FLCC> GVCC Classic - 37/45

[Steve Edgar]

With snow canceling Check Your Legs on April 15, yesterday's GVCC  
Classic in Bloomfield became the de facto CNY bike racing season  
opener.  And the season opened to weather which made it feel we had  
been transported to Northern California in June.

At 44 miles, the Masters race would be a stretch for me, about twice  
the distance I had been riding, but I knew I had a good chance of  
finishing with the field if I rode efficiently.  A rolling and scenic  
course, devoid of any flat sections, combined with a steady and  
fairly animated pace, made for an enjoyable and challenging race.

For most of the distance, my leg strength was good, and I was able to  
stay with the field without any risk of falling off.  I didn't dare  
attack, as I knew I my endurance was borderline.

At mile 33, I thought I would finish with the field.  At mile 37, my  
legs made it clear I had to slow down and let the group go.  At mile  
41, I was forced off the bike to massage out some nasty cramps in my  
right hamstring, quad, and calf.  I rode in primarily with my left  
leg, and was able to finish.  This would hand me the lantern rouge  
among the Ithaca Masters contingent of Ernie, Rhino, Mark, and Don.

The cramps were due to lack of endurance.  I was well fed and  
hydrated.  My body should respond pretty well, and I think I'll be  
able to race 2 laps at Hollenbecks.

Despite the bottom falling out near the end, it was a really fun  
race.  Everyone was safe and smooth, the course was nice, we had a  
good size field, and there were enough fast guys to keep it rolling.   
And, of course, the weather was fabulous.

It is fun to be racing again.  Riding in shorts is *so* nice.  Look  
forward to seeing many of you at Binghamton this Sunday.

-- Steve.