Tale of the Tape: 70 miles, 5 climbs, ~5500 feet of climbing, VERY windy.
We had a great team of cheerleaders at the base of the first climb -- we needed it as the climb started as soon as the neutral section ended. Not exactly a great way to warm up!
On E. Warren Road, Granville Gulch and the Middlebury Gap, I kept looking around saying to myself, "what the heck am I doing in the lead group after all this climbing?" I went to the back of the pack in Granville to talk to our guys and found only a group of 35 or so left and five of our gang were in the chase group. Bummer!
Alicia provided amazing support to the gang. She managed to hand up bottles to a team of 9 folks at the feed.
The stars finally came back in alignment for me 1k from the top of Middlebury, and the dropping occurred. Thom and I dangled just off the back of the lead group for the last 1k to the top. We chased all the way down, but couldn’t close a ¼ mile gap.
We spent a lot of time in no-man’s land between the lead group and what we thought would be a big chase group that would ultimately scoop us up. A strong tail wind helped a ton and it wasn’t that bad to ride the backside alone (although we lost some serious time to the lead group).
Thom was a minute or two ahead of me the whole way -- we were both cruising alone, just out of sight of each other thanks to the bends in the road. I didn’t see anyone until Mike Moran chugged up from behind me on the Notch and we rode the dirt together (the kid has a fat tire future – he can fly on the dirt).
Mike lost a pedal on the first climb and chased his way back into the race by riding solo most of the way (into a headwind for a good chunk of it).
Meanwhile up at Steve was not only hanging with the lead pack, he was driving the pace and ended up finishing 4th on the day. Nice.
Steve turning himself inside out.
A (very) cold rain on the App Gap was the only downer in a great day.
Your's truly, crossing the line in a photo finish with myself.
AT gutting out the 18% grade to the finish. It's a killer last 3ks, all above 10%.
The Mayor crosses the line to the applause of his fans.
It was freezing at the top. Here's a remnant of the gang trying to stay warm in 50 degrees and 40 mile an hour winds.
Andy had a cheering section who chalked the road for him.
This is a GREAT event, a great course and one the whole group should do again next year -- what a way to end the summer.
You guys are animals! Great season Jon
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