Pantani 2013

Pantani 2013 started out just like last year, everyone show up at the Tevendale farm and rolled out at a casual pace.  Unfortunately, Joe and I were the only team members that were able to make it this year, but Richmond was well represented nevertheless. The group at the start was in excess of 50, easily double last years turn out.
The climbs this ride is named for would certainly make Marco proud. There was an elevation profile floating around Facebook showing three cat 5 climbs followed by two cat 2 climbs.  This is about how I remember it. I planned on riding the Stijl like I did last year, but somehow Joe was able to convince me it would be a nice challenge to ride the CX bikes.  I'm certain this was not the best bike for the ride, but it was fun cruising the fast downhills on this bike anyway.

DR grinding up Brokeback

The first climb up Fox mountain saw a small group break away, maybe 10 of us.  This selection was further pared down to 5 by the time we had crested the remaining two cat 5 climbs.  Joe, Gregg and I had made this select few along with strongman Gordon and Frank Yeager.  It was a pretty tough pace for the rest of the day.  Yes, Brokeback Mtn was just as tough this year.  Hard to tell from the pics below that this climb is in excess of 22* for mile after unrelenting mile.  The gearing of the CX bike and both Joe and I walking some of the steepest sections.

When I arrived back at the Tevendale farm after several wrong turns along with several miles of not really thinking I was headed the correct direction but just to darn tired to care, I was glad to find that all the members of our little group were able to make it back.  Gordon was king of the day and held onto the prized Pantani jersey for one more year.  Maybe next year Quadsworth will be dethroned. Richmond riders made up 4 of the top 5 finishers, not bad for a group of flatlanders.

Joe in the distance with Gregg off the bike.  One of the tougher sections of Brokeback.

Check out the elevation profile!!