2/7/11

Just to let you guys know Franco passed one year ago today. For some of you newbies, he was the hardest of the hard men of his day. None of this soft men shit that they pass off today as a classic specialist. He may not have won alot but he always shaped the finale of a race. If he could only sprint he would have been the king of the classics.

On to the ride. Robyn and I met up with e and CXChris at the cafe. The wind was killer on the way out. E had said that he was going to take it easy today, all three of are legs were knackered from last weeks races. When we got to the park the S&S group was there already. I'd say a group of 20 or so set out. We skipped the first sections off of rt10 due to the ice. The ride was pretty easy at first the wind and sketchy road conditions had a lot to do with that. Once we got passed rt42 the pace started to pick up. By the light at rt68 the ride was moving. We made the light so anyone that got detached in the beginning was left behind. When the ride went yup the false flat before the industrial park a small group got the jump on E and I we both put in hard digs before the turn. McG jumped across I think Hunter and Crowell were up there with someone else. The group came back together on the 84 over pass. Once again we made the light but this time some guys got a reprieve due to Robyn's handle bars dropping when she hit a pot hole. Special thanks to Arlen Zane for stopping with a tool. CXC Arlen and I paced Robyn back up to the soft pedaling pack. We caught on by the ski slope, I went right to the front and tryed to twist the pace. There was a few guys setting a hard tempo all the way to the turnaround. McG, E, Kioski, Eddy A, Crowell and me. At the turnaround sprint E and Hunter went for it and Hunter got the best of E. When we went over the hill a group of 6 had pulled away. I tried to press the gap past rt84 but I got through the traffic and was on my own. (No Crowell I didn't run any lights, that's was your eyes seeing red)I pressed on and by the light at the trestle I couldn't see anyone. Seeing that I was on my last day of a rest week I sat up and waited for the field. Once back in the fold McG and I decided to soft pedal in. E, Crowell, Eddy A and Hunter rode off the front by the green houses. With me and McG not interested anymore the gap grew. It looked like Crowell was tail gunner of the group I must say. when we hit rt10 small groups would pop off the front and at the end it was McG, Hippie Chris and me left.

I want to take up a collection for the Torch next week so bring some money. I will get the stuff and ship it to him. I will put all the names of people who donated money. Remember freedom isn't free.