Perfect weather conditions greeted our team (Ted, Bunny, Guapo, Beef, Mitch, Chicken and BuBu). After the start, the first order of the day was to get close to the front before the first 180 degree turn where the road gets narrow and starts to go downwards. This is the place where there is usually a wreck. Mitch, Chicken and I were well placed towards the front of the group as we made the turn. The other guys had got caught up in the pack.
First time over the humps and Mitch is looking strong. As we started our second lap I glanced back and the field was still streaming over the hill 1/4 mile back. Mitch was just ahead of me, but Chicken was missing. He'd unshipped his chain on the first hump and as he tried to get it back on it shifted into the big ring. Not good. He spent the next two laps trying to close back up to the lead group which was I guess, about 20 strong.
Third time round Mitch got gapped on the second hump. I was sitting on the back of a group of 10 or 11. Mitch and two other riders managed to get on to our group along the rolling straight. Just after Mitch had got on the moto referee came along side and said "There are 14 of you in the lead group. There is no pursuit". Sure enough, as we turned the 180 corner I glanced back down the road to a big empty space.
As the race wore on riders were getting shelled out of the back each time we went over the humps. By the start of the final lap (lap 7) there were just 7 of us. Unfortunately Mitch had not made it into the final group. He'd been gapped and then spent a long time out on his own before being caught by the second group on the road which was formed by those who had dropped off the lead group and the group being driven by Chicken. Mitch and Chicken then started to drive that group. The remainder of the team were in a third group that had formed behind.
Into the humps for the final time. There were 3 LSV guys, 1 Bike Doctor, 1 Pax Velo, 1 Orange and 1 white guy and me. LSV were setting the pace on the first hump when Pax Velo went. 1 LSV and I jumped on and the rest came across.
On the final climb as we rounded the right hand corner at the steepest part I was 1/2 a wheel ahead. Suddenly Bike Doctor, LSV & Pax Velo attacked. It's not clear what happened next as my world turned into a swirl of ringing ears, red mist and an uncontrollable urge to deliver pavement pizza. I could hear shouting and scream from the side of the road (not to mention my legs).
5th place was my reward. Not to mention those two valuable upgrade points. I mean. Really. All that pain for two upgrade points! As I struggled to my feet from my collapsed state I saw Mitch and Chicken hammering over the line ahead of their group for 13th & 15th places respectively. Nice job guys (you looked a lot better than I felt!).
I've gotta say a huge thanks to Mrs. BuBu (Joanne), Missy (Ferro), Squirrel, Brick and Bunny for the great support we all got on each lap. You guys rock.
Also congratulations to the other Evo riders that rode and placed on Saturday. SUPER DOC with 2nd in the 50+, Dave G, 9th in the 3/4 race and Brick with 14th in the 40+ race. Great job guys. Sorry if I missed any other results.
So it's over for another year. Who's coming back next year?
BuBu