Schenectady Tuesday Night Race Series - III

One step back, two steps forward. I had one of the best races last night; finishing sixth, with my best time ever - 1:11. I trimmed 5 minutes off my time from last week and moved up two spots in the overall rankings to 8th. I also had my best lap times - 23 minutes first lap, just under 24 minutes for the second lap and 24 for the third lap. This was the most consistent I've ridden in a long time. I, of course, still wrecked once and had a minor run-in with a tree. I can't seem to get one clean race without a dust up, but I'll take the time improvement.

First lap was super fast, with some really great, new riders. I started out about 8 or 9 riders back from first and felt good from the get go. I was trailing some really good riders throughout the first lap, all riding at a super quick pace. I was able to pass one or two (I don't remember) by the time that first lap was over. There was one spot in particular that a guy messed up on something, I passed him and then really cranked it out to separate from him. He was a good rider and I knew he'd likely pass me if I messed up or didn't push it. There were a few guys ahead of me that I could barely make out in the distance coming in from the first lap and I got super excited knowing I might catch them, coupled with realizing my lap time.

Halfway through the second lap, one rider wrecked bad and I moved up one spot. He has been a good, consistent rider throughout. So, I knew he would be on my tail. I ratcheted up my pace in this second lap, just trying to hold on. Soon after, I was yo-yo-ing with another rider ahead of me- catching up to him and then losing him.

Going into the third lap, I feel really good. Not as tired as what I had last week. I had two riders less than ten seconds behind me: the guy who wrecked and another guy who I passed in the first lap. I realized a quarter of the way through the third lap, I am 10-15 seconds behind four other riders. I didn't realize I was riding that close and try as hard as I can to close the gap. With riders so close ahead and behind, it really put an urgency on me not to lose my place. I come in from the third lap, super happy with my time and place. That post-ride Yeungling never tasted so good.

Pics: