Posted: Mon Jun. 06, 2005 4:18 pm
It was certainly that, a challenge. The race was a 12-13 mile loop that had as much climbing if not more than the Pinnacle. Some new singletrack added to the leg burn, but the course was in great shape and their trail crew cranked up a huge effort. Having to do two laps was a bit daunting considering the heat and I forgot my camelback. We had about 12 in our Vet 1 division. The race took off pretty steady and I was hanging out at the back. I crashed once and broke off my barend but it only made my bike lighter. FOr the first 1/2 hour I could see Currier up ahead, and I knew he wasn't feeling his usual self. I caught him and tried to get him moving, but no dice. I pedaled on feeling the heat up the 3 climbs on the climbing side of the road. I passed a few juniors and some senior 1's and 2's which was a highlight for me. A few Vet 2's and singlespeeders pedaled by me and I hung onto their wheel as long as I could with blowing up. The second lap was steady and I felf pretty good, besides running out of water. I snuck by a few in my category who tried to hold my wheel, and I held them off to finish 7th in my first real Expert Vet race at 2:39 minutes. The course was a mix of cool 1 foot wide bridges, and windy singletrack. Worth riding if anyone is up in Maine.
|
