The Good:
Off season training was going well. My power numbers looked good for the early season, and I managed to drop all the off-season weight to get to my new, slightly lower than last year, racing weight. The bike was dialed in with AC Hurricane wheels and some fast rolling CX tires and I was ready to race.
The Bad:
The weather. Chance of rain/snow showers. Starting temp was 34 degrees. The forecast-ed high temp was 39 degrees. And, just for fun, throw in a good dose of chilling wind. I ended up wearing: 2 base layers, short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, Gore Wind Stopper jacket, wind breaker, compression socks, Iron Cross socks, leg warmers, skull cap, sunglasses, North Wave high top winter shoes, Gore winter gloves.
The Ugly:
The race rolled off at 10:01am. It was quite cold, but the sun was out, and it looked like we'd miss the rain/snow. I got a reasonably good starting position. The pace started a bit fast for me. There are people fighting me for positions that I probably won't see again after the first big climb. The first run-up is perhaps rideable with MTB gearing and a grippy rear tire, which means I was "running" it. Apparently run-ups are not my strong suit as I lost quite a few positions.
Soon we leave the punchy climbs of the Winery and we are on to the gravel roads that make up 90% of the race. 95% for me - but more on that later. I'm still getting passed every now and then and I make a point to try to remember the jerseys to see if I catch them again. A few miles in and the grade increases. This is the first of 2 major climbs in the race, and it is the steepest. I push the pace, but stay within my limits. I'm passing more people than are passing me now. There are still a lot of racers pushing hard. I'm starting to feel over-dressed on this sunny, wind protected climb.
At the top of the climb, mile 12.5, is the first aid station. I blow by, as do most others around me. At the top of this climb, the road is frosted, but lightly melted, too - making it squishy and slowing the pace. A rider next to me turns and says, "It's 26 degrees." I'm feeling better about my many clothing layers.
When we get to the first descent I really let it roll. Staying off the brakes, working the corners, pedaling whenever I'm not spun out. It's a tactic that reels in several riders who are more cautious descenders. By the time we get to the paved road I've left all of the racers that were near me. It's me and a racer on a MTB I catch to head down the open road to the next big climb. I end up doing most of the work.
Just before we reach the fire road, a pack of 5 or 6 riders, including the lead female racer, catch us - pointing out the importance of having a pace line for the fast sections. But, again the grade increases. This 2nd climb is long, but not as steep. It's like it was designed for me. I attack, and quickly open a large gap. By the time I get to aid station #2 at mile 37.5 I've passed pretty much all of the folks that passed me early on. I'm feeling pretty good. I refill a water bottle and continue on. This descent is broken up by a couple of short, steep climbs. They hurt, but I make up time descending.
And then the ugliest part. I know that I'm on the last part of the descent and I am mentally prepared to time trial the 4 or 5 miles back to the winery. I blow though an intersection. It seemed odd there was no marshal or arrows. Following race promoter's Eddie's instructions to "When in doubt, go straight" I continue descending. But when I get to the "T" at the bottom of the descent, there is no marking, but it seems to guide me right, so I go right. There are no markings. It's obvious now that I missed a turn. I am tasked with turning around and climbing back the road I just descended. The worst part is knowing that I am now out of contention for a top placing.
It was hard to stay motivated climbing back to the course, but when I got back on track and caught some other racers it was hammer time again. I had forgotten how ridiculously hard that last climbs through the winery were. Adding to the difficulty, the ground was soft and the grass was tall on the off road parts. I end up off the bike hiking several short climbs. But I worked hard and I finished. Mission accomplished. No mechanical issues. My choice of clothing worked out well. I was both cold and hot in sections. I don't know that I would have done anything different. ...Except watch for arrows a little closer. The price of riding solo, head down, digging, I suppose.
A few snow flakes fell as I was enjoying the post-race food. A fitting end to a cold, blustery day. My thanks to all who made this race possible, my admiration to all those who braved the cold to come out and race.
See you on the trails!
...or fire roads!
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