DRTT Recap

The Deschutes River Timetrial Festival was held last weekend in Maupin, Oregon. In its fourth year, this three stages in two days is put on by George and Terry, the founders of the Race Across Oregon and the Ring of Fire (12 and 24 hour timetrial held in September). The headquarters for the race and the staging/start area for all three stages is at the Imperial River Company, a beautiful and quiet lodge lying along the banks of the Deschutes River. Check out www.raceacrossoregon/drtt.com for details.
I have done the race every year and had high hopes for 2009. Alas, due to continued unemployment and several bouts of sickness in March I was not as prepared as I had hoped to be. In any event I went last weekend and had a very enjoyable trip, even if my times were the slowest ever. The first race was a rolling 26 mile course. I have clocked slower times each year since 2006, and 2009 was no exception. I came in 15 minutes slower than my goal, mainly due to the extreme wind that came through. It was a constant battle of either a direct headwind or severe crosswind. I have never felt so exhausted on a bike. The afternoon course was an 8 mile hillclimb, and I did clock a time in the top half of the field. Try climbing at 45 degrees. My time was 8 minutes off my goal. The descent was the scariest of my life with gale force winds with gusts. I did get blown off the road just a mile into the descent, and went over the bars after hitting a very soft shoulder. The bike and I slid down an embankment a few feet, and it was a struggle climbing back up. No real harm as it was super soft. My descent was as fast (or slow)as the climb. The wind did die down for Sunday's 47 mile out and back course, but even so we battled a good cross wind for the entire route. My time was 8 minutes off my goal. I was just happy to fnish given my mental state and the conditions.
As usual I did get to spread the word about 53x11 coffee as my kit attracted attention. I always like to spread the word to the masses. I do hope to retrun to Maupin in 2010 for the 5th running of the DRTT.
Until then I will continue to enjoy the ride.
Ty