Category: A
Result: Mid-pack

We had a new rider at the track this evening - Biker Bob! He was somewhat hampered by the gearing on the rental bike he was riding - 48x16, but he put it to good use in the chariot races (ably assisted by a competent holder), winning both his heat and the final.

I, on the other hand, was having a hard time turning my 50x15 in the A races. This was my first high-speed work for well over a week, so I was a little rusty, but I did start going a bit better later on as the legs loosened up.

First up was 9 laps to win-and-out. I was nowhere. Second was a tempo with points to the first two riders each time round. I got 1 point and was 6th. Third was an unknown distance scratch race which was really quick. I got a little washed away by the sprint at the end, but rode this one better.

Finally, we had a 50-lap points race. Jackson Stewart went off the front almost from the whistle in an attempt to gain a lap. He got close before we turned on the speed. I thought he got on, but afterwards Bob indicated that he didn't make it. This was mainly a race of following wheels for me as I hung in there. There were times I was close to being dropped from the main field, but I was able to hang in there.

With about 9 laps to go I found myself on the front and pushed the pace a little. I looked over my shoulder and saw that I had a gap so I persisted. I was joined by a buycell.com rider and we worked together trying to stay away. I was the lucky rider who crossed the line first at 5 laps to go to get the points for 1st at the penultimate sprint. However, we were caught shortly afterwards. I put in one final effort helping Gary Yakota and then drifted off the bunch, only to have something left on the last lap to pass 3 or 4 riders approaching the finish. My total of 8 points was good enough for 5th which was a pleasant surprise.

It was another nice evening at the track. I think Bob enjoyed himself, and I felt better on the bike after some racing.

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