In a word, disappointing. It was a field of 15 women, and the first 2 laps were a lot of slow riding, a few nice attacks and chases, and more slow riding. My goals were to sit in the upper third of the field, watch what was happening, respond to attacks, and see what kind of sprint I had at the finish. Rarely was I in the upper third, but I’m getting better. I helped shut down one attack that had promise by Mary Downing and two other riders late in the second lap. Unfortunately, early in lap 3 my front flatted, loud enough for everyone to hear. Fortunately, it was on a straight, and the field had no problem getting around me as I slowed. I hated the mile and a half I hoofed it (and yes, you CAN destroy kangaroo hide, say by walking your shoes through rough stone) before a good Samaritan (also named Sherry) and her two kids gave me a lift back to the school.
Post op showed the tube blew out a side seam. Jim helped air it up pre-race. I suspect it is not his wheels that need to be exorcised, but his pump!
I owe Andys thanks for trying to get a tube and cartridge to me in the middle of his race—he threw, I heard something hit pavement, but I couldn’t see where they landed in the ditch. Grass was high, and there was standing water. Andys, promise, I’ll pay you back. Thanks to Jim for the loan of a pair of medium weight gloves and ear warmers, and thanks to Katherine and Christian for driving me back to the finish line.
