Generally speaking, this year was completely different. From the loss of a principle donor, to limited rides. All things considered, it seemed I got exactly what I needed, when needed - from start to finish. There is stuff I need to do for next year, but I'll worry about that later.
The Start to Montpelier
At start time, we had nearly 60 riders in our assigned group. Everything from some dang good riders, to the lowly Cat V's, like myself. At the line, nobody wanted to be upfront. There was seriously a five-foot gap between the starting line and the group. From the start the group really never did form-up well. The front of the pack was dangerously mixed. About 1/3 the way back, it finally got into two lines. This was too much like 2015 when we had the big crash 24 miles out. We reeled in several stragglers early which was kind of weird. At least one of our guys fell off before Preston, which again was very odd. At the point where the Sportive riders met with us, we had a very large group. The first two climbs just before Riverdale was a bit nerve racking. Somehow, on the last climb prior to the fast descent, I fell way to the back of both groups and found myself trying to catch up on the downhill. At the turn, I knew I would be in no-mans-land if I couldn't catch them, so I spent about 15 minutes trying to close the gap. Every time I would get closer, they would gap me again. I finally knew my limits, and realized I would be stupid to think I could afford to spend that kind of energy that early. I let them go and settled into to what I knew would be a lonely climb to the top. The groups I could catch were too slow. The groups that came by, were too fast. That's what happens in the early part of the race. But for me, my race was over - 20+ miles sooner than I would have liked. For the next hour, I counted as the groups behind me managed to catch and pass me, until I got to the false summit. Coming over the top, I passed the neutral feed zone (as usual) and set my sights on the first fast group to come around me. Right off the top, at the big curve, a string of maybe 25, mixed and very fast riders came to my left. I simply couldn't position myself to catch a wheel - safely. At this point, we had a real race and I was losing. I pushed it hard trying to make the gap, but again, they were just a tad far and way fast. I had to settle for some smaller, less aggressive groups, that still got me into Montpelier feeling healthy, but a little defeated. In the end, several of the guys that stayed on the main group fell behind me, due to the energy they spent trying to hang on.Montpelier to Afton
Out of Montpelier, I managed to get over Geneva summit without any problems. My max speed came on this descent at only 52 MPH. The hop over to salt River and KOM was not too bad either. I did stop for a maybe a minute to get water at the water neutral, as I didn't want to hit KOM dry. I didn't need it. My KOM time was pretty slow, as I stopped to help a guy from our group that was locked-up. Bad idea on my part, as my time was rolling and he was well past help. Over the top, it was a stiff head wind all the way into Smoot, pedaling my guts out, trying to hold 45 MPH down the back side, that I've pegged at over 55 MPH without any effort in the past. Groups forming together heading toward Afton helped make up time. By the time we were about a mile out of Afton, another group of about 30 jumped on us making it sketchy. I backed off with only a couple minutes to the feed zone. A good thing, as a guy I had been trading time upfront with, crashed going into the feed zone. Big bummer.Afton to Alpine
Going to Alpine was terribly windy with hard hard gust out of the west. Some groups were better than others, but one in particular dang near took me out. A larger group merged into our group and made a real mess of things. With heavy traffic and rumble strips on the left, it is hard to roll back off the front. Somehow, the group pushed me into the soft shoulder on the right, but I managed to ride through - without hitting a deliniator. From there, I gassed it and pulled well away from those idiots. Better tired, than picking gravel out of my elbows. Alpine was a pretty good clip and I actually felt healthy.Heading for the gate - Alpine to Teton Village
The final push up Snake River canyon was steady. I managed to make the top in pretty good time. Knowing what I needed to finish, I pounded a small RedBull and pushed into Hoeback. At the narrows, I was behind a group of women riders that were leading those of us behind into every pot-hole in Wyoming. I'm not sure, but I think the guy behind me crashed because of this. Suddenly, he just wasn't there. As soon as I could, I jumped out past the group and pushed hard to the highway crossing. For once, I had plenty in the tank. More like, I didn't feel sick, as was the case the past three years. At the bike trail, I was getting a little impatient, with the sun still showing on Wilson. I hooked up with another guy that I know and pulled him within about a mile of finish. I told him to jump off and go in hard, but he was pretty cooked. We both finished together.Post Race
At the trail walking back, I felt great. My time wasn't terrible, just not good. But I didn't feel bad at all. I actually threw my four-year old on my shoulders and carried him out to the truck. It was a pretty good day.The next morning we left Driggs and headed out to Swan Valley. What a beautiful drive. The rain let off just long enough to stop in Randolph at the reliable City park. Driving back over Monte, it kind of hit me......the season was over and I likely wouldn't see this road again until next year. That's the way I wanted it to be; ending, but wanting a little more.
Back to the Dirt.......
Time to ride the dirt............and the dirt we did ride last weekend. Swing back in a day or so for a little update on our dirt ride this past weekend. It was a ton of fun.Thanks from the Porpoise
Thanks to all the supporters that made this all happen. You are what makes the Porpoise the machine it is.Stick around.......there is still a lot of riding to do this fall.
Click here - OH WELL......Part 1
Ride HARD!
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