Sunday, April 13, 2008
Georgia Cup Chattanooga Road Race
At around 9:00 pm last night I decided I would drive over and race the GC Chattanooga road race. I planning on a long ride somewhere today but figured why not. Heavy week on the legs but still feel pretty good. Up at 5:00 am, 2 hour drive, 8:40 am start, around 40 degrees (long pants and long sleeves). 46 miles of rolling hills with 1, 1/2 mile climb in the middle. This race was much more aggressive than last weekend. Lots of surges, sketchiness, people not holding their lines and jumping everywhere. Stayed near the front and watched for breaks, legs good but not as fresh as last weekend. Strong up the climb but let other people chase at the top. Several crashes. With 3 miles to the finish I was in the wrong place at the right time and went down with a dozen other riders as the bodies and bikes piles up in front of me. Someone rode across my back wheel as I slid across the pavement making it nearly impossible to ride once I got back up, though I forced it across the finish. The warm clothes minimized the damage (to me - the bike is another story). Oh, the joys of Bike racing.
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Ouch, that sucks. Well, that wheel was dented already anyways. Good luck for a quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it to the finish line, bruised but otherwise in one piece, Mark!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh goodness! Dangers of bike racing!!! Glad that you made it out unscathed and hoping that you have insurance on your bike!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of racing. Glad to hear you're ok. See you in Cumming.
ReplyDeleteGreat job in Gainesville. Wish I had been there to see your finish.