Category: Masters 35+ 4/5
Result: Mid-pack

Sunday was the Shaffer Bridge RR south of Modesto. (Masters +35 4/5 - FFRT racers Carl and Mike Miu.)

I arrived at the race site and it was surprisingly calm compared to Saturdays winds, after warming up and getting ready the race start was delayed by about 1/2 hour because the CHP had not arrived for the traffic controls on one of the more major road we were racing on. The course was relatively flat with few short power climbs to help stretch the legs and the there were the two "fun" sections of the course. The first was about a 1 mile stretch of something that maybe was a road 15 years ago and is now 1 mile of washboards, gravel, dirt and grass growing in the center and the second was the Shaffer bridge that is I believe planks covered with pavement and the pavement is loosing the battle.

The race was comprised of many attempted break aways and a whole bunch of riders who didn't want to take a pull at the front which was a cause for some riders at the front darting back and forth on the road and at times the pace would slow until someone would get tired of it and attach to pick-up the pace. I took a number of pulls at the front and also would get frustrated with the lack of others not taking on a share of the work.

The race ended with 2 "Body Concepts" riders out in front sprinting for the win and with the field about 100 yards back going for the rest of the places, I was in towards the front and said what the heck and cranked it up and got 6th place. It was interesting that I passed a couple of riders in the final 100 ft who basically seemed to give up before the line, their coasting my prize.

I believe that out team is getting some good visibility during the past few weeks and I am glad that I have been able to help out and be part of such a good group of cyclist/riders and friends.

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