Vernon Hills Grand Prix was tough to find.  Luckily I have been up that way before, so I kinda knew where I was.  After arriving pretty early, the race course was tucked back off the main road.  Trying to find where to go, I stopped and asked a VH Police officer where the bike race and registration was.  "Registration is in the High School," replied the officer.  

"Great.  Thanks."  U-turn to the high school.  After finding a parking spot, I head to the school.  There were a few bikes outside, so I figured this is the way to go.  Entering the school, there were few adults, and those that were there, were with kids in wrestling leotards.  "This is not the right spot.  Time to go," I said to myself.  As I head out, I ask a friendly xXx rider where registration is.  "All the way on the other side of the course in the trailer."  

"Thanks!"  Now off on what I thought would be a short walk to registration, but turned out to be about a mile.  Not that I am complaining about walking or anything, but it would have been nice to see some signs posted about the race on the streets leading up to the race course and registration.  These would be my only complaints about the race.

Now, 37 riders started the Cat 4 race, and xXx had about 10 guys lined up, ABD had about 5 or 6, Illinois Tech had 4, and DePaul had 3.  Those were the teams with the most riders that I noticed.  The wind was out of the southwest at just a breeze, but as the day went on, riders noticed it more.  

My goal for this race was to be in the top ten and contest the sprint.  I decided to change  this about 2 laps into the race after there were a few attacks against the field.  I decided I would try to catch on to as many breaks as I could and try to see if they would stick and hopefully have something left for the final sprint.  The first part of that goal worked out great.  However, no breaks stuck.  Every a gap opened and I jumped to close it, I turned around and the field was right on my wheel.  

xXx did a great job at keeping the pace fast and keeping a guy on the front.  I noticed Peter was top 5 for most of the race and covering gaps as well as a few other xXx guys.   After a gap was opened, the guys at the front made sure that it didn't get very far off.  Then the pace would slow for a few minutes.  Then another would go.  And off I went, and then the field.  Darn it.  

With 5 to go, the pace wasn't too tough.  I was sitting top 10.  A gap was opened, but was closed within a half lap.  With 3 to go, I decided to work with Peter and a couple xXx guys.  Then another gap opened and we closed it quickly.  With 2 to go, still top 10 a flyer goes off the right and the field chases.  I decide to rest this one out and the chaser was brought back.  The bell lap sounds and another flyer goes off after turn one.  We give chase and catch him.  After a fast back stretch, we come to turn 3 and 4.  I was top 15, a few riders pass me as they start sprinting.  I start sprinting and realize I don't really have much left.  I pass a couple of riders for 14th.

Overall, I was satisfied with the result.  I wanted to see what I was capable of and I think I am finding out more each week.  I have the stamina and strength.  I just need the smarts to know when to jump and when not to.  This will come, I know.  It is only May, and I am still honing my skills as a cyclist.  Great job today all Cat 4s.  It was fun once again.