In Your Travels

Launch: A Win at Bunny Hop

Link to Bunny Hop 2006 Gallery at Studiocs



With the confidence I gained at Poolesville, I felt that I had a win in my legs at the Bunny Hop criterium. I was tired and had a hot foot from the day before, but I rehydrated well and my heart rate looked good and low so that was no worry. A hour of sipping the bonds of gravity would do me good.

Our Team Evolution/DLS squad showed up in force and rode aggressively. Brett and Rob were especially active going off the front easily and frequently. You don't really want to spot either of these guys a lead, and so they were chased down. David was also looking spry and willing too, getting in the mix. I also took flyers a few times which caused people to chase me down as well. I was off the front of the race three or four times, once with Andreas Gutzeit, another with James Prickett, and with six laps to go I covered a move by Bo Lee as he bridged across to a break containing Brett. I wasn't interested in the prime, but Bo sprinted for all he was worth for it, while I didn't contest it. I think it was a nice gift certificate to Performance Bike Shop so it was sad to miss that, but I was thinking about the finish.

Rockville Harley Davidson/Silver Cycles tried to line up a leadout with a couple laps to go; but it fell apart with a lap or so to go. But the speed they made and the thrill of anticipation of the coming finish was enough to make me smile. I was hanging around up near the front in about 10th place or so and going into turn 2 on this triangular course, a Route 1 Velo rider dove foreward for the corner drawing ahead of the pack slightly. I followed him through the turn as we passed everyone at the head of the field just as we hit the apex. I reckon we took the corner at about 32 miles an hour and with no brakes. Nice! But that was all he had and he eased off. At this point we were VERY far from the finish line, but I had a gap on everybody, so I took off. Dude couldn't catch my tail so I was clear. I sat down on the nose of my saddle and went full throttle, hugging the sidewalk on the left side of the road. I checked my six before I set up for the final turn and I still had a good gap, but somebody definitely had me in his sights. I rolled out right then cut left in a wide arc, taking the outside line through the final corner, and pulled up out of the turn as the road rose, kicking a few more strokes to sew-up the victory. I even had time to throw my arms aloft as I crossed the line.

posted by Mark @ 5:34 PM