Sunday
Decided to sleep in a couple hours. Grabbed some Jersey Boy Bagels and headed out of Mo' Town around 9:00.
Weather was excellent on Sunday. While possibly a little cooler the sun was out. The wind was howlin at times.
There were ~20 less guys for my race Sunday. We were talking about the lack of spectators and I think Sunday may have been attributed to the NY State championship race.
Mandy pinned me for the second day in a row. I learned even if they say you're getting a new number it may actually be the same. I could have re-used my number, 205.
Lined up front row in the middle. They extended the start finish hill an extra ~150 feet which really made a huge difference. At the top of the hill I was up in 7th I think. I may have actually been in 4th going onto the grass. Either way I had a much better first lap then the previous day until the first time up the hill. I crossed wheels with the guy in front of me and got bike tangled with Dan from Colivita behind me. I bled a good 10 spots or so.
I'm getting better on the new bike every race. I was taking corners faster then I ever have on Sunday. I felt super confident everywhere. I stood to sprint every time up the start finish hill. I had a couple laps where I needed to sit for a moment but there was almost always people to pass so I pushed.
With 2 to go I connected with Dan. He's still a junior but the kid is pretty damn fast. We exchanged spots a couple times and I made my pass before the grass climb. I attacked and he had enough. The next guy ahead was Andrew Reinmann of Team Yacht Club. Andrew and I are VERY close in speed. I've been racing him more then anyone else this year.
THE CHASE WAS ON!
I think I made most of my ground on the s/f hill for the bell lap. We exchanged spots a couple times but I made sure to get in front for the hill. Aint nobody got time to not be in the back for those switchbacks. I stood and pedaled as hard as I could. I ripped down the hill, across the off camber, around the loop, over the barriers, by the pit!
I got a look at Andrew on the switch back straight and I put a HUGE gap on. I stood for the sprint! 3rd.
15 seconds behind Bryan Carbone and 15 seconds ahead of Andrew.
I collapsed. Everything hurt.
BUT!
BEARD PODIUM!!!!
I got a set of 25c road tires at a $80 value. Woo!
This was a rather unexciting write up but I'm tired and it was 5 days ago. WUDDA YA WANT FROM ME?!
Next up: Marty Cross.
Cross Results has me scheduled to win both days. Unfortunately(Fortunately?) there are some fast local riders who have higher points but have beaten me recently and I'm going to be seeded behind the NJ Cup points leaders.
I'm up to 7 upgrade points with optional Cat 2 upgrade at 15 and mandatory at 20. Wasn't expecting to be in this position two months back..