Salt City Circle

I was supposed to race St. George today. I love that race. In the expert class I was had a long lead in '05 and '06 when I lost to mechanicals, and I won it last year. With anticipation I took yesterday off work to drive down, but by Thursday night no one was going with me and I was doubting whether it was really worth the 10 hours of driving. Normally I'd get a good camping trip with the family out of the deal, or at least camping with friends, but not so this year.

Added to these thoughts was the fact that I haven't felt very good on the bike this year. I just haven't had much zip (or enthusiasm). I was looking at 2+ hours of wishing I could keep up with the other pros.

The clincher was my wheels (get it?) -- I didn't really have a bike ready. Friday morning I pulled the front tire off to No-Tubes it, and it took a couple hours to get it to inflate. When I finally got it inflated, it was leaking around the spoke holes because the rim tape wasn't sealing.

Additionally, the back wheel had a broken spoke. The I-9 wheels use their own spokes, and although I had a couple, the rear hub is asymmetric, and I don't have anymore for the drive side.

Anyway, 1+1+1+1=0 and I didn't go, instead fixing some things around the house and then riding for 3 hours. Then today, I rode for 5 more hours. I rode around the city.

House-Kennicot. Kennicot-Airport. Airport-U of U. U of U back to house. The weather was very windy but warm and I enjoyed the ride. I thought about and slightly envied the guys in St. George, but I made the right choice. I wasn't ready to race, and I needed some solid training efforts. Funny how one can feel a bit tired and slow, do eight hours of exercise, and feel rejuvenated.

I also got to spend last night with Kim on a date and spend this afternoon on a daddy-daughter date with Heidi.

So it turned out great.