Not only was this my first cycling race but it was the first time I had ever ridden with a group. The 75 milers started first and we all stayed together for the most part. Once we got 10 or 15 miles in the lead pack started to split and I decided that I would stay with them. After the first turn at the aid station the pace picked up and more people were dropped. The group stayed mostly together up until the 3rd aid station around mile 40. The next hill was the steepest we had seen all day and a good two dozen of us were dropped. I really struggled to keep up on the hills. Once we crested the hill I looked back and found out that I was last in the group and couldn't even see anyone from the chase groups. I really wanted to stay with the lead pack so I got down on my aerobars and hammered away. I slowly caught up to each of the others who were dropped and they all hopped on behind me. Spent a good 10 minutes of hammering close to 30mph before we caught up to the pack again. Had several riders thank me for taking the brunt of the work. We hit the next aid station (around mile 55) and then it happened: the rolling hills. There was no way I could keep up on a tri-bike. Everyone else could just climb faster and that's all there was to it. A dozen of us fell back and rode in groups of 2 or 3. I would start with one person and then drop them once we hit a flat. Picked up the next rider, dropped them on the next flat. Finally we made a HUGE climb and found the next to last aid station. Got a bottle of water as I whizzed by (first aid station I used). Came down the next steep hill and picked up a fellow triathlete named David who recognized me from Ironhead Dallas because of my beard. We talked about riding and racing and how we both hated riding in groups. I actually didn't mind being dropeed too much because I could get on my aerobars and I feel much more at home there. I pushed ahead of him after a few minutes and shortly after that I hit the last aid station. Stopped with a number of other riders, some 75 milers and some 40 milers, to refuel. Had a bottle of water, half an energy bar and a sugar cookie. Got back on my horse with 8 miles to go. Started passing the slowpokes from the 40 mile group and it really made me feel good to pass someone for a change. Finally saw the '1 1/2 mile left' sign. Suddenly I had nothing left. Everyone after that sign was dragging. Went from 20mph to 12. Felt like that last mile would take me an hour. Eventually I got to the finish and rode straight through as I headed to the pool to find the food.

A road bike would have been a good choice over a tri-bike for this course, but I don't have one so that's not really an option.

Rode to the pool and left my bike leaning against a tree. Got myself a COLD glass of water and got in line for the food. Had spaghetti with meat sauce, bread and a 7up. Found a shady spot in the grass where I could eat and it was fantastic. Finished and rode back to where I was parked.


The tri-bike wasn't the fastest machine on a course this hilly. I also haven't done very many rides this long, so I'm still learning when I can push myself and when I need to coast.


This race kicked my ass! No timing chips or detailed results (or any results other than the top 3 who won $$), so no idea how I finished overall or in my age group. I hung with the lead pack for the first 55 miles and that's pretty damn good for someone who just started riding 3 1/2 months ago. It'll be interesting to see how I do at this race next year.