Rubbing is racing and flat tires are a part of life. Al least our team rider has a great cup of coffee to go home to. We'll get em next weekend.
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9 comments:
Woo Hoo! Race season is finally here! Which is the only reason we can be out in these temperatures. Bbrrr. But it will warm up soon, which is the only reason we stay out. The series opener was last Saturday in chilly Strasburg, Pa. The fields were huge and the racing was great! I know a road race could be a little boring for spectators but the promoters put on a first class event and enjoyed by all there for sure. I like to race the masters, the action is fast and you can count on several attacks. There's always a few having super powers driving the pace so as not to have fifty riders sprinting for the finish.
I didn't have the legs for an assault on the field but I did manage to survive the attacks and held on for 12th. Our fields have some of the best athletes in the game and it's a blast racing with these guys. Next race on the 29th!
Race season is in deed here as 53x11 was represented by a lone rider at last Tuesday's first weekly race at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA, a closed circuit with 5 variations. The series goes through August. We rode about 35 minutes on a 2 mile course, and I played around in the middle of the pack and near the rear as I got reacquainted with race pace. I did try to stick my nose into the wind with 2 to go, but as I pulled out to make my move we were caught by a break from the 1/2/3s and we had to go neutral. I still had a good time and plan on making 53x11 known by the end of the season.
Well I did set out to report every race in our series and some others if we find ourselves out and about. But this past week was a stinker. A long road course I was really looking forward to. As it turned out, just wasn't meant to be. It was still thirty-ish but sunny, and as usual the turnout was great!
We rolled off and I started my creep to the front as I knew there was going to be some early efforts and I wanted to at least try and have a go. Then just like it was scripted, a flat tire. I was almost in denial. Trying to convince myself the road was just that 'funny', if you've been there the last thing you want to do is stop, but I put my arm up and everyone went zooming past. The support van came very quickly, I yelled "campy ten speed!" but forgot I had to change my own wheel. While proficient at this, I'm not near the tour caliber mavic guys. So with new wheel affixed off I went, chasing into the wind. I think that's just our instincts but reality does set in after your legs are on fire, heartrate has been in the red zone for the last few miles. I wasn't going to catch anyone, especially this group. Deciding to not hurt myself and live to race another day I withdrew.
On the way back to the parking area I stopped and chatted with some others having the same luck, poor bloke with a broken chain, others just too fatigue'. You know we really are all just the same, favorite cup of brew in the morning (yes you know) working our tails off for a living or sport and laying it all out as best we can on race day. I love our sport, as you can probably guess. Sunday was the last of our March training races and all the local pro riders were there. What other sport can you get on the playing field with pro athletes? Other than Billy Crystal I mean. Well all for now, don't want to get too windy, next race April 12!
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I had hoped to represent the squad with honor last Tuesday night at the Pacific Raceways series in Kent, WA. It was only my second race of the season and I was chomping at the bit. Iwas scheduled to a road race 2 weeks ago in Rochester, WA a 39 mile course with constant rollers and open farm land, reminiscent of Europe (or so I have been told). I did it two years ago and was satisfied with my performance. Our wet and cold weather broke for the day with incredible conditions. However, my riding buddies talked me into doing a group ride with them and so I skipped the race. I figured friends are forever and the race would come around again next year.
Well, I was psyched for last Tuesday night. Life is change, and change was in store. First, due to painting of a dragstrip, the predicted flat course was changed to one including a steep downhill ramp called the Escape Route. It isn't such a bad thing but the surface has deteriorated over the years and no one has ever patched it. It has uneven, rough patches and several ruts and potholes. My warm up was on the flat, and I like to ride a course before racing it so I know what to expect. I wasn't able to do that Tuesday night as I did not know about the course change til just prior to the start. The second change was the size of the 4/5 group, which is usually 30 to 50 riders. We had well over 100, the largest group for a Tuesday night. The Masters had about 40, tempting me to switch cats.
We were to race about 30 minutes again on about a 2.5 mile course that had several uphill rollers after the escape route, followed by a long flat section. I hung at the back on the first lap trying to find my line on the Escape Route, hit a hole and almost lost it. I crashed on it two years ago and still remain a bit skittish. I was off the back at the bottom and wprked like a dog to get up the pack. Meanwhile small groups were falling off the back, losing contact, and I had to get around them to reintegrate. I was successful and started the second lap about 2/3 of the way back, when once again I lost countact on the Escape Route. And once again I worked to reintegrate, and once again small groups were splintering off the back. Unfortunately I was not able to bridge to the pack after getting around 2 guys who fell off the pace, and resigned myself to a 30 minute timetrial. I did finish though and 53x11 got lots of exposure as I rode by myself. I was not completely disappointed as lots of riders DNFd. I think I did the team proud by sticking it out. For me racing is about having fun and staying upright, and although I was spanked a bit I did have both. My season is just getting underway. Can't wait to go down the Escape Route. I finally found my line:)
I had hopes of doing 53x11 proud last Tuesday night at Pacific Raceways as the weather had improved and it was mostly clear and cool. I also skipped my official road race of the year on an incredibly gorgeous Saturday to ride with my buddies so I was munching at the bit to do another race. I did miss racing but the bonding with my friends was much more important. Nothing like sharing pulls with friends.
Anyway, Tuesday came and I was ready. Or so I thought. Two changes were in store. First, the course, predicted to be flats was changed to one consisting of a short steep downhill ramp called the Escape Route, which vehicles can use if they miss an off camber chicane during car races. It isn't such a bad section of the course BUT for the road surface-broken up with potholes. It is tricky to find a good line in a large group. I crashed on it two years ago and have been skittish ever since. I usually let the group go and then reel them in on the next section consisting of uphill rollers. The second change of the night was the size of the 4/5 pack, which usually is 20 to 50riders. Well it swelled to over 100, by far the largest turnout. Many of the riders were "first timers," making for a somewhat tricky first lap. I played my usual catch up and reintegrated at the start of the second 2.5 mile lap. We were to race for about 30 minutes. Well, I repeated the first lap, letting the diminished pack get away on the Escape Route, then worked to reintegrate by the top of the rollers. I was doing just that when 2 guys in front of me fell of the back. By the time I got around them the gap was too large to bridge to the group. I was going 110% but knew it wasn't enough. I knew the elastic was about to break, and break it did. Instead of bagging it however, I opted to do a timetrial. Guys were dropping off each lap but I held on. I was pleased with that even though I was technically spanked. 53x11 did get a lot of exposure, though not the kind I hoped for. Anyway, my goal in racing is to stay upright and have fun. And I accomplished both. I usually get spanked once each season so this one came early.
I can't wait for next Tuesday.
The Iowa Cup series is on. The Altoona Road race was the first race on Saturday, April 5th, followed by the Big Creek race on Sunday.
I have not been able to stick to my training the last 2 months well, but had been working on strength. Luckily, I've always been able to stick out the distances. Doubting that I could recover for a decent Sunday performance, I signed up for Altoona with the goal of taking it easy and coming in last. Getting out of cat5, a race is still a race. This would be good warm up miles.
If anyone tells you the course has rolling hills, this means occasional torture. The big hill near the end of the 13 mile loop aimed into a headwind of 25mph.
The first time I hit this hill, I was still in the middle of the pack, then suddenly my left calf stopped moving. I've never had a cramp on the bike before. There went the pack.
I decided I still was going to finish, and just keep going at near a TT pace, with careful attention not to over-exert on hills as not ward off further cramps.
The 2nd lap was good, and I started picking off riders again on lap 3.
The last half of lap 4 (all headwind) was like a death march. However, the breakaway pair of Cat 1/2 riders both commented on how 53x11 rocks, and is great coffee when they went flying past.
I had to give it everything to make the hill the last time, and get back to speed to reach the finish line.
Out of a field of 58 Cat 4 & 5 riders, I was 36 of 37 finishers, with 21 DNF's. I placed higher than I hoped, and am holding my head higher, once I saw how many people failed to finish.
I should be teaming up with Blake next weekend in Lincoln.
Hi everyone out there in coffee cyber space! In fact I have my 53x11 mug in my hand right now...oops...hey cats like coffee too. Before I get into my race post I want to give a shout out to Saddledancer, Tyler and Rich.
Well we had beautifull sunny weather in Mt. joy Pa. and the racing was a blast. A five lap road race for the masters, about six miles per lap and these guys really haul ass. Attacks and breakaways in the first five miles. I had everyone covered up untill about the third lap, two guys got away. Then on the backstretch I got boxed in climbing the 'rolling hill part'. And of course the guys on the front attacked as they crested. Here is where you decide if its better to chase by yourself or wait for some help. Well I chased by myself and it took about two miles to get them back, or me to them. I wish I didn't have to do that but it was my fault in the first place I guess. Being a little smoked after that the best I could do was 11th.
But it was a great day of racing. The fields were full and as always the promoters and uscf staff did an outstanding Job! Kudos to those who give their time so we can have the great fun we do and maybe support our sponsors a little too.
Tyler (aka Saddledancer) here. Before I begin let me give a shout out as well to bobtouch and Rich.
My season has not gone as planned, but that is life and that is what next season is for:) I am purchasing my first home so that has put a crimp in my season. I really had hopes to do the Elkhorn Classic in Baker City, OR in mid June (4 stages in 3 days, including two very long and hilly ones(80+ and 100+ miles). I did it for the first time last year, was last place for the Masters Men but did finish. It was my first stage race and I felt so good about it. It also gave me very good form for the Tuesday night series out at Pacific. I might still do it this year if I can get some crunch miles in.
Anyway, I have only raced twice at Pacific this year, mainly due to the wet weather. I just don't want to risk it in those conditions. If it rains after I start that is one thing, but I won't start a race in pouring rain. Just me. I did get out to Maupin, Oregon last weekend for the 3rd Annual Deschutes River Timetrial Festival (DRTT), sponsored by George and Terri Gooch, the founders of the Race Across Oregon and Ring of Fire 12/24 hour timetrial (also in Maupin). You can check all three races out at www.raceacrossoregon.com.
The DRTT is three races in two days, a 25+ mile hilly timetrial loop on Saturday morning followed by an 8+ mile hillclimb in the afternoon. The weekend concludes with an out and back hilly 46 mile tt on Sunday. My times for 2006, the first year, were about 1:14:20, a flat on the hillclimb, then around 2:48 for the last event. Last year saw me clock a 1:10, about 32 minutes for the climb, and a dismal 2:49 for the 3rd event (I bonked big time in the last half). I do not have a timetrial bike and do nothing special to my road bike-just ride it "stock." This year I had hopes of going under 1:10, sub 32, and under 2:48 for the last stage. Two old running injuries (left groin and right hamstring) suddenly flared Friday during my training ride so I was struggling from the get go. I gave it my best shot however as I was flying "our" colors.
The first leg was my slowest ever,around 1:14:50. I was 12th out of 15 in the Mens 40-49 division, the largest division of the race that had 63 riders, the most ever. I did a lot of stretching and my girlfriend gave me great massages in between the two Saturday races. I also spent quality down time along the Deschutes River, soaking my feet in the freezing water, watching the swallows, gees, ducks and river otters play. I also doped up with some pain relievers and medicated pads. I felt pretty good on the hillclimb, and even though I clocked a slow 33:20 (approx), I was 4th in the Mens 40-49 and climbed to 7th overall. The starts are 30 seconds apart and I got numerous riders. The ride back down the mountain was a real struggle as there was a heinous cross wind. I could really feel the groin and hamstring afterwards so received more massages and drugs.
I had heavy legs Sunday morning and very little warm up. I didn't think I would do well, and had doubts I could go under 3 hours. The first half was mostly uphill with a good 2+mile climb at the start, followed by rolling terrain to the turnaround. We had a cross/tail wind and I did my best, unlike in 2007, to not push it. I knew the wind would be mostly in my face on the return. I hit the turnaround and felt pretty good. By the time I got to 36 miles I was pretty confident I would do at least a 2:39. When I stopped my watch and saw a 2:35:53 I started to cry. I gave it my all and my all was good enough. I ended up 10th out of the 15 in Mens 40-49 and know I did 53x11 coffee proud. I was the sole rep and told people about the coffee and company. All in all a successful weekend. No mechanicals, no flats, no realy injuries and strong riding. I cannot wait for 2009.
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