Events: Echelon Racing League Virtual Crit Race

(2020) Embedded in auto racing are little celebrations in lesser-known areas. Sure the victor gets the biggest trophy and second and third get to join on the podium. But there are smaller competitions within the race, particularly with counting laps that come into play. Believe it or not, these important laps were our motivators each bike race. Call it a way to keep track of laps or extra firepower to shut down a break, we always felt certain laps had to be prioritized.

When Echelon Racing League and the Bucks County Classic teamed up for a twenty-lap stop in the series, there were two laps we insisted on leading. The course was realistically down the hill from our office, a virtual build of the Bucks County Classic loop. Though we did not partake in the first two races, we insisted on jumping into this RGT event to right the wrongs of the last two in-person amatuer Bucks County Classic experiences.

The whole day revolved around Echelon Racing League’s Bucks County Classic. Aided by the thickest fog to prevent an outside ride, we lined up ten minutes before the virtual race and recognized the start banner. RGT had smoothed out many of the bumpy graphics, the odd chicane on the front stretch was eliminated, and added some spectators. Initially we were excited the race was virtual and if the race turned into an utter failure, no one would notice. Apparently now there were fans on the side of the road.

The start of the Bucks County Classic is always a ride. Crossing the start/finish line one is at the highest portion of the course. For almost a kilometer we zipped downhill, negotiating the realistic right-left-right turns as RGT prides itself. Staying with the group on the return uphill, I took a page from a former Doylestown native who raced in the pro category who tried to lead lap one. In auto racing coming around first for lap one is a great booster. We prioritized it and crossed the line the leader. The virtual fans did not go nuts.

Primed and ready for action at the Bucks County Classic event amongst the Echelon Racing League.

Each lap milestone became a motivator. We repeated the process for lap two, crossing the line first. Laps three, four, five. We found ourselves not only out front, but adding to the solo lead. We were on the front for a quarter of the race. Not bad. Then a new lap milestone formed as we were out front: the leader at halfway. In auto racing this is a big deal. The leader at halfway gets some points and a bonus. That became the new priority number one and we accomplished that.

The second half of the race became infinitely harder. Crossing the line for lap eleven meant another milestone: most laps lead. This stoked the flames of effort. The gap stretched on the downhill and bled ever-so-slightly on the uphill. Simple maths concluded the lead was big enough for a solo effort to stick. Lap fifteen, and we were still on the front. The legs felt like quicksand. 

The final laps and the gap that stayed constant. RGT’s measurement of the pursuers went from yards to miles. It looked as though the small chase group of four would bicker to the finish leaving me to soak up the virtual spotlight. All the lap milestones had been collected except for the white flag of the last lap and the checkered flag for a flag-to-flag victory. RGT’s watt/kg numbers were alight with red from the guys behind me, so I had to dig deep to solo to the finish for glory of the family, team, town, and the crown. With the gap steady and only two laps to go I was suddenly dethroned by the chasers. They had left me out there to die a slow death! I managed to hitch a ride on the descent, accepting the fact I had not led one of nineteen laps. With a race horse kick, the group of four blew me away on the final climb and sprinted to the finish while I limped home in front of the clapping virtual fans. Had sixth place been right there, the motivation may have been different, but they weren’t. 

If we are honest it is a shock to have the sustained ability to keep up today. It felt like being back in the criterium field on any given Saturday. The competition was fierce and the course technical. Though we didn’t win - not even a podium - it was quite the competitive experience from the basement bike corner. 

Sunday is the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, a race totaling 26.7 miles/ forty laps, and a chest-tickling elevation gain of 919 feet. As someone who has raced the Bucks County Classic, Echelon Racing League and RGT put together a remarkable event; any remaining event is sure to deliver reliable experiences. Should we find ourselves going for the mythical opening lap prime and a sudden group gallop follows, we’ll know others are using lap-counter motivations. Don’t think we won’t notice.