Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
My Bullet Proof Wheelset
A few years ago I bought a set of Zip Team CSC wheels. They looked cool, were light and the first 20 feet I rode on them before a spoke broke was wonderful. I replaced the spoke, but every other ride I did on them a spoke would break. Everyone I know who had them said the same thing, and one guy even sold them on EBAY only to have them sent back. My cool wheel set became a house for spiders in my garage.
I kept hearing about some magical-wheel building-mad scientist dude who worked at Spokes, ETC who could rediscabumalete (my word) my wheel set. His name Bill Mould, a retired military guy with a web site http://www.billmouldwheels.com/shop.html about building wheels. I dropped my wheels off to Bill and picked them up two days later.
Seriously, I get nothing out of this, no sponsorship or anything - but today when my bottom bracket was creaking, my derailleur not shifting and all kinds of other funky stuff I realized my wheels are still perfect. I have been riding 250 - 500 miles per week on these for five months and have not had to true them once. I commute to and from work in the dark and hit about every pot hole and bit of debris in the road. I even flipped a few weeks ago and watch my bike bounce for an eternity - and despite the need for a new tire, bar tape, a right shifter, a left pedal and handlebars, I still had perfect wheels.
I kept hearing about some magical-wheel building-mad scientist dude who worked at Spokes, ETC who could rediscabumalete (my word) my wheel set. His name Bill Mould, a retired military guy with a web site http://www.billmouldwheels.com/shop.html about building wheels. I dropped my wheels off to Bill and picked them up two days later.
Seriously, I get nothing out of this, no sponsorship or anything - but today when my bottom bracket was creaking, my derailleur not shifting and all kinds of other funky stuff I realized my wheels are still perfect. I have been riding 250 - 500 miles per week on these for five months and have not had to true them once. I commute to and from work in the dark and hit about every pot hole and bit of debris in the road. I even flipped a few weeks ago and watch my bike bounce for an eternity - and despite the need for a new tire, bar tape, a right shifter, a left pedal and handlebars, I still had perfect wheels.
I can't remember who first told about Bill, but who ever it was, thanks.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
What I listen to while I ride
Recently I went to the Bike Raker Heads blog http://bikerackheads.blogspot.com/2009/10/fun-with-pie-charts-explosions-and-male.html and clicked on a link to the worst song I think I have ever heared. I wondered if maybe it would appeal to me if I was ridding and listening to it and then realized I would probably end up smashing my bike into a tree repetitively if that song was in my headphones.
A blog I do check out for music is Jims http://unholyrouleur-jim.blogspot.com/2009/10/friday-fun-time.html on Fridays, he always has music videos, and most of the time I like it, but probably would not train to it.
I listen to different playlists depending on the ride, here are some of my haines point songs..
and
and the Saturday 7 and 10 am rides are more rock like and slower...
and
but if I am by myself and just cruising
and
So these are a few of the songs I am listening to when you ride with me. Have you ever wondered what Brian Butts listens too? I don't because one day when we were late for the 7am, I walked in on him dancing to this song in his spandex (true story)..
There are others I see whoo listen to music and I wonder 'what is he listening to?'
like:
Dave Fuentes, Russ Langley, Ken Young and Chris Reagan - all strong riders. Do you ever wonder if the guy who is riding you off his wheel is listening to Barry Manolo or Cher? I mean it all ready sucks to get dropped, but what if you were getting dropped by someone listening to some cheesy music too.
A blog I do check out for music is Jims http://unholyrouleur-jim.blogspot.com/2009/10/friday-fun-time.html on Fridays, he always has music videos, and most of the time I like it, but probably would not train to it.
I listen to different playlists depending on the ride, here are some of my haines point songs..
and
and the Saturday 7 and 10 am rides are more rock like and slower...
and
but if I am by myself and just cruising
and
So these are a few of the songs I am listening to when you ride with me. Have you ever wondered what Brian Butts listens too? I don't because one day when we were late for the 7am, I walked in on him dancing to this song in his spandex (true story)..
There are others I see whoo listen to music and I wonder 'what is he listening to?'
like:
Dave Fuentes, Russ Langley, Ken Young and Chris Reagan - all strong riders. Do you ever wonder if the guy who is riding you off his wheel is listening to Barry Manolo or Cher? I mean it all ready sucks to get dropped, but what if you were getting dropped by someone listening to some cheesy music too.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Get Better Chad
Translated from Ciclonews...
Dear Director,
as I have done with the site www.tuttobiciweb.it please publish this letter because the story Gerlach is close to my heart since I have not been asked before you put online news so delicate, I would now explain some important moments of relapse of Chad Gerlach.
First the news that you have posted is incomplete, not because of you but of Gazzetta.it which in my opinion deliberately omitted the entire section on the position of our team and myself in this sad story (which at present is that cyclingnews.com the Sacramento Bee, U.S. newspaper where the news was taken).
I would like therefore to explain everything because I know I'm doing everything in my power to help Chad. It all started in early September when he should have been a regular at the start with our team Univest Grand Prix in Pennsylvania. However, just three days before our departure I received a e-mail in which he asked me to stay home because his first daughter was born soon after. Since my time father of a child of two and a half, I went in his shoes and I've no intention to force him to run, so I told him that I disagreed with his own family.
I could never imagine that I was already lying and now I no longer even since. At that moment because Chad had already left home, had already left his girlfriend about to give birth and have lived under a bridge.
I have always believed that everything was fine because I was sending constant e-mails in which even asked me to extend my contract for next year because it had also received proposals from other teams not only attractive American (something which I was very proud of it) . Again, everything went according to our programs and he would have had to run to Las Vegas in the U.S. Final Crit (race spectacular that closes the show each year Interbike). About ten days before this race I try to call him repeatedly to tell the program but the phone was constantly switched off. Then I try with the mail, addressed to both him and his girlfriend, sends the ticket to Las Vegas, hotel and car vouchers, pay the registration, in fact I do everything I've always done the normal administration . Even in this case, however, no one answered. Trial and error like a madman, asking him to contact me.
Especially the fact that even his girlfriend did not answer puzzles me. My concern to be honest was not addressed to Chad, because I never believed such a thing because I repeat never gave us signals, even small, of a relapse. I was worried because I was afraid that something bad had happened to the child at that time was already due to be born.
Eventually, when most did not know what to think, I get (in the very same day that should have been at the start of the criterium) a phone call from our ds Gaggioli (which being his friend EC had proposed last October) and as I had done in four to help him and similarly in those days had done everything to find him, who tells me he received a short message on Facebook mate Chad from which we stated that Chad had abandoned them, was again depressed and relapsed into drugs and alcohol. At that moment, I collapsed the world on him.
You can not imagine. I immediately put in touch with the leaders of the television show Intervention last year Chad had taken off from the street and taken to a detoxification clinic to see if they were aware of what had happened but they were all in the dark . So I immediately put in telephone contact with his father and with the family. His sister and brother told me that Chad with his behavior has destroyed their family and they now no longer intend to do anything for him.
But his father, as you can imagine desperate, I said that Chad had lied to them all for months and none of them, although they had noticed his behavior was not the same anymore, he thought the situation had degenerated until after the day drunk had been stopped by police. After this incident Peter Gerlach, her father tried to convince him to return to the community, but after having initially accepted, only two days after he escaped and never returned home. Will not talk to anyone, even it is not even gone to witness the birth of his daughter and the only way to find it is to turn the streets of Sacramento. Aware of all this my father told me and Gaggioli to fly the United States to immediately return it to Italy, but not because we want to retrieve the athlete, cycling has nothing to do with this thing and when they hired a year ago we did so only to give him the chance to do the thing I loved most, because this would certainly away from certain temptations. Our goal was and still is to help the human being. Despite our insistence, but Gerlach's father thanked us but asked to remain for the time in Italy because Chad is in a psychological situation so critical that it could also make things serious.
At this moment needs psychiatric care and to return to the community to clean up. Our position at this moment is to help in any way Chad, with all our might. Are in daily contact with his father, the only one that still manages to communicate with him, which I shall regularly monitor his condition. Again, I have spent entirely at the disposal of Gerlach family for any kind of help you may need to save Chad and I am ready anytime to go to Sacramento.
I respect the decision of Peter Gerlach and will be asked until I'll stay in Italy, inter alia, by the news he gave me seems to have voluntarily decided to return to this community and for the moment is the most important victory. After that, I and Gaggioli fly in any case in America and try to bring back to Italy. I know he wants to go racing again next year but now is not important, we just want it back here, do it live in our retreat with the other kids, making him stay away from anything that is permanently destroyed, making him work with us regardless of the tasks and giving all our moral and psychological support. Just as we have done until June, when all was well. However to do this we need a sign of his good will would not think it will be easy to recover this time.
Dear Editor, if I have not spoken to the press first the situation in Chad Gerlach was solely to protect it. This is not about cycling, this is a man fighting for his life and that is in a psychological situation so delicate that it could degenerate at any one time. Chad is a very sensitive person, perhaps the most sensitive I've ever known, is fragile, very intelligent, and despite the situation in which it is informed. He did not even want to talk to reporters of his city much less with the TV people who saved his life, so what would think if I went out with a press release that he was concerned? We do not know how he could react, to be honest do not even know at this time.
Like all those who are in these situations, could also make something silly, so why worsen a situation that in itself is already desperate? And if I decided to respond right now is because the Sacramento Bee published an article which you have published a part. Chad understands well enough the Italian and continuously monitor all sites including ciclonews.it cycling, so I hope you read this letter understand even more that we all, including his teammates, the neighbors and we are ready for anything help in every way.
Strength not to give up Chad!
We thank you for your cooperation and I offer cordial greetings to you and all the editors ciclonews.it the signs of my highest consideration. Cristian Fanini
PS -- We join the call by Cristian Fanini confident second miracle. If we see Chad, strength, not give up now that the Gpm tree More than uro of life is near. All you expect in Italy to continue to help. Do not throw away your life!
Dear Director,
as I have done with the site www.tuttobiciweb.it please publish this letter because the story Gerlach is close to my heart since I have not been asked before you put online news so delicate, I would now explain some important moments of relapse of Chad Gerlach.
First the news that you have posted is incomplete, not because of you but of Gazzetta.it which in my opinion deliberately omitted the entire section on the position of our team and myself in this sad story (which at present is that cyclingnews.com the Sacramento Bee, U.S. newspaper where the news was taken).
I would like therefore to explain everything because I know I'm doing everything in my power to help Chad. It all started in early September when he should have been a regular at the start with our team Univest Grand Prix in Pennsylvania. However, just three days before our departure I received a e-mail in which he asked me to stay home because his first daughter was born soon after. Since my time father of a child of two and a half, I went in his shoes and I've no intention to force him to run, so I told him that I disagreed with his own family.
I could never imagine that I was already lying and now I no longer even since. At that moment because Chad had already left home, had already left his girlfriend about to give birth and have lived under a bridge.
I have always believed that everything was fine because I was sending constant e-mails in which even asked me to extend my contract for next year because it had also received proposals from other teams not only attractive American (something which I was very proud of it) . Again, everything went according to our programs and he would have had to run to Las Vegas in the U.S. Final Crit (race spectacular that closes the show each year Interbike). About ten days before this race I try to call him repeatedly to tell the program but the phone was constantly switched off. Then I try with the mail, addressed to both him and his girlfriend, sends the ticket to Las Vegas, hotel and car vouchers, pay the registration, in fact I do everything I've always done the normal administration . Even in this case, however, no one answered. Trial and error like a madman, asking him to contact me.
Especially the fact that even his girlfriend did not answer puzzles me. My concern to be honest was not addressed to Chad, because I never believed such a thing because I repeat never gave us signals, even small, of a relapse. I was worried because I was afraid that something bad had happened to the child at that time was already due to be born.
Eventually, when most did not know what to think, I get (in the very same day that should have been at the start of the criterium) a phone call from our ds Gaggioli (which being his friend EC had proposed last October) and as I had done in four to help him and similarly in those days had done everything to find him, who tells me he received a short message on Facebook mate Chad from which we stated that Chad had abandoned them, was again depressed and relapsed into drugs and alcohol. At that moment, I collapsed the world on him.
You can not imagine. I immediately put in touch with the leaders of the television show Intervention last year Chad had taken off from the street and taken to a detoxification clinic to see if they were aware of what had happened but they were all in the dark . So I immediately put in telephone contact with his father and with the family. His sister and brother told me that Chad with his behavior has destroyed their family and they now no longer intend to do anything for him.
But his father, as you can imagine desperate, I said that Chad had lied to them all for months and none of them, although they had noticed his behavior was not the same anymore, he thought the situation had degenerated until after the day drunk had been stopped by police. After this incident Peter Gerlach, her father tried to convince him to return to the community, but after having initially accepted, only two days after he escaped and never returned home. Will not talk to anyone, even it is not even gone to witness the birth of his daughter and the only way to find it is to turn the streets of Sacramento. Aware of all this my father told me and Gaggioli to fly the United States to immediately return it to Italy, but not because we want to retrieve the athlete, cycling has nothing to do with this thing and when they hired a year ago we did so only to give him the chance to do the thing I loved most, because this would certainly away from certain temptations. Our goal was and still is to help the human being. Despite our insistence, but Gerlach's father thanked us but asked to remain for the time in Italy because Chad is in a psychological situation so critical that it could also make things serious.
At this moment needs psychiatric care and to return to the community to clean up. Our position at this moment is to help in any way Chad, with all our might. Are in daily contact with his father, the only one that still manages to communicate with him, which I shall regularly monitor his condition. Again, I have spent entirely at the disposal of Gerlach family for any kind of help you may need to save Chad and I am ready anytime to go to Sacramento.
I respect the decision of Peter Gerlach and will be asked until I'll stay in Italy, inter alia, by the news he gave me seems to have voluntarily decided to return to this community and for the moment is the most important victory. After that, I and Gaggioli fly in any case in America and try to bring back to Italy. I know he wants to go racing again next year but now is not important, we just want it back here, do it live in our retreat with the other kids, making him stay away from anything that is permanently destroyed, making him work with us regardless of the tasks and giving all our moral and psychological support. Just as we have done until June, when all was well. However to do this we need a sign of his good will would not think it will be easy to recover this time.
Dear Editor, if I have not spoken to the press first the situation in Chad Gerlach was solely to protect it. This is not about cycling, this is a man fighting for his life and that is in a psychological situation so delicate that it could degenerate at any one time. Chad is a very sensitive person, perhaps the most sensitive I've ever known, is fragile, very intelligent, and despite the situation in which it is informed. He did not even want to talk to reporters of his city much less with the TV people who saved his life, so what would think if I went out with a press release that he was concerned? We do not know how he could react, to be honest do not even know at this time.
Like all those who are in these situations, could also make something silly, so why worsen a situation that in itself is already desperate? And if I decided to respond right now is because the Sacramento Bee published an article which you have published a part. Chad understands well enough the Italian and continuously monitor all sites including ciclonews.it cycling, so I hope you read this letter understand even more that we all, including his teammates, the neighbors and we are ready for anything help in every way.
Strength not to give up Chad!
We thank you for your cooperation and I offer cordial greetings to you and all the editors ciclonews.it the signs of my highest consideration. Cristian Fanini
PS -- We join the call by Cristian Fanini confident second miracle. If we see Chad, strength, not give up now that the Gpm tree More than uro of life is near. All you expect in Italy to continue to help. Do not throw away your life!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Video Of Ireland
Thats me driving the 1st lap..
Every lap, chunks of riders are falling of the pace.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
New Years Resolution
I ended up 19th at Military Worlds in Ireland. There was around 40ish guys left, and it ended in a field sprint. I hate field sprints.
The race was pretty controlled, mostly by the Germans, Slovenians and Belgians. Myself and Ian Holt (on the US team) got in some quality breaks, but it just wasn't happening.
The US was represented in every break, but the problem was the Germans were too, and they weren't working - for good reason, they knew they could sprint and ended up sweeping the podium 1,2,3!
I tried to jump the field with 5 K to go, but as I was flying by on the left, the field shifted left and I locked up my rear wheel fish tailing with no where to go. I did not go down, but that woke me up, and I found myself at the beck of the strung out field.
I slowly clawed my way back up, looking for Ian (the only other US rider left). When we came back into town, the roads got way narrow and I made up tons of places weaving around crashing riders. It was exciting and terrifying.
It reminded me of the level of an NRC race because when you are off the front, you have to just drill it to stay away, and the attacks never stop. What a great finally to the end of a pretty good season. I want to race in Europe again.
I know it is not the new year, but I plan on starting my resolutions now. I am taking a break, and when I start again, it will be with the focus of next year.
I seriously need to start stretching. I see Russ doing it, and other quality riders doing it - but what really makes me want to start is now that I am not training really hard I find when I am just sitting, my muscles start tightening. I pulled out the old 80's Stretching Book, and it seems to alleviate the tension.
My other resolution will probably put several gummy and candy factories out of business. Starting 2 days ago, I am going to try to fuel myself with quality. In general, I think I eat pretty well; I juice, eat local produce, get plenty of carbs and proteins. It's the extras.
Goodbye sweet and sour gummy bears. It's not you, it's me.
Goodbye gummy worms. I think the gummy bears knew about us anyway.
I am going to miss you black and red licorice.
I am going to miss you too JuJu Fruit.
I always loved you Swedish Fish, even when you weren't the real thing.
Chocolate, we can't even go there. (Don't worry chocolate, we'll still meet in the occasional Mocha)
Oh yeah, I am not giving up coffee and wine. I am sure there are great arguments to keep these indulgences, and just knowing there may be arguments out there is enough for me.
So, for a couple of weeks, I am not riding at all. I am going to try not to do anything physical - just rest, and plan out long training rides for base miles - and plan out how I can possibly get the time off work to get these base miles in (starting late October).
I hope next year is my year.
The race was pretty controlled, mostly by the Germans, Slovenians and Belgians. Myself and Ian Holt (on the US team) got in some quality breaks, but it just wasn't happening.
The US was represented in every break, but the problem was the Germans were too, and they weren't working - for good reason, they knew they could sprint and ended up sweeping the podium 1,2,3!
I tried to jump the field with 5 K to go, but as I was flying by on the left, the field shifted left and I locked up my rear wheel fish tailing with no where to go. I did not go down, but that woke me up, and I found myself at the beck of the strung out field.
I slowly clawed my way back up, looking for Ian (the only other US rider left). When we came back into town, the roads got way narrow and I made up tons of places weaving around crashing riders. It was exciting and terrifying.
It reminded me of the level of an NRC race because when you are off the front, you have to just drill it to stay away, and the attacks never stop. What a great finally to the end of a pretty good season. I want to race in Europe again.
I know it is not the new year, but I plan on starting my resolutions now. I am taking a break, and when I start again, it will be with the focus of next year.
I seriously need to start stretching. I see Russ doing it, and other quality riders doing it - but what really makes me want to start is now that I am not training really hard I find when I am just sitting, my muscles start tightening. I pulled out the old 80's Stretching Book, and it seems to alleviate the tension.
My other resolution will probably put several gummy and candy factories out of business. Starting 2 days ago, I am going to try to fuel myself with quality. In general, I think I eat pretty well; I juice, eat local produce, get plenty of carbs and proteins. It's the extras.
Goodbye sweet and sour gummy bears. It's not you, it's me.
Goodbye gummy worms. I think the gummy bears knew about us anyway.
I am going to miss you black and red licorice.
I am going to miss you too JuJu Fruit.
I always loved you Swedish Fish, even when you weren't the real thing.
Chocolate, we can't even go there. (Don't worry chocolate, we'll still meet in the occasional Mocha)
Oh yeah, I am not giving up coffee and wine. I am sure there are great arguments to keep these indulgences, and just knowing there may be arguments out there is enough for me.
So, for a couple of weeks, I am not riding at all. I am going to try not to do anything physical - just rest, and plan out long training rides for base miles - and plan out how I can possibly get the time off work to get these base miles in (starting late October).
I hope next year is my year.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ireland
The US Military Cycling team is on twitter here: http://twitter.com/MilitaryCycling
Ireland is beautiful, the people are nice and they all drive on the wrong side of the road.
We travelled here from Boston a few nights ago and spent a day zombied out from jet lag. Today is the 1st real day of existence. The road race course is cool, and has a climb a bit like Jeff cup - which isn't really a climb so I like it. There are 10 countries with eight riders, and a huge range of fitness levels. The Netherlands are probably most like us, different services and military different uniforms. Some countries have guys who don't even have military uniforms and have Olympic Gold Medals or have won stages of the Tour of Italy.
The craziest part of training here is the wrong direction traffic thing. When you come to an intersection, you look left and suddenly a car buzzes you from the right. Or, you cross the street to go left, get to the right side of the road and realize oncoming traffic is heading at you. Worst yet are the round a bouts.
Great thing is, I do not have cell phone coverage and had to wait in line to use this computer. One of the 1st times ever I have completely focused on riding, eating and sleeping. I wonder how my work is doing? OK, I am over it.
Last thing, the Crit at Green Mtn was pretty fast. I sat in and told myself that after 20 to go, I was going to put all of my eggs in one basket and go. At 15 to go, there was a lull after a time bonus sprint and I went. After 2 laps I had the biggest time gap of the day for any break and they rung the bell for a $600+ crowd prime to two places. I knew this would doom my break, so I decided to change plans and burn all of my matches for the prime. Out of the last turn my 30+ second gap was down to 4 seconds and I still had to cover the 200 meters up the hill to the line. I gave everything and the line wasn't coming fast enough. Right at the line I got nipped and the field went flying by. I had nothing left in the tank and could not even get in anywhere and watched the field go by. Turns out, they split the 2 place prime down the middle and I ended up making more money than the GC or stage winning guys!
Ireland is beautiful, the people are nice and they all drive on the wrong side of the road.
We travelled here from Boston a few nights ago and spent a day zombied out from jet lag. Today is the 1st real day of existence. The road race course is cool, and has a climb a bit like Jeff cup - which isn't really a climb so I like it. There are 10 countries with eight riders, and a huge range of fitness levels. The Netherlands are probably most like us, different services and military different uniforms. Some countries have guys who don't even have military uniforms and have Olympic Gold Medals or have won stages of the Tour of Italy.
The craziest part of training here is the wrong direction traffic thing. When you come to an intersection, you look left and suddenly a car buzzes you from the right. Or, you cross the street to go left, get to the right side of the road and realize oncoming traffic is heading at you. Worst yet are the round a bouts.
Great thing is, I do not have cell phone coverage and had to wait in line to use this computer. One of the 1st times ever I have completely focused on riding, eating and sleeping. I wonder how my work is doing? OK, I am over it.
Last thing, the Crit at Green Mtn was pretty fast. I sat in and told myself that after 20 to go, I was going to put all of my eggs in one basket and go. At 15 to go, there was a lull after a time bonus sprint and I went. After 2 laps I had the biggest time gap of the day for any break and they rung the bell for a $600+ crowd prime to two places. I knew this would doom my break, so I decided to change plans and burn all of my matches for the prime. Out of the last turn my 30+ second gap was down to 4 seconds and I still had to cover the 200 meters up the hill to the line. I gave everything and the line wasn't coming fast enough. Right at the line I got nipped and the field went flying by. I had nothing left in the tank and could not even get in anywhere and watched the field go by. Turns out, they split the 2 place prime down the middle and I ended up making more money than the GC or stage winning guys!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Green Mtn Stage Race TT
Time trial went well (for me). I had good legs and enjoyed that it was a TT without TT bikes. They allowed for disc wheels and areo helmets though. My 30 sec guy missed his start, but I quickly found my minute guy and almost caught him on the first climb. When it leveled out, his disc wheel kicked into action and I could just hold him. When the road had a rise again, I passed him and started working on my minute and 30 guy, who also had a disc wheel, but I never caught him. I ended with 48th out of over 120 which is good for me, I am normally in the bottom 3rd in 1, pro TT's.
The picture above is the before first sprint spot in the 1st road race. I flatted both wheels sprinting for the 2nd sprint spot in a pot hole, but still managed to get 5th. I thought I only flatted my front, got a change, chased, caught and at the base of the climb realized my back wheel was going too. The wheel change took so long that I went from thinking about catching the field to thinking about making the time cut! More to follow later....
The picture above is the before first sprint spot in the 1st road race. I flatted both wheels sprinting for the 2nd sprint spot in a pot hole, but still managed to get 5th. I thought I only flatted my front, got a change, chased, caught and at the base of the climb realized my back wheel was going too. The wheel change took so long that I went from thinking about catching the field to thinking about making the time cut! More to follow later....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lucky Chucky
I have never been to Ireland, in fact, the only country I have been to outside the US is Mexico. The last few weeks have been pretty focused, with training, planing and getting things in order. The Armed Forces Cycling Team offers a great amount of support, but even then when opportunities are so important I find myself working out tons of details and putting out small - and in some cases self created - fires.
I have been taking my pedals on and off so much for traveling that I sometimes get lazy in re greasing the threads. Well, my pedal and my crank arm became one inseparable piece of medal. That would be fine if I never had to remove it again, but I do to pack it for the upcoming flights. I scrounged up enough money for new pedals and Bill Jacobus from the Armed Forces Team spotted me a set of cranks. Things like this only seem to happen before big events, but live and learn.
To save up a little money, we cut back on snack foods and quick eats around the house. I never realized how much I "graze" until I started bonking on rides. I thought I could get away without the steaks before long rides and just eat the normal 3 meals a day. I was wrong. I need to eat constantly or I run out of calories and then the misery starts. When the 1st of Sep hit, I was so glad to have a full fridge!
Tomorrow I leave from Boston to Vermont and do a time trial on Friday. No TT bikes, just straight road bikes - with the exception of disc wheels and areo helmets. Pretty cool I think, a more even playing field. We are using the Green Mtn Stage RAce in prep for Ireland, but who can line up at a start race and not race? If I get 5th, 59th or 70th, it is not because I didn't try, it is because that is what I have earned - I just can't help but race.
I did not really take a break last winter because I felt I needed to keep pushing forward and up my level of fitness. I kept hearing that I would burn out, or get flat, but I felt I needed to keep training to be competitive for 2009. This year I am taking a few weeks off around when it starts freezing. When I get back, I am going to enjoy riding in the wonderful fall weather here, but when I can't figure out the right glove combination to keep my hands from hurting in the freezing cold, I am taking my (probably well deserved) break.
Last year I was 2nd in 5 different Jersey events. That means I was the first guy to cross the line or be in the standings that was not going to get a jersey, 5 times! I used that as motivation to train through the winter, I wanted to win a jersey this year. There are not enough events left to be over taken in the MABRA Senior Men or Masters BARs, and Greenbelt, although it was a training race series, is done. I lucked out at Page Valley and got 2 jerseys in one race, the MABRA road title and the Virginia Road Tittle. Getting 2nd didn't end last year though, I still got 2nd at the MABRA Crit Championship and the Masters TT Championship. Wow, this was a great season, and it is still not over. I leave early next week for Green Mountain Stage Race and then to Ireland! I am lucky.
MABRA BAR Senior Men
208 Charles Hutcheson Battley Harley-Davidson
115 Dave Fuentes Battley Harley-Davidson
110 Ken Young Clean Currents p/b Don Beyer Volvo
95 Brian Butts Battley Harley-Davidson
87 Jeff Brandon LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
86 Todd Hesel LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
85 Mike Githens Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
80 Jose Escobar Battley Harley-Davidson
76 Keck Baker Battley Harley-Davidson
70 Todd Hipp Battley Harley-Davidson
MABRA BAR Masters Men 35-49
185 Charles Hutcheson Battley Harley-Davidson
90 Chris Hayes Haymarket Bicycles
89 Stephen Robinson Squadra Coppi/IM Saab
76 Ramon Benitez Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
68 George Opria Evolution Cycling Club
64 Chip Hoover Team Latitude/ABRT
64 Dave Osborne Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
61 Ralph Muoio LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
57 Michael Bradbury Evolution Cycling Club
56 Arthur Brown Team Latitude/ABRT
54 Dave Fuentes Battley Harley-Davidson
Greenbelt Park Training Race Results
Series A Standings
76 Charles Hutcheson
63 Evan Fader
50 David Bozak
25 David Osborne
14 Ralph Muoio
13 Kenneth Young
12 Brian Butts
11 Timothy Brown
10 Chip Hoover
8 donald brew
I have been taking my pedals on and off so much for traveling that I sometimes get lazy in re greasing the threads. Well, my pedal and my crank arm became one inseparable piece of medal. That would be fine if I never had to remove it again, but I do to pack it for the upcoming flights. I scrounged up enough money for new pedals and Bill Jacobus from the Armed Forces Team spotted me a set of cranks. Things like this only seem to happen before big events, but live and learn.
To save up a little money, we cut back on snack foods and quick eats around the house. I never realized how much I "graze" until I started bonking on rides. I thought I could get away without the steaks before long rides and just eat the normal 3 meals a day. I was wrong. I need to eat constantly or I run out of calories and then the misery starts. When the 1st of Sep hit, I was so glad to have a full fridge!
Tomorrow I leave from Boston to Vermont and do a time trial on Friday. No TT bikes, just straight road bikes - with the exception of disc wheels and areo helmets. Pretty cool I think, a more even playing field. We are using the Green Mtn Stage RAce in prep for Ireland, but who can line up at a start race and not race? If I get 5th, 59th or 70th, it is not because I didn't try, it is because that is what I have earned - I just can't help but race.
I did not really take a break last winter because I felt I needed to keep pushing forward and up my level of fitness. I kept hearing that I would burn out, or get flat, but I felt I needed to keep training to be competitive for 2009. This year I am taking a few weeks off around when it starts freezing. When I get back, I am going to enjoy riding in the wonderful fall weather here, but when I can't figure out the right glove combination to keep my hands from hurting in the freezing cold, I am taking my (probably well deserved) break.
Last year I was 2nd in 5 different Jersey events. That means I was the first guy to cross the line or be in the standings that was not going to get a jersey, 5 times! I used that as motivation to train through the winter, I wanted to win a jersey this year. There are not enough events left to be over taken in the MABRA Senior Men or Masters BARs, and Greenbelt, although it was a training race series, is done. I lucked out at Page Valley and got 2 jerseys in one race, the MABRA road title and the Virginia Road Tittle. Getting 2nd didn't end last year though, I still got 2nd at the MABRA Crit Championship and the Masters TT Championship. Wow, this was a great season, and it is still not over. I leave early next week for Green Mountain Stage Race and then to Ireland! I am lucky.
MABRA BAR Senior Men
208 Charles Hutcheson Battley Harley-Davidson
115 Dave Fuentes Battley Harley-Davidson
110 Ken Young Clean Currents p/b Don Beyer Volvo
95 Brian Butts Battley Harley-Davidson
87 Jeff Brandon LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
86 Todd Hesel LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
85 Mike Githens Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
80 Jose Escobar Battley Harley-Davidson
76 Keck Baker Battley Harley-Davidson
70 Todd Hipp Battley Harley-Davidson
MABRA BAR Masters Men 35-49
185 Charles Hutcheson Battley Harley-Davidson
90 Chris Hayes Haymarket Bicycles
89 Stephen Robinson Squadra Coppi/IM Saab
76 Ramon Benitez Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
68 George Opria Evolution Cycling Club
64 Chip Hoover Team Latitude/ABRT
64 Dave Osborne Immediate Mortgage - Artemis Elite
61 Ralph Muoio LSV/Kelly Benefit Strategies
57 Michael Bradbury Evolution Cycling Club
56 Arthur Brown Team Latitude/ABRT
54 Dave Fuentes Battley Harley-Davidson
Greenbelt Park Training Race Results
Series A Standings
76 Charles Hutcheson
63 Evan Fader
50 David Bozak
25 David Osborne
14 Ralph Muoio
13 Kenneth Young
12 Brian Butts
11 Timothy Brown
10 Chip Hoover
8 donald brew
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Page Valley
I have been thinking about Page Valley all week. I even borrowed a set of wheels a week ago and FedExed them, but they did not get here in time so I had to ride my trust old heavy Cosmics. I wanted to do well at Page Valley because I could secure the MABRA BAR and it is the Virginia State Championship Road Race - where I live and the MABRA Championship Road Race, where my team is from.
The news said it was going to be hella hot so I busted out my cooler for the first time this year and packed it with 10 water bottles and ice to hand off to Michelle, Jose's wife. Thank God she comes to the races!
On the 1st lap, Kevin Long, the moto ref who probably moonlights as Santa, pulled the whole field over, and he was pissed. Although there was not a yellow line on the road, we were all violating the center line rule. I had always thought that when there was not a center line, the center line rule was not in effect, but judging how angry he was, not only did I not say anything, I started scooting to the right side of the road in a way not to bring attention to myself. When you think about it, the center line rule when there is no center line makes perfect sense because we are not out there to block oncoming traffic or worse run into it.
On the second lap, I drilled it for a while and I was hoping others would do the same to make the field smaller, but when I pulled off, a pretty good group rolled off to include Evan Fader, Mike Githens, Brian Vaughn and a Kelly guy. Who was missing was Harley, DC Velo and NCVC. If this group would have stayed away I would have been the catalyst for their escape and that would have been a huge mistake. Luckily Brian Butts set tempo and we flew by them a lap later on the long climb like they were standing still.
Later that lap Nate Wilson and I got away and were joined by Ramon Benitez, Chebacca (Jason Meidoff) a ABRT guy who could climb well and later by Jeff Brandon - who decided to go straght into the grass when everyone else was taking a sharp left. We never saw Jeff again.
I think we got a good gap because all of the teams were represented, except for NCVC. Going up the climbs we went easy and waited for the guys who fell off the pace a little. At one point we got 3 minutes.
When the moto ref told us our gap dropped to 1 minute and 40 I took a long pull. At the base of the climb the moto said we had 2 minutes and 30 on the pack and 45 on the chase. What chase? I looked back and only Nate Wilson was on my wheel so I realized the chase was the other 3.
The last lap was the hardest. I tried half hearted to get rid of Nate in hopes he would just pop, but he hung strong. Right before the long climb he suddenly stopped pedaling and I had no ideal why, but he later told me he was cramping. He clawed his was back. I sat on his wheel up most of the climb because I pulled the last one, and as we crested I could see a Harley Jersey on it's way. The moto said there was one guy coming across, and I did not tell Nate it was one of my teammates, I just sat on him (we were going very slow) looked back and waited for which ever teammate it was of mine to catch on.
When it was obvious the rider behind was not going to catch on I pulled up next to Nate and we began sprinting. About half way up the hill, I unclipped and thought it was over - but I could see the finish and hear just about everyone cheering for Nate. I think all of that cheering is what I needed to click back in and kick it past him to the line. I know this may be one of the last times I beat him because he is on the rise and I am getting older.
The rider behind us was Jose Escobar, who just recently upgraded to a cat 1. Every race he is better and better and is doing well be it crit or road race.
After the sprint I felt like I was going to die and every muscle in my body hurt. I could barley ride back to the cars.
The news said it was going to be hella hot so I busted out my cooler for the first time this year and packed it with 10 water bottles and ice to hand off to Michelle, Jose's wife. Thank God she comes to the races!
On the 1st lap, Kevin Long, the moto ref who probably moonlights as Santa, pulled the whole field over, and he was pissed. Although there was not a yellow line on the road, we were all violating the center line rule. I had always thought that when there was not a center line, the center line rule was not in effect, but judging how angry he was, not only did I not say anything, I started scooting to the right side of the road in a way not to bring attention to myself. When you think about it, the center line rule when there is no center line makes perfect sense because we are not out there to block oncoming traffic or worse run into it.
On the second lap, I drilled it for a while and I was hoping others would do the same to make the field smaller, but when I pulled off, a pretty good group rolled off to include Evan Fader, Mike Githens, Brian Vaughn and a Kelly guy. Who was missing was Harley, DC Velo and NCVC. If this group would have stayed away I would have been the catalyst for their escape and that would have been a huge mistake. Luckily Brian Butts set tempo and we flew by them a lap later on the long climb like they were standing still.
Later that lap Nate Wilson and I got away and were joined by Ramon Benitez, Chebacca (Jason Meidoff) a ABRT guy who could climb well and later by Jeff Brandon - who decided to go straght into the grass when everyone else was taking a sharp left. We never saw Jeff again.
I think we got a good gap because all of the teams were represented, except for NCVC. Going up the climbs we went easy and waited for the guys who fell off the pace a little. At one point we got 3 minutes.
When the moto ref told us our gap dropped to 1 minute and 40 I took a long pull. At the base of the climb the moto said we had 2 minutes and 30 on the pack and 45 on the chase. What chase? I looked back and only Nate Wilson was on my wheel so I realized the chase was the other 3.
The last lap was the hardest. I tried half hearted to get rid of Nate in hopes he would just pop, but he hung strong. Right before the long climb he suddenly stopped pedaling and I had no ideal why, but he later told me he was cramping. He clawed his was back. I sat on his wheel up most of the climb because I pulled the last one, and as we crested I could see a Harley Jersey on it's way. The moto said there was one guy coming across, and I did not tell Nate it was one of my teammates, I just sat on him (we were going very slow) looked back and waited for which ever teammate it was of mine to catch on.
When it was obvious the rider behind was not going to catch on I pulled up next to Nate and we began sprinting. About half way up the hill, I unclipped and thought it was over - but I could see the finish and hear just about everyone cheering for Nate. I think all of that cheering is what I needed to click back in and kick it past him to the line. I know this may be one of the last times I beat him because he is on the rise and I am getting older.
The rider behind us was Jose Escobar, who just recently upgraded to a cat 1. Every race he is better and better and is doing well be it crit or road race.
After the sprint I felt like I was going to die and every muscle in my body hurt. I could barley ride back to the cars.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Explosion
................................................................................................................................
This was my first race with the Armed Forces Cycling Team, and the support is great. We got here 4 days early, I rode the course a million times, and I got to use a sweet set of wheels. I almost got a Cervelo, I heard, but guys on the team keep breaking theirs and I am the last guy on the totem poll. Needless to say, they ran out - so my trusty old Cannondale won't have to get dust and stuff.
My Aunt took the picture above, I need to call her soon because we are going to get dinner, but I am fried from the race.
The U-23 race exploded on the first lap, so we figured we would expect that in ours too. I marked EVERYTHING the first lap, and even bridged across to a couple of promising looking groups. I am not that great of a climber, but every lap I somehow made the separation. The first half of the race, I made sure Armed Forces was represented in every group. After one of the climbs, Ian Holt (on my team) made a split of about 7 that included the very dominate Cal Giant team. I was relieved, the climbs were starting to kick my but.
With one lap top go (17 miles) there was about 25 of us left out of 200. We were flying up the first climb and the break was coming back fast. We made contact with the break on the 2nd and final climb of the lap and I exploded. My faking I could climb had come to an end. God made my pedals start magically pedaling squares, and if I were not suffering so bad I may have thought it was cool.
I recovered at the top of the climb and was joined by about 7 other dudes. We rotated in to finish.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Birthday that wll change the world...
My son's birthday is on August 1st, but we will be celebrating it on August 2nd which is my daughter's birthday. Paris (my son) will be 4 and Geneva (daughter) will be 14. If he is half as gifted in cycling as she is art running this birthday will be the day the Earth changed.
He is getting a bike.
My wife and I we perusing (just wanted to use a big word, probably did not spell it right), we were perusing Spokes Ect when Paris hoped on this thing started pedaling and was flying around the store. People got out of his way. I knew then what needed to be done.
I am in Bend Oregon right now getting ready for Elite Nationals with the Armed Forces Cycling Team, so my wife went to Spokes Ect and got the bike today. I am sure it is dialed in.
I have plans.
I am thinking, before he starts doing any real high speed or sprints, he is going to need some endurance. We will start off with real easy laps around the block which I will video tape for form the first few weeks - and adjust his bike as necessary for maximum power output and aerodynamics. It may be a little early for wind tunnel testing, maybe in a few months.
Without crossing any streets, our block is about a quarter of a mile. During the video/adjustment period he will do no more than 10 laps, which will be timed. I will not do anything crazy like push him too hard or anything but I know he will have it in him to start knocking out well over a hundred laps before the winter comes.
When the winter comes I will fix the bike to the trainer and make shift something like a high chair so he can eat and watch Spiderman and Penguins of Madagascar - which he loves, If he is not on the trainer he will have to watch Barney and Dora - which he hates.
By next spring he will be fit enough to begin interval and sprint workouts and I am thinking about getting him a heart rate monitor and sneaking Brian Butts power meter stuff of his bike and retro fitting it to Paris's bike and getting some historical data thing going like Lance and Chris Charmical.
Next summer, Sol, Parsis's younger brother will be old enough for a bike too, and we will probably get a bit faster bike from Spokes Ect for him than we got for Paris to level the playing field. I can see it now, mini crits around the block, and eventually 50 mile road race around Fort Belvoir.
I can't wait to get home to see his face when he gets that bike!
He is getting a bike.
My wife and I we perusing (just wanted to use a big word, probably did not spell it right), we were perusing Spokes Ect when Paris hoped on this thing started pedaling and was flying around the store. People got out of his way. I knew then what needed to be done.
I am in Bend Oregon right now getting ready for Elite Nationals with the Armed Forces Cycling Team, so my wife went to Spokes Ect and got the bike today. I am sure it is dialed in.
I have plans.
I am thinking, before he starts doing any real high speed or sprints, he is going to need some endurance. We will start off with real easy laps around the block which I will video tape for form the first few weeks - and adjust his bike as necessary for maximum power output and aerodynamics. It may be a little early for wind tunnel testing, maybe in a few months.
Without crossing any streets, our block is about a quarter of a mile. During the video/adjustment period he will do no more than 10 laps, which will be timed. I will not do anything crazy like push him too hard or anything but I know he will have it in him to start knocking out well over a hundred laps before the winter comes.
When the winter comes I will fix the bike to the trainer and make shift something like a high chair so he can eat and watch Spiderman and Penguins of Madagascar - which he loves, If he is not on the trainer he will have to watch Barney and Dora - which he hates.
By next spring he will be fit enough to begin interval and sprint workouts and I am thinking about getting him a heart rate monitor and sneaking Brian Butts power meter stuff of his bike and retro fitting it to Paris's bike and getting some historical data thing going like Lance and Chris Charmical.
Next summer, Sol, Parsis's younger brother will be old enough for a bike too, and we will probably get a bit faster bike from Spokes Ect for him than we got for Paris to level the playing field. I can see it now, mini crits around the block, and eventually 50 mile road race around Fort Belvoir.
I can't wait to get home to see his face when he gets that bike!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Notes
When old people give you advice, listen.
-A month and a half ago Phil Hepburn told me I seemed tired and needed to rest some. I got real busy at work, took a few days off of riding (so I rested, though not by choice) and came back flying.
-The best wheel builder in the world works at Spokes Etc on Quaker Lane. If you ever get sick of constantly changing spokes on a wheel, there is a guy named Bill there who knows his stuff. Thank God someone recommended him to me! I never give shop plugs, but I am so happy I am not having to race, ride and train on the same set of wheels all of the time - it is good to have someone who knows what they are doing rebuild the wheels that were accumulating in my garage. Which makes me think, I can probably ride sew-ups now. The reason I don't is that I don't trust anyone else to glue them on and I definitely don't trust myself, but I am thinking he knows his stuff well enough that he can do it.....
- Thanks to Art Brown I may soon be a TT contender! I have his old TT bike and have been riding it once a week. I am going to buy it, but before I can afford it he is letting me at it. It is crazy how quickly you get better on a TT bike if you keep riding the same one!
Giro Di Coppi
-Russ came down to support me. It is great to have a team mate in these masters races. With out a team mate these races can seem harder than big events. It is almost like I am being marked.
-Russ and I had planned on jumping from the group on the climb on the second lap, but guys were all ready attacking and going of the front on the 1st lap. Russ ended up in a group of six that included strong guys like R Munio and Mark Warno. I was stuck in the field still trying to warm up. I looked around and the realized with the exception of Bryan Vaughan, Chip Hoover and Ramon Benitez all of the fire power was up the road. Damn, I did not feel like going yet - my mind said yes but my body said no. I counted to 5, took a deep breath and jumped across. Luckily Russ wasn't pulling until I came across and when I connected it was game on. We never saw the pack again.
Russ did tempo before the climb and up the climb, and as we crested the top, Mark Warno Jumped him. If you know Russ, you probably know he stewed for the next lap. In the exact same spot, next lap, Russ did the same thing back to Mark Warno and disappeared in the distance with R (who names their kid with just one letter?) on his wheel. When the gap was right at what I knew I could barely close I jumped across. The three of us worked well together and came across 1,2 and 3.
Tom Buzas, our team manager came out to feed us. It is so cool how well he supports us! Since the race was so short, I did not need any water - but I wanted to acknowledge that he came out, so I gave him water by squirting him with my bottle.
Besides the bobble head trophy of Coppi, the best thing about Giro Di Coppi is that the parking lot is on a hill. If you car runs like mine, you know the importance of a hill - it negates the starter problem. Lame thing is, right when I am about to pop my clutch, some lady, staring at me like I owe her money walks out in front of me and I have to brake. Luckily there was enough hill to get coasting again.
-A month and a half ago Phil Hepburn told me I seemed tired and needed to rest some. I got real busy at work, took a few days off of riding (so I rested, though not by choice) and came back flying.
-The best wheel builder in the world works at Spokes Etc on Quaker Lane. If you ever get sick of constantly changing spokes on a wheel, there is a guy named Bill there who knows his stuff. Thank God someone recommended him to me! I never give shop plugs, but I am so happy I am not having to race, ride and train on the same set of wheels all of the time - it is good to have someone who knows what they are doing rebuild the wheels that were accumulating in my garage. Which makes me think, I can probably ride sew-ups now. The reason I don't is that I don't trust anyone else to glue them on and I definitely don't trust myself, but I am thinking he knows his stuff well enough that he can do it.....
- Thanks to Art Brown I may soon be a TT contender! I have his old TT bike and have been riding it once a week. I am going to buy it, but before I can afford it he is letting me at it. It is crazy how quickly you get better on a TT bike if you keep riding the same one!
Giro Di Coppi
-Russ came down to support me. It is great to have a team mate in these masters races. With out a team mate these races can seem harder than big events. It is almost like I am being marked.
-Russ and I had planned on jumping from the group on the climb on the second lap, but guys were all ready attacking and going of the front on the 1st lap. Russ ended up in a group of six that included strong guys like R Munio and Mark Warno. I was stuck in the field still trying to warm up. I looked around and the realized with the exception of Bryan Vaughan, Chip Hoover and Ramon Benitez all of the fire power was up the road. Damn, I did not feel like going yet - my mind said yes but my body said no. I counted to 5, took a deep breath and jumped across. Luckily Russ wasn't pulling until I came across and when I connected it was game on. We never saw the pack again.
Russ did tempo before the climb and up the climb, and as we crested the top, Mark Warno Jumped him. If you know Russ, you probably know he stewed for the next lap. In the exact same spot, next lap, Russ did the same thing back to Mark Warno and disappeared in the distance with R (who names their kid with just one letter?) on his wheel. When the gap was right at what I knew I could barely close I jumped across. The three of us worked well together and came across 1,2 and 3.
Tom Buzas, our team manager came out to feed us. It is so cool how well he supports us! Since the race was so short, I did not need any water - but I wanted to acknowledge that he came out, so I gave him water by squirting him with my bottle.
Besides the bobble head trophy of Coppi, the best thing about Giro Di Coppi is that the parking lot is on a hill. If you car runs like mine, you know the importance of a hill - it negates the starter problem. Lame thing is, right when I am about to pop my clutch, some lady, staring at me like I owe her money walks out in front of me and I have to brake. Luckily there was enough hill to get coasting again.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Jose Wins! Hagerstown/Iron Hill, my car sucks and Vote for Jim Patton
Jose Escobar (very cartel sounding name), won the Dawg Days Circuit race yesterday. I honestly can't believe a break stuck, but we all felt confident that Jose would pull off the win if it did. I think he only needs 3 points now to get his upgrade to a 1. Yeah, that's right, if you were up in that break, you got beat by a cat 2! Actually, I guess we all got beat by a cat 2, but he is on my team.
At the Haggerstown MABRA Championship, Dave won..... again. I got 2nd.....again in a field sprint. Unfortunately I slid out in a turn and Blair from LSV hit me and face planted - broke his jaw. Hope he heals soon, he is getting pretty strong.
Iron Hill was pretty cool. Huge crowds yelling, cameras flashing, and the smell of bear and cigarettes wafting through the air. Night time crits are fun, and scary as hell. There was only four of us there, but thanks to Russ we made a couple handfuls of cash. http://racethemuscle.blogspot.com/2009/07/iron-hill-twilight.html
I was pretty tired after leaving Haggerstown. After the race, I found my auto tire flat and Sean Orourke went to get fix a flat. It worked for about 7 mile, when I was on the freeway heading to Iron Hill looking for a gas station en route to get it fixed for reals. So, I am driving along, minding my own business when my what I thought wasn't flat anymore tire starts humming to me. The hum in a very quick progression changes to a ogre like gurgle then a Flap! Flap! Flap - then I turn of into the 'Pennsylvania Welcome Center'.
I all ready had reservations about going to Iron Hill with crashing, all ready racing, my auto flatting when a crack of thunder ripped through the air. Cool, I get to change to my spare in a down pour. Worse yet, I needed to pump my spare with my bike pump. 45 minutes later and several thousand pumps I was on my way. It stopped raining when I pulled out of the Welcome Center parking lot. I am sure it was the same rain that delayed the Haggerstown cat 4 race.
I need to get a new tire now, but I don't want to waste money on it when I really should get a new car - my car has so many issues it may not make it through the next couple months - problem with that is I can't get financing now because someone with all of the same information as me in another state, except they spell their last name Hutchinson instead of Hutcheson has laid waste to my credit.
I used to always carry my bike in my car because I would fit training in here and there, but now I carry it because I may need it when my car decides to head toward the light. So, when you pass an abandoned KIA on the freeway, and 2 miles later you see some dude in flip flops on a road bike carrying three back packs, you know what happened.
On another bike racing note:
We are lucky to have the people in MABRA that we have representing us. I think MABRA is a great district to race in, and we should support the people who make it happen. I believe the voting opens Wed on the USA Cyclinng web page, so type your stuff in, click and vote!
Vote for Jim Patton Candidate for Re‐Election as USCF Trustee, Eastern Region
Experience 30+ years in Cycling
• Racer
• Promoter
• Team Manager (founded US Navy Cycling Team)
• Motor Referee • Cyclocross Referee
• Track Secretary Positions in Cycling
• USCF Trustee (2003‐2009)
• USAC Board of Director’s (2004‐2009)
Goals
• Continued emphasis on improved communication
• Simplify USA Cycling licensing and race permit process
• Continued improved USA Cycling Membership value
Questions? jim@jimpatton.net
At the Haggerstown MABRA Championship, Dave won..... again. I got 2nd.....again in a field sprint. Unfortunately I slid out in a turn and Blair from LSV hit me and face planted - broke his jaw. Hope he heals soon, he is getting pretty strong.
Iron Hill was pretty cool. Huge crowds yelling, cameras flashing, and the smell of bear and cigarettes wafting through the air. Night time crits are fun, and scary as hell. There was only four of us there, but thanks to Russ we made a couple handfuls of cash. http://racethemuscle.blogspot.com/2009/07/iron-hill-twilight.html
I was pretty tired after leaving Haggerstown. After the race, I found my auto tire flat and Sean Orourke went to get fix a flat. It worked for about 7 mile, when I was on the freeway heading to Iron Hill looking for a gas station en route to get it fixed for reals. So, I am driving along, minding my own business when my what I thought wasn't flat anymore tire starts humming to me. The hum in a very quick progression changes to a ogre like gurgle then a Flap! Flap! Flap - then I turn of into the 'Pennsylvania Welcome Center'.
I all ready had reservations about going to Iron Hill with crashing, all ready racing, my auto flatting when a crack of thunder ripped through the air. Cool, I get to change to my spare in a down pour. Worse yet, I needed to pump my spare with my bike pump. 45 minutes later and several thousand pumps I was on my way. It stopped raining when I pulled out of the Welcome Center parking lot. I am sure it was the same rain that delayed the Haggerstown cat 4 race.
I need to get a new tire now, but I don't want to waste money on it when I really should get a new car - my car has so many issues it may not make it through the next couple months - problem with that is I can't get financing now because someone with all of the same information as me in another state, except they spell their last name Hutchinson instead of Hutcheson has laid waste to my credit.
I used to always carry my bike in my car because I would fit training in here and there, but now I carry it because I may need it when my car decides to head toward the light. So, when you pass an abandoned KIA on the freeway, and 2 miles later you see some dude in flip flops on a road bike carrying three back packs, you know what happened.
On another bike racing note:
We are lucky to have the people in MABRA that we have representing us. I think MABRA is a great district to race in, and we should support the people who make it happen. I believe the voting opens Wed on the USA Cyclinng web page, so type your stuff in, click and vote!
Vote for Jim Patton Candidate for Re‐Election as USCF Trustee, Eastern Region
Experience 30+ years in Cycling
• Racer
• Promoter
• Team Manager (founded US Navy Cycling Team)
• Motor Referee • Cyclocross Referee
• Track Secretary Positions in Cycling
• USCF Trustee (2003‐2009)
• USAC Board of Director’s (2004‐2009)
Goals
• Continued emphasis on improved communication
• Simplify USA Cycling licensing and race permit process
• Continued improved USA Cycling Membership value
Questions? jim@jimpatton.net
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Congats to Russ
Today Russ got 4th. With the field as stacked as it is here, that is absolutely outstanding. The climb today was pretty tough, and the first few laps we blazed it - feeding was out of the question. I finished with the second group on the road. Although it was a road race, we did an 11 mile circuit with a pretty long climb 10 times. The last few times were miserable, and I cracked from the front group with 1 to go. I ended with 49th. Wow, that was a lot of work for 49th! It looks like we are down to 123 riders left from 171. The crit is going to be crazy with that many riders.
Jose Escobar, our Cat 2 got 2nd in the 2's race! He is riding well and will be a 1 soon. Him and his wife-type Michelle really are one of the best things we have on this team. Thanks for feeding us Michelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday in the circuit race I got 16th. The field was so shattered I moved up from the 120's to the 60's on GC.
I am still impressed with Russ's ride today.
My roommate here at the dorm is an Aussie kid named Michael Freebird. Really it is Freeburg, but with his strong accent it sounds like he is saying Freebird. He is a track rider doing this for training.
Keck raced today despite his horrific crash yesterday. He borrowed a bike from SRAM, and was pretty strong all day - even attacking and being in moves.
Jose Escobar, our Cat 2 got 2nd in the 2's race! He is riding well and will be a 1 soon. Him and his wife-type Michelle really are one of the best things we have on this team. Thanks for feeding us Michelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday in the circuit race I got 16th. The field was so shattered I moved up from the 120's to the 60's on GC.
I am still impressed with Russ's ride today.
My roommate here at the dorm is an Aussie kid named Michael Freebird. Really it is Freeburg, but with his strong accent it sounds like he is saying Freebird. He is a track rider doing this for training.
Keck raced today despite his horrific crash yesterday. He borrowed a bike from SRAM, and was pretty strong all day - even attacking and being in moves.
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