Well tonight was hill night...not many left before we start Tour de Rock. Crazy to think its almost here. Tonight, despite earlier thunder showers, the group headed out optimistic that we would stay reasonably dry (a bit of foreshadowing). The instruction for tonight was to ride to the stars. Ah yes, the observatory. No problem. Were all old hats at that particular climb now. I was looking forward to trying the new stem Bill Frye from Trek Victoria ProCity had just fitted on my bike that afternoon - the latest attempt to battle some rather pesky and persistent numbness Ive been experiencing in my hands (its a problem when you need to brake and your hands dont work!). Anyway, the group rolled out of the SPD parking lot and onto the Goose. As we rolled down the trail the clouds opened up. Really opened up. The south riders and accompanying trainers were pretty much soaked by the time we hit Burnside. I was luckier than most, as usual I was wearing a few extra layers as Id rather be a bit warm than too cold. I even borrowed BobFathers, kindly offered, extra rain jacket as I was shivering in the parking lot despite my layers. Suffice to say, as the rain rushed down my shins and into my shoes, I was grateful for the extra layers. I felt for my team mates who left for work this morning not knowing what the day had in store - not enough mind you to offer up my borrowed cocoon of plastic. We all made it to the Observatory in one soggy piece. I watched Jack McClintock ring the water out of his gloves. A number of us, including Ryan Tour De Rock, Lori Lumley, Jason Bland, and Tour De Rock Justin, put away our glasses as we couldnt see out them and they were becoming more of a hazard than a help. Trainer Rob, let us know that the intention tonight had been to ride the hill four times in preparation for our upcoming time trial. Given the inclement weather (translation downpour) we would only do it twice, focusing on good lines and staying tight. Okay, off we went. Nice pace, good climb. The rain lightened up as we climbed. We got to the top in good time and paused for a moment to appreciate the view and ring ourselves out. Now the descent. Little problem with wet brakes is that they dont work that well. This was probably the slowest, and most cautious that have ever taken that hill. Usually its a bit of a fun ride down, however, this close to Tour, nobody wants an injury. Katie DeRosa looked at me, although I could barely see her because the rain was pouring down again, and said, Do you think well do it again?? No, much to the disappointment (ya right) of the TDR riders, Trainer Rob wisely decided that it was time to head for home. Murphy was with us, because Dean Norris-Jones tire flatted as we rolled back down Burnside. Lori posted some awesome pics of us huddling for warmth some less than adequate cover. Nobody complained when the trainers fixed the flat for us so we could get back on the road quickly. Once back at the barn Tour De Rock Steve provided some comic relief, commenting that hed had dryer showers. Id have to agree. Once back in the SPD lot, the skies cleared (Murphy at it again). I was treated to a rainbow on the way home...and a roaring fire once I got there.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 05:25:22 +0000
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