"Taming the Tetons"

Had a race in Jackson Hole/Teton Village last Saturday. There were only four of us at the line in the expert 19-29 category. This was one of my most competitive races this year even though there were only 4 racers. I started the race out in third place for about 1/2 of the first lap, then started reeling the 2nd place racer in. I had a chance to pass him so I did, and was feeling good and put some time on him going into the second lap. I came to one of the climbs and threw my chain into my spokes. I was so frustrated because I had worked so hard to put this guy out of site. I got off my bike and spent only about 30 seconds pulling my chain as hard as i possibly could, as it was lodged in between my cassette and spokes. I got back on the bike and felt like I still had a decent lead, but soon found him right on my tail. I panicked a bit, but tried to maintain my rhythm. I stayed solid on the climbs and pushed it on the downhill to make up some lost time. Going into the last lap I had gained a reasonable lead, but still pushed it hard knowing he could be on my tail at any moment. Needless to say I was able to hold him off and finish 36 seconds ahead of him for 2nd place. It was such a rejuvenating race for me. Some races I get in a bit of a rut, and think negative thoughts, but this gave me an opportunity to push it hard and stay motivated throughout the whole race.