In the Hood - Wy'East Road Race

This stage has been changed from last year due to the fact that one of the passes we would have climbed is covered with several feet of snow! It was shortened to around 70 miles, but still had 8000' of climbing. Early on was fairly uneventful until Billy flatted on a very fast, very long downhill. The worst place in the world to flat. I thought we had lost him for the day only 20 miles in. But Craig went back for him and brought him back. That was a great team effort and a big relief!

At miles 25 Craig followed Rich Thurman on the attack and went off on a big adventure. At about mile 50 he dropped Thurman and set off on his own. Meanwhile in the group I was sitting in like the princess that I am and getting an armchair ride through the stage. Mick and Billy did a ton of work keeping the tempo steady and controlling the field. The team made this tough stage almost seem easy. I can't thank them enough.

Unfortunately for Craig he got caught with about 5km to go. The end was strange. Since the race had been so steady we had a lot of guys left. On the final climb to the Mt. Hood Meadows ski area, 3rd place rider David Garcia set a lot of hard tempo. I wanted to have a go, but tried to be patient and bided my time until about 1.5km to go. At that point I attacked and was able to stay away for the win. Rob came in 2nd with Wyatt finishing 7th and Mick in 10th. Craig rolled in with Billy and after all that work he was a little tired. I can't imagine why. :-)



Here's a team photo before the stage with our destination off in the distance behind us. Rob is MIA, out warming up.