Thiensville Extreme Ski & Bike Cycling Classic

Today started out so peaceful - Drigo's harp alarm sounding off at 6 am.  If Starla and Vanessa hadn't been there, I totally would have slept through that peaceful music...  I usually have an obnoxious panic alarm go off that usually makes me dream of fire trucks, and more often than not I still don't come out of my REM coma.

But, it was well worth it.  We got a nice spin in, breakfast and then massage for all.  Back to the house, and made dash to the race.  Of course, panic set in when I couldn't find one important thing - my wallet!  After searching high and low, I gave up and figured it'd turn up eventually...or so I hoped... that was stressful.

We got to the race with two hours to spare, got a good view of the course, warm up in and then game time baby.  I can honestly say, that this was probably the most sketchy crit i've ever done.  Not sure if everyone was nervous, edgy, tired, or what but it was a little nuts with quite a few crashes.  Positioning was a little bit better, and I even led Vanessa out for a prime which was fun but SHOOT I was gassed to the max and had to shrink back into the peleton for a solid 10 or 15 min after that.  After I got my legs back under me, I made my way up to the top third of the pack, trying to stay out of trouble, but also position myself smart for the finish.  With five to go, I found myself 5th wheel, and tried  to pin it - we were all together round and round, intensity building, tension growing, you could feel the anxiety getting thick.  With one to go it was all out, and I was just trying to hold a top 15 position.  Heading into one of the corners I heard a scream from a Kenda girl up ahead.  Drift to the left, right and then she headed straight into the curb.   T-bones it and flips completely over her handlebars into the grass.  WTF!!!! I lost some ground, but tried to regain control of my senses with a half lap to go.  Finish safe, but finish strong.  

Vanessa charged it with superb positioning, and captured a super amazing 2nd place, Starla overcame some serious challenge (crashing half way through the race, and jumping back in) cracking the top 15, with a solid 14th, and I improved from yesterday finishing 26th.  Tomorrow will be fast and furious.  Lot's learned today.  Rest and relaxation are in order.