Sunday, February 17, 2008

I T-Shirted

It's been a while since I've entered anything here (blame it on my continuing, and possibly soon to end struggle with the academy). But I T-Shirted yesterday at the Cantua Road Race. I would say I podiumed, but Velo Promo races don't have podiums. Plus, it is grammatically incorrect (okay, so is T-Shirted).

Back and forth, up and down, along side Highway 5 in the middle of nowhere, I found myself crossing the line in second. Some nice guy named Bob in a blank jersey beat me. So, how did I get to that point? Well, I snuck away when Dan Martin was not looking, with about 3 miles to go with Bob. Oh, there were moves before that, but only the one that works counts (unlike the almost move at Mothballs two weeks ago).

But really, what to say about the Cantua road race? Velo Promo really went out of its way to find the most boring stretch of road possible. Don't get me wrong, Velo Promo is a godsend to the Cali cycling scene, but come on Bob L., I almost had to violate anti-doping rules due to the desire to get jacked up on something to keep me awake. At least Danny boy was there to animate things in the first 50 meters. And I told him to calm down before the thing even started. But since I did not want to fall asleep, I too went off the front for a bit on the first leg out.

Much of the race was spent in rotating fashion, and much of that was our group of 9 trying to stay away from a group of 5 or 6. Snooze. Danny asked me on the last leg out, what do you think there Nick? My response, something on the way back. And something on the way back it was. Cracks started to form, and I did my niggling best to pry them open. Then, torque time, snap she goes. Danny said "we got a gap", but the gap was closed, and it was cat and rodent time. My mate asked me "what should we do?" "Tag team time" I said. He took a dig, and when it was still together, there was a pause. Next thing I know it was just me and Bob. Teamless, blue jersey Bob. Hmm, Dan must have fallen asleep. Again, the course is that boring.

200 meters to go and Bob says nice race and fades back. I guess I should have gotten out of the saddle and nailed it, but I just thought to myself, I can't go any faster, so I don't know why he thinks it was over for him. Maybe I just look that intimidating. I somewhat peddled away, but he must have seen the lactic acid oozing out of my legs, and he pushed on by. Congrats, Bob. T-shirt and $10 bucks for me. I just had to picture the podium girls giving me a bouquet and a peck.

Alright, to the grading. Then a fun meeting with the chair tomorrow. Why did I send that email?