There is no question that race reports when you have a decent race in
lieu of a lousy one. So here we go:

Saturday: Sterling, MA Verge Series - Weather 24 degrees and icy.

Had a great starting position on the front row. However, I have a
mental issue with this course. Last year I got clipped on the start
on the rock hard track and was down for awhile and was in pain for
week afterwards. I am getting old and I don't like pain! So although
I had a good start I took it relatively slowly on the track for two
laps and gave up about 30 spots. Stupid but oh well. Picked people
off on the big climb and barriers. They added in a swithback section
after the log jump and it was sheer ice early in the morning. Took it
slow and accelerated afterwards. Never even tried to ride up the
climb after the barriers on the backside and was happy for it since
it was too slippery on the last couple pedalstrokes and guys went
down every time in front of me. Was hoping for a top 10 but because I
was racing another race and I didn't realize the guy in front of me
was 10th. I eased up at the end and finished 12th.

Sunday: Palmer, MA Weather 24 degrees and the group was rock solid.

This was similar course to last week in Easthampton. Lot of roots and
ruts to deal with. I was late for the start due to crank and pedal
issues still. Started behind a guy who usually starts fast and then
fades middle race. Was fine until he fell into the rut on the single
track and I got stuck behind and was almost last starting the race.
However, I had high hopes for this race and I was bummed. I knew I
was good enough to race with these guys finally so I started picking
everyone off. The first run up was like going up a rock but I used a
fallen tree branch to pull myself up to the left side and ran to the
side up some leaves which always picked up a spot. The final climb I
dug hard as guys were walking and I managed to finish in 7th. Not a
podium but at least another top 10 for an upgrade next year.


Next weekend is the final Verge at Goddard Park. Even if you are not
racing you should come out and check out some of these guys who make
it look easy like Curtis.

See ya out there,

Michael