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By Pete Dunn Sport Vet1
Woke up, got out of bed and dragged a comb
across my head. Anyhoot, drove to RI with an “expert”
buddy and pre-rode most of course. Great looking day –
It is sunny and has been for sometime. Once back at car did
the final check with bike and me. Hit the bathroom one last
time and off to the start. Lined up in front but then all
the Vet 1s were in front.
START. Had a bit of trouble getting into
the pedals, but once I did I settled down and picked my way
to about 8 or 9th place. Bad mistake. Once we got to the narrow
single track, the guys ahead got bunched up and 2 or 3 guys
took off. No place to pass. But I kept thinking it is a tough
course and there will be time to pass later. So just ride
comfortably for the 1st lap and pass where I can.
So I find a guy I know should be in top 3
and settle in behind his back wheel. This goes well through
the second lap and most of third. Then I lose sight of him
on the back half when I eat. But, I pick up pace near the
end of third lap and was just about to finish the lap when
“WHACK.”
I miss judged my abilities and tried to split
the pair of boulders at the end of the lap and whacked my
rear derailleur on the right boulder. (Well at the time I
thought it was a stick). But I look down and there is my rear
derailleur hanging. I have my “hissy fit” (similar
to a Nancy Kerrigan) for 5-10 minutes and then walk out. I
look across the sand pit and see my “wheel.” Then
four or five guys finally pass. Unsure who they are could
be Sport Vet 1 or 2’s or even some others.
But it doesn’t matter ‘cause
I am out. Walk to “finish” line and tell ‘em
I a DNF. Great course and great weather just wish I didn’t
get lazy with the bike. Felt pretty good. Not enough to win
but most likely would have been fourth in Sport vet1.
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