Homage to St. Lawrence

When the Roman Emperor Valerian had Laurentius (now known as St. Lawrence) executed on the gridiron in 258 AD it is rumored that Laurentius told his torturers “This side’s done, turn me over and have a bite.”  After this weekend’s heat fest in Kern County I was saying the same. You would think Bicycle Bob Liebold would arrange for some better weather for the Kern Women’s Stage Race, but maybe he enjoys the heat.

In spite of the heat there was a good showing of women to battle each other, and the weather for glory and Bicycle Bob trophies. The Wife did her second Kern, and finished all stages this time, battling the triple digit temps (her new nemesis), hills (her old nemesis), and biting insects to secure a ‘Lantern Rouge’ for the mantle. But there was a lot of grittiness and sports(wo)manship on display, so it is hard to single out any one rider. So just a few general comments and observations.

• Never stay at a motel next to an all night amusement area.
• There is never enough water, or ice, in the feedzones at this race. Note to self: bigger ice chest, more water next year.
• It is amazing the effect of a couple of bottles of water to spray the heads and jerseys of the riders at the start line.  It can even elicit the ‘L’ word.
• Good to have all manner of accoutrements  (e.g., wheels, tubes, a pump, bottle opener, and food) as well as water and ice in the feedzone.
• Perhaps follow cars should tow port-a-potties.
• 1 minute starts for the TT make for a long afternoon.  Perhaps a return to 30 sec starts could be negotiated.
• It was nice to see a healthy sized Cat 4 field; now a few more Cat 1,2, and 3’s would be nice.
• I need to get a better stage race organization schema for the Toaster.
• Great mutual support vibe from all involved.