Dave Puglia's Wente Crit Report (4/29/12)
45+/55+ 1/2/3
I always do well at the Wente Criterium and was looking forward to a good finish - a salvation to my slow start this year. The key to Wente is to be in the front by lap 2 to avoid any crashes and being able to go through the corners at speed. I rode a perfect race and didn't expend any energy - I just rode smoothly through all the corners and moved up the middle and filled in gaps. Coming up to the last 2 laps I moved up towards the front. The race picked up and we were single file towards the front. Coming into the bell lap we were strung out and in turn 3 there was a big crash - I was well in front of the crash as I was with the front leaders. A break formed lead by team morgan stanley and team specialized and 12 of us got away. I was feeling great and all I had to do was ride the train and the only other 55+ rider up there with me was Mark Caldwell of Morgan Stanley. I'm in the money !!!
Next thing I see is the motorcycle race referee shutting us down - the race was neutralized because of the crash. We all had to go to the start finish line and they let the dropped riders participate as well. So we had to sit there in the hot sun until they cleared the injured. They add another lap to the race - now we have 2 laps to go. It's a drag race and dangerous since the dropped riders were allowed back in and I'm having to avoid these guys as they blow up again as we scream around the course. Coming up to the final sprint I get caught behind 3 alto velo riders who blow up - I can't sprint anywhere. I end up 10th...
I immediately jump into the 35+ 123 race and go for about 30 minutes - I lost my motivation and just drop out. Still full of energy but bummed about the previous race.
DP
Monday, April 30, 2012
Daryoush's Wente Road Race Report-4/28/12
Wente Vineyard Road Race 45+ 123
Field size - close to 60
The weather was perfect for racing on Saturday in Livermore - atypically, there was no wind at the registration table!!
If you are familiar with the course skip to the next paragraph. The course consists of three climbs and a flat section that is usually very windy. The approach to the first hill is similar to Alpine road riding towards Portola. The steeper section starts after a sharp right hand turn - it is a bit steeper than the upper section of Alpine (past Portola) and it's length is about four times as long. 2/3 up the climb, the gradient gets shallower for 50 yards or so and it kicks up again for another upper Alpine like section. The finish line is at the end of this section. After this climb, the road levels for 0.8 miles and the second climb of the course start - average gradient for this section is 5% and the length, close to a mile. Not a bad climb if it is not windy but it is always windy up there and Saturday was not an exception (they have wind turbines around these hills). The third and last real climb of the race is close to 1.5 miles long with average gradient of 3%. The second and third climb are separated by a steep twisty downhill.
Went to this race with less race-milage on my legs than last year due to missing the Sea Otter RR and the mechanical at Copperopolis
Team Echelon Gran Fondo had a couple of real strong riders (Steve Heaton and Cale Reeder). Our friend Kevin Kline was also present. Team VOS had a couple of excellent local climbers (Jan elsbach, John Novitsky, Lesli Oglesby and Kieran Sherlock) and good presence from SAFEWAY, Sierra Nevada and Morgan Stanley/Specialized.
From the gun, Steve Heaton took off with a couple of other riders - I didn't chase. By the time we started the first climb, they were out of site and Steve's teammate Cale was blocking with some help from Sierra boys. We got to the top of the second climb and I wasn't even breathing hard!! Hey, this was moving too slow; I wanted my money's worth. I tried to move up to increase the pace but the road was narrow with too many riders bunched up covering the whole road. Went over the yellow line once - the motorcycle referee (Mark - our noon ride friend) warned me. I was telling myself "I can easily do this five more times".
We went through the twisty down hill section pretty fast. This section has a couple of very steep little hills that combined with the wind could break the pack in to pieces.
On the flat section the motorcycle referee told us that Heaton and company had 1:30 on the pack! The gap was increased to 1:45 when we got closer to the big climb - the big guys moved up front and made the approach to the climb very very hard. Made the sharp right hand turn to the steep section - now the skinny climbers head up front and put the hurt on everyone ... Kline is no where to be seen!! This climb is too short for pure climbers; 2/3 up the hill the medium built guys are setting a very hard pace. I was barley hanging on with the front 15 guys. I didn't like this race at all at this point and no longer think I can do this three more times.
The next two laps were pretty uneventful. The pace came down and the gap to the Heaton group was kept under 2 minutes.
I guessed the last lap would be filled with lots of attacks and pain. I was right. Fast pace on the approach to the first hill and there I saw Kline near the front of the pack. The fireworks were about to start. I stayed with the front 10 guys up the hill but I was at my limit when we started the second hill - wind wasn't helping at this point. Kevin was up front in full control with Cale and David Passmore (Berkeley Bicycle). Somehow I managed to get up the second hill with the front group. Now, all I had to do was conserve energy and give it my best on the finishing climb. It is always good to regain composure on the downhill. I was smiling and imagining my hands raised crossing the finish line. I looked up and, shit, there was a couple of bike lengths between me and the guy up front. I hammered to close the gap... but I didn't get any closer. The hammer was on and they were going all out on the downhill. After a few turns the gap was increased to almost half a mile. I looked back - but there was no one there and I was riding as hard as I could. About to sit up, I heard "go go" from behind. I looked back and there was 15 to 20 guys back. We got organized and brought the front group back on the flat section.
The first half of the last lap was fast enough to bring Heaton and the company back (or Heaton might have sat up). Steve Heaton and Cale (his teammate) were talking and planning their strategy for the rest of the race.
I burnt a lot of matches trying to close the gap on the downhill. After near 60 miles of racing my legs were tired
Steve was setting a fast pace again on the approach to the steep section. Everyone was fighting to get into a good position before the start of the steep section. I was in the top 15 starting the last climb. I kept my position 2/3 up the climb but when the gradient got shallower, I struggled to keep my rhythm. 300ft to the finish line another wave of riders passed me. I crossed the finish line with my hands and head down.
Cale finished first, Kline was second and David Passmore finished third. David is an excellent all arounder.
PS - don't try this race with a full bladder ;)
Daryoush
Field size - close to 60
The weather was perfect for racing on Saturday in Livermore - atypically, there was no wind at the registration table!!
If you are familiar with the course skip to the next paragraph. The course consists of three climbs and a flat section that is usually very windy. The approach to the first hill is similar to Alpine road riding towards Portola. The steeper section starts after a sharp right hand turn - it is a bit steeper than the upper section of Alpine (past Portola) and it's length is about four times as long. 2/3 up the climb, the gradient gets shallower for 50 yards or so and it kicks up again for another upper Alpine like section. The finish line is at the end of this section. After this climb, the road levels for 0.8 miles and the second climb of the course start - average gradient for this section is 5% and the length, close to a mile. Not a bad climb if it is not windy but it is always windy up there and Saturday was not an exception (they have wind turbines around these hills). The third and last real climb of the race is close to 1.5 miles long with average gradient of 3%. The second and third climb are separated by a steep twisty downhill.
Team Echelon Gran Fondo had a couple of real strong riders (Steve Heaton and Cale Reeder). Our friend Kevin Kline was also present. Team VOS had a couple of excellent local climbers (Jan elsbach, John Novitsky, Lesli Oglesby and Kieran Sherlock) and good presence from SAFEWAY, Sierra Nevada and Morgan Stanley/Specialized.
From the gun, Steve Heaton took off with a couple of other riders - I didn't chase. By the time we started the first climb, they were out of site and Steve's teammate Cale was blocking with some help from Sierra boys. We got to the top of the second climb and I wasn't even breathing hard!! Hey, this was moving too slow; I wanted my money's worth. I tried to move up to increase the pace but the road was narrow with too many riders bunched up covering the whole road. Went over the yellow line once - the motorcycle referee (Mark - our noon ride friend) warned me. I was telling myself "I can easily do this five more times".
We went through the twisty down hill section pretty fast. This section has a couple of very steep little hills that combined with the wind could break the pack in to pieces.
On the flat section the motorcycle referee told us that Heaton and company had 1:30 on the pack! The gap was increased to 1:45 when we got closer to the big climb - the big guys moved up front and made the approach to the climb very very hard. Made the sharp right hand turn to the steep section - now the skinny climbers head up front and put the hurt on everyone ... Kline is no where to be seen!! This climb is too short for pure climbers; 2/3 up the hill the medium built guys are setting a very hard pace. I was barley hanging on with the front 15 guys. I didn't like this race at all at this point and no longer think I can do this three more times.
The next two laps were pretty uneventful. The pace came down and the gap to the Heaton group was kept under 2 minutes.
I guessed the last lap would be filled with lots of attacks and pain. I was right. Fast pace on the approach to the first hill and there I saw Kline near the front of the pack. The fireworks were about to start. I stayed with the front 10 guys up the hill but I was at my limit when we started the second hill - wind wasn't helping at this point. Kevin was up front in full control with Cale and David Passmore (Berkeley Bicycle). Somehow I managed to get up the second hill with the front group. Now, all I had to do was conserve energy and give it my best on the finishing climb. It is always good to regain composure on the downhill. I was smiling and imagining my hands raised crossing the finish line. I looked up and, shit, there was a couple of bike lengths between me and the guy up front. I hammered to close the gap... but I didn't get any closer. The hammer was on and they were going all out on the downhill. After a few turns the gap was increased to almost half a mile. I looked back - but there was no one there and I was riding as hard as I could. About to sit up, I heard "go go" from behind. I looked back and there was 15 to 20 guys back. We got organized and brought the front group back on the flat section.
The first half of the last lap was fast enough to bring Heaton and the company back (or Heaton might have sat up). Steve Heaton and Cale (his teammate) were talking and planning their strategy for the rest of the race.
Steve was setting a fast pace again on the approach to the steep section. Everyone was fighting to get into a good position before the start of the steep section. I was in the top 15 starting the last climb. I kept my position 2/3 up the climb but when the gradient got shallower, I struggled to keep my rhythm. 300ft to the finish line another wave of riders passed me. I crossed the finish line with my hands and head down.
Cale finished first, Kline was second and David Passmore finished third. David is an excellent all arounder.
PS - don't try this race with a full bladder ;)
Daryoush
John T's Wente Crit Report-4/29/12
Wente Crit - Sunday in Livermore
Cat 4 35+
Teammates - just me
Field size - I heard 79, felt like 100
Place - 14th
I have been feeling good for the last couple of weeks. I've been riding a lot of the PV group rides and holding my own. I got a super good warm up before the crit. A buddy sent me what he says is the best crit warm up and that most riders do not warm up properly. So I tried it. I get to the line sweating and can't believe how many guys are lined up. I do my best to stay near the front but the obvious sock turning inside out constantly pushes you back if you get forced to the middle. There are 5 primes during the race. I try for the 3rd on and end up 3rd in the sprint. I didn't want to waste the energy, but the pace was not very high for the race and I wanted to test the distance for the sprint. There was 1 bad crash I heard behind me. They had to bring in the Ambulance for one guy. There were almost several more crashes. One guy came flying into my left side shoulder. I kept my bike upright while the guy was leaning his whole body against me as it finally got his bike back upright. He was hit from behind and I heard yelling and screaming. The rider thanked me for staying upright and saving him a nasty crash on the back straight away. I thanked him for being 140 lbs!!
2 laps to go, time to move up. I do my best but everyone is getting real squirmy as both sides surge. Teams are getting into position. 1 lap to go, I use the gutter to try and get to the front, I get to about 8th position. Final turn, everyone in the race is surging up the side, I get blocked in the middle. I desperately look for a way to the sides...nothing. The leads outs are gunning already. I see a very small gap that opens in the middle...I pucker up and shoot through and just start sprinting. I move from about 25th to what I thought was maybe top 10, but I guess I was 14th. The same little guy that I saved earlier in the race is just in front of me, I am in his draft and going for the pass near the line and he unclips doing 30!! I'm probably 10 meters or more behind the winner. Bummer! I felt good but obviously have a lot to learn about getting into position for the sprint. The race was pretty fun, but I think I prefer the circuit or road races.
Cat 4 35+
Teammates - just me
Field size - I heard 79, felt like 100
Place - 14th
I have been feeling good for the last couple of weeks. I've been riding a lot of the PV group rides and holding my own. I got a super good warm up before the crit. A buddy sent me what he says is the best crit warm up and that most riders do not warm up properly. So I tried it. I get to the line sweating and can't believe how many guys are lined up. I do my best to stay near the front but the obvious sock turning inside out constantly pushes you back if you get forced to the middle. There are 5 primes during the race. I try for the 3rd on and end up 3rd in the sprint. I didn't want to waste the energy, but the pace was not very high for the race and I wanted to test the distance for the sprint. There was 1 bad crash I heard behind me. They had to bring in the Ambulance for one guy. There were almost several more crashes. One guy came flying into my left side shoulder. I kept my bike upright while the guy was leaning his whole body against me as it finally got his bike back upright. He was hit from behind and I heard yelling and screaming. The rider thanked me for staying upright and saving him a nasty crash on the back straight away. I thanked him for being 140 lbs!!
2 laps to go, time to move up. I do my best but everyone is getting real squirmy as both sides surge. Teams are getting into position. 1 lap to go, I use the gutter to try and get to the front, I get to about 8th position. Final turn, everyone in the race is surging up the side, I get blocked in the middle. I desperately look for a way to the sides...nothing. The leads outs are gunning already. I see a very small gap that opens in the middle...I pucker up and shoot through and just start sprinting. I move from about 25th to what I thought was maybe top 10, but I guess I was 14th. The same little guy that I saved earlier in the race is just in front of me, I am in his draft and going for the pass near the line and he unclips doing 30!! I'm probably 10 meters or more behind the winner. Bummer! I felt good but obviously have a lot to learn about getting into position for the sprint. The race was pretty fun, but I think I prefer the circuit or road races.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tom Rice's Santa Cruz Crit Report
Where – Santa Cruz Classic Criterium
When – 15 April, 2012
Race - 35+ Cat 4 - 39 Racers
Stats – 16 laps over "Up and Down Beach Hill"
CoreTechs teammates: Alan Takahashi, John Tsamasfyros
(I guess I also have to say this... I've arrived at the venue in plenty of time to register, warm-up and get ready to race. No rushing or being late. Sweet.)
We're bunched up, ready to go at the start line and we get this briefing: "At my whistle, go! TWEEEET!!".
We get started. I'm normally very quick to snap into my peddles and almost never have any trouble getting started but this time, it's different. I think I'm clipped in but my left foot slips off the peddle and I whack the front of my seat with my butt and tip the nose of my seat down about 20 degrees. My saddle is no longer anywhere near level. Well, that's a bummer. Now I can't really sit and peddle comfortably. Oh well, it is a very short race and the hills are short, punchy climbs best done standing up. I try to dismiss the problem after about three laps.
The pace is fairly quick from the start and the course is definitely technical. The descent from the start-finish straight leads into a mid-descent switch-back that stirs up the pack on every lap. If you're not on your game here, you will find yourself relegated to the back of the pack in short order. With my distracting seat situation, I find myself see-sawing between the front and the back of the pack during each of the first few laps. That's a lot of wasted energy! After a bit, I get my concentration in control and do a better job keeping near the front. Even so, some guys from Berkeley Bicycle Club are trying to manage the front and they don't seem to want any company.
There seems to be a pecking order in every race and sometimes you have to earn your place at the front. To that end, I take a flyer off the front. I don't mean to try a solo break but maybe someone will join me and I also hope to test some of my competitors to see who looks strong. After a couple of laps, I haven't learned much so I come back to the pack. Teammate Alan takes up the front for a good pull which gives me a charge of energy and enthusiasm. And, the front of the pack seems a little more "welcoming".
It's important to know that the course narrows coming to the last right hand turns that lead onto the hill on the front straight. On every lap there is much jockeying for position as we come through this section of the course. My plan towards the end of the race is to attack on this hill with two to go, hoping to draw out the stronger riders for a break that will take us to the finish. I end up solo. I'll let Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll take up the commentary:
Phil: "This attack by the CoreTechs rider is a brave one. I think he might just make it. I certainly hope he does!"
Paul: "You're hoping against hope, Phil. I don't think he has a chance. The pack doesn't seem to be relenting and they know he will be slowing on that last hill approaching this finish line."
Bob: "This is Rice from the CoreTechs Cycling Team. I've done some research on this guy. He has a reputation for impossible solo efforts that submarine his opportunities to win. Someone needs to take a frame pump and whack some sense into him!"
Phil: "There is a rider that seems ready to join Rice in the break, maybe they can work together..."
Paul: "It certainly doesn't look like it. Rice is looking for some help but this bridging rider doesn't seem to have anything to offer... and the pack is charging!!"
Bob: "Rice is melting like a kid's snowcone on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk!"
Phil: "Paul, you had it right. With 300 meters to go, the pack is swarming past Rice. They are sprinting for the finish!! Rice's teammate Takahashi is right there... he might have it... oh and he is just pipped at the line. Matthew Hough from SquadraSF gets the win and CoreTechs rider Alan Takahashi crosses in second with a great sprint finish..."
(cut back to reality)
So, it was a fun race! I'm super jazzed that Alan got second. As usual, I get some good lessons and, even without a top finish, I get a good dose of confidence I need for future criteriums. And, maybe, just maybe, I've finally learned my lesson about leading out the final laps of a race. We'll see.
Tom Rice
Bicycle Racer
CoreTechs Cycling Team
When – 15 April, 2012
Race - 35+ Cat 4 - 39 Racers
Stats – 16 laps over "Up and Down Beach Hill"
CoreTechs teammates: Alan Takahashi, John Tsamasfyros
(I guess I also have to say this... I've arrived at the venue in plenty of time to register, warm-up and get ready to race. No rushing or being late. Sweet.)
We're bunched up, ready to go at the start line and we get this briefing: "At my whistle, go! TWEEEET!!".
We get started. I'm normally very quick to snap into my peddles and almost never have any trouble getting started but this time, it's different. I think I'm clipped in but my left foot slips off the peddle and I whack the front of my seat with my butt and tip the nose of my seat down about 20 degrees. My saddle is no longer anywhere near level. Well, that's a bummer. Now I can't really sit and peddle comfortably. Oh well, it is a very short race and the hills are short, punchy climbs best done standing up. I try to dismiss the problem after about three laps.
The pace is fairly quick from the start and the course is definitely technical. The descent from the start-finish straight leads into a mid-descent switch-back that stirs up the pack on every lap. If you're not on your game here, you will find yourself relegated to the back of the pack in short order. With my distracting seat situation, I find myself see-sawing between the front and the back of the pack during each of the first few laps. That's a lot of wasted energy! After a bit, I get my concentration in control and do a better job keeping near the front. Even so, some guys from Berkeley Bicycle Club are trying to manage the front and they don't seem to want any company.
There seems to be a pecking order in every race and sometimes you have to earn your place at the front. To that end, I take a flyer off the front. I don't mean to try a solo break but maybe someone will join me and I also hope to test some of my competitors to see who looks strong. After a couple of laps, I haven't learned much so I come back to the pack. Teammate Alan takes up the front for a good pull which gives me a charge of energy and enthusiasm. And, the front of the pack seems a little more "welcoming".
It's important to know that the course narrows coming to the last right hand turns that lead onto the hill on the front straight. On every lap there is much jockeying for position as we come through this section of the course. My plan towards the end of the race is to attack on this hill with two to go, hoping to draw out the stronger riders for a break that will take us to the finish. I end up solo. I'll let Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll take up the commentary:
Phil: "This attack by the CoreTechs rider is a brave one. I think he might just make it. I certainly hope he does!"
Paul: "You're hoping against hope, Phil. I don't think he has a chance. The pack doesn't seem to be relenting and they know he will be slowing on that last hill approaching this finish line."
Bob: "This is Rice from the CoreTechs Cycling Team. I've done some research on this guy. He has a reputation for impossible solo efforts that submarine his opportunities to win. Someone needs to take a frame pump and whack some sense into him!"
Phil: "There is a rider that seems ready to join Rice in the break, maybe they can work together..."
Paul: "It certainly doesn't look like it. Rice is looking for some help but this bridging rider doesn't seem to have anything to offer... and the pack is charging!!"
Bob: "Rice is melting like a kid's snowcone on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk!"
Phil: "Paul, you had it right. With 300 meters to go, the pack is swarming past Rice. They are sprinting for the finish!! Rice's teammate Takahashi is right there... he might have it... oh and he is just pipped at the line. Matthew Hough from SquadraSF gets the win and CoreTechs rider Alan Takahashi crosses in second with a great sprint finish..."
(cut back to reality)
So, it was a fun race! I'm super jazzed that Alan got second. As usual, I get some good lessons and, even without a top finish, I get a good dose of confidence I need for future criteriums. And, maybe, just maybe, I've finally learned my lesson about leading out the final laps of a race. We'll see.
Tom Rice
Bicycle Racer
CoreTechs Cycling Team
John T's Sea Otter Report (circuit and XC course)
Saturday in April (2012) from John Tsamasfyros
Sea Otter Cat 4 35+
They started all Cat 4's in a mass start which was a little distracting. I stayed with the front group for only 2 laps and then the elites dropped me on the steep climb. I settled in with a couple guys following the main group. I had no idea how many 35+ were in there but my guess and from what I saw maybe 3 guys up there from my age group at the most. The climb hurt every time. I ended up riding alone for a few laps after I dropped the guys I was with. After about 6 laps I decided to wait for a group of 8 behind me. I settled in with them for a lap or 2 more. Then all a sudden the starter whistled us out of the race with 2 laps left. Very disappointing! I think I was top 10 for sure maybe even top 5 in the 35+ if I could have won the sprint with the group I was with. We were not going to get lapped. We were all quite frustrated and went and talked to the starter. Obviously nothing we could do at this point and he didn't have any answers for us. So the results in the Cat 4 35+ shows only 3 guys. They said there was a problem with the photo finish, but what really happened was he pulled all the 35, 45 and 55+ riders that were not in the lead group and had no idea where anyone finished. Enough bitching....I basically raced an open Cat 4 race and got dropped is the bottom line. I had my family down there and it was really hot and a good time at the expo anyway.
Sunday
Cat 3 40-42 XC on Super Dave's Salsa 29er
12th
Dave was kind enough to lend me his Salsa 29er for my first XC race since I was 18. I was able to do one test ride earlier in the week but unable to pre ride the Sea Otter course because I had my daughters with me. There were A LOT of riders at the start. I couldn't believe it. Tons of age groups. There were about 45 guys in my age group of 40-42, not to mention all the age groups before and after. The start was a hammer fest on the track. I group of 3 got away early. I settled in around 6th heading on to the trail. soon enough I see a steep short climb and everyone is walking their bikes. I can't even find the lead 3 guys because they were mixed in the tail end of the 35-39 group that started 2 min ahead of us. We do some rollers. I am starting to feel better and more comfortable and start passing guys. We get to the single track. To make a long story short, I crash 3 times from the sand. Dave's bike is fine as I was not going real fast. The front wheel just kept slipping away in the sand. I learned to never use the front brake in the sand after it was basically too late. I lost some position after the 3 crashes. The climb back out started and I rode hard and only passed guys. There were all sorts of age groups on the course at this point. My heart rate averaged 170 for almost 1 1/2 hrs. I did well climbing on the single track. I thought maybe I was top 10 when I crossed the line but I ended up 12th. I think a pre ride would have helped a lot. I had a blast!! Even with all the scrapes and bruises... Time to get back into XC racing
Sea Otter Cat 4 35+
They started all Cat 4's in a mass start which was a little distracting. I stayed with the front group for only 2 laps and then the elites dropped me on the steep climb. I settled in with a couple guys following the main group. I had no idea how many 35+ were in there but my guess and from what I saw maybe 3 guys up there from my age group at the most. The climb hurt every time. I ended up riding alone for a few laps after I dropped the guys I was with. After about 6 laps I decided to wait for a group of 8 behind me. I settled in with them for a lap or 2 more. Then all a sudden the starter whistled us out of the race with 2 laps left. Very disappointing! I think I was top 10 for sure maybe even top 5 in the 35+ if I could have won the sprint with the group I was with. We were not going to get lapped. We were all quite frustrated and went and talked to the starter. Obviously nothing we could do at this point and he didn't have any answers for us. So the results in the Cat 4 35+ shows only 3 guys. They said there was a problem with the photo finish, but what really happened was he pulled all the 35, 45 and 55+ riders that were not in the lead group and had no idea where anyone finished. Enough bitching....I basically raced an open Cat 4 race and got dropped is the bottom line. I had my family down there and it was really hot and a good time at the expo anyway.
Sunday
Cat 3 40-42 XC on Super Dave's Salsa 29er
12th
Dave was kind enough to lend me his Salsa 29er for my first XC race since I was 18. I was able to do one test ride earlier in the week but unable to pre ride the Sea Otter course because I had my daughters with me. There were A LOT of riders at the start. I couldn't believe it. Tons of age groups. There were about 45 guys in my age group of 40-42, not to mention all the age groups before and after. The start was a hammer fest on the track. I group of 3 got away early. I settled in around 6th heading on to the trail. soon enough I see a steep short climb and everyone is walking their bikes. I can't even find the lead 3 guys because they were mixed in the tail end of the 35-39 group that started 2 min ahead of us. We do some rollers. I am starting to feel better and more comfortable and start passing guys. We get to the single track. To make a long story short, I crash 3 times from the sand. Dave's bike is fine as I was not going real fast. The front wheel just kept slipping away in the sand. I learned to never use the front brake in the sand after it was basically too late. I lost some position after the 3 crashes. The climb back out started and I rode hard and only passed guys. There were all sorts of age groups on the course at this point. My heart rate averaged 170 for almost 1 1/2 hrs. I did well climbing on the single track. I thought maybe I was top 10 when I crossed the line but I ended up 12th. I think a pre ride would have helped a lot. I had a blast!! Even with all the scrapes and bruises... Time to get back into XC racing
Mark Dames Metro Tri turned Duathlon Report
Date: 4/22
Race: SJ Metro Tri, 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 10K run
Place: 5th out of 30 in 50-54 age group.
I had signed up for this in the hopes of doing a family relay, but both daughters had to cancel and the swim was canned do to poor water quality.
I have been sick with worsening chest cold for a week, haven't been working out for the same period and debate canceling altogether.
It turns out the enforced taper was a good thing, and my seat area and neck turn out to be bigger problems.
As Andrew stated, a 1 mile intro run was substituted for the swim --- a run, bike, run format:
8:00 am start for my age group sees about a dozen guys sprint off into the distance. No way I can hang with these guys, I let them go and try to keep my heart rate moderate for the work to be done on the bike. I've been steadily building wattage on the trainer and plan a German blitzkreig on the bike ala stormin' Norman Stadler to bury my competitors. Then, I don't care what happens on the run, I know I'm dead meat.
The course starts flat and into the wind for 11 miles, then a turn around with several high speed miles to the big bump, a 300' climb over a mile at Bailey Avenue around mile 15, then rolling, mostly down hill to the finish.
I start on the flats at about 25 mph. The course turns into the wind and I'm down to 18-19. Within 10 minutes I start catching some 4 minute men (the age group waves went off four minutes apart).Within 25 minutes I start catching 8 minute men. Ahead in the distance is a group weaving back and forth like they are drafting/changing positions. They are wandering back and forth like they are racing each other instead trying to be fastest to the finish line. Goof balls. 200, yards, 100 yards, I'm on them. These turn out to be the majority of my age group 50+ rabbits. I dive to the inside and pass them all. Good bye, my TT bike can't be matched on this course, this date.
I hit the turn around, down a goo, drink water, and let the heart rate recover from the windfest I've just been through for about 20 seconds. The speed goes to 28 mph which I hold for the better part of 3 miles. A non stop parade of competitors go past me in reverse. No one has passed me yet. This is fun.
Bailey hill appears. I downshift to 2nd, then 1st and try to control the heart rate. It's done before I know it and now the down hill rollers past Calero Reservoir require the 53x12 treatment. I hit 38 mph, I stay above 30 for much of the way back to town. On one of the rollers, a challenger appears from behind, passes me and he's in my age group. This guys is strong, especially on the rollers. he passes a horse trailer on the inside, I have to follow to keep pace. We crest another roller and he seems to loose interest and fades. I hit the city streets again and with 5 miles to go start to have problems. 1) my tri shorts have a seam that has started to cut into me, distracting me from a full power cadence, and 2) my neck muscles are giving out, I can't hold my head up to look down the road very far. I never train on my TT bike, and my position is so slammed that in addition to being flat back aero, I have to crane my neck up at an unpracticed angle to see down the road. Not being able to do this, and having to stand up to relieve seat pressure, bleeds focus and speed off my homeward pull. When I get back to transition, I've passed everyone in my age group except two guys. Those two are running under 7 minute miles, and I'm not in their running league. I discover my "speed laces" (bungie cord type laces with a quick release cam) have a jammed cam. I can't tighten one shoe. I blow a minute screwing around with the cam and then just granny knot the laces to get out on the run.
I just try and hold a steady pace on the run, I have no second gear. Two of my age group pass me. I finish without slowing, but don't reel anyone in. I place 5th, and 1:22 out of the money. I'm second fastest on the bike at 22.05 mph avg speed, but could have gone faster, and I've lost critical time in transition.
I find Andrew and Dave Mayer after the race and both have podiumed. Congratulations guys!
Note to self: 1) get better shorts, 2) work on the neck muscles, 3) get better speed laces.
Congratulations to everyone racing this weekend.
Cheers.
Mark D.
Race: SJ Metro Tri, 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 10K run
Place: 5th out of 30 in 50-54 age group.
I have been sick with worsening chest cold for a week, haven't been working out for the same period and debate canceling altogether.
It turns out the enforced taper was a good thing, and my seat area and neck turn out to be bigger problems.
As Andrew stated, a 1 mile intro run was substituted for the swim --- a run, bike, run format:
8:00 am start for my age group sees about a dozen guys sprint off into the distance. No way I can hang with these guys, I let them go and try to keep my heart rate moderate for the work to be done on the bike. I've been steadily building wattage on the trainer and plan a German blitzkreig on the bike ala stormin' Norman Stadler to bury my competitors. Then, I don't care what happens on the run, I know I'm dead meat.
The course starts flat and into the wind for 11 miles, then a turn around with several high speed miles to the big bump, a 300' climb over a mile at Bailey Avenue around mile 15, then rolling, mostly down hill to the finish.
I start on the flats at about 25 mph. The course turns into the wind and I'm down to 18-19. Within 10 minutes I start catching some 4 minute men (the age group waves went off four minutes apart).Within 25 minutes I start catching 8 minute men. Ahead in the distance is a group weaving back and forth like they are drafting/changing positions. They are wandering back and forth like they are racing each other instead trying to be fastest to the finish line. Goof balls. 200, yards, 100 yards, I'm on them. These turn out to be the majority of my age group 50+ rabbits. I dive to the inside and pass them all. Good bye, my TT bike can't be matched on this course, this date.
I hit the turn around, down a goo, drink water, and let the heart rate recover from the windfest I've just been through for about 20 seconds. The speed goes to 28 mph which I hold for the better part of 3 miles. A non stop parade of competitors go past me in reverse. No one has passed me yet. This is fun.
Bailey hill appears. I downshift to 2nd, then 1st and try to control the heart rate. It's done before I know it and now the down hill rollers past Calero Reservoir require the 53x12 treatment. I hit 38 mph, I stay above 30 for much of the way back to town. On one of the rollers, a challenger appears from behind, passes me and he's in my age group. This guys is strong, especially on the rollers. he passes a horse trailer on the inside, I have to follow to keep pace. We crest another roller and he seems to loose interest and fades. I hit the city streets again and with 5 miles to go start to have problems. 1) my tri shorts have a seam that has started to cut into me, distracting me from a full power cadence, and 2) my neck muscles are giving out, I can't hold my head up to look down the road very far. I never train on my TT bike, and my position is so slammed that in addition to being flat back aero, I have to crane my neck up at an unpracticed angle to see down the road. Not being able to do this, and having to stand up to relieve seat pressure, bleeds focus and speed off my homeward pull. When I get back to transition, I've passed everyone in my age group except two guys. Those two are running under 7 minute miles, and I'm not in their running league. I discover my "speed laces" (bungie cord type laces with a quick release cam) have a jammed cam. I can't tighten one shoe. I blow a minute screwing around with the cam and then just granny knot the laces to get out on the run.
I just try and hold a steady pace on the run, I have no second gear. Two of my age group pass me. I finish without slowing, but don't reel anyone in. I place 5th, and 1:22 out of the money. I'm second fastest on the bike at 22.05 mph avg speed, but could have gone faster, and I've lost critical time in transition.
I find Andrew and Dave Mayer after the race and both have podiumed. Congratulations guys!
Note to self: 1) get better shorts, 2) work on the neck muscles, 3) get better speed laces.
Congratulations to everyone racing this weekend.
Cheers.
Mark D.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Dave Tripier Sea Otter Dirt Report
Mountain Bike Cross Country Race (Awesome Pic by Tim Westmore)
Place: 6th place Cat 2
Total : 45?
Race Conditions: Cool 57, foggy, no wind, some deep sand.
Had a good race on Sunday and kept the rubber side down the entire race. Lot's of crashes in the deep sand and twisty fire road, and surprising enough many people pushing their bikes even though they were in Cat 2.
The good:
- 6th place
- No crashes (just a scrape from a branch to inner calf)
- No mechanicals
- Cool swishing singe track 3 miles in and 11 miles in.
The bad:
- People crashing in the sand typically falling across the entire trail. Ran over a couple of bikes in the process - doh!
- Traffic jam city on the sandy single track
- Passing was hard. Just a mass of humanity out there!
- Ran out of gas at the end
The unexpected:
- Sram upgraded my 2011 XX brakes - because of air being formed and you can not stop - to NEW 2012 XX! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!
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