Pacific International Raceways Flat course

Last night was the first race of a weekly race series at a car racing track called Pacific Raceways. There are a number of options for race courses on the track, but last night was a flat course. There was a reasonable field in cat 4/5 (I'd say 30-40 riders) considering it was pretty wet, although the rain stayed away. The pace was kept fairly high through the race, not least by team mates Ryan and Joe working very well off the front. But the flats are all about sprinting. There are 2 prime laps (in about a 8/9 lap race) and then the finish. I won the 2 primes comfortably, probably due to people being hesitant in the first race of the season. At the finish, my positioning was poor, and I found myself at the front waiting for others to make their move - and they did! I competed well, and it was a tight finish with less than a wheel length between first and third - I got third.

A good start to the series for me, and a good chance to get some proper sprints in.

Mason Lake #3

Second Mason Lake race for me this year, and the last in the series. I felt better today, largely due to the crisp but dry and sunny weather - no icy rain like last week. The race was fast for 2 out of the 4 laps with the attacks coming thick and fast. I got into a break with the guy who eventully won the race, but was struggling to stay with him, so I made a decison that it was too much too soon (1 lap in) and went back to the pack. A good decsion as he got got caught half a lap later, but I think if we had been alittle more measured, we may have stayed away - a lot to ask, though with 40 miles still to go. Once all the breaks failed, the race slowed a little for the inevitable sprint finish. I was a little smarter this week than last week, and found a good position for the sprint, in about 3rd or 4th wheel. The sprint started proper with about 200 to go, and I got up there with a chance, but when a final punch was needed, I didn't have the legs. Still, I got 5th out of 40+ starters, and for my second race of the season, I have to be happy, and it's a big improvement on last week's 10th. I rode home too, so I'm getting some good miles in.

Ailsa's karate

Ailsa has been doing really well with karate. She has moved up to the older class now, and has her yellow stripe belt. She sits her test on Saturday for her yellow belt. Fingers crossed!

First race of the year - Mason Lake #2 cat 4 men

What a horror show. I arrived late and had just enough time to throw my gear on and get to the start line, hopelessly underdressed. I reached the first corner and could not feel my hands, and there was a small man try to force his way out of the back of my head with a blunt instrument. I did my usual hanging around the front waiting for a break, but nothing really took off. I decided to stop after 3 laps as I was in so much pain and cold, but I had a stern word with myself and hitched up my skirt. The last lap was probably the slowest. I was second wheel coming into the straight, but went to soon and got passed - no real zip in my numb legs. I think I was around 10th ish. Staright into the truck, heaters on, hot cup of in coffee in Belfair. Stopped shivering around Gorst...The most fun you can have with your clothes on.

The start of the spint finish - that's me in the blue - it's looking promising...

The end of the sprint finish - not zip, not so promising. 10th. Better luck next time!!