DOGS

The DS got a lesson today.   I am not sure what DOGS stands for but for me, today, it was Dangerous Old Guy.   It was my second ride with the DOGS and I was hoping for a good one.   In the first ride, I had spotted some terrific masters who ride 5-6 days a week.........some guys with time and ability.

It was a Starbucks ride slated for 55 miles and Reg, the leader, had told me it would be fast.  He was no liar.   A guy, who looked to be mid to late 30's, jumped on the front and pulled for the whole 55 miles.  I would later learn he was Darien Newman (I think I have this right?), the Mt Graham Overall State Hill Climb Champion.  Funny they call it a 'hill', when it is 6000 feet of climbing!

About 8-10 miles in, one of those serious masters guys, Greg Howard, reintroduced himself to me.   About 2 minutes later, I put him on the pavement.   Of course, I was down also.........not really even sure what happened?  I stood out of a turn.  My left foot came unclipped and struck the pavement.   At 18-20 miles per hour, this was devastating.   Greg rode back bruised and cut.

I continued, thinking he was still in the ride.   "Maybe, I can save a little face if I can ride well?"  That was about the most positive self talk I could come up with at the time.  New guy takes our regular ride stalwart.  It's gotta suck to be leper!


Here is how it unfolded:

*  First selection climb - I was off the front 3-4 guys but they let us regroup.
*  After the turn around - We headed up Twin Peaks (3.5 miles/2%) - I barely hungg on the second little 3 man grupetto and couldn't pull, AT ALL.
*  We were in a paceline on Moore for about 4 miles - Darien paced so fast I was redlining in the draft.
*  Last little climb on La Canada - I did 480 watts for more than 1 minute.  Hello Hurt Locker, but there's more.
*  The run in on Ina - We caught the 3rd or 4th light as my prayers are answered.  I was seconds from snapping if it stayed green.
*  I stumbled in with Darien, Reg and a guy from SW Hand TEAM.  A couple of other guys had pulled off in the last few blocks.
*  I did not pull one second of the 55 miles.

The rest of the group ...............??

It would be nice if my road rash had limited me but that would be a thin excuse.  I got my Starbucks,  hoping someone would talk to me.   They did, as the rest of the folks straggled in......... I tried to mostly listen and ask questions even though I was still very anxious.  Reg took me to CVS and turned me onto J&J Tough Pads for my road rash.  This is a great invention...I hope somebody got a raise!

Sent Greg an email tonight to make sure he was OK.  He was very gracious.


Miss you guys a lot.........I am headed back to Greenville tomorrow but first, I am going to have some dessert, HUMBLE PIE (a large piece).  Then I gotta look at the calendar to see when I can make my next DOGS ride.