Sunday, April 16, 2006
What does a bruised rib feel like?
More on my rib later. Ningrit Redux. The weather was much better this week with the fog lifting just as our 30+ field was called to the line. 50 or more riders with many of the big names in New England masters racing. Gary and I were vastly outnumbered by all the CCB, Gearworks, FedEx, and other well represented teams. Fast from the gun when Jonny Bold attacked. Having just won the 40+ race he was marked and would continually be marked the whole race. It was really kinda funny. One FedEx guy was just following Jonny around. Watch the good guys, but race your own race.
Nothing like a strong field of riders to make you realize your fitness, even with a win and a 3rd under your belt, isn't as good as you'd like. I was following a lot of moves and made a couple myself but I never felt like I could sustain much. Gary did a great job pulling back a big split that one of us should have been in. Most of the names were up there and I just didn't have the power at that point. The race came down to a bunch sprint. With 3 to go I decided not to get involved as it was already getting sketchy. But in the last lap holes opened up and I was able to get in the front third. We make the left hander that sets up the short backside straight before the final turn. I'm in good position on the outside and feel like I still have a lot left in the lungs and legs. Then it happened. Guys getting together just in front of me. I lock 'em up and make my way through 3 or 4 guys and bikes and waterbottles. I've made it. I just might get out of this thing. Then there he was. A rider tumbling and tangled with another. His head is going to stop my front wheel. Boom! I tumble and land right on top of him. Luckily nobody hits me. I land hard on something. A handlebar? Break lever? Pedal? Who knows. I felt it immediately. My left mid back. Kidney. Rib. Something is going to be real sore. A guy helps me get up. My feet were still clipped in. I make out OK. I lost my rear tubular, burned through all the rubber right down to the threads. Another second on the brakes and that sucker would have blown. I didn't slide so no road rash or torn clothes. Just a painful spot on my back. Bill Yarbrody was banged up and the ambulance was called but he didn't go to the hospital and was able to get himself home. The Anthem guy I landed on, his bike was the most damaged. His rear wheel was ripped out taking the derailleur hanger right off. I got cleaned up. Switched wheels and rode around for an hour to see if I could start the Pro 1-2 race. I did. Missed the break but stayed in the field and felt OK. Drove home with an ice pack as my friend.
Wade - still sore.
Nothing like a strong field of riders to make you realize your fitness, even with a win and a 3rd under your belt, isn't as good as you'd like. I was following a lot of moves and made a couple myself but I never felt like I could sustain much. Gary did a great job pulling back a big split that one of us should have been in. Most of the names were up there and I just didn't have the power at that point. The race came down to a bunch sprint. With 3 to go I decided not to get involved as it was already getting sketchy. But in the last lap holes opened up and I was able to get in the front third. We make the left hander that sets up the short backside straight before the final turn. I'm in good position on the outside and feel like I still have a lot left in the lungs and legs. Then it happened. Guys getting together just in front of me. I lock 'em up and make my way through 3 or 4 guys and bikes and waterbottles. I've made it. I just might get out of this thing. Then there he was. A rider tumbling and tangled with another. His head is going to stop my front wheel. Boom! I tumble and land right on top of him. Luckily nobody hits me. I land hard on something. A handlebar? Break lever? Pedal? Who knows. I felt it immediately. My left mid back. Kidney. Rib. Something is going to be real sore. A guy helps me get up. My feet were still clipped in. I make out OK. I lost my rear tubular, burned through all the rubber right down to the threads. Another second on the brakes and that sucker would have blown. I didn't slide so no road rash or torn clothes. Just a painful spot on my back. Bill Yarbrody was banged up and the ambulance was called but he didn't go to the hospital and was able to get himself home. The Anthem guy I landed on, his bike was the most damaged. His rear wheel was ripped out taking the derailleur hanger right off. I got cleaned up. Switched wheels and rode around for an hour to see if I could start the Pro 1-2 race. I did. Missed the break but stayed in the field and felt OK. Drove home with an ice pack as my friend.
Wade - still sore.
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