October 16th, 2010Single Speed Division: 8 laps in 5:29:04
Soul Cycles Hooligan, 32:18, WTB Wolverine 2.2 tires
Felt good for the start of this race. The field was not stacked with only Allen Gracey and Dale Greenwell as guys I knew could smoke me (minus a mechanical, medical issue...hmmm). Also in the group was my friend and PMBAR partner Jay Lundi. I had been fortunate enough to catch him around the 4+ hour mark every 6 race we had raced together, but we are very close in ability so ya just never know. The race started well and I held a good pace throughout. Felt pretty good going starting my 8th lap. I knew if I posted a fast lap, I could go for a 9th. As I passed the line someone yelled out, "Haskins, you're in 4th...". I could see Jay less than one hundered yards ahead of me and overtook him about 1 mile in, I was now in 3rd. About half way through the lap, going through a rock garden area, I passed Dale like he was standing still, because he was. He was standing there with his crank arm in his hand. I yelled out, "Bummer dude!", I was in 2nd! Got to the fire road climb and decided to give it all I had, and then it happened. My right leg cramped up. I tried to fight it off and pulled with my left. Bam! It cramped up and I barely got off the bike without it falling over. I start walking and look back in time to see Jay starting up the hill. As he went by he gave some words of encouragement, but I just told him, "Go,go, you got it!". Even though I knew I was not going to catch him, I got back on the bike and spun as fast as I could without cramping. As I headed up the street for the finish I saw my wife and kids watching from the sidewalk. I came across the line in time for my 9th lap, but I was done. Jay had gone out for his 9th (though it would not affect the standings), but I packed it in and went to hang out with my family. I had taken 3rd and I was pretty darn happy with that. I was also happy for Jay to take 2nd...it was about time he passed me at the end for once.
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