SEA OTTER 07

Our wedding anniversary–seven years and I was racing today… Thanks Caroll! After torrential rain storms on Saturday the sun was out and the wind was rippin’. For whatever reason, the officials called me up around ~90th out of 112 starters. What’s up with that? Anyway, it was the usual start with a complete standstill leaving Laguna Seca. Then of course there was the realization that the leaders were now minutes ahead with miles of singletrack to NOT catch up on. I was feeling great for this time of year and moving up quickly when my usual Sea Otter luck began. First, it was my water bottle bouncing away on a rough descent before I had a single drink. Then, about 20 minutes in my chain bounced off. 30 seconds later I was riding again but now I was behind everyone I had just passed and in the tightest sections of single track. A half lap later I was finally back to my position pre-chain drop. If I sound negative or like I am whining–sorry. I was really riding well and it was just a little bitter to have some bad luck. Anyway, I battled all day and ended up 29th, finally achieving my three year goal of finishing in the top 30. Mission accomplished, but I am left wondering what might have been…