Rockleigh Crit 2016 Series Opener

With the 2016 Rockleigh Crit Series serving as a fundraiser in memory of Zach Koop we weren't going to miss it.  

It was a poignant start to the race as a large field completed two memorial laps followed by Zach's loved ones retiring his #1 race number. 

But as strange as it felt there was also a bike race to be held - and so before long we were riding in circles at approximately twenty seven miles per hour.

The action was aggressive at first and mid-way through the race Scuds jumped off the front for an extended excursion up the road. Unfortunately in short order a very large Lupus squad took control of things, ultimately shutting down the break and following an extended lead out, delivering Scott Savory to victory.

I was caught off guard by the announcement of two to go and so despite my attempts to make up ground in those final few minutes I was too far back to be in the mix, rolling across the line around twelfth.

Of course it wasn't until the ride home, our legs tired and our stomachs growling, the the true absurdity started happening. Just another day racing bikes (and taking selfies) in NYC....