We used to ride all over the state practically. I would do it on those crappy Schuck's bikes as well (man those things are heavy! Don't worry dad, I forgive ya)
As we rode more, we rode faster. As we rode faster, racing entered our minds. As we got a little older, a few of us took the plunge and decided to compete.
We targeted our first race, the Volunteer Park Criterium. We trained in the winter and early spring. This was the first big race of the season--and I was 100% positive that I was going to win.
It would be easy to win, I figured. Just ride near the front of the pack for the majority of the race and then do a solo break-away near the end to win. What could be easier?
I wasn't riding a Schuck's piece-o-junk at that time. I had a Japanese made Peugeot...a "Challenge". It was a half-decent ride. It wasn't a racing bike or anything...but I put some tubular racing wheels on it since I knew I would be buying a new bike soon...a real racing bike.
Anyway, my buddy Matt and I were training a lot. We even got up at 4:30am once to practice on the actual course (we had to get up that early because cars weren't allowed in the park at that time. However, we were a little late and they opened the park shortly after we got there...so it was pretty much a waste)
The big day came. I was a little nervous but pretty sure that I was going to win.
The race started. I got an ok start and was in the middle of the pack. I had started right next to Matt but I had no idea where he was. But that was the least of my problems...
The real problem was that all of the guys were going so freakin fast! I was doing everything I could just to keep up. Jesus my legs are tired. My god, I think my lungs are going to explode! When does this thing end! Screw winning, I just want to finish with the pack!
Well, I finished with the pack. You couldn't really call it a pack. It was all strung out. I think just about everybody (except the guy who won) probably felt just like I did.
Just after the end of the race, I was keeled over my bike, trying to catch my breath and trying VERY hard not to puke. I peaked up and saw Matt. I said, "Hey Matt, I think I'm going to puke". He said, "Me too". Then I said, "Was that the most fun you ever had?" and he said, "Yeah." We were hooked on cycling--completely hooked.
We were still novices that year. I had just gotten my driver's license and we drove all over the state doing novice races. We got better too.
I trained hard that winter. I can't believe I got up almost every morning BEFORE school to ride the turbo trainer (they hadn't "invented" the mag-trainer yet. The turbo trainer was SO loud...I don't know how my parents put up with that noise).
Early that spring, I bought a new bike. I real racing bike. Well, a real budget racing bike. A Specialized Allez SE. Red with all white trim (including the saddle--I made them change that just for me). It's a great bike. Yep, no past tense there...it's still my one and only bike. She's mostly the same too. She's got Dura-Ace brakes (thanks Matt!) and a new (sealed) bottom bracket. The rear derailuer got upgraded from Suntour Superbe to Suntour Superbe Pro (after a minor accident which we won't talk about right now).
Anyway, too make a long story short. I kept racing for a few more years. It became the biggest thing in my life at the time. I was in the best shape of my life too--it was great!
I was a slightly better-than average racer. I advanced to Category III and I won a few prizes. Never actually won a race though...second place was my best finish (Wenatchee Criterium in 1986).
I still enjoy riding although I don't do it enough (see Monolith page). I am hoping to buy a new bike one of these days. Yep, I'll be buying a racing bike even though I probably won't race again--I still have that competitive spirit when I ride though. Plus, I want STI!
Oh yeah, I've done STP twice too (never in one day though). It's a great ride. The first time I did it, there were 4,000 people. The second time I did it (8 years later or so) there were over 10,000 people! By the way, if you did STP in two days in '92 and there wasn't any cold water for your shower, you can thank my friend Ryan.