Jan 15 – Thawing out finally!
15th January 2011 by brtoone
Great turnout today despite the chilly temps. I don’t think it got quite as warm as forecasted with the lingering clouds hanging around all day. Thanks everyone for being alert for all the ice on the way out of town. Once we made it to Sterrett, Todd Higey got things started attacking solo on the first uphill getting a good gap. Morgan Ramey attacked to bridge up to him. Shortly after that, Jim Brock (Bob’s Bikes/Alabama Masters) attacked to bridge and took Justin Bynum (Tria Green) and Mike Lackey (Tria Red) with them. As they made the junction, Todd fell off the pace after his early efforts to escape. This left 4 sprinting for the first positions with Morgan edging out Mike followed by Jim and then Justin. Ed Merritt unleashed a monster sprint to win the field sprint for 5th.
The new Mimosa zone (starting from the railroad tracks) was next up on the menu. Will Hibberts (Bob’s Bikes / Alabama Masters) launched out at the word go and quickly got a good gap. Pat Allison (Tria Red) escaped a minute or so later and bridged up to Will. I (Tria Green) was slower working my way to the front, but once I made it there, I attacked to bridge up to the two of them who were slipping away. I chased hard and caught up to them right before the start of the sprint. Will led it out and then Pat and I came around with Pat taking it ahead of me. Chris Allison won the field sprint behind just ahead of Andy Maddux (Bob’s Bikes / Alabama Masters).
For the last zone, Cemetery Hill, Morgan Ramey attacked first and got away solo extending his lead across the Cahaba River bridge and up the hill. I helped keep the pace rolling and then attacked at the bottom of Cemetery Hill. Only Justin and Pat were able to follow. As we closed in on Morgan very close to the finish, my legs were done and I told Justin to attack. He attacked and got a good gap passing Morgan. Pat attacked soon thereafter and was just able to catch Justin right before the line. Behind them I was able to come around Morgan for third just before the line. Morgan came in for fourth with Will taking the sprint for 5th. Morgan definitely gets the Most Aggressive rider of the day award!
As far as the points go, Tria Green was able to squeak past Tria Red by 1 point, followed by Bob’s Bikes in third. Another exciting day of training/racing – going to be an exciting season!