Reflecting on my past two weekends of racing at Pescadero
and Nevada City it has become evident that, despite the amount of time I have
spent riding and racing, my cycling career is just beginning. I enjoyed seeing
the benefits of my hard work and dedication leading in to nationals (only three
weeks away now) at both races.
For those who
aren’t familiar with either of these NorCal hallmark races Pescadero is a 103
mile, hilly, and often relatively windy road race through the coastal roads of
Pescadero and La Honda; Nevada City is a 54-year-old classic that consists of
90 minutes (roughly 30 laps) around a 1.1 mile circuit split between half a lap
of tough climbing and the other half of high-speed descending into two
off-camber, left hand corners. These are two of my favorite courses all year,
and the Pescadero loop also serves as one of my standard long ride routes.
Pescadero
was my second ever 100+ mile ride and first 100+ mile race, and a true test of
my endurance. The race was highly attended with Mike’s Bikes, Marc Pro Strava,
CalGiant and Vumedi all sending full squads, and local pro Ben Jacques-Maynes
hot off of the Amgen Tour of California. Long story short, the race was one of
attrition and I came into the final ascent up Haskins Hill well fueled and
hydrated, and in good position for a top-ten finish. However, my legs quickly
decided that they had done enough for the day and the metaphorical wheels came
off about half a kilometer into the climb. In survival mode I pulled every last
bit of energy and power out of my legs as riders, seemingly, “sauntered” past
me. While I may not have achieved my desired result on the day, I recognize how
far I have come in the past few years, and that the endurance to be competitive
in 100+ mile road races comes with years and years of riding. Pescadero served
as a great endurance overload coming into nationals.
Nevada City
also reinforced the fact that I have plenty more racing in my career and that
there is always the next race. Added to my normal race plan was the fact that
Neilson would be racing with me in his first P1/2 race. It was a treat to have
a teammate in a local race. About halfway through the race, after feeling
really good and being aggressive at the front of the race, I was forced into
the hay bale on the outside of turn two when the rider in front of me, and
slightly to my left, slid out. Luckily, I was able to scrub off most of my
speed (the corner is normally taken at or in excess of 30 mph), and escape with
all of my skin and no broken bike bits. After getting out of the hay bale, and get
myself reoriented the field was about 40 seconds ahead of me. With adrenaline
flowing I flew, charging up the climb in pursuit. Unfortunately when I got to
roughly 15 seconds adrift of the field riders attacked and I was unable to
regain contact. I finished the race, resenting what could have been, but aware
that I will go back next year with a vengeance. I am grateful to have come out
unscathed, and send my best wishes to Tim Aiken who broke his collarbone.
Now it is
on to Nationals as I put the final touches on my form.
Jason S.
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