ALMOST RACE REPORT AND DAY OFF (NOT BY CHOICE)

What better motivation to write the "almost" race report than sitting here watching the final stage of the Tour of California. With the start of the Giro d'Italia and Tour of California, I have had even more motivation in my training everyday. Following these two races leading up to my race I anxiously could not wait for my race. As confident as I was with my training, I had no idea what to expect for this race. In running, I kind of know who the competition would be locally but since it was my first bicycle race I had no idea of the competition. The race itself is called the Mont Tour 75 but the exact distance is 77 miles when you look at the maps but I guess it is easier the say or write 75 in the information regarding the race. I also know they put a huge emphasis on the team competition as they were offering prize money and a huge trophy for the winning team. I would be competing solo in the 75.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/26741348

Now for the 'almost" race report and I'll explain that in a little. I had a good but relaxing week of training leading up to the race and even slept very soundly the night before. I awoke race morning to a nice temperature but a very thick fog. The race official informed everyone that several of the challenging descents and climbs would be wet and to watch ourselves. He was not kidding as one rider slid out in front of me 4-5 miles into the race. The first 3 miles of the course were a flat route through town then we hit the first of 6 major hills on the course. On the first climb, you could get a feel for how some of the riders handled climbs but it did not separate the peloton completely. I led a lot of the way up the hill and the new picture on here is me leading the pack through the fog at the top of the hill. Throughout the many climbs on the course the peloton stretched out and thinned. We had several sections of gravel roads also which gave it the feel of some of the one day classics in Europe, which is what the race director was trying to replicate. In all there were 6 major hills on the course and there was a combined elevation gain of 5940 feet throughout the course. Going into the final 3 hills, the lead group was down to about 20 riders including me. Then on a climb around 56 miles that group split in half and we were down to about 10. I was gaining confidence in that I could have a top 5-6 finish in my first race as a cyclist. I was riding solo among members of several cycling teams. Regardless I did my share of pulls and setting the pace uphills. On the descent from that hill that split the group I slid back a little but on the next major climb I gained major time and moved myself back to around 5th or 6th when I reached the top of that monster. On the descent, I was flying down the hill (30+mph) with another rider and we were gaining on the group in front of us. There is where the "almost" race report comes in....at an intersection at mile 69 a car going up the hill decided to turn left into my lane and I had know where to go but into them. I was able to angle myself and slow slightly before impact. On impact, I was thrown from my bike over the car and I flew/skidded into somebody's front yard. I ended up face down 60 feet from the car. I did exact some revenge in taking her mirror off the car and leaving a dent in her door! Amazingly, I walked away from this with a lot road rash and no broken bones. The bike took minimal damage as I had a small ding in the frame and my handle bar tape was torn. I will need to inspect it closer to make sure nothing else was done to bike. I did have some nice scratches on my helmet also. I never lost consciousness and remember flipping in the air and the impact of the ground. I had two immediate thoughts upon stopping on the lawn: How is bike? and How could she be so stupid to ruin my race? The driver was cited by the police and trust me I will make sure I get everything deserve from them. I just can"t believe she was that dumb given two cyclist went by about 100 meters in front of us. And she ruined my brand new Team IQC kit!!! Bastard!!!

Despite that mishap I still manged a great week of training totals. I did take today off (not my choice) even though I think I could have done and easy spin to loosen up.

Week - 6 rides/ 227 miles/ 10hours 52minutes/ 21.20mph
Month - 24 rides/ 810 miles/ 38hours 34minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 144 rides/ 4807 miles/ 220hours 40minutes/ 21.90mph

Today, as I relaxed on the couch I was checking race schedules because I need to get back out there ASAP! Now this weekend is out as I will be in Ohio for NCAA D3 Track & Field National Championships. My top 5K runner on the woman's team qualified with a time of 17:14.76.

Here are possible races: (short because of having to compete in CAT 5 but USA Cycling sponsored)
June 4th - Mt Joy Road Race - 37KM
June 11th - Tour of Mt Nebo - 27 Miles
June 12th - Luzerne Criterium - 21 Miles
June 19th - Gretna Bikes Race Avenue Criterium - 20 Miles
June 26th - Emrick Boulevard Criterium - 25 miles

I will not do them all but I need to get at least two of them but I also want to find a longer road race as I had some much fun over the long course this past weekend.

Of course this schedule would not be complete with the TdO 11!!!!

It is so on!!!