Southbound

Saturday we are heading to the Master's Nationals in Louisville, KY. I'm racing in the 30-34 criterium. This race is something I've been looking forward to all year. You might ask why I'm doing only the criterium? Well, one it fits well with my work schedule. Two, I like racing criteriums and it's the Nationals.

Am I a criterium specialist, no. But, but maybe I am. I like going around in circles at crazy speeds surrounded by a pack of other cycling lunatics. It's the lean angles, the rythmic single file line when we are really motoring, the adrenaline rush, and that potential danger at the back of my mind. I love the start, that moment just before the gun goes off. Your heart literally stops for a split second in anticipation. Then, ignites as the pack races off for the first turn. My favorite though, is the bell lap. The bell rings and all of sudden whatever you have left comes to life. In my case, it's not a whole lot. But, it still feels good. Most of you know that I'm a big motorsports fan. I grew up watching my Dad race SCCA sports cars and going to all the various events at Mid-Ohio. So maybe that is some of my inspiration to do criteriums.

Last year I made it 59 of the 66 lap race. It was a bittersweet moment. Sweet because I had even made it that far. Being that I hadn't raced at that level in about 10 years. But bitter because I made it through to the final group. The group that ended up sprinting for the win.

So this year, my goal is to hear that bell ring on the final lap. That moment when whatever you have left comes to life. Maybe all I have left is to hold the wheel in front of me to finish. Then again, you never know. ;)