Rosewell & Other Speedweek Updates

Greetings from Beaufort, SC!  After a hectic couple of days, I have the opportunity to put my feet up and reflect on Speedweek thus far.  So, we've hit some bumps.  After an exciting first race at Athens, Whitney and I were geared up for our race the following day in Rosewell, GA, eager to use our diverse strengths to complement one another and achieve a notable result.  Unfortunately, luck plays a role in our races, and we were most unlucky this past Sunday.   Early in the race, Whitney was caught up in a crash on the back side of the course which left her quite beat up.  Although this tough cookie was adamant on staying at the race for the finish and postponing the trip to the ER, she eventually caught a ride with the ambulance to have her elbow, shoulder, and hand looked at.  Upon Whitney's direction, I remained in the race and luckily avoided the later crashes.  Feeling a bit unsafe hanging out in the middle of the pack, I opted to take a page from my teammate's book (How to Race Like a Bad Ass Woman: Thoughts and Reflections From an Aggressive Racer.  Chapter 1 Don't be pack fill.)  I got to the front and stayed there for a bit going for a cash prime.  I won the prime and stayed toward the front for a bit after that, but heading into the finish, things became dicey again and I didn't quite have my wits about me.  I drifted too far back heading into the last corner before a long drag to the start/finish line, eliminating all chances of a good result.  I still managed to pass quite a number of riders to secure a 18th place finish.  Eh.  Nice shot from the race on cyclingnews... http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/roswell-criterium-2012/photos/220319

Once I found Whitney's bike, rental car keys etc, I made my way to the ER to find the nurse torturing her (in the kindest way possible) with his scrub brush.  Most of us have been there and know how crummy it is to hit the pavement, although it's impossible to recall the pain of road rash with complete accuracy.  After x-rays they discharged her and we made our way back to Atlanta after a quick stop at CVS for essential items (meds, pints of ice cream, spoons.)  Monday morning, the hospital called Whitney to let her know that they did find a fracture and she needed to follow-up with a specialist.  After packing up the bike and car, I drove Whitney to the airport so she could get back home and start the healing process as soon as possible.  I continued on to our next race location and arrived in Beaufort, SC late yesterday afternoon.  After a long and lonely drive, I was welcomed by my hosts Rocky and Joan Keith and their soccer playing pup Kiley.  They are phenomenal folks and I'm so grateful for their hospitality and company!  Rocky and I went out for a great spin last night and then enjoyed a delicious dinner and my favorite, dessert!

Feeling well rested today and looking forward to a fun night of racing in Beaufort this evening!