Nelson Frink, Bariani 35+ 5

As we rolled out from the start of the race, I was feeling a bit apprehensive after seeing the widely separated small fragmented groups while driving in and listening to the stories from the 35+4 racers. As we rolled into the wind on the first lap I relaxed a bit, and as I moved to the front I couldn't help breaking out to liven things up a bit. After about 30 seconds I looked back and saw the group reeling me in, and they were only about 15 yards back. I soft-pedaled back from my futile gesture, although it took several minutes for my heart rate to recover from my 30 seconds of glory "off the front".

After we turned onto the crosswind section, DBC Junior Taylor Kuphaldt's dad and DBC Junior AJ Snovel's dad were leading the peloton at a brisk tempo, and when they turned onto the downwind stretch they hit it hard. I was never really fully in the group, but got within 10-15 yards and couldn't seem to close the gap. As the road began to rise gradually and the gap began to grow, I realized I had to do something. Get me the engine room! Scotty, we need more power! I'm giving it all I've got Captain! Well that's not enough! I looked down at the tachometer to see if he was holding something back, and it showed 163, just 3 below the max from my Conconi Test. I concluded he really was doing his best, and watched the gap grow as I huffed and puffed up the grade.

After the KOM, I worked with a guy to reel in the next guy in front, then we reached the next guy and were moving toward the next when the reinforcements arrived from behind, and I was grateful to see so many teammates in it. As we moved along the back side of the 2nd lap, I was recovered and realized I was really having a fun race: cruising along in the pack, surrounded by my teammates and getting pulled by guys from other teams.

When we moved to the downwind stretch DBC Junior Kyle Blyths's dad pulled up and and asked me how my legs were doing. Well Bob, that's nice of you to ask, I thought, but if I say they're feeling good these guys around me are going to ask why I'm not pulling then. "Not that great", I replied. I then watched him take off up the road and gain 50 yards fairly quickly. OH! I get it now! That was bike racing code for "I'm going out, are you in?". We were heading up the KOM and I decided to make a move to bridge near the top. I pedaled hard and as I was going along the crosswind stretch I thought I was making some progress towards Bob. I looked back and saw the pack coming in quick and realized it was hopeless.

I ended up finishing 2nd in the main chase group, which I think put me in 13th, but they missed me. My Garmin file showed a speed of 40.9 mph at the finish line, so I'm amazed they actually got anyone's number accurately there. All in all, it was a great, fun race for DBC Junior Brian Frink's dad!