I almost didn't but I'm glad I did.

All week I had been saying no to the Solitude race. Weather said more heat and after suffering last year I decided to instead do a big road ride.

Friday night I decided that since a "cold" front was going to move in why not give the race a try. At least use it for some strength training. I lined up Saturday morning not giving any thought to just doing my own thing.

At the gun the face was frantic as usual. Despite lining up in the front row I was soon tossed off the back. But hey I thought it's a long climb and I'm just here to get some good interval training in. As we climbed I started picking guys off and was able to see the lead group about 50 feet in front. I probably could have bridged up to them, but hey I wanted to maintain a less then lactic pace. I moved up some spots on the first lap and coming through the feed zone after lap one I hit a rock while getting some water. After picking myself up and watch a few guys go. I started up the long climb. The climb felt easier then I remember and I managed to catch a few guys. Lap three I was feeling really good and noticed some guys that I had previously passed now trying to catch me. It's the last lap I thought why not go for broke. I shifted up, pushed the pace and managed to through a few riders between us for a 6th place finish and my first sport podium!

If I would have known I was doing that well I would have pushed even harder and tried to catch the 5th place guy 2 minutes ahead of me.

Yea Bruce thought he was pretty funny picking up a teammate's award.