Race report and Fathers Day ride

The Pescadero RR lived up to its billing as a "classic CA road race".  Left SLO a little after 4am saturday morning to get up there.  Nice peaceful drive up without traffic.  The race was very well attended with almost all categories sold out.  Rode the open 45+ race as just upgraded to cat 3.  There was 75 in the field with 3 main teams that each had 6-10 riders.  There was a roller section along the coast, followed by a gradual climb toward Skyline drive up hwy 84, then a steep 3-4 km climb before a nice descent back into pescadero.  We did 1.7 laps, 50 miles with the finish at the top of the climb the 2nd time.  The start went fast with the rollers stretching out the field, may have lost a few on that section.  A break went off about 8 miles in with a rider from each of the 3 main teams in it.  There was a steady tempo as a chase but the first time up the climb wasn't too bad as I don't think the big teams pushed it.  Stayed in the top 10 up the climb, probably 20-25 got dropped and had a great descent back to finish the lap.  2nd lap on the rollers I got a little lazy and was in the back of the pack when the 2 smaller climbs came.  Some gaps formed so really had to push to bridge and make sure didn't miss any moves.  Again probably another 10-15 came off at this point with the group having about 30 as we went up 84 for the second time.  The break of 3 fell apart with 2 riders falling off so there were some attacks on this section but nothing serious held.  Things really waited until the final climb.  Again tried to stay in the front and pretty much just kept my pace as the field splintered up the hill.  We caught 2 of the break at the bottom of the hill.  One stayed away and won.  I ended up 14th with the leaders finishing about 200 meters ahead.  Felt really good with good legs.  It was a very competitive field with most of the NorCal top masters there.  

To top off the weekend had a great Father's day ride with Steve and Mike today.  We got them outfitted with clipless pedals and they have been riding some around town.   Did Turri loop, probably averaged around 19 mph and Steve climbed Turri right with me.  He is a natural with a great pedal stroke.  Fun to have them getting into the bike thing.  Am planning to do SLO Tri as a team with Jono and Mike with Steve on a team with his friends.  Friendly competition.

Hope all had a great weekend and Father's Day.

Peace,

Jens