P course tonight. Hot. Lots of people. I really wanted to stick with the main group. This plan latest approximately five laps. What happened? Well, some gaps started to form in front of me (move up in the start grid, dummy!), and I spend a lot of energy chasing those down. I was hoping the pace would chill a bit but as soon as I caught on, they were off again. Bleh. Off the back I went. I worked on my own for a few laps, then looked back and saw a group forming. I sat up and waited for them. For about 15 laps, we worked pretty well together. It was rather pleasant. I felt really good sitting in (mostly) and really bad when I was pulling. I was pulling for maybe half a lap, and it would take several laps to recover. This is a Bad Thng.

With about 13 or so laps to go, the break was going to overtake us. I was at the back at this point, and sat up and moved over so they could pass. No one else did this. The break passed them and they kinda latched on to it. Ugh. I was on my own again for a lap or two. Then the field caught me. Instead of remembering what I learned last year (latch on to the back), I just kinda watched them go by. Duh. I noodled for another lap, then pulled out. No reason to noodle for ten more laps. Bleh. Not exactly an awe-inspiring performance heading into the crit in Hartford this weekend. In a sense, it feels like last year all over again….

Posted on 24 June 2009