Author

Calvin Smythe on Aug 11, 2008

Race name: Tokeneke Classic Road Race Race date: Monday, Aug 11, 2008

Quote of the race:

Me: "Hey, how fast are we going?"

Other racer: "Really Fast." (50mph)

Conditions: Warm 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Slight Northerly wind.

66 miles

6000 feet of climbing (Yikes!)

The peleton must have known we had that much climbing because there was no rush to get the race moving. I ended up in a short lived break which peaked the first climb on the first lap and then was swallowed up by the group. We continued to climb and descend at a steady pace, there were no really hard accelerations because once my break ended the main group of riders launched off the front and wasn't seen for 40 miles.

So there I am sitting in the pack climbing with the group, descending with the group, being aggressive and staying towards the front. The finishing climb began and I set my own pace, not worrying about who was moving up, who was moving backwards, just how I felt and where I was in respect to the front. 15 guys back all the way up the 3 mile climb. Not bad for someone who is just regaining his climbing legs.

The gist of the middle 46 miles was climb hard recover on descents, move up, squeeze through to the spot I want. Being aggressive has become something that has made racing a bit easier since I'm not having to deal with the guys at the back of the pack struggling to stay on.

The final 10 miles was were the real racing, accelerations came fast and furious but nothing got away. We hit the peak of the first climb and hammered the 3 mile descent, still bumping passing and fighting for a good spot to start the final 3 mile climb.

This is where I lost contact with the lead group, but again, rhythm and pace were my ally. I continued to see guys shelled off the lead group, and I would end up passing them. I upped my pace a little and passed more guys. Finally the end was in sight, I stood up and pushed hard climbing the last 7 percent eighth of mile 21 mph. I pretty sure I finished top 20, but I will not know until results are posted.

Also, I finished within 1 minute of the lead group, showing me that I am coming into some good form for The Green Mountain Stage race.