The word for the day is more rain. Yesterday was supposed to be the climbing day but because the forecast called for rain and hale RV decided make the day a recovery day so we did a submax loop of 36 miles around the Santa Rosa area. When we left it was sunny and warm, with no rain clouds in sight. At the 31-mile mark we could see the rain coming. I was pulling the group and the word from the coaches was ride on. We were riding at 18+mph and before I knew it we were in the rain.
During inclement weather it is always best to be the lead rider. That lesson was reinforced when it began to hale. We were 5 miles from home and the coaches said press on. I pulled at an even pace as little ice balls began to pelt me. As it haled I learned an important ancillary rule. It is best to be the lead rider in a rainstorm AND not be on the non-windward side during a hale storm. Unfortunately I was on the windward side and was receiving the brunt of the storm. My co-leader was also being pelted, just not as much. Because we did not stop riding during all the weather we rode through the hale quickly. Fortunately there were no injuries and we rode back to the hotel in sunshine; go figure.
Day 4 was the new climbing day on Pine Flat, a ride made famous by Levi Leipheimer. Daybreak brought grey ominous skies, however, the forecast said only a moderate chance of rain. Because it was cold everyone was wearing all his or her cold weather gear. Dressed for bad weather we rolled out and headed for the climb. Soon after the start there was a loud ban and a screeching noise. Boogie, a rider in our group yelled “mechanical” and the group pulled over. Boogie always has the best or if not the most expensive gear. Upon inspection we discovered that a derailleur wheel, a little wheel that allows the chain to move around the gears exploded. The wheel was carbon fiber, a very strong material, however it can not be over flexed or it will fail catastrophically. Unfortunately Boogie was done for the day and into the sag he went.
After Boogie moped into the sag we restarted the ride. 5 miles later another rider called out, “mechanical”, due to a flat. The flat was quickly changed because each sag car carries several replacement wheels. The mechanic hopped out grabbed a wheel made the switch and off we went in less then a minute.
Because we were running a little late the coaches began to push the group. Our speed inched higher even though we were heading into a 12mph wind. Riders took short pulls at the front to save their energy for the big race up Pine Flats.
I need to spend some time now explaining how I am feeling. To date, I have ridden 210 miles, in 13 hours and burned 5,200kjs (kilojoules; an energy measure). I had 2 massages and I have been eating like a starved bike rider. I came to camp 2 or 3 pounds heavier then in previous camps, life has been good, and I have lost some power because I have been working on core strength. When all these factors are added together it equals 1 tired camper. My hammies are singing and feel like they are slightly pulled, my quads feel gimpy and I do not have that explosive power that I usually have and there are 2 more days of riding!
Now back to the ride. We slowly ride towards the climb. There are several smaller climbs of about 500 feet that are hard but not killer. I take my time and as usual I am the last guy to crest the hill because I am conserving power. However it has begun to rain making the climbs slippery and the descents treacherous. The group slows down on the descents but we are cold and miserable. A certain amount of cold while working out is good, it allows you to work harder, however, the cold and rain was making everyone shiver, which is not good, because your body takes away power and works on keeping itself warm.
Finally we reached the climb site. It had stopped raining but the summit was fogged over and more rain was coming. At the base of the climb the VQ staff met and canceled the race saying it is too dangerous. Damn now we are cold and ready to ride but have nowhere to go.
We are told to turnaround and return to the hotel. Because the group has so much energy we start to race. Everyone is ready to ride so the ride turns into a speed fest. The fast riders move to the front and off we go. Rick, a funny semi-coach starts giving play by play as we speed along at 20 to 25mph. Its really funny, we are racing and Rick is yelling commentary. I am pulling my self inside out just to keep up and trying not to laugh because that is sucking up my power.
As we are racing it is passed up through the peloton that if you want you can do an additional 30 miles. I am tired and I know there is a big day tomorrow so I decline. But many of the riders do the extra loop with 2000’ more feet of climbing. I head back to the hotel for a shower and to soak in the hot tub.
Tomorrow is the big race day. I am not as pumped but I am getting my enthusiasm back. Tonight Max Testa, the famous cycling doctor, talked to us about riding, power output and heath. So off to bed I go, knowing that if I ride today I will live longer and be healthier. Tomorrow will be fun.
