Time Trial’n

What an experience…RePete’s first time trial. After all these years, at 7:15 RePete started down the West River Drive in Philly as the clock began ticking off the seconds and minutes.

Weeks before RePete learned his employer was a sponsor for the Pro Championship Race. This began an effort to secure VIP tickets…only to discover that tickets would be made available to those that participated in either the June 5th time-trials, or ride the course and the Manayunk Wall on Sunday. Many years before RePete participated in a senior’s race…so the time-trial was selected rather the climb that monster of a hill.

RePete began to question his sanity. His body frame is closer to a Clydesdale than a quarter horse. Health issues aside, there were the questions of age and preparation…and more. If Lance could do this…so could he. With the conviction of Rocky…training began with lunch time rides around Williamstown. An 11 mile course that included several inclines…at first on his tried and true Peugeot as his sleek ebony Trek needed some repairs. So while Dan and his Performance Bicycle Shop secured the needs parts, the Peugeot began the task of improving RePete’s speed. This was turned over to the Trek once the necessary replacements were received.

Then days before the race additional question arose…he was assigned to Category 5 / Citizen Men. The closest age to his was 8 years younger!! What could be a reasonable goal against this group composed of guys in their 20’s, 30, and 40’s? Then the answer…not to finish last and to have a personal best.
So the alarm went off at 3:30. RePete and the Mrs. awoke and made their way to Philadelphia. Yes, June 5th had arrived. Now staring at the clock tick toward his start time RePete wondered what was going to happen over the next 8 miles. How would this end? Then he was off riding down West River Drive. Pushing hard he glanced at his cyclometer…20 mph! God…this must be a small downhill section he mused. He had driven this road my times before…this the first time on bicycle. Sightseeing was not on the agenda. The bends and turns were familiar but also not. Pushing hard on each peddle stroke brought the Sweetbriar intersection into view. This less than a mile from the start and doubt again began to set in. His Trek would not let him quit…”we’re doing this now,” she shouted.

So they continued…then Montgomery Drive intersection arrived. That about two miles from the start. The Trek was now in control…her wheels spinning with confidence. Soon they passed under Strawberry Mansion Bridge and maybe 3 miles out. The turn-around could not be far…and it wasn’t. Now only the ride back remained. The Trek cried out, “Now push me like you never have before!” Was that Strawberry Mansion Bridge that was passed? No time to answer…Montgomery Drive was ahead and then behind! RePete was nearly exhausted. About six miles ridden at perhaps a speed not done in years. No time to reflect on the past. Two miles remained and the Trek would not stop.

Sweetbriar was passed…less than a mile to go and the clock ticked. Then the final turn…and the finish line was ahead! No stopping now…finally the 8 miles was done.

To see if RePete and his ebony steed reached their goal go to http://www.tristatevelo.com/node/232.

RePete