Sand Creek Race #3 in the books. Back at Bear Creek for the action this go around. I am still amazed how fun it is to wrap around the little trails of Bear Creek. I always discount the fun factor for that venue but every time I end up having a riot. Last night was no different. Andy claimed this was “his course” meaning he laid it out, and I think it was the best loop yet. Well done Andy!

The usual Colorado Springs firepower was at the start Wednesday. Russell Finsterwald, Kalan Biesel, JJ Clark, Fernando Riveros, and Shad Schreiner all could travel around to Wednesday night races anywhere in the country and walk away from the field. But here in COS we all get to do battle against each other; this is undoubtedly my favorite aspect of living here. I did not waste time rolling into the start of the race, I pinned the pace and myself from the gun. My only chance against these guys is to make it hard from the start. I do not have big accelerations in me that I can rely one. I just need it to be max pain for an hour. Headed down the descent I anticipated a turn that was not how the course was actually routed I rolled back onto the trail built Russell went around and quickly built a gap. I had a little gap to a chasing JJ, Kalan , and Fernando – but not enough for any level of comfort. Whenever you are in a race like this you have to focus on what is going on ahead of you, not behind you. It is defeating to always be looking back at the chasers wondering how close they are, how they feel, etc. I kept my thoughts and eyes forward even though the reality was I would not be chasing back down Russell, it makes for a much more positive mental state.

The laps ticked on and I grew a few seconds over the chasers but Russell continued to evade any chase I tried to put together. We started to get into lapped traffic making it harder for anyone to make back up time, which was a good thing for me at the time; my legs were ready for a stalemate. Hitting the line it was Russell, myself, then Fernando followed by Kalan on his heels.  I believe that this was the fastest race in the country on Wednesday night. It might have been the world except for this little event that is happening over in France. But I assure you there are more than a few guys out on the roads of France that would not want to tangle with our race scene and the gravel trails of Bear Creek Park. Viva La Bicicleta!

Congrats to Tracey Thelen, my Pikes Peak Sports Teammate, for taking the Win on the eve of her Birthday. And well done Sarah Musick, my work colleague, for finishing 2^nd on her Singlespeed in the Women’s Open. Sarah is preparing for a singlespeed run at the 6 day Breck Epic. I am looking forward to cheering her on from the seat in front of my inbox.

It is off to Snowmass for me. 12 hours of racing with my teammates Jim Lehman and Chris Carmichael! I am so excited to race with Chris, it will be one for the books. See you on the start line.