Post-Battenkill Reflections, Reports, Cravings

I've let the weekend digest a bit, and it was not until my ride today that I realized my defining Tour of the Battenkill moment.

It is, without a doubt, moment that I unwrapped and placed in my mouth the most perfectly warm, soft, and delicious coffee cake muffin that I've ever had. I really want another one. It was made with sour cream, and there were definitely crunchy things. I'm not terribly articulate when it comes to describing flavor, but it was the best muffin I've ever had.

I'd like to think that pre-race snack helped with my performance. I was a bit nervous initially, since I had not done an actual road race since 2007. I was confident, however, that I would at least make it out intact.

I didn't to drop either a bottle or a chain on the first paved climb, but both of those things occurred. I managed to get my chain back on and get back to the front by the end of the first climbing section. Some people were trying to break free, but it didn't work. We eventually passed the masters 1-4 field, and then they passed us, and it continued. Eventually on the second to last climb I managed to break off with around 4 others, and we pace-lined to the last climb and powered over it.

I was definitely bested in the sprint, I'm not terribly good at those. I had a bit of trouble positioning myself since we kept mixing with the masters fellows. I didn't want to be on one of their wheels at the finish. However, it was probably not a good idea to lead out for the sprint. Oh well, maybe next time..

I'm definitely satisfied with my result (4th place in Cat 4 red). Maybe I can try and get an upgrade before next year? I don't have much planned on my road calendar, I guess I'll have to see.

Some highlights:

- Really fast 50mph dirt descents.
- Taking the wrong line and getting stuck in soft stuff on dirt descents.
- Getting a feed from Lodri at the 2nd feed zone. If anyone knows how to get in touch with her, I'd like to extend a thank you to her for being awesome.
- Actually being part of a break-away, a new experience for me.
- Sliding my rear end while powering in the big ring down dirt roads.
- The big wide open U-turn in one of the town centers. Fun stuff.

I'll definitely plan for this race next year, if not just for the baked goods.