Berkshire Cycling Classic 2014

[mfwestbe]

This race turned out to be pretty well marshaled. I do intend to submit some thoughts to the director, however (like don't try changing start times the morning of. And altering feed zone placement. Very confusing.).

Upgrade did not go through in time, so, was still in the 5's. They combined <35 and >35 together from lack of U35s. Separate rankings still, but was good to be in a full group. This was one of the most stable races I've been in. I guess squirrely riders don't sign up for 80 mile races. I knew a few local riders that showed up, so that was also a plus.

Start @ 9:45, long neutral start, so I didn't warm up. The first hill (mi. 20) was hit pretty hard, but I moved up front quite perfectly to not waste energy or fall back. After 3/4 mi of hacking, I was with a group to close on 4 escapees. Skip ahead 10 miles and we have a nice group of around 20. Strong winds; pace-lining was an absolute - but again, mostly experienced riders were there and this actually happened (unlike the usual cat5 sketch-packs that form).

Second major climb was a slow grind, and 3 did break away but we reeled them back in with good work. Lost a full bottle on a fast and hard hit on rough road. Still about 6 miles from the 50mi feedzone, but luckily everything was down or flat so it went pretty quick. I had arranged a friend to meet me with 2 full bottles and a bar. Total FAIL. The plastic bag slipped right out of my hand as I grabbed it and had to stop. No worry, pack moved pretty slow and I caught back up with no trouble. Maybe they were being understanding?

The wind kept the breakaway idea out of everyone's mind, and we rolled along to our impending doom of Lenox/Richmond mtn. And so at mile 75ish, we hit the 2 mile climb. I'm close to the front. Another guy comes up and is standing up pounding. As we near the lesser grade I'm about 5th wheel and 2 are pulling away. I sternly say 'We gotta catch that wheel'; I hear 'you must know something I don't'. Yep, if we don't catch it now we'll all fall behind. Speed is now 15+. I get up and start pulling as well alongside the front, and then back off to second wheel. When we get to the top we're down to 10 rider lead. Some attacks happen at the bottom of the descent, and as we traverse Under mtn Road. These are PAINful. I don't know if I've got much left. We somehow hang together and the short hill proves a pace I can handle. Downhill. Then begin up to Lenox.

I'm 3rd wheel. Perfect. Solid pace, but not crazy. No attacks happen. We're closing in, and I'm attentive for guys behind. The guy to my left starts to make a move and I track up the right side. I see him go for a sprint, though way too early, and haul @$$ to stay in range without maxing. Round a brick-layed corner fast, and somehow I managed to keep myself in an appropriate gear for a full sprint. Caught him with maybe 20 yds to go for another WIN!

He and I took 1 & 2, and he was a <35 guy. Only 6 finishers for <35, but I still count this as a solid win. Especially as we were only 30 seconds off the Cat 4 time.

Stefan - you can update the count again!

[jraguin]

Fantastic job Mike! I knew you were strong enough to win an uphill finish like at Harvard or if you had done Purgatory. But this sounds like you needed not just strength but tactics, and you are getting both right. Congrats on the win! We are getting quite a 4s contingent. Now we need more of you (like Stefan) to get to the 3s!!!

[Jacob]

Nice job man, that's a long way to race a bike.

[swawersik]

Nice job. I have a feeling you'll move throught the 4s fairly quickly with racing like this.

[ahamilton]

That is a nice win!

[Mkidd3]

VERY well done Mike!! Congrats!!

[KTeves]

That's awesome Mike! Congrats!

[Len_E]

Great job Mike. Damn strong tactics.

[PJ McQuade]

Great ride, Mike. Looks like you'll have no trouble competing in the Cat. 4s.

[ahamilton]

Great ride, Mike. Looks like you'll have no trouble competing in the Cat. 4s.

I'll second that. You've been making me feel like a cat 6 on the FMR lately.

[JeremyC]

Wow Mike awesome. 80 miles is no joke that's legit.

[mfwestbe]

Nice job. I have a feeling you'll move throught the 4s fairly quickly with racing like this.

Upgrade was approved. We'll find out soon!