Fitchburg Longsjo Day 3

July 1, 2006

Today was the hardest race I've ever done. But before I begin my tale, I would like to report that I didn't come in last in yesterday's circuit race. As dumb luck would have it, I came in 60th (out of 78) and my rank in the GC
was 73rd at the end of Day 2.

Today, however, I am sure that I am right back at the bottom. At 9am Cat 4 men, Juniors, Men 35+ and Womens 3/4 set off on a road race up/down Mt Wachusett. Women 3/4 was racing 4 laps of a 11.4 mile course. It began downhill and wound along a nice rolling 5 miles. Then it was all uphill. a nice steep climb separated the men from the boys, so to speak, right away. I slipped to the back of the pack and then slipped away completely. But that was not unexpected. After climbing the hill we rounded the corner onto another off-cambor hill that gave way to a neutral feed zone and some flatter, welcomed terrain. Back at the top of the mountain I descended until the 1km King of the Mountains then tucked myself into a nice aero position that sped me 40 mph down the mountain and back around again.

My legs felt very strong and were very helpful in leading me up and down mountains all day. Four laps later, as I came back to the top of the mountain, the course lead me into the state park where a 2 mile ascent from hell awaited me. This was the only part of the course that I had not been able to drive, as it was a service road only accessible to state park officials. it proved itself to be the most treacherous soul-sucking experience of my life. The finish line was up there somewhere, but not close enough. As I slowly climbed (my road bike is blessed with a triple ring and I ran out of gears on this climb), I couldn't believe how I'd make it up to the summit. however, I did--with great support from other competitors and spectators alike. Without them, I might be still on that hill!

So I finished 46 miles in 3 hours 18 minutes. I don't think I made the cut to compete in tomorrow's final stage--a criterium. The women's winner completed the course in 2 hours 33 minutes. However it doesn't really matter as I had already planned to leave on vacation to the Hamptons! But, if it turns out that I did qualify, I might think about staying around, just to say I did it all! Regardless, this was a fantastic race with great planning and fabulous, friendly roadies from all over. I might just do it again next year!!

Thank you all for your wonderful words of support--It helped more than you know!