Russian Training Ride - Sunday, August 3, 2008

RFA and I met the group at 9 AM at Canada/92. The temp in the high 50's with a wind chill, but the sun was out and we knew the micro-climate would soon change to nicer weather. Vlad drove the support van (appears that Dmitrij is still recovering from his trip to Belarus). There were only 3 other guys, including K. and Russian L. As predicted, by the time we got to Edgewood (4 miles down the road), it was warm to shed our leg warmers, arm warmers, base layer and vest. We climbed up 84 - I stayed on L's wheel the entire time and we beat everyone to the top. Vlad was happy with my performance. E. redlined and fell back half way up. We descended 84 (there was a bad accident with a motorcycle down and a damaged vehicle, but fortunately the police let us go through - hope no serious injuries - they were clearing the vehicles when we went through) and on to San Gregorio. Good paceline to San Gregorio - I didn't take a pull - K. and E. were content to do the work. I needed to save something for the climb back. We pacelined back (this time we all took turns) until the climbing began. Again, I stayed on L's wheel the whole way - K fell back but got some assistance from Vlad in the van to haul him back up to us. L. charged at the end, I stayed with him; K went into the red zoen and fell bcak again. L. is very strong on the flats - he pulled us back on Canada through 20+ mph head winds. The testosterone took over and the boys charged after a guy who passed us on the downhill. I lost their wheel and really had to work to get back. Stats: 55 miles, average speed 17.8 mph (significantly faster than the July 20 ride); 4782 feet climbing. Quick shower, slipped into the Skins, lunch, nap and off to Equinox for a steam, shower, stretching and foam rollers. RFA and I were pretty tired - slept like babies even after napping.