Tjena!
Well, I have been having a great time at home riding and visiting with friends and family. I forgot how flat and windy it is at home! Certainly different training than that around Jönköping. We have had two Tuesday night club races that I have been able to ride in. They are an out-and-back style with a loop at the half way point which takes you up and out of a large valley. It is about 20 kilometres to the valley, a 10 kilometre loop with 2 hills, and then the 20 kilometre return to the start line. Somewhere around 50 kilometres total. Wind is always strong and generally in your face on the way out to the valley, as was the case for the races this July. In the first week myself and another rider broke from the pack (approximately 25 riders) on the second hill and managed to work together for the remaining 20 kilometres. We finished about 1 minute ahead of the group, though he had more at the end and he took the sprint! So a solid second for JCK! Last night was the same race with only one hill before the return ride to the finish. I felt strong but only 4 kilometres into the race I flatted! I fixed the flat and rode myself, catching 2 of the slower riders, then flatted again! With no more tubes or CO2 cartridges I ended up getting a lift to town with a farmer with room in his truck for me. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Looking forward to riding once I return to Jönköping. Wishing everyone a great summer!
Greetings from Canada,
Dave