SoCal Race #6 Rim Nordic

This weekend I flew over to the O.C. and tried to redeem myself from the previous DNF at Vermont. I never had ridden this course before but with it being at elevation 6000+ ft and the terrain looking like flagstaff I figured I had it made. The semi-pro and pro's went off 2min ahead of the single speed field. I lead into the first single track and quickly hit traffic on some steep steep uphills. I could not slow down climbing this stuff b/c my gear was so hard. I ended up cyclecrossing the steepest pitches which makes your heart rate soar. So by the end of the first lap I knew I was in for some suffering. With 1 and a half laps left I was still leading but my energy just left me completely. The temperature and sun intensity was so much that now I was in a survival race. My legs and arms went through the motions but I had nothing. Brad my fellow pro single speed teammate now caught me and was soon gone. He is a steady racer, something I need to learn to do. I know he was spinning a easier gear so his climbing effort was much easier on the steep pitches. I am actually very proud that I pulled off a 2nd place considering half way through the race I pretty much shut down. I didn't have a single cramp but I just felt tired and had no power, I actually yawned a few times during it. I guess I need to go to bed for a bit. My teammate Johnny O' Mara actually suffered from heat stroke and he had to be taken to the hospital. He could not hold any liquid down back at the car and he told Ty he needed help. So off to the hospital we went where they hooked him up to an IV to bring him back. Ty and I where already going towards orange when we got a call finding out that he was feeling much better and was driving home. Johhny O is one of the toughest super stars out there. This guy has gone full throttle for so long, if anyone can take it it's him. To be racing some sort of a bike for nearly 30yrs is very impressive. Well I hope Johnny is doing well and I think we all need a rest right now.I was hoping to do the 4day stage race in southern Utah here in a few weeks but that might put the nail in the coffin for this years racing. I don't know if I can pace myself for 100+ miles of fast racing. I guess I will wait and see how I feel. Oh and free beer and wine on the puddle jumper from Flag to LA was a good ending to the weekend. Bed time.