Today's race clinic in a cold steady rain was not fun in most regards, but in some ways it was. We had a low turnout today which, given the weather, wasn't a surprise. (Since it's Day 26 of 30 Days of Biking, I had planned to ride, rain or shine.)
My group headed out to warm up with some paceline riding before stopping at a quiet road to start the day's skills session. Unfortunately, I managed to get a flat tire soon after the warm-up -- and everyone stopped while I changed my tire, (like a pro!), before proceeding with the drills. My gloves were totally soaked at that point, and my fingers froze, and I regretted turning down Mark M.'s offer to borrow a pair of neoprene gloves. (I thought mine would be warm enough -- I was wrong.)
Our instruction today included starting a race, (choosing the right gear to get into a high cadence as quickly as possible) -- and finishing the race, (anticipating where the finish line is, and practicing a leadout and sprint to the finish). I'm sure there were other things we did too, but my brain is dead at the moment.
Later, getting back to the parking lot where we started, someone peeled my gloves off for me, and another stopped the Strava app on my iPhone. My fingers were so frozen! Still, it was a fun day despite the miserable weather, and I had a great time with the NEBC gang.
It was the final day of the clinic, (so sad), and everyone was sooooo nice. I will miss my graduation race because of crew training for RAAM in Oregon the same day -- but I'm sure the new bike handling skills I learned in the clinic will help me be a better rider. It was a blast -- minus the rain.
(Photo above of Mark B., who, like Chip, doesn't seem to mind rain or puddles.)
#30daysofbiking
