Everyone who rides alot dreams of wearing the gold. You train hard, log fast miles and get ready for your first race. My first race race was in San Rafael California on a course that was like the old 'Sears Point' motorsports race way only smaller. It was a combined cat 3 & 4 to make a good size race instead of two little ones. As I eyed the field I saw a couple of guys with big calves and thighs like climbers and seeing as the start of the race was uphill with a quick right I just knew it was allover before it started, way wrong. I made it through the pack from midway back and passed them on the third lap narrowly missing a crash of 5 or 6 riders just behind me. Thanks luck and adrenaline! I think I managed to Finnish the race in 23rd place out of 30, no more juice left in the legs, exhausted and happy. Next time I would know how to pace myself to place better...and look out for those squirly new cat 4 riders.
I loved riding hard and fast and also learned to go long periods at high rpm. On solo routes I would set up splits to improve vo2 uptake, faster recovery times and lactic acid burn thresholds. Then I would do long-slow mountainous routes to improve on my low density muscle mass. Of course I didn't know it at the time but I figured it out just by being observant of my own body, reading and watching other riders.
Sight seeing on the other hand were days for reflective thought, watching the seasons, visiting places I loved and finding new routes. At these times I took a pair of flip-flops because I learned that cleats are not made for traversing gravel roads when you find yourself lost in the country side seeking new routes.Although I haven't been on a serious ride in over 22 yrs I have a feeling there is a few more 'glory days' ahead of me.
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