Tolero Crit #1
Aggressors:
A get-together with the boys for church on Saturday. The 50+ got about a 15 sec head start but we were allowed to draft anyone on the course so I did momentarily toy with the idea of chasing; fortunately, I decided to let them go and save some energy since no one else in the 60+ showed any apparent interest in chasing. We pretty much cruised (like a Sunday drive) until the 50+ leaders lapped us and then Doug and I and Lionel Space tagged on and the pace went up. During the left turn at the top of the hill shortly thereafter Doug, Lionel, and I (in that order) were negotiating the corner just off the 50+ leaders, when Doug’s front wheel washed out and he went down hard on his left side taking Lionel down with them. I was able to barely squeak by between Doug and the curbing and avoid the carnage, although now I was gapped by the 50+ leaders and on my own. With a few laps to go 2 or 3 riders tagged on to my wheel and one of them (Daryl, 50+) took the lead and I latched on to his wheel. The final lap I stayed on his wheel thru the last turn and began my sprint (such as it is) up the little hill to the finish, passing him about half way to the finish. As we approached the Finish, I could hear riders immediately on my wheel, and one of them managed to just get around me and nip me at the line (Dang!). Yes – he was a 60+ rider (Wayne Lewis) so I ended up 2nd in the 60+ group.
Liz retrieved Doug after the race ant took him to the ER for diagnostic work. He has road rash of course and a hematoma on his left hip. Hopefully, no broken bones. With help, he was able to sort of half-assed hobble to his car.
Tolero awarded gourmet cakes to the podium finishers for this race which is a nice idea.
Oh well, Sonoita TT next.
-Rick E.
