Bittersweat Ride

In line with the economy and the success of my company, we had some deep cuts (layoffs) yesterday. I was kept on, but over 1/2 the people I work with are leaving over the next month. I wish them the best...

With the news of the layoff, we were all sent home for the day. I took that opportunity to get in a good 35 mile ride. It was a good opportunity to get focused on the pile of work ahead...

MnMBS #2 Pics - Courtesy of Dana Schoppe

Now that I can look back, it was fun while it lasted...

Afton Suck Fest

Let's just say that things didn't go as planned at Afton. After going out fast on the first lap, I was struggling to find sections to recover in. I didn't find any. On the second lap, I dialed back the pace on the front section to recover a bit. Took a gel in preparation for the next series of climbs, and brought my heartrate down. The gel and recovery started to kick in on the first climb. I climbed at a good pace and started to pass a few people. On the long double track climb, I passed two guys in my age group that passed me on the first lap. They were walking, and I was riding. I made the first crest and headed into the twisting singletrack. I was bouncing around on a rocky section of downhill singletrack when, clink...clink...clink...(quiet)... My chain had exploded into 2 sections. My race was over. At first I thought I would hike a bike to the finish line, but after considering the 3-4 mile jaunt, I quickly changed my mind. I went straight down the hill and walked the road back to the finish. DNF. Makes me mad. What else can I say. I was reeling people back in, and was hoping for a strong finish. Next week...