Fifty Plus (50+) - Berkeley Hills Road Race Report

Post on behalf of Velodiva


Berkeley Hills Road Race
35 miles – very hilly terrain – the three bears course
May 11, 2008
Category: W Cat 4
Place: 13
Field: approx. 38
Teammates: None

Currently, the results are incorrect although my place in the field appears to be correct.

It was a beautiful day for racing. We had Laurie Fenech (state champion) riding as a mentor. We dropped several women the first lap on the rollers on Castro Ranch. Shortly after the turn on to Bear Creek on the first lap there was a crash of 6 to 8 women right in front of me caused by a darting squirrel. Fortunately, I was able to get around and Laurie told us to keep going; the remaining group slowed for a while. We were also pulled over to the side while a fast men's group passed by. After the 3 bears climbs on lap 1, I stuck with the lead peloton of about 13 women in the middle of the pack. After the climb up Papa Bear, 1Km 9% grade, there is a long fast descent. I stayed with the group and we achieved 45 mph down the curvy descent. On the second lap, there was an attack on the Castro Ranch rollers but the peloton reformed after the turn on to Alhambra Valley and another W4 joined the group. Despite best efforts, I dropped off near the top of Mama Bear (the second major climb before a fast descent and the finish up Papa bear) and finished 13th. I was happy to stay with the lead group for most of the race and it was a great racing experience to carry forward . . . . and more training!! Thanks for reading.

The course

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/2008BerkeleyRRjpg.jpg

The warmup

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0006.jpg

Staging

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0007.jpg

The start – We staged at the bottom of a hill near registration and there was a promenade up the hill to the start.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0010.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0011.jpg

The finishing climb up Papa Bear - neutral feed zone

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0040.jpg

Me in the lead peloton on one of the climbs: second head from right.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/MEAinPeloton.jpg

My finish up Papa Bear approximately 1 minute behind the winner.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Berkeley%20RR/PICT0047.jpg

Why are those women smiling!? Don't they know this stuff hurts? :lol: Incredible.

Great stuff. Very impressive.

Very strong to stay with the groups on those hills. I'd be enjoying the view of watching them ride away myself.........

Wow. Every one of your races is more impressive than the last. Congratulations.

I knew you placed up there and had a strong race. Way to go! :thumb:

I knew you placed up there and had a strong race. Way to go! :thumb:

Red Rider, I felt badly that you had to drop out due to the wobble issue, but very wise decision indeed. The descent after Papa Bear was SO fast and further complicated with the winds. I just tried to stay focused and calm. Are you going to do the Mount Hamilton Classic next Sunday?? I am signed up, but the logistics are complicated since I need to get a ride back to the Isabel Creek start; and cars going out to the finish line have to leave before the start.

Great jod. Enjoyed reading about the race.

Very cool indeed. Off to check it out on MotionBased and see if anyone GPS'd it. I'm sure the stats will be amazing.

OMG!

Climbs of 800', max grade of 13.5%.

Average speeds in the neighborhood of 20MPH.

Head/crosswinds of 17 MPH.

My nose is bleeding just typing this down. Incredible!

Red Rider, I felt badly that you had to drop out due to the wobble issue, but very wise decision indeed. The descent after Papa Bear was SO fast and further complicated with the winds. I just tried to stay focused and calm. Are you going to do the Mount Hamilton Classic next Sunday?? I am signed up, but the logistics are complicated since I need to get a ride back to the Isabel Creek start; and cars going out to the finish line have to leave before the start.

Thanks, V'diva. I knew I made the right decision, even as I watched you and the pack roll away. Part of me really wanted to go on, but I knew that wouldn't be smart. I'm really fine with my decision...there will be plenty more races to ride.

As for next week...I'm still undecided. I'll know by midweek.

OMG!

Climbs of 800', max grade of 13.5%.

Average speeds in the neighborhood of 20MPH.

Head/crosswinds of 17 MPH.

My nose is bleeding just typing this down. Incredible!

Tell me about it - thanks for the validation - it was tough, I had nothing left at the end - but that's what makes us stronger. :)

Tell me about it - thanks for the validation - it was tough, I had nothing left at the end - but that's what makes us stronger. :)

I'm with the weak link. Your average speed is about my max on the flat.

If you want to ride with these 2 ladies you have to (as Pcad would say) HTFU

I have a friend who lives in Orinda near the Briones Reservoir
I thought of bringing the bike over and doing that loop
I must have been inSANE.

Nice job!