Before the Storm

Jason found some pictures from Elings Park, Santa Barbara online. This is what things look like at the beginning of just about every race:

From Elings Park

From Elings Park

From Elings Park

From Elings Park

I actually look like I'm hanging with the other racers in these pictures. Nice.

All About Andrew

I stopped writing blog posts about each and every ride a while ago because they were getting to be kind of boring. "I rode, I had some thoughts, I'm not happy with how I rode."

However Andrew is always asking me during rides ... "So! Is this gonna make it in the blog?!?!"

Yes Andrew. Last night is making it into a blog post. This blog post is all about Andrew and the ride last night.

I pulled up to meet everyone last night and immediately saw Andrew's black Honda Fit. I hate making people wait so I tried to get ready fast so Andrew wouldn't have to wait long.

Andrew and I and some other people rode down to start the ride.

Andrew kept pace with everyone on the way up to the start of the climb. We talked a bit about life and girls and just general nonsense.

Then when the climbing started I knew I had to beat Andrew. I was on the singlespeed and I know he hasn't been riding a lot lately. This made for a powerful combination. I must beat Andrew to the top at all costs.

I pulled away early on the climb and kept looking over my shoulder for Andrew and the 4900. I could not see him. I thought he might be tricking me. Sometimes Andrew will ride with his light off - especially when there is a full moon like last night. Could Andrew be stalking me? Was Andrew riding right behind me in stealth mode only waiting to pounce?

I had no way of knowing, but I couldn't chance it. I had to keep pushing.

As I was approaching the top of the climb I looked back and counted three lights. Surely Andrew was in the group. But what if some OTHER rider had caught Doug and Matt and pretended to be Andrew so Andrew could strike? Again, I could not risk it.

I finally reach the top. The first thing I said to Jason when I reached the top was, "Is Andrew here?!?" "No." "Oh. Thank goodness." Ryan - 1, Andrew - 0.

As we talked and waited to descend back down Blackstar I kept a close eye on Andrew. Would he eat something? Was he trying to get an edge on me? What tricks was he up to? I know he is a tricky guy.

Andrew started ahead of me on the descent and indeed beat me down to the bottom. Ryan - 1, Andrew - 1. Must have been his special tires from Performance or something.

One last section of trail to go now. We are tied. Andrew and Ryan, Ryan and Andrew ... locked in an epic battle of wills.

I spin as fast as I can on my singlespeed to pace Andrew on the descent. He has the advantage with his geared bike, but I won't let that get me down. I dig deep and summon the spirits of Armstrong, Prado and EPO. I won't go down without a fight.

As I am cruising on the flat pavement towards the finish I see Andrew gloating ahead of me. He is riding at a casual pace with an air of victory. I will not let him celebrate! Not yet!

I push with all my might and pass Andrew! GLORY!

Right before the end of the ride I hear a noise behind me. It can't be. It is not possible. Andrew zooms past me and finishes mere seconds ahead of me. DEFEAT!

Ryan - 1, Andrew - 2.

Next time, my friend. Next time I will not be so casual. Andrew you have a beating coming and I'm going to give it to you.

FIN.

Socal State Series Wrap up

Last race of the year was this past Sunday in Big Bear. When I drove up I saw a sign that said it was 34 degrees outside. It was cold and dry and there were patches of snow all over the course.

Not much to say about the race for me. I placed 6th out of 8 riders and ended up finishing 4th overall for the year in my class (Sport 25-29).

From March to June I raced a ton this year and I felt like I was getting better and better. Then from mid June to the end of September I didn't race at all. Three months on and three months off. The last two races showed my drop in fitness.

The only comment I'll make about the race in Big Bear is a quick funny story ...

I'm riding down the first singletrack and I'm not too far into it when I hear behind me "Let me pass!" No thanks. You can earn your way around me. "Please! Let me pass! I'm second right now!" Ok, fine. We aren't racing against each other and you want to pass ... that's great. But we are riding on a singletrack and I'm not about to come to a complete stop to let you go.

Eventually we found a spot, I slowed down a bit and the guy passed me. Then being the cool guy he is ... he eats it on the very first turn after passing me and blocks the trail. Thanks bro.

I'm happy the series is over and even though I despised having to race the last two races, I'm actually considering doing it all over again next year. I still love the idea that I'm racing bikes.