Round and round we go

Stage: 53
Day Total: 114.1 km
Total Time: 3:56
Avg. Speed: 29.0 km/h
Avg. Heart Rate: 136 bpm
Total Climbing: 732m

Song of the Day: Public Enemy (ft. Anthrax) – Bring the Noise

Day 5 of 8 of the section presented another run down the dirt road from Game Post #1 to Game Post #2. It sounds very simple because it was: exit camp, turn, ride 114km – keeping your eyes open for possible game sightings – and camp. At least there would be no confusion.

After yesterday’s run on the dirt, it was assumed that it would be difficult to take time on anyone as the terrain presented no opportunities to attack or distance oneself from one’s competitors. This would prove to be partially true today…

Lacking any real plan, Jorge and I, ready ahead of schedule this morning, decided to leave camp together. For my part, I figured I could possibly take time on him later in the stage and leaving at the same time could make that easier. Jorg, keen to try and win a section, offered up a “bargain” for me: ride hard, help him take time on the others in an effort to win this 8-stage section, and he would give me the stage win. I was not interested in that as we were nearly even on the section and I have ambitions of my own. In any case, off we went, only to be joined by Paul Wolfe 2km into the ride. He sense an opportunity for a quick, cooperative ride which would force UK Paul to ride on his own to potentially work harder.

Not eager to assist Paul W in his efforts to take time on UK Paul, I eased the pace to something a bit more comfortable. Paul Wolfe moved ahead to increase our speed, pulled for about 1km and moved aside for me to take the lead. i did not. He offered up motivational words regarding a section win or overtaking Dennis in the overall standings, but again, these were not my priorities and would not benefit from riding harder. Disgruntled, he resumed his place at the front.

Not wanting to completely burn any bridges I did eventually move to the front to pull, knowing that making amends would likely earn me some assistance at the close of the stage if and when I made a move to take time on Jorge. Paul W nodded approval as he and I alternated pulling. Jorge declined each time, a behavior surely noted by Paul Wolfe.

As lunch neared, I took stock of my situation: I had 2 liters of fluids remaining (thanks to the Camelback) and ample food to eat for the final 47km of the stage. Looking at Jorg, he appeared to have no food and only half a bottle of fluids remaining. He would have no choice but to stop. This would be my opportunity.

As we approached lunch, Jorge quickly dismounted to fuel up. Paul Wolfe kept his bike by the road and conveniently received full bottles of fluids from his wife who was not riding this day. I needed nothing but took the opportunity to take an energy bar from my pack and unwrap it. I looked at Paul and nodded, and we were off and riding again, Jorge unable to leave as his bottles were still being filled and he had not eaten yet. Riding easy for 1km, we scarfed some food and started pedaling in earnest sooon afterwards.

Looking back, we noticed a rider closing but were unsure who it might be. After 2km the rider was close enough for us to deduce that it was the local rider Mike, riding like a man posessed once again. Aware of his strength, we eased our pace to allow him to catch us, certain that his talents would help the overall speed and take time as needed.

He caught, rode past, and like that, it was on. For the next 45km, I would ride at nearly 90% in an effort to simply stay with the two of them. At one point a gap opened and nearing my breaking point, I took to the front to close it down. It was costly, and the remaining 15km would hurt that much more but I was intent on sticking with these guys. This was a serious effort indeed.

With great relief, the finish flag appeared. Not concerned with the stage win, we did not chase Mike as he accelerated in the final 300 meters. Truth be told, I likely could not have caught him anyhow. Another day in the books, our efforts and lunch tactics had netted us a nearly 10 minute advantage over Jorge and enough time to put me in the lead for the section with only 3 days remaining. Things are starting to get interesting though the remarkably smooth surface of this dirt road and its accompanying high speeds continue to neutralize strengths normally afforded riders with offroad experience.

Camp at Game Post #2 offered little in the way of scenic attractions and less in terms of choice tent sites. The majority of the ground was furrowed earth previously used for corn crops whose undulations made camping difficult at best. Some negotiations with the locals helped me net a flat concrete spot on the “porch” of what appeared to be a small sleeping building. Covered on 3 sides, it was very nice indeed and provided an elevated view of our camp for the evening.

The staff were assisted on the day by one of the children who resided at the camp. Sofia quickly became the darling of the camp, using her cuteness factor to earn her multiple cokes and chocolates. I doubt that child slept very well that night.

So the race continues. Today was a good hard ride, but again, it felt as if we were relying more on deceit and “external” factors – in this case Mike the local rider – to gain an advantage. This is not how I prefer to race this race. I spent considerable time contemplating my future in the race and its importance to me. No hasty decisions, but I must acknowledge that it is not providing much fulfillment or enjoyment at the moment.