Stillwater Sufferfest. NVGP stage 6.

It was almost over. For some reason, my head was not in this one. I was almost too relaxed about it, knowing I only had to finish 3 laps to have successfully completed the race. There was an amateur race right before ours, so I didn't get a chance to ride the course and people were lined up on the sides even before their race was over. What is the deal? But no worries. I saw 'the hill' from the start and knew it would hurt. It actually didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would, but it hurt, and in the back of my mind I heard Kendra saying, "don't bury yourself for this one", but also, I hate getting dropped. Starting again in the very back did not help. I am not pushy enough and forget to get there at least a half hour before the start.

Oh, you can't see me? Well look harder, way in the back. My shoulder is there!
The start of the climb with the masses. I did work my way up a bit, really.

Off the gun I made good progress. As good as you can make from the very back, but with each lap, I seemed to not be making up any time. In fact, I think I lost time. No worries. I made it through the 'cut off' point and then a few. And when I was just seconds behind a group that didn't quite get pulled, I somehow wasn't horribly disappointed. But of course, I wish I would have pushed harder, gone faster, felt better, etc. But it was done and I was able to go 'home' to my parents house, celebrate fathers day with family and friends. It was great to have my aunts and uncles, brother and sister and neice and nephews there to cheer me on. I wish I could have stayed in longer, but oh well. I ended up 54th in the crit and my GC overall was 44th. For a silly mountain biker without a team and no support, not too bad. Great training and I got my first USAC fine of $50 for throwing a bottle. That was expensive water. I am ready for the BC bike race! And unfortunatly I missed the TEST OF ENDURANCE today in Oregon, but Tim was victorious in the expert 40+ division! Nice job Tim!!!

Finding my way through the crowd to my family.
Musa making sure my bike is still working.
Mom and dad enjoying the race on Father's day.
My brother Paul and Alec & Abi after I got pulled.