Scam Dimas SR Chapter 3
As has been noted elsewhere, it was cold (45) and raining when we started the crit. I got a good start and didn't feel too bad. I dropped back a bit in the field, and it was hard as every straight away was a sprint to catch up to the front guys, then slam the brakes, walk through the turn, wash, rinse, repeat. Still, I wasn't feeling too bad. I got to the point (and this is bad) where I knew I could finish, but wasn't good enough to really do anything in the race. This is when I get bored and my mind starts to wonder. Okay, the rain pretty much kept me at attention, but overall, I wasn't thinking about actively racing. Anyway, after maybe 40 minutes, I hit a bump and my seat came loose, and I went to the pit, but they wouldn't give me a free lap 'cause it was my own damn fault for not tightening it. I wonder if I was on a big team if maybe they'd have given me the lap. On the other hand, on a big team the mechanic probably would've checked it. In any case, the official in the pit was kind enough to offer to let me chase. Let's see, half a lap down, 30 mph field, cold and rain, "umm, no". So, I was a bit bummed, as I'd rather not start the year with a DNF. Even though it's purely for my pride, and I know it really doesn't matter at all, it just bugs me.
Anyway, I guess I'll try again at Redlands this weekend.
Oh yeah, the award for the "most supportingest parents" in bike racing goes to the Gordons. It is awesome that they are always out cheering on Jesse.