Friday: Prologue
2.3 miles
A short TT to start. Usually nothing to report here but this got interesting. I started in the small ring as there was a steep pitch out of the gate. I settled into the big ring after about 2 minutes only to look up and see a bear on the road in front of me. “Holy picnic baskets” I am not kidding. Granted it was a cub but my heart rate didn’t care what the age was -it was a bear. My kids think it is funny that while all the mommies carry sunscreen and bug spray in their purses, I carry grizzly repellant….I am deathly afraid of bears! Not having my can available at the time I had no choice but to carry on with the TT and wonder why crazy stuff like this happens to me? I passed my 30 second girl and asked her if she too saw the bear, she didn’t answer. Crossing through the finish I asked Pro 1 racer who was standing at the finish if he saw what I saw but he more interested in my opinion of the winds on the course. We hammered out that conversation and then he said, “Oh and by the way you don’t have enough gear on that bike for Sunday.” Huh? For what? I quickly checked my TT results (30 seconds back) and headed back to the hotel to read the technical guide and figure out what was so special about Sunday.
Saturday: Stage1
54 miles
It was spectacular weather, a beautiful course and a large field for a women’s field with 50 or so starters. There were a few attacks and attempted breakaways from the front and on the hills but the field was fast and good enough to regroup. We approached the 5K to go marker with a full field and lots of jockeying for space up front. I was sitting in hoping to get same time. I finished with the pack and remained 30 seconds back from our leader.
Quickly to the van to get my “driver” to take me to check out course for the next day. Last year we had a monster climb on the third day and I was looking forward to it but they had replaced it with something called the “Devil’s Kitchen”. With my interested peaked we arrived at the base of the climb only to find the road closed by the National Guard. There were helicopters and ambulances and a lot of confusion. Unfortunately, a hiker had fallen of the cliff. We said a quick prayer for him and headed out for the stage race protocol dinner of beer (gluten free) and cheese burgers (no cheese and no bun). Back to the road and this time it was open and OH BOY…Mt. Washington quality as the van struggled J
Sunday: Stage 2
58 miles
I enjoy racing with Silke Wunderwald (Team Kenda) as she is the rider I have long admired and respected. Silke said to me, “You should do well today.” I felt the pressure. I warmed up on my trainer. Not too long, but long enough to have someone suggest that I replace the socks I was wearing with thicker ones so my feet would be protected when I had to walk on the climb. I politely told him that these socks would be fine as they were already sweaty and I didn’t want to make any more laundry. The race began and I sat in for 46 miles. The climb came at 48 that gave me 2 miles to move up. We headed upwards and 4 riders made their way out front. I settled in and began to pass one at a time. I passed the ride leader and then the next rider had to get off. There was one rider left. I pulled up next to her and knew she was struggling. I put it into a bigger gear and went for the KOM. There was a big banner and lots of fans cheering. They do love to see suffering. I had 8 miles in front of me. This was the TT I had hoped for and I went for it. The miles didn’t tick by as fast as I hoped but I did get to yell at the lead car twice. That’s always fun. 3k to go…1 K to go…500 meters… I knew I had it. I opted not to throw my hands up as I wanted to gain every last second. Greg was there with a giant smile and hug! He told me I think you go the overall too! It was nice to get the news from him.
