I started in 54th place out of 58 racers, on the last row. It was rough but I passed about 20 guys the first lap, it was a five lap race. I began getting in my grove, took a good spill onto the ice but kept picking them off. I was sitting about 30th place with two laps to go then boom, I rolled my tire right off the rim. Just as I did in our practice race two weeks ago. I tried for about 4 minutes to get it back on so I could ride to the pit and get a new bike, but it was too late. After running a few hundred yards hoping I wouldnt get pulled, they did it. I was out. Bummer. I really felt good today, but my tire gluing skills are seriously lacking.
It also didn't help that the course was full of very deep ruts from yesterdays muddy race, then they froze over night. Holding a line was impossbile and you just had to go where the course took you. My dad and Shannon were a great cheering section while moving all around the course and Dave, Rick, Cheeny and Baily did their part perfectly in preparing my bike and working the pit area, if only I could have made it to them in time to get a new bike and continue. I ended up 38th.
Sunday is the collegiate race, same course. I will have tires that don't roll off the rims for that one. Pictures to come.
