Dead Dog: Racing and Suffering at 8000 ft.
I remember seeing Dead Dog Classic T-shirts almost 15 years ago. Back then, not nearly as many people showed up for the race. It held a mystique that not many other races possessed. It was known to be a tough race. Three disciplines coved over two days. And the first day ascended one of the toughest climbs in the west, make this race exciting to watch.
This year saw record numbers. Teams from all over the west battled it out on the slopes of the Snowy Range mountains and screamed through town, fighting to win the overall. As usual the winds reeked havoc with the riders and the pace of the leaders shattered the peloton.
At the summit of the climb (which toped out around 10,000 feet above sea level) riders huffed their way to the turnaround in small groups or singles. Each racer working through their own hell, knowing that a 60mph descent lingered just ahead. But, beyond that, they faced a 30 mph headwind finish on a 12% uphill grade. This is not a race for the meek.
The second day of the race brought record setting time trial rides and amazing wins in the crits. Each category seemed to have a few blessed riders. From the gun, many of them gutted out a gap and buried themselves for a solid hour to take the win. It was a day for of breakaways to succeed.
Even now when I see a cyclist wearing a Dead Dog Classic T-shirt, I have to go up and ask how they did. I know the fibers of the shirt hold a story. Possibly it’s one of triumph. More probably it’s one of pain and struggle. But, whether it is pain or prestige, there is always a great tale to be told from the Dead Dog Classic.
http://www.vimeo.com/13476813
