I set a new Cowgill solo speed record of 50.32mph. When I saw the speed hit 45 I went even harder, when it reached 49mph, I called the engine room and asked for more speed. All I had left was a burst of gas, it was enough to push me over 50mph. I did melt a few trees after that burst, but the record was worth it. I tried twice more to reach 50 and could never get it above 46 again. It was the right place at the right time.
This was a Category 2 or 3 climb depending how you look at it. The first section of the climb was 10 miles long with an average grade of 6%. You climb about 1,500 feet during this stretch. I personally see it as a category 2, but the Tour de France committee would see this as more of a category 3. You ride it and tell me what you think. This was an incredible day. I was able to ride the first ten miles without stopping. To know that the best riders in the world would do the same climb at 12-18mph really makes you eat a little humble pie.
Brad did have three flats on the day and was unable to ride the final ten miles down to the car. His 3rd flat occurred while he was doing 40mph about ten miles from home. The second flat was an accident, he did not have the tire seated properly and when he inflated the tube, it blew up in his hands, sounding like a gun shot.