Happy 4th of July! I always get a little bummed when I have to race on holidays, the 4th is one of my favorites. Roseville has been hot and dusty as predicted, I rolled in to practice yesterday at a nice toasty 107,* I think Washington has spoiled me a bit, felt like I was going to fry like a lobster.

This race has always been tough for me, slightly uphill first straight (I tend to prefer the steep downhill), weird gate and hot hot heat but I kind of welcomed the challenge this year. Despite all of my hard training I haven't had a lot of race time in the last few months due to my injury and the big move so it felt good to get back in the mix. I was a bit rusty off the start but felt better with each lap. Because of the heat the majority of pros voted on one main, which was OK with me seeing that the Worlds is one-lap-no-crap format, so no sense in blowing out two more times in 100+ temps. In the main I felt like I was in a good position going down the first straight, Dom had the advantage into the corner and I had to make a split second decision to go for broke or back off. I knew it was a risk but saw the opening and figured I dont learn anything by riding conservatively so I went for it fully pinned and nearly pulled it off until someone's bike hung up on mine and the carnage forced me to a stop. I'm happy with the decision though, think I would have been more bummed if I had pulled brake and settled instead of taking the shot. I know Dom won but have no idea how the rest finished seeing I was busy trying to untangle my bike.

Stumpy straight handled AA, he had a full bike length lead going into the first corner, which in AA is pretty remarkable. He looks on point heading into worlds. The robot blew his gate but came back to finish 3rd behind Donald Robinson. NorCal heroes Josh Oie and Mike Hughes rode faster than I have seen them ride in years and Oie earned himself a much deserved spot in the main. I think AA was more stacked this weekend than I have seen it in a long time, pretty deep.

Gavin Lubbe dominated A pro all day, he looks to be moving up to the big boys after this race. No surprise Fallen won Vet but I have my money on Dusty Armstrong to get him tomorrow, cat was riding fast today. Didn't watch much of the Ams because it was so bloody hot, stuck to the inside of the GT trailer most of the day so hopefully you caught all the action right here on GO211

5:30a wake up call tomorrow, hoping to be done with races by 3p so I can hit the road towards UT. Pics below are of Mike's little weekend project while I am out here, its so handy to have a handy man as a husband! Patio is coming together nicely. Also a little shot from our hiking adventure last weekend up a little mountain in the Nashawa forest.