The "A" Team

Last night's shop ride got a little more competitive than usual, if that's possible. Early on, Dustin and Justin made it across the road while the rest of the group, about 8 riders or so, were caught by traffic. Then, Justin said the magic words, "you just want to go"? So they did, and didnt look back. By the time they got to the first long fast stretch of road on Fall Creek, the rest of the group was still nowhere to be seen. Ok, so maybe they did look back a few times. D and J traded pulls, keeping up a steady but brisk pace.

When the crossed back over 56th street heading toward Ft. Harrison and still didnt see the riders in pursuit they thought the break might stick for good. After a brief motor pace from a minivan along Lee Road they were back on it. After all that work however, it was not to be. As they approached the light to cross Fall Creek once again and head up the hills the group was rolling up. Dustin made one last ditch effort to prolong the inevitable. With a charge up the hill and a daring descent leading up to Sargent Rd he was able to maintain the gap.

Ultimately the hill at 75th was the equalizer. All of those miles trading pulls between just two riders had taken its tole. The group reformed as they turned onto 71st, but the attacks kept coming. All moves were covered leading up to the finishing stretch along Fall Creek. Everyone was careful not to play their cards too early in a big lead out. The slow roll picked up as the last bend approached. Cory went first. As he faded Justin launched an uncharacteristically early sprint. With a slight headwind he too faded before the sign marking the finish. Sitting patiently, Dustin jumped off Justin's wheel and rode to "victory" with Joe lurking close behind.

The challenge of the chase made for an exciting Tuesday night. So much so that it might be something worth doing more often. Dont be surprised if we divide up into two squads in the coming weeks for a little friendly rivalry to see who is really on the "A" team.