Later today I will leave for my first stage race of the season. In honor of this, I've put together a new iPod playlist for my warm-up. In no particular order, it is below
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
Disturbed - Down With the Sickness
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Rolling Stones - Jumpin' Jack Flash
Rolling Stones - Shattered
Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff
Limp Bizkit - Nookie
Queen - Fat Bottomed Girls
The Beatles - Get Back
Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff
The race is on the north shore of Lake Mead, outside Las Vegas, and consists of an uphill time trial, a long rolling road race, and a twisty criterium. The plan is to kill the time trial so hard that no one bothers showing up for the road race or crit. I'll let you know how that goes...
Showing posts with label road race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road race. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
UCLA Road Race and Time Trial
The more observant of you may notice that I skipped the race report for Poor College Kids Road Race and the Mothballs crit. That's because my performance was less than spectacular and I'd rather just move on.
While my softer-shelled compatriots were off in sunny, warm, Arizona racing at Valley of the Sun, I was at the UCLA Road Race on Saturday, rolling around the Devil's Punchbowl course. Sunrise on Saturday morning revealed a spectacular scene of low mountains and rolling hills with a dusting of snow, all without a cloud in the sky. By the time the Men's 4/5 field started at 9:15, though, temperatures were just above freezing, and most of the ice on the road had melted.
I got to the line early and assured myself an excellent starting position. After leading the pack for the first two miles the serious uphill started and I started getting passed. I'm no climber, and this just wasn't my day. I picked up a few people who had passed me, but there wasn't anything organized. In the end, the race was essentially a twenty-five mile uphill time trial. I took thirty-sixth out of a full field of seventy-five.
Sunday saw me in Lancaster for the UCLA Time Trial. A slightly rolling, out-and-back, 23km course, I liked my odds going into the day. Time trials have always been something I'm good at, and this year I have some new equipment. My new time trial bike, a Rudy Project Syton helmet, a bitchin' Liquid Fitness skinsuit, and a rear wheel cover were all ready to go at noon on Sunday.
After getting my start time (12:23:30) at sign-in I headed out to warm up. I stopped by the starting tent for a time check and headed south from there. Despite thrashing myself on the road race Saturday, I felt great. I rolled back up to the line with five minutes to spare and tried to stay loose. I rolled to the line and held the bike steady while the marshall got a grip on my saddle rails. I clipped in and awaited the countdown.
As soon as the starter said "Go," I let go of my brakes and started started cranking. After a hundred yards I tucked into my aerobars and focused on cranking. Throughout my race I focused on keeping my Powertap over 300 watts; everytime I saw it dip I pushed harder. Everytime I felt the pain releave I pushed harder. And everytime I saw a rider ahead of me I made up my mind to pass them. As I passed the 500 meters to go mark I dropped the hammer even harder and poured every ounce of strength into my cranks. I blew across the finish line to post a 29:52, good enough for a win in the Cat 4 race.
The credit for this success goes to my legs and to my Powertap, which gave me something objective to focus on, and distract and motivate myself to fight through the pain. Thanks to the guys at UCLA for putting on a terrific weekend; I look forward to coming back next year.
And in other news, the location for Elite Nationals has been announced as Bend, OR this year. I sense a road trip in my future...
While my softer-shelled compatriots were off in sunny, warm, Arizona racing at Valley of the Sun, I was at the UCLA Road Race on Saturday, rolling around the Devil's Punchbowl course. Sunrise on Saturday morning revealed a spectacular scene of low mountains and rolling hills with a dusting of snow, all without a cloud in the sky. By the time the Men's 4/5 field started at 9:15, though, temperatures were just above freezing, and most of the ice on the road had melted.
I got to the line early and assured myself an excellent starting position. After leading the pack for the first two miles the serious uphill started and I started getting passed. I'm no climber, and this just wasn't my day. I picked up a few people who had passed me, but there wasn't anything organized. In the end, the race was essentially a twenty-five mile uphill time trial. I took thirty-sixth out of a full field of seventy-five.
Sunday saw me in Lancaster for the UCLA Time Trial. A slightly rolling, out-and-back, 23km course, I liked my odds going into the day. Time trials have always been something I'm good at, and this year I have some new equipment. My new time trial bike, a Rudy Project Syton helmet, a bitchin' Liquid Fitness skinsuit, and a rear wheel cover were all ready to go at noon on Sunday.
After getting my start time (12:23:30) at sign-in I headed out to warm up. I stopped by the starting tent for a time check and headed south from there. Despite thrashing myself on the road race Saturday, I felt great. I rolled back up to the line with five minutes to spare and tried to stay loose. I rolled to the line and held the bike steady while the marshall got a grip on my saddle rails. I clipped in and awaited the countdown.
As soon as the starter said "Go," I let go of my brakes and started started cranking. After a hundred yards I tucked into my aerobars and focused on cranking. Throughout my race I focused on keeping my Powertap over 300 watts; everytime I saw it dip I pushed harder. Everytime I felt the pain releave I pushed harder. And everytime I saw a rider ahead of me I made up my mind to pass them. As I passed the 500 meters to go mark I dropped the hammer even harder and poured every ounce of strength into my cranks. I blew across the finish line to post a 29:52, good enough for a win in the Cat 4 race.
The credit for this success goes to my legs and to my Powertap, which gave me something objective to focus on, and distract and motivate myself to fight through the pain. Thanks to the guys at UCLA for putting on a terrific weekend; I look forward to coming back next year.
And in other news, the location for Elite Nationals has been announced as Bend, OR this year. I sense a road trip in my future...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Reluctantly Crouched at the Starting Line
I'm a bad, bad person. I don't blog enough, as I have been informed by several people, including Dave Almighty. With the race season upon us, however, I felt I should reassure my hordes of loyal readers that I am not dead! I did not waste away to nothing out here in the Land of Fruits and Nuts. Rather, I have been training extensively in preparation for my first race as a Cat 4: the Poor College Kids Road Race in Santa Barbara, CA. The next day is the Mothballs Criterium also in Santa Barbara. My new ride, named Viviane, and I will be headed up there to take names and kick ass.
I promise that a race report will follow on Sunday. Really!
I promise that a race report will follow on Sunday. Really!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Soloist Races At Last
On Sunday I took the Soloist out for its virgin race, the San Marcos Circuit Race just north of San Diego. Most of the riders I had talked to around here, including the UCLA road squad, recommended it highly as a well run, fun and challenging course, and since there aren't all that many races left in the area (surprisingly enough), I figured it was worth the trip.
The race organization did not disappoint. The Ranchos Cycling Club lived up to their reputation, and put on a very professional race. The course was closed to traffic and two lanes wide the who way, the road was in great shape, corners were swept, and registration was a breeze. The first thing I learned on Sunday was that Cat 5 races here fill up FAST. Of the 50 open slots, 45 were taken by preregistered riders, and the other five were full as soon as registration opened. Fortunately, I was third in line.
From the start I knew I wanted to be in the lead few. The course was a 1.7 mile circuit, with a 60 foot climb just before the finish, and all the downhill immediately after the start/finish line; Cat 5 was scheduled to do 30 minutes plus three laps. I quickly fought my way to the front of the pack (it wasn't hard, with the entire road open), and sat in around third wheel. On the fourth lap I wound up in the lead after the climb, and I pulled around the first bend until an attack came around on the downhill. It was instantly caught, and I held about fifth place for a while longer. A few teams were well represented, including Sun Coast Velo, and San Diego Bicycle Club, but the best tactics came from two guys from UC San Diego: more on them later.
With three laps to go, several people took off. I stayed with them until just after the second time up the hill. My attack came a lap too soon, and I was left with nothing for the final climb. It didn't help that just before the penultimate climb I got an intense ache in my lower back. I suspect that I'm over-reaching into the bars, still, but I haven't had time to prove it (or time to find a shorter stem; I'm already riding a 90mm). With no real motivation left after the leaders took off at the top of the last climb, I settled for 16th out of 50. The two UCSD riders I mentioned earlier worked together, with one giving a fantastic leadout; they broke fast enough that they actually took first and second.
Before the race, I met Paul K., and several of his friends. Paul is a helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Navy, and raced mountain bikes about eight years ago. This was his first ever road race, and he hung in to the end, despite being on one of the most challenging short courses I've ever ridden. His friends were there simply to give him support. One of them took pictures of several of the races. The Cat 5, juniors, and some Cat 4 photos can be found here. I hope I get the opportunity to ride with them in future.
Finally, I must ask for your help, oh great, wise, and mighty readers. My new bike needs a name, and I'm fresh out of ideas. If you have an idea, leave one for me in the comments section of this post. Whoever provides the winning name will get a prize yet to be determined. Go!
The race organization did not disappoint. The Ranchos Cycling Club lived up to their reputation, and put on a very professional race. The course was closed to traffic and two lanes wide the who way, the road was in great shape, corners were swept, and registration was a breeze. The first thing I learned on Sunday was that Cat 5 races here fill up FAST. Of the 50 open slots, 45 were taken by preregistered riders, and the other five were full as soon as registration opened. Fortunately, I was third in line.
From the start I knew I wanted to be in the lead few. The course was a 1.7 mile circuit, with a 60 foot climb just before the finish, and all the downhill immediately after the start/finish line; Cat 5 was scheduled to do 30 minutes plus three laps. I quickly fought my way to the front of the pack (it wasn't hard, with the entire road open), and sat in around third wheel. On the fourth lap I wound up in the lead after the climb, and I pulled around the first bend until an attack came around on the downhill. It was instantly caught, and I held about fifth place for a while longer. A few teams were well represented, including Sun Coast Velo, and San Diego Bicycle Club, but the best tactics came from two guys from UC San Diego: more on them later.
With three laps to go, several people took off. I stayed with them until just after the second time up the hill. My attack came a lap too soon, and I was left with nothing for the final climb. It didn't help that just before the penultimate climb I got an intense ache in my lower back. I suspect that I'm over-reaching into the bars, still, but I haven't had time to prove it (or time to find a shorter stem; I'm already riding a 90mm). With no real motivation left after the leaders took off at the top of the last climb, I settled for 16th out of 50. The two UCSD riders I mentioned earlier worked together, with one giving a fantastic leadout; they broke fast enough that they actually took first and second.
Before the race, I met Paul K., and several of his friends. Paul is a helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Navy, and raced mountain bikes about eight years ago. This was his first ever road race, and he hung in to the end, despite being on one of the most challenging short courses I've ever ridden. His friends were there simply to give him support. One of them took pictures of several of the races. The Cat 5, juniors, and some Cat 4 photos can be found here. I hope I get the opportunity to ride with them in future.
Finally, I must ask for your help, oh great, wise, and mighty readers. My new bike needs a name, and I'm fresh out of ideas. If you have an idea, leave one for me in the comments section of this post. Whoever provides the winning name will get a prize yet to be determined. Go!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Stage 4: More Flats
Stage 4
With three stages survived, twenty-five seconds behind first and a solid fifty seconds ahead of third in the general classification, all I had to do was survive for thirty-nine more miles and an excellent finish was all but guaranteed.
But who the hell wants to drive four hours and work that hard for a boring, second place finish? Not me! So as soon as the race started I began throwing attacks off the front, dropping back a couple wheels and recovering, and doing it again. I was working with Mike Abney again, but we just couldn't get anything to stick. The Buckeye Cycling team was out in force for Sunday's stage, and they were actually doing a good job of protecting their leading man. They were in front chasing down all my breaks, and they held the pace at a comfy 22mph for almost the entire race. On the final lap, the third place rider tried to make a break for it but was pulled back even faster than usual, since half the support he had organized (me) got boxed just as he launched his attack. With around a half-mile to go, a couple guys shot off the front, and I went with them. At one point we had about a five second lead on the field, but then the front guy just stopped working. I screamed at them to rotate the lead, hoping to ride into the sprint straightaway and pour every last watt I could into the pedals, but they weren't interested, so I shot in front and pulled the group through. Three of them whipped around me to sprint for the pay places, and I held on for fourth in the stage, and second in the GC. For my troubles, I added a Rudy Project Kontact helmet to my winnings for the weekend.
This is likely my last race before I move to California, unless I can find time to hit the state time trial in Groveport next week. Not a bad way to end my Ohio racing career. Hopefully my California days will see some glory, too.
With three stages survived, twenty-five seconds behind first and a solid fifty seconds ahead of third in the general classification, all I had to do was survive for thirty-nine more miles and an excellent finish was all but guaranteed.
But who the hell wants to drive four hours and work that hard for a boring, second place finish? Not me! So as soon as the race started I began throwing attacks off the front, dropping back a couple wheels and recovering, and doing it again. I was working with Mike Abney again, but we just couldn't get anything to stick. The Buckeye Cycling team was out in force for Sunday's stage, and they were actually doing a good job of protecting their leading man. They were in front chasing down all my breaks, and they held the pace at a comfy 22mph for almost the entire race. On the final lap, the third place rider tried to make a break for it but was pulled back even faster than usual, since half the support he had organized (me) got boxed just as he launched his attack. With around a half-mile to go, a couple guys shot off the front, and I went with them. At one point we had about a five second lead on the field, but then the front guy just stopped working. I screamed at them to rotate the lead, hoping to ride into the sprint straightaway and pour every last watt I could into the pedals, but they weren't interested, so I shot in front and pulled the group through. Three of them whipped around me to sprint for the pay places, and I held on for fourth in the stage, and second in the GC. For my troubles, I added a Rudy Project Kontact helmet to my winnings for the weekend.
This is likely my last race before I move to California, unless I can find time to hit the state time trial in Groveport next week. Not a bad way to end my Ohio racing career. Hopefully my California days will see some glory, too.
Summer Solstice Stage 3: Time Trial
Stage 3
I've always liked time trials. There's something to be said for not being able to use any tactics on the bike. In time trials, the only tactics that apply are to keep the rubber side down, and go fast. No one to draft off of, no one to run into in a pack sprint to the line, just you and the bike.
It's also an event where your equipment matters. A lot. Aerodynamics are everything in a time trial, and since you're not likely to crash into anyone during the race, all sorts of fun new toys are legal: super-deep section wheels, disc back wheels, and aerobars all grace the various bikes specifically designed for time trials.
Unfortunately, the only TT specific equipment I have are a set of removeable aerobars for my regular bike. So I pulled those out, installed them after a very nice nap following lunch, and headed down towards Wilmington once more. This time the family decided to join me, and brought a picnic dinner along with them.
The start/finish line for the TT was the same as for the stage that morning, though the course ran in the opposite direction. Like Friday's route, this one was flat as a pancake, and only ran for seven miles, and had a downhill with a tailwind going out of the start and coming back into the finish. They even had someone holding riders at the start line so you could start with both pedals clipped in.
As I said before, time trials have always been something of a specialty for me, so I expected to do well in this one. And I did, right up until I hit the backstretch. The whole thing was directly into what had been a tailwind on the way out. My average speed had been 28mph going into turn two, and it quickly dropped to around 23, when my current speed started reading 20. Ouch. I pushed through as hard and as fast as I could, and turned back onto the finishing road where I quickly took advantage of the tailwind and the downhill, slight though it was. My finishing time was a 17:30 for seven miles, almost exactly 24 mph. This got me third place in the time trial (behind one of the Buckeye Cycling riders and the aforementioned Mike Abney), and landed me in second place overall, 25 seconds back of first.
EDIT: The correct standings, as reported at Ohio Valley Racing actually had me in fourth place for the TT. My time and overall standing were correct, however.
After the race my girlfriend and I headed over to Young's Jersey Dairy to get me some much needed calories. Their strawberry ice cream is probably my favorite in the world. Fortunately the Cat 5s had a 12:30 start on Sunday. Home again for some much needed ibuprofen and rest.
I've always liked time trials. There's something to be said for not being able to use any tactics on the bike. In time trials, the only tactics that apply are to keep the rubber side down, and go fast. No one to draft off of, no one to run into in a pack sprint to the line, just you and the bike.
It's also an event where your equipment matters. A lot. Aerodynamics are everything in a time trial, and since you're not likely to crash into anyone during the race, all sorts of fun new toys are legal: super-deep section wheels, disc back wheels, and aerobars all grace the various bikes specifically designed for time trials.
Unfortunately, the only TT specific equipment I have are a set of removeable aerobars for my regular bike. So I pulled those out, installed them after a very nice nap following lunch, and headed down towards Wilmington once more. This time the family decided to join me, and brought a picnic dinner along with them.
The start/finish line for the TT was the same as for the stage that morning, though the course ran in the opposite direction. Like Friday's route, this one was flat as a pancake, and only ran for seven miles, and had a downhill with a tailwind going out of the start and coming back into the finish. They even had someone holding riders at the start line so you could start with both pedals clipped in.
As I said before, time trials have always been something of a specialty for me, so I expected to do well in this one. And I did, right up until I hit the backstretch. The whole thing was directly into what had been a tailwind on the way out. My average speed had been 28mph going into turn two, and it quickly dropped to around 23, when my current speed started reading 20. Ouch. I pushed through as hard and as fast as I could, and turned back onto the finishing road where I quickly took advantage of the tailwind and the downhill, slight though it was. My finishing time was a 17:30 for seven miles, almost exactly 24 mph. This got me third place in the time trial (behind one of the Buckeye Cycling riders and the aforementioned Mike Abney), and landed me in second place overall, 25 seconds back of first.
EDIT: The correct standings, as reported at Ohio Valley Racing actually had me in fourth place for the TT. My time and overall standing were correct, however.
After the race my girlfriend and I headed over to Young's Jersey Dairy to get me some much needed calories. Their strawberry ice cream is probably my favorite in the world. Fortunately the Cat 5s had a 12:30 start on Sunday. Home again for some much needed ibuprofen and rest.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Summer Solstice Stage 2: The Rollers
Stage 2
Ah, rolling hills. There's nothing like going up and down all day to make you appreciate flat straightaways. Saturday's course, like Friday's was aptly named, as much of the course resembled a sine function. Still, the amplitude of these waves was pretty small compared to those at Chippewa or most of the other courses around here. They definitely played a part in Saturday's race, though.
Once again we lined up for a 12-ish mile circuit, three full laps this time, and were informed that part of the course followed a gravel road. This news was not welcomed by the peloton, but there was little we could do about it. So off we went, wary of what the course might throw at us.
On the first lap we found out. The second turn took us onto a freshly graveled downhill road, complete with an S-turn in the middle. Not cool! Fortunately no one got stupid and everyone slowed down. A few even managed to pick decent lines down the road, not helped by the six-inch deep gravel everywhere. At the bottom of the road was a bridge, blissfully clear of gravel. So everyone, myself included, sped up to try and catch those who picked a better line. This was very nearly a lethal idea, as the gravel started again after a semi-blind ninety-degree left-hand turn immediately after the bridge. The gravel then continued for three miles, or about 25% of the course, including several sets of rollers and another sharp left. After we finally got back onto real road, it felt like riding on glass.
Needless to say, the gravel had a large impact on the race. Many of the riders dropped back, severely impairing the GC hopes of several riders, including my new friend Mike Abney. I plunged down the hill and managed to catch back onto the lead group on each lap. Apparently the roving official went down it on his motorbike and was slip-sliding the whole way, too, so the officials changed the course for the afternoon starting groups. The Cat 5s were a little peeved by that, to say the least.
Once again every break attempt failed. I was feeling beat from my lack of calories at breakfast and lack of food with me on the course. I hung back during the field sprint, but still held onto ninth place. After a quick cool-down, I hopped in the car to head home for some much needed lunch and rehydration for the evening's time trial.
Ah, rolling hills. There's nothing like going up and down all day to make you appreciate flat straightaways. Saturday's course, like Friday's was aptly named, as much of the course resembled a sine function. Still, the amplitude of these waves was pretty small compared to those at Chippewa or most of the other courses around here. They definitely played a part in Saturday's race, though.
Once again we lined up for a 12-ish mile circuit, three full laps this time, and were informed that part of the course followed a gravel road. This news was not welcomed by the peloton, but there was little we could do about it. So off we went, wary of what the course might throw at us.
On the first lap we found out. The second turn took us onto a freshly graveled downhill road, complete with an S-turn in the middle. Not cool! Fortunately no one got stupid and everyone slowed down. A few even managed to pick decent lines down the road, not helped by the six-inch deep gravel everywhere. At the bottom of the road was a bridge, blissfully clear of gravel. So everyone, myself included, sped up to try and catch those who picked a better line. This was very nearly a lethal idea, as the gravel started again after a semi-blind ninety-degree left-hand turn immediately after the bridge. The gravel then continued for three miles, or about 25% of the course, including several sets of rollers and another sharp left. After we finally got back onto real road, it felt like riding on glass.
Needless to say, the gravel had a large impact on the race. Many of the riders dropped back, severely impairing the GC hopes of several riders, including my new friend Mike Abney. I plunged down the hill and managed to catch back onto the lead group on each lap. Apparently the roving official went down it on his motorbike and was slip-sliding the whole way, too, so the officials changed the course for the afternoon starting groups. The Cat 5s were a little peeved by that, to say the least.
Once again every break attempt failed. I was feeling beat from my lack of calories at breakfast and lack of food with me on the course. I hung back during the field sprint, but still held onto ninth place. After a quick cool-down, I hopped in the car to head home for some much needed lunch and rehydration for the evening's time trial.
Summer Solstice Stage 1: The Flats
As my last post suggests, I spent this weekend at the Summer Solstice Stage Race near Wilmington, OH. Run by Ohio Valley Racing, this conglomeration of four races in three days had a good reputation among my fellow riders, and I had the weekend off from work, so I made the trek down to the Dayton area with my girlfriend (my wonderful, patient girlfriend who actually doesn't beat me when I ignore my spellcheck). Each stage will get it's own post, so stay tuned; there's more to come shortly.
Friday's Stage: The Flats
Despite the crummy weather, my dad opted to go down and watch me race. Even though he got lost when trying to find the course (it was a couple miles from the staging area, and not all the roads were labeled well), he managed to watch most of the finish. He also provided much needed support and patience while I waited for results and prizes. All in all my family was definitely incredibly supportive throughout this weekend, especially my girlfriend who was very understanding when I wasn't terribly attentive, being somewhat focused on kicking immense amounts of ass. At least the first day, it paid off.
Stage One was aptly named: the only things even close to hills were the overpasses across I-71. This 12-ish mile circuit was nicely paved, fairly clean, and pancake flat throughout. Due to impending doom in the form of thunderstorms, the 2.5 lap race was cut to 1.5, so the first time we saw the finish area was the bell lap. No one managed to get a break off the front, though several tried. With such a flat course blockers were really necessary, and no team had enough riders in the field to commit to a break and block. I worked quite a bit with Mike Abney from 7 Hills; we alternated lead for a while, but when it looked like we were both getting set up to lose on the last lap, we dropped back into the field to rest and recuperate for the inevitable field sprint.
That field sprint was to be held on a narrow road recently soaked with rain. No one had clarified whether the yellow-line rule was negated in the last 200m (some races it is, and others it isn't), which led to an even tighter finishing sprint since no one wanted to get DQ'ed for crossing the line at the end. With around 150m to go, one guy from Buckeye Cycling Club went up the middle through a hole that was maybe 45cm wide. With him off the front people started moving. I planted myself on the white line and hauled ass up the side. Along the way another rider started to come over into my line and we bumped shoulders. Unfortunately he went down, taking another rider with him. The rest of the sprint was clean, and I wound up taking second place by several bike lengths. Prizes for this race were a case of Gu and some Performance gift cards, both of which will find good use in the coming months.
As it turns out, the rider who went down in the sprint was the sole Cat 5 from Stark Velo in attendance this weekend. He was pretty scraped up, and his rear derailleur was trashed, but he fortunately had spares of both with him. After claiming my winnings for the evening, I headed home to prepare for Saturday's road race.
Friday's Stage: The Flats
Despite the crummy weather, my dad opted to go down and watch me race. Even though he got lost when trying to find the course (it was a couple miles from the staging area, and not all the roads were labeled well), he managed to watch most of the finish. He also provided much needed support and patience while I waited for results and prizes. All in all my family was definitely incredibly supportive throughout this weekend, especially my girlfriend who was very understanding when I wasn't terribly attentive, being somewhat focused on kicking immense amounts of ass. At least the first day, it paid off.
Stage One was aptly named: the only things even close to hills were the overpasses across I-71. This 12-ish mile circuit was nicely paved, fairly clean, and pancake flat throughout. Due to impending doom in the form of thunderstorms, the 2.5 lap race was cut to 1.5, so the first time we saw the finish area was the bell lap. No one managed to get a break off the front, though several tried. With such a flat course blockers were really necessary, and no team had enough riders in the field to commit to a break and block. I worked quite a bit with Mike Abney from 7 Hills; we alternated lead for a while, but when it looked like we were both getting set up to lose on the last lap, we dropped back into the field to rest and recuperate for the inevitable field sprint.
That field sprint was to be held on a narrow road recently soaked with rain. No one had clarified whether the yellow-line rule was negated in the last 200m (some races it is, and others it isn't), which led to an even tighter finishing sprint since no one wanted to get DQ'ed for crossing the line at the end. With around 150m to go, one guy from Buckeye Cycling Club went up the middle through a hole that was maybe 45cm wide. With him off the front people started moving. I planted myself on the white line and hauled ass up the side. Along the way another rider started to come over into my line and we bumped shoulders. Unfortunately he went down, taking another rider with him. The rest of the sprint was clean, and I wound up taking second place by several bike lengths. Prizes for this race were a case of Gu and some Performance gift cards, both of which will find good use in the coming months.
As it turns out, the rider who went down in the sprint was the sole Cat 5 from Stark Velo in attendance this weekend. He was pretty scraped up, and his rear derailleur was trashed, but he fortunately had spares of both with him. After claiming my winnings for the evening, I headed home to prepare for Saturday's road race.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Summer Solstice Update
Just a quick update before I go bolt the aerobars onto the bike in preparation for tonight's time trial. The Summer Solstice Race goes well. I took second in yesterday's stage, and ninth today. The GC is still very close, and tonight's time trial is likely to be decisive. The 5/Cit pack is definitely one of the faster I've been in, and no one seems to mind working. Now back to the bike!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Racing for Alex
Today saw me getting up at 0515, hopping in the car along with Michael L. and my girlfriend, and driving down to Mahoning County for the Race for Alex. Alex is a cyclist who also happens to be recovering from a spinal cord injury; the race was held as a fund-raiser for him. If the 54 riders in the 4/5 pack were any indicator of the fields for the other races, they did pretty well (entry was $25 each).
I was not in top form today. In fact, I was in pretty crappy form today. I got chewed up and spit out very early on, managed to hang on within striking distance through the first lap, and got dropped for real after the second lap. Potential excuses were rampant: my bike grappled with that of another rider on the first lap and I got kicked out to the side over the center-line thus ruining my poise and concentration, I was coming off night shift Friday night, my frame/wheels are vertically stiff and laterally compliant. Or maybe it's because my lazy ass hasn't seen a bike saddle since the last time I posted. Yeah, definitely the equipment.
Other than my lack of badassery today, the race was actually really awesome. We had five riders in the 4/5 pack, and Pete S. managed to pull out a 5th place. The course itself was a smoothly paved 5-ish mile circuit with some decent rollers. The corners were clean, registration was a breeze, and the weather was great.
Today's performance has led me to realize that I need to practice more. To that end, I've decided that I want 200 miles ridden by next Sunday. I'll try to get a more focused plan together soon, but that is the base goal. So if you're looking for a riding partner this week give me a call. I'm probably up for it.
Oh, and I'm likely moving to California in July. More on that later.
I was not in top form today. In fact, I was in pretty crappy form today. I got chewed up and spit out very early on, managed to hang on within striking distance through the first lap, and got dropped for real after the second lap. Potential excuses were rampant: my bike grappled with that of another rider on the first lap and I got kicked out to the side over the center-line thus ruining my poise and concentration, I was coming off night shift Friday night, my frame/wheels are vertically stiff and laterally compliant. Or maybe it's because my lazy ass hasn't seen a bike saddle since the last time I posted. Yeah, definitely the equipment.
Other than my lack of badassery today, the race was actually really awesome. We had five riders in the 4/5 pack, and Pete S. managed to pull out a 5th place. The course itself was a smoothly paved 5-ish mile circuit with some decent rollers. The corners were clean, registration was a breeze, and the weather was great.
Today's performance has led me to realize that I need to practice more. To that end, I've decided that I want 200 miles ridden by next Sunday. I'll try to get a more focused plan together soon, but that is the base goal. So if you're looking for a riding partner this week give me a call. I'm probably up for it.
Oh, and I'm likely moving to California in July. More on that later.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bike Riding Rule #1
Headed out to Westlake, Tuesday, since it was a fantastic day and for once I didn't have to work on a Tuesday. Wound up carpooling with Matt O., since both of us enjoy the idea of saving the world. When we got to Westlake, we registered and started to warm up. I wasn't really feeling the warmup, probably since I hadn't been on the bike for a while (like since the east side ride last week with the girlfriend). I line up anyway, since there are no refunds and I'm already there, plus I usually feel better after a lap or two.
I should point out, at this point, that Snakebite makes up somewhere near a third of the B field, so we should have no problem dominating the race.
The first lap after neutral is a cash prime (which seems to be standard for Westlake), and I decide to chase it. I jumped a little too early and got sprinted by one guy, but I decided at that point to just keep hauling ass. So I do. All the way around the first turn into the wind where I die. I barely hang onto the pack for the next lap, but I feel recovered after we cross the line (where the bell is ringing for another prime). So I pick up my pace, and hit the first turn. Which is when I hear the gunshot. Except it's not a gunshot, it's my rear tire blowing out. While leaned over in a turn. You don't need to be a physicist to know that this is bad.
I don't remember many details about the wreck, except that I stayed up longer than I expected, fell in a far more controlled manner than I expected, and managed to not hit my head. That being said, both tires blew out (the front blew on the way down), and I smacked most of my right side into the ground. Work on Wednesday was somewhat less than fun, but was tolerable thanks to lots of ibuprofen.
Tomorrow I get to check out the bike and see if it's ridable. I need to hit Bike Authority anyway, since I need a new rear tire, so the plan is to have someone there give it a quick look. Hopefully everything will check out and I'll be headed to Sugar Grove race Saturday. Otherwise I guess I'll just have to wait for the Soloist...
I should point out, at this point, that Snakebite makes up somewhere near a third of the B field, so we should have no problem dominating the race.
The first lap after neutral is a cash prime (which seems to be standard for Westlake), and I decide to chase it. I jumped a little too early and got sprinted by one guy, but I decided at that point to just keep hauling ass. So I do. All the way around the first turn into the wind where I die. I barely hang onto the pack for the next lap, but I feel recovered after we cross the line (where the bell is ringing for another prime). So I pick up my pace, and hit the first turn. Which is when I hear the gunshot. Except it's not a gunshot, it's my rear tire blowing out. While leaned over in a turn. You don't need to be a physicist to know that this is bad.
I don't remember many details about the wreck, except that I stayed up longer than I expected, fell in a far more controlled manner than I expected, and managed to not hit my head. That being said, both tires blew out (the front blew on the way down), and I smacked most of my right side into the ground. Work on Wednesday was somewhat less than fun, but was tolerable thanks to lots of ibuprofen.
Tomorrow I get to check out the bike and see if it's ridable. I need to hit Bike Authority anyway, since I need a new rear tire, so the plan is to have someone there give it a quick look. Hopefully everything will check out and I'll be headed to Sugar Grove race Saturday. Otherwise I guess I'll just have to wait for the Soloist...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemies.
Once again I have been lax in my blogging. I'll be posting a review of the Cervelo Soloist Carbon shortly, but first I shall describe the riding exploits of late.
Thursday afternoon I went out to the Chippewa course with Matt T. for some climbing practice. We did a modified loop of the race course, starting at the bottom of the Valley Parkway and going all the way to Brecksville Rd. before looping back around Parkview Rd. to rejoin the course. We did three full laps and climbed the hill one last time before turning around and calling it a day, after I bonked on the last hill. All in all we wound up with about 1400ft. of climbing over 27 miles, and an average speed of 15.4 mph. About ten minutes after we got back to the cars, the skies opened up, dropping a blinding rainstorm. Fortunately we were safe and dry by this point.
On Saturday, Matt and I drove down to the Malabar Farm race, where we met up with Dave S., Pete S., and Chris B. Dave, Pete, and Chris raced the 3/4 pack (Dave took fifth, Chris took ninth, and Pete finished in the pack), Matt raced the 4/5 pack and finished with them, while I raced the 5/Cit pack and managed to hold out for the win. I guess all that climbing practice on Thursday paid off. So now the plan is to head out this Thursday for another gravity based torture session. See you on the road!
Thursday afternoon I went out to the Chippewa course with Matt T. for some climbing practice. We did a modified loop of the race course, starting at the bottom of the Valley Parkway and going all the way to Brecksville Rd. before looping back around Parkview Rd. to rejoin the course. We did three full laps and climbed the hill one last time before turning around and calling it a day, after I bonked on the last hill. All in all we wound up with about 1400ft. of climbing over 27 miles, and an average speed of 15.4 mph. About ten minutes after we got back to the cars, the skies opened up, dropping a blinding rainstorm. Fortunately we were safe and dry by this point.
On Saturday, Matt and I drove down to the Malabar Farm race, where we met up with Dave S., Pete S., and Chris B. Dave, Pete, and Chris raced the 3/4 pack (Dave took fifth, Chris took ninth, and Pete finished in the pack), Matt raced the 4/5 pack and finished with them, while I raced the 5/Cit pack and managed to hold out for the win. I guess all that climbing practice on Thursday paid off. So now the plan is to head out this Thursday for another gravity based torture session. See you on the road!
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