Rolling into the parking lot to the tune of "YMCA" our heroes embarked on the start of another race. This time, Der, Mike, Mike, HotRod, Woulfie, Jonny B. and Bill lined up at the start. We saw Ken finishing up the cat 4 race in the parking lot and welcomed John Doll riding his first cat 5 race as a member of OSVC.
Not sure what happened in the other races, but in the 35+ race, I could tell Bill was there to win and hurt folks. I had done well here in the past and figured to be in the mix. The first time up the hill was easy and it all stayed together as a Union dude got off the front. Mike M. would try to bridge but didn't make it and got caught just before the climb. I was prepping a counter, but couldn't move up on the narrow roads. When we hit the climb, Mike led Bill into it, pulled out wide and went off the back with Jim. I was struggling like a pig and Der beat me to the top. I started too far back and had to keep coming around guys leaving gaps and was winded at the top when Rod flys by me. We were close to the top and I was bascially the last guy over, just a little off the back, but didn't panic and knew I'd be back on in a couple of pedal strokes.
After the downhill, I was not recovering one iota (always wanted to say iota). In other words still dying. Der and I were at the back and suffering as half the field was gonzo already. I'm trying to move up for the 3rd assault on the climb and nothing is happening with my legs. I made it almost all the way to the top and got gapped as Rod flew by me again. I thought he was going to get on, but he died and I caught him on the down hill and dropping him since he had blown. I chased that damn field the entire lap being just off the back at the start of the climb again before I died;
I hooked up with a group of about seven guys which got whittled down to four. We somewhat worked together except for some unattached rider who would not pull through. I tried to attack the group to rid ourselves of him, but he'd hang tough and do nothing. We picked up a few dropped riders and on the final climb, a bethel guy goes hard and gaps me as I chased him all the way to the top gettting a measely 17th place for the day. PTOOEY. At least I beat the wheelsucker up to the finish.
I felt better when I found out Bill and Jon got 1st and 3rd. This is Bill's kinda course. Unrelenting and tough. I wished I had legs, but really had nothing all day which was dissappointing. Next week...