Topham Racing

This was one of those days when everything just kept getting better by the minute. It was a beautiful day, but cooler than usual for July, which was surprise number one. I got to Snowbird early and rode a full lap to warm up. That was good too. Then I got in my usual set of short pre-race intervals to get my legs used to the lactic burn. I was feeling more ready than usual for a race.

Due to a dual start today, our group was the very last group out. It is hard to stage our group, because half of us are faster than most of the groups ahead of us, and half of us are slower. So, by default, we usually end up farther back. Today we were dead last, but that turned out to be good too. When we got to the line, Ed said he would give us two minutes instead of the usual one minute so that we wouldn’t catch the group ahead of us (i.e. 34-39 year olds) as quickly.

From the word “go” I was out in front hyperventilating as usual. I was first to the single track and made the first couple of turns. Then, I noticed something strange. I couldn’t hear anyone. I was all alone. No one in front of me and no one behind me. It was a little spooky. I understood why no one was in front of me–we had given them a two minute head start. There was only one plausible explanation for no one being behind me: someone had made a mistake on one of the turns. I didn’t care what happened, this was going to be one of those times when I would benefit from being able to hold a fast start longer than most.

I tried to focus on not letting up. I pushed as hard as I could until the switch back climb up Wilbre. As I made the first turn, I caught a glimpse of Jason and Stan. They were a ways back, but within striking distance, so I kept hammering. I survived the first lap, then the second, and I started thinking I was probably going to win. Then I reminded myself I should keep looking back. Sure enough, as I started up Wilbre for the third time, I saw the familiar sight of Vern and his brown hydration pack. This was troubling, but then I remembered that I had two things Vern didn’t have: gears and shocks. So, I found the biggest gear I could spin and went up Wilbre as fast as I could. Then I went down the service road for the third time as fast as I could, almost crashing in the process. In the end I was able to hold on and cross the line 21 seconds ahead of Vern, and picked up my fourth blue ribbon of the year.

A minute ago I compared the results to last year. My winning time today was within 5 seconds of John’s winning time last year. Earlier this year I convinced myself I would move up next year regardless of how things ended up this year. As I contemplate that reality, it is nice to know that maybe I am finally as fast as John was last year. However, I am sure that won’t stop him from beating me next year.

Stan had a great race today coming in third. I don’t know how he can start riding so late in the year and do so well. Maybe I should start skiing more. Keith was looking more healthy today too, coming in just barely behind Stan. It was also nice to meet Kelly, who came in 8th today. I love meeting 40+ racers who are getting hooked on this sport the way I did. You can bet Kelly will be on the podium before long.

I wish I felt better about this race. I finished second, so there’s that. But the truth is I really messed up today.

I took the lead out of the gate, and I felt pretty strong. I could tell Vern was right behind me, but I expected that. Then something terrible happened. I missed a turn. I don’t know how many guys followed me, but at some point Vern said, “Hey, we missed a turn.” I then followed Vern back to what we thought was the right path, but after a minute or two I realized this too was not the right way. I yelled at Vern and we doubled back to join the group. Not only were we at the back of our group, but there was another group in between us. We would have to pass everyone in two groups to get back in front.

It took most of the first lap, but we finally made our way to the front. We passed newcomer, Jonas, on the brutal service road climb, but I was still nervous because I didn’t remember passing Jason.

As we started the second lap, Vern was right behind me. I asked him how many were still in front and he said we were 1 and 2. I wanted to believe him, but I still wasn’t totally sure.

The second lap was pretty uneventful compared to the first. Unfortunately, Vern passed me and I let him get a little too far ahead. I found some traffic and I new my chances were fading. As we got to the service road climb, however, I could see Vern pushing that rigid single speed up the hill. I thought maybe, just maybe, I could catch him, but it was not to be.

So that is the story of how 1 and 2 became last and second to last and then became 1 and 2 again. Like I said, I wish I felt better about this race. It was the most painful first lap I have ever had, and the most hollow second place finish–but the scenery was hard to beat.

On a more positive note, Austin and Cole had a good 9 and under race finishing 7th and 6th, respectively. It is the first time Cole has finished in the top six, and he has his sixth place ribbon to prove it. Well done, Cole!

I have to like Sherwood Hills. It was the first race I ever won. But that was two years ago in the mud.

The weird thing about Sherwood is that some racers always seem to show up that we never see anywhere else. That happened again today. One fast guy jumped out in front of me just after the starter lap. I stayed with him until the meadow, when his chain came off and I regained the lead. Then another fast guy passed me like I was standing still. I knew there was no way I was going to catch him–he was clearly racing in the wrong group–so I just focused on trying to stay ahead of the rest of the group.

I held onto second place for the rest of the race, until we were about two minutes from the finish. Then the chain guy passed me by surprise. It was my fault. I should have looked back to make sure I knew where everyone was, but the truth is I thought I had second in the bag and I didn’t think anyone was going to catch me, let alone the guy with chain problems. Live and learn.

So I had to settle for third again at Sherwood, and I was only two seconds behind the chain guy as we crossed the finish line. This one is going to haunt me for a while. At Jackson, I will make sure look over my shoulder a little more often.