Afton

Bike racing at the Old Ski Hill. Sunday set up to be a nice day outside with all but Anna racing. Sophia was first off for two laps of her 10 mile race. You could see that she had some nerves but knew what she needed to do. Coming through on her first lap she was down 40 seconds or so and working hard pissed about some rubbing that had been going on. With a bit more hard work on the back side of the course she was able to come in 1st again in her age group.James was next as he stood on the start line he was all smiles his goal was to take it nice and easy and make sure that his wheels kept spinning. I think that the tall guy behind him was a bit of sandbager . I was next ....A good group of guys at the line and the cool temps of earlier were gone and now it was good and warm. 4 laps 25 miles and lots of climbing. Go a fast lead out to the single track and I was sitting where I need to be going into the first climb. I made my moves and passed as I could as guys reached for gears and chains slipped. The first lap was good with gaps opening which set up some solo riding on 2 and 3. Small groups were formed as I worked with riders and tried to stay up front.It was warm and between that and all the climbing as the race went on riding strong was my goal. Moving smart and pushing it where I could. Coming in to the last lap Hollywood, was shouting encouragement and stuffed my jersey with a had full of Ice. Much cooler now I sat in and got to work picked off one or two more guys and kept moving grinding the climbs and stretching out my back when I could. Last big climb the manhandler I got nipped by a pro rider that i had been holding off I could not stay with him. Happy with my ride I rolled in 2:15 for 25 miles and ready for a beer. Good for 2nd in age group and 11th overall missed the money by 2 spots. More work to be done before the next one in Duluth.