Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Tour of Ohio, Stage 1

Tour of Ohio
stage 1 report

The boys were off and running quickly today. We were planning on sleeping in pretty good today, with the race not starting until 6, but Eric Z called me at 8:30 and informed me that the dining hall would only be serving breakfast until 9. I quickly woke the boys and we headed over to eat. Ethan and Tyler are getting a little taste of what college will be like next year when they head off to school. After they ate, they took a little roll around ride while Eric slept a little more to catch up on the sleep he missed flying out yesterday (after racing at Nevada City the day before- ouch). We ate lunch in town, the boys played Frisbee all over the dorm, and at 3:30 we headed to the race. This whole dorm building is full of racers, so it's a nice atmosphere.

Since very little was available online about this race, we didn't know what to expect, but when we got to the start, there was a clear race bible, a nice downtown course and big expo with food/ music and lots of spectators. There is a big organized touring ride staying in town today as well, so many of the spectators were part of the recumbent, bike touring crowd. They were impressed with the speed of the crit, as were the boys. The course was only barely a half mile and the 122 man field strung out about a third of a lap very quickly. Since the officials cut many riders, but still gave them the time of the field, there was no real incentive to stay in the race if you were not going to get a top three spot and the time bonuses. The boys decided that no matter where they finished the whole field would be in 4th place, so they are all claiming to be in fourth. Ryan did point out that it's a bummer for the rider who actually got 4th, because none of them finished the race, and they all have the same time. When the race finally started the field shattered quickly and riders were pulled almost faster than what usually happens at Nevada City. Eric Z made it about ten laps, Ethan and Ryan about 15 and Tyler 21 laps before they were pulled and ready to eat dinner.

Tomorrows 64 mile road race should be more fun for them, and they’ll have to complete the whole course! We had nice cool weather today- felt like home, and it doesn’t sound like it will be too hot or humid this week- one less thing to worry about.
Reports from the boys to follow- they are safely tucked into bed now.

Eric
Dad, mechanic, feeder, logistical coordinator, driver, and general chaperone.

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