Posted by Dan on 6. September 2011 06:04
It's been more than two whole weeks since the Appalachia Visited road race concluded so I suppose I should document that fateful day's events before I forget the facts and start making things up.
The seventh and final event in the Appalachian Road Series Championship, West Virginia State Championship road race and final race in the GamJams Cat 3 Cup p/b Mountain Khakis was held in Rowlesburg, WV. A 59 mile loop through the beautiful rolling West Virginian countryside set the stage for the final showdown between me and Brian Sjoberg (Team Bike Doctor). As you're probably already aware, Brian and I had been vying for the top spot in the Cat 3 Cup individual competition for several weeks, neither of us ever further than a few points from attaining that goal. At the start of the final event, Brian led by 1 point. All I had to do to win was get a top 10 finish and cross the line one place in front of Brian. Easier said than done.
Our race was scheduled to be a Cat 3/4 race. Both the 1/2/3 and 3/4 fields were a bit anemic so they were combined to give us a 30+ rider group. The first eighteen miles were pretty calm. A few guys would charge up the road but the main field wasn't really interested in chasing. The road traveled south out of Rowlesburg along the Cheat River, so the terrain was relatively flat with two minor climbs where mild pressure was applied by the group’s leaders in an effort to cut into the break's lead.
A right turn put us at the beginning of the first of two big climbs. The average gradient over the entire 5+ mile climb was only 3.3%, but it steadily increased on the way to the summit, with the final mile averaging about 6%. Near the base, both Frank and I individually tried a few attacks to put some breathing room between us and the group, but we were quickly brought back. We would all suffer together (except for those six guys that had gone up the road right after the turn). I kept an eye out for Brian and tried not to burn any more energy than was necessary to keep pace with him. When the group shattered and individuals made their way to the summit, Brian passed me while glued to another rider's wheel. I distinctly recall thinking that this climb was relatively long and that I could do well by staying at threshold and not redlining this early. I'd eventually catch them near the summit. Having made up my mind, I watched the two of them disappear up the road while I slogged on.
Imagine my surprise when I reached the summit and everyone was gone. They were busy recovering on the descent while I was still climbing and now chasing. I had no idea how much time I'd lost. I tucked in tight and began the eight mile descent that would take me to the next right turn and another relatively long, flat stretch. While laying down on the bike, humming along at 45 mph, I tried to paint a picture of the race as I understood it. There was a strong looking group of six that hit the climb first and they seemed to be gone. I'd assume they were still intact. Next was the hoard containing Brian that had surely regrouped by now and was descending quickly. Then me. I had passed Frank a long time ago on the ascent and I hadn't seen him in several miles so I assumed he was off the back with maybe 10 others. I had to make it to the main field or my 6 hour drive west would be wasted.
Nearly eight miles after the second right turn, I finally caught sight of the peloton just ahead. Quite motivated, I pushed through and latched onto Brian's wheel, getting the chance to rest a little. The group was rolling easy, trying to recover before the next big climb. Matt Phillips (Haymarket Bicycles) was on the front, trying to drum up some interest in chasing down the leaders, but no one was going to help whitewash that fence. Maybe five minutes later, I got word that Frank had rejoined the group. He and a few others were right behind me during the chase. Still hyped up over that frantic chase, I moved to the front to help Matt close the gap to the leaders a little, but it wasn't easy with four or five in the rotation but only two really interested in working. We'd give back everything we gained as soon as someone else pulled through. Matt would eventually leap-frog his way into a solo move and leave us for dead as he tried to make his own way in the world. We chilled out and, thanks to Dave Cobb of Team Traveller, enjoyed a nice cold beverage while we waited for our hill to be ready.
The third right turn put us on the George Washington Hwy pointed toward the final climb of the day, a 4.5 mile lump with an average gradient of only 5%, but it was a wicked 5%. The evilest 5% you've ever seen. I moved myself into position behind Brian and prepared for the worst. No matter how deep into the red we'd go, I wasn't going to back off. There'd be no catching back on this time. After the summit, it was a fast 7 mile downhill run to the finish line. Ian Spivack (DCMTB) took over the pace-setting role and made everyone hurt. He opened a small gap with one guy giving chase. Brian was stuck on that guy's wheel and I was just as stuck to Brian's wheel. I have no recollection of what was going on behind me as I was unable to see anything from my vantage point in the hurt locker. With maybe a half mile to the summit, I couldn't take anymore and bid our small chase group of three adieu. Ian was still killing it and the other two were still keeping the loss to a minimum, but I was cooked. I let go and finished the climb alone, hoping they'd both slow up too, but knowing they wouldn't.
I made it to the summit alone and had lost site of the other three. I was really looking forward to the fast descent to the finish, what with its 15 mph switchbacks, roadside bars full of cheering, bearded bikers and very slow traffic. Coming into one of said switchbacks, I had a Toyota, two Harley Davidsons and a Cadillac Escalade in front of me, cautiously tip-toeing around the bend. It took less than a second to throw caution to the wind and pass the whole lot in one fell swoop. I bombed the rest of that hill and made the final left-hand turn with three miles to the finish line. My average speed was 28 mph over the last three miles and my power dipped below 300 watts for only a moment when I thought my face had melted off. I was desperately trying to catch sight of Brian in the expanse of empty road ahead of me. I only caught sight of him and Ian after I'd crossed the finish line. They reported that Ian had won, Brian took 2nd and the wheel that he was on belonged to the 1/2/3. That put me in 3rd. The exact opposite of how I wanted this to play out. Frank crossed the line taking 7th place giving us flatlanders two top 10 finishes.
Brian Sjoberg, Ian Spivack and Dan on the podium.
After swapping post-race stories in the river and posing for podium pictures, Frank and I packed up and headed east for the Dawg Days of Summer Crit in Bowie, MD the next day. This race was probably the best race of the season, with its fantastic course, challenging climbs and phenomenal competition. Congratulations to both Ian and Brian for running a fantastic race, and a hearty well-done to Brian for winning the individual GamJams Cat 3 Cup. Frank's 7th place finish helped us lock-in first place in the team competition. The latter part of the competition was extremely exciting and I learned a great deal by participating. For example, always look back to see where the guys that can help you are and never, ever assume you'll catch the leaders when they blow up. Chances are they will not blow up and will probably eat your lunch later.
Big thanks to everyone involved in making this a fantastic day of racing, well worth the drive from Norfolk, specifically, J.R. Petsko and his army of volunteers and sponsors and Mike May and the guys at GamJams for conceiving of and promoting the GamJams Cat 3 Cup p/b Mountain Khakis. Had I not submitted my Cat 2 upgrade request from the car immediately after the race, which has since been approved, I'd give it more attention next year.