This is the first time I have competed in this race. This course has lots of technical turns with some sketchy road surfaces and a incline to the finish.
I was a bit nervous because I had heard a lot regarding prior races here. My plan was to hang in with the main group and race smart and stay upright. I needed to keep track of where the 4's were in the field, and stay with any that were at the front. George talked to us about tactics, he told us "Dana is going to work for you guys, so be aware" And work she did, she set out with a blistering pace that broke the field up pretty quickly, she kept the pace high for most of the race winning two premes in the process. I held my position, until I felt the sickening feeling of my back rim against the road surface, Dag Nabbit! I thought my day was done because, I did not have wheels in the pit. As I was walking off sadly with my bike, Sarah Ieps, yells "get over there and get a wheel, it's a neutral pit, move it"! I got my wheel changed and got back in! Hurray! another chance! (Thanks S1!) I was able to get back in and stay with the main pack, we had 4 of us Dana, Jen, Sally and me.
I stayed with the pack, riding close to either Dana, Jen or Sally, while still keeping my eye on the rider G had marked. Coming into the final sprint Sally pulled ahead of me and says, "I'll do what I can for you" I stuck her wheel and she lead me to the finish. I finished 3rd! for the cat 4's, Jen Rhodes finished 4th for the cat 3's. A good day for the Sturdies thanks to a lot of unselfish riding by my team mates!
Barb
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