Mt Hamilton RR
May 29, 2011
Team mates – none
Other team mates racing – Sandra and Dan
Results: 3rd
Category: 45+ 3/4
Field: ~50
This is usually a 45+ 1/2/3 race but this year they did away with the start on the other side of the mountain for the 4/5s and added a 3/4 race. I was able to stay with the lead riders to the top of Mt Ham. It was a little easier than the 1/2/3 race where there is no shortage of great talent but the pace in this race was still strong and there were plenty of guys that popped on the big climb. There were some small attacks on the last of the three Mt Ham climbs but the lead pack reached the top together. There were at least 20 of us. The descent was fast and my brakes howled like mad. Along Mines road the winds kicked in but our group kept a strong pace.
After the Junction ThirstyBear attacked. Someone said it’s a long climb so they were not concerned. His teammate managed to bridge and the two of them were going hard. Mostly two Webcore guys and myself worked to catch them. Almost immediately ThirstyBear attacked again and again. He never gave up and it paid off. On the last climb he had a short gap and crossing the bridge he had 10 seconds. We were going so hard there was no lull before the sprint. I was worried I would blow up so I didn’t chase as hard as I could have. When I saw the 200 m sign I knew this was it so I went hard. ThirstyBear’s teammate was ahead. We caught him at the finish but not soon enough to pass. Another few meters and I would have been first. I’m still very happy with the result which got me on the podium. This was the first race I’ve placed in the top few where they had a podium. It was cool getting a podium picture!
Bill