Banana Belt 'training ride'

My first road race of the season was an adventure. After an incident-free preparation and warm-up on the rollers I was feeling good going into the 40+ cat 4/5 race. The plan was for me to deliver KO and maybe HG to the base of the finish-line hill at speed. However, before then I needed to knock down 44 miles and climb the post-dam hill four times. First time round was no problem and actually made it up the hill towards the front of the pack. OH YEAH!

It was going to be a good day.

Then as things were going well, about 3/4 around lap 1 on a slight downhill, I hit a small rock to the right of the fog line and flatted the rear wheel.

Crap!

I waited for the wheel car and we got it changed over quite slowly - prolly lost about 90 secs to the pack. A combination of being very pissed off, my natural stubborness and reluctance to waste the entry fee spurred me to chase - so I time-trialed my arse off. As I reached the dam about 5 miles later, the pack was just exiting the dam. I had made up some ground but was still gapped by about 60 secs. At the base of the hill they were at the top of the hill. I chased for another lap.

However, by the time the dam came 'round again they were already off the dam and up the hill. I was losing ground. My race was probably over.

Then the 50+ field came up behind me, which had started a minute or two behind my 40+ group. They caught me near the top of the hill and I soft pedalled on the extreme right of the road and let them pass. I held a position about 2 bike lengths back from the last rider but in front of the OBRA official's car.

The official pulled up beside me and indicated that he was OK with me being there (off the back with no riders behind) but if I got significantly gapped he expected me to drop off. I agreed and stayed there being careful not to interfere with their race in any way. By now, I had ridden behind the old buggers for 12 miles or so. On the last lap at the hill, the 50+ group gapped me and I slowed. I rode the last half lap with JT who had cramped up and also dropped on the hill. 

Looking at the positive, although I had failed to influence the race in any way, it was a very good workout. By riding alone for 2.5 laps exposed to the wind, likely did more work than anyone in the 4/5s.

So, what can I take away from the race?

First, don't flat.

Second, practice wheel changes. A 45 sec gap that early in the race might have given me a chance, but 90 secs was too much.

Oh, and OBRA officials totally rock.