Saturday Race Report

Despite the heavy rain last night and early this morning, Leon, Bill and Reedus met down at Sean's shop at 6:45 this morning to meet up with the Henry and the Columbus boys for the trip out to Taoyuan. White Dog was initially surprised that Seymour was a no-show, but then he mumbled something about "fair-weather rider" and the boys were off...

There were around 100 racers for the spin down the coast. The main group stayed together until the climb up to the Linkou Plateau. The steep grade in places was reminiscent of Spider Hill or the Horse Stable Road. Leon and Steve managed to keep the lead mountain goats within reach and regrouped on the treacherous descent. Bill and Henry formed a small chase group behind.

Leon and Luke (Tom's grandson) pushed the pace for the lead group of six, but the finish came quicker than either Leon or Steve expected. They were beat out in the sprint by a young rider on a trick bike, but Luke managed 3rd overall, Leon 4th and Reedus 6th.

Overall placings for the day included 1st for Luke in the M20, 1st for Henry in M30, 3rd for Bill in M35, 1st for Leon in M40 and 2nd for Steve in M40. Not a bad showing for the Team Columbus boys!

We were fortunate to meet up with a couple riders from Ilan, Mark (3rd in M40) and Caine (6th in M25).


The M40 Boys...

Several riders asked about Seymour, but the general consensus was that the quick climber would have had a rough day in the saddle given the need for power along the coastal flats and it is probably just as well that he stayed in bed. Undoubtedly, his family relished the rare site of Seymour off his bike on a Saturday morning.

Next race: May 27th out near Fulong...

-Bill