Went to school watching Rob Rhodes dominate the 3-4 field. Went hard from the gun trying to create a break around the many slick turns. Got away once but got caught but the tactic was working as we lost most of the field early on. With a few laps remaining, I hit a manhole cover going into turn 1. Went down quicker than a Las Vegas show girl and slid across the street to the curb. Guy behind me rode over my bike and body. Fortunately a boy scout was standing on the curb and was able to untie the knot of bodies and bikes. Got my chain on and hobbled to the wheel pit. Once I got my rear derailleur hanger into a position that would allow the wheel to turn I prepared to jump back into the lead pack. Had enough time to stop in the coffee shop, drink a cappuchino and chat with the barrista (she wrote her phone number on my jersey with the blood running down my leg). Shuffled back to the wheel pit, jumped in and before the next lap was over, I was jumping off the front of the pack again. One guy followed and then jumped me on the bridge over the Little Miami River. Couldn't haul him back and two laps later I was in for a respectable 2nd. Most amazing but true part of the story - Tym Tyler let me take a WHOLE BOX of Clif bars for 2nd place in the 4-5! The bike Gods were smiling on me that day!
