FLCC> Syracuse Race Weekend: 45+

[Steve Edgar]

At 60 miles, I knew the first event of the Syracuse Race Weekend  
would be a long haul.  The composition of both the course and the  
field meant The Super Saver Plan would not be possible.  The only way  
to get through this race would be to bend over and work for most of  
the distance.

I got a free ride to the first climb, but after that it was time to  
go to work... all the way to the finish.  Making the first group was  
out of the question.  Making the second group was possible, but  
they'd have to scrape me up after 30 miles.  I opted for what would  
become the 3rd group on the road.  Riders were spread out in 2s and  
3s.  I paired up with Rich Karaz, as we are old friends, and he is  
technically perfect, and we got rolling.  In about 10K, we would end  
up with a circular pace line of 13.

When we got to the hill on the second lap, I was the first casualty.   
With no one in sight behind me, I had to ride the next 10 miles solo,  
after which 2 guys rolled up and I joined them.  I finished 30th.

I skipped the 1 mile TT that evening, due to the high amount of  
hanging around required.  I heard it was a fun course, and that en  
route to winning the 35+ TT, AndyM had, as they say in motorcycle  
racing parlance, "a moment".  (I'll let him tell you about it.)

On Sunday, the 45+ criterium at Onondaga Park starts, as expected,  
fast.  My legs are toast from the day before, but I am strong enough  
to stay on the back.  At about 12 miles I can see the field is about  
to split.  Glenn and Ernie are at the back, and light a rocket to  
bridge.  Having nowhere near enough watts to do that, I stay put.  A  
few other guys try to bridge, but it is too late.

On the last lap I decide to use what I have left, and go for a few  
crumbs.  Down around the left hand banked corner it is single file.   
The front 2 bikes slow just out of the dip, and I open it up.  It is  
a long way to the line, but I keep some power down to the ground.   
Four guys come by with 20 meters to go.

It was a fun race weekend, and I was happy with my results.  60 miles  
was my longest ride of the year.

In the omnium.  Ernie was 2nd.  Glenn was 4th.  I think AndyM also  
did well, but am not sure of his place.

See you in Binghamton this Sunday.

-- Steve.