Cobble Hill Masters Race

[gav_eaton]

Despite doctors 'suggestion', I decided to head up and try the masters race today. It was about a 70k rolling road race through the countryside, with a couple of nice little hills, but nothing too crazy.

A very nice course actually, aside from one section where we had to bridge two roads on a very narrow, gravel path with a narrow wood bridge on it. I thought it was kind of fun as it had a very entertaining Roubaix/cyclocross feel to it - but it caused a few pinch flats for some guys.

It was however, extremely wet and started to get fairly cold toward to the end. We started with no rain and it was a bit muggy, so I was only in shorts and jersey with no gloves or booties. Was fine to start, but once it started really coming down, it made for a very cold last 30k.

Anyway, there was only 4 guys in the 30something group I was in - which included Emile, whom I'm sure most of you are familiar with. He definitely hasn't lost any power - need to get that guy addicted to donuts or something, because he is still extremely strong. He put the hammer down from the gun so we could try and catch the 40's. We caught a few dropped 40somethings and then the pace started to really pick up right as I was starting come apart a bit.

I got popped at about 25 or 30k in, then it was a long cold and wet solo ride to the finish. To make matters even worse I bonked very very badly with about 20 to go and we all know how horrible that feels. Especially when you're on your own, and its pissing rain out. But at least I sucked it up and finished I guess.

Oh ya, I forgot that part - why I bonked. I didn't manage to find a ride up, so I thought I would just do a nice easy spin over to Cobble Hill, which actually worked out perfectly. I arrived at just the right time to register and head to the start - but didn't eat enough in between, and didn't take any food with me during the race. Big mistake, and I paid the price for sure - but lesson learned for next time. And I got to shot-gun a Coke at the finish - and I haven't had a pop in a very long time!

Anyway, ended up second in 30-34 (ya, out of 2) - and got in a really good long hard ride at race pace in prep for next weekend's TTT.

Fun times!

[Barry McKee]

Hey Gavin: Good for you to gut it out. A lot of us might have done otherwise. I have 2 Masters Road Races under my belt this year. I came close to finishing with the pack in Cedar. My goal for the season is to do just that. A lot of these guys are at least Cat 3, or better, racers. Penticton is up for me next. I'm hoping for dry, warm conditions.

Barry

[shawnc]

Who hasn't had a memorable experience or two bonking?

Before I had the slightest clue about proper nutrition while riding, I would do a 100k loop out to Sooke and back, with only a tiny bag of trail mix that I would eat at the halfway point (it was small enough to fit in an empty seat post bag). I added extra salt to it, feeling proud of myself for warding off dehydration. I just thought the lethargy and headaches I felt after such rides were normal.

A few years back I would do 70k rides in the Okanagan summer with no water bottle! I'd eventually roll up panting to a church with a water hose outside and drink long and deep.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Now I've swung in the opposite direction by stuffing my face at every opportunity during a ride, leading some to dub me the "muffin man." But at least I'm no longer hungry!

[Rolf]

Ah. And here I thought your avatar was just poking fun at the silhouette of some of your fellow riders...

[sylvan]

Who hasn't had a memorable experience or two bonking?

Good think you spelled bonking right.

1. Finishing up a 21-mile run in the highlands in mid-summer, staggering up Prospect Lake road, seeing a box of Halls in the ditch and picking it up desperately hoping there were still some cough drops inside.

2. Despite a pub stop in Renfrew for a burger and beer at the halfway point of a 217 km round trip, bonked so bad on the way back I was alternating laughing and sobbing uncontrollably.

[Josh.E]

Who hasn't had a memorable experience or two bonking?

Good think you spelled bonking right.

1. Finishing up a 21-mile run in the highlands in mid-summer, staggering up Prospect Lake road, seeing a box of Halls in the ditch and picking it up desperately hoping there were still some cough drops inside.

2. Despite a pub stop in Renfrew for a burger and beer at the halfway point of a 217 km round trip, bonked so bad on the way back I was alternating laughing and sobbing uncontrollably.

Greg spelled it different in that other thread.....