Race Report: Lost River Classic

By Martin • July 26th, 2010

District Velocity Racing p/b The Bike Rack sent a large group into the wilds of West Virginia for one of the hardest, if hotly anticipated road races of the year — the Lost River Classic. While we quietly scoffed last year at the designation of “classic” — how can an inaugural race be a classic? — this year’s running of the race certainly earned it the title.

In the 3/4 race, we had a number of cards to play, and we looked to both Dennis and Tony (second and eighth at Giro di Coppi, respectively) as our strong finishers. The race was relatively tame to begin with, spare an early attack by NCVC’s Nick S. , a deer jumping in front of the field as we approached the first climb to the church, and a brazen solo attack by Sam that lasted but a few glory- and pain-filled miles. Things picked up from there, but the decisive move came when Squadra Coppi’s Tom B. attacked on the final lap.

Seeing that no one was responding, Tony went into full chase, soon to be joined by Dennis. They pulled themselves within a few seconds coming into the final climb, but the catch-up effort alone was enough to do them in. Dennis rolled in for seventh, while Corey picked up thirteenth. The rest of the team struggled in with what was left of the field. Tom J., though, suffered the worst fate — he flatted just as the neutral roll-out started.

Tony decided to double up and try his hand at the 1/2/3, and he wisely pulled the plug after a lap. The way he told it, the field didn’t even last a few hundred yards on Route 259 before it was shattered into multiple groups by vicious attacks.

After the race, we all decamped to the Lost River Guest House and sat by the pool. That’s how racing should be, I think. You put in a lot of work, and then you get to spend the day and night at a well-appointed lodge that seemed more appropriate for a romantic weekend getaway than it did for a bunch of clowns like us. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the Guest House, their wonderful accommodations, and their friendly staff. And the pancake breakfast on Sunday. Amazing.

On Sunday, we joined in with Jay and a solid group for a 50-miler on the Lost River-area roads. It wasn’t 10 miles before Russ Langley and Chuck Hutch had attacked themselves off the front, leaving the rest of us to more comfortably deal with the climbs to Moorefield and up to the Raw Talent Ranch. As we descended, a thunderstorm rolled in, soaking us for the last stretch back to the Guest House. We all made it back safely, thankfully, though we were forced to dodge falling branches on the way back.

Congratulations to NCVC on a great race, and thanks to the Lost River community for hosting us.