The story: Bizzos were literally peeing their pants when they saw us line up together. With our snazzy new clear rain jackets (totally PRO) and our mouths foaming with the alkaseltzer tablets we ate moments before, at least 4 women dropped out at our very sight. I'm totally kidding about 2/3 of that last statement, you decide which two.
After the totally sensible (ahem), screaming 50mph neutral start the race was off. Most of the race was spent in anticipation of the 3 major climbs per lap, no one wanting to waste themselves too early. Each time up the climb, the group was narrowed down to 6 or 7 riders including 3 worthless MIT riders (who go to bed at 8:30 and sleep with the thermostat at 20 degrees while wearing their jerseys...seriously), Ari Filliberti from Dartmouth (Roxy's old cronie from private school days), another Dartmouth girl, and Lindsy from Montana. Based on our school choices, we were probably the smartest breakaway all day. But, we weren't really breaking away. After the climbs on each lap, most of the field was able to catch back on just in time for the next set of climbs. The course was HARD, nothing like we usually find in the Northwest. The hills were short and steep, with the exception of the last, long and steep climb. Thanks to my Midwest upbringing, I felt right at home. The road surface was deceivingly nasty. Almost all of us, at some point or another, got a flat during the race. Fortunately, the Shimano guys change flats for a living, so I was able to catch back on almost immediately. But the most heroic act of the day goes to Eloise, who gave her wheel to Emily after Emily flatted, knowing she would be stranding herself on the course indefinitely, cold and wet.
The rain finally stopped and my face finally stopped feeling like it was receiving acupuncture. The finish was a series of two climbs, the final climb on the regular lap and an additional 1/2 mile steep climb up to the state park and into the fog. The finishing 200 meters was on a single lane trail/road, apparently they weren't anticipating a field sprint. When we arrived on the final climb, the pack shattered and Ari and MIT girl separated together. I was shocked to be sitting 3rd, other Dartmouth girl not far behind. I made up some ground on the two leaders, but unfortunately I could not close the initial gap. The cheer squad on the final climb really got me to the top. It was even borderline too much cheering (is that even possible?) and John Klein ran with me for a good 200 meters (yes, it was that slow). 3rd place, hell yeah! Emily got 13th and Chelsea 16th, both with very respectable rides.
A few photos:
Second to last climb.
Everyone looked about as happy as I did.
I'm probably smiling.
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