Another hillclimb race…Another pain cave to enjoy...
Mt. Equinox is a 5.4 mile climb with an average grade of 12%. It is placed perfectly in the calendar between the 3.6 mile 12% Ascutney climb and the granddaddy of them all; the 12% 7.6 mile Mt. Washington climb...
This was my first time up Equinox, even though it is the closest race to my house. I have always had other obligations this weekend but this year I made sure I was able to climb...
I had to get out of the house by 5:45 AM, so my lovely wife and beautiful kids were up early and although a little cranky made the drive to registration. It was a cool, foggy morning and I found warming up a bit difficult. I kissed the wife and kids goodbye and they went up to the top to root for SpongeBob...
My coach wanted me to take it easy for this race because I felt fatigued during the week. I think I am just tired and stressed from a couple weeks of hell at work. I felt good on the bike the last 2 days, so I was going to give it a little more than he suggested...
The start did not go well. I was in my middle ring and switched to the small ring about 2 minutes in, an...dropped the chain. I was able to recover without stopping but it rattled me. As usual, I started slow the first five minutes. It is very difficult watching everyone ride away from you, but I try and remind myself, most will be coming back...
The Mountain did not seem as steep as Ascutney but has some wicked steep switchbacks. I was catching my wave and passing quite a few riders always giving encouragement. I always see the same BF’ers at these races. Tough as nails this hillclimbing group!! I met the grandson of my English teacher in high school. My teacher wore a bow tie and rode his bicycle to school. That was 25 years ago, 5 states away. Small World...
On, one of the switchbacks a rider told me I was now in 2nd place in my wave and pointed out the rider leading our wave. I marked him and slowly gained ground. He was standing quite a bit. I tend to stay in the saddle except for short periods to stretch the muscles. I tried to be smart about my efforts, increasing power when I thought he would be easing up. On ‘flatter’ sections I would pick up the power a notch. I rode the switch backs in the middle then cut the corner, which seems to slightly increase your speed. It was a slow catch, but I got him. He noticed I was in the same wave (rider number) and we rode side by side for a bit. He then took my wheel. I kept a steady pace but he matched me. I increased the pace on a steeper section and got about 20 feet, but when I eased, he took my wheel again. As soon as he did, I stood and pushed again. He fell back again. I did not want to look behind me because of the disappointment I would have felt if he was still there. On the next switchback, I looked. I only had about 50 feet. I let out an explicative...
I then buried myself in the pain cave. I tried to increase my power but the engine room was not answering the call. At mile 5 there was an ambulance on the side of the road, I asked for oxygen. They said they were out...
As the finish banner approached, I put in a kick for a minute. My kids were screaming; GO, DADDY, GO!!! Which helped quite a bit, I mean, I can't disappoint the kids. Oxygen debt ensued...I barely stayed upright as I crossed the finish. I did it, finished first in my wave by 7.5 seconds. This was good enough for a podium in my age class and top 15 out of 147 riders. I am very surprised and satisfied with my results this year...
This hill climbing must be like child birth. Hell going through it, but soon after you want to do it again...
On the way down, a 2008 Cervelo R3 got caught in the finish banner and torn off the roof of a car. I do not know the damage but it did not look or sound too good. I feel for the owner...
Overall, another great day. Another great ride...
Next up, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle HillClimb...
Mmmmm, I can taste the lactic acid...
I thought the sign said... "WARNING. This Mountain is STEEP. Why are you riding up it???"...
Hammertoe coming to the finish. Notice the rider 7.6 seconds behind me...
Just a little further and the pain will end...
Manchester, Vermont from Lookout Rock, Mt. Equinox...
