Like to start off by thanking Larry and the Early Bird mentor team as well as VeloPromo for holding these races every year. It is such a great program. If it wasn’t for the Early Birds I probably wouldn’t be racing. Great to see Team Fremont out these last 5 weeks.
I pulled into the parking area happy to see most of the spots filled up. Looked like another great turnout. My wife Kelly and boys Kyle and Ryan came along to spectate and enjoy a rain free day. I got them situated on the inside of turn one and went and grabbed my number. On the way back I saw Mr. Nolan drilling it in a break. Guess he wasn’t able to stay away. Did a 30 minute warmup with 2 good efforts. Wanted to be ready to go today. It worked well as my legs felt OK from the whistle.
Rolled over to the S/F line and watched The P123’s blow past on the bell lap. Fast sprint with Daniel Holloway pipping a Clif Bar rider to take the win. The 4’s had a good field of 60 or so. Definately could feel the nervous energy. This one counted and there were alot of people lining up for the first time this year. A few teams had plans for the race. Dolce Vita, Taleo, AV and SJBC all had decent numbers. So, the whistle blows and we are off and running. First two laps I just settled in and got a feel for the race. After turn one there was a cross wind coming out of the N,NW and it was forcing us over to the right gutter. I tried to set up on the inside for turn one to use the pack as a wind break. Worked pretty well for awhile. Midway through people were taking turn one way to sharp really cutting back right after the turn. Switched tactics and moved back to the outside. Though I had to fight more wind I could stay on the gas and pick up a bunch of spots. Plus the wind strung out the front end so I could hop back on the train easily. Taleo and Dolce were trying to play the team card. Unfortunately, we are 4’s so it’s pretty much like herding cats. Lots of attacks but, the wind kept everyone honest. The last two or three laps were the usual craziness. People trying to get into position for the sprint and teams forming up lead out trains. Coming out of turn 4 I’m sitting 15th or so. I’m far enough back at this point that I know I am out of position for the win. I just stay in the saddle and drill it. Then people start to fade and I move up. Ended up finishing 9th. Not bad. Lessons learned: Need to be 5th or 6th wheel at least next time and…. wait for it… Ya can’t win if you don’t sprint. Well I sprinted but I should have really given it a little more effort. All told it was a good race. Everone left with all their skin. Plenty of close calls and a few touched wheels but in the end we all kept it rubber side down.
Mike