Westlake, September 2, 2008

From CRCycling

By Kevin

"B" Race

This post Labor Day edition of Westlake was lightly attended. There were less than 20 riders in the "B" field, and the race is down to a measly 11 laps (about 22 miles).

I planned to take it pretty easy and just hang out in the field, but I was also a little anxious though after last week's successful break. There was a light headwind on Ranney Parkway, not nearly as strong as last week, and it seemed like the race setup perfectly for a break to get away.

The race was tentative through the first couple of laps, and the front of the race was pretty spongy. I rotated through to the front a couple of times and a 5 meter gap opened between the working group and the rest of the field. Interesting... It might be time to apply some pressure.

But I waited too long to make a move. After a prime, a group of three got off the front with Rick Bennet and Scott (don't know his last name) and a third rider. I should have bridged right away, but I hesitated, I thought somebody would pull us across the gap, but nope. There wasn't enough firepower left in the field, especially after John V. went out with a mechanical.

And again, we could not get organized to chase. And again, riders from our chase group attacked into the gap over and over again rather than working together. Frustration bubbled and boiled. My 11-25 cassette is fried. I was having trouble shifting. Finally the bell lap came and went. I rolled right to the car and hit the road for home.

Tomorrow is the opener of the Spin 'Cross series. The change of pace will be great!