Hiss! The Snake Strikes!
You gotta try it next year. The Snake Alley Criterium. Fred and I raced Master's 50+. Eight laps of hell. Two blocks up, including the Snake, with it's nasty 12%+ grades. And rough cobbles. Then, gasping for air at the top, begin hurtling down hill with several left and right high speed turns. A really great course. Fred placed 4th. I suffered in for 8th. 22 Master's 50+ riders with another 5 Master's 60+ starting with us. Some real beasts in the field, even tho a little long in the tooth.
I started up the first of eight Snake climbs in the wrong gear. Too much, but couldn't change gears for fear of snapping the chain. Alternated between sitting and standing for the climbs. Lost big time in the descents. Had Jodie (Fred's wife) and YMCA friend Lindsey taking pictures of the suffering. Lots of fans rooting us on. It felt as close to what you see at the top of mountain stages in the Euro tours, where fans reach real close to you and encourage you on. A riot.
Well worth the 5 hour trip and sleeping in the back of the old wagon....Bob Roll style! Can't wait till next year!!
2 comments:
Good seeing you out there El Guapo. Thanks for the cheering too. I think everyone should put this race on their schedule.
Too bad you couldn't make it out for the other 2 days of racing. I think you would have loved them too.
Good seeing you out there El Guapo. Thanks for the cheering too. I think everyone should put this race on their schedule.
Too bad you couldn't make it out for the other 2 days of racing. I think you would have loved them too.
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