Sometimes work gets in the way of life. Then again, sometimes you can work in a little life into work.

The last day of the month and the first three days of the month I have the opportunity to earn time and a half at work. It is a great thing but that usually means working over the weekend once every month. In the winter that is no big deal. But in the spring and summer I do my best not to miss riding and racing during the weekends. This spring I went on a little spending spree in celebration of getting in racing shape. I bought two pairs of race wheels to go with my new race bike. Ouch. So I really like making time and a half when I can.

This week I was scheduled to work Friday-Sunday and Monday-Wednesday. Bunny Hop Criterium was on Sunday at 3pm. I was able to arrange my trip to get back to BWI at 12:30pm. That would be pushing it but doable to get to the parking lot, drive to the race, register and get to the start line in time, I tried to get rid of the PVD turn to make it easier on myself. It would cost me a couple hours of pay but it would make my life a lot less stressful. No one wanted to work my little turn :( Then Jill offered to save the day. She worked my turn for me :). It is so nice to have friends. Thanks Jill!

I got to the race with plenty of time to watch a few races and even warm up a little. It was a very hot day so I didn't want to warm up too much in fear of over heating. I raced the category 4 race. I've raced Bunny Hop for the past 5 or so years with mixed results. It is a very easy course but it can be fast and one year I blow a tire and left half of my ass in the second corner. I felt great right from the start. Able to move up and back thru the group of a hundred riders at will. I stayed in the top twenty or so watching the breaks go and come back. With 17 laps to go the bell rang for a two place prime. I just sat back not really thinking of going for it until we rounded the last corner and I carried my speed into a half hearted jump that got me second place in the sprint. Nice an easy $10.00 gift certificate for a burrito. I drifted back into the pack now waiting for the final sprint. I thought I was going to be in a good spot for the finish but the guy leading me thru the final corner slowed down just enough to to keep me from really getting on top of my gear. I finished 10th.

Happy with my result and still feeling good, I decided to race the category 35+ race too. I had to register and change numbers fast. I have not raced a 35+ race in a couple years because I've had too much trouble hanging on to their speed. Not a problem now. :) I only planned on hanging in just to get some more fast miles. I found myself moving through the group with ease. It was faster for sure. As the laps ticked away I realized I was going to finish this race. And I could even try sprinting with this guys. I rolled up to Mike and asked if he would lead me out. With two laps to go the pace of course really picked up. I felt a little twinge in my right calf. Coming into the last corner before the final lap my calf cramped hard, locking up my leg. Race over. Rats. I almost made it. The heat got to me. The miles got to me. The speed got to me. All in all I am very happy with both of my races.

Now that is the best way to spend the hours between VGA trips.