Jul 10
5
Day 7 Trento-Arco
Day 7
Trento-Arco
Last day of the race! I decided to start with Graeme, Paul, Karen, and Joan who I haven’t ridden with at all this week. We lined up at the very front of the “C” group. Just before the start Karen got a flat so I pulled out of the front of the group in order to pull her back up to the gang. As I was doing this I lost sight of her and ended up having to start at the back of the “C” group. I chased the gang down and caught them all, plus Chris Hawkins and Jeremy Eden from Penticton. We all rode across the top of Mt. Bondone together and then we watched the girls ride away with Graeme on the downhill. Man those girls descend like the are rocks! I stayed with Jeremy, Chris, and Paul and we caught up to Gary, also from Penticton and formed up to chase down the girls. We didn’t catch them until the second feed station where we all stopped and e-fueled. The girls were first out of the station and then we all left together. I was starting to feel the effects of the heat and the lack of shade at this point, but I was also happy to recognize this part of the ride back into Arco from last year. I knew the descents as well as where I could push the pace, considering how I was starting to feel. I stayed with the boys as long as I could and after taking my second turn up front I was done and slowly drifted into no mans land behind the group. I managed to keep the pedals going around and was starting to feel a bit better when I came upon Joan and Karen soft pedalling. Jo mentioned she was not feeling very well and that she might have to stop for a bit. I rode with them for a minute or two and then I had to keep going.
The descent takes us through this small town and there are at least 10 switchbacks, with traffic, in town. I got passed by at least 2 trains full of Euros who were willing to take some chances. Very impressive to see how much speed they can carry through these tight little roads. I came into town and relaxed, the day was almost done, just a finish line to cross and then celebrate! Mike was at the finish line again, beer in hand, and welcoming everybody across the line. Joerg and Tobias had secured a spot right under a willow tree where we were all hanging out. Erin and Sandra were there, Tom and Pat, Wilf and Thomas, Geoff and Mike, Chris and Jeremy, Graeme and Paul, and Gary. Karen and Jo were the next to arrive, then Ellen and Lisa, Tanya, Ian, and finally Jim and Chris. Duncan and his partner Tom did not start the day as the both had the flu something fierce but were there to support us all.
The group dynamic of the entire trip was amazing! Everybody supported each other by either riding with them, hanging out, eating, or joining in on the teasing that goes on with this much testosterone. The only unfortunate part of this whole experience was the accident that hurt Mike. If he chooses to come back I will definately join him as he is a great friend, team mate, and travel companion. Thanks for coming over with me on this epic adventure!
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39122178
