Pack Fodder

I am reminded almost daily of my racing short comings (I don't particularly enjoy competition, especially when I lose, which is all the time) by the illustrious achievements of the other Bushlovers. I couldn't even make it out do do some actual bush loving (see post below) as I was trapped indoors working.

However, that all changed when I was shamed into decided to participate the Kapiti Cycling Club's Winter Road Race series. Apparently they're all very friendly. I raced C Grade on Saturday after spending Friday night drinking beer carbo loading since 4pm. My last road race was a crit in K.L. about 10 years ago, where I was lapped out in the 1st crit and was thrown into the barriers in the 2nd crit. I guess this race wouldn't be much worse than that experience.

It was a 4 lap race, each lap about 10km long with undulating bits in the middle. Lap 1 and 2 were uneventful, as I just sat in the bunch twiddling my thumbs wondering what all the fuss of racing was about. As I got really bored I pulled up aside Simon Bickers - multisporter extraordinaire. We decided to go for a little jaunt up the front, and led a couple of attacks off the front. Now we're talking! I had visions of me taking out C in a stunning 2 lap attack, but as the 4th lap came I was once again safely tucked into the bunch.

Road racing being the exciting sport that it is that's where I finished. In the pack. Near the back as everyone went for the line and I coasted over in whatever place.

Maybe in 2 weeks at the next race I'll attack in the last lap instead. Or the first. Or not. But at least I'm earning my jersey.