Luray... $#^$&@#^$!!!!!!!!

First off, I want to point out that this is not a complaint, and I am in no way unhappy with Chris Gould and/or the Promoters of The Tour of Page County. They are awesome and handled everything about this weekend as well as (or better than!) should be expected.

However, this isn't my piece on how awesome they are, it's my story of my weekend in Luray, 2012. 

The 2011 Hangover

I should point out that last year I entered the ToPC and got demoralizingly destroyed by it. I know (and have always known) that climbing is definitely a weak spot, but I wasn't expecting to get dropped on the first "hill" of the road race, or to abandon the crit by lap 3. I was in no way prepared for how hard the road race was or how staggeringly awful the crit was. 

Last year's resounding failure made me keep at this whole "racing" thing this year. I penciled June 30th in as my major goal for the year, and had aimed (what passes for) my training towards being in much better shape this time. And I am. I am fitter, leaner, harder, and considerably faster than I was at this point last year.

The Race Approaches

So as last weekend approached I was getting STOKED! I was READY! I had FORM! I might not suck @ss!!

And then I saw the weather forecast. Highs near 100, head indexes near 110...

I said,"I'll be fine. I'll pack ice socks!"

Then my riding buddy and co-worker decided to back out due to workload (actual office work) and the hell hot...

and I said "It'll just be a little more expensive... I already have all the details worked out.. I'll be fine!"

As it Begins

So Friday after work, I packed up the family truckster (I call him Big Roy, the truck about town) and headed out to Luray. I managed to get on the road before 4:00 PM, and got to Luray around 7:00 (some traffic in Gainesville and a Coffee stop slowed me down). I noticed that my throat had a bit of a tickle, but I chalked that up to the heat. 

 I checked into my Hotel (the unglamorous and not recommended Best Western Intown of Luray) and unloaded the truck I decided to pre-drive the road course to make sure I knew what was coming while the sun was still up, and the course looked really awesome!!! Basically, nice country roads that were moderately hilly, but with no extended climbs. Something I MIGHT be able to be good on. 

I decided to head on over to the "Speakeasy" bar and grill @ the Mimslyn Inn for dinner and a cocktail (hoping that the booze would help me sleep and cure that "tickle" in the back of my throat). The music was cheesy, and the service was iffy, but the food was pretty okay and the drink helped a bit with the tickle.

Around 9:00, I went back to my room and decided to check over the bike one last time (the wheels/tires story will get posted another day). After a quick check up, I packed up the race bag and was all set to go in the morning. 

Then the DERECHO decided to swing through town. Holy cow that was a serious and scary storm. Needless to day the Best Western lost power, as did most of Luray. I was on the phone with Jodi (my beloved wife who allows me the indulgence of this expensive hobby with grace), who lost power about 30 minutes after we did in Luray. 

So I set my alarm, and said "we'll see how I feel in the morning."

Well.. I slept for about 20 minutes. Mostly I just tossed and turned and sweated. When my alarm went off @ 6:00, I got up, the tickle had turned into a serious sore throat and a cough. I brushed my teeth (in the dark) and then walked to the lobby (maybe they new when the power would be back on... which they didn't).  

I said "I'll just head up to the start and see what's going on. Maybe I'll feel better if I get moving."

It also Ends

At the Luray high school, I checked in with the few folks who were getting organized. The word at the time was a 2 or 3 hour delay so they could clear the course..... I started doing the temperature math.. and decided that my exhausted, coughing body was going to get dropped fast if I decided to stick it out......so I bolted. I went back to the hotel, gathered and cleared the room, and checked out. I was on the road before 7:00. Turns out they cancelled the road stage entirely. 

On the drive home I discovered that Luray had limited power (only the east side of town from what I could tell). Sperryville was dark (no breakfast for me here!). Got to Warrenton and finally found something with power (yay Starbucks). Made it home by around 9:00. Found the wife and daughter cleaning up the downed tree limbs in the yard... 

And so went my weekend. Instead of the peak of the season, it was my lost weekend / staycation. We stayed in two different hotels while we waited for the power to come back, which was better than sweating at home, but only just.

I am extremely sad about DNS'ing the TOPC. It was supposed to be the peak of my season. But I have to move on. Next year, I'll be back and in even better shape!

Now I am really glad I signed up for the Giro di Coppi.... I have one last chance to claim that my season was good...

P.S. -->

Anyone in MABRAland who wants a refund or wished the race could have been rescheduled is cracked in the head. Getting an event like this off the ground is extremely challenging, and sometimes, life screws it up. Rescheduling is nearly impossible, and the promoters already spent the money they raised, I guarantee it). You don't like it, tough. Deal. Grow the f^ck up.