Mt Hood Cycling Classic Wrap-up

As expected, The Mt Hood Cycling Classic delivered a little bit of everything.  From the start it was the grueling challenge I expected which offered epic moments and tough lessons.  A huge part of enjoying these races is that my amazing wife joins me in every step of the journey and she really helps keep me going.  Overall, I'm really very happy about the experience and stoked to come back next year to go after a spot on the podium. 

Stage 1: Mt Adams Road Race (54 miles, 4000 ft of climbing)
The race started at the base of epic Mt Adams with a pelaton of 59 riders rolling through the first 30 miles up snow banked roads and over 1/4 mile gravel stretches. These roads tested a riders strength and bike handling often, including a loose gravel stretch on the final major climb which caused a crash and split the group.  A small handful of riders and I were stuck behind the crash and worked hard to reconnect with the with the break.  Once together 15 of us flew down the mountain at 45+ mph to stay away from the field.  Upon approaching the final 1K, I brought myself towards the front and with 300 to go a rider attacked down the right.  I jumped on his wheel and used the slipstream to drill it across the line for my first Cat 3 WIN.  I really couldn't believe it...just an incredible feeling!

Stage 2: Gorge Time Trial-18.5 miles, 2000 ft of climbing

The skies were clear but we all faced a daunting 30-40 mph headwind.  As the stage winner and wearing the race leader's jersey, I had the privilege of rolling down the ramp last wearing the leaders jersey which was pretty sweet.  This twisty road took us right down the cliffs of The Gorge from The Dalles to Hood River.  Technology can play an important role in a rider's time trial speed since you can't draft.  Bikes made specifically to provide an aerodynamic advantage can make a huge difference when just seconds separate each place.  That said, I busted it out on my faithful stead for 11th place on the stage which I consider my best TT performance of the year.  I was now 10th overall...Good bye Yellow

Stage 3:  Wy'East Road Race (92 miles, 10,500 ft of climbing)

It was a brilliant blue sky over Mt Hood as we started from Hood Meadows ski resort for the pivotal stage of the race.  Guaranteed to be longer and harder then I had ever gone before.  We rolled through some of the most beautiful roads in the country which dropped us into desert like valleys and up over mountain summits.  The group rode smooth and fluid over the first 2 climbs.  As we approached about 30 miles to go we began to climb, climb and climb some more as this final third of the race would make or break every rider in the group.

With about 20 miles to go I was feeling really good and decided to bridge the gap to another rider off the front.  En route, 2 others joined and the 4 of us began to hammer relentlessly.  20K to go... 15K to go...our gap was growing with each passing mile. Everything in my tank  became invested in this break hoping we had a shot...then thump!  We looked back and the peloton was reeling us in and opportunity had closed (or was it ever really open?).  To make matters worse, I simply didn't have the legs to stay with the group for the last 5 miles and dropped off the the back while losing over 11 minutes to the winner of the stage.  Many riders suffered a similar or worse fate and I must admit that while I'll replay my decision again and again, the ride was 100% epic, awesome, incredible and something that will make me much stronger for the many races ahead.  I was 31st on the stage and dropped to 27th overall.  Burgers and Beers at the finish!

Stage 4:  Downtown Hood River Criterium 40 minutes

A rainy technical course kept many riders from hitting the start line resulting in about 30 riders to start the race.  I'm not the best crit rider to begin with and combination of wet roads and a technical course meant a win was unlikely but it would be great practice.

I stuck with the lead group for a few laps but had a hard time finding the right line for several of the key corners and eventually dropped off the pace.  The rest of my race was spent fighting to not get lapped (you get pulled from the race once lapped) and improving through each turn which became pretty fun as my wife, announcer and the beer crowd started cheering on my cause to avoid getting pulled.
With about 6 laps to go I took a relatively low speed spill on a turn but popped up and rallied without losing much ground to the pack.  Entering the last lap the group of 11 where moving fast to the finish but I kept pushing and entered my final lap before they crossed the line!  Victory...I placed 12th and had the pleasure of riding every minute of the race.  All riders in the race were awarded the same time.



No more racing for a bit and I look forward to doing some running and enjoying a weekend at home.  However... I also don't want to see a good thing end.





Here's some Photos: