I won’t deny that I’m bummed and a bit dejected after my Tabor race today. I felt great on the first three laps comfortably sitting in the top five. There were hints of problems to come though, as I didn’t have the power to sprint for any preems. I decided to hang back on the forth lap and evaluate my situation and this, sadly, was my biggest mistake. I should have pushed sooner to stay with the pack but I let the whole group pass as I filed in behind the last of the stragglers. At the top of the hill I wasn’t 100% awake. The two riders in front of me let a gap grow. I yelled for them to “GET ON IT!”…but who was I to make such demands. I finally took matters into my own hands but it was too late.

The pack was in sight and the chasing began. I worked hard and maintained sight up until the last two laps where my body began to fade…or maybe it was my spirit. Passing the crowed alone (In a skin suit no less) has it’s humility to it. The cheers are different, there is an edge of sympathy.

Tabor…I shake my fist at it. It’s a frustrating race. When I started racing in New Mexico I was always in the top 5 for every race with very little training. I somehow felt that maybe there was some inherent talent within me. But Portland has been different, I’m older, the riders are stronger and the races are geared towards strength. I do miss the long steady climbs of New Mexico but then again I enjoy the scene here better. I will continue, but I hope to regain some glory soon.