First Race Jitters

I was shaking at the start line, but it was more due to the cold than anything. Today was my first race of the season, and it was an Open Men 1,2,3 field, meaning I was once again racing with the big dogs (hopefully a soon to be common occurance). I believe that the race was the biggest field I have raced in, as I was told that there were 93 guys out there. Not bad for a small local race put on by a collegiate team. Despite the number of guys, I felt a level of comfort I just don't get in a 3's race. While I never saw the front of the race, I felt good, and had plenty of gas in the tank at the end. My main challange was manuvering through the mass of riders to get to the front--something I've never been very good at in crits.
Prior to the race, a group of teammates and I--all kitted up in our new outfits--did a 2 hour training ride. I feel that these activities are making us a more cohesive unit, and I'm glad we have guys motivated enough to show up.

Here's a pic of me on Thurs, wearing my new kit. I look a little top heavy because my jacket is a little big on me. This ride was the second one with my new Spy Scoop Espada sunglasses. Even though I got home when it was getting dark, I could see fine because the glasses have photochromatic lenses. In bright sunlight, the tint is dark, and in low light, the lenses become almost clear. Very cool technology.

I want to give give a shout out to Pete, Steve, and Ryan, as well as all my other regular viewers. Hamilton, get back to work and stop slacking!