Sunday, April 20th, Madison, Great Dane #2, the weather was a complete 180 from last week, with temps in the upper 60’s, sunny, and the wind was maybe 10 mph, a far cry from last week; 39 deg temps and 20+ mph winds. The Master 4/5 field was large, 60+ at the start line. It was great to see all the familiar faces and new ones as well. We lined up with the same five as Great Dane #1, Dr B, 13 Pin, Huley, Engine, and me. We talked strategy, which was pretty much the same as last week. Huley, Engine and I would help control the pace and try and get into any breaks that could prove serious. 13 Pin and Dr B would be saved for a sprint finish.
As I rolled to the start/finish area I stopped and talked to The Rock, Otis, and Try. I gave my usual hard time to Try and as I rolled away he yelled that I had my number was on the wrong side. I laughed, like good one; I’m not falling for that one. Then I realized he was serious. So I U-turned back and he re-pinned my number to the left side like a good Wheaton Wannabe would. Then I found 13 Pin and fixed his, since I had put his on the wrong side.
My son AJ was there with 3 of college buds, which I was hoping would give me some extra motivation. Plus after spending all of yesterday going through my Dad’s stuff and sharing some great stories with my Bro’s & Sista’s, I was feeling extra energized. My pre-race plan was to conserve and only work when I really needed to.
We started on time and the Atkins boys immediately went to the front and were setting a good pace. But I guess we couldn’t let them stay on the front for the whole race, although I was thinking maybe just the first half. I was comfortable staying in the 5th or 6th spot. Then I see Engine go to the front, and make a big pull (although his nickname has a bit to do with his employer, it definitely fits his ability to power up the watts). Then I think an Atkins guy got back on, but moments later Engine was back on the front again. Apparently he was not happy with the 26 mph pace. He pulled well over a full lap with no help from anyone. I couldn’t leave my mate out there any longer so I went to give him some relief. I was going to tell him to stay off the front, but since we kinda had that conversation before the race, I figured he wouldn’t listen anyways.
We traded pulls at the front for a bit with Try and some XXX guys, and I even managed to make sure I was doing a big pull as we came by the start/finish line so AJ’s buds could see what a stud his Dad was. (Ha ha ha.) Then at one point Engine took off, I was recovering and could get to the front. The pac gave chase and caught him about a half lap later. Then Huley went, and forced another surge by the riders as they chased him down. I marked one of the big Atkins boys and could feel he was getting ready to go. I went with and was joined by a third rider. We didn’t even last a half lap and we were back in the pac.
I immediately slipped to the back as I tried to recover. I saw Huley recovering and told him it was an awesome move he did. He is riding unbelievable this year and getting stronger every week. I am really glad he is on the Wheaton team. Then I said it was time to move up and I slipped back into about 20th spot. 4 laps to go, I needed to move up more or it would be another 18th place repeat. But I was hurting, I actually was contemplating just going to the back again and easing up. But then I remembered AJ, and I couldn’t let him down since he made the effort to come watch.
I should note that during this whole race both 13 Pin and Dr B kept them selves in great position, and seemed like they were always around the 5th or 6th position, totally aware of the need to stay close to the front. I could sense they were feeling good. But I wasn’t sure at this point if I could get to the front to offer any help. Engine was up there and driving the pace with 2 laps to go. What a team we have!
I worked my way up a few more spots and the pace was incredible, I was determined to give it everything I had going into the final sprint. I passed two or three and don’t think I got passed, and finished in 11th position, 1st in my age group (the old slow guys). 13 pin followed the two big Atkins boys going into the final turn and powered his way to victory, #2 in just 8 days. Dr B was a strong 3rd and just missed 2nd by a tire width. Engine finished 14th a great showing based on the work he did. Huley I believe was around 20th and should be pretty proud of his effort today. We averaged close to 25 mph today, which is usually achieved only in mid season races.
13 Pin has had an incredible start to the season, and it is not only a reflection of his efforts and God given talents, but a reflection of the team as well. He is the first to acknowledge this by the way, as he has been very humble in his winnings. He reminds me of a very close friend of mine who is now a Cat 3. The question must be asked, now that 13 Pin is racing so well, do I have to come up with another nickname for him?
Next stop is the Wheaton Whitnall Park Spring Classic, are you ready?