Cherry Pie Criterium.......

......1980-something or other(Yeah, it's another one of those silly retro-grouch 80s stories). As a Junior racer, my mom took me to quite a few races around California(I was really lucky to have that kind of support - thank you Mom!!!). Now, back then, I was usually quite nervous before races - to the point where I usually had a bout with diarrhea about an hour before the race started(I know, disgusting......but nerves do strange things to your body).

Anyway, my mom was pretty use to this happening to me, even though it was quite embarrassing. But at this one race - the Cherry Pie Criterium in 1984(I think) in Napa - I had it worse than ever. I wasn't sure if it was because it was the very first race of the year, or what was going on. I just didn't feel right - felt just a tad off - spent a little too much time in the bathroom prior to the race. I just thought it was nerves.

Well, as it turned out, the race went off and it was fast and furious - Scott McKinley thought it would be fun to hammer the pack, and future Junior National Road Racing Champion Freddy Boos thought that was a great idea to do it too! We were gettin' bonkified out there - it was quick! And painful - I was dropped and out by half-way through the race....very disappointed.

Turns out I had been riding the whole race with the stomach flu! By the time the race was over, I was running a fever and vomiting.....and ended up obnoxiously sick for the next two weeks. "Welcome to the 1984 racing season Rodney - hope you have a great year!"

Gee, thanks.