February 13, 2005, McDowell Park CR, Masters 50+
NE of Phoenix, AZ   12.6 miles

I had just finished the Category 4 race and ate an energy gel in preperation for the Master's 50+ race. There were only 13 starters, plus another 3 in the 60+ category that would also be riding with us. The weather hadn't changed, so I kept the arm warmers on. My buddy Jesus Lamb would not be with us, as he is a Masters 40 rider. However, the state criterium champion, David Bixby, was with us and he would be one to watch, not only in the sprint, but possibly in a break away. Last year in this race, I took his wheel into the final turn and he crashed, nearly taking me with him. Not sure as to how tired I might be after the Category 4 race, my goal again was to conserve myself for the finish. Masters riders are more likely to successfully attack, so I could not drift too far to the back of the pack at any time.

The race was to be 30 minutes, which would again be 8 laps. We started off at a rather leisurly pace and most of the race would be much slower than the previous race and my heart rate was generally 10 to 15 bpm less also. We had 6 primes, which meant a sprint for them every lap, but I had no intentions of trying to win any, but needed to make sure no one got away during the increase in speed. They didn't seem to be going that fast while contesting these sprints and I was encouraged that I should be able to easily win the final sprint.

On the sprint prime with 2 laps to go, 3 riders got a small gap on us and a team mate of Bixby's was intentionally letting it grow, as David was one of those ahead. I easily closed the gap and joined them, which discouraged them enough so that the pace weakened and we were caught by the others on the back stretch. At this point, I tightened up my shoe buckles again so I would not have to deal with them in the final moments and have my shoes as secure as possible. I got on David's wheel and pretty much glued myself there.

As we approached the final turn, David was in third and I was on his wheel in fourth. We rounded the turn without consequence. As we approached the 300 meter to go mark, I was still on his wheel and was maybe a bit too single minded on this approach. David started his sprint a bit early, at about 280 meters, passing the two riders that were side by side in front of him on the right, squeezing between them and the shoulder. I stayed with him, but just as he got ahead of the rider to his left, that rider swerved to the right shoulder, blocking my way and causing me to have to brake. I accelerated and started to come around on his left, when he swerved to his left, pinning me between him and the other rider. They weren't team mates of David's, so I was surprised by this illegal activity. I yelled an expletive in my frustration and they seperated enough for me to get through. By this time, two other riders had already passed us on our left. I only had enough time to catch one of them to collect third. What's one to do. I'd sure like to see if I can beat David as I'd like to take the state championship for myself this year.

Next weekend is a three day stage race around the Phoenix area, with a 22km flat time trial, a 43 mile hilly RR and a 30 minute criterium. I'll be competing with the Category 4's. It's a major race with riders from many states.

Summary
Start
Time		 Distance
(Miles)		 Starters Duration Weather
(Deg F, mph)		 Climbing
(Feet)		 Speed avg
(MPH)		 Speed Max
(MPH)		 HR avg
(BPM)		 HR max
(BPM)		 HR waking
(BPM)		 Calories Burned
(Kcal)
9:24 am 12.6 13 33:30 57, Clr, Calm 320 22.6 33.1 166 192 46 300

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