RACE REPORT: Out Like a Lion RR

Since I couldn't race this weekend, this is a guest post from Jason Sprouse:

3/22/2009 Out Like A Lion RR, Salisbury NC

Because of family and work commitments, only Jacob, Chris E, and I were able to make the trip to Salisbury for the Out Like a Lion Road Race. The weather was looking good (no wind for once this year), and we headed out with plenty of time to spare....or so we thought. Between catching up, spacing out, and some faulty directions, we managed to get lost three times on the way down and arrived at the venue with only 30 minutes to spare. After taking care of the essentials, we got pinned and did a superb 8 minute warm up and got to the line. The conditions were nice with 60 degree temperature and little wind, and arm warmers and knee warmers were optional. Jacob and I were going to try to be active early, so after the neutral start, we made some hard moves that got shut down quickly. Probably because of the late arrival / no warmup, I was struggling after these efforts and was hanging on at the back early. The course was more challenging than expected with some good rollers, one steeper hill that could be powered over with a low cadence in the big ring, and a subsequent (and more challenging) longer grade after a hard right hand turn. This grade is what ended up shelling folks after a couple of the 9 laps. Chris E was active throughout the race, but nothing was getting away for a while. His new Industry 9 wheels served him well as he felt a noticeable difference in handling and acceleration with the new setup. A late break went with two to go and with one to go, I took off to attempt to make the bridge. One guy from Storm Endurance went with me, but got dropped on a hill and I ended up maintaining a 20 second gap on the lead group of 6 by myself for the last 6 miles. I ended up 7th, and our team goal of a top 10 finish was achieved. Chris E ended up doing well in the field sprint, and Jacob was happy with his performance as well. Most importantly, we managed to make it home with no miscues. As always, our I9 wheels performed admirably, the Treks are the best bikes we could have, and all of our sponsors' contributions are appreciated.
Jason

Thanks to all our sponsors: Industry 9, Trek, Hutchinson, Liberty Bicycles, Rudy Project, Honey Stinger, Dr. Miller, PML, Eco Concepts Realty, ABRC, Champion, Velosports, and Affordable Home Inspections. We couldn't do it without you!

You can check out their websites here: http://www.ashevilleelitecycling.com/officialsponsors.html