Yesterday I rode my second race of the season, namely the MFG Rapha Focus GP at Lk Sammamish State Park. Saturday night it rained and blew up a storm, so I was not sure what Sunday would bring. Nor was I sure what bike to ride (geared or SS). But, Sunday morning the weather turned nice, so I loaded the geared bike, Cowbell Boy and my wife into the Subaru and headed out in time for a warm up and my 9:30 AM start. Despite rain and the previous days races (StarCrossed) the course held up quite well. The course was laid out not too far from the main entrance to the park and was a flat 2.8km circuit that included two stretches of sand along the beach, two barriers, a good number of corners and many twists and turns positioned throughout each lap. The sand was not firm, requiring anyone who could not power through to dismount and run, then remount for the next ride-able section, then dismount and run through the next stretch. That is where I lost pace with the lead group… Sand is not my friend!!! Running is no longer a strong suit either!!! Out of 15 starters, I finished 6th, 1 min 46 seconds down on the winner of the 4 lap, 30 some minute race… 19 seconds behind the person who finished 5th. I remain amazed at the competitiveness of the 55+ group; the top four were within 29 seconds of each other. Mr. Ridley rode superbly!!! No falls, no mechanical issues and no flat tires! I finally had the opportunity to meet Jared, who drove up from Portland for the weekend’s events. Sadly I was not able to stay and cheer for him, as I had to leave right after my race to take my wife to the airport. Also missed the opportunity to watch the men’s and women’s elite races… Next up is the SCX season opener at Marymoor on Sept 25th.

Paul, Edmonds, Wa.