This was to be my “A” event for 2017. Base building went great, then training fell apart after Windhaven hill repeat x70. Strength and speed sessions were interrupted by bike and run races, 8-ball tournament, and other life obligations.
I didn’t recover from Northshore 3 weeks prior. I was confident with the distance but not speed.
_goal
Hang with Jessica and women lead pack. Minimally I would contribute to downhill speed. I couldn’t wait to go down Silver Hill for 11 straight years.
_surprises at Classic Center
A stranger with backpack holding a registration envelope approached, seemingly wanting something from me. My guards went up. He said he’s from Florida and was robbed in Atlanta that morning. I lent him my phone and gave him some cash. I wondered if I was just been had.
_waffle
Weather was guaranteed to be unfavorable due to tropical storm. “Noon Atlanta traffic with poor visibility and wet pavement. Is it worth the risk?”
I decided to stick with full distance. At least I could keep Jessica company. Raluca and I ran into Jessica and Luke after packet pickup. Jessica convinced me to switch to 38-mile with her. Raluca was relieved.
[leading the race with 86.999 miles to go]
_unrealistic expectation
90 minutes before race start, online weather forecast said mostly dry for the race. Jessica and Luke swapped in dry wheels.
Half mile into the race, everyone was slipping with drizzle blurring sunglasses in darkness.
I thought I had a realistic chance to hang with Eddy for 2 hours. The lead pack was quickly down to 14. I decided to leave the pack 19:28 after the gun. “Go ugly early.” Nelson’s single bar advice applied here.
I was by myself for 20 minutes before group Candy picked me up.
_close call
Jesse came to a complete stop and turned 180 degrees. He dropped his phone. He drifted into opposite lane. We shouted at him; he didn’t hear with music blasting through ear bugs. Oncoming traffic swerved.
_waffle
Sandra and Oswald begged 38-milers to go the whole way. It was tempting; they could use the company. I had plenty of legs at that speed; I struggled to decide. “What risk am I willing to accept on this wet day?” “What do I have to gain?” Raluca made her preference clear. I felt I let Oswald down.
_shutting it down
I inventoried competition 1 mile before finish line. Just Jesse. I explained the final T intersection and the immediate right turn. I attacked but was unable to shake him easily. I considered the variables and offered to tie. Jesse accepted. The final 2 turns were indeed unsafe. We made it through for 3rd place finishes behind Jesus and Geisel.
_#’s
GPS Garmin Forerunner 630XT
Distance: 38.38 mi
Time: 2:28:42
Speed: 15.5 mph
Elevation gain: 2430 ft
official
Distance: 38 mi
Time: 2:27:22
Speed: 15.5 mph
Place: tie 3 over all
_post race party at Dacula
I changed into dry cloth before Luke and others rolled in. We broke out beers Raluca bought and shared stories. Jesse’s girlfriend yelled at him for the phone incidence. It didn’t appear any of it passed through the wife filter.
The calmest pit bull guarded the bicycle shop. I felt good being close to him. Yvonne brought her baby; she played well with the puppy.
Bob and Raluca finally rolled into Dacula. She got out of wet skates and sipped beer. Everything worked out.
