Copperopolis Road Race (Troy)

Date/Location:	April 19th, 2014 – Milton, CA
Distances:	2 x 21m loops
Place:	9th, Cat 4 M45+
Friend:	Krag Rasmussen

They call it the "Paris-Roubaix" of California because the potholes in the road resemble the cobblestones in old European towns.  Robin & I still like this race because of the hard climbs and the scenic setting.
We meet up with Teammates, Shayne & Charity Marshall.  It's a beautiful day as we prepare to start the 42mi race at 11am.  It's 2 loops of very rough rural roads with a big climb and descent each loop.  I feel confident that I can do well because I'm good at climbing and descending and I don't mind the bumpy roads.  I'm not good at breakaways and sprints.  I'm picturing cresting the climb on the 2nd loop with a few other guys and then working together across the top and down to the finish.
Robin, Shayne & I pray before the race.  We look to God for safety as the bumpy descent brings with it risk of bad injury.  Shayne's 35+ group goes.  Now my 45+ race starts with about 25 of us.  I meet a friend, Krag Rasmussen, from early triathlon days in the Bay Area.  Other than him, I don't know anyone else.
The roads are bumpier than ever.  I stay way back.  Up the first big climb everyone's going pretty fast until the last mile.  I end up in front, focused on lifting my legs and being efficient.  The pack is together but I crest first and that makes me more optimistic that I can get away with some others the next time around.
A Cushman-Wakefield guy, Jim Forester, comes alongside and says, "you don't have your team. Do you want to work together?"  I'm feeling great and agree, but am surprised that he meant right now.  We pull ahead and rotate pulling and get a gap.. but the pack quickly catches us and Jim & I make a deal to do it again the 2nd lap.  Great, I have an alliance :)  Now I hope I don't get "voted off" because of it.
Some guys take a wrong turn in the farm area so the pack slows up and waits for them.  The pack continues to go very slow all the way around the top.  I pull faster periodically to see if other guys will work but the group is pretty set on saving up energy.
On a short climb before the big descent, the pace picks up but I stay calm and crest in 2nd position.  I pass the leader and now have the descent to myself.  Everything going as planned.  Until my chain falls off because of the harsh bumps.  I'm able to pedal to get it back on but loose a couple positions.  Flying down the hill I get back in front but loose the chain again.  I realize I'll have to keep pedaling the whole way to keep the chain on.
The climb through the finish always makes the end hard.  We coast through town and start the 2nd climb.  I want to get water from neutral, as I brought only 1 bottle (bad idea) but someone grabs it just in front of me.  After he drinks 1/2 of it he asks if anyone wants it.  I hesitate before saying yes and it's too late.. he tosses it.  Oh well.
The climb is hard.  I'm really getting tired.  I envisioned pushing it and breaking away with others, but now I find myself wanting to do no more work than necessary.  Robin & I were just talking about the discomfort that is a part of racing, when you have to go to that painful place and it's scary to face it, but you do come out the other side.  I remind myself now to go where it's most uncomfortable and God will restore me later.  I start pushing more.  Soon I'm leading the climb again.  I feel like I could easily blow up but I stay focused on good spinning and it works out well.  And at the top I do recover and feel restored. Thank you, God!
I look around, though, and don't see Jim, my alliance, to make any move with (turned out he flatted).  Of course part of me doesn't want to make a move because I'm tired.  The group is going slower than ever.  I take a turn at the front and watch 2 guys make a medium effort break.  I let them go hoping they'll get away and then I'll break to catch up to them.  The pack stays behind me not making a move.  But the 2 off the front start looking back and slowing up.  Inside I'm saying, "Go, Go!  Get way out there".  But they end up coming back.
Then there's a gradual hill which I attack hoping to get over with a couple others.  Over the top, I look back and see 1 guy!  "We got a break, let's go!"  But then I see around him and the entire pack is right on him in a single line.  That didn't work.
Later, a small guy, 2 others and myself try an attack.  We get a small gap but then we break up because 2 guys pull too hard and gap another.  Plus the pack is smart.  They don't do much work but they immediate bring back any real threats of a break-away.  We turn West into the head-wind.  The pace slows even more.  Again, myself and another guy surge to see what will happen.  After a couple pulls the pack catches and goes by and I almost get dropped!  It surprises me how tired I am that I almost couldn't hang on.  That's it, no more working until the final climb before the descent to the finish.
The small guy takes off!  Alone, into the wind.  Pack does nothing.  Someone says, "Poor guy, no one can stay away in wind like that."  Another says, "He's not a threat, he doesn't time-trial much".  His short legs are spinning like crazy.  He comes back a little and then surges ahead farther… and then, after a short rise, he gets a big gap!  I'm really impressed and only wish I had legs that could sustain a solo effort like that.
Getting near the final climb.  I'm tired, but still confident I can get to the front on this hill.  Suddenly 4 guys attack the hill, catching me off guard.  I react but find myself 6 or 7 back, not able to match the speed.  They're dropping us!  Another guy tells me, "Come on! We can do this! We can make it happen!"  I admire his enthusiasm when I can barely muster an slight, "ok".  He's a great example of how we should react in tough times.. be positive even though deep down we feel hopeless.  I push as hard as I can.  Eyes closed sometimes.  I stay on his wheel but that's all I can do.
Finally, over the top, I get some energy back and do some pulling to share the work.  Into the steep technical sections I pass another guy but also get pashed by someone in the chase pack that caught us.  Far ahead the small guy is still leading, with the pack of 5 chasing.  And then myself and another guy.  And then the chase pack of about 10 more.   It's a crazy bumpy, descent.  My chain falls off again but I massage it back on.  The other guy and I work together.  I'm so tired but I look back and see the pack coming.  Gotta go, gotta push.  The final rise before the finish.  They're bearing down on us.  The other guy is giving me a good pull but I can barely hang on.  I dig deep.  100m to go.  A flyer off the chase pack catches me and goes by.  But we're able to hold off the pack and I finish 9th.  The little guy that went off the front.. finished 2nd!  Wow, that hurt, but what a great workout.  Thanks, God, for keeping us safe, and helping me through those painful moments.

Copperopolis Road Race – Robin

Date/Location:	April 19th, 2014 – Milton, CA
Distances:	2 x 21m loops
Place:	5th, Cat 4
Teammate:	Charity Marshall

It’s a special treat today because Troy and I get to head to a race without the kids. Easter is tomorrow and they are having fun at Nana Sue & Papa Ray’s house. The cousins are there, too, so there is much fun to be had!

Off we head to Milton, a small farming & ranching community near Angels Camp. This race is well known for its very bumpy roads…pot hole upon pot hole upon pot hole! I don’t remember it being that terrible after the first 5 miles and before the last 5 miles. It’s a 2 loop course. Each lap is about 21 miles.

We get to the site and get ready to ride. The Marshalls, Charity and Shayne, are here too without kids. Charity, Troy and I go out for a warm-up. It’s a beautiful day and these off-course roads are nice and smooth!

Troy and I do some last minute prep and then head to the start. We find Shayne and pray for our races. Today, safety is key and most importantly putting Christ first. Charity and I see Shayne and Troy off. Their categories are around 20 guys, not the usual 50. As the girls line up I wonder where they all are and I say “is this it for the girls?”. Yes, it is…wow, only 8 gals!

Ready, set, go! We casually roll out and within moments turn onto the severely bumpy road. I am not very surprised and remember this well. No one is in a hurry to lead the race. We climb the first hill comfortably. Charity takes a turn at the front. We hit a patch of smooth pavement…ahhhhh, that’s nice!

On the backside of the course it’s still calm. Charity and I get a chance to chat about the Good Friday service at Elevation church we missed. The roads back here seem bumpier than I remember. Still, I feel really good and start mentally preparing for the downhill. Troy said that this downhill is the main part of my race. I’ve been descending with more confidence and skill than ever so I hope it goes well!

We are still together as we climb. I take a turn at the front and try to stay relaxed. Just before the top, there is a brief downhill and I push ahead and descend well. Charity goes by and tells me to go with her. I get on her wheel and try to stay close. We climb for a short time and then it’s time! Charity takes off and I try to stay with her. Soon, my bike is vibrating violently as my speed picks up.  I panic on a few turns and grab the brake.  It really does little to settle my nerves.  A few girls fly by and I try to keep them as close as I can.  I’m descending better here than ever but I’m still fearful.

Near the bottom I let it rip and pull back to the girls.  I’m able to make contact.  Soon all 8 of us are together again.  The road is nice and smooth here for once!

We head back to the start for loop 2.  We turn back onto the bumps.  We start the 2nd climb and I feel wiped.  It’s so weird because I didn’t feel I was pushing really hard most of the first lap. The bumps start to feel like a bunch of little hills and it is wearing on my mind and body.

One of the girls, in a Metromint kit, pulls ahead on the climb but none of us are concerned.  In my mind, she will come back eventually.  Soon another gal in black and fruit covered kit (pictures of fresh fruit which is making me hungry) takes off so I ride with her.  I don’t know where Charity is and I hope she is close.  It takes all of me to concentrate on the fruit girl.  When we get to the top, I look back and no one is in sight.  The Metromint girl is way out there and now I’m doubting we can catch her.

The fruit girl and I chat and decide to work together.  After a few miles, I feel really tired and loose contact.  When I look back I see 2 girls coming up on me.  I decide to let them catch me and hope that I can hang on.  I still don’t see Charity and I hope she’s got some of the other girls to work with.  She’s strong and will persevere for sure!

I do okay working with these girls but I feel really tired again and fall off.  I realize that I’m making a terrible mistake letting up because I need help to get to the finish.  I push to catch up again but it appears I missed my chance.  They make a turn up ahead.  As I make the turn, I see a huge trailer intentionally pulling out in front of them.  I am angry for the nerve of the guy doing that when all he could have done was waited 20 more seconds…but at the same time relieved that I get to catch up.  Thanks God for a break!

Together again, we ride towards the last climb.  The Metromint gal is a small dot and the fruit girl is getting smaller too.  Probably won’t catch either of them now.  This means I have a shot for 3rd to 5th place.  Knowing my weaker descending skills and sprint skills, it’s going to be tough to get 3rd.

Up the last hill, we stay together.  Once at the false top I try to pull ahead but they are right on me.  Up again to the real top and now it’s time to descend.  Help me Lord!  I get there first and hang on tight.  I brake again on a sharp turn and the girls go by.  I manage to keep contact going down. Again, violent shaking…a few shout outs to Jesus and I make it down…and still close to the girls!  Yeah!  I pull in close and wait for a chance to go.  The finish is near!

We climb a short hill and go down the backside.   I know gravity is a friend that I don’t want to neglect so I push it even though I have 500 meters to go.  It’s a short climb to the finish and I dig as deep as I can.  The girls fly by and I cannot keep up. They finish 3rd and 4th at the line.  I come across in 5th with a smile and happy to be done.  Thank you Lord for the protection and good ride! 

Charity comes soon after.  Unfortunately the gals she was working with quit and turned back.  I knew she would stay strong and finish strong.  Great job Charity!

HITS Napa Valley Half (Troy)

Date/Location:	April 12th, 2014 – Lake Berryessa, Napa, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.2m – Bike 56m – Run 1/2 Mara
Time:	4:56:10 (32:13-2:08-2:43:05-1:41–1:37:01)
Place:	1st/18 M45-49; 9th OA
Teammates:	1/2IM Aqua Bike: Ryan Moll

It's the first time at this race.  The HITS (Horse Shows In The Sun) organization started creating lower priced triathlons that offered every distance.. even Ironman.. at each venue.  Usually when you offer more for less, the result is not very impressive.  However, getting our first look at the race site, we were impressed.  Professional signage, organized layout, and even mini-chairs at each athlete's transition area!  I signed in, met the CEO of the race organization, and reviewed the course.  Berryessa is beautiful and has a lot of water, compared to other reservoirs during this drought. The run is straight-forward on a rolling, rural road along the lake.  The bike is also along the lake and through Pope Valley.  Robin & I have done the ride before.  We love it but it's narrow and cars can be a problem.  We learn that it is open to traffic during the race.  This is the one concern.

I've tried to get extra sleep this week.  I don't feel energized and wonder how I'll race fast for 5 hrs tomorrow.  We set up camp, the girls meet some other kids and play, and then we go to sleep early.

In the dark morning I eat and make final preparations.  It's cold but will get hotter this afternoon.  I ride a couple miles on the bike.  Set up my transition.  Run a 1/2 mile.  And then figure out how to get my Tri-Tats race numbers on me.  Actually very easy and very professional looking.

The transition director is reminding us that transition is closing.  I go as fast as I can but still am 2 minutes late in leaving.  Down at the water I warm up a little and then join the group to listen to the race director.  Robin, Anna & Ariel are here!  It's great to get hugs and a picture.  The race director says there are 30 doing the full ironman distance!  The rest (220) are doing the Half.

SWIM: Go!  We jump in and many pull way out in front.  I can't see the buoys but the lead kayaker is a big help.  It seems like we keep turning to the left even though it's a straight shot to the far buoy.  I can't get a draft all the way to the first turn.  Finally I find some feet on the 2nd leg of the triangle.  Now I'm feeling better and thanking God for a good draft.  1/2 way across the 2nd leg, I feel my chip strap coming loose and stop to check it.  I loose my draft but make a huge effort and actually catch back up. Yes!  But then someone takes it from me and now I battle for other drafts.  On the last leg to the finish I'm feeling strong, thanks to the drafts, and decide to go on my own for a more direct route.  I push hard but, almost to the finish, I realize I haven't gained ground and should have stayed in the draft.  Even though the swim seemed to take forever, I feel good about it and hope I come in near my 30min goal.  I exit, the cheering is great, the ramp is carpeted. 1/2 way up I shed my wetsuit where Robin & the girls are.  I finish 19th, 32:14.

T1: I transition, grab my bike and decide against my light jacket since I feel comfortable.  I run out on the gravel in my socks, jump on an go.  2:09.

BIKE: I head out and start the climb up towards Pope Valley.  I'm breathing hard still from the swim and even slightly dizzy.  Otherwise my legs feel good and I'm optimistic.  It's overcast so no sun yet.  After 5 mi I realize that I'm slowly getting cold and should've taken my jacket.  My pace is still good, though, and I'm praying for sun.  At 10mi a guy is drafting me.  He comes alongside sometimes and then goes back.  I tell him to "pass or stay back".  He says, "I'm trying to but you're too fast" and then he proceeds to take off, easily pulling far ahead.  I see the leader coming back and take a time check at the "hub-caps house".  At the turn-around I'm really uncomfortable.  Goose bumps and muscles getting stiff from the cold.  The suns pokes out 2 times which feels good but doesn't stay.  I'm 12th place and 12min behind the leader.  I'm getting passed more now.  The road is great and scenic vineyards are all around.  I look forward to climbing back up to the lake to generate some heat.  Over the top then high speed down to the lake road, I see Robin and the girls cheering and taking pictures.  That makes me smile and motivates me.

This 1/2 of the ride is rollers along the Lake.  The hills are never that long.  It works good for me.  I'm feeling more comfortable and loosing up.  I pass the guy who earlier was drafting me.  After getting quite a ways ahead I hear his tire pop and look back as he stops to change it.  I'm really feeling the groove now in the aero-position.  I'm thanking God for making me comfortable.  I maintain a flat, thigh-pushing effort into the roller and over 1/2 way up the climb, come out of the bars to sit-up for the last bit.  Each hill goes by fast and I'm passing people.  At the 2nd turn-around I'm 9th place!  I had taken another time-check of the leader and now am 19min behind.  But ahead of my own goal of a 2:50 bike split.  I'm getting excited at the though of coming in early and push even harder.  I catch a guy in white and we go back-n-forth on the last rollers.  I try to drink as much of my Sustained Energy before coming into the park.  Wow, that was a great ride (despite being cold part of it).  I finish 8th with a 2:43 bike split (7th split).

T2: I forgot to stretch on the bike so my calves are tight.  I stretch just a second but gotta get to work.  Shoes on, grab Garmin, Hammer gels and hat.  Onto the run.  1:42

RUN: Feels good.  Watch says I'm right on schedule.  If I can run a 1:40 as planned I'll finish in 5 hr flat.  I'm so glad to see Robin and the girls in front of the camping area along the road.  High fives.  They say I'm in 7th (turns out to be 8th) and ahead of schedule which is really motivating.  I can see the guy in white up ahead.  He stays on the right side of the road (must've been a rule I missed)  I finally catch him and want to run with him since there's no one else out here except the great volunteers at the 1 mile aid stations.  I learn his name is Andrew.  He tells me the run has really tough rollers.  I feel pretty confident and may pull ahead of him. 

At 2mi my feet have finally thawed out from the bike.  Before that, it felt like my shoes were too tight or socks were bunched up.  Now they feel good.  Suddenly a tall guy goes by pretty fast.  Andrew takes off to try to stay with him.  Too fast for me but I pick it up some and hope I can out-last them.  The balls of my feet are feeling hot, especially on the uphills.  I try to make up for it on the "downs".

The green hillsides and beautiful blue lake views are really pleasant.  Temperature is perfect.  I'm running well, hamstring is holding up, but each mile Andrew pulls farther ahead and the tall guy even farther.  1/2 way to the out-n-back, the leader is coming back.  I count each runner and tell them their place.  I just want to get to the turn-around and feel like every step is getting me closer to home and being done.  This is tough work.  But God is making go better than expected.  I'm trying to give Him my best effort.  Running the tangents (but staying on the right side of the road) and using good form (running from the core).

Finally I see tall-guy and Andrew coming back.  Turn-around is at the top of a hill.  At each station I drink water or Heed and pour water on my head.  1/2 way.  It's a lot of downhill now!  I'm in 9th place.  If I maintain pace I'll break 5hrs.  It's a beautiful view coming down.  Feet feeling better.  I calculate I'll need to be at 4:37 at 10mi in order to break 5 hrs.  I focus on running each climb well and counting down the miles to the 10mi sign.  I cheer for each person running the other way.  I see some people I met beforehand and I see our friend Richard Kane.  It's tough out here by yourself but it is a beautiful run.  There's 10mi.  And I'm way ahead!  Terrific.  I also remember Andrew telling me it's all downhill with 1-1/2 to go.  I'm really looking forward to being done.  At 11mi I'm surprised to see 4:44 which means it's going to be close!  I pick it up but then with 1.1 mi to go I've got 12min left.  The markers may be off.  But I'm going to break 5!  Yay!  Thanks, God, I finish so happy to be under the goal and feel like I was relying on Christ the whole way. 

I finish 9th with a 1:37 run split (16th split) and 4:56:10 total (1st 45-49).  I'm exhausted.  I do a little jog with Andrew to cool down and then collapse on the ground with my great girls feeding me and being great support.  Thanks, God, for keeping my hamstrings working and giving me a good feeling on the bike.

But the thought of the 30 doing the Full haunts me.  I see a couple head out on the run after I've been lying down resting for an hour.  We pack up our camp go to the awards and see a couple more head out on the run.  It's 75 deg now and many people are leaving.  I feel compelled to help these runners out.. so we drive the run course and cheer for the Ironmen starting and the 1/2 Ironmen finishing.  It's great to see their smiles after encouraging them.  It's hard to imagine just starting the hardest part of the race when I feel exhausted and ready to go home.  I hope they make it.  It's nice to have a lot of cheering, but sometimes in life we have to endure on our own.  It's nice to know that with Christ we are never actually alone.

STAR Education 5K–Ariel & Anna

Date/Location:	April 5th, 2014 – Roseville, Ca
Distance:	5K
Time:	Anna 27:14 PR! Ariel 41:17, 1st 5K Ever!
Place:	Girls 0-14 Age Group: Anna 1st Ariel 6th
Other Teammates:	Dave Christensen, Leah Westphalen, Mommy

 

ARIEL

We got there and put raffle tickets in some bags to win some prizes.  Then we went over to the starting line.  We got to the starting line really early.  We stretched and then we lined up. 

The guy directing the race said “ready, set, go” and we all ran.  We were zig-zagging along a trail.  We saw a little boy who was trying to pass us.  We ran into a shady spot and when we turned, we didn’t see our friend Leah. 

Mom said “I hope there is an aid station” and then we saw the aid station.  I took some water and drank some and poured it all on my head. 

When the race was almost over, we saw Leah.  Leah told us she took a wrong turn.  When we were close to the finish line, we saw Anna cheering for us.  I crossed the finish line.  I got some water and they took of my tag that was on my shoe.  And, then I got some food. 

After that they were doing the prizes and we won a roller skating pass.  That’s all!

 

ANNA

We were confused where the starting line was but we figured out where it was.  In the beginning, there weren’t many people there except for my family and our friend Leah and her mom.  I did some stretching on a wood pole.  Then more people started coming to the starting line.

The starter said “ready, set, go”. There were still a few people still coming to the starting line.  I started running.  I felt good and had no cramps.  There were some children in front of me and some behind me.  I started running fast.  I was ahead of all the kids and I was with a few grown ups.  I kept running and there was this lady I was staying with.  But soon she went faster and ran ahead.

I was almost alone but I could still see some runners ahead of me so I could see where to go.  I was looking another way and a runner went past me and said “good job”.  I said “thank you”.  I saw a soccer game going on and I saw some people there looking at me. 

I kept running and got to the aid station. I drank some water and poured it on my head.  They were surprised I was with the grown-ups.

I kept running and lots of cars were passing me on the road but I was on the sidewalk.  I was alone but I still could see the runners ahead. There were two ladies walking a dog and I ran past them.

Up ahead I saw a runner running through some trees.  When I got there I saw a runner turn up ahead.  When I got to the turn, I realized I was really close to the finish.  I started running straight and I turned again and saw the finish.  It was right there.  I ran really fast and I finished!  It was awesome!

Then I waited for Mommy and Ariel to finish.  I saw Mommy running with Ariel right by the finish.  When they finished I was surprised that Ariel had an awesome attitude. 

Bariani Road Race (Troy)

Date/Location:	March 16th, 2014 – Zamora, CA
Distances:	3 x 14loops
Place:	Cat 4, Master 45+; 53rd
Teammate:	Robin McKinney, Ron Fallon

I'm still troubled by the crash I caused yesterday at Land Park crit.  I catch a ride with Shayne Marshall to Zamora.  It's Sunday, the Lord's day, so we listen to an online sermon on the way.  Once there, Shayne introduces me to some friends that are talking about yesterday's Land Park race.  They're talking about the Cat 4 crash. I say I think I caused it.  But they explain it wasn't a Victory Velo rider that caused it, but 2 BP riders that took the inside too fast that caused it.  What a relief to learn that!  Thanks, God, for taking a weight off my shoulders.

Shayne & I go for a warm-up. It's perfect weather, no wind, and rural countryside to cruise through.  I adjust my seat a little and then feel perfectly dialed in.  I make sure to stretch a lot because I know my tight hamstrings can slow me down otherwise.

Shayne takes off in the 35+ and then I go in the 45+.  My teammates are Ron Fallon and Robin McKinney.  There's 54 of us.  We start off pretty fast but then settle into a manageable pace.  We'll do this 14mi loop 3 times.  One of my main goals is to take the corners well and predict how other riders are going to take the corners.  Even if I didn't cause the crash yesterday, I should have predicted the possibility of riders bombing the inside.

It's my first time on the course.  We're limited to one narrow lane and right now I'm way back.  If a break goes off the front, I'm stuck back here.  I remain patient, take the corners really well, and slowly move up.  The 2 rollers through the pastures are not as hilly as I hoped so no opportunity to shake up the group.  We finish loop 1 and see the finish is on a slight incline into the wind.

On the 2nd loop I try to move up as the road narrows by hugging the double-yellow line and squeezing along the edge of the pack.  I'm almost to the front when the motorcycle official penalized me for getting too close to crossing the yellow line.  He has me go all the way to the back before proceeding again to move up.  This time I take the inside path and soon enough I'm up near the front again.  This loop I work more at the front to keep the pace up.  A couple times we get a paceline going but always short-lived.  Ron goes off the front once with another guy so I am able to take it easier while he is away.  But it doesn't last.

I'm very attentive this race and feel like everything is going great.  Almost no close-calls and all the corners are perfect.  I haven't done too much work.  But finishing the 2nd loop I'm feeling some stiffness and soreness.  This is my first 45+ race and it appears that these guys are a little more careful and there's not as many attacks.

Last lap.  I get up by Ron.  He knows where to be for the sprint and will do well.  I'm going to do whatever he does.  He says on the inside edge of the road about 10 back.  He tells me 2 other guys that will be strong in the sprint so I keep an eye on them, too.  About 2km to go and the intensity picks up.  I have to work to regain my position near Ron.  Thankfully the other 2 guys are also working to stay near him so they carve a path for me to use.  1km to go.  We're on the frontage road and I'm now on the outside, getting pushed up against the double-yellow… then I see guys on my left and remember we can use the whole road.

Everyone is ramping up.  I'm on the far left and have to get to Ron on the far right.  I find an opening and slowly get into position with both Ron and Robin 2 bikes ahead of me. 500m to go, accelerating above 26mph, and suddenly I see riders bumping each other ahead.  Instantly I see Ron and Robin tangled up.  Someone bumped Robin, who now tangles with Ron just behind him.  Robin shoots into the gravel shoulder where his bike immediately washes out, sending him tumbling along the road, down a slight embankment and into a fence.  Meanwhile Ron barely manages to save himself and with a grunt tries to regain his sprint position.

After 44mi, I'm right where I want to be and ready for my best sprint effort.  It's a redeeming change from yesterday's race where the sprint setup was ruined by my failed turn and lack of energy when I needed it.  But seeing Robin balled up and motionless in the fence, I knew this is one of those times where I need to stop.  Even if I don't know how to help, just being there helps.  I wouldn't want to find myself battered, broken, all alone by a road.  Another racer stops who is an EMT.  I shade Robin from the sun and talk to him.  I'm amazed to see no bleeding! Ron comes back.  Robin gets up.  He waves off the ambulance.  Amazingly he gets back on his bike and the 4 of us finish the last 500 yds very slowly.  Robin had broken ribs, a fractured scapula and a bruised lung.  But he'll be ok.  I think the gravel and weeds cushioned the blow a bit.

I had a great race.  It felt "by-the-book" for once.  And it didn't bother me that I missed the big sprint.  I'm glad I was there to help.  And I thank God for all the protection He's given me in these races.

Bariani Road Race–Robin

Date/Location:	March 16th, 2014 – Zamora, CA
Distances:	2 x 14loops
Place:	Cat 4, 27th
Teammate:	Charity Marshall

First road race of 2014!  I’m carpooling with Charity Marshall, her daughter and mine.  This is her first cycling race and she’s ready go!  Husband Shayne has been racing for a year or so now and has been her coach.  We are all really excited to see what she can do! 

We get settled and find our hubbies and go out for a warm-up ride with Shayne.  I’m feeling a bit tired but that’s pretty normal.  After we get back from this out-and-back, we realize time is really short!  I don’t have my gels on me, they're in a bag that Troy has and he’s a mile beyond the starting line waiting to cheer for us.  At the start, tons of girls are already lined up and I sheepishly go by and ride ahead down the street.  Anna is on her way back to me with the gels.  I grab them and give her a big hug.  Gotta go! 

I come back and realize that they’ve moved my group up and we are next!  I find a spot in the back and look for Charity.  She’s way on the other side.  I say a prayer and ask for the Lord’s protection from crashes for all of us.  This is by far going to be the largest field of women I’ve raced with.  Shouldn’t be too hard to find a wheel!

Ready, set, roll!  It’s hard to feel comfortable in this huge pack.  I don’t feel like I can trust anyone but yet I must to stay in it.  Thankfully the first few miles we can take the whole road and we do.  It’s bit squirrely as girls seem to be braking for no reason.  Charity puts herself in a good position in the top 15.  I should be there but I’m fearing crashing.

We hit an overpass and we now have to stay right.  The tempo picks up and I stick with it.  It seems like I’m in a good place in the middle of the pack.  We make a sharp right turn on a small road.  I cannot see what’s going on in the front but it appears that things are splintering.  As I make my way through the gals getting dropped I realize that the front pack has taken off fast and I am left behind!  I scramble and try to find a wheel…there is none, just girls blowing up everywhere! 

A mentor (experienced racer that gives us tips) goes by and I get on her wheel.  I’m wondering if this is allowed.  When I get the chance I ask and she says “not really but I won’t say anything" but I tell her I’ll stop.  I push on hard and she now gets on my wheel.  As I look ahead, there is a big lead pack and a smaller chase pack trailing behind.  I sure hope Charity is in the first pack and I would love to catch that smaller pack for now. 

It seems like I’m making progress but the small pack pulls away.  Like Troy always says, you never know what might happen.  I think of this as a triathlon and just try to hammer alone and hope for some breakthrough.  I keep passing girls every few miles and wonder if I’ll find someone to work with. 

The mentor is still close and I hear her encouraging a girl to go with me.  I start to slow down for that girl but the mentor tells me to just keep going and go after another girl up the road.  I catch that girl and she seems to be able to match my speed.  “Want to work together?” and she says sure and jumps on my wheel.  The mentor pulls off so it’s just the 2 of us.

Lap 1 comes to a close and I can see Troy waiting for me ahead.  As I get closer, I give him a smile and shrug my shoulders.  It’s not as expected but I’m making the most of it. 

I’m getting tired now.  Lord, please let us catch that small pack!  I motion for the girl to pull now.  She says she’s never raced before and is unsure what to do.  I tell her that we just keep taking turns and keep trying to catch them.  I find out her name is Aja. 

We are right back on that same road where things blew up.  It appears that the small pack is coming back!  As we round a corner, there is a girl standing there with a course official and she looks like she just got up from a crash.  She’s looks fine and has the official with her so I keep pushing on.

Aja and I are working well and making great progress.  Finally, we catch them…yeah!  Thank you Lord!  I grab a wheel and rest.  There are about 7 girls in the pack.  There is no way I’m helping pull this group for a while!  I’ve got to recover some or I’ll be toast.  I can tell a few girls are getting annoyed but I try not to let it bug me. 

We are in our last five miles now and I know the end is near.  The girl that crashed comes by right behind a group of junior boys.  Pretty impressive she caught us but is that legal?

We make the last turn to head home.  I take a weak pull in the front to appease the group…I am purposely saving my energy and plotting my move.  Here comes the 1K mark.  When to go?  I see a guy up ahead.  Hmm, why not ride up to his wheel, pull in front of him, and use him to block for the rest of the girls?

I catch up and there is still 500 meters to go which is still a long way.  Well better just go for it.  I pull ahead of the guy and take off.  Boy, there isn’t much in these legs!  Go, go, go!  I have no idea what’s going on behind me but hope I can hold some of them off.  400m, 300m, 200m…here come the wheels.  Two girls go by but I keep digging.  100m!  Another goes by…almost there!  And, done!  Wow, happy I could hold off about half of them.  Thank you Lord!  Glad that’s done!

 

Go Charity!  She finished an impressive 23rd in her first cycling race ever!

Land Park Criterium (Troy)

Date/Location:	March 15th, 2014 – Sacramento, CA
Distances:	40 min
Place:	Cat 4, Master 35+; 33rd
Teammate:	Aron Yevuta, Garin Moore, Matt Marks

I'm not as prepared as I should be.  It's my first Cat 4 race.  There's been many crashes lately amongst our team (Victory Velo).  Robin prayed for me beforehand.  I feel it will be alright.  My goal is to stay in the main pack until the sprint.

Aron, Matt and Garin teammates are also racing.  It's a full field and nerve-racking as always being surrounded by bikes going 25mph.  The far corner is a sharp left-hander (following by 2 hard rights).  I try going into it first a couple times and it's not a problem.  But within the pack it really slows, which makes for a lot of work coming out of it to catch up.

There are many primes but I'm not strong enough to get in good position for any of them.  It keeps the pace up.  A couple of times Aron goes off the front and we block for a bit but there's no way I could bridge up.

After 14 miles, I see the "2 to go" sign and it takes me by surprise.  This is it.. I have to work to get near the front and then stay there for the last lap.  It goes well and I'm in good position with 1 to go with the field now surrounding me.

I've got to get to the outside.  Moving up has gone well today, I thank the Lord for providing an opening and a rider to follow many times back to the front.  I need every "lift" I can get as even short pulls really tire me.  Again, an opening presents itself and I'm able to get to the outside.  I'm really tired and want to just maintain but I know if there's an opportunity to shoot through the tight corner first, it will be a huge different in final placing.

I push to the front.  This is the fastest lap yet but the intensity drops just enough to let me get in front… perfect!  I know I can't win because I don't have a strong enough sprint.  But I can take the corners with the lead guys and that will help the most for my finish.  40 guys behind me and I've got the corner to myself.  27mph. Far outside.

I lean and sight my line from outside-to-inside.  Suddenly I'm surprised to see 2 riders coming even faster on the inside.  Not wanting to crowd into them, I drift a little farther out.  But then realize I had no margin to change the plan like that.  I grab the brakes.  Exactly what we are told NOT to do, or else cause a crash.  When you follow someone fast through a tight corner, you're at the mercy of his ability.  It's important to me to be the guy you can trust in a corner.  But now I'm slowing, anticipating hitting the curb.  My speed goes from 27 to 16 as I enter the far gutter. 

I don't hit the curb, I'm ok!  But riders swarm by the inside… I immediately think of the riders going the same speed behind me having to hit their brakes.. which always leads to one thing… crash.  I hear the awful sounds behind me.  Hard, cracking metal sounds.  I can't believe it.  I botched up that corner and caused others pain and expensive repairs.  I continue on as hard as I can but I fall far behind the large pack.  All energy is gone before I hit the sprint.  None of that matters as I wonder who crashed and hopefully it's not a teammate.

I ride to the scene where 2 riders are holding bloody arms and another is walking with a broken bike.  I help him get to the finish.  Victory Velo is ok.  But I'm upset.  I've been praying for no crashes and then I'm the cause of one.  I should have just stared into the corner and trusted instead of ever doubting.  Or stay back in the pack.  I'm not afraid of taking a corner fast, but when I'm not the only to suffer the risk, then it seems a selfish thing to do.

So today's race didn't go well.  I did it wrong.  I know God's saying I need to make the effort to learn from the mistake.  But it's hard to want to race again.  I better figure something out soon as the next race is tomorrow.  The Lord did protect me and helped me through the race.  But my prayer next time will also be to protect the racers from me.