Made up about 7 mins of the 10 over 18 miles and caught them the last 3 mins at the first regroup. I forgot how the V forces me to empty my bladder so often especially in the first 2 hours. I'd go then 5 mins later I'd want to go again but I'd hold it for 30 mins or else I'd get nowhere. It was all the pee breaks along with wearing a one piece skin suite under a vest and jacket that cost me the 10 mins in the first place, rode 45 miles from home to meet the group, then rode 45 miles back home. I didn't drink anything for the first 2hours which put me behind on hydration so when I didn't finally catch the group my quads wanted to cramp as soon as I really started to put out some power. It was funny because heading up the canyon all the riders(35 of them) were fighting for position or to just hang on, I was working as hard as anyone but inching forward on the left side every chance I got. Right when I found an opening to the pointy end of the group I thought finally my time to shine, then my quads started twitching and I thought, oh well isn't this embarrassing as I quietly made my way toward the back of the group
I did have one of the fastest guys of the group ask me how well the V climbs. My response was "if I push the pedals really hard it seem to do pretty good uphill". He chuckled and exclaimed "no shit.......mine does the same thing", you can't discount the value of a witty response.
I know the V is comfortable, always have but after a whole year off it I was surprised just how comfy it was.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2170536866