2016 SOC

[Greg Alsterlind]

I was not going to write this but my friends actions changed my mind. I have been looking forward to this race for months now. I entered this back in 2004 as a beginner and had multiple mechanical failures that made for a long, frustrating day. Now 2016 on a better bike ('16 Trek Top Fuel) and better conditioning, I was ready . My pre-ride set the stage for Sunday's race. It took more than an hour to finally find the course (no help from the staff). Once on the course it became clear that this was going to be very fast! I did a little more than 10 miles of what was advertised as 21 and headed back to the hotel.

Sunday's race started well. I was out the fastest and hit the top of the first hill in the lead. The first downhill on the pavement and my 30 tooth front ring was unable to keep me in front. Six riders were ahead of me when I started the long fire road down. I caught one rider before the single track and one more on it. I hit the section they call the Beach in 4th place and ready for the long grind. The grind went well and I passed several riders (likely not from my class) as I made my way up the 1.5 mile climb. Once at the top my day was about to fall apart. A long downhill followed by some fast singletrack and one long climb out, or so I thought. I checked the board about an hour after the race and saw my time as #1. Seemed possible but felt odd. I thought my time was 4-5 min slower (according to my Garmin ). I waited through the protesting time with Dave hoping to get my medal and head home. More than 2 hrs. Later and after multiple conversations with USA cycling I learned I was disqualified for being too fast? When I was questioned if I cheated ? I replied the only way I could- never! I did not have my Garmin with me and downloading was not working but I knew I followed the signs and thought I had completed the course. The awards went on without me but they gave me a medal any way because I looked like a pissed off Kurt Russell in escape from New York and nobody wants to deal with that dude! The next day my down load revealed I missed a turn that cut almost 2 miles off the course. My first call was to Dave. 2+ hrs in the hot sun and multiple conversations defending me to the USA cycling folks. Many thanks Dave- that was so in character. I have contacted USAC and told them to fix my time. Rough one!

[Cathy]

Sorry that happened. Sounds like you were racing well too! Glad you got it squared away. You still charged and that is what matters. Great effort.