It Happened Again - Just Like This
Floyd (anchor): Hello, everybody. We’re back in Durango for another running of the classic Edgemont Hill Climb. Again, Gregg Senne is our lone rider out to tackle the hill one more time. The temperatures are in the low 70’s and it a bit overcast. Should be a near perfect day for a climb.
Lance (color): Yeah, great.
Floyd: Senne’s been at it since the last climb and it will be interesting to see just how much he’s improved since the last climb.
Lance: Riveting.
Floyd: For riders like Senne it’s more about the improvement than the actual elapsed time. It’s about how a little more dedication pays off in a better performance.
Lance: Looser.
Floyd: It’s about how even a recreational rider can do great things on a bike.
Lance: Man, this guy isn’t even a has-been. He’s a never was! Why do we have to cover this crap?
Floyd: Hey, it’s my job. It’s better than pouring coffee at some coffee shop on Main.
Lance: Just barely. I mean, could this be any more lame?
Floyd: Hey, give the guy a chance.
Lance: Oh, all right. Sheesh.
Floyd: That’s better. We’re waiting for the start. There’s the signal and Senne’s out on the course. It’s still the same 784’ and 3.2 miles. Let’s see what he can make of it.
Lance: Wake me when it’s over?
Floyd: The first mile is a 3% grade. It’s a good warm up for the first part of the climb. Senne’s looking pretty good here. He’s up a gear over the last time. Riding a 42/19 combination at about 17 miles per hour. That puts his cadence in the 90’s. Much better than the last time.
Lance: (snore sounds)
Floyd: Will y’ cut it out, already? Can you just do your job? It’s a twenty-minute event!
Lance: If we’re lucky.
Floyd: Whatever. (huff) Senne’s showing some pretty good form here. I think he can break his record if he just keeps it together and doesn’t make any mistakes. He’s at the half mile mark. The grade picks up here slightly, but he’s staying with his gears. I think this shows some promise.
Lance: Okay.
Floyd: We’ve heard though the back channels that Senne’s made some changes to his bike. Apparently, he’s gone to a newer and lighter set of pedals. This could work either way. It could throw him off his stride or give him a psychological boost. So far, it looks like it working for him.
Lance: Can’t buy speed. Only losers think that.
Floyd: I think he knows better. He’s lost weight and put some serious work into his technique. We’re at the first mile mark and Senne’s kept up the pace. He’s shifted down one gear for the start of the climb. He’s carrying the momentum as far as he can before shifting down. Let’s see which gear combination he picks for the first climb. It looks like, yes, it looks like the 42/23. It’s a gear higher than normal, but it looks like he can handle it. It’s looking pretty good here. Let’s hope he’s not overreaching.
Lance: How old is that bike he’s on? Straight top tube, must be ancient.
Floyd: We’re well into the first climb and Senne’s cadence is real strong. He’s showing no signs of letting up.
Lance: Uh, we’re only a few minutes into this. How tired could he be?
Floyd: That’s not the point and could you show a little enthusiasm here, Mr. I-Beat-Cancer?
Lance: Sor-ry!
Floyd: We’re coming to the top of the first climb, now. Senne’s kept up a brisk pace. Let’s see if he uses this next portion as a recovery or if he decides to gear up and go for as much speed as he can. There’s the shift. It’s up one gear and a bit of acceleration to regain the cadence. It looks like he’s putting it on the line here. This could be an all out assault on Edgemont, the likes of which are seldom seen.
Lance: Okay, he’s pushing it some. Let’s not go drama queen here.
Floyd: There’s a slight lip at the top of this flatter section. It’ll be interesting to see how Senne plays this. Will he gear up and sprint like last time or hold on to what he’s accomplished so far. He’s at the lip. There’s the shift and it’s two gears higher! Out of the saddle for some acceleration and he’s set a blazing pace on the last bit before the final climb. I think the weather, his weight loss, and the new equipment have come together. This is what a good day looks like.
Lance: How much further?
Floyd: We’re at about two and a third miles. It’s less than a mile to go. We’re coming up to the make or break point. How he approaches this final ascent will determine whether he carries the momentum over the top or loses it in the last few hundred yards. At two point six miles Senne’s, on the final climb. He’s doing remarkably well here. Even if he manages to just hang on, he’ll beat his best time by about two minutes! And, hang in there he does! He’s out of the saddle and pushing those gears to the limit!
Lance: Are we there yet?
Floyd: When this is over, you and I are gonna have a talk.
Lance: Ooo! Daddy’s angry!
Floyd: Senne’s back on the 25-tooth and in the saddle. This is the final pull before a sprint for the finish. Here the climb is at it’s absolute steepest. Good cadence. No sign of letting up. We’re nearing the crest. Senne’s out of the saddle and shifting up! It looks like a good strong finish! Judges?
Lance: I’m breathless.
Floyd: The elapsed time is 18:20! That’s 2:17 off the previous time! This is a new personal best for Senne.
Lance: Interview time? Sorry, don’t I speak Loser. (takes off headphones and leaves)
Floyd: Well, congratulations on another good showing. When did you know this might be a personal best?
Senne: I thought I might be able to shave some time off the last ride if I felt good into the first climb. I just tried to carry the momentum throughout the ride without over doing it. I didn’t really know how much better this would be.
Floyd: How much help were the new pedals? Do you think they made a big difference?
Senne: These pedals are a lot lighter, but I think it probably had more to do with conditioning, cool weather, and good luck. You can’t buy speed. Well, maybe a little bit!
Floyd: What are your plans? Are you going to keep pushing the envelope on Edgemont?
Senne: Definitely. The more I ride it, the more fun it is.
Floyd: Anything else?
Senne: Yeah, what happened to that Lance guy?
Floyd: Okay! Looks like we’re done here!
The End
