Firehouse 50 result for larsoc

There are several givens when you go to the Firehouse 50. You will be greeted by legions of friendly volunteers. You will gasp at the beauty of the course. And if you opt to do the road race, there will be large packs and a high speed crash in the last 3 miles. I hadn't done the road race since 2004 but something called out to me to do it again, despite the danger.

I found myself at the back of a lead pack of 75-100 at the top of the divide (mile 5) and again at the hill at mile 15. The pack didn't seem to be overly ambitious, but the power of all those riders pulling us along felt like the draft of a semi. When I found myself in this same position just before the roller coaster ride called Lake Owen Drive, I fought off thoughts that maybe this wasn't my day and decided I had better move up or I would soon be spit off the back into no man's land. I knew that once we got to highway 63, the chances to move up would be few and far between.

I kept picking spots to move up a few places at a time as we careened up and down and around the sweeping curves, taking up the whole road as dappled sunshine wafted through the forest canopy. I was in a rhythm now, and the momentum of the downhills and the pack's magical suction power seemed to propel me effortlessly over uphills that I've struggled on in previous years.

By the time we emerged onto highway 63, I was in the top 15 and still feeling physically and mentally fresh, except for a cramp that thankfully went away as soon as it appeared. With about 5 miles to go, I took a turn at the front and considered bridging up to a lone rider dangling 50 yards ahead. I quickly dismissed it as I thought of how easily the pack had reeled in earlier breakaway attempts with better numbers. Instead, I gave up the lead to save energy. I took care not to fall back too far, concentrating on not getting boxed in.

With about 2 miles to go, I heard that sickening sound of a high speed crash just behind and to my left. I wondered how badly hurt the riders would be but could not look back. As we approached the sharp corner before the finish I kept riding hard, but thoughts of self preservation briefly entered my mind and in that instant I found myself out of position while the leaders started sprinting to get to the corner first. My lapse did create an opening for me to dive tightly into the corner, and I was able to pass a couple in the last block. Minutes later I checked the giant electronic scoreboard (can we get one of those for Kirke Vei?) to find out I was 22nd overall, my best finish in about 12 attempts at this race, averaging 25.5 mph.

Next year I may regain my sanity and do the time trial (yes a 50 mile TT is the saner choice), or have to stay closer to home, but for today, the adrenaline rush was definitely worth it all.