A bittersweet farewell

I did my 81st race of the season today, and my final as a Loon State Cyclist. There were 115 starters in the Masters 40-44 at Cyclocross Nationals in Kansas City. My starting position was about 10th row.

I started easy, as I normally do, letting the more aggressive by, only to pass them 1/2 a lap later when they are totally wasted and going backwards. I continued to move up when on the 2nd lap, my pedal broke off at the axle.

I made my way to the pit, and got a neutral support bike. The only problem was it had flat pedals. To make matters worse, it was way too big, and was rocking on the saddle. I struggled through the course, and entered the pit to get a smaller bike. It fit much better, but without being able to clip-in, my feet just kept slipping off the pedals.

I wanted so badly to just bag it, but trudged on. I felt a sense of duty to LSC to be tenacious and ride proud. I was actually able to pass a couple guys and then I got lapped and pulled with 2 laps to go. I finished 81st (they misplaced me at 3laps down in 92nd, but what's the point of protesting that?).

I've finally reached the off season.