Through a glass, darkly

*To see “through a glass”—a mirror—“darkly” is to have an obscure or imperfect vision of reality. The expression comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul; he explains that we do not now see clearly, but at the end of time, we will do so.

After a couple of days of contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that I'm really, extremely disappointed at my DNF in the DirtWorks 100. The results came out today, and not seeing my name there hit home. I know, it's bad luck to get two flats, but I could've taken the tube that Tom offered me, but my mind was defeated by then. But that's what endurance racing is all about, no? Getting to the finish, by hook or by crook. Dragging yourself to the line, no matter how battered the body or bike is. I wish I could have the day over, and I will, next year.
But how about Deano? What a ride from the man... 2nd in Veterans, and an incredible 8th outright! 8th!! Beating home such top riders as Shaun Lewis, Saul Britton, Hugh Stoddart, John Hardwick, Hamish Elliott.... Hats off, Deano! you did the Magnets proud. Also hats off to Scotty, 10th, and Col, 21st in Masters. I was hoping to repeat my top ten (9th) from last year, and maybe I could've, going off those times. But I DIDN'T! I'm looking forward now to Killy 8 hour, in a 2 man singlespeed team with Tomkinson... should be fun, and painful at the same time.
And speaking of Tomky, he hopped his way to a victory at the State Trials round at Lithgow on the weekend... in true Tomky style, I had to wrestle the information out of him at work today. Such a humble hopper!
So now it's time to wait until the next big race, sure there'll be a lot of smaller races in between, both on and off road, but it's the lure of the big day out on the bike that is calling me. As Steve McQueen said in the film 'Le Mans',

"RACING IS LIFE... ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS BEFORE OR AFTER IS JUST WAITING"