No Longer a Stars & Stripes Virgin!

Larry's positive thoughts flowed through the aether, and helped me overcome some wicked jet lag and race burnout to win the 45+ 3k Pursuit today at Masters Track Nationals, and to set fast time for all the 40+ 3k riders (30+ ride tomorrow). Thanks, Larry, and everyone else who was thinking positive thoughts!

Two false starts ramped the tension and anxiety before we even got underway (my opponent pulled a wheel, and I struggled with my bike holder). We finally got a clean start, and I rode my usual slow start lap, then ramped my pace up to a nice steady 23.5-23.8 seconds per lap. My recent 2nd place at Masters Worlds TT by 6 seconds was very much on my mind. By 5 laps to go I was literally cross-eyed with oxygen-debt, but held the pace to the end. Time was 3:41.1, which is not my fastest at 3k, but everyone said it was a slow day. Then I sat to wait for 9 more heats to see if I could hang on to 1st. My pulse was probably about 125 bpm just sitting on a bench watching the final heat!

So my 1st Stars & Bars!! Thanks are owed to so many, but Harvey Nitz got me started in this timed event stuff and has brought me a long way. Rob Spear has been such a reliable wrench, gluing tires at midnight, humping all the equipment into the infield at the crack of dawn. Sabrina puts up with more of this racing stuff than is reasonable, always has a kind thing to say when I don't make the podium, and cheers loudest of all when I'm on my game. And Rob Anderson, my reliable training partner, whose dedication is inspirational.

Next up: Team Pursuit on Friday in the 30+ division.