It's probably obligatory to include the following quote when reporting on this race:
The Nevada City Classic is considered one of the most technically and physically challenging 1-day courses in America.
While I have no idea who originally said that, I can personally attest to the truth of the statement. And to up the ante, add a bunch of top-tier domestic pros, 90 degree heat and thousands of spectators lining the route. While my knees weren't shaking as I rolled to the start line, they may as well have been.
Through a string of solid results, plus two wins I have begrudgingly upgraded back to Category 2. A few years ago I pursued a dream of racing my bike for money, as a professional if you will. Moving from the bleak beginnings of the snowy Midwest to the sunny shores of Californ'ayea armed with a Cat 2 license - I was determined to live the glamorous life of a pro bike stud. My eagerness and impatience led me to over-train myself into the ground, literally. After dropping out of my 4th consecutive race due my insane level of fatigue, I quit the sport entirely. Pissed and depressed, I then spent the next 6 weeks in bed recovering from my follies.
I didn't race again for over 2 years, and when I returned I asked for my Cat 4 license back. Now armed with the knowledge and hindsight of how-to-train-without-burnout, I have elevated my fitness higher than it has ever been. So back to Cat 2 I am, with the temptation of over achievement dangling as a tasty morsel once again. All aboard the over-train! Choo choo!
