Marblehead Masters 35+

As mentioned in other reports the weather was brisk and blowing.

At line up I noticed that there were three teams with 10 plus riders in each. OA lined all 14 or members up together and the start. NEBC and CCB had their usual contingent. I was a team of one.

This was my first race that I did as a master and a cat 3. My goals were not lofty I simply wanted to finish with the pak and no embarrasss myself. I rocognized many of the riders in the field that made me feel more comfortable. It was a 35+ race so I would be a bit older than many.

The race started off fast, no meandering warm up start. The pace was fast over 23 mph in the wind and up a few hills and with a 90 degree 1 mile per hour turn. But it was so much smoother and more predictable than the cat 4 and 5 races category races. I was mired in the back for most of the race which was fine as the teams up front would send guys off to attack and counter up front. It seemed there was no way a break was getting away today as it was always caught within a 1/2 mile of getting away. The wind was just too strong. As a team of one I felt fine going into the last lap and decided I would make my move up that lap. I moved about 1/3 up and a couple of guys touched wheels, I saw it unfolding and downshifted in anticipation. It seems most of the time crashes happen on the up hill as guys jump out of the saddle, slow down or start swaying. People were locking up brakes everywhere and I nearly collected a guy who got stuck in the wrong gear up the little hill. I pushed and caught back onto the pak.

I was nowhere near the front, I passed 5 or so up the hill and gave back 2 positions on the run to the finish. I am no sprinter. In the end I finished mid pak but feeling good that I am right there and will not embarrass myself. Hopefully some of the old guys will join me in some future races.

Nice work Neal. Sorry I missed it – looking forward to joining you in some old guy races soon!