Monday, July 28, 2008

Our first tandem race

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.

reflection in a semi hubcap

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

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.

catching a bit of shut-eye between races

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.