Holding to a true style of story telling and building up the race and only giving the end after several long paragraphs would really fit here. But I can’t. I am very proud to say that Doug pulled off a fantastic win Sunday. Ok, now for the race recap…
There were five Wheaties at the start, (Dr. B, 13 Pin, Engine, Huley, and me) we found a good warm up spot, it was perfect spot out of the wind and in the sun. In fact Huley was at one point shirtless. Race strategy was simple, Engine, Huley, and I would cover any breaks, and if it was a pack finish, then we would try and set up Dr B and 13 Pin for the sprint. 13 Pin asked if a break on the last lap was a good idea, I told him if you are feeling good go for it. We timed our warm-up just right as we approached the line as every one lined up, about 40 riders strong.
I doubt it was 40 degrees, and it was windy (NE wind, 15+ mph) and we did the route counter clockwise. FYI – Brazen Dropouts had the usual 12 guys. It wasn’t but a couple laps in and A-train went off the front, I covered the move, raising my HR quickly. It wasn’t long and we were pulled back. A few laps later and he went again, I wasn’t recovered, but was in 3rd spot, so I told the two guys in front we had to chase, after about a 1/2 lap we brought him back. There were a few more single riders off the front, Engine kept them in check, chasing down several breaks. A couple times I found myself towards the back, and I am happy to report that when I looked towards the front, Huley, Dr B, 13 Pin, Engine were all in the top 10 or 12. It was a thing of beauty. I wouldn’t say we were controlling the race, we were riding smart, staying out of the wind, and only going to the front when needed.
The race was fast, 23 mph average, and with the windy conditions, that was some hard work.
We were 31 min into the race, and I was on A-trains wheel, about 10th spot. I saw him down shift, and move to the outside into the wind. His calves were flexing, I knew he was getting ready to make one more all out effort. I stuck on his wheel as he came around the pack in his usual style, not a sprint, but an effort that puts the hurt on. Unfortunately, his move didn’t surprise anyone, and the pack was strung out but on our wheel.
A couple laps later I saw we were around the 36 min into the race, I made a note to see how many laps were left. As we came around I saw the card read 1 lap. And then I heard the bell. I was in about 25th spot, not a good place for the last lap. As we made the first sweeping turn, and headed into the wind going up the hill (arguably the toughest spot on the course), 13 Pin moved into the wind and took off. Engine was leading the group and in true team spirit, let Doug fly by without a second thought. It was the tough part of the course, and no one wanted to go around Engine.
I thought, “Dude, go!” As I became an observer for a few seconds, I lost some more spots. I worked my way back up a couple but we were flying. 13 pin had caught the pack off guard and had build a good lead. He might be able to hold it I thought. As we took the final turn, Dr B was in 5th spot, 13 Pin was still off the front, but we were coming up fast.
He held on, arm raised, his first race victory. An awesome sight. Especially since he may have less than 10 races under his belt. Engine finished 14th, (and didn’t realize we were on the last lap), I was 18th, Dr B was 22nd, and Huley was 24th – and looks like he is BACK! A great team effort on what could have been a miserable day.
I was personally hoping for a little push from my Dad during the race, but I think he was thinking team and helped us all ride safe.
Nice job guys, and the great thing is we get to do it all over again next weekend, TWICE.