FLCC> Tuesday A's and B's

[Gregory May]

My first ride with the group and I didn't bring anything with me...of course I got a flat.  I'm not sure who loaned me a tube - but thanks!  I'll have a replacement for you next week.  And thanks again to Jason for the pump and levers.  


----- Original Message ----
From: Sandy and Don Fitterer <dfitterer at twcny.rr.com>
To: flcc at icycle.org
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:38:52 AM
Subject: FLCC> Tuesday A's and B's


I did the first lap with the A's and expected a much faster race than the last Brooktondale event and it was! Glenn finally made it to the start line and since he was only racing one lap he made it a good one. Attack after attack came from the Hawaii kid. My goal was to stay on Ernie's wheel and I was able to do that until the final sprint. The biggest difference between the A's and B's is the mass of riders at the end of the race setting up for the sprint. It is so crowded that if you aren't in the top 5 when things wind up there is no chance to get through the traffic.
 
The second lap was with the B's which considering the guys who dropped down to race it was more of a B+, A- race. Joe Bailey, John Compton, Alex Tam and Rob Hanlon were some of the big guns that dropped down to the B's. Once we regrouped Alex and I went off the front to get the race started. We were caught after a mile and I slowly drifted to the back of the pack. My goal was to reach the front just before the turn onto Coddington and light it up as we climbed the hill. Two things didn't go quite right. First, I went to the front too soon and wasted a bit more energy than I wanted. Second, Bivian took the inside line while I went wide. Twinkie had warned me about cutting across racers wheels by swinging into the turn from such a wide sweep. I cut my speed to make sure I didn't cross lines and when I started up the hill my momentum wasn't there. Joe rolled by me before the top and I just didn't have the energy to get on his wheel. Soon the group was back together. There
 attacks and pulls from quite a few people and I was very impressed with how the majority of riders took a pull at the front and then moved over to let someone else pull through. Dave Heck must have been still recovering from the Terrible B's on Saturday because I was on his wheel watching his rear cassette, waiting for him to drop into a harder gear and pick up speed. Right on cue the chain started to move but it went to an easier gear! 
 
I also want to compliment the women in the B's. All of them are very strong and I was impressed with the amount of time Bivian and Kelly (a.k.a. "the Animal") rode at the front. Way to go!
 
Near the finish, John and Joe were trying to get the positional advantage for the sprint. I knew I didn't have a chance so I went early. The good news was only John, Joe and one other guy passed me!
 
It was a great time and a joy to race with some exceptional athletes.
 
Cheers,
 
Don
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