First, I would like to thank our HOST family Randy and Sandy Branstetter for allowing to stay in their terrific home, preparing incredible meals and taking us out on town. We look forward to seeing you both again next year. DO not forget about those rides here in the SE.
I lined up Sat on a HOT 93 day with about 50 guys for a mixed 40+/55+ Masters race. I knew a few of the guys in the race and thought it would be an easy top 3. Another familiar character showed up in one Dave LeDuc. (Guess who I watched) Well there were numerous attacks early and there were a few teams with 4-5 guys. I got off front for a prime and then was joined by 4 others, LeDuc was there. So after about 2 laps, 2 guys start sitting on. I took a long pull and the another guy (strong) attacked and Leduc with went with him. The other 2 guys would or could not follow and we all drifted back to pack. However, Leduc soon joined us a few laps later after being dropped by the other guy (did I mention he was strong). We rode around a few more laps and there was another attack. This time I was 5 guys and no LeDuc. Again 3 of us were pulling. I went back and decided to sit on, as I had another race coming up in less than 3 hours, when 2 guys just rode away. I decided to not chase as they were the 2 that had been helping pull. The 3 of us then played attack and chase, with me doing most of the chasing. After about 2 laps of this, I just sat up and let one guy ride away. I and the other gut went back to the field. I sat for about 4 laps and watched LeDuc as I knew an attack was coming, and sure enough with about 2 laps to go he hit it. I got pinched on the inside of a turn and attacked a little late. He had about 200 meters on me. I closed the gap to about 50 but could not get any closer. I came through for 6th. When talking with Leduc about the race and coming from guy that was won more times than well MOST, he said something that stayed with me. “That’s what I love about this sport, you are never to old to learn”.
Ahh so true and I learned plenty that day.
Sunday’s was a little cooler as we started at 11am but still a nice 85. There were far fewer guys in the race that day as there was a nasty HILL each lap that would break things up. I just sat and watched 3 guys based on my epiphany from the day before . At about 4 laps in the decisive break happened. 6 of us got up the road. With LeDuc and the guy that won the day before being there. We were all pulling and gaining time fast. I pulled the bottom of hill and another strong guy (whom later would get 2nd in the 1/2s race), attacks the top to break the 6 up. Not good, as I was caught on the curve behind the 2 weaker riders who just SAT UP. The 3 strongest riders rode away and when I finally did get out, the 3 had 200 meters on me. I chased for about 4 laps, losing ground but thought I could stay away for 4th as the field was broken up. I stayed away for another 3 on my own and then was joined by 2 guys. I guess their race was too me as both sat on once they got there. We were eventually caught by the 10 guys left in the field and would be sprinting for 4th. I got caught behind a rider that needed a slow moving sign on his back through the hairpin less than 90 degree turn off a down hill and came out 10th wheel. Sprinted past a few for 8th on the day. By the way LeDuc won.
Ahh things learned or not in my case!
Other thoughts
Tulsa was a pleasant surprise and the races were top notch!
Never text while riding a motorcycle on the freeway at 70 mph.
If traveling West on I-40 DO NOT stay at the Best Value Inn in Forrest City, AK. No need to visit the carnival either.
Do stop and go to the Mexican restaurant attached to the Holiday Inn.
Noah’s hair is too soft for corn rolls.
Sean
aka MoS dos
That is what you learned? Really!? Great racing babe!