Slow Twitch Fast Twitch

So after a summer of work it was a rare weekend off- so that means actually getting to pedal instead of watching everyone else do it.

Saturday was the D2R2 Randonee, 100k (for me) of wickedly hilly dirt roads. The Randonee format is really cool- it's like a timed bike tour for most, a race for some, and an adventure for everyone. It draws a whole mix of people, from bike racers looking for 'cross base miles, to tourists looking for a beautiful ride, to people who need an excuse to bust out the Hawaiian shirt, panniers and chrome fenders.

Normally a 60 mile ride would be no problem, but on 25% grades, with temperatures in the 90's and matching humidity it quickly becomes a suffer fest. Even with a compact crank and 'cross gearing it's a struggle to maintain 5mph up some of the climbs. Fortunately the feed zone in a Randonee is a little more civilized than a road race- they had a great spread with sandwiches, fruit and tons of water. But that does make it tough to get back in the saddle...

After spending 5 1/2 hours on Saturday cruising through Western Mass and southern Vermont, Sunday brought the first cross race of the season down the road in Agawam Mass. A first year cross race put on by the Cyclonauts, they had a surprisingly strong turnout- riders came from as far away as Canada! The course wound through Robinson State Park and was a nice intro back into cross. While kind of narrow, the course was fast with a few technical sections and one steep run up.

There was no mistaking that it was the first race of the year- everyone was nervous and there were more than a few unplanned dismounts as folks remembered how to turn in the sand. Or more correctly how *not* to turn in the sand... Despite the jitters (and some heavy heavy legs after the D2R2) it was a great time. And as a super double bonus the local swim team had a concession stand with veggie burgers that were cooked on a separate grill!! It was a perfect ending to the weekend. Up next- more cyclo-cross!!