Huffmaster Race Report from Seth L. (2022)

Huffmaster Report - Long course, Male 30-39 Age GroupThis would be my 3rd time riding this route (90 miles, ~4800') - once before on a BBC group ride in 2020 and last year as part of the official event. So I know the course pretty well and what to expect or at least I think I do. However, they decided to change the last 5 miles of the course this year and put us on a gravel road that parallels the main paved road - since it was flat and only added 1 mile to overall distance, I didn't think much of it nor did it change my strategy, which was to conserve, sit in, find wheels and if attacks went, let them go.Last year as we hit the first gravel section at mile 7-8, the attacks started and never let up. I stayed with the lead group until mile 20 and then blew up and found myself in purgatory with 'Mr. Headwind" and limped in the remaining 50 miles  Did NOT want to repeat that!Anyways, my morning started off like any other minus getting up at 530am on a Sunday, but after a few cups of coffee and oatmeal I was ready to go. My carpool arrived on time at 6:30, but while loading my bike, my buddy told me he forgot his front wheel at his house.  He is notorious for forgetting equipment, should have known. So, I ended up driving myself to the event while he drove 30 minutes back up the hill to meet his wife half way with his missing wheel (nice wife!!).I got there with plenty of time to grab my number, buy some merch, talk to a few folks, warm up for 15 and go to the bathroom like 5 times (might be TMI, but it seems before an event I always have to go #1 endlessly, maybe the nerves).At 9:06, my age category (M30-39) set off and I purposely was at or near the front. I know I said I would let attacks go, but I wanted to be up front for numerous reasons - See what's going on, safety, avoid the "yo-yo" effect and feel like I am winning!Within a few miles, our group was cruising along, quite a bit slower than last year, but I didn't let my guard down or change my expectations. At mile 3, one guy went off the front and no one chased - dude we got 87 more miles! But to give him credit, I don't think we ever saw him again, at least I didn't! Maybe he won? Who knows!At mile 7-8 we hit the gravel and was fully expecting the pace to pick up, but it didn't. I rounded the first corner in front and then heard some yelling and then a few riders went flying past me - looks like Sierra Nevada and Davis Race Teams were here to play. "Here we go again!" I thought to myself as I lifted my hand and waved them goodbye, but I never got disconnected from them. The pace settled down in a few minutes and group was back together again. Some people were upset that it didn't work - I was happy it didn't work!Would another attack come? Nope, we rolled by the scene of my dismay from last year (mile 20) and still had a big group. Fast forward to mile 40 and the next TWO age groups (at least the leaders) caught us and we were an even bigger group heading toward the first hill. Quite a difference from last year and I was digging the nearly 20 mph avg pace the first 45 miles.We hit the first climb and finally the mondo-peloton broke up big time. I settled into my pace (threshold), but it seemed like I was sliding backwards, but I typically motor up hills at a nice steady pace, so in the end I caught a handful of riders that I thought I wouldn't see again. I made it over the top at max HR and PR'd the climb (success!) and enjoyed the descent into the first aid station. I filled up 1 bottle, grabbed a GU and was out of there in maybe 2 minutes or less. PS I had 3 bottles on me and my own nutrition, so no need to stop long.Now the problem was finding wheels again for the next 23 mile stretch to the base of the Huffmaster Rd climb. Since we were all strung out by now there were no big groups anymore. I passed a few and a few passed me, but no one that seemed to be on the same page or pace. My other buddy that I was hoping to work with (but eventually beat) was suffering from "butthurt" (seriously he said his butt was hurting!) so he waved me on. Finally, after 10 miles, a group of 4 came by and I latched on and soon enough we had 10 riders or so rolling through the flats near Lodoga.As we started the slight incline before Leesville at mile 65 or so I fell off the group, I was definitely starting to feel it. I passed the 2nd aid station at the base of the Huffmaster Rd climb a few miles later and kept rolling, passing a few in the group I was in moments before. Crested the climb solo in an uneventful manner (still managed a PR) and got ready for the twisty descent of Huffmaster Rd. To my surprise and enjoyment, the road appeared to be recently graded as there was very little to lose rocks in the path of travel like years past. Great!Once the steep, twisty descent is complete, you begin a 10 mile slight decline into the "town" of Sites. In years past, this stretch has been very loose and you find yourself jumping from one side of the road to the other for the better, yet crappy, line. On paper, it looks like a nice little descent where you can sit up a bit and relax, but it's really not as you are on high alert and tense the whole time.BUT it was graded as well! The whole road was in top shape and on top of that, little to no wind. Some from the group I was with finally caught up with me as I approached Sites and I grabbed their wheel for the final 10 miles to the finish.The pace was nice, albeit a bit slow, but I wasn't about to launch off the front or pull or complain as I just sat in  A few minutes later, my buddy from earlier with the butthurt was coming up from behind with a group of his own. Dang it!! We formed into 1 big group and hit the last gravel section at mile 85, 5 miles to go!While I initially thought nothing of this new gravel section. I really wish we were on the pavement. As this section ended up being the worst/hardest gravel of the day. It's what I thought the 10 mile segment to Sites would be, deep and unpredictable, ugh! I settled in as best I could and decided I am going to sprint out of the last corner with 500 ft to go to beat my buddyWell with 1.7 to go, my rear tire was punctured (likely by sharp gravel/rock) and sealant didn't work. Frustrated, I was forced to stop and use a dynaplug and CO2. I never used a dynaplug before, but it worked and I was glad, but disappointed I didn't get to execute my plan. I ended up rolling in 5 minutes after the group. Officially 27 out of 67, so the flat cost me 4-5 placings. In the end, very successful with a time of around 5 hours, a few PRs and not totally blown up. Plus the weather was perfect, less wind than last year and I enjoyed the bright sunny day and views of the snow capped mountains and wildflowers!The post-ride provided lunch consisting of a pulled pork sandwich and a beer hit the spotNext up is the King Ridge Hopper on March 27th followed by the Wild Wild Gravel Grinder - Extra Grit on May 7th.Hope to see you out there and thanks for reading!

Seth Leidy