Riding around the racetrack was interesting in itself. I expected to find that the track would have a near perfect hotmix surface. No! the surface was broken and in poor repair with cracks and frequent changes of grade. In fact the whole racing complex had the feel of rust and decay about it that you see in films set in run-down American industrial towns. To add to the desolation, it was horribly cold and there was a bone chilling northerly wind blowing directly down the hill. This made for some particularly tough racing up the hill into the wind.
I raced in C grade which was a pretty well matched group. I spent a lot of time out front, trying to shake things up without much effect. Finally three of us got away to a handy lead from the rest of the bunch and worked hard together to consolidate it, convincing the chasers to give it away.
Finally we got the bell lap and I jumped as hard as I could off the bottom turn and over the small hill. Seeing the other two still on my wheel I pulled off. They of course attacked at that moment. I had nothing to fight back with but managed to hold one of them at bay. The leader just blasted away from me. Coming onto the main straight, I expected to be out-sprinted for the line but got into my top gear early and gave it everything. My opponent sat up and let me go, much to my surprise. Second in C grade. I can't complain about that.
I'm happy with my racing the last few weeks. I really have started to push myself and try some moves instead of being happy to watch what everyone else is up to. It's kind of fun to be making some moves myself. It was even more fun warming myself up over excellent coffee and cake financed by race winnings afterwards.
The racing was done in friendly spirit, the organisers were laid back and accommodating. A really good day.
Today my legs are much sorer than I would expect but it's just tiredness. Now I'm looking forward to the next challenge.
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