PackFodder

The men's 55+ cat 4,5 field was 37 riders, an impressive showing that included some atheletes who are some of Northern CA's best. Our group did 3 laps for 50 miles as opposed to the Cat 1-3 men 55+ who did 4 laps. We started on the flat a bit faster than I predicted. I was holding 3d wheel when 2 riders sprinted from behind and went off the front. I guessed they were trying to put some distance between themselves and the peleton before the climb so they would lose less time during the ascent. I accelerated slightly and pulled them in and within a few minutes the peloton was back together. I stayed 3-6th wheel up the initial ascent until the sharp right when the real climbing begins and continues to the finish line. A group of about 15 riders accelerated to a torrid pace and pulled away from me despite a full on effort on my part to stay attached. By the time we reached the bridge they were 200 yds ahead and when I looked back I saw no one in our group. Being a distant last of the leaders is not comforting. I started riding my time trial. A few slightly negative thoughts entered my mind such as: "this is my last race". I managed to focus on my riding, relaxing my shoulders, keeping streamlined and holding the best pace I could. My heart rate was in the mid 160s, well above SS (153-157). I could see the lead group ahead when the road permitted and I realized they were pulling away from me. But, I could see a few riders had been dropped or they were riders from an earlier group. I persevered thinking I would catch the shelled nuts and hopefully find someone to ride and work with. Then the Cat 3s roared by me and I moved over to the right to let them pass. I knew they would catch the leaders in my category and that they would be neutralized. I persevered. Sure enough, my leaders were neutralized and I caught them before we started the second lap. Again I stayed with them until the steep climb and again I was dropped. This time however, there were 3 other riders who were ahead of me who were also dropped and I gradually realed them in. We rode together and I sucked more wheel than was my share but I was not going to tire myself out. We rode together through the second lap. I looked for but could no longer see the lead group. As we started the third lap I sensed that I was not the weakest rider of the foursome. I was able to do the steep climb with them and as the lap proceded, could close any gap that opened. I decided to continue to suck wheels rather than ride first into the wind. One of the foursome dropped back and could not continue the pace. We three entered the final climb steep section with me in 2d place. I moved forward holding the best pace I could muster to the finish line. I knew my heart rate was over 170 and think it hit 174 (I will have to check my meter). I looked under my arm and one of the others in my threesome was gaining and then passed me slowly. I held on to my pace, the best I could do without exploding. He finished about 20 yds ahead of me and I finished about 100 yds ahead of the 3d rider. I was exausted. I knew I had ridden the best ride I could do that day. I had made no tactical errors, I ate properly, I hydrated properly, I slept well the night before and I was not nearly as nervous as I had been during my prior races. I was just outgunned by better riders (e.g., climbers). I had no sense of my placement when I crossed the finish line. I only knew that I was in the 2d group and was beaten by one rider in the final threesome. When the results were posted I came in 13th of 33 who finished.

Goal 1. To finish in the lead group. Not achieved.
Goal 2. To ride a time trial if dropped and use other riders for the best possible placement I could achieve. Goal Achieved.
Goal 3. To have no negative thoughts. I had them but was able to put them in a pink baloon. Goal ultimately achieved. This is not my last race.