The race started at 8am on Saturday with 47 semi-pro starters. It was apparent by the early-morning 70° temps that heat would be a significant factor in how things panned out. What's more, the race promoters shortened the race to a smokin' fast 2 laps (due to the heat), making it a full-blown drag race along Santa Ynez's rolling hills.
I had a mediocre start, riding around 2/3 of the way back until the first climb, where i managed to pick off a few weaker members of the herd. After that i decided it was time to party and rode aggressively through the remainder of the first lap - risking blowing up for the sake of moving catching more riders.
After coming through the feed in lap 2 out in no-man's land and properly dousing myself with a dedicated "cool-down" bottle of icy water, i took a look over my should - only to see a train of 5 or 6 other semi's working together. That lit a fire under my ass, and i made sure to give'r like hell on the approaching switch back ascent. Luckily i was able to shake the chasers, and as an added bonus i came upon a group of 4 semi's about 15 seconds ahead.
A few swoopy descents and bumpy flat sections later i finally caught up to the caboose of the 4-man train, which turned out to be Blake. Shortly thereafter i caught the remaining 3 riders who had stuck together and promptly rode away from them, deciding that "working together" with these guys would only slow me down.
On the courses final climb i caught yet another weary semi - but upon dropping into the final descent i was able to beat him in duel of the "no brakes game". From there it was a 2k time trial to the finish; mouth open, drool hanging, legs burning - all in the name of warding off any possible chasers.
I rolled across the line in 12th place - my best NMBS finish as a semi-pro to date - and nearly 10 minutes ahead of lyle (finally!!!).
As for sunday... i got blown out the back of the STXC, finishing "DFL +1" as Davis calls it. I guess i burned all my matches on Saturday. Oh well.
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