Cruzbike Chicks “Climb every mountain!”

[trplay]

Actually one mountain climbing expedition was plenty. The yearly Alp du Zwift TTT is for the racer who wants to experience the ultimate in mountain racing. It also helps to have a poor memory. Our fearless six Chicks dared to be part of the very tiny percentage of Zwifters who were convinced that “this will be fun!” Just before race day we had four women on deck. Oh well, I guess we’ll be Vienna-Latte this week. But, it was not to be a ladies’ night event. Otto came through once again, revved up and ready to fly uphill for 90+ minutes. He gave his usual rousing pep talk “We can do this!” Jim Parker must have sensed the excitement and threw his hat in the ring. “Count me in! This will be fun!” Yes, Jim. Fun, fun, fun! The roster was set. Otto, Jim, Emily, Maria Parker, Connie, and newbie Bridget Brown (a well-known powerhouse in ZRL). What a team!
The Chicks restlessly awaited the gate drop while singing, “Climb every mountain!” The neighbors did not appreciate our inspirational offering. Oh well, we won’t be singing all the way up anyway. Bridget appeared in the pen in a very lovely, though not matching, kit. She couldn’t get on Discord. Somehow Bridget didn’t get the lengthy Chick orientation on how we do things. No matter. We were off and running. At least five of us were off and running. “Jim, what’s wrong?” Inquiring minds wanted to know. “I’m pedaling like crazy just like you told me and I’m only getting 100 watts.” “Just keep pedaling.” Sadly, the Zwift gremlins had struck again.
The rest of the race was a series of “are we there yet?” “I don’t think I’m going to make it.” “I’m dying.” But there was also, “you can do it!” “Almost there (even when we weren’t).” And then we made it through the banner and wisely chose not to change bikes. Then the fun part kicked in. Flying down at obscene speeds on icy roads while exhilarating on Zwift is not recommended in real life.
Final outcome: Five out of our starting 6 completed the tortuous journey, we passed a few fellow struggling racers, nobody died, and our own Bridget got the bronze trophy. Well done! Let’s do it again next year. I’ve already forgotten how brutal it was.