Race to the River '08

Race to the River is here again. Two years ago, I came in 2nd place in the beginner class at my first race ever. Since then, I built an art studio in the backyard and my wife and I had a little girl... my mileage went to almost none for an entire year. As of late I've been back in the saddle commuting a few times a week and riding Harbsion once a week. Today, I find myself at a crossroad. Race Beginner again or Sport? I think my fitness is about almost the same as it was two years ago for RTR. I know I'm still not a very fast rider due to rusty off road skills and fitness. I really don't think I'd be sandbagging if I raced beginner. However, I think I'd feel like a total jerk if I pushed myself hard and won beginner this year. My gut is telling me to race sport class, to swallow my pride, to take my lumps, all of those clichés… and hope to finish in the middle of the pack and not dead last. I think I’ll learn more race craft in sport, push myself harder than ever before… and find out if I should move up to sport at the Stumpjump this year.