Off the Back

So the other night I'm driving across town, weaving my way through traffic to get myself to the regular Wednesday night ride, when I realize I'm running pretty close to being late (we depart at 6PM). I reach into my gear bag on the seat next to me and start pulling on my jersey, gloves, socks, and helmet to speed things up so no one has to wait for me once I get there. About now I'm really glad that I already have my shorts on. By the way, it's already 6:02.

As I turn right onto the road leading to the parking lot where we start (did I mention we depart at 6PM), I see the train of jerseys heading up the road towards me. I'm late.

"Oh, shit! Better hustle."

I park... jump out of the car... get my shoes on... grab the bike out of the trunk... throw on the water bottles and wheels and start chasing. No time to zip the jersey, just go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm no stranger to time trials having just done my 8th one this season just three days earlier, so I throw it into TT mode. At one point seeing a solid 28mph, I start thinking, "I hope my teammates get caught at the light right after the first hill climb because I'm going to be cooked if I have to keep this up." Wasn't last night supposed be be the hard ride?

I get to the first stop light with the HR in the 170s, but they're not there, so I keep on truckin' up the next hill when I suddenly get a glimpse of a long train of riders pulling around a corner and out of sight.

Back into TT mode -- head down, spin the legs, breath and try to relax, this is after all a 35 mile ride!

About another mile or so down the road, I realize that I'm getting slowed in the traffic that's built up behind the pace line that's now looming closer, maybe 500 yards, up the road. This was the first time I had to apply the breaks as the cars were clearly in my way and slowing me down. I quickly flashed in my mind to the pro peloton thinking this must be what it's like for riders who have to maneuver through their team cars to get back on after flatting or some other mishap. This sucks. Cars are dangerous and I am not in the mood for hostile rush hour traffic.

Thank the lord for red lights.

I finally catch on when the group gets caught by one. No time for words to anyone as the light turns green and then we're off. My time trial over, I really appreciate the next few minutes being able to sit in with the group and ride along easily at 23 mph behind a dozen or so friends who are towing me along.

It really sucks to be off the back!

Time Trial, Great Friends and Good Food

Another wonderful day of time trial racing at the PLT where the Spin Mafia represented admirably. Major bummer for our diva Pave Maria who got not one but two flats! Some times you're the windshield, some times you're the bug. Great post race bubbly tasting happy hour. Kudos to Mr. Burns for the suggestion of lunch at an awesome BBQ place with Homer Simpson sized sangwiches.