NEOCX Solon

This weekend was the Solon stop on the NEOCX circuit here in Cleveland. Unusually warm and sunny weather greeted us on Sunday and we all took that as a plus along with the great course that the Chagrin River Cycling Team had set up. Despite the USGP race in Louisville Kentucky that was going on over the weekend, the turnout was good and the racing was as hard and fast as usual.
I got a front row start in the combined Masters 35-45+ and when the horn went off I was rolling pretty well. On and off the gas through the tight switch-backs, keeping the bike upright through the mud sectors and concentrating not to wash out on all the tight corners, tire pressure and tire choice was obviously a large factor in this race. After the front of the race established itself, Chris Riccardi (Team Lake Effect) and myself were riding strong together. Chris was having a good race and was riding very technically sound. I was content to hang with him since we were sitting 4th and 5th overall and 2nd and 3rd 45+ and Joe Pollato, our team-mate, was battling for 1st 45+ and overall once again. Chris and I hit a technical corner on the front side of the course and I partially washed out my front end and lost contact with him, that was ok because he was rolling well on his own. Chris was now just ahead of me and I thought if I can keep this gap between him and I, I will be good for holding my position, that is if I don't go down in the mud or the slick corners. On the bell lap I picked up the pace, stayed upright and had my fastest lap since the first one. I rolled in for 3rd Master 45+ and 5th overall. Team Lake Effect once again swept the 45+ podium with Joe Pollato, Chris Riccardi and me. Nice racing guys and nice overall win Joe.

Next stop on the circuit is this weekend at the Ohio State Agricultural Center in Wooster sponsored by Ride On Cycling. See you all there.