Elizabeths Report

I felt a little odd asking for time off to go to Bakersfield, but Id never done a stage race, so I wasnt going for the scenery. It was four stages in three days:

1. Flat ITT: Out and back starting from the disposal site and along the train tracks. I caught the 30" rider within the first couple miles and figured I was doing OK, but lost a couple minutes here.

2. Hill Climb: Mass start, 13 mile hill in Bakersfield? Yep - with lots of surreal oil machines shaped like horse heads that incessantly bob up and down. Early on, 5 of us rode away. I got dropped about half way up and came in 5th.

3. Road Race: Things were fairly settled after yesterdays stages. I had someone at 5 minutes in front of me and someone 11 minutes behind. On the first climb, the same 5 of us rode away again. Three girls conspired against the leader and wouldnt work, so we rode at a surprisingly leisurely pace for being in a break. 5th again.

4: Road Race: The last days road racewas more like a circuit race - it was in a beautiful (no joke) basin, and flat except for the hill sprint every lap. The pace was even more leisurely than the day before and the pack stayed together. Partly out of boredom and partly to see if I could put some time on 4th, I attacked on the 2nd to last lap, but it was the same 5 of us again, so we sat up. 6th place.

Ended up 5th on the GC AND got a special home-made award from Bob (the promoter) for my number-pinning proficiency: a plaque with my race numbers oriented every which-way! Thanks to Andi (Vello Bella) for remedying the situation daily and for Brendan for the race vehicle and excellent CD collection.

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004