Wednesday Night at the Oval

Tonight’s goal was relatively simple–break my streak of not finishing a race. I sure that nothing would break or fall off my bicycle during the 35 laps. Quite a large group to start, at least 30, I think, with several strong teams in attendance. I assumed I would spend most of my time firmly planted in the group, enjoying the ride. A break went almost immediately, but since the strong teams were represented, everyone was content to watch them ride away. They stayed away for quite a few laps before they were finally chased down. Another break immediately took off. The pace in the group was fast, but generally even, so I wasn’t working terribly hard to sit in.

With maybe 10 or 12 laps to go, I was sitting at the back when there was a clatter of plastic and metal on the road. Apparently someone touched wheels and caused a bit of chain reaction. I saw bikes and bodies going down right in front of me, and, after plowing over several bikes, I finally went down on my right side. After quickly assessing a few scraps and bruises, I moved off to the side and helped collect bikes and bits off the track. Several people went down and needed medical attention. The rest of us got away with some road rash. Everyone seemed to generally okay, though at least one person may have broken a bone, and another may have gotten a concussion.

I’ve been feeling a bit unmotivated recently, and this may be the impetus for a brief sabbatical from the Oval. I’m sure I’ll get over the feeling, but at the moment it seems silly to risk life and limb to ride around in a circle. Perhaps I’ll dip down to the C race again with the hope that I can at least spend more time at the front, out of trouble.