Double-header madness....

Pescadero Race Report.

Date: 6/14/08
Course: 2.7 Laps for a total of 75 miles. 3 times up the big finish hill climb.
Category: Elite 3
Field: 75
Teammates: Marc, Geoff, Josh, Scott, Hendrik

Place: 16th/ *T 3:26

This race was a total flop for me last year. I was having a bad time and got dropped on the 2nd ascent up Haskins and in so much pain I DNF'd. I vowed at that moment to get my shit together and return next year for a second crack at this classic Nor-cal road race.

Lap1: Things are fine, stayed near the front on Stage and the first time up Haskins Hill I was working pretty hard and hoping the legs would loosen up for the next round. It seemed like the climb took forever! 2K, 1K, ..... 200 meter. Phew!

Lap2: We lost Scott who couldn't get back on after his solo break and then later Marc and Geoff, who both put some time at/on the front. Josh was keeping thing lively at the front on the climbs and I tried to keep an eye on Hendrik. Going up Haskins (finish climb) I was right on Hendriks wheel and in the top 10. A small victory already since I dropped out at this point last year after getting dropped before the top of the climb.....

Lap3: So with the start of lap3 we were down to 3. We had planned to work for Hendrik and as we passed through the feed zone I was looking around for him while on Josh's wheel. By the time we got close to the base of the Haskins we were together for the most part and the group started to surge a bit. my legs were feeling heavy and I just tried to find a good gear and start TT'ing not to concerned with anyone until the 1K sign. I was riding through guys and thought I might be able to close down some riders. sure enough I rode past a few guys threw it in the big ring and had a hard sprint with some guy for what turned out to be 15th which he got me by a tire width, I even threw my bike but was just to tired to care.

I thought the team did a good job (Hendrik placed 6th). We tried to up the pace on the Stage climb a few times and it strung things out. Good.. Bad... not sure. I do know only 53 of 75 finished so it wasn't easy by any means!

I managed a small victory by just finishing and with a decent 16th place only 30 some seconds off the leaders. Not bad for a guy who has had a crappy track record in road races. All the mtb is paying dividends! Which bring us to the next ball buster....

CCCX #8 Ft. Ord
Date: 6/15/08
Course: 5 Laps for a total of 26 miles.

Category: Pro/ Expert SS
Teammate: Geoff in Expert (geared)

Place: 3rd/ *T 1:46

A little pre-race recon

I was really tired from the road race but determined to follow though with the plan. I knew if I could get though both races it would be a fantastic building block going into the Series final in 2 weeks. I did about 3 laps easy and almost missed the start. It was right on time no delay! that was a little close. Anyway I got to the line and we took off in short order.

We got started with the Pro/semi- pro again and yah! the sweet draft on the long pavement until dropping onto the dirt. I managed a good position and once on the first climb, drilled it to move up. That worked and I felt pretty good for the first lap. Going through the finish area I could see Mark up ahead and just tried to keep on the gas. Cesar was right behind and chasing also. On the downhill run into the final climb section, I overshot the course and had to turn around and lost out on some lead I had on Cesar--he was now on my ass. We hit the climb and he slowly scooted away. Oh man.... Well I put my head down but the legs were feeling non-existent. Not too painful--just not there.

Chasing..... Chasing... Chasing.....

Starting lap 3, all of a sudden the legs started working and I picked up speed and started to feel better. I figured I better down all the food I had and start clearing out the hydration pak.

On lap 4, I started to get passed by some of the expert age group guys but slowly, one at a time. 1....2.. hung on his wheel for a while. Coates caught me but he didn't get away to fast to my surprise--either he was tired or I was going pretty well. I figured he must have been tired cuz I felt like crap! I kept expecting to see Keith come around at any moment but not to be. I kept my head down and drilled it home for 3rd.

Geoff manned up for the double as well, good on ya!

Got to give a big up to Geoff for doing the double! I know it hurt but it will make you stronger! I promise :) this was round 8 of 9 for the series. 2 weeks to go for the final and I hope the investment will pay off later for the final. I have been close with two 2nds and feel I can win but Cesar and Mark are great competitors and no slouches, so to beat them will take some strength, mental toughness and luck!

Mr. CCCX (Rod) enjoying my 29er :)

After the race drops (2/9) for the series it looks like I will be in 3rd for the overall unless I have a real bad day/ DNF. Its my first year of doing a full mtb season and I can't be disappointed with the results thus far. But... man do I want to win the Final. Even if I did win I don't think it would effect the overall but I really would feel better about the 3rd overall..... We'll have to wait and see.

Cesar! Your beer looks pretty dam good right now....


Mr. powerfiles..... out...