For days leading up to the race I knew I would have trouble deciding what to wear in the 20degree snow covered day. I sat in the back of the Derka Derka Van down by the lake staring at a gym bag full of outdoor gear. Jackets and hats and gloves just make up your mind already. The pre ride confirmed what I thought would be the case, this was a good course for me, plenty of technical aspects to gain time on. As Jacques put it, I was ready get all Picasso on this course. It came time for the call ups and as I was at the line, I realized I had forgotten my timing chip. I ran back to the car and got it only to be hollered at by Dave Fowkes for entering the course backwards. I thought he was going to disqualify me. My mind was in all places but the race when they said go. Without starting on the front as usual it was a hand to hand combat sprint to the first turn. I came around it in about 15th place. Good enough, but I could already see the leaders in front of mesignificantly ahead. No need to panic, we hadn't even finished 1/4 of a lap yet. The group got a little closer and I chased a little harder. Getting closer to the leaders I was able to keep up the pace. I could feel my legs were better than they had felt all year and the pedals were turning easy. Before long, while dodging lapped traffic and ice patches I passed the splintered remains of the group. Just after halfway, I began to realize that I was top five. As I caught up to who I thought was the second place rider, I promised myself I would not let him ride away from me, as he mysteriously rode away from me. My legs were okay, my arms were cramping so bad I began to wonder if I would fall off the bike or they would lock onto the bars rendering the brakes useless. Finishing up the last lap I saw second place coming into view, I was gaining on him. This lit a fire and shortly after I caught up even with him. As we approached a step up dowhhill off camber corkscrew corner, I had the advantage. I entered the corner first. He followed closely. Knowing it would come down to a sprint, I loaded up and watched the corner of my eyes for a tell tale sign that it was time to go. He never advanced so I wound up the sprint and put everything I could into the pedals and held him off to the line for second place in the State Championships, my most important race of the year.

Rethinking the race, it's amazing how important the call up, and the good start that usually results from it are so important to a final result. Out of three rows I started in the second. All season long starting in the front row, I was isolated from the elbow banging that goes on just behind the immediate group of leaders. I believe I made the right choice in clothing, seemingly just enough for a 38 degree 3 hour ride, but this was less than 20 and only 45 minutes. Everything was great but my toes are still not speaking to me for not providing enough insulation for them.