ToP – Day FIVE, that’s a Wrap!

Well kids, that’s it, Day 5 has come and gone and the 2013 ToP is in the books.  Before I get into the final stage wrap up and the awarding of the Jerseys and Team Trophy, let’s take a minute to thank a few who made all this possible. 

First and foremost, for the sixth year in a row, Harold and Jim have given up their vacation time to shuttle around the courses, always ensuring that there is support for the riders.

Matty-Matt and his wrenching skills – not only does he get in some miles on the bike, but he is open for business every morning and evening to take care of any issues with the bikes.  If a part is broken, he manages to find a way to replace it regardless of where we are. 

Bobbo for the great pictures — even when his perfectionism tends to bring out our most sarcastic sides.

And finally, Leon and Cindy of Tackitt Family Vineyards, Jason and Kevin of Barrelhouse Brewing Co, and John and Terrie who opened up the Rolling Hills Ranch Party Barn for our wrap-up festivities.  

As for our final Sparkle Skirt, the honor goes to Jeff T, who is quickly becoming an internet sensation with the soon to be famous catch phrase "WORKING IT"!

Seems Jeff and Gomez, having crested one of the many thigh busting climbs had to stop to fix Jeff's flat.  This led to an ad-hoc pirate videotaping that is not to be missed.  Since there's no way to truly do it justice, I'll leave it to you all to watch, enjoy and add to his growing fan-club.

Jeff T's Video

The final day every year rolls out with the same plan – it always goes something like this:

“Hey guys,” someone will suggest, “it’s the last day, what say we all stay together and just enjoy the day?” 

This is ALWAYS met with nodding heads, all north and south.  Everyone is tired and beat-up.  The days, the miles, and the pace have more than taken their toll – and the thought of taking it easy with all your new found friends seems like just the ticket.

Well, that is until the first mile passes by.  It’s about than that someone forgets the good-time feelings of the morning banter, the solidarity before the rollout.  It’s about then that someone remembers that this is the ToP, and there’s always a chance to grab one of those sweet jerseys!!!! 

So, like the six years before it, this final day’s stage continued its tradition and opened up a can of whoop-@%$.

The day’s stage was a short 70 miles with two climbs that still had points on the table for the KoM.  The first of these, Peachy Valley, was only a short roll form the start, which resulted in a couple miles tacked on to give everyone a chance to warm up.  The plan was to have us roll past the turn for the climb for about an hour, make a right, a right, a right and a left to bring us back and onto the climb. 

So there we were, a quarter mile into the ride and a quiet suggestion began to grow through the peloton, “why add those miles”, “the turns right there”, come-on, what do you say”?  It was like the devil and angel were sitting on our shoulders, and the angel wasn’t paying attention.  Well, at least that’s how it was for everyone but Pat, who had the bad luck of sitting about 20 feet ahead of the group, rolling innocently along when everyone behind him hung a left and began the first part of the climb.  Poor Pat, one moment the head of the parade, the next the poor kid who threw a party and nobody came.

After the up and down of the Peachy Valley, where any semblance of solidarity was thrown to the wind, we began the final climb up and over the last climb and onto Hwy 1.  With the wind blowing at our backs, you’d think we were in for a cakewalk.  But no amount of tail wind can compensate for the charge that would be the final 40-miles of the ToP. 

In less than 4-hours, all 25-riders were back where we’d started – the Marriott in SLO. 

Day 5 in the books and the 2013 edition of the Train of Pain complete. 

Well, complete except for the wrap-up party!

Let me paint the picture, fantastic wine, outstanding craft beer, fresh made artisan pizzas, a band you couldn’t help but love, the vineyard in full bloom and maybe the coolest party barn anywhere. 

Add to that a great crowd and the chance to raise some money for wounded warriors and their families give you a perfect ending to the week. 

As to our winners, it was a hard fought week, but the selections were made.

For Yellow, Tim continued his week with a solo break after the first climb which sewed it up for him. 

Red went to Max, who throughout the week really was the best climber – more often than not pacing Tim to the final jump.

White belonged to Chris throughout the week – and though his final day was his toughest yet, he fought it out throughout. 

Green was still up for grabs with seven sprints for the day, but once again, Andrew prevailed.  This marks his forth Green Jersey in five years (the only year he didn’t bring it home was the year he took Yellow, so we can probably forgive that one).

Rust, however, was another matter.  It really had come down to Gomez and Bobbo.  Now just to remind everyone, this is the jersey that was awarded for the rider that fought everyday, always giving it everything they had, and ALWAYS coming up with nothing to show for it.  Both of these two were the scrappers of the ride.  In every break, attacking against all odds, and always being left empty handed for their often-heroic actions.  We were down to the last 20-miles, and it was a 50-50 tie — something had to happen. 

So off they went, head to head for all the glory. 

Once we all were back to the hotel, I asked, “so, who won?”

A short pause, followed by, “oh, it was a gentleman’s finish, we rolled in together” 

“Well”, I said, “if no one won, than I guess the Rust Jersey stays in the box this year.”

Bobbo, sensing that is moment of glory on the podium was slipping through his fingers quickly corrected. 

“I did take the two sprints,” he boastfully protested.

“Great”, I replied, “looks like we have our rust winner! 

“Wait a minute”, Gomez complained, “I towed you across the whole last stretch and you’re stealing the win!”

Remember, I said the Rust signified the poor guy that sacrificed day in and day out, coming up with nothing for all his effort. 

So sorry Bobbo, looks like the first Rust Jersey wearer for the ToP will be Gomez!

As for the Team Trophy, San Diego takes it home for the second year in a row! 

All in all, this was a great year, lots of wonderful memories for all concerned.  Next year’s ride is only 362 days away, so if you’re going to be apart, you’d best get training.

Train of Pain 2013

• 432 miles completed

• 25,100 feet of climbing