The Shower State

Well we just got back from Mississippi, racing the Mad Potter Stage Race. I titles this entry the shower state because if you live in Mississippi, then you will be taking a shower multiple times during the day. This is because when you go outside and stand in the shade motionless your body will begin to sweat like there is no tomorrow.
Ok, back to the trip. We (Shannon, Nate and myself) drove to Troys house on Thursday and then drove to Mississippi on Friday. Well this drive took about 3 hours longer than it should due to some unforeseen traffic problems. I can not complain because Nate did all of the driving. This guys works hard to keep the riders ready to race. So we arrived in Mississippi about 12:30 give or take. By the time we finally were in bed it was a little after 1am and had to be awake by 6am to race. So we arose bright eyed and bushy tailed, ok not really we awoke groggy and stiff. After breakfast we were off to the race, but wait my front wheel is still in the garage. Once we straightened that out were finally made it to the race site. (Nathan is still driving) We arrive with about 15 minutes until the start so we have to register, mix our bottles, warmup and get other pre-race routines accomplished.
The race is off and everything is going well, I'll cut to the chase. I attack, this is brought back Nate counters the attack this is brought back, I counter and we are off for the rest of the race, about 50 miles or so, about half way through the break I remember my doctor telling me "now these antibiotics I'm having you take may promote dehydration if you do prolonged exertions in the heat of the day." (O yea, I had a Root Canal done two days ago) As we get about 15k from the finish I begin to try and shed the riders in the breakaway. I manage to get two or more riders to drop. I attack with about a mile to go and some guy from Holland sticks on my wheel and the other follow next thing I know the 500 meter mark is there and then 300 meters so I begin to go and I am trying to sprint. I am free and then 10 feet from the line three front wheels appear and I am caught at the line.
That evening the TT was 2.5 miles. As far as I am concerned this is not a TT, but I will give it all I have. So that is how it went I caught my 30 second man and almost my minute man, but was 1 second from 1st. That is right 1 second. No worries this is a stage race based on points not time. So I am now sitting 2nd overall in points.
Sunday, the Criterium is 60 minutes. I tried to ask the officials if we could add another half hour to this since we are the last race and would not be holding another race up. Well, it did not work. If you have not figured me out I like longer races. The Crit was going as planned Nate got into a two man break and created a large gap very quickly, the only catch was that the other guy would not work. All I have to say to that is CRAZY. So they were brought back. I countered and was off with three other guys for the rest of the race. I picked up a prime in the process. With 3 corners to go I put a pedal into the ground. Now before you think anything. I had been testing every corner thoughout the whole race to see where I could pedal though. So that when the finish came I would not have to worry about it. Well, the old saying is not completely correct. Practice does not always make perfect. Right when I put that pedal into the ground the two Herring Gas riders attacked and got a gap that gap held all the way across the line. This left me 2nd in the overall classification for the weekend.
This race was fun and the courses were good. The race promoter is a very good guy. He let us stay at his house the whole weekend.

I would like the Thank all of those who make this team possible.
Also check out the new company website
www.compliancedepot.net

Matt "I did not know my body could sweat this much" Seagrave