Today was the first road race of the season for me. Mostly hoping to keep it upright and finish with the pack. We had a good showing of 352 Racing in the Cat 3s with Dito, Andrea, Superrookie and me. Dito was feeling strong so our plan was to work for him and try to get him on the podium.
I rode to the race from home which provided a great warm up. I was feeling a bit nervous, but ready to race. The course was at Gainesville Raceway on their "road course." It was fairly technical with some "S" turns and a 180 degree turn. It was dead flat and other than the 180 degree corner I didn't think there would be any break aways.
The pace started slow so I went to the front and picked it up. Came into the 180 degree corner and clipped my pedal as I was coming out. My wheel skipped but I managed to keep it upright. Unfortunately I had unseated my tire and it blew a few seconds later. Off to the pit for a new wheel and a free lap.
I got back in the race and was policing the front and trying to keep Dito from doing any work. About half way through the race I clipped my pedal again in the same corner. This time going down. After picking myself up I rode to the pit and jumped back in again. Took it easy for the rest of the race and managed to keep it rubber side down. There was another crash in the 180 degree corner on the last lap, and I was gaped slightly just as I was planning to move up and lead out Dito. He and Andrea finished top 10, I was at the back of the pack and Superrookie was gaped after my crash and never made it back to the group, but finished on the same lap.
Glad to have the first race out of my system. Only cosmetic damage to my bike and I just ended up with a little road rash.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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