Battle at Bear Creek 10/30/2016

[Photos lifted from event Facebook page.  Thank you photographers.]

_goal
Injury-free.  Enjoy skates and friends.

I swapped in new Red Magic from Debbie Rice and skated couple miles around the house.  I made sure I had Bandaid.  I debated how and when to break the bad news to Simmons.

I ran 16 miles Saturday morning with Irving Running Club.  Hanging out with friends was more important than optimizing race day readiness.

_darkness
The race morning was dark and foggy.  Marty drove his new 2-wheel cruiser from Dallas.  I was a creature of comfort in my 2012 Civic.

[foggy start]

_300m
This was the 3rd time I used the 105mm wheel set up.  I was never comfortable with it.  I would’ve been better off with 2015 110-100 high low but wasn’t willing to risk breaking helicoils by unmounting the frames.
I skated conservatively.  I probably would be faster with the tall and heavy 125mm wheels.

[struggling with collapsing boot]

2016 31.4 seconds (5th in Male 35 to 49)
2014 31.93 seconds
2013 33.58 seconds

_10k (clockwise)
Renee reversed the direction.  This was to my advantage: I turn both ways equally badly.  The pavement felt smooth under 125mm Red Magic.

The opening lap was slow.  Half the skaters were afraid to cross over.  The peloton slowed every time before the sharp right.  I let the big pack go.  I didn’t want to be near right-turn-challenged strong guys.

[stayed behind the Champion guy]

[took over half way into the race]

The touch-screen GPS was locked on the wrong screen; I didn’t know the distance.  I ended up an extra lap.  Some 9-year-old tried to help with my math for the next race.

Time: 19:30.3
Speed: 19.0 mph
Place: 2nd (Male 35 to 49)

_half marathon (counterclockwise)
I stayed in the chase pack where Jim Bourgeois asked for help up front.

[I led instead of being lapped by John Thurmon! photo by Doris Lucas]

I answered the call half way into the race—might as well contribute before being dropped.  The faster skaters left us with 3 laps to go.  I made no effort to chase.  I was happy with 19 mph.

[The 2 top guys lapped us.  Rob and Alex would’ve kicked their ass if they were here]

_off by 1
I told my group I’d lead the final half lap.  I wanted no part of the finish fight.  As I got to the front, we passed former pack mates, miscountingly thinking they were done.  I hammered; the group went to pieces.  John Thurmon managed to overcome the big gap to overtake me with comical ease.

Time: 40:53.3
Speed: 19.3 mph
Place: 1st (Male 35 to 49)  John Thurmon was 52.

_afterward

Sam came out with her 2-year-old.  It was so good to see old friends.
Had a good visit with Tavis in car.
Long drive home, glad I took Civic instead of Ninja but wished for self-driving technology.