Posted by Dan on 28. June 2010 18:15
Flash forward to Sunday. Even though they were nearly killed by a pair of idiots that should never have been given a license, both Frank and Steve joined Wick and I for a delightful romp through the streets of the Town Center in Reston, VA. The RGS Title Reston Town Center Grand Prix 2010 was held in scorching heat (and not the dry kind, either) on the same course as last year. Fortunately the roads were dry this time. No one wants a crashfest, right?
Me and 95 of my closest friends lined up for the Cat 4 race. Wick and I were going to lay down a barrage of attacks to thin the herd, as any rider deemed out of contention would be pulled. Within three laps, I found myself off the front, alone again (naturally). I patiently waited for someone to bridge up, anyone, but I had no takers. I lasted a total of 6 laps before drifting back for some R&R. Wick made a few good efforts but ultimately they were reeled in. About half way through the race, Steve got gapped and was pulled and Frank joined him shortly after, citing hand problems. The bruise on his left hand looked a lot like Capt. Jack Sparrow's black spot.
Kraken's coming.
With 8 or 9 laps to go and a solo rider off the front, I was ready to bridge up. I'd worked with this guy in an earlier break when the other half dozen or so guys wouldn't, so I knew he'd welcome the company and wouldn't sit up in the middle of his pull. As I moved to the outside to begin my move, Wick jumped out with the idea to chase the leader down, setting me up for my own solo effort. The two of us moved up just after crossing the start finish line headed toward turn 1, maybe three or four wheels back. Just as we leaned in to make the turn, Wick was taken out by a rider immediately behind him who didn't see the corner coming because his head was down. He hit Wick's rear tire. I went down immediately after and judging by the marks on my back, was hit by two other cyclists; one of which entangled his bike with mine. We all eventually got up to the sound of our Chief Ref telling us to "GET TO THE PIT!" Unfortunately, some of us were hurt and most of us had to make adjustments to our bike before we could move toward the pit which was at least three city blocks away. The pack had 8 to go and the free laps ended with 7 to go. We had to somehow limp to the pit faster than the chasing peloton could make it around roughly the same distance. Guess what happened.
When I arrived at the pit, I was told I couldnt' have a free lap because the group had only 7 to go, but I could keep racing and that I was wasting time standing there. Taking the hint, I mounted my broken bike and took off. As I came around turn 8, I could hear announcer Joe Jefferson telling me to clear the course. I got within shouting distance of an assistant ref and told her I'd move if I was pulled. She confirmed I was pulled so I hauled myself onto the curb as the leader went by with the chasing peloton of 20 or so followed about 10 seconds behind. Nick Sachanda would eventually win solo with the chase group coming within 3 seconds or so. Nice job.
And with that, our Fun in the Sun came to an end. We dressed our wounds, passed bottles to Kyle Knott and Mike Stoop because they looked like they needed them, and got ourselves a sammich before heading back to the coastal paradise we call home. I can finish putting the Madone together and pack it up for France. I'll be doing the A.S.O. L'Etape du Tour - you'll see it as Stage 17 of the TdF departing Pau and finishing atop Col du Tourmalet. At least the course will be well marked. I can't say all of the 9,000+ riders will be watching where they're going though. See you in August at the Campus Crit at ODU. Registration is open now!