Breck Epic: Stage 5
Stage 5 and day 6.
Finale.
Finally.
But not finally as one might assume from the gut wrenching insights spewn forth over the past week.
Finally.
A stage where I could ride.
And ride.
And chase.
A moderate to short stage by comparison with a mere 6000′ (or so) of climbing.
Unlike previous days, the bulk of the climbing came in the form of rail-grade gravel roads and NOT goat assisted tundra hiking.
Now typically 7+ mile stretches (of which there were 2) of 3-5% gravel is not what you would call a welcome sight.
Unless you are and over-geared, meat-headed, rigid, singlespeed lowlander.
Finally.
A stage where my mediocrity could excel in the lime light of the mid-pack GC.
While not the most breath taking of stages, there were still certain random opportunities presented that could not be passed by.
Much to the chagrin of other, more cowardly riders, I crept up to Olde Mountain Pride and wedged the diSSent up against the door to snap a few photos.
Fortunately for me, the occupant(s) dropped the shells providing me with enough time to elude capture.
Each of the arduous climbs was rewarded with some of the most excellent single track of the week.
Slalom fast with well burmed corners, not overly technical but just enough to keep riders on their toes and fingers near the brakes.
The descents were so long in spots that numbness in the hands and shoulders had me begging for a climb.
As I crossed the finish line I felt the strongest I have all week…while unable to come close to the Uber-Speeders…there is no doubt in my mind, if this race was 6 more days long I would have crushed them.
As we attempted our escape Dicky was corned by the cycling media.
They demanded answers.
As you can see the interviewer has just realized that Dicky was neither a podium ‘competitor’ nor remotely ‘famous’.
The camera man has already stopped recording and is fighting back the most gnarliest of smirks.
Speaking of Smurfs…powder blue is NOT a colour that should be worn by wee people.
The time now is 17:48.
Open bar at 18:00.
I am sorry I missed my flight tomorrow.
I promise it had nothing to do with passing out before midnight and being arrested for wearing a chamois to a martini bar.
AS ALWAYS:
July 10th, 2009 at 20:51
Good job Daddy!! We’re very proud of you.
What do you mean you’re going to miss your plane? How do you already know that? You won’t be home to tuck us into bed tomorrow night?
July 11th, 2009 at 13:29
Just think of how easy Hot August Nights, and other Ontario stuff is going to seem now, Peter. Maybe you could ride with only one pedal when you get back home, just to keep it a bit interesting.
July 13th, 2009 at 08:58
Well done Peter! And yes, Albion does seem stupid-easy when you get back. I was riding past people like they were standing still last Tuesday (until my front tire flew off its rim for no apparent reason…)
July 13th, 2009 at 10:55
Dude. I agree, 6 more days and you would have crushed everyone. Such a shame. I’m sure by the finish you were just getting warmed up!