The Internet of Bikes: Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race 2012

Frame and Wheel joins Eric Larrson and Eric Weinrich of the OA / Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team for the Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race in Ware, Massachusetts. The race is a popular and legendary race that features 4,000 feet of climbing, fast downhills and extraordinary vistas of the Quabbin Reservoir. Temperatures are in the upper 30s at the start and conditions are dry and clear (a wild improvement over 2011). About 80 riders line up for the 62 mile route in the forty plus category (Frame and Wheel almost misses the start to this event due to a Bike Talk-induced navigational Tronski that added an extra one hour to the drive).

There is an early and dangerous break that quickly gains one minute and the wheel van. Frame and Wheel is in no position to chase and rationalizes that there is a lot of climbing to be done and the wind is strong. Additionally, the field has many strong riders and it picks up a lot of speed on the big downhills. Frame and Wheel sits in. The race at times begins to feel like the Portland Velo Club Saturday morning ride: relaxed but brisk, unofficial but serious. Frame and Wheel is well-hydrated and well fed. 

The break is in view on the straight sections outside of Ware. The pace is high on Route  Nine; the break is out of sight but not far up the road. The field enters the park road and riders jostle for position. Finally, there is a genuine attack that strings out the field. Frame and Wheel joins in and gets to the front. The break is now in view and it looks tired. Frame and Wheel bridges over and gets to the break at 200 meters and from there goes for the finish. A glance under the arm reveals that there is a gap. There is a shout of encouragement from a single by stander. The line finally arrives and the race is over. Frame and Wheel makes brief salute, hoping that there is Graham Watson apostle covering this event who will immortalize Frame and Wheel’s first victory on an Austro-Daimler Superleicht in twenty-eight years (no such luck).Frame and Wheel congratulates team members and competitors on their performances and thanks the race organizers for putting on a great race.