by Jay Atwater
Like that extra boost from the morning cup of coffee, Barry-Roubaix
has energized me, picked me up and placed me back into the bike
saddle. Race day was beautiful, maybe cool temps in the morning,
however as they say: "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing
choices". I dressed right for the weather, so the first battle was won
before the bike was off the rack. We lined up in our groups, I kissed
the wife and child goodbye, and the roll out began. There was the
expected "slinky effect" and then after a few miles we dumped off the
road into some sandy double track uphills. I managed to get through
the jam-packed melee with a single dab, while there were people
washing out all around and pile-ups everywhere. Through the first test
and finally back on some gravel I was trying to find my pace. It was
uphill, downhill, uphill, downhill... I don't remember a single flat
section. All-in-all the race was a blast, I won a 4-pack of Founder's
Double Trouble and got to spend the day racing, seeing friends and
enjoying being away with my family... outside! I asked my 7-year old
what was his favorite part of the race and he said "the part where you
won the beer". Anyway the unexpected result of this race is that it
has place me back at a point where I am excited for the riding season
ahead, eager for Spring and full of vigor. Since then I have put in a
couple roller workouts, a 10-mile ride for groceries with a bike
trailer and the wife pulling a trail-a-bike with my son, and my first
ride at Pontiac Lake of the season. Not a bad start after months of
gloomy indoor trainer rides.
