Tom’s Farm 8 Mile TT
November 22, 2012 – Corona, CA
Masters 35+ – 5th – 20:41:00
270 watts – 24.7 MPH

Fiesta Island 20K TT
November 23, 2012 – San Diego, CA
Masters 35+ – 2nd – 28:03:00
271 watts – 26.3 MPH

Most of you are familiar with Turkey Trots. They are the classic Thanksgiving Day runs where folks either try to work up an appetite (or burn off calories) in anticipation for dinner later that day. Ironically, I had never done a Turkey Trot in all my years of running. That’s one of the reasons why I was so intrigued about a local cycling TT (Tom’s Farm) that is traditionally held on Thanksgiving Day. I had done the course several times before, plus this event was part of the yearly SoCal TT series. To make things more interesting, there was another TT the next day at Fiesta Island (also part of the TT series).

The weather for Tom’s Farm was great. While we encountered thick fog in the foothills on the way to the race, it was sunny and in the upper-50s by the time we got to Corona. Rose and I had plenty of time to warm-up and wondered what road conditions were doing to be like, since knew there was construction along the route. I started strong, though my legs were still sore from my massage earlier in the week. I powered up the climb well passing several riders. The road had been repaved in some parts, which was nice though I could tell they were installing some stoplights.

This race is often over before you know it, since it’s only 8 miles. I had a decent headwind on the trip out, but knew the return would be quick. In fact, it was cool hitting 40+ MPH on some of the downhills. I headed into the finish knowing I might have set a PR. I missed it by only a couple of seconds, but I was still happy with my overall effort in the race (especially on the uphill portions). The competition in group was stiff and I only managed 5th. I’m not upset with my placing, since I’ve never been strong over shorter distances.

The next day I encountered the Fiesta Island TT. I’ve done this course many times before, but never in misty conditions. I gave up trying to wear my glasses and was happy my eyesight wasn’t that bad. Not as many riders as there would normally be for this course, but it was the day after Thanksgiving. I was hoping to break 28 minutes, but still happy with my time given the conditions and having raced yesterday. Overall, a fun and fast weekend!

Rose at Tom’s Farm TT. Photo by PB Creative.

Pete at Fiesta Island. Photo by Pink Shorts Photography.