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