Seeing one of my favorite pro riders Chris Horner just hammer it up the final climb of Sierra Rd. leaving everyone, even his teammate Levi behind was such a treat to watch.
And even better was the fact that my friend and neighbor Matthew was looking awesome in the limelight. No shortage of face time on Versus TV for Matty Hollywood as I call him now, as he pulled the team up a climb. After the victory Chris even mentioned all the hard work Matt put in on the stage.
It inspired me to do some climbing today in Whitnall Park, where I turned 10 laps. And for the occasion I even wore the Amgen ToC socks and jersey that I bought while at the TT in L.A. last year.
Partly Sunny
68 degrees
Wind 6-12
36 miles, 10 laps Whitnall Crit
But before I started the laps I put in a hard turn on the way to the park. Some guy with two bags draped over his back wheel, a hi-viz vest and no helmet passed me. The thought occurred to me, why would someone be concerned enough about safety to wear a vest like that but NOT be wearing a helmet?
Well, for whatever reason he rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't like how he kind of fast-rolled through a stop sign to go around me on the left. Usually that's no biggie with me. But he hit a nerve today and I figured no guy with a bagged bike and no helmet was going to pass me right now.
I got busy.
I felt strong.
I passed him, then picked up my tempo even more.
As I cranked it out at one point I closed my eyes for a flash and saw myself pulling Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer. I can only imagine doing it. Matty Hollywood from down the street IS doing it! Wow. So cool.
At Whitnall Park, where the last of the flowering crab trees are looking beautiful (as are the tulips) each lap features three hills. The first is sharp, steep and it hurts. After that there is no downhill reward either. After a short flat comes hill #2, a longer, more drawn out climb that comes when you are still tired from the first pop.
Then, after a bit of a break, the final climb on the second half comes. It's not as bad as the 1-2 punch on the front half of the lap.
After 10 laps I stopped at Botanical Gardens HQ to fill my water bottle, eat a banana and a granola bar, then head back.
On the way back my bottom bracket started making a loud creaking noise, almost like microwave popcorn popping. Something wasn't right. So as soon as I got home I showered and then took the machine down to Rainbow Jersey where they will take it apart and give me a report.
At least they heard the noise too when the mechanic tested the bike in their parking lot. We'll see what's up and I'll have an update here.
So it looks like the backup Klein will get called into action for a Friday ride.
Season Miles: 702
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