Race: Patterson Pass Master 4 / 5

Finished: 8/11

Course: 2 Laps, 43 miles, 4,416ft elevation, https://www.strava.com/routes/3123607804185037018.
Nutrition: 1 bottle of Gatorade before the race, 3 bottles of water with Liquid IV Energy and Hydrate mix during the race, 4 GU Gels

This is the 16th race that I've participated in this year, and it's also the toughest. For me, the heat is the most draining factor. The high was in the 106F, and the low was in the low 80F, for an overall average of 98F.

The first climb is a 5.4% average grade over 3.9 miles and 1,116 feet of elevation at Patterson Pass (East). The final few hundred feet, at a grade of 14%+, are the most challenging. From the get-go, I was simply trying to avoid overheating. Soon enough, I found myself riding alone up the hill. Luckily, I caught up with a couple of laggards towards the peak of the climb. The power-to-weight ratio is real! :) Thanks Todd E for volunteering at the feeding zone.

“One of the longer ones we have on the local racing circuit, and it's intermittently steep with wind, making it extra tough. - Nate English”

The descent from Patterson Pass into Livermore is thrilling and slightly terrifying because of the crosswind.

The second climb is a 4.3% average grade over 2.24 miles and 515 feet of elevation at Flynn Road.

A strong headwind makes the seven-mile journey from Carrol to Midway a challenging one.

On the first lap, the climbing wasn't too difficult, but by the second lap, the heat had reached an intolerable level. After the first lap, I seriously considered giving up. I have to constantly convince myself that I can do it.

I think I did my best to preserve energy while also overcoming the heat, elevation, and wind. Riding alone without a draft in this race adds another layer of difficulty.

Thanks to Velopromo for putting on an Awesome Patterson Pass Race today! University Road Race and San Andro Road Race are up on Bikereg! https://www.bikereg.com/events/Road-Race/CALIFORNIA/

This year, many road races and criteriums were called off because of high permit fees and a lack of participants. Get out there and help save the sport!

Alison finished third in her first race at Patterson Pass! Gratz!!!

Patterson Pass Race Report from KC (2023)