Monday, October 02, 2006  

PR!!!!! at Poor Mountain Hill Climb

Andy and I headed down for the hill climb today in the fog and mist of a rainy morning around 7:30 AM. The fog was in patches like heavy dark blankets over just sections of the valley. It turned out to be a beautiful cool and clear day and perfect weather for an all out maximum climbing effort.

For those who havent done this climb before there jaws probably droped as they took the exit off of 81 towards the base of the beast. This is a big steep mountain and kinda has a mount ventoux effect with all the towers up there giving scale to it. It is also and indication for how much up you have to have to bother putting all of your towers in ONE spot. The rule is you have to to ride a mountain bike since it is part of the Virginia Derailleur Series, lucky for me I have my 9.9 Trek super light race bike. Word is the promoters, Dick and Wendy are going to open the race up to bikes of any class for next year and it will be billed as The Virginia State Championships of Hill Climbs. Cool.

After a brisk lead out from a brave junior i slung into the steeping first pitches of the still wet paved road. I felt like i had wings today, it was really like flying; not effortless but a pace that I thought I could do for a while. Man time has a way of dragging on when your are suffering, my previous effort had been more pain than fun but this one was certainly a good feeling; the feeling of digging a sharp saw into a fallen tree. I was getting a good bite into the climb and covering some ground quick. Dick was watching in the Saturn of Roanoak pace vehicle just ahead to make sure I did't bum a ride on some one's Turag.

At the top after the final switch backs (true to hill climb pacing) you should be inside out! I was for the last 5 minutes. I had no choice I was in my easiest gear and just maxed out on the 18 % final strait. Wicked! The drool is usually a good indicator your pegged, Paul Buchi would have been proud. Maybe next year the C-Ville posse will come out to play. I heard the 2 skinny pro's have taken up to some sort of buisness venture that is keeping them in shape I will keep you posted.

After the race we all had a good time talking about how it hurt and how cool it was to do somthing different; like see how fast you can climb a 3,000 ft climb. For me it was 38:18. I was proud to come back for this one because this time last year my back was in a couple more peices than it is now. Andy rocked out 2nd place and took home some pride in his climbing. Maybe next year the C-Ville posse will come out to play. I heard the www.2skinnypros.com have taken up to some sort of buisness venture that is keeping them in shape I will keep you posted on developing gossip news and other useless junk.

See ya next time.

Jeremiah.

posted by Jeremiah Bishop  # 4:13 PM  


Comments:
Jeremiah,
Thanks for coming to Roanoke to race with us. It was a real thrill to see you break your own record. Hopefully we'll see ya next year too! All the best...
 
That was a REALLY fun event. It's hard to say if cross bikes would have an advantage. Maybe on the lower paved sections but it is surprising how rough that road is. And how steep it is.

Anyone and everyone should try this regardless of beginner or pro. In the end it's you vs the mountain.

Congrats on the record.
 
you are flying high!
 
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