Lucky 7...

After several requests from our loyal readers, here is the semi annual cycling update. Okay, to be honest, maybe there are not several requests, but just one? Many of you have probably just been afraid to ask, hoping that lil' C's daddy keeps the rubber side of his bike on the road.

After my early season success, I took a break from racing but not riding. The difference? Riding - you go as fast as you want. Racing - you pin on a number and ride so hard that sometimes you hope to get a flat just so you can slow down. I've been enjoying "riding" this season while the racers "raced". To make it more challenging, I moved up categories this year (5 to 4), so I'm now racing in an even harder field.

After a couple weeks of long rides (starting with my Father's Day century, thanks Mrs. Schwangston) and several days of intervals (short sprints, followed by longer hard sprints, followed by more sprints), I decided it was time to jump in.

In my first race, I tried to stay out of trouble. Stay off the front (you work harder in the wind vs. the pack), and just try to finish with the group. I did just that and managed to finish 15th in a field of 40+. Last week, I wanted take at least one chance at glory, preferably on the last lap. My mistake was asking a guy in the group how many laps were left toward the end of the race - he responded 2. Well, I rested up to get ready for my move, and then noticed a group of guys sprinting for the line. It seems the heat effected his lap counting, and I managed 7th with his info.

Yesterday, I was motivated to have a good race. I decided not to depend on my fellow racers to count laps, and figured with this strategy, I was headed for greatness. We roll out, guys attack, I sprint up, and then we slow down. Imagine flooring your car from stoplight to stoplight - this is kind of what it's like on the first couple laps . Unfortunately, I missed the winning move b/c I was winded from the fast/slow/fast manuevers. Racing in the second group, I started my sprint early and lost a few spots to finish 7th again.

The good news is that I only have to wait until next week to try for a better result. Seven may be lucky, but I'd really like to get into the top 5. I have 4 more chances at glory, so wish me luck.

Thanks for reading...