Union Grove

Mike came into town and we headed out and raced in the 40+ at the Union Grove Road Race. The course has a few rolling hills and is just under 5 miles in length. We did 7 laps. I usually avoid races with any hills in it, but since Mike wanted to do this, I skipped the flat crit in DE. A couple other races who know me, saw me in the parking lot and asked what I was doing there! I did this race last year and finished 2nd to last. I was popped off the the field with about 2 miles to go, so my goal this time was to not get dropped.

Not much to report as I went to the back to just conserve and finish. I was surprised that I felt as good as I did and kinda regretted not moving up or doing anything! A couple small groups get up the road with a couple laps to go for a total of 9 riders up the road. The last hill starts ~1km from the finish (it's actually not that hard of a hill as it isn't that steep at the bottom, has a 'break' in the middle, and then has a shorter steeper section). I was in last spot in the field as we rounded the bend up the hill. At this point I was happy to finish in the pack but kinda of pissed at myself for not even trying to move up. I decided to sprint anyway and passed half the field for 9th in the field and 18th overall. Mike ended up in 26th (not bad considering this is only his second race of the year and he's only been 'training' for the last month.