I did the Poolesville road race in Maryland today. Goal was to race well - stay in the front, not get scared, and not to crash, and to not do too much work. Although this was my first road race in a few years, I thought that racing smart would automatically guarantee a top 10. I didn't plan for a sprint finish - with the three top sprinters winning one of the toughest local rolling road races that included a 1.5mi gravel section - which I absolutely loved. Lesson learned, You not only have to race smart, you have to finish smart too.
It was a 10mile loop course which we did 4 times. The first 3 laps serve to get everyone really tired. Then the 4th lap is where the racing takes place. Unfortunately our race was neutralized 2 times to allow faster groups (such as the men 1/2) on the course to pass us. The first time was after a break on the first lap had just got established. The second time was 4 miles from the finish when the field was all strung out and a break was probably just about to happen. That was fairly frustrating since the refs restarted the race with us all as one big pack again both times.
Either way, it was a lot of fun to ride with women for a change rather than men. Granted there was some bumping going on and a few shouts here and there. But there was also a lot more "Oh I'm sorry" or "Oh excuse me I'm on your left", and "Thanks for letting me in" than you get on the group rides with the boys.
It was great to be out there again - although my head hurts still from the numbing sound of the road vibration and the whir of the pack. I will admit I love mtn bike racing and cx racing over road, but road racing is interesting in its own way. I hope all of you get to try at least one road race this year.
