Three letters you do not want next to your name, DNF. Did Not Finish! The Pedal for Proceeds Bicycle race in Whitewater was on my racing calendar this week. I always look forward to this event because it is usually flat and very fast just the way I like it. It is short as races go just over 23 miles and usually there is a very strong head wind in some direction. This year was no exception as the wind was in our face for the first 3 miles. Ouch!
5 of my Flying Bobcats teammates were along to keep me company on this day and I would need every one of them since the Big Ring Flyers lead by Nate Phelps keep the pressure on by sending folks off the front. Each time an attack was launched Tim Skinner, Dan Valenza or Tyler Byrnes would be there to cover the move. Matt Wurz and I were kept safe in the peleton in case there is a needed bunch sprint. Now that sounds like a good plan and it was working great up until about mile 17. I looked down to see my rear tyre completely flat! My race was done.
With me out of the way it would free up other members of my team to try and finish off a good placing for the team. Matt Wurz got into a good group of three riders with about two mile to go and aided by the other members of the Bobcats blocking and covering any other attacks, Matt was sure to be on the podium! Matt has a real strong finish and his sprint can pack a punch. As the breakaway splintered in the final few hundred meters matt was able to finish off the day with a strong 2nnd place finish for his second podium of the season!
Matt Wurz in the winning breakaway
This was a great day for the Bobcats placing 3 in the top 10 and 4 in the top 15. For the next couple of weeks I will be focusing on training for the Bone ride. I need to do a series of longer faster rides to get the ole legs into riding distance shape and get the Butt use to the saddle a little more. Thanks again for reading.
Pedal For Proceeds Results
2nd Matt Wurz
5th Tyler Byrnes
8th Daniel J Valenza
11th Tim Skinner
54th DNF Matt Hanson