not NOT First

"I'd rather have nothing than not first."

I actually said that in a state of post-hypoxia at the Habitat for Humanity's hilly road race this past Saturday.

I was apologizing to the guy who I selfishly forced to lead me out for the win as we chatted on the podium steps. My first 55+ race was also my first win in 19 years.
After exchanging names, smiles and handshakes I was accosted by Tal who put his hand on my shoulder and incredulously exclaimed, "did I actually hear you apologise for winning the sprint!? What's up with that!? That's what sprinters do!"

It seemed the right thing to do in a 55+ race. There is no money, little adoration (even my kids make geriatric jokes) and certainly no reason to ever be rude.
We're all just stoked to be healthy, competitive and alive. We have the same head movies of glory as a first year pro, but with no illusions of immortality that lead to risky behavior. We all have to work in the morning. We all take a really long time to heal, at least I do.

My first 55+ race was still hard but a little more survivable than other longer-mileage categories. While shorter it was still very animated and painful -just a bit more civilized.

I heard no cursing, screaming or bad behavior. Twice, fading 3/4 woman racers were "assisted" up the hills by kindly gentlemen. When chains were dropped, helping hands kept things going. When scary riders, badly in need of pack skills, bounced around they were just quietly pointed out and avoided - ending up at the back eventually.

How refreshing.

When the final 1K or so sprint loomed two guys from the same team lined up at the front. I latched on. We got a small gap as teammate #1 pulled off. Teammate #2 went hard. When he slowed I countered with 1/2 k to go. He managed to claw back onto my wheel. I pulled a bit then swung off and stopped pedaling. I thought, "I'd rather have nothing than not first." He looked at me and then at the peleton 50 feet behind and put his head down and lead me all the way to the line where I was almost caught by someone who jumped out of the pack.

I didn't get not first.

Hello selfishness.

K-Dogg

Swamp Classic

Here's a compilation of Cat. 3 footage shot at the Swamp Classic Criterium on February 7th, 2010. This downtown Gainesville race is truly a classic, passing over it's old-world brick "pave" in front of the Hippodrome State Theater which was the original Gainesville Post Office completed in 1911.



This video was shot and edited and produced by Paul Messal of Cycle Logic

Another great perspective of this same race can be seen on YouTube here

A review of "Bring it On"

Florida Racing Magazine has generously agreed to run a full feature article on the 2010 Bring it On races. The issue will hit virtual newsstands today (Wednesday, February 3rd).

Be sure to check out the magazine and read all the specifics of this year's Bring it On races. In addition to the Bring it On article written by our very own Rob Robins, there is a very entertaining and well-written Op-Ed piece written by Rob's wife, Mary. She recaps the "Bring it On" experience through the eyes of a non-cycling wife.

Florida Racing Magazine will also be running a feature article on the Cycle Logic team in an upcoming issue. Stay tuned for more details.