A good day at Rosena Ranch

A race report from Reed Moore.
 
            Last Sunday, June 3, Jimbo Wimberly, Tony Darr, and I traveled up to the Rosena Ranch Circuit race near Cajon Pass.  The course is an out-and-back two mile loop, mostly downhill going out and mostly going uphill coming back. Our race was a combined 55+ and 60+ group, Jimbo in the 55+ and Tony and I in the 60+ group.  The weather was warm, but not terribly hot like the last time there.
 
            As usual, Jimbo took off right at the start, stretching the pack out in single file for a long time.  I was worried about keeping this kind of pace up for the 20 laps. Jimbo got pulled back, but there were several other attacks that kept the pace high.  About halfway through, two riders got off the front, including Cat 1 rider Louie Amelburu.  We chased the two for a couple of laps and then let up.  That was good for me, not for Jimbo.
            With 2 laps to go, I pulled up to Tony and told him the race would end in a pack finish, so just stay locked on the wheel of the 60+ rider who won the sprint last time.  But just after that, Jimbo attacked one more time.  I was able to cover the chasers and got a free ride down the hill. When there was a counter-attack at the turn-around, I was just in the right place at the right time to go after him. I had to go all out!  But the fear of bonking just before the finish and ending up last kept me going.  My heart rate was the highest it has been in several years!  It was nice going up the hill the last time, knowing I would not get caught. 
            Tony got cut off in the sprint and the guy he was covering got away to finish second and Tony took third.  Jimbo, who had tried repeatedly to break up the field, took 8thin the 55+.  His last attack set me up for my winning move.  Thanks Jimbo.  And thanks to Tony for blocking for me on those last two hard laps.  Winning is fun!
 
-Reed.