Dissimilar Bike Races

I took these pics the week before while on a training ride.

Approaching the finish. From the Mt. Evans, CO. hill climb race to Criterium Nationals in Chicago, bike racing in North America does offer quite a lot of diversity.

Mt. Evans was my first hill climb race, the race starts in Idaho Springs and summits at the top of Evans at exactly 14,135ft. The climb gains 6,920ft over the 27miles to the top. The gradient of the climb was not too severe, generally speaking, however once over the 12,000ft. point I rode in a high altitude state of bother. I struggled to follow the surges and could not find a nice rhythm. Due to the lack of air, my legs felt like noodles, it was as if there was a bad connection between the power I was out putting, to my legs. Anyways, I think it has to be raced a few times to adapt. Never the less I really enjoyed it as it's quite a unique event and hope to be more competitive in the years to come.

National Criterium in Chicago, based in Downers Grove, IL. The course is a 1.2mi. figure eight course, at 710ft. elevation and gaining 50ft. per lap. Does not seem like it but we actually climb 2,500ft. during our 50mi. race. I did not find a top result over the weekend, this race has always led me to consisant top 20's. I placed better in the Saturday night Pro/Am finishing 12th. out of a ridiculous 180 rider start list. Sunday, was a slow march through Downers and the pace did not suit me all that well, I teetered up in the front in the remaining laps but dodging wrecks along the way took everything out of me for the final lap finishing behind the pace at 17th. I do love this race and missing the podium last year in the pro race makes me believe in a fantastic result there someday.

Two different races; a grinding hill climb through the clouds, where you simply battle against yourself, to a high speed, fast pedaling, twisting and cornering course amongst 180 ambitious racers. Both have there high level of enjoyment, and I'm happy I got to ride both this year.