found page at www.bike.com.
Jonathan Page Reports On Emma's First Christmas
And racing the 'Christmas Series'
From: Jonathan Page - Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Hello everyone! Well, the last 3 weeks since my December 21st entry
here at Bike.com have been pretty hectic and results and, form wise,
not at all good.
I spent Christmas Eve I didn't do much I was still trying I picked
up before Nationals. I just couldn't
I had to be back to race on the 26th. I signed a contract to race in
all. The flight was uneventful but I couldn't sleep.
I even ended up.
Lots of people congratulated me on my Nationals win.
I started the first of my 7 race "Christmas Series". I didn't expect
much from this race...and I didn't get much either. I raced the first
20 minutes and then rode another 10 before pulling out.
I was excited for this one. I usually do well there...but this year.
UGH. I think I was 14th but I don't remember. I wasn't feeling good at
all and the World Cup was the next day so that made me feel even worse.
I quickly changed and headed out to ride a partial lap before going to
the start line. To be honest, I was already off pace and after lap 2, I
was going REALLY poorly and debated quitting entirely. (Ed. note: Kinda
wish that he did!)
I could hardly pedal my bike anymore. I was hoping to get lapped so I'd
have an excuse to quit but it didn't happen so I finished. My Christmas
Series was not going well.
I woke up with a fever. I only had one more race, so I dragged myself
out of bed. I couldn't help but smile. I finished with another mediocre
result and feeling like I'd gone a few rounds against Ali but I went
home happy because I knew I had 2 days with no racing!
I spent those 2 days sleeping a lot and I put new cables my bikes and
glue new tires I had flatted. I went to the doctor and got a blood
test. I have very low iron and some infection.
Normally, this would be bad news but, for me, it was GREAT news! I have
been riding terribly and it gives me some hope that when I get done
being sick I might actually ride well again!!
I also took my girls...
I slept in as late as possible on New Year's Day. I did better there,
finishing 11th, but still not the result I was looking for.
Some nice people offered to let us use their hot shower so I was VERY
appreciative. They also invited us to come back for every year I race!
Eight hours after leaving Baal, 1:30 am, I sent Cori in with Emma ahead
of me with our bags. I got about halfway to the door of the hotel when
I saw them coming back toward me.
I woke up wondering what the race would bring. I was pleasantly
surprised at the start of the race. I led the first two laps and then
settled.
I was yo-yoing. I came in to switch bikes, I flatted. I dropped to
around 25th I was told. I went as hard as I could but was tapped after
riding in the front and then riding so long with a flat and only
managed 22nd. I was disappointed but what could I do?
I spent much of the 3rd and 4th in bed with a fever.
I wasn't at the hotel. The race was live on TV and I was "the man to
win" and used heavily in the promotion of the race so I had to try to
get there.
I frantically got dressed. I found Cori and yelled to her to get in. I
checked in, went to the start line, and we were off. I led the first
lap for TV purposes. My legs were worthless and I flatted 3 times. I
finished only 6th in a race I was supposed to win. I did the best I
could with the circumstances I had.
I actually feel like I will make it! Look for another journal after
Worlds.
Jonathan Page
My only question is, "Why would I look for another journal after
Worlds? To hear about another cold, showing up 15 seconds before the
start, or your 13th 13th place of the year????"
zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzz