Winfield

Devastation

My brother, Chris, started racing this year and quickly garnered YouTube fame as he deftly maneuvered through (or maybe over?) a chaotic crash at the Watsonville Crit in California.

He is the sole survivor escaping unscathed from the carnage:



At 00:20 he is center screen, bikes and bodies flailing around him:

No Chocolate Milk

Photo by Dave Reid

6.26.10 ToAD - Downer Classic
Cat. 3 / 15th

There would be no repeat of last year's big win at the great Downer Classic. No sweet chocolate milk chug on the top step of the podium. The race was just as fun, but with less drama and significantly less ceremony at the end.

The race was a brief detour from our family vacation in the Dells and gave me, my dad, and brother a chance to do something more active than sitting around eating and drinking all day - which was nice. Having tasted victory here only a year ago, I have to admit I had high hopes as I toed the line - though my experience this year warranted humbler expectations.

I sprinted for a prime late in the race thinking perhaps I could get myself into a break, but quickly realized I didn't have the legs for it. I settled in and waited for the finish, still feeling decent about my chances. On the final lap I moved into pretty good position, close to the front. Coming down the straightaway on the back side of the course two lead-outs formed - one moving up the right side of the road, the other to the left. Right or left?? I knew the decision was going to make or break the race for me. The train to the right was moving faster so I jumped in - perfect! 5th wheel and I'm set. Wait, the left side is speeding up...passing us...they're gonna make the final corner before us! No!! "You have chosen...poorly." I dropped numerous spots and a lot of speed before coming into the final turn and just did my best to maintain what I could. It wasn't the finish I'd hoped for, but rest assured the week-long vacation alleviated any and all disappointment.