05/24/2003 by Becky Leidy
The Sugar Grove Classic is a mostly flat 10 k loop circuit race. I say "mostly flat" because about halfway through it, there is a significantly steep series of sprinter hills. The first one I was able to sit through. The second was definitely a standing climb and the third was half and half, mostly because you are a bit tired from doing the first two, otherwise I'd probably sit though it as well.
On top of my anxiety about the race itself was the fact that I had my bike Wobblenaught fit this week by 2002 Elite National Road Road Race champion Jim Baldesare of D-3 Team West Virginia. He made some MAJOR changes to my bike, suggesting I shorten my stem from 100 to 70 (I went to 75), lowering my seat and taking all the spacers out from under my handlebars. This was after a VERY extensive measuring of everything from the length of my leg bones, feet, arms, the works. Essentially, he said that my frame was too big for me (54.5 c-t), but that we could make it work. It has been a slow adjustment for me this week. I've gotten out to ride as much as possible, but I was sore coming into this and uncertain as to how I'd climb at race pace.
The women's race was advertised as a category 3-4 race. I'm not sure why Tym Tyler, the promoter, puts those categories down. We don't have that many 2's around that I know of and I don't see why they couldn't be included. Well, today they were.
As I was going back to my van after changing my clothes, I see Jeannette Williams of WV/Go-Mart, the sole female member of that nationally ranking elite amateur team, unloading in the parking lot. I do believe the first words out of my mouth were "Aw, ^@)$." Jeannette was the Ohio state road and criterium champion last year. She is totally awesome and I am in complete awe of her. Not only that, but she is, I would guess, six feet tall and skinny as a rail, intimidating looking to say the least. She rides one of those really cool maroon Treks all decked out. It was so sweet. I was shaking in my year and a half year old Lake cycling shoes that have been falling off my feet because they are all stretched out.
Just so you know, though, she has to be the NICEST person in the entire world. I don't think I've ever met anyone as friendly and outgoing. She must have said "hello" and introduced herself to all seven women on the line. At one point, I think I said to her, "Jeannette, we all know who YOU are." I think she actually blushed and was incredibly modest.
Little did I know, but behind me on the start line, in a CCB/Volkswagon jersey, was Amanda Lawrence, 2002 NCCA Div II Road Champion, passing through on her way to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I didn't get a chance to actually chat with her until the three of us had dropped the four others. I was thrilled to still be riding with Jeanette to say the least. When I found out who else was in our merry little band, I was floored.
The break happened in this way. On the very first lap, along those three hills, I was in front and I heard Amanda behind me in a low voice saying, "Go. Go. Go." I assumed that she was intimating that we were close to breaking away and that I should keep up the pace, so I did. There was an incredible downhill on the second half of the course that wound its way back, ending with a very sharp right hand turn onto a flat stretch smack into the wind. Luckily for me, it always seemed to be Jeannette's turn to pull and drafting behind her awesome frame was easier than I care to admit. It was after that sharp turn that I looked back and up to look for the rest of the women. Amanda saw me and said "They aren't going to catch up with us," and she was right.
After the windy stretch, we came back around to the start line. The finish was to be halfway through the loop, on the second, and steeper, of the series of hills.
The rest of the race was pretty much tempo work with the three of us taking turns on the front. Honestly, it wasn't one of the smartest races I've ever ridden. I was a bit freaked out and nervous about the company I was keeping, worried that somehow, somewhere I was going to get dropped, but it never happened.
It turns out that Amanda had just had some surgery and was still recovering. When the end came along, 3.5 laps (22 miles) later, she announced that she wouldn't be competing in the sprint. I was disappointed and relieved at the same time. I wondered if I could take Jeannette on the hill and I really tried. She took a much better line than I did up it and it paid off.
I have to tell you a funny story, though. I think it came up when I told Jeannette that one of her "teammates"" had just fit my bike that week. She looked at me and said "Becky, I mean this in the nicest of ways, really. I can't imagine how much better you would climb on a good bike." I laughed hard and told her that this bike was an upgrade from my 13-year old down-tube shifting Cannondale that I had been riding at this time last year, but was terribly flattered nonetheless receiving such a compliment from her.
Results 1. Jeannette Williams WV/Go-Mart 2. Becky Leidy Summit Freewheelers 3. Amanda Lawrence CCB/Volkswagon
So, I'm completely sold on the fit now. It has taken me just a bit to get used to it but was well worth the investment. I felt solid pedaling up the hills and compact going down. I'm reaching higher speeds with less effort and going into my 25 (yes, I have a 25 on my cassette) much less often. If you have never had your bike professionally fit, check it out!