Tour of the Hilltowns

   The Tour of the Hilltowns....or the "Death March" as Gregg calls it served up a generous platter of leg searing hills as usual. Joe K lined up for the Masters 40+, Gregg in Cat 4, and Dave M for the Cat 3. The weather was very pleasant, sunny and not to hot. Field sizes were between 45-75 riders.
   The race played out just as expected, nice and easy until you hit East Hawley rd, the 4 mile monster! It averages 6% with a gain of 1225ft. Each field hit the climb as if they were trying for the Strava KOM!
Full gas for 20mins!
Either you hang with the 13+mph average speed of the front group or get dropped, find your groove, and suffer with a group you can hang with. As it was for many today, Joe, Gregg, & Dave found themselves suffering with the 2nd or 3rd groups up and over the climb. Once over the beast small groups formed and worked together fairly well trying to catch riders up the road. The remainder of the race was tough but not to grueling. Unfortunately the separation on East Hawley stuck and there just are not to many opportunities to close gaps to the leading groups.

Cat 3

Dave Maynard - 24th

Cat 4

Gregg Ferraris - 35th

Masters 40+

Joe K - 23rd