SF Giro

This was the last scheduled road race of the season for me. Great weather in SF and a huge turnout. Was on my own again with no teamies, but was actually looking forward to just doing whatever felt good. Had a bit too much wine the night before, but no headache or hangover. I got a good warmup and headed up to the start. Off we go. Things pretty much stayed together and it seemed like it would be a tough course for a break to stick with so much fire power. About halfway through there was a nasty crash with about 5 guys going down. I was right behind Pab (i think) when it happened and it was in front and just to the right. It was a narrow miss and I felt blessed. I kept things in check and felt pretty relaxed once the pack got fired back up. Had figured out where I could move up without burning too many matches as we got closer to the finish. With about 10 to go there was a prime and was contemplating going for it. I was right on Wire's wheel and I saw him jump. Well no point in fighting for a prime, so I found another wheel and watched for the attacks. I just kept thinking position, position and more position. With 7 to go things were heating up and an attack went off (I think it was 7). I saw the jump, but let the other teams chase cause in this race they definitely had to. Ah finally had some patience. So I get to 5 to go and I'm in good position just behind Pab and Bennet then my bike just stops. I mean a virtual frickin' grinding halt. I forgot to put my hand up and some guys yelled to get out of the way. *um sorry guys the bike wasn't moving* Double F&%# !!!! Got off to check it out and I thought the rear hub seized up. Then I realized it was the front brake was on full and totally stuck. I undid the break and went through the alley to get back in. I was waiting for the pack and heard 4 to go and realized no dice on getting back in with a free lap. The bummer part is that I was feeling really, really good at the 5 to go point. Oh well. I was baffled at trying to figure out how my brake seized when I did not touch the damned thing and we were rounding the corner at the top of the hill. Turns out that the cable housing popped out somehow and forced the brake pads on the wheel. At least it was not in a fast corner at the bottom of the course.

Here's a short little clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLiPfy1cbc4

Challenge RR

Kudos to VP for scoring a great new epic course and I'd say the toughest climbing race on the calendar so far (well have not done Wards so not sure there). I debated on whether to go since it's definitely a climber's race and that's not my strength, but since I've got the hall pass why not. We had three in the race (Griff, John and me) and decided to race the 3s with a bigger field. We hit the first couple climbs hard and I felt ok. On the longer climb before the flats I got dropped and so did Griff - shit. We weren't exactly going slow. So we catch back on and I feel a little recovered. The group slowed so I just attacked figuring that was the only place on the course I could make an impact and make someone else chase while John sat. I think a team or two took the bait. No one chased so I just rode solid tempo and had a bit of a gap. I caught another guy who had gone off (oops didn't even see that happen). He looked blown so I picked it back up and drilled it for a few more miles solo. When the group caught Steve attacked and Eastside chased. We caught Steve then I attacked again. This time my legs were really feeling it and was only off a couple minutes. With the long climb coming up my job was done and just bagged it to save the legs for Monday's Giro. I've dnf'd only three races ever(one mechanical) and hate doing that, but just did not see any value in another lap and maybe 2oth place. Not really sure on the overall impact of attacks on the race, but it was fun with some good TT practice and John took fourth.

Babysittin's not so bad

Some of you may have seen this lil 95lb. guy at the races. This is after a vet appointment and surprisingly he likes the vet. Well this weekend I get to do some babysitting with this monster. Our first adventure was to the lake last night. Check him out in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnLfz9v-UMw