Alright! I now have 2 UCI points.

Today went pretty well and I achieved my goal of a top 10 finish, I was 9th. The race was held on a tough but very straight-forward course. It was a paved, headwindy climb, some barriers, a steep thingy that was just ridable a mud bog and lots of swoopy dirt roads that ended up feeling like singletrack because of the path that was worn in the leaves and pine needles.

I started hard and got myself up into the top 10 and was finally able to stay there for the entire race. I got to battle with Jeremy Powers, Johnny Sundt, Mark McCormack for the first few laps, and as things sorted out I ended up with Justin Spinnelli, Matt Kraus and another guy that I don't know. We were basically battling for 10th by that point so I am very happy that I was able to seal the deal in the final laps. Only Justin was able to beat me at the end (which I'm sure will thrill e-richie!).

I'm hopeful for tomorrow, sounds like the course might not be as rough with the hard climb. I felt really fast on the few technical parts that ther were and I'm pretty sure that my new bikes sizing and geometry is a big advantage now that I'm totally accustomed to it.

This is a big confidence booster for me after having a couple really tough weeks in the east and sure enough "the form" seems to be coming around. I didn't want to race at all today so that's good. I'll be glad to get back home!