As I mentioned in my previous post, Team Escape Velocity Cycling Club was hosting the first race of the 2012 Spring Series. I had registered in the novice category, scheduled for 5 laps of the 6.2 kilometre course. I had convinced some friends to sign up as well. Jon, one of the owners of Fort Langley Cyclery, had decided to give racing a try. Dave, who raced with me last year in the Spring Series, was returning for another year.
Dave racing in the 2011 Spring Series |
The first lap was a little nerve-wracking; the wind was buffeting us pretty good along River Road and up 264th Street. The wind died down a little along the back half of the course, probably due to the trees lining both sides of the road. On the second lap as we entered the back straight, I attacked out of the corner. I quickly opened a gap and nobody seemed to be chasing. I settled into a steady pace, but it was quite windy out on my own. I quickly decided this wasn't the smartest choice of action, so I eased up and allowed the group to catch me after about a 1/2 lap. It was fun to be out on the attack, but I don't think I have the fitness to ride solo for 3 laps.
The lone junior rider that was out with us went down on the fourth lap, and the guy behind him got tangled up and went down too. Dave and I were right behind the pair that crashed, but managed to avoid any trouble. It seemed like everyone was alright. I didn't hear any screams of pain, only the sound of a tire releasing it's air. I never really found out what caused the accident.
Jon found himself stranded on the front for the first half of the final lap. I was chuckling to myself as he weaved from one side of the road to the other like something out of the Tour de France. Eventually, he was able to pull off and someone else took up the pace. I figured nobody would be attacking so I started thinking about the sprint. I knew Jon had practiced his final sprint prior to the race so I decided to follow his wheel. As we came out of the last corner, I jumped on another wheel. It seemed like he was about to go, so I wound myself up for the sprint. Unfortunately he pulled off rather quickly and left me out of options. I opened up really early and went as hard as I could. I was pretty much out of gas with 100m to go but I glanced back and no one was close. I had accomplished the mission and won a race!
It's blurry but I have to give my wife credit for even getting a picture of me at the finish. Keeping three kids happy at a bike race is a big job. |
It was a good race. We completed the race in about an hour with an average speed just under 34 km/h . Obviously my work over the winter had paid off. I was able to stay with the group the entire race and I had lots left at the finish. Honestly, it may have been too easy.
There isn't a novice category for Spring Series #2 at Aldergrove Lake, so I checked with the organizers and I'm now signed up to race with the C Group next weekend. I'm looking forward to the challenge of moving up into the faster group. Stay tuned to see how it unfolds!
There is more Spring Series #1 coverage from Escape Velocity here; some great photos from Doug Brons here; and read about Jon's thoughts on his first Spring Series race here.
And you are officially a marked man!! Great job Andrew!! The feeling of winning a race lasts for months. Good luck in the C's. It is definitely a big challenge moving up cats.
ReplyDeleteNicely done.
ReplyDeleteAldergrove Long in the C's last year was somewhat selective. I think there were ~30 starters and by the final ascent up the hill, there were only 10 or so left in what remained of the field.
Stay protected from the wind if at all possible on 0 Avenue as a crosswind there can really sap you before the climb.
Other than that? Have fun.