Santa Ynez Valley Classic

Attending the Santa Ynez Valley Classic and racing there at Chamberlain Ranch more than any other venue I never have been lucky enough to win. I was set for two 9 mile laps with over a thousand feet of climbing a lap for Cat 2 Clydesdale's 34 and under.

A fast and dusty start led to the first long single track climb and the need to dodge multiple riders that had either gone out too hard or lacked the power to muscle up the steep switchbacks, or toppled over with slow speed handling issues, leading to the top of the popular DH course. After passing a dozen or so assorted riders pushing, pedaling, or tipping over on their bikes I settled in behind my group points leader, Gary Locken, who had come out from Fresno after a solid performance at Sea Otter. A singlespeeder we had started with led us up the third single track climb, and Gary chose to match his cadence and stayed in the middle ring on the steepest part of the climb. As we passed a big oak, a loud snap erupted, as I saw Gary's chain fly off and my front tire crash into his rear. Since it was too steep to get restarted I straddled my bike and scooted up the trail until it flattened out with 4 or 5 other riders grumbling behind me and Gary offering apologies for the inconvenience. Ten minutes later it was dejavudu from Sagebrush Safari with the 35+ Clydes series leader Greg Turner from Thousand Oaks with his bike upside down repairing a broken chain link.

I concentrated on hammering the flats and downhills and just going far enough into the red on the uphill, that strategy was working except that at the top of several of the second lap climbs I had deep enough pain where I couldn't gain momentum over the flat top into the decents. Awash in Dejavu again Greg passed me much like last time he mechanicaled. Gary must not have his mechanical skills or ability to hammer after squatting next to a broken bike for 10 minutes. Makes me wonder whether I should be carrying a chain tool, not that I'd know how to use it anyway. The sweet taste of victory was mine at last after multiple attempts and many years out in Santa Ynez, a 1st for team platinum, about 5 deep overall in the Clydes 35+ though, it will be tough next year. It was great to see my son and wife awaiting me at the finish line and to take Oliver up on top of the podium.

203.0 awakening