Monday Blues: Point of No Return

US Cup, Bonelli Park, Saturday 14 March

You know the saying, "it's not if, but when".

I had set up shop at this spot because I wanted to get the long line of the pro men's race flowing across the bridge and along this straight section, the lowest point on the back side of the course. It has potential for some interesting shots, potential that is enhanced (or perhaps exacerbated is a better word) due in part to the red-painted impact head on a riser sticking up right next to the trail. If you are anywhere back from the front of that long line of riders snaking through here, you may not see the thing until right on top of it; carrying a little too much speed may put you off the trail just enough. That is the main reason the 'bail-out' line, around the far side of the sprinkler, is nearly as distinct at the main line trail.

"It's not if, but when." Some riders will get up all furious, cursing and stomping about, maybe looking for a fight. Most though recognize the truth in the saying, accept it and move on. Any stomping, kicking, or rolling around on the ground is just wasted time, time better spent getting back to the chase. That is exactly what the two riders affected here did - quickly picking themselves and their bikes up, and setting off before the dust cloud even had time to settle.

Blue: A color, a mood or emotion, a genre of music. Tune in each Monday for another installment of the Blues, with a cycling twist.