Yesterday

Yesterday was the WORS Iola Bump and Jump where I raced Sport class for the first time. The results were lacking. I had hoped for better. I didn't have any coffee or caffeine energy drinks before the race. I went for the Orange juice with my McDonald's breakfast. I only put some diluted G2 in my water bottle rather than the energy mixes I've used in the past. And those Clif Shot Bloks and gels sit on my stomach like a lead brick. I guess everyone is different but I don't plan using those later than an hour before a race.

During the race I dropped my chain several times. Miraculously my indexing was suddenly off. Then on the second lap people started lapping me. Late in that lap I stopped a few times to let long lines pass. I could have easily been ten minutes better.

The rules clearly state that:

"The use of profanity or flagrant discourtesy directed at another competitor, race worker or spectator is grounds for disqualification..."

Of course that doesn't include things like trees or roots, your bike (Treadfest 2007) or little bunny rabbits or little bunny rabbits that dart across the trail at just the wrong time. Or in my case it doesn't mean the clock as I finished my first lap and looked up in disgust. It was on the very mild side.

The greatest hindrance was my weight and the lack of focus in my workouts during the Winter. Especially after Tun-Tun died. I had some tough rides where I thought I had cleared out my lungs but am still coughing from yesterday's exertion. I could have gone another lap less the tougher half of the climbs. I thought I had held up well until I got home where I was wiped. My wife saved me by preparing something called dinner which we consumed at the kitchen table. Later I was watching TV upstairs and called her on her cell phone and she brought me a big bowl of ice cream.

The 'Wally' threatened to have me disqualified if I beat him, as we waited in the staging area, for having my race tag pinned to the wrong corner of my back number. He finished about five minutes ahead of me.

The young professional had claimed he was moving up to Sport this year but I learned in the chute that he had raced citizen. And then he wasn't on the course taking pictures as he did last year. Corey.... move up to sport or make me look good on camera if you wish not to face my wrath. I know we are in different categories but I enjoy defeating you on the course.

The nemesis of old (2007) came with warm greetings and a big smile with claims of his son's glory; leading the pack in the comp race. His son was having trouble getting his pro license if I understood correctly. I'm sure those big Mountain Bike dollars are just around the corner.

Dave's enthusiasm for the sport was well expressed in conversation after the race. During the race he lapped me (he must be 80lbs lighter than me at least), conveying best wishes.

I yelled, "Dave! Don't lap me.... come back!"

He didn't listen.