Post by Lynn:

With this past weekend being the first of the Greenville Spinners Spring Series, I couldn’t help but wonder if we jumped into this season a bit late. Too little training, too little organization, too little publicity; however, as the weekend unfolded, it became evident that our Cat 5 team of “2” at this point, was actually more like a team of 8, what with Ron, Hal, me, Al’s wife, little one and dog in tow. I’ve seen much larger teams that don’t work together or understand the concept of “team work” near as well as Al and Rob did.

The weekend really started Friday night over dinner at Compadre’s. Rob giving quick last minute instructions in “tactics of road-racing” to Al (an accomplished Triathlete)—Al taking it all in, as his anxiety mounted. Saturday morning, we pick Al up, bright and early from his “home away from home” at this point… a hotel room in Greenville. Quick trip to his store to get his bike, stop for coffee and we’re off. It was cold, early and exciting.

I was surprised when we got to Donaldson to see that Ron was already there, “Go Tri Sports” tent in tow, ready to assist any rider that needed some mechanical assistance. This, in and of itself, should show you the caliber of people that make up the “Go Tri” team. The race went well, a bit of a mishap when Al crossed the yellow line…. unable to wait patiently to release his speed any longer! Clearly, other riders were more worried about his impropriety, as some sat up, failed to pay attention and multiple riders went down. At the end of day one, Rob finished 9th, Al took 13th out of 27. Great results for a first race of the season and a first road-race ever for Al and the first ride together for a brand new team!

Day 2, Al was invigorated, determined and highly motivated. His only strategy, kick ass from the start line! Rob was ready to sit back, let him go and do what he could to keep the pack off of him. It worked. I’ll never forget the incredulous comment from another local racer when he saw Al fly by, off the front, with only 3 other guys on his wheel as he exclaimed, “that NEVER happens in Cat 5 races!” Al had a great finish of 4th, Rob took 9th again. For two men that have never ridden together, let alone raced together and who only threw this team together, literally, about a month ago, you couldn’t ask for better results.

Ron, Hal and I were “fans” from the sidelines, Keri and Rosa and the team puppy from the car (it was a blustery day for the little one). Overall, it was a great weekend for the GTS team. Great visibility for the store, a great debut for the team and many high hopes for a fun-filled season of new friendships, productive alliances and competitive racing.