Race Report

by RacerX

Sunday. The 2014 edition of the DBCRT Smackdown pitted the Young Guns (under 30) against the Tweeners (30-44 yrs) against the Wise Guys (over 45) for some highly coveted bragging rights. The race took place a few miles north of Woodland on the Bariani road race course and was DBC's own version of a Classic: cool, windy, rainy, rough road segments, mud, with only cobblestones missing from the mix.  

One neutral lap allowed the field of 25 or so riders to warm up (and a few latecomers to catch up). The next three laps consisted of just plain hard riding with quick regroups. Breaks formed every lap and were chased (not always successfully). Every time a group approached the finish line, riders tried to outmaneuver and outsprint the competition. We witnessed feats of strength (a successful solo breakaway), determination (lonely riders chasing the group for one or more laps), generosity (volunteers for a mock race!), and some acrobatic slipping through the mud that would have received applause in Sochi.

In the end, the day belonged to one of our guest riders (Michael Claudio) who showed fine form in winning every sprint. So who owns the bragging rights? Unfortunately the overall results remain a mystery due to equipment failure thus forcing a redo. No complaints though since this was a fun team event. Thanks go to everyone who showed up ready to ride and represent DBC (including a junior who rode very well). Special thanks go to our volunteers (Russ Kanz and Kevin McSpadden) and guest riders (Michael Claudio, Steve McCaw, and Sam Hill) who made the riding that much more ... "pleasurable".