Rockville Bridge Classic Weekend

Rockville Bridge Classic in Marysville, PA. 2 races, 2 days. Not a huge turnout but better than last year. It was a combined Masters field so I knew I was in for an azz whoopin. About 25 of us went off at the gun (ok, whistle) on Saturday. It was the "traditional loop", complete with a steep run up and stairs, more off-camber turns than I cared to count, and a fairly big power section. On the 1st trip over the barriers some relative neophyte to cross was right in back of me when I dismounted so I wound up kicking him. Apparently he was not pleased with this and let me know at the end. Not the best place to be in a cross race, dutch-bag. The really fast guys took off and I pulled away from him and 2 others. I wound up with a guy on my wheel for a while but managed to drop him with 2 to go. He eventually DNF'd. Got caught by the 2 leaders with about 1/3 lap to go, shortening my misery. 22nd of 24 (9th of 11 in my age group) but in that field I wasn't too disappointed. Mike G came out to watch and brought a few brewskies which were greatly appreciated. So much so that I spilled 1/2 of one on the back of his Land Rover... Day 2 was a smaller but still very formidable field, changed course; a bit shorter, too. Got there early and warmed up for about 45 minutes which was good since my legs were a bit sore. Got to heckle/encourage a fellow RBRer while warming up who was pleading for a beer handup. My buddy from the day before lined up next to me. After the start I hung on through most of the really twisty section (more than day 1) and decided to run a section of 2 logs and mulch into the stairs. I wound up making (or at least not losing) time by doing this. He and another guy and myself were together for about 4 laps; I led them for a couple and let my buddy go around me at one point so I could sit on his wheel for a while. Passed him on the power section and then bobbled going up a steep off camber losing my place to him and the other guy. Got back to them and again passed them at the finish line, this time for good. Wound up getting lapped by the top 5 a bit sooner but this was a shorter, faster course, so I wasn't surprised. Moved up 2 places from my Saturday finish, 6th out 0f 10, so I was happy with that and I got to beat "my buddy" who threatened "to get me" on Sunday. This was a fun, technical course on both days. I hope this race grows because it's a great venue with a fun, challenging course. Also met K-man (finally) on Saturday. Parked next to me. And beat me. Photos were free to all by Joe Mallis as a courteousy to the promotor since it was a "local" race.