Race #6 was located in St. Mary's Ohio. A 13.25 out and back course that was a gradual stair step downhill on the way out. I pushed the pace on the way out trying to take advantage of the downhill. At the turn around I was averaging 28 mph and feeling good. The U turn to head back to the finish was a major momentum killer and to add to the fun I was greeted by a slight headwind for the trip back to the finish.
With the uphill grade and headwind I had a difficult time getting into a rhythm, my pace kept bouncing from 21-25mph. At mile 9 I officially entered the Hurt-Locker and as Paul Sherwin would say: "he's all over his machine fighting for every inch". Between the uphill, headwinds, and the 118 mile Hocking Hills ride I did on Friday I was cooked.
Final stats: Time 31:15, 25.5 mph avg., 1st Cat 4, 8th place overall.
