Start to Maupin ctd.

Start to Maupin 4 Person Relay continued: The weather was perfect and, so far, the only glitch was that the audio blog number was not working. All those calls from camp, finding out where we could get service and the blogger number is down for the weekend. The Blue Lake Triathlon was in full swing when the 4s rode onto Marine Drive. It’s great having the tri in progress because the road is shut down for the cyclists. However, it’s weird spinning along on our parade start having a bunch of cyclists in swimsuits pass us as well as the odd looks and calls to break apart from the tri volunteers. 48 year old Gerry Ellis – the name sake of Gerry’s Kids – was in fine form talking smack and telling everyone to go slow through the first exchange – a sure sign he was going to take off like a rocket. Total Carnage ringer Sal Collura looked like he was in fantastic shape and appeared poised to give the Kids a tough race. I knew GK and TC were out to win and would be tough but was unfamiliar with the racers on the Headhunters, Bag Balm, Biker Boyz and Four Play teams so was excited to see the race unfold. I was looking for a top performance from the strong and experienced Almost Daisies, knew the Grand PAC Masters would have a great showing and had a good sense the Grey Panters were going to be much, much faster than they were letting on. The biggest mystery to me was Team RAO Speedwagon. Speedwagon was made up of four of the fastest ‘bent racers in the Northwest. Our little group of ten was preparing for one of the greatest ultra relay races I’ve ever seen. We rolled down Columbia Blvd, the group turned right at Buxton as I yelled ‘go’ and the race was on. Terri and I took neutral support for the Daisies, Panters and PAC Masters. The Daisy and Panter were going head to head with Grand PAC Master Bob Kash just behind riding well on a borrowed bike that wasn’t shifting properly. The race took shape by the time the racers exited Rhododendron. Gerry’s Kids had a three minute lead over Carnage. Four Play and Biker Boyz were duking it out with the Headhunters, Speedwagon and Bag Balm with the Daisies, Panters and PACmen just behind. GK was taking short, fast pulls with frequent exchanges while Carnage was sticking to 30 minute pulls for three hours with two riders and then shifting to the other two. Speedwagon surprised everyone by moving through the ranks while climbing Hood. However, the Kids took the early lead and Imperial Rafting Company prime when they sped through Maupin in first place a few minutes ahead of Total Carnage.

THANK YOU Maupin, OR for the support, welcome, fanfare, posters, signs, balloons and wonderful hospitality!

Time Station #1 Maupin, OR to Time Station #2 Fossil, OR: This is the killer part of the course. The triple summit climb over Hood followed by FR 44 and endless rollers on 197 have set up unsuspecting racers for this beautiful but challenging section of the route. Bakeoven, Clarno and Fossil – three summits and 8,000 feet in 68 miles. Other than the last four miles of Fossil, no single climb is especially difficult. They beg for riders to attack them, but aside from the two mile stretch between Bakeoven Summit and Shaniko there are absolutely no flat sections – racers are either going up or down so there is little recovery.

Solo: Defending champ Pollock ripped this section and built upon his lead. In his wake, Kenneth Philbrick was slowly working his way toward the front riding his own race, but making sure not to lose too much contact with the leaders. Tom Jacobson continued to ride strong maintaining his hold on second just ahead of Ricky Martin. Vets Wade Baker and Bruce Carrol were sitting back watching the fight for the lead knowing they’d be making their bid for the front after Long Creek. The biggest shock of the day occurred near the John Day River when pre-race favorite Saunders Whittlesey was unable to continue due to stomach problems. By all accounts Whittlesey looked amazing throughout the early part of the race riding anywhere from first through third place. He was maintaining the easy pace and demeanor which took him to his record at B-M-B. After about 60 miles Saunders began to feel ill and immediately lost the contents of his stomach. He was unable to keep food or liquid down and was experiencing chills. Whittlesey either drank some bad milk or ate a spoiled chicken wrap the previous day and was suffering with food poisoning. He put up a great fight but had to withdraw from the race at mile 170. After sadly saying our good byes to Saunders Terri and I headed up Clarno and came upon Cadet Bryant. The Texan was astraddle his bike relieving himself on the side of the road. He looked more than a little surprised to see a couple of officials show up on this otherwise deserted road to find him watering the asphalt. After leaving a little bit of Texas behind him Bryant clipped in and zipped down the Clarno descent. There was a tight race taking place on the Fossil climb with recumbent soloist Chris Sandmel neck and neck with Micky Cecil and Michael Bingle. Bingle was experiencing some physical problems but was in great spirits. Cecil looked great on his bike but said he was going to take an extended break in Fossil. As it was already 7:30 this had me a bit concerned about Micky finishing within the time limit.

Two Person Relay: Team Ol’ Fogey continued to impress everyone who had the privilege of watching them race. They widened their lead over Brothers From Sisters to 10 minutes. Racing on a four person relay at the Davis 24, Brothers Geser and Hummell had recently set the 4 person 24 hour course record. They had firepower and experience so everyone was wondering when they were going to drop the hammer. However, the Fogies had plenty of speed themselves plus the advantage of Don taking part in his fourth two person RAO in a row. Bruce was the unknown quantity of the four and he was rising to the occasion beyond all expectations but those of his team. Sagwagon continued its’ impressive race. Snell and Turner were riding well and making exchanges like a veteran team. These two racers have done all sorts of athletic events together and their continuity was apparent. The Llamas had spent months preparing themselves and their crew for RAO. After Llama training weekends on the course we’d heard worried reports about too low of an average speed for an official finish. Ken and Lisa badly wanted to be the first mixed two person team to finish RAO. Their training was paying off with a terrific race.

Four Person Team: This would prove to be a telling part of the race for Speedwagon. The unorthodox team made up of hpvs and recumbents was entering territory where, if they wanted any chance of being the first team of four to Timberline, it couldn’t lose too much ground. Though in their own division, Speedwagons goal was to be the first relay to the top of Timberline Road. They knew they had a huge advantage from the summit of Ochoco to Warm Springs but they also knew they were at a huge disadvantage from Portland to Fossil. Gerry’s Kids knew the same in reverse. They continued their torrid pace with short pulls – basically drag racing around Oregon.

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