Sunday was the first race of the Winter Short Track Series hosted by Charlotte Sports Cycling. Everyone was fearing cold weather but somehow Neal ordered a beautiful January day.

My race was at 12 but I arrived early to set up the Cool Breeze/Trek Bike Store Team tent with Sarah. My first race of the day was the Sport 40+ class. I lined up on the 2nd row feeling confident that I could get a good start. I was joking with my buddy Wayne when the race started. I usually don't have a problem getting clicked in but missed my pedal but managed to keep my momentum and eventually get clicked in before the first turn.

I entered the turn 1 and used some of my road experience to pass 4 or 5 guys. I took a small risk and entered the woods in about 5th place. The first lap was uneventful and I did my best to keep my heart rate under control.

Nothing like sleeping in late.  I was up about 10 minutes after I wanted to get up but still thought I had enough time to get to the NCCX Race number 9.  Unfortunately, I underestimated the trip time by about 10 minutes, didn't expect to miss a turn, and ultimately miss my race. 

I did find the course about 10 minutes after my race started so I watched my friends race.  The course looked brutal with a lot of climbing.  Not too many riders looked as though they were having fun.   I'm almost glad I missed the race.  I had a hard ride on Saturday, much harder than I wanted.  I did the Solstice ride out of the Cycle Path in Davidson and it was 'game on' for some reason.  I probably would have suffered bigtime in the race.

I will be there on time for the race in Winston Salem and hope to be competitive for the first time all year.