Off Track Events: LCD 3 - Rockbridge Revenge

3 weeks into the low-car diet. The temperature has dropped and there have been many rainy days. Times I have asked myself if should I pass up the opportunity to travel somewhere due to the time and physical discomfort involved. Being a self employed stay at home kind of guy, I was able to escape from the heavy rain, cold days in the early week. Only having to sport the rain jacket a couple of times. Cold weather and rain can really change the mood of a ride.

The biggest obstacle of the low-car diet actually has been organizing with the schedules and responsibilities of those who interact with me on a regular basis. From telling my wife that I will meet her at a restaurant in 20 minutes (I tell her to give me a 10 minute head start), or telling friends that I will meet them at FearFest at the Midway exit (give me a 30 minute head start please) it takes proper planning to meet on time. Last minute commuting by bike, can be a solitary endeavor. Rewarding, but not always social.

The Rockbridge Revenge Trail run was this last Saturday. The event is a 10k and 20k race through the wooded, hilly, muddy and rocky park. Really, one of my favorite events all year! I bundled up early in the morning and rode to the park. After chatting with some good friends and watching the start of the 20k, I decided that I had better visit the restroom before beginning the 10k event. Apparently, I was in there to long, because when I came out the race had already started and many of the runners were already way up into the single track in the woods. Yikes! I threw all my warm weather clothes in the direction of my bike and ran towards the pack. After plowing through trees and zig zaging through the groups of runners I finally caught the front group of runners. I am going to give credit to the month of hard bike riding that my legs never gave out and my lungs didn't explode by the end of the race. I finished a strong second place (first in age group). I am really happy about that!

With daylight savings time less than a week away, its time to get those bike light batteries replaced and ready. Time to bundle up the layers of clothing and prepare for the cold weather ahead. One exhilarating week to go!�

The race begins!