This is one of my  favorite  races of the year. The short steep climbs and descents seem to suit me.  I've also had some success here in the past, which undoubtedly adds to my affection for the race.   

I felt pretty good on the mid-race climbs and successfully negotiated the wet roads on the way to the finish.  I came to the final climb in the front group of about 20.  At the bottom of the climb a group of 3 accelerated and quickly built a gap.   With 1k to go the group of 3 had 5 seconds, and the gap was growing.  I decided that unless I wanted to be, at best, 4th, I'd better get going.  I accelerated and caught the leaders before the 500m to go sign.  Unfortunately, I dragged up 4 other guys.  The 4 guys I dragged up plus 2 of the original leaders all rode around me in the last 200m, and I finished 7th.  That was certainly not how I planned the finish, but 7th is not too bad.

Todd

@ Todd: Khan!  But a super strong show none the less!

Better to race for the win and loose than to race for 4th. Good work.

burly race, todd

I'm signed up for the race.

just registered in the 3/4s...get on it, price increases on July 1st.

I'm in for this too.

I'm thinking about this a lot.

I'm thinking about this too. A couple variables might keep me out, but I should know in the next week or so. 

i'm interested! how do we get up there? any plans for up&back?
is Thierry doing this race? cat5, cat4, masters?
-hB;-)

Cat 5. But according to plan, 2 more races before the upgrade

I'll consider this one.

Okay, reg'd. Now... travel plans?

Reg'd

I expect to get shelled at this race but I'm considering. I do like this crew.

Sent from my iPhone

I'm chasing points so I'm going to switch to the "straight 4" field.  Will still be fun to rock out with my KCC homies though

Okay, the idea of actually racing out of town with teammates I don't usually get to race with is attractive. I'll reg. We should be able to control that race, especially if Jules stays in the 3/4

@Adam did you say Super8?  I'm *so* in.  You still have that set of rusty hedge clippers and the tambourine, right?

I think I'm in. Going to do the 123 though

Jeff, you're not gonna shelled...it's quite manageable- throw some attacks left and right and then save the legs for the finale, that'll be my plan at least.

I signed up for the 123.  I'm going to own that grupetto so much!!

My concern with the 123 is just the miles. I haven't done many long rides this year, really mostly 70 and under. This race would be the second longest RIDE I've done all season.

It's been a few years since I've done this race, well, maybe just two, but as I recall, this is not a race to be underestimated. Fast descent, full break, 140 degree turn at the bottom, full gas up a climb that starts as a wall, then stair steps, that "false flats."

Also there's always a dude in a Wolverine jersey with his plastic spoke protector in place, who manages to climb with the best, eliciting all kinds of jealous WTF thoughts.

I think I'm going to book myself a room at the same Super 8 as Jules and Adam. Anyone have room in a car for me?