The 2K Road Race - Road Group C

[Jim Sauls]

The fog made the start of today's ride cool and crisp, but the chill
quickly subsided as we road EZ tempo. Today was
mainly an easy recovery ride with a 2K twist at the
mid point. Francine (aka Chaba) and I (both on team Chain Reaction)
had a good chance to try and take some points in the sprint today with
our teammates. The plan was to get Sorrell to the line first with Neumann
and Gemmel in the mix for the remaining points. You could feel the tension
as we got closer to the race start. You could also hear it as Posner was talking
trash for about 1/2 a mile. Hayssen's team was watching closely.
We are just at the cone and Duffy springs the surprise and explodes
off the front and opens a big gap. Bliss goes after him and the race
is "on". I get 2nd wheel and check that Sorrell is behind me - perfect.
Bliss is drilling it and closing on Duffy. I close the final few meters and
then, with perfect timing, Chaba attacks with me and Sorrell in tow.
Chaba goes to the limit and just before climb I go hard to try and
shake me and Sorrell loose. It worked and we are alone blasting up
the hill. James is close behind, but the acceleration is taking its
toll on the climb. I look back and now I see Hayssen and then Lebb coming
hard up the inside. I'm yelling to Sorrell to drill it. He digs
deep and takes the sprint for Chain Reaction with Lebb taking 2nd!
More action is playing out for 3rd position. Gemmel is charging
hard, but Posner shoulders her out at the line with Neumann in 5th.
The race was unpredictable and exciting, but our race plan, adjusted
on the fly, and some "grit" made the result.

- Goblin