Exposed. 35 tough miles on a challenging 8.75 mile loop. The heat subsided some with a pre-ride thunderstorm although you could cut the humidity with a knife. This loop included two small-chainring climbs that hurt me. After the first lap I struggled to keep pace on those bigger climbs. On the last two laps I found myself OTB on the climbs and chasing to close the gap. Scott "Alberto" Young and Ted "Cadel" Pablo and group were setting a torrid pace on the front. I stayed within my limits and slowly chipped away at the deficit successfully rejoining the leaders each time. In the end, it was Scott and me side by side onto the finishing climb. Needless to say, I couldn't keep pace up the climb and Scott danced away taking first.
All in all, a pretty good effort. I raced at my limits for most of the race and despite my 192 lb weight disadvantage was there at the end.
The team was well represented with Marco, Chairman Fred, Ted and myself mixing it up. ABA State Championship jerseys and medals were the reward.
