Going fast & having fun

Written by Bill Lupo & Chris Hahn

January brings the start to a new year and for those of us in the 805, a road race in our backyard. The Santa Barbara Road Race, organized by UCSB Cycling, is an early test of race fitness and for many,  a kickoff event for a new season of bike racing. 

I managed to pre-reg shortly before online registration closed and got things ready for race day.  The combined master’s field was well represented by several of us from the 805 Race Team.

Shortly after a brief, chilly descent and a few quick miles, one of my teammates, Todd Canfield, broke away from the pack. This early move proved effective, and he wasn’t caught until he reached the top of the climb. The group stayed together for a little while before I rolled off the front. After a couple of miles, I rejoined the field, staying alert for the next move.  

The field slowed on one of the small rollers, and I seized the opportunity to break away again. This time, two other riders caught up, and we created a solid gap. We had just finished the first lap, and with a strong headwind, we had our work cut out to maintain our lead. 

As we continued up the road, the occasional time check from the moto revealed that we were increasing the gap. With one lap to go and a time check of 2m 20s, this beak could work. After cresting the climb for the last time and knowing we were holding off the field, all that was left was a couple of corners and a tough uphill sprint to the line.

I learned that the other riders with me were in the younger category which was great for me.  Crossing the line I was 2nd overall and 1st in my category.

Chris Hahn:

With Bill up the road in the 60+, and  two other guys from the 55+, it looked clear that we would win the 60s. The goal was to try to get other podium spots, second and third in the 60s and third in the 55s. 
Since we had the numbers, I was encouraging  the team when I could to not race negatively, not worry really about blocking, but just to stay aggressive, go with any moves, and then counterattack.  Our new teammate, Andrew, was going hard and got off the front a number of times. The final time up the climb, Lindsay got a nice gap with a few others.  This put some pressure on the other main contenders in the 60+, Jerome Nadel and Jeff Konsmo.  Jeff was going pretty hard on the climb trying to catch, with Jerome on his wheel.  Kenny was right there with them, and so this set me up perfectly to attack and bridge across to the Lindsay group.  I caught them at the top, we had a nice gap, and Lindsay and I did our best to keep it rolling. But on the long rolling downhill after the climb, the remains of the field could go quite a bit faster, and we were reeled in.
After that, Kenny and I took turns attacking, a couple times each if memory serves.  After one where Kenny had had a nice gap, I countered.  This was on the long, mostly flat, very head windy section before the final uphill sprint.   I got a good gap, and I understand Kenny and Lindsay or slowing the field down, but it was a long way, and headwind it was strong. I think the field could smell the blood (mine) in the water.  They caught and passed me at the bottom of the sprint climb.