The Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race was my first race of the 2009 season and first race being on a team. It was with a certain amount of pride as I rolled up to the starting line with my team kit on. It was nice to be waiting for the start with two teammates, Chad and Lupe. As the race started it was a nice easy rollout on pavement for a couple of miles. I knew from reading online that a very rough 1.5 mile section was coming up. I quickly decided that I needed to hit that section hard because it was the only place where the MTB would be an advantage. I learned later from Lupe and Chad that there was quite a bit of carnage as the cyclocross bikes got caught up in all the sand and rocks. The rest of the race was exactly as described…lots of killer hills mostly on gravel roads. I rode with 2 guys for most of the rest of the race as I kept waiting for the pack to catch me. The pack never caught up and I was able to lose both guys on the final hills. I ended up with 2nd in my age and 7th overall in the sport/expert catagory. Lupe came in shortly after me with Chad a little later. All in all it was an awesome race and perfect weather. I can’t wait to try out the riding britches I won!!!
Dan K