TWO Wins in one day...that is a good day: Scott F. races CCCX

Race 1 - Saturday
Central Coast Circuit Race M35+ 4/5
Team-mates: Solo
Place: 1st

I lined up for the familiar course in Monterey under cloudy conditions. From the whistle the group seemed anxious to get things going. A few folks attacked early on, but after dangling in the wind for a spell, they were re-absorbed into the group. I noticed a few folks that I raced with in Leesville, and marked them as being a strong opponent. The laps ticked away, and on the final climb the group was strung out. While coming down the descent, I lined up behind one of the Leesville racer’s, thinking he would wind up for the sprint. Just before the final turn, he ran out of gas and I had to find a wheel. Scrambling for a line, I decided it was now or never and gave it everything I had. Luck would have it I crossed the line first!

Race 2 - Saturday
Central Coast Circuit Race M35+ 4/5
Team-mates: Christian Parker
Place: 1st

Race 2 was a bit different. After waiting for 1 1/2 hours before the start of the next race, my legs were tight and I was tired. Christian and I spoke about a plan, which let’s see how things go. I spent the first few laps in the back just trying to get the legs loose. Christian was mixing it up with the leaders and came back to check on me every now and then. With two laps to go, I worked my way to the front only to have my left calve cramp. Argh. I waited for the group to pass, and then ducked in mid way to try and at least finish.

On the last lap, approaching the final stretch with several climbs, Christian and I were near the front of the group and my cramp had subsided. I told Christian let’s hit it, and he buried himself over the rollers. On the last roller, I tried to block some wind for Christian and we dived into the final descent. Being careful not to lead out, I tucked in behind a wheel, only to hear Christian saying he was coming on my left and to jump on. Christian looked like AAA, because he was towing a long train of riders and I had to scramble to get the fifth wheel. Again Christian dug deep and provided a perfect lead out to those behind as we entered the final stretch. Everyone took a different line and uncorked their sprint. I was lucky to have a team-mate that saved me the energy leading into the sprint, and I finished first! Great team work, and a huge thanks to Christian for making this possible. Also thanks to Steve for sticking around and cheering us on.


Race 1 - Sunday
Foothill Junior College Circuit: Elite 4
Team-mates: Chris Scheetz
Place: 17th of 60

Definitely woke up tired and with tight legs. Hit the trainer for a warm up, and then Chris and I talked about our race tactics. We rolled around the course and lined up for the start. Chris had mentioned the field was full, but when staging we only counted 25 racers. Great, this race may go well!

Not more than a minute later we were swarmed by an additional 35 riders bringing the total to 60. Doh. The course was actually pretty cool; a long sweeping course with rollers, and one little climb mid way. The group itself was a mix of seasoned racers, old guys, juniors, and everything in between. This led to a lot of crazy situations within the group, fortunately nobody crashed. On the final climb on the last lap, my right hamstring cramped. Telling myself to stay calm, I tried to spin it out before the finish. We approached the final meters and as I stood to sprint, my left hamstring locked. Rolled across 17th.

Thanks for reading-
Freier