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April 30, 2007
My First Race!
So I finally got my first race under my belt. I was nervous going into it not really knowing what my fitness level would be and that my weight is no where near it needs to be. I also had my new R3 and I am still getting used to the Campy set-up. Finally, I am also racing with a new team, Loon State and really do not know any of the guys yet.
So I showed up at the Kenwood Memorial race looking for Neil as he is the only guy I really know on Loon State. We were to race the Masters 4/5 race which was 42 miles long. Two loops over a rolling course with strong winds and a steep mile long hile that drags right up to the finish.
I was racing with Andy, Bob, Brian L, Brian E, John, Tim, and Neil. I over heard Bob telling Neil that on the steep hill up to the finish that you need to keep on someone's wheel as the pack will accelerate hard trying to force a break. I tucked that knowledge into the back of my head and got ready to race.
The first lap started out pretty easy. We had a neutral car take us out on the course for the first 3 miles or so and then things got a bit settled down. The pace was not too high and I was able to spin in the small ring and keep my line. The wind was pretty light as we headed out on the course.
Once we got the second 90 degree right turn, we headed straight in to the wind. Well, actually it was a bit of a cross-wind. The peleton started to spread out and riders were hugging the double yellow line trying to find some shelter from the wind. I ended up accelerating several times up the right side to get behind others as I fought to stay on a wheel. It was motivating to see other LSC riders and to know there was someone there from your team.
There were several riders in the bunch that were squirrely and kept shifting their lines, hitting their brakes, etc. Eventually, one rider just to the left of me lost control and went down hard. Luckily I was able to avoid the crash and none of my LSC team mates were caught up in it. The peleton quickly got back to together and we rolled on towards the back of the course.
As we continued to fight the winds on the back side of the course, we all started to move up towards the front of the group as we geared up for the steep hill that leads to the finish line. You actually can pick up some pretty good speed coming into that corner, so if you are off the front, you may be able to carry some momentum. For me, as soon as I got around the corner I put my head down, grabbed a wheel and simply pedaled my heart out. At least a dozen times in that short mile I wanted to scream and just pull off, but I kept at it, telling myself that this pain will go away soon. After we got over the hill, the peleton kept accelerating. I did everything I could to keep on the front group, though I started to see a gap open up.
As soon as I saw a few LSC riders in the break I sat up looking for someone else to do the work. I did not want to chase my team mates down. A chase group quickly formed. A GP rider got on the front and I grabbed his wheel as he chased hard. I did not let him pull off the front and I did not pull through. I think that made him mad, but when I told him I had team mates up there, he understood. Soon another rider picked up the chase and I grabbed another wheel. We made it back to the lead group, but I was at the back of the group and was having trouble holding a wheel. I started to slip of the back and the next thing I knew I was alone. I had completely popped.
I figured I would be riding the final 17 miles on my own. Neil passed me and said something, and I think I just "I am finsihed!" Neil kept going though. Another 45 seconds or so went by and a chase group of about 8 started to pass. Brian from LSC was in the group and I found a bit of motivation to get back on the someone's wheel. The group was working well and we started to gain time on the lead pack. As we approached the second turn onto the back side of the course, we were close. As soon as we made it through the turn, I sprinted to get back on the lead pack. I saw Neil there and I was happy to be back.
Pretty much everything was hurting from may ass, to my lungs, but I just kept pedaling. I found it very tiring to try and keep my position and was working hard to find relief from the wind. As we got on the final stretch heading back towards the steep hill, I drifted to about 2/3rds of the way back from the front. A few miles later, a small gap had opened up and I was too far back to react. I started to move up and try to bridge what was left of the peleton, but was struggling with the wind. I was finally able to find a few riders, including Brian from LSC to work with. We worked pretty well together staight through to the steep section. A few of the riders did not grasp how to ride into a cross-wind and we were constantly trying to organize the riders. Me, I was simply to tired and just tried to keep my pace and position. As soon as we rounding the corner onto the hill several of the ridres blew by me and I settled into a decent pace to drag myself across the finish line. As I slogged up the hill, I passed a couple of riders and was able to find some energy to get across that finish line. I simply wanted to collapse after that.
Overall, I am happy with my race. I placed 31st out of a field of 67, so I was at least in the top half of the finishers. I was able to keep with the front group through the first lap and was even able to chase back on once after I popped. Finally, I did not crash which makes any race a great race.
My parents came out to see the race as well and that was very special. I was very excited that they got to see me considering everything that has happened this spring.
This week I plan to race Opus and Gluek Road Race this Saturday. Hopefully I can continue to find some form.
Posted by kermisch at April 30, 2007 8:27 PM