Pure Austin Road Race, Pace Bend, TX Cat 3
(2/26/2006)

"Sight for Sore Eyes"
Chris Lowry

The sunny and warm weather at Pace Bend was a sight for sore eyes after the Walburg suffer-fest. Rainy and 50 degree conditions gave way to mid 60's and clear skies. GCCA-Bikepsort was well represented in the 3's with Bradley Gunter, David Barron, Trent Stephens, Andy Weathers, Jose "Cowboy" Caballero and myself.

The 62.5 miles were covered in 10 laps at an avgerage speed of just under 25 mph. The attacks started on the first lap with Coorg of A&M who began his relentless assault on the group that would last pretty much all day. Myself and several others sat on a couple of strategic wheels and covered the many moves that were to come. I tried and for the most part stayed in the top 5-20 positions for most of the race due to a field size that was apparrently in excess of 90 and I wanted to stay out of trouble. A couple of moves went off on the last couple of laps but it was apparent that nothing was going to stay away but the field was certainly dwindeling as the pace ramped up. I tried to get into position for the steep climb just before the finish but could do no bettet than hold my ground. My legs were absolute jello coming to the finish trying to snag a couple of extra positions.

In the end I settled somewhere in the top 15 which I was pleased with given the field size and depth and coupled with the fact that this was my third 3 race. But overall GCCA was very active and at the front of the 3 race all day long and I believe will be a strong force in the cat 3 peleton all year. Good job boys.