San Diego is that last round in California.  I have typically struggled in California, so it was no secret that I was happy to be wrapping it up.  My riding had been improving every week, however, my results weren't showing it.  I wanted to have a good weekend and get the ship turned around.  My team had been so working so hard and I was tired of letting them down.  No one could fix it but me and I was determined to.

I started practice feeling really good.  I jumped everything right away and tried to put in fast lap times.  The whoops were really big though, and I felt slow there.  I had a little bike issue which I was concerned with but we figured it out for the 2nd practice session.  I ended up 20th overall which was not at all what I was looking for but it would have to do.  My bike was dialed in though, which was a good sign.  I just needed solid starts and to stay out of trouble.

 My heat race was exactly what I hoped for.  I started 6th or 7th and rode mistake free to the finish.  I didnt really have to do anything crazy or battle too much, just put the laps in and run a fast pace.  I followed Eric Sorby the whole heat, both of us just trying to move forward.  I felt like I could have tried a pass a couple times but it wasn't worth the risk.  I just wanted to get in the main event, which is what I did.  I would have 11th gate pick for the main so I would have a shot at a good start.  I needed to get up front and go with the leaders, something I hadn't done thus far this year.

I got a great gate for the main.  I was in between Nick Wey and Travis Preston, two really fast bikes and great riders.  I knew I would need a great jump off the line to make it happen.  I came out great, luckily and tried to fight Chad Reed into the first turn but he beat me there.  I braked and went inside and came out 8th or 9th by the end of the first lap.  I put my head down and tried to sprint with those guys early.   I felt comfortable with the pace and just wanted to click off the laps.  I made a big mistake about halfway and Nick Wey got on my rear wheel.  He made a good pass on me and put me in 10th.  I followed him for the next few laps and tried to pull away from the pack behind me.  I was getting a little nervous, the race was winding down and I needed a good finish.  Fortunately, I put it together and crossed the line in 10th.  It was a big relief to have a good weekend.  We are headed east now, and I am looking forward to the softer dirt.  Hopefully I can carry some momentum into these races and get a roll going.  Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you at Houston!