July 1, 2003 by Rob Tandy
For those of you that don't know already, you don't have to wait to the next TOP, ABR, or USCF race to enjoy the thrill of competition and camaraderie found at those races. You can participate in a great race right here in northeast Ohio every Tuesday night. Until Yesterday, I didn't fully appreciate the value these races, not having attended any this spring.
Last night was my first race at Westlake and I had a great time. I did the B race along with about 35-40 other racers. It looked like there were about 30 or so lining up for the A's. The weather was great and perhaps explained the large turnout.
After a small group of juniors and women rolled out 3 minutes ahead of us we were off. The first half lap was neutral as peloton rolled out of the parking lot and half way around the 2 mile pan-flat course to the start/finish line. This was the most neutral of the neutral starts I had participated in, as riders were chatting and being very social.
The first 5 laps of the race I sat at the back of the field and tried to familiarize myself with the course, as some of the turns are more technical than I am used to at race pace. It didn't take long, however, to get the gist that the back of the pack was not the place to be if I wanted to race and not just finish; riders in the back were a bit sketchy and the slinky effect around the corners was taxing. I decided to make an attempt to ride in the top 10, so I could watch the group and have a smoother, safer ride.
The next 3 laps, I rode in the front of the peloton and was discovering that I felt good. As we passed the finish with the cards showing 12 laps left (out of 20), the bell rung for a prime. I didn't know what was at stake, be it a few bucks or some points, but I wanted it. I put in a hard effort and established a 300m gap on the field. I didn't know if I could stay off for more than a few seconds but I wanted to try. One mile went by and my legs really burned and I was hurting. It was exciting to be off the front going after a prime while others were content to wait in the field and sprint for it! With the lap nearly over, I had been out for nearly two miles and felt ready to get off the bike and lay down in the grass. I couldn't believe I had stayed away! The gap was nearly gone but I gave it everything for the line and got passed with 200m to go. I was exhausted and hung on to the back of the peloton for the next 4 laps.
By the time the next prime arrived, I was feeling really loose and gave it another go. In a replay of 4 laps ago, I went off the front again, but this time I took the first corner way to fast, in an effort to save some energy and not scrub speed. I was taking a wide line, when I heard shouts from the chasing peloton behind, "Car in the turn!" I grabbed two handfuls of brakes and my rear tires slid out pretty far. Luckily my bike hopped upright with a violent shudder and the car far enough away not to be dangerous, just scary. A little shaken, I slowed and rejoined the field, with greetings ranging from bewilderment, "Dude! Nice save!" to empathy, "Dude..."
I felt like I had lots of energy to spare with 2 laps to go and wanted to contest what would inevitably be a bunch sprint. I worked my way up to about 5th wheel and stayed there in the beginning of the last lap. When the pace sped up and teams started to organize, I found myself getting passed by a yellow train of Pyro riders on my left. I thought I might not have much chance with the other teams being organized and having numbers, but then I saw Nathan riding 2nd wheel in the Pyro train of 4 riders. "Rob, Hop on," he said as they sped by. The rider behind Nathan conceded that wheel to me and I was back in the hunt. With one mile to go the speed really kicked up and we where heading into the last few turns at 29 mph.
One by one the riders in front of Nathan peeled off and left Nathan and myself leading the peloton into the last straight away. "Go! Fast!", I yelled as we wound it up leading up to the sprint. And fast we went. In fact, looking back, no one could pass Nathan as we were deep into the final straight. The other teams couldn't go up the sides and had to sit in behind us. At 300m Nathan had given it everything; I couldn't believe how long and how fast he rode up front. Five riders went around us in a hurry and I stood up to sprint. I felt really good and was able to pass everyone with about 100m to go. Out in front, working really hard, I found myself smiling and sprinting, thinking, "I'm gonna win this race! This is great! WooHoo!" Suddenly, with 25m to go, the legs turned off, like a switch. As soon as I realized, I immediately made an effort to pedal some more and was 6th across the line in a close finish. Average for the race was 24.3mph.
This was my favorite race of the season, and I learned volumes. If you haven't made it out to Westlake yet this season, I encourage you to give it a go. You'll have a great time, get a great workout and be able to enjoy all the drama and excitement that is racing! Hope to see you there!