Rockville Bridge Classic

Marysville Pa. The site of my 1st cross race. And the beginning of an addiction. It was nice to have a 1215 start time AND a 20 minute drive. Got there as the snow started to fall. Took entirely too much time talking and genearlly just taking it easy, but it was OK. Plenty of time. It was cold but bearable. Wore my fleece skinny (my favorite) and my old "No fear" knee warmers. Perfect! Rode 1 lap and it was already getting slick. Finally, the start. About 12 or so strong riders, mostly Elites, Dave Baumgardner, Gary Snyder, and myself. I knew my race would be with Dave and Gary. Took off up the gravel/paved road in decent position and rode down the same hill on the grass, once again in decent shape. Negotiated the off camber right hander well and took off for the next turn. Got off and ran up the hill. Way too slippery to ride fast. remounted and rode OK thru the rest of the 1st technical section, ran the barriers well, and headed off the the next technical section. I really didn't ride that section very well until the last lap. Dave and I kept swapping spots; he'd catch me and pass me on that section; I'd catch up and pass him on the section after the start/finish. I ran the section after the steep run up that seemed to gain me time on Dave. We had put a decent amount of room between us and Gary, but not near anyone else. Finally it showed 2 laps but I figured we'd get lapped, and we did, but not until about 1/2 way through. I had a good lead on Dave by this point but lost it when I dropped my chain after a fall. I managed to holdhim off anyway and took 3rd to last, about where I figured. But it was so much fun I didn't care. Great race. I hope it becomes a regualar race in the following seasons. Photo courtousey of my friend Joe Mallis @ smugmug.