Berkeley Hills Road Race is the oldest race in California and second oldest race in America. Classic course such that it can favor a breakaway, a climber, and even a sprinter as the ~500m climbing each lap plays into the equation, as well the competition. I’ve raced this course many times, including 1984-1990 when I was a triathlete.
Yesterday I lined up with the combined 50+ and 60+ fields for the 2.75 laps or 52 miles of racing. Hence, the title of my race report - yes, I fully understand why we hate these “combined, picked separately“ fields, and yes, I proudly pollute the front of the race in a combined field!
Yesterday I was able to hold on for dear life on the two of the three times up mama and papa bear. No breaks, just a race of attrition! Final time up mama bear the attacks came and out the back I went. 50s up the road, two 60+ right in front of me. 3rd in the 60+. Trade off was that I missed racing with teammates Billy, Dan, Nick, Kyle and Dave as they raced down with the 35s. Thankful that I didn’t have to suffer another lap of that course!
Overall, a great day as I’m motivated to get stronger and lean out In the months ahead. Cheers, Larry Nolan
CBMR podium shoes at $18 look so much better than swim slides (IMHO ;-))