Our first tandem race

Monday, July 28, 2008

It was only a matter of time before Nick wore me down and convinced me to give bike racing a try. (Actually it was a condition he imposed when we bought the tandem.) I’d been battling a throat infection all week. We’d paid our registration fee, though, for the Co-Motion Classic Tandem Stage Race, so when Friday rolled around I plopped myself in the car for the ride south to Eugene.

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reflection in a semi hubcap

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We arrived at the factory just in time to sign in and catch the end of the factory tour.

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Then it was off to dinner at an old college haunt - The Glenwood. My throat was so raw that I had to pass off my strawberry lemonade to Nick. I could only eat half my tomato cheese soup. We went to bed early, hoping to be well rested for the next day’s time trial and criterium.

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catching a bit of shut-eye between races

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The a-field criterium

The next day’s stage race was blazing fast (44 miles in 1 hour 20 min.). We stayed together until the final mile when the stronger riders blew the field apart. Nick and I managed to hold our own and pass three teams on the way up the final 1k hill climb. Overall place was mediocre thanks to our TT effort. We learned a lot though and anticipate a much better effort next year when I’m not sick.

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