Really cool event to celebrate the retirement of Big Goerge. A very challenging course with 3 big climbs and very fast technical descents. Skyuka 4 mile climb avg grade 8.7%, Howard Gap 1.5 mile climb avg grade 11.4%, Green River Cove 2.4 mile climb avg grade 7.5%.
I flatted at the bottom of Skyuka, got back in the mix and started working my way up the field on Howard Gap. I pulled into the feed zone at mile 53 and the BMC team with George and Cadell Evans were hanging out. I got in with their group and made it to the top of Green River between a lead group with Goerge and in front of Cadell and the U23 Dev Team.
At mile 66, I shifted into my little ring for the next climb and heard the sound of my chain grinding. I thought I had dropped a chain, but my derailleur hanger snapped and my rear derailleur was jammed in my rear spokes. I rode the last 14 miles in the BMC sag truck and followed the lead group to the finish.
At least the New Belgium beer they were serving at the finish helped to take the edge off my disappointment of not finishing.
