I decided to go with the leaders today and take my chances. Not knowing the course and racing inexperience cost me a bit though. I was riding just right for most of it, keeping my heart race at 175-180 which I could sustain (going by effort, not looking at HR during the ride). Thom was nice and helped give me instruction about pulling and pulling through smoothly so I didn't go over that red line and blow up. Around 4 miles or a bit before someone (Mitch I think) made a huge move. Zak went with him and I started to but decided to ease up and regroup with Thom. We caught Mitch quickly but Zak went again and got separation before we caught him. We then sat on Mitch for a 3/4 a mile or so and really went quite easy. My heart rate went down and I was waiting for the final climb but apparently the course doesn't really climb again. I went with a moderate move and Thom followed but I didn't go all out. Then Thom went by me near the finish line and I didn't realize how close we were. I should have gone harder when I attacked and tried to hold it. Oh well, the time was decent and 3rd place is my best in a Tuesday hill climb.