July 1, 2012 Carlisle 40k ITT

55:26

What can I say.  My power seemed low.........really low.  To low, in fact, to be correct.  Looks like my Quarq may be making a trip back to the factory for calibration.  I was slower than last month on the same course but the wind was much worse today.  I ended up in second place for the day.  The only person who beat me was a national level masters racer (old guys are awesome).  For now I'm just gonna keep trying to get faster and hope things come around.

Philadelphia Amateur TT

This is my 4th year in a row doing this race.  I really enjoy it.  It's short enough that it's over quickly but long enough that it can really hurt.  There was a cross wind out on course this morning and I ended up 10 seconds slower than last year.  I finished in 2nd place by only 4 seconds.  The good news is that I think my form is coming around.

Devil's Backbone Mountaincross

Saturday was the Spring edition of Devil's Backbone Mountaincross.  This has quickly become my favorite race.  It is much like Ironcross but more road and less Mt. bike trail.  Weather was warm but the rain started falling while we were standing at the start line.  It was very comfortable and made for a nice day of riding.  I was feeling really good but with all of the climbing in this race it is not the best course for someone of my size.  Everything was going well leading up the third of four major climbs.  At the top of the climb was the final rest stop/ refueling station.  From there, there was 17 miles left to race and 13 miles of that was down hill.  This is also the point where my bike decided it would rather go through life as a single speed and completely stopped shifting.  I was unable to shift into a harder gear to pedal the downhill sections of the course and was passed by 3-5 riders.  I ended up finishing in 14th place of the 85 starters.  I was satisfied with the result.  Hopefully next time will go better and my bike will allow me to shift gears the entire race for a better result.  

3/20 and 3/27 TNR

It's been a great two weeks at TNR.  Groups have been really big (15-17 people for a mid week training race is pretty good around here).  More importantly I've finished with the lead group and sprinted for 2nd place 2 weeks in a row.  That is a great result for me after not finishing with the group for close to a year and a half.  All of these fast youngins' tearing up the race.  Hopefully a good sign of things to come and form to follow.