(or "What my mother never told me, but Tim and Charlie did")
1) Never, ever buy a new geared bike on Thursday after 12,000 + miles on a single speed and expect to race it on Saturday! (although I did ride it for 39 miles on pavement on Thursday and Friday)(Tim made it clear to me upon completing Chili . . . he was going to ride it as much as possible, to get used to it. I guess there was a reason?)
It took 70+ miles of the Rag to remember how to ride . . . it was kinda fun to play with those gears
2) Never, ever get caught out. Pay attention to who the riders are, and what they are capable of. Stay with the break!
(Charlie made this very clear in many strategy lectures. I should have listened and paid closer attention (read: any attention).
3) Always follow Praman when he is riding a pugsley downhill. It's kinda like motor pacing. (I am quite certain those loud "bangs" you heard were actually Praman crossing the sound barrier.)
4) Never let Palmer sneak around at the finish as you slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the Harley rider who is paying absolutely no attention! (well done Jim!)
Still . . . had a gas . . . can't wait for 2011!
