Wednesday Night Race - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

bluegoose · 06-19-2008, 05:24 PM

Last night was the first time in 3 years that I have made it out of our local Wednesday night race. Temperature at the start was 94 degrees, approximately 14 degrees hotter than I have ridden in all year.

There were 2 local racing clubs there, along with about 7 or 8 unattached hacks like myself. 20 riders total.

Only knowing half of the guys there, I got stuck behind the wrong crowd a couple of times and was gapped at two inopportune times, having to dig like a dog to make my way back to the lead pack. I made it the first 20 miles (averaging over 25 mph) to the base of the first major climb with the lead group and feeling fair. Dropped like a rock as soon as the roads turned upward.

I actually felt pretty well for most of the 37 mile ride, although my HR was sky high, typically 173-177 for most the climbs and fast rollers. I peaked out at 183 while I was trying to close a gap at one point. I really didn't feel like my effort was that high, so I attribute it partially to not riding in the hot weather yet this year.

I really enjoyed the ride. I'm not sure how much fun it will be in a month when the temps are 105, but hopefully I can sneak out again sometime soon.

06-19-2008, 05:24 PM	#1
bluegoose Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 2,919	Wednesday Night Race Last night was the first time in 3 years that I have made it out of our local Wednesday night race. Temperature at the start was 94 degrees, approximately 14 degrees hotter than I have ridden in all year. There were 2 local racing clubs there, along with about 7 or 8 unattached hacks like myself. 20 riders total. Only knowing half of the guys there, I got stuck behind the wrong crowd a couple of times and was gapped at two inopportune times, having to dig like a dog to make my way back to the lead pack. I made it the first 20 miles (averaging over 25 mph) to the base of the first major climb with the lead group and feeling fair. Dropped like a rock as soon as the roads turned upward. I actually felt pretty well for most of the 37 mile ride, although my HR was sky high, typically 173-177 for most the climbs and fast rollers. I peaked out at 183 while I was trying to close a gap at one point. I really didn't feel like my effort was that high, so I attribute it partially to not riding in the hot weather yet this year. I really enjoyed the ride. I'm not sure how much fun it will be in a month when the temps are 105, but hopefully I can sneak out again sometime soon.