the pack. I felt like I was part of a herd of cows just waiting for my turn to get up front. It all worked out in the end, though, with a little patience. The last 1 1/2 miles the rule was no longer in effect and we could move freely along the road. I was able to go with the surge of riders who took off and got on someone's wheel. I patiently waited until just the right time and then jumped to the outside and sprinted my guts out to the finish. I passed several riders and ended up in 2nd place. I thought I had 1st, but apparently someone broke away without the rest of us even noticing. Bummer! That's okay. My teammate Rhonda came in 3rd and Asa came in 7th. Not bad for their first road race!

Steve warming up on the trainer.

Steve starts the race surrounded by Mad Cat guys. I'm pretty sure he beat most of them.

Elizabeth cruising during the race. I spent a lot of time at the back of the pack. Frustrating!

Elizabeth in the front on the left. Our group had pared down quite a bit.

Elizabeth crossing the finish line!

Our first race together.

I won $55 and a bottle of Bariani balsamic vinegar. Whoo-hoo! I'm a professional now?