Millersburg Part 2

Post 1st day at races

So the criterium was all done in old Millersburg and so was I. I couldn't remember being this tired in a long time, and I was pretty hungry too. I had scored a parking spot before the race under a shady tree so my car was nice and cool when I got back to it. All my gear was once again lazily thrown into the back and I was off to the luxurious Red Roof Inn. I knew i would need more caffeine for the 30 minute drive so I stopped and grabbed a coke at this relic, an ancient, retro/cool coke machine .

The drive to Harrisburg meanders through country roads and little towns and goes up a pretty big mountainside complete with a twisty switchback section. I know the road race has a "switchback" section but I hadn't previewed the course, just thinking about racing was making me more tired. I got to the hotel and checked in , the hotel lobby and parking lot was super busy and lively. Apparently there was a big dog show in town as well. There were lots of dogs of all sizes walking their owners around the grounds including one happy yappy dog next to my room. I showered, face-timed the fam, and ordered a pizza all within one hour. I then ate the whole 14" Hawaiian pizza in 10-15 minutes and passed out at 7pm. Happy yappy yipper could not awaken me from my slumber nor could a stick of dynamite under my pillow. Zzzzzz.

The Road Race

I awoke around 6 threw my stuff in the car, said goodbye to the Red Roof inn, and made why way up over the mountain and back to Millersburg. The road Race started at 8 so I had some time to get reorganized re-pin my number onto a clean jersey and wipe down my bike. The road race was 3 laps, 57 miles and supposedly rolling hills with a switchback climb where there was to be a KOM (King of the Mountain for all you non-cyclists) at the top.  While I was watching the pro 1/2 crit the day before one of the volunteers gave me a wonderful tip about the climb.  "Just when you think the climb is done it flattens out dips down then kicks back up again" excellent so now I knew not to blow it all on the lower slope.

I was definitely sore and still tired at the start but I was feeling ready to get going we all lined up on the Main Street and before I knew it we were rolling again.

A group of category 3 racers much more prepared for stage racing than myself.

The start was neutral for a mile or so then   I thought it was going to remain neutral, seeing as though we had 57 miles to go. Unfortunately the climb was in the first 3 miles of the course. The peloton slammed into high gear as soon as the neutral was over. My breathing was heavy and so were my legs, we blasted onto a side road and I could see it going straight up. Pandemonium started 2 guys with poor mechanics dropped their chains as the climb started. I myself being a gear masher never dropped to the small chainring I was out of the saddle weaving up the climb. My lungs were screaming my legs were screaming I was dying  to grab onto the wheel in front of me. I watched as the road level out and I knew the kicker was coming, unfortunately some of the other riders didn't. Curse words and moaning could be heard from the pack as the road turned upwards again. I remained in the group maybe 20th spot over the KOM and desperately tried to recover. The speed remained high and I was completely scared out of my mind that this pace would not settle at all. People were attacking and we were strung out for the next 10 miles when we finally slowed to a "comfortable?" Pace. We made it back into town for the completion of 1 out of 3 laps. Then the speed kicked up again as everyone tried to position themselves for the climb. Here we go again click click click clang clang a couple more chain drops could be heard as well as agonizing moans my body was done and my mind was slipping "come on Luke you can just pull off the road and bag this race" the devil on my shoulder said "yeah  you know you can't hang with this group " he taunted. I told him to shut up just a little longer, we crested the hill and I barely hung on. Every surge from the group I could feel and I was slipping further and further back. I could see another small crest coming up the road. I gave it my best but didn't have anymore to give. I saw the last wheel ride away from me I put my head down and tried to recoup. I thought if I just caught my breath for a moment I could catch back on. Soon enough the whole race caravan had passed by me and I pushed on solo through the countryside.

I could have sat up and taken it easy but I still took advantage of the nice roads and weather and pushed as hard as I could. Soon enough I was onto Main Street and finishing up. 50th place!! At the finish the organizers had yet another treat for the racers, ice cold chocolate milk yum.

Even though I didn't place well and I didn't have as much fitness I thought I would have, I still took full advantage of this great race and kept myself humble and still hungry for lots of improvement. I would also like to encourage any racers out there to head out to next years Tour de Millersburg because it is a very well organized, fun, and challenging race. Thanks to all the volunteers out there helping out. See you next year. 

Luke 

El Presidente LCBC