Just riding along...

I was just riding along, 58 minutes into the SF Giro, hanging out in the middle...then BANG!!! the buildings ricochet the deafening sound of a pinch flat. I rolled to a stop while everyone whizzed by on both sides and I walked off the course. I flatted on a coffin sized pothole right in the middle of the start/finish straightaway...end of the race and of the season. My front tire got a normal "snake bite" pinch flat, but my rear tire exploded off the rim. The tube shot out, and somehow wrapped around the cassette- into the freehub body, and around the derailleur...the bike wouldn't even move!

That race concluded my 2009 Season. In perspective, the season went well. I got a lot of racing experience, especially stage races like Mt. Hood where we raced with NRC level pros and I even launched my own attack. I learned so much this year, especially how to ride as an effective team, and about playing the right cards. Like when I dropped out of the break at Madera. I learned the most from my teammate Dan Martin who would break races down and would explain all the tactics.

I will always remember this year for all the flat tires....from back to back flats at Valley of the Sun, to Copperopolis, Winters, and now the SF Giro. Next year I'm trying different tires.

When I look at my goals from the beginning of the season, Im disappointed that I didnt do better at Cascade or San Dimas, or Pescadero, and I also didnt get my Cat 1 upgrade. But if it had been a perfect season, then why would I race again next year?!?! This way I have something to think about on those long, cold, winter training rides! I will train hard and come back stronger next year, and win some races! Im aiming to ride the TT bike a lot, and also do more climbing to get ready for next year.


I have enjoyed a safe and healthy season, and really look forward to next year...but only after a few weeks off the bike...