2011 Carl Dolan Memorial Race (Cat4/5 field)

Today was my second race as a Cat 4. After yesterday's performance in Chantilly, I set 2 simple goals. 1) Stay upright. 2)Stay with the pack. Both missions were accomplished. We started out with a full group of 75 (per the official at the start line). From the "go", we settled pretty quickly into "group mentality". I would have liked to have seen it string out a little more, but I won't complain. The wind was brutal, probably gusting in the 30-40mph range. There was also a hill just prior to the start/finish, which was both a help and a hinderance. It sure sucked to race up that thing every lap, but if nothing else, it also prevented anybody from getting away. The picture above is from our first "Prime" lap (about 3 laps in). That's me in the red and black jersey on the left, in front of the group. I didn't stay in that position long. Most of the race, I managed to stay in the top 30% or so. On the final lap, I hung with the leaders, but had to jam the brakes to avoid what I thought was going to be a crash, so I lost momentum going into the hill. It actually probably only lost me 2 or 3 positions, and I finished 28th overall.

The course was good, open, and fast. there was only one real turn, which was a fast right hander. If it weren't for the small patch of wet gravel on the inside of the turn, it would have been perfect. Maybe next year it will be completely dry...and without all the wind.

RGS Chantilly Crit 2011, etc.

Today was the 2011 RGS Chantilly Crit. It was also my first Cat 4 race. First of all, I have to give credit to the organizers and registration volunteers for helping me out. I upgraded mid-week last week, and I was already registered for the Cat 5 race. So a big thank you to them for getting me switched to the right class. Let me say that going into today's race, the weather outlook was less-than-optimal. The weatherman was calling for severe rain and wind. For once, he got it right. The men's Cat 4 race started at 1015, and the rain was definitely coming down. The wind was also horrible on the back side of the course. Anyone caught alone on the hill (without a draft) would surely be left to fend for themselves. We started with a registered field of 72. I'm not sure how many, if any didn't show, but I know the field felt fairly large. I wasn't nervous a bit (which is a nice change for me!). I had my sunglasses on for the first 2 laps, hoping to shield my eyes from the rain, but they quickly fogged and I had to toss them to my son as I rode by. I hung on until about the 10th lap or so, and then got caught exactly where I didn't want to be...off the back, up hill, in the wind. Woops. I tried to catch back on for about a lap, but soon realized that the group was just riding away from me. At this point, I decided just to ride at my own pace, and get in some good laps. Every few laps, I caught and passed the occasional guy that got shelled off the back like I did earlier. Eventually, I caught up with and rode to the finish with a group of 4 others, so I did have the opportunity to work with some other guys and ride it *somewhat* like a race. Drafting, however, was near impossible, since there was so much water coming off of everybody's wheels. Click on the picture above, and you'll see what we were dealing with! I cruised into the finish in a cool 44th place, no worse for the wear. Coming off of the big crash at Richmond a few weeks ago, I'm just glad I stayed upright. Not to mention in my first Cat 4 race. In the rain.

So afterwards, when I was back at my truck getting some warm, dry clothing on, I couldn't stop laughing about the race. I had so much fun riding in those conditions. Even though I got shelled off the back, I was happy with my ride. I haven't done intervals in probably 5 weeks, and I don't have much leg power right now, but my lungs feel awesome. Even with my HR in the mid 170's, I didn't struggle to breathe at all. My target events aren't until August, so I'm not too worried just yet. I did, however, realize how much I enjoy this sport! I may not have the lightest bike, or the biggest legs, but I can promise that I'm having just as much fun as the next guy. AND I'm in pretty good shape for 34 year old guy.

Tomorrow we're racing the Carl Dolan Memorial. The winds are forecasted to be gusting to 40mph. Wait, I said I liked this sport, right??