back to reality

Well, my week long vacation has come to an end. Boy did it end with a bang! The second to last race (Friday night) went well. I started on the front row, got a good clip in and it was on. I felt great early on and probably did too much. I was too near the front early on and got caught out covering some breaks. It was not smart of me, but at least now I know I can compete on this level. When it was all said and done, I got popped with 3 laps to go, but I hung in there and finished the race. It was not a good result but it was good for my mentality and I now know I have improved from last year. Also, it was good to see more familiar faces. Not only was Stefans awesome family there, but Greg Casteel. Casteel is a great masters racer and a local legend. When I was really struggling at the end, I could hear his voice. A voice that is so distinct due to the large amount of heckling he gives me.
Saturday, the last race was about to happen. Most of the big guns were doing the big NRC race that evening, so the field was noticeably smaller. The race starts, and for me, it was significantly slower. I begin doing very well, I bridge to a break to open my legs and recover well afterward. With about fifteen laps to go, I am sitting about ninth wheel. A Mountain Khakis rider in front of me begins slamming on the brakes, so I am forced to slam my brakes on as well. In order to prevent from hitting the rider dead on, I slide to the right just a little bit. He begins to go to the right a split second later and takes me out. A begin to roll several times. I think four riders end up rolling over me and they themselves go down as well. I get up and get my bearings strait. I try to ride on, but my bike is too screwed up to compete. Not the best way to end the series.
So whats next? Well, it's back to reality for me. Going back to work tomorrow. The Oak Ridge race is coming up and I must meet with police and volunteers and deal with that headache. My other bro Josh is leaving for college in the next couple of days so I might be able to hang out with him one more time. Stefan is going to college next weekend so I will for sure hang out with him before he leaves. Real life is starting as the summer is ending. I will be pretty busy this week, but I will try to do a midweek post to let you know I haven't succumbed to the stress.
thanks for reading,
The Crow