Going fast & having fun

Written By: Robert Neary

San Ardo Road Race is the most southern race in the NCNCA schedule.  So, being close to mid state, it’s one of those races you’ll get racers from both NorCal and SoCal.  This was the 41st year the race has existed, and maybe the same number of years the course has seen new pavement, never! There were only 5 riders registered for the 60+ race, so we were added to the 50+ race. Combined, the pack was close to 30 racers. Raced together, scored separately.  Once combined, I now had 3 other 50+ teammates.  Our very own National Road Race Champion Chris Hahn, Michael Penta, and Craig Zimmerman.  I was feeling very good about my fitness and the course definitely was well suited for my strengths in riding.   The course was a 21mile loop of mostly flat and rolling hills, and we were doing 3 laps for a total of 63 miles. However, I got just a little over halfway through the first lap and suffered a flat tire.  At that point, I knew the race was over for me as I watched the peloton continue up the road without me.  I was a bit frustrated to say the least after leaving Ventura at 4:30am,  driving close to 3 hours, 190 miles to make the 8:45am start.  I patiently fixed my flat, and made up my mind to finish the race.  After all, if I weren’t racing, I’d be riding, and this was going to be my weekend ride now!  As I passed through the start finish, I stopped by my car to pick up another flat tire repair kit, because I didn’t want to get stuck out there on course somewhere, having to walk, and believe me there were plenty of obstacles!  I time trialed for basically 2 laps, passed a few stragglers, and then caught another 60+ racer with a half a lap to go.  He had also sustained a flat.  We worked together, taking turns pulling untill the final climb to the finish where I gapped him with an increased effort.  I rode across the finish line by myself just satisfied with finishing the race, and knowing I at least had a good workout.  While attending the podium awards, I was informed my teammate Craig Zimmerman had taken 2nd place in the 50+ race.  Awesome for him, and looking forward to racing with him more next year as he turns age 60.  And then to my surprise, I was told I had actually taken 3rd place in the 60+.  I couldn’t believe it, and felt a bit unworthy.  However, I was standing on the podium.  So, I guess, the moral of the story is, always finish the race no matter what, and give it your best effort and maybe good things will come.  In this case, somehow, good things came, and made for a much better 3 hour ride home!