This is the second year that I have raced the DRVTT. Last year, I was racing just six months since I broke my leg, and my results reflected it. My time was only better than one other person is my age group, and like me, he was having health issues.
This year, I have been training for this race and it would appear that my training has paid off. In the first two of three stages, my times have been 10% faster than last year. Conditions have been similar – gray sky with wind, but this year I have been training.
Stage one is a 26 mile loop with over 1000 feet of climb. The start is at the fool of the bridge over the Deschutes River and climbs up through the small town of Maupin to Juniper Flats. Last year I took it easy (heart rate 135 bpm) on this climb and was passed by many people. This year was different. Right out of the gate I let my heart rate climb up to 150 bpm and let it stay there. Yes, I was passed, but not by many and I did catch some of the slower riders who started before me. My average up the hill was just over 10 mph.
Once I reached the plateau, there was wind. Some say not as bad as last year, but none the less, the wind made it interesting. It was head wind, making riding difficult. But, I picked up my speed to over 20 mph and reached 28 mph on the slight descent toward the plateau rim. My heart rate dropped, but not much. It was just below 150 bpm.
The descent into Tygh Valley was difficult. The wind was blowing and my LeMond wanted to shimmy. The wind would catch the front wheel and cause a harmonic oscillation that I controlled by placing my knees against the top tube. I gently dragged the rear brake at times to keep my speed not much above 30 mph and kept a light grip on the handle bars. One of the faster riders caught me but did not pull away from me. He had tri-spoke wheels which the wind pushed around a lot.
Once I reached the valley floor, I had to fight the head wind again. It was hard. My speed dropped to 17 mph and my heart rate climbed back up 150 bpm. I could see riders in front of me, but I was not gaining on them.
Soon, I made the right hand turn toward Shearers Bridge putting the wind behind me. Now I could gain and pass folks. Near the end of this section, I finally caught and passed Joanne. She was having a very good ride. It took me nearly 16 miles to make up the seven minute head start she had over me.
The descent into the Deschutes River Valley was fast, but even here I was passed by a fast rider who was peddling down the hill while I coasted saving energy. He was being chased by Kenneth Philbrick who passed me just as we entered the valley.
The section along the Deschutes River back to Maupin was very painful. It was straight into a head wind which kept my speed down between 13 and 21 miles per hour with an average of 17 mph. I was so glad to see the finishing line come up. It had been a very hard ride!
Distance: 26.28
Time: 1:27:10
Average Speed: 18.15 mph
Average Power: 216 pedaling
My time is over 10 minutes faster than last year, so I am please with my effort.
Stage One
