I like to consider myself a racer, but like many of us there are many priorities that come ahead of riding.  So it's a good thing we live in a community where there are plentiful races and rides and there are many chances for something to line up when we can actually do it!  I was excited that the Synergy TT landed on a day that was one of those that worked out - and even had great weather! And even better, I heard this week that my friend and teammate Eric Sundstrom bought a TT bike and was also planning on coming.  While not a race where a team makes a difference, it's always nice to have someone to race with.

We got there plenty early, a great venue west of White Bear Lake, staged at a local restaurant with post-race food and socializing.  A great way to get some exercize, test ourselves, and build friendships.  Running our own race series and getting to other TTs there are definitely regulars for this type of race, so it really does become fun to see familiar faces as I get to know a new circle of friends.

Eric prayed at the last race so I had the charge this time.  While I am not good at preparing ideas, I really felt that more than just a thank-you God for the time and weather was in order and ended up with a prayer of thanks for supportive families and the willingness to take  our cycling enthusiasm and focus it on being a light in whatever environment we're in.  At least that's the quick summary.  No super eloquent, but any time we choose an event over being home it makes me more appreciative of the mission our club pursues and action we represent.  And with that it doesn't matter what the race results are as long as we stay focused on the path God provides and make the most of the opportunities we are given.

But, that's not to say a good race is a good race and I can always be prepared to give the best I can.  So that's what we both did.  it's a 25.8 mile course, fairly flat but with a good-sized low grade climb that drains you and makes you feel like you should be going faster than you are.  It's a great course for the mental game of time trials!  Regulate your power, manage the hills, don't get to ancy but leave it all on the course.  I finished with a 1:02:07 time for just under a 25 mph average.  Good enough for 3rd place in the cat 3 field.  My goal was to break 1 hr, and I was on pace to do it until I just plain 'ol ran out of gas a little over 2 mi from the finish.  I bogged down in the last stretch and only by sheer will I kept the legs moving instead of just falling over in the ditch and curling up in a ball, which is what I really really wanted to do at that point.  So I missed my goal but still had a respectable finish.

One great thing is that my new Strava obsesion (thanks to Tim) is they map elevation, speed, and estimate power output for your ride.  And from what I can tell it really is fairly accurate, given it can't accountt for wind.  It reported a 300W average power output, and my speed was consistently around 25 mph, so I was pleased that I managed the hills and consistency well.  Now i just have to extend the endurace part of the test.

All in all it was a great event!