Several of you have asked me about the Senior Olympics in Georgia and Pensacola. Usually I don't like to write a blogification about myself or my experiences, but choose rather to write about others or myself in the third person. However, since none of you are able to follow me around on these senior exploits to other States and/or races and many of you seem interested in what happened in the races, (perhaps you're thinking that one day you'll be as old as that Vortex dude and may want to enter some races), I have decided to give some fun details of my view of the Senior Games.
First however, a wee bit of housekeeping: I would like to see if there is any interest in doing a THERAD tonight. (that's a Thursday version of the WERAD) I have had two of you contact me regarding a ride tonight since we were unable due to the weather to ride last evening. Therefore, we will have a ride tonight at 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit...The first ever THERAD!!! See you then!
Now for some Senior Games commentary!
I love the whole Senior Games/Olympics concept. It gives all riders something to look forward to as we age. I'm only in my mid 50s, but I can tell you aging isn't fun. The aches and pains and stiffness, (or lack there of) is sometimes very difficult to handle. I'm not just referring to the physical deterioration but the whole psychological/emotional thing as well. Your body is going through changes that you haven't experienced before and it takes a toll on your psyche too. Through intense physical exertion, my mind begins to realize that I am actually not 29 years old any more and that I cannot do that which seemed so easy 30 years ago. My mind still wants to but my body just can't do it. It's the ole "Bridge to Engine Room; we need more power!" And the the Engine Room calling back "There is no more power!"
The Senior Games venue puts you in a competition with those who are going through similar changes as you. Everything is Aged Grouped every 5 years. As an example, the 50 to 54 year olds don't race against the 65 to 69 year olds. You race with those of your own age...that's important when you get to the "senior years." However, it can still be very competitive. Just take a look at the 5k TT times for the Senior guys...amazing! Yet, you are racing against those in an age group that you have a chance to actually win something. I highly doubt I would have a chance at a medal in a Cat 4 or 5 race. Maybe...nah! The other thing I like about age groups is the strategy within the peloton as you move down the road. More on that later.
As you know, the Pensacola Games have 3 races: 40k Road Race, 5k Time Trial and a Criterium that equals out to about a 20k race. Most Senior Games have 4 races: 40k and 20k Road Races and a 5k and 10k Time Trials. Our first year for Senior Games Cycling in Pensacola we had all 4 races. But then we started the Pensacola Cycling Classic and incorporated the Senior Games as well and therefore adopted the 3 race format that is the PCC. However, all State Olympics and the National Olympics are the 4 race format. Just a note here about the difference between Games and Olympics; all local races, i.e. Pensacola Senior Games, are titled Games. The State and National level games are called Olympics, i.e. Mississippi Senior Olympics, etc. Usually the level of competition is stronger on the State level than it is on the local level. National Senior Olympics are the most competitive...usually.
However, my pal Fred McLaughlin who place in the Top 10 at Nationals this year and raced our Pensacola Games expressed that the 3 races in Pensacola had stronger fields than anything he had seen at Nationals! Fred is an incredibly strong rider and has raced all over the southeast. For Fred to communicate that is quite remarkable and speaks very highly of our local talent! In fact, Florida is one of the top States in terms of National victories. We have very strong fields in our own State year in and year out. I haven't raced on the National level, (yet) but I have raced in other States and nothing I have seen compares to the talent we have right here in our own backyard. I have several Gold Medals from Senior Olympics in other States but could only win a single Bronze in my own hometown. Oh yeah baby, it's tough here!
And speaking of the Pensacola Games, I had a blast! I felt really strong in the Road Race. Stayed with the lead group, even took my turns at the front...until the dreaded Horse Stable Hill. Yep, got dropped on that dadgum hill. I had to chase all the way in and never latched back on. Placed high in my age group though. Good race.
The Time Trial on the beach I was really looking forward to riding. I was starting to feel my racing legs again. (they had been MIA for years...one of those old things I mentioned above) I came up to the line on my makeshift TT bike ready to roll! 5,4,3,2,1...Go! I jumped on it strong cranking it up to 30mph+. As I came around the curve and started down the long slope toward Portofino I eased into a nice strong pace...I was feeling good. I checked my speed as I rolled through 1 mile and I was right where I wanted to be; 26-27mph. Still feeling good and not in the Red Zone yet!
As I approached the entrance to Portofino itself, I noticed several vehicles ahead turning and moving slowly in my lane. I was getting a bit anxious as I moved ever closer to rear of the last car. Finally, I had to let up...even applied the brakes until they moved towards the center allowing me to pass on the right. I quickly got back in my tuck position and tried to get back up to speed. I passed the 1 mile to go marker at what I thought was 4 minutes 36 seconds. (frankly it was hard to see in the dark) I had finally got back up to the 26-27mph speed. I really pressed hard on the final 1/2 mile or so. I remember looking down and seeing 28mph, then 29mph...crossed the line in what I thought was a really good time, (for me) and it was! I had broken 7 minutes for the first time ever in a 5k TT. I recorded a 6:57! Good enough for a Bronze Medal!
The next morning I awoke to a very lethargic body and mind. I wasn't feeling very strong at all. In fact, I usually ride down to the race from my house...I am ashamed to tell you, I drove my car down there. I just wasn't feeling it. However, I mounted the custom Lynskey titanium machine and started to warm up. (this is some more of that old guy stuff) Man, I was so tired I just wanted to go back to bed! But, I didn't, I kept riding. Little by little I started to feel the life come back into the legs. "Ah, there you are!" I remembered thinking. Now, how will you guys do on this fast course? Hmmm...
Well, everything was running late for the start of the Crit and it seemed I warmed up 3 different times. However, I'm glad I did! When the race started, it was hammer down! I only looked twice, but both times we were 27mph+! Amazingly fast race. After about 6 or 7 laps the pace was starting to settle in a bit. I was in the lead group paceline about 6 to 8 guys back as we were coming into the corner at the back of the course. We were lapping a rider. Just as we were entering the corner, so was he. The first few guys got through before the lapped rider cut across the corner causing a few of us to hit the brakes or hit the floor. I chose the former. So did Keith DuBose who was right on my wheel. By the time we got back up to speed, the lead group had a good 50 meters on us. We tried for several laps to latch back on but to no avail. They had way too much horsepower up there and just kept pulling away with each lap. However, I did finish 4th in my age group. Good fun and great race!
I think I finished 9th overall. I'm not sure actually because the timing company has changed the standings 3 times that I know of. However, in my age group I have a 3rd place (Bronze), a 4th place and a 5th place. All qualify for the Florida State Senior Olympics! And this year, I think I just may head down there and see how I do against the big boys! It's the second week of December in Lakeland. I'll let you know how it goes...
I'll tell you about the Georgia Olympics some other time. See you tonight and, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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