September 27, 2008
New Beginnings
September has been quite a busy month for me. For starters, I recently joined the 53x11 Coffee cycling team which I am stoked about. I am really excited to be representing a great company with a great group of guys that share the same passion that I do. Next, I just started my new job as a bike tech. Cycling is my passion. I can now wake up every morning and enjoy going to work. I work for a great shop that has established itself as one the best bike shops in Pennsylvania. My first racing season has just come to a close. Unfortunately I didn't get any wins. I led quite a few races but just didn't have enough gusto to hold on. I learned a lot and look foward to next year to prove to everyone what I am capable of. Lastly I've been preparing for my first charity ride. I am participating in the Hershey's Tour de Pink. This charity ride has over 150+ riders with all of the proceeds going toward breast cancer awareness. It is a great way to honor those that have had or know anyone that has had to deal with this illness. The four day ride will cover over 220 miles as we will be riding from Hershey, PA to New York City. Each rider has to raise over $2,500 in donations. The local newspaper did a feature article. Feel free to check it out: http://ldnews.com/valleylife/ci_10565762 . I feel very honored to be participating in this ride. Also I get to show off my kick-ass 53x11 Coffee cycling kit to all of the other riders who be jealous with envy! :) Ride hard fellas!
September 23, 2008
A Season Revisted
Fall has come to the Seattle area, or more accurately Fall, Winter, Spring and most of Summer. In other words we are back to cool temps, clouds and a constant chance of rain. No biggie as the first 3 weeks of September were incredible, the best weather weeks of the year. As a roadie my season is over. I don't ride track, mountain, or cross. The next two months will be devoted to meringue miles (as in nice and easy-fluff).
My last race was the Mt Baker hillclimb in Glacier, Washington on September 7th. I also raced the Blackberry Crit in Bremerton on August 31. Even though I was pulled 32 minutes into the 40 minute Masters race I was quite happy. I attacked on lap two to try and bridge to a solo break, and was stuck in no man's land for 1.5 laps. I could not bridge, got caught, then dropped, then lapped, then dropped again, then pulled. At least I tried. And the team's name was announced when I attacked. In the end the local cycling animal Kenny Williams went with another rider and almost lapped the field. Impressive! Kenny then went on to race in the 1,2 Pro race and took 6th. I was so honored to have been reeled in by Kenny in the Masters race. That is what is so cool about racing. I can toe the line with amazing riders and share the road, wind, and down and out thrill of it all with them. I did what I could with what I had and that was enough. I was quite happy.
The Mt Baker hillclimb did not go as planned as I was involved in the one and only crash in the 5 years the race has been held. It is a mass start for all races, including the competitive division, which includes pros and non cat racers. I was in about the 3rd group on the road at the 8 mile mark of the 24.5 mile race(about 20 riders) when someone touched wheels ahead of me on a slight uphill, couldn't save it and went down. I thought I got around him safely when I was suddenly taken down from behind. My right shin was gouged as if I landed on a chain ring, and my right foot and ankle were quite swollen and bruised with two puncture marks (which I did not discover til I was done and back at the hotel and changing). The first rider who went down was the worst off, and I stayed with him to make sure he was okay. The rider who hit me from behind was the first of us three up and away. By the time a car came to take the first rider back with sore ribs and I had readjusted my bars, I had lost close to 7 minutes. I took off like a bat out of (you know what), my adrenaline flowing at maximum. I overtook riders the entire way up the mountain, and ended up losing about 3 minutes over 2007 (1:37) by clocking 1:47. I was near the back of the field but my 2007 time would have placed me even higher than that year. I was quite satisfied but I could feel my foot and shin at the top. The 24.5 mile ride down was a challenge when it should have been a blast. I got down looking for sympathy from my girlfriend but was greeted with one very upset and distraught female. Even though I was only about 10 minutes late she had miscalculated the descent time and thought I was over an hour late. Too top it off my newest bike, a beautiful older C40 in naked carbon suffered a broken seat stay in the crash. I am looking into having it repaired. Here's hoping.....
Another positive was that I rode Mount Seymour (12 K) in North Vancouver, BC the day before for fun and was about 3 minutes off my 2006 race time. Not too bad.
All in all 2008 was a very good year. I raced in 12 of the Tuesday night series at Pacific and attacked in every one. I did not compete in the Elkorn Classic due to a training crash, but I did well in the Deschutes Rver Timetrial Festival and the Blackberry Crit, the Crystal Mtn Hillclimb and the Mt Baker climb despite a crash.
I also began commuting to Seattle, about 40 miles roundtrip. I began in May and probably willstop next week. A great way to put in miles.
Why do I ride? I have been riding since my sister bought me a used Nishiki from the lost and found where she worked in 1980 while I was a senior in High School. I could never state all the reasons why I ride as the list grows every time I straddle a saddle. Each time I clip in, turn a crank, shift gears or get out of the saddle is an opportunity for growth and amazement. And this is allaccomplishment on what is basically a toy anyone can ride.
Suffice it so ay that I am 45, and feel like I am a little kid each time I get pedaling. I will never stop and cannot wait for 2009. Or for the next time I get on one of my ever loyal and user friendly steeds.
To everyone who has ever ridden or wants to ride, to all my teammates and to Evan and Owen-
have an incredible rest of 2008, a most amazing 2009 and keep the rubber side down.
T Man out. For now:)
My last race was the Mt Baker hillclimb in Glacier, Washington on September 7th. I also raced the Blackberry Crit in Bremerton on August 31. Even though I was pulled 32 minutes into the 40 minute Masters race I was quite happy. I attacked on lap two to try and bridge to a solo break, and was stuck in no man's land for 1.5 laps. I could not bridge, got caught, then dropped, then lapped, then dropped again, then pulled. At least I tried. And the team's name was announced when I attacked. In the end the local cycling animal Kenny Williams went with another rider and almost lapped the field. Impressive! Kenny then went on to race in the 1,2 Pro race and took 6th. I was so honored to have been reeled in by Kenny in the Masters race. That is what is so cool about racing. I can toe the line with amazing riders and share the road, wind, and down and out thrill of it all with them. I did what I could with what I had and that was enough. I was quite happy.
The Mt Baker hillclimb did not go as planned as I was involved in the one and only crash in the 5 years the race has been held. It is a mass start for all races, including the competitive division, which includes pros and non cat racers. I was in about the 3rd group on the road at the 8 mile mark of the 24.5 mile race(about 20 riders) when someone touched wheels ahead of me on a slight uphill, couldn't save it and went down. I thought I got around him safely when I was suddenly taken down from behind. My right shin was gouged as if I landed on a chain ring, and my right foot and ankle were quite swollen and bruised with two puncture marks (which I did not discover til I was done and back at the hotel and changing). The first rider who went down was the worst off, and I stayed with him to make sure he was okay. The rider who hit me from behind was the first of us three up and away. By the time a car came to take the first rider back with sore ribs and I had readjusted my bars, I had lost close to 7 minutes. I took off like a bat out of (you know what), my adrenaline flowing at maximum. I overtook riders the entire way up the mountain, and ended up losing about 3 minutes over 2007 (1:37) by clocking 1:47. I was near the back of the field but my 2007 time would have placed me even higher than that year. I was quite satisfied but I could feel my foot and shin at the top. The 24.5 mile ride down was a challenge when it should have been a blast. I got down looking for sympathy from my girlfriend but was greeted with one very upset and distraught female. Even though I was only about 10 minutes late she had miscalculated the descent time and thought I was over an hour late. Too top it off my newest bike, a beautiful older C40 in naked carbon suffered a broken seat stay in the crash. I am looking into having it repaired. Here's hoping.....
Another positive was that I rode Mount Seymour (12 K) in North Vancouver, BC the day before for fun and was about 3 minutes off my 2006 race time. Not too bad.
All in all 2008 was a very good year. I raced in 12 of the Tuesday night series at Pacific and attacked in every one. I did not compete in the Elkorn Classic due to a training crash, but I did well in the Deschutes Rver Timetrial Festival and the Blackberry Crit, the Crystal Mtn Hillclimb and the Mt Baker climb despite a crash.
I also began commuting to Seattle, about 40 miles roundtrip. I began in May and probably willstop next week. A great way to put in miles.
Why do I ride? I have been riding since my sister bought me a used Nishiki from the lost and found where she worked in 1980 while I was a senior in High School. I could never state all the reasons why I ride as the list grows every time I straddle a saddle. Each time I clip in, turn a crank, shift gears or get out of the saddle is an opportunity for growth and amazement. And this is allaccomplishment on what is basically a toy anyone can ride.
Suffice it so ay that I am 45, and feel like I am a little kid each time I get pedaling. I will never stop and cannot wait for 2009. Or for the next time I get on one of my ever loyal and user friendly steeds.
To everyone who has ever ridden or wants to ride, to all my teammates and to Evan and Owen-
have an incredible rest of 2008, a most amazing 2009 and keep the rubber side down.
T Man out. For now:)
August 29, 2008
Racing in Alaska
This year seemed to be a slow progression of one cold rainy day leading to another only slightly warmer rainy day. The fish and the bears don't mind the weather, but it can tend to wear on bikes and riders. Focus for the 08 season fell in the final month with the four day Tour of Anchorage. Second overall in the Master's class followed firsts in the Prologue, Criterium, and final Road stage. Made up seven seconds out of an 18 second deficit in the final stage, and that win is dedicated to Charles Clifford O’Reilly, Jr. (Sept ’27 – Aug 14, ’08). Big thank you to Evan for all the support this year.
Ride Ready.
August 24, 2008
Season Coming to a Close
Well I finally got this Blogging thing down. I think:)
My season is winding down as I don't ride track, mountain or Cross. I have one more Tuesday night race this week, the Blackberry Crit in Bremerton, WA next Sunday and then the Mt. Baker hillclimb in two weeks. Overall I have been pleased with 2008. I did not do any real road races or the Elkhorn Classic Stage race in June (due to a stupid training accident), but my Tuesday night races have gone very well. I also did a good job in April at the Deschutes River TT festival in Maupin, OR, and was pleased with my effort last week in hot and windy conditions for the Crystal Mtn hillclimb. I think I represented the squad with honor and dignity and always put a positive spin on things. I cannot wait for 2009. I will write more later.
All the best to my teammatres. Keep the rubber side down.
T
My season is winding down as I don't ride track, mountain or Cross. I have one more Tuesday night race this week, the Blackberry Crit in Bremerton, WA next Sunday and then the Mt. Baker hillclimb in two weeks. Overall I have been pleased with 2008. I did not do any real road races or the Elkhorn Classic Stage race in June (due to a stupid training accident), but my Tuesday night races have gone very well. I also did a good job in April at the Deschutes River TT festival in Maupin, OR, and was pleased with my effort last week in hot and windy conditions for the Crystal Mtn hillclimb. I think I represented the squad with honor and dignity and always put a positive spin on things. I cannot wait for 2009. I will write more later.
All the best to my teammatres. Keep the rubber side down.
T
July 29, 2008
Summer Update from Rich
The cosmos is out to get me.
Something keeps me from racing each year. After a great spring training last year, pneumonia hit. This year I got in a couple races before ending up with a broken tailbone, caused by the Velo Bella I'm married too but that''s another story. I started riding again, we then we took a direct hit from a tornado the same day RAGBRAI came to town. I've been far too busy to find my bike the last few weeks.
Anyhow, I realized I never posted my last race report:
The Iowa City Road Race was a brutal one. Did I mention it was 45-50 degrees that day with 30mph winds? Our group also had to start 30 minutes late, due to a road closing accident on course. So much for warming up.
The side wind was hard and you hand to hang on between tree breaks. We turned with the wind, and the pack soared down the road at 35mph. Halfway down the stretch, there was the big hill. The pack split with some stronger riders breaking off. I hit the top with another rider as we watched the lead pack break away. He looked at me and said "If we don't catch them, the wind will be hell heading back" So we took off. In 53x11 gearing, we spun out our legs. We had a conversation at 41mph --- Yes, we were able to talk easily --- I jokingly clicked at my shifter and said "I'm out of gears." I also made the prediction of the day, of our return speed. 40 down, 14 back. Sadly, I would be right.
Over the next 3 miles, we got back on the pack before the turn South. Luckily, the course tapered down to a short section here. It was 1/2 mile until it turned West again. No one expected it, and a few people tried to go straight and made a mess. I just found the first wheel I could, hoping for some shelter. I somehow ended up with a rider that had the same power output as me. We ended up taking long pulls, and right when you got tired, the other was there. I turned North for the start of the second lap, and after a few moments, I looked back and my counterpart was gone.
I made a solo attempt with my tailwind, another 7 mile, 40+ mph effort. I hit the headwind again, and had to time-trial it back to the finish line, 7 more miles. I kept searching fore and aft, no one was in sight.
I was never so excited to see the steeple of the Mennonite church we started at. At a mile left, I kicked up the pace to finish strong. Then at 1/2 mile, bikes started creeping around me. I saw a few familiar jerseys and realized the trailing pack caught back up, along with my two missing helpers. I jumped in and was just getting into groove. Then I saw the move.
The move, where one guy had to just get out in front. And then it happened. All 15-20 people went from a 3 rider thick mass to a road filling sprint. You know the final highlights of the Tour, where they show that happening and sprinting to the line? Well, it looks amazing when you see it in reverse.
I hads no sprint left due to my solo effort, but I hung into the back of that pack.
The back of the pack! That's an improvement. I'm usually one of those stragglers just behind the pack!
------
Hopefully, I get enough of my barn out of the neighboring cornfield to get on the bike and make a few final events this year. Maybe I'll get a cyclocross bike built and try another season too. There are a lot of gravel road races around here in the fall.
Something keeps me from racing each year. After a great spring training last year, pneumonia hit. This year I got in a couple races before ending up with a broken tailbone, caused by the Velo Bella I'm married too but that''s another story. I started riding again, we then we took a direct hit from a tornado the same day RAGBRAI came to town. I've been far too busy to find my bike the last few weeks.
Anyhow, I realized I never posted my last race report:
The Iowa City Road Race was a brutal one. Did I mention it was 45-50 degrees that day with 30mph winds? Our group also had to start 30 minutes late, due to a road closing accident on course. So much for warming up.
The side wind was hard and you hand to hang on between tree breaks. We turned with the wind, and the pack soared down the road at 35mph. Halfway down the stretch, there was the big hill. The pack split with some stronger riders breaking off. I hit the top with another rider as we watched the lead pack break away. He looked at me and said "If we don't catch them, the wind will be hell heading back" So we took off. In 53x11 gearing, we spun out our legs. We had a conversation at 41mph --- Yes, we were able to talk easily --- I jokingly clicked at my shifter and said "I'm out of gears." I also made the prediction of the day, of our return speed. 40 down, 14 back. Sadly, I would be right.
Over the next 3 miles, we got back on the pack before the turn South. Luckily, the course tapered down to a short section here. It was 1/2 mile until it turned West again. No one expected it, and a few people tried to go straight and made a mess. I just found the first wheel I could, hoping for some shelter. I somehow ended up with a rider that had the same power output as me. We ended up taking long pulls, and right when you got tired, the other was there. I turned North for the start of the second lap, and after a few moments, I looked back and my counterpart was gone.
I made a solo attempt with my tailwind, another 7 mile, 40+ mph effort. I hit the headwind again, and had to time-trial it back to the finish line, 7 more miles. I kept searching fore and aft, no one was in sight.
I was never so excited to see the steeple of the Mennonite church we started at. At a mile left, I kicked up the pace to finish strong. Then at 1/2 mile, bikes started creeping around me. I saw a few familiar jerseys and realized the trailing pack caught back up, along with my two missing helpers. I jumped in and was just getting into groove. Then I saw the move.
The move, where one guy had to just get out in front. And then it happened. All 15-20 people went from a 3 rider thick mass to a road filling sprint. You know the final highlights of the Tour, where they show that happening and sprinting to the line? Well, it looks amazing when you see it in reverse.
I hads no sprint left due to my solo effort, but I hung into the back of that pack.
The back of the pack! That's an improvement. I'm usually one of those stragglers just behind the pack!
------
Hopefully, I get enough of my barn out of the neighboring cornfield to get on the bike and make a few final events this year. Maybe I'll get a cyclocross bike built and try another season too. There are a lot of gravel road races around here in the fall.
May 23, 2008
53x11coffee Team rider Wade Patton
Wade has been ramping up this season with continued progress in the right direction (fast forward). We are looking forward to his next race report as he is on his way to the podium. Keep up the great work Wade.
May 1, 2008
Sam Schultz Short track win Sea Otter classic
Well it's been almost two weekends since we were at the Sea otter Classic in Monterey CA. It was the first time 53x11 coffee attended and sampled coffee there. Everyone was stoked to see us. We also were able to watch a couple friends of ours do their thing during the mens Pro MTB races. The Schultz brothers ( Sam and Andy) are at the top of their game these days. Having watched these two come up through the ranks over the years has been very exciting.
Sam and Andy have both just come off of a full winter training schedule at (The Cycling House) in Tucson AZ. I believe the training has paid off.
Sam stopped by the booth before his start of the mens short track and was fueled up with our Big Ring coffee. It seemed to do the trick as he rode away from his break away companion on the last lap and was able to take his first pro short track win.
Andy Schultz also pulled off a podium spot in 5th place. It was very cool to see these two brothers a top the podium at the 2008 Sea Otter classic. Hats off guys.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)