This was definitely a climbers course with 5000ft over 40 miles. It looked like a strong field as we lined up, and I am pretty sure I was the only guy in the race that needs bifocals... A Panther guy and a couple others attacked on the first category 2 climb, splitting the field into two groups. My heart rate was redlined on that climb and I got shelled off the back of the first group before we hit the summit. I spent the remainder of the race working with eight guys through several more category 2/3/4 climbs. It was a fun race and an eye-opener... the difference between the Cat 4 races earlier in the season and this one was significant. I found it hard to even get a drink during the race because someone was attacking at any given moment!
