I went to Atlanta to race this weekend. I kept it quiet because I wasn't going to say anything if it were a miserable failure, but it went well considering that I spent two months off the bike in March and April. It is evident when racing that I lost a significant amount of fitness during the two-month break. I have not raced since July of last year and this weekend was my 6th and 7th races since I started cycling. I have a lot to learn since my lack of experience cost me a few spots in both races. In the road race I reeled in a late attack and then blew up about 1/2 mile before the finish line because I could not get my heart rate back down after the attack. My heart rate went up to 198. In the crit, I started my sprint too late and was in the back of the pack, so I was only able to pass one cyclist in the final sprint. I got 6th, which was a very good result for my first crit in nearly a year.

Photos of the race. I was very excited at the beginning! I am looking forward to racing again.