Tiles: Notes from Houston, part 2
Monday morning and the 5K time trial was to start, for me, at 10:10:30. Start times changed and I guess I missed their message. Regardless, it continues to amaze me – the human spirit.
I just finished chat time trialing with a gentleman competing in the 75-79 group. He is the reigning USA Cycling National Road Champion in his age group. I am observing an amazing collection of bike equipment and cycling outfits. AND I was worried about my black skin suit, red shoe covers and time trial helmet. I look like a wall flower compared to some.
Today's results not as good as in the 20K road race. I finished 38th out of 47. We all rode in a crosswind that was over our right shoulders and slightly to the front. I continue to be simply blown away by the level of competition. While the results are preliminary, my data had my average speed between 22 and 23 miles per hour. My average heart rate was 162, my cadence at 90. It just isn’t fast enough. I am witnessing speeds between 26 and 30 mph for the top eight riders in our age division. Think about that. I don’t know how old you are, but for a bunch of 60 to 64 year old guys to be racing a bike at these speeds for 5K that is pretty good.
As to equipment, I have seen skin suits of all kinds! Guys wearing “ice” vests to keep cool! Others are wearing long-sleeve skin suits with compression socks to their knees. I mention this as the temperature today was somewhere north of 90. I do not exaggerate when I say I have seen bicycles that are Tour de France worthy.
My new acquaintance “Z” finished 8th today and congratulations to him. I think he said to me (or someone else did) that what I need to work on are the three “Rs." I need more RIDING, more RACES and I need to RETIRE so I have the time for the first two. Well, retirement is a long way off ,but I am sure I can figure out the first two.
Since the races are in Houston, the Southwest riders seem to know each other (California, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, etc.) and what they are up against. That said, the winner in our age group was from Nebraska. I took a number of photos today but forgot to bring a cord so I could download them from my camera to include them with today’s blog. Later, at home, I will address that issue. Well, time to eat and throw down a few cold beers as I think I have earned them.
One more race left. I seem to recall that in my qualifying races my best performance was in the 10K time trial. We will see. I do know that there is no need to leave any gas in the tank after tomorrow. I will be taking more than a few days off to recover.
In the meantime, the Houston journey continues. And remember, pedal hard and never look back.
• Ed Tiles is a 62-year-old cyclist who has been riding for 22 years. He and his wife have lived in St. Charles for the past seven years. He is competing in the National Senior Olympics, which are being held in Houston, Texas.
