With all the biking I do you might think that I had tried a road race by now. We'' you'd be wrong. The Tour De Lovell seemed like a great event to try it out. Non-sanctioned, home town race with plenty of strong riders to make it a challenge.
 |
| Do I look nervous? Maybe a bit. Riding in a pack can be a little dangerous. |
It turns out my nervousness was founded. A few miles into the race there was the crunching of carbon and bones as a dozen or so riders went down in a heap. I was riding in the same group but escaped the crash by riding over the median. Few. At this point I chased down the lead pack in an attempt to hold on. The pack dwindled from 12ish to 5. Then 4. I felt bad for the guy that got dropped because I know the feeling. In fact, I got to experience the feeling about 30-45 seconds later and only about 8 miles into the race.
I proceeded to ride the rest of the race in exactly the hardest way to ride a road race. Solo! I thought of dropping back to find a pack to conserve energy riding into the slight headwind on the way back but decided to tough it out.
 |
| This is the group I was not in. |
Coming up to one of the last turns there were 3 people directing traffic but nobody telling me that it was actually the turn. I slowed, there were no arrows on the road and nobody pointed so I went straight. WRONG. I did get grumpy with those particular volunteers. I was asking which way and nobody bothered to point. Quickly turned around and managed to maintain 4th!
Other than my grumpiness at the turn the race was well run and I'll probably try to do it again. This time I will know where the course goes.
 |
This is my excited face.
|
 |
| The podium shots weren't that exciting. |
I even managed to pick up a KOM which was unexpected. Probably lead to my legs blowing up and my departure from the pack. Oh Well.
Obligatory Relive video: https://www.relive.cc/view/1130086586
Wow! You did amazing esp. going against many riders who had lots of racing experience. So glad you were not in the crash landing and were able to hold your position after not being directed the right way. You rocked your race! Congrats Biker Guy and Biking Beast!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWas there as well, crash got me all messed up for the rest of the ride!
ReplyDeleteVery nice write up
Maybe i'll see you next year.
Steven Discordia
Sorry you got tangled up in that mess. How many people went down?
DeleteI do not know for sure how many went down, I only got bumped a bit , and miraculously remained upright!, I hesitated for a few seconds and the group ahead just pulled away. I thought about stopping and checking on the victims, but I assumed some riders behind would assist. I panicked and blew up trying to bridge to lead group, rode with 2 others for a couple of miles until they dropped me , and finished the ride with 2 riders at more of a fast paced group ride rather than a race!
DeleteI had the same thoughts about stopping but in a few split seconds I just decided that I would be another obstacle in the course and that the SAG wagon couldn't be far away. I was doing good with the lead group until I pulled for a mile and died. Nobody caught the lead group for the whole race so catching it at the start was your best option.
DeleteI just happened to navigate back to this tonight!, almost had another incident on the Washington Hillclimb!!, slow speed crash avoidance skills are first class!!! Some unlucky sole threw his chain into his wheel looking for another gear that was not there!!, It was fairly early so there were a lot of bodies around, going 5 mph was not too difficult to dodge a bullet, but my heart did jump for a split second,...I definitely did not think for a nanosecond about rendering assistance, my mind was laser focused on not blowing up or throwing up!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll see you next year at the TDL!
And congratulations again on your awesome finish!
Steven
I'm glad to hear that you escaped another crash. Not stopping was the right answer. Starting on that grade once you stop isn't easy. I've only done the Fatbike race to the treeline in the winter. The level of suffering and the entry fee has never drawn me in to the summer race. I supposed I should cross it off the bucket list before my knees get too old.
DeleteThe weather was near perfect, actually maybe a bit warm!, I've volunteered at the summit the past 2 years and each time it was hot. I've heard horror stories about wind and rain, but never experienced it myself!, I swore I would never put myself through that again, but there is plenty of room for improvement!
DeleteGood luck if you slog it up the rockpile!