So this was my first experience with Snake Alley.  I was a little nervous about it as I don't fancy myself as a climber, but am getting better at it.  Being my first time, I asked my mates for some advice about the race.  I got some great advice from everyone, but I will share my favorite response, "Don't die!"  Well I didn't die, but I almost did laughing.  I knew this race would be hard going into it, and I wasn't disappointed in that respect.<o:p />

Nate from Spidermonkey and I made the early morning trek out to Burlington, IA for the Cat 4 race.  We were both very nervous as it was his first time too.  We rode up the Snake prior to the race and I thought 'This isn't so bad.'  But that all changed once the race started and the pace was much quicker.<o:p />

The most useful advice I received was to make it to the Snake in the top 10, but should try to be the first one up.  From the start, I gunned it to try to be the first few up the Snake.  I think I was maybe 10 in line going up the hill the first time, which made a lot of difference.  Other racers were passing me, but I held my own.  After talking with Shawn from Turin and his girlfriend, they said the field was never bunched on the Snake and it was pretty strung out.  <o:p />

After the first few times up, a group of 6 or 7 riders started to open a gap.  I tried to catch on, but I was just trying to make it up the Snake each time.  I was still in the top 15 and would pass a few riders on the technical downhill sections, but then passed by those same riders on the Snake.  <o:p />

Prior to the race, I told myself if I make it to the half way point, I will be able to finish.  Well the first time I looked at the lap counter and it said 5 to go, I was feeling very good about my chances of finishing.  Peter from xXx was one of the riders in the lead group and eventually went on to finish 5th.  Brian from xXx passed me on the Snake and I tried to keep up with him, but he too got away and finished 9th.  <o:p />

With 5 to go, going up the first hill with 2 riders in front of me, the rider directly in front of me, dropped his chain.  Luckily for me, I was far enough back to be able to avoid a#% packing him.  At this point I kept trying to move up  and ascended the Snake and proceeded to move up a few spots on the downhill section.  <o:p />

With two to go, I came up on a rider right after the first left turn and drafted him.  He slowed down and I wanted to get to the two riders in front of us.  I passed him and said let's get up to them.  He got on my wheel, and I was hoping he might do some pulls, but he didn't.  Stupid me!  <o:p />

Final lap!  I go into the Snake and drill it as hard as I can go, but still trying to save some energy for the technical portion of the course and the strong head wind on the back side.  This time up the Snake, instead of looking down at the bricks, I began counting how many switch backs I had left.  Not sure if this helped, but I made it up probably the fastest of any of my laps.  Coming out of the Snake, I look over my shoulder and see another rider coming out.  I had about 50 meters on him and told myself he is not catching me.  Coming into the final turn, I thought he was closer than he actually was, began sprinting, threw for 12th.  <o:p />

I was very happy with how the day went.  First time with the Snake was a great experience and big thanks to the race organizers for a successful day.<o:p />

On a side note, I heard a couple of great comments during our race.  With 3 to go, I think I was 2 switch backs ahead of the next rider, I hear "Listen to that guy breath!"  My only thought was "Dude, let's see you out here.  This is tough!"  With 2 to go, Jeff Wat yells right after the finish line "Nick...you are LOSING!!!"  I had to laugh at that.