Do Something Epic: February 2010

Monday, February 8, 2010

Boulevard Race Report

It's been a couple days. Thought I better put up the "official" race report from my first race. It was quite a day to say the least. As you know, I was expecting some good results from this race, despite being my first. Nothing like having high expectations to get shot down. It was raining steady from start to finish, with gusting winds and standing water all over the roads. It was a challenge to get dressed before the race and get everything ready to go with all the rain. No real warm-up before the race either. It was not looking to be a good day, but I was confident that my legs would be up to the task. Weather was going to affect every rider the same, so I wasn't too concerned about it.

The race started just as I thought it would. Nice and easy pace, as the first 10 miles of the course are not hilly. They are mostly flat with a long downhill. My objective was to just stay in the front group. I did that and made it to the bottom of the hill for the right turn onto La Posta. It felt like a slow group ride at this point, but this was to expected. Once onto La Posta a shallow climb started, maybe a mile long if that. The pace appeared to pick up at this point or atleast my legs felt it. My legs were really feeling this climb, the pain really didn't settle in as it usually does. By the time we crested this climb, I was in terrible pain and my legs felt like bricks. By the time we made the turn onto Old Hwy 80 for the big climb, I was already off the back. After the first climb, I figured I better just let my legs warm up at their own pace. They did warm up and I got into a rhythm on the big climb, knowing I would never see the lead group again. I hooked up with a junior rider on the way up the first climb and ended up working with him for the last 22 mile loop. We passed, maybe 10 riders and didn't get passed by anyone, but it was really a let down.

I could make up plenty of excuses, but really nothing to say except I couldn't keep up on that first climb. Why? I have seen this on a few weekend rides, where I fly the day before the ride. This completely dehydrates me and my performance is really affected on the bike the next day. I had been flying a lot last week leading up to the race. It wasn't my plan, but I really didn't have a choice, as my business is top priority. The other problem was a lack of a warm up. I didn't bring my trainer with me as I rode out to the race with Chip. Most riders were getting warmed up on their trainer and now I know why. There was really nowhere to go ride steady with all the rain and wind.

So, there you have it. First race done. Check that box. As far as the riders in Cat 5 and bike handling. I thought everyone did a great job. As I said, I was up in the front of the pack heading down that first descent. If things were going to get messed up, that would've been the place. I was really impressed with everyone. As far as the results, I finished 23rd out of 31. Pretty dissapointing, as I am stronger than a few riders that finished in the top 10, which allows me a little comfort in that I was just having a bad day. My next race is in three weeks, and I will be back at Boulevard next year, no matter what the weather. If there's one thing I got out of this, it's that I will keep racing and training harder. Godspeed. Pics below.