tidewater challenge and stuff

The 20th Annual Tidewater Challenge was this past weekend. Quite enjoyable as always! This is the forth year in a row I've done the event, although I think the 8th time I've done it? Turnout appeared to be higher than the past few editions. Despite not really training much at all, I signed up for the Pro/expert. With twelve starters and cash payouts ten deep, the odds looked alright. One guy double flatted and Dave was pooped from doing the cross race in Richmond earlier in the morning.

The first four laps I was well focused, but not blazingly fast. The fifth and sixth laps hunger got the best of me as I began slowly bonking. The aroma of carmalized worcestershire sauce wafting through the woods from the Trek/VW RV did little to satiate the hunger...

I started well, but then realized my pace would not be sustainable. After settling in, it was time to sit back and have fun. I used the iPod for the race with a diverse amalgamation of all things rock, hip hop, acoustic, jazz fusion, and alt-country rock... with the volume low enough to hear other riders and spectators, but just right in order to hear the music. Anyways, i ended up 10th, in the money, with (I think) a course PR. Dave dropped out on the forth lap after cramping.

The team had a great catered tent (thanks to Equilibrium Exercise Gallery) and cheering section.


Afterwards Katie, Gordon, Kristen, Dave and I hit up Peking in Williamsburg for some scrumptious Mongolian BBQ along with other Japanese/Chinese fare.

The weekend was also host to my 10 year high school reunion. The whole ten year thing made me feel old... especially as the last 7 years have absolutely flown by. After a family oriented lunch, we had a reserved section at McFadden's in the Hampton Power Plant. McFadden's looks like a great place to catch a game on Monday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday... a lot of BIG TV's. It was also the Halloween Ball, which featured many creative and grotesque costumes.

I was supposed to start Base 1 this week, but several variables thwarted that.

On a separate rant... where did Fall go??? It's been below freezing almost every morning this week!