After some good days back in the saddle, Kelly and I recalculated the season, and though we'd look at some other options. I was originally targeting the Quebec Cup, but with 3 races missed, and a poor showing, that goal has been striked off the list.
We looked at the calendar and thought, maybe we'll open up a "tour of duty" hit up some events we'd missed out on in the past, travel out a bit, visit some friends along the way, and have fun (in our final season in Ottawa)
I was looking at the weekend as a season restart, and thought no better place than Rochester! The gang down there have been really good to us, plus I've had some great results there including my first ever win.
Expectations were not quite that high this time 'round. I decided to stick it out in the senior 1-2 category, thinking a podium would be perfect, but a good day would make me happy! It's been an unusually warm fall so far, nice, but not great for racing. I like the 10-12 degree range, but can generally tolerate anything above freezing to 18, above or below that is out of my "comfort range" we'd be looking at 26 on the day, sunny, hot, stinking hot for October. The course was great, super fast, the hill was shortened, but included a new run-up just before to knock out the momentum. It was a shorter course, with lap times in the 5min range (yep, the math works out 12 laps!!!)
Kelly raced the morning race with the women and put up a strong 4th. Nice to see her going well after a couple of years off!
We were off at two. I managed to score a front row spot, and a good jump to be first into the corner. I would lead out the first half of the lap, with three of us away. Into lap two, I popped a bit and would be chasing. The heat was already at me. Another group rode up to me, and after a couple of laps, I was off the back again. Not looking too good. Kel got me a water handout, and things started to change 'round. I was able to re-group and get into a groove. One thing about high lap counts is the potential to get in a rhythm and focus on just riding the course. By mid race I'd caught back up and put 4th and 5th back in my sights. I was climbing better than (Ian?) in fifth and was able to get around him on the hill, put time in, and set sights on 4th. John was riding well on the day, and would manage to keep the gap in check. A strong second half and finish made for a decent day, a 5th place spot isn't too bad for the re-start!
Next week, more riding, resting, and then back to Quebec to see if I can bump up a few more spots in the results!
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