Gloucester 10.1-2

This past weekend was the opening to my season, in "Glah-stah" MA. On day one, a nice front had dropped a bit of rain on the course, so things were going to get pretty sloppy. With it being my first race, I had a poor starting position, 7th row. As soon as the whistle blew, I tried to get to the front as quickly as possible. Within the first half lap, I had found myself off the front with former teammate, Nate Morse. Unfortunately, as soon as I got up to the front, I flatted. When I got a new bike, I had dropped down into 8th position. Over the next few laps, I tried to get back up to the front, but was held up by several more crashes and mechanicals. In the last lap, I was fighting for 2nd place in a group of three. Leading into the sandpit, I opened up a small gap and held it to the line, taking 2nd.

Going into day two, a strong wind was coming off the ocean, so the course dried out a bit, making things a bit faster than day one. Shortly after the start, I had a small gap, but got a little too excited and slid out going around a corner. I was able to get back into the flow with no issues. Soon after, a lead group of 7 formed. The group widdled down, bit by bit up until 2 laps to go. Nate Morse put in an attack, and instantly got a gap. Almost right after Nate went, I bridged up to him. Going into the last lap, it was mano a mano. I started to put the hurt on him, and almost gained a gap a few times, but Nate was able to shut it down. Going into the barriers, with 300 meters to go, we were together. Coming around the last turn, I opened up my sprint and held it to the line, with Nate close behind. All in all, it was a great weekend of racing.

That's all for now.

-Curtis

Up the run-up on lap one of day 2. Photo credit to Marty Allen.

Trying to shake Nate on the last lap of day 2. Photo credit to Wil Matthews.

Standing on the top step, day 2. Photo credit to Emma White