My First Non-Race of the Year

Today was to mark the start of my 2011 season. The Frostbite Timetrial in Everett, Washington, about 40 miles north of home (Issaquah). I rode the "retro division" last year on my 10 speed equipped Merlin, and was quite excited to ride my single speed this year in the "retro" division. It is a 9 mile flat out and back course.
Unfortunately we have had some extreme and cold weather the last few weeks. Not like the mid-atlantic and east coast but still rather trying-cold with snow showers. Today was no exception. The race was delayed 2 hours but that did nothing to stop the snow and cold and wind. We left Issaquah with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately I drove through a Burger King Drive Thru with my "race bike" on the roof rack, driving into an overhead sign. I have driven into 3 overhangs in 31 years of riding, and have pretty much come away damage free. Today included. I hit the saddle on the sign but no damage was incurred, though the sound of impact did indicate otherwise. A quick look at the bike and truck and roof rack revealed no damage. We continued on and soon encountered blowing snow.
I then realized that although I had brought two pairs of shoes (including a pair of thermal boots), two bikes, a trainer and tons of clothing (I was wearing two Underarmour tops, 2 team skinsuits, a winter Sugoi bib tight, a team jacket, and a down jacket, I forgot a thermal hat to wear under the helmet). I was expecting a very cold 24 minute race.
Though the shoulder of the course was covered with snow, and the snow showed no signs of stopping, I signed in. More to show my manliness than anything else. My gut told me the race was going to be canceled but I had no intention of waiting. I drove us home and discovered that home was cold but dry. After cleaning the bike and taking off all my layers and riding my trainer I went on-line and received several emails re the cancellation of the race.
It should be reset for August, renamed the Sunburn TT. I do have the Icebreaker TT next week. Lets hope this one does go off.....
Stay warm and safe!
T

Best Thing About the Defeet Wooleators-hightops?

I can wear them as dress socks when I ride to work. Like today:)

MY IDEA OF A GOOD TIME

My first real road ride of the year consisted of 30 miles of grime grime grime on a single speed. But so fun fun fun!

RENEWAL

Our dryer is going on the fritz, Starbucks just raised the price of my drink, cat food went up (we have 5 cats), our Homeowner dues just increased ($418.08 a month, the highest in the area), my salary was frozen this year due to a county wide budget crisis, and we are still on one income. Things are a bit tight.

BUT.......

I just renewed my USCF license and I feel a bit renewed myself.

I played little league baseball for 6 years and I remember the anticipation of being selected after try outs. the call would come at night and I would get up from bed to be told which time I was on. I get thame excitement every time I "re-up" my racing license.

Hopefully this feeling will last the year, or until finances settle down some:)