2011 PSIMET Racing Announcement
PSIMET & ENZO Press Release
2 weeks ago
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
PSIMET Racing
is taking over the world. if you plan to keep up you better get signed up.
PSIMET has launched a new indoor training center in the Chicagoland area. brand spanking new CompuTrainers, fancy TrainingPeaks Software, and an accomplished coach are just a few of the highlights.
CompuTrainer Classes
Indoor Racing League
don't get left behind this off season. i know i wont. later.
PSIMET has launched a new indoor training center in the Chicagoland area. brand spanking new CompuTrainers, fancy TrainingPeaks Software, and an accomplished coach are just a few of the highlights.
CompuTrainer Classes
Indoor Racing League
don't get left behind this off season. i know i wont. later.
Friday, November 05, 2010
i see you twenty eleven
first, i need to complete my 2010 Fall Fling race report.
i raced weekend two of the Fling. it was hard. i did not do as well as i wanted. however, a teammate won the overall podium (CAT 4s). that was sweet.
second, it is almost time to start training for 2011. almost i say, since i have a the Canal Connection 1ok this Sunday, then a week long business trip, then the Red Eye 8k when i return.
after that it will be me, the trainer, the plasma, and more base hours then i have ever dreamed of completing. EVAR!
twenty eleven, i see you baby.
i raced weekend two of the Fling. it was hard. i did not do as well as i wanted. however, a teammate won the overall podium (CAT 4s). that was sweet.
second, it is almost time to start training for 2011. almost i say, since i have a the Canal Connection 1ok this Sunday, then a week long business trip, then the Red Eye 8k when i return.
after that it will be me, the trainer, the plasma, and more base hours then i have ever dreamed of completing. EVAR!
twenty eleven, i see you baby.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fall Fling
"You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting."
A disappointing statement of fact for my first two days of the 2010 Fall Fling.
For those not in the know, the Fall Fling is a four race series held over two weekends. This year we have a Crit, a TT & two Circuit races.
Up first was the crit at the Pelladrome (business park where Pella Windows is located). This is the same location ABD held its weekly training crits. This is a non technical oval course. I may have been the only person in the field who was riding the course for the first time.
The race was tame and uneventful. A basic 25 mph group ride waiting for the final 200meter sprint finish. Knowing this was coming down to a bunched sprint I figured I would give a flyer a go. At the start/finish, with one to go, a rider made a move from behind the pack up the left. I wanted to grab his wheel, but something happened, I didn't shift quickly, wrong gear, not sure.....but it took me a second to get going.
As a result it took me turns one and two to get the wheel. Too much effort was spent due to the miss. When he crapped out I couldn't respond. Now I was just dangling off the front going into turn 3 waiting for the swarm. I finished almost last.
Sunday was the TT. Just me and the 9. No TT bike or converted road bike. It was only 9.6 miles, but 6 of that was into a nasty little headwind. In the end I went hard, maybe not hard enough. My Garmin was off a bit and I thought I was faster then I was. Maybe I was just wishing I was faster....
A disappointing statement of fact for my first two days of the 2010 Fall Fling.
For those not in the know, the Fall Fling is a four race series held over two weekends. This year we have a Crit, a TT & two Circuit races.
Up first was the crit at the Pelladrome (business park where Pella Windows is located). This is the same location ABD held its weekly training crits. This is a non technical oval course. I may have been the only person in the field who was riding the course for the first time.
The race was tame and uneventful. A basic 25 mph group ride waiting for the final 200meter sprint finish. Knowing this was coming down to a bunched sprint I figured I would give a flyer a go. At the start/finish, with one to go, a rider made a move from behind the pack up the left. I wanted to grab his wheel, but something happened, I didn't shift quickly, wrong gear, not sure.....but it took me a second to get going.
As a result it took me turns one and two to get the wheel. Too much effort was spent due to the miss. When he crapped out I couldn't respond. Now I was just dangling off the front going into turn 3 waiting for the swarm. I finished almost last.
Sunday was the TT. Just me and the 9. No TT bike or converted road bike. It was only 9.6 miles, but 6 of that was into a nasty little headwind. In the end I went hard, maybe not hard enough. My Garmin was off a bit and I thought I was faster then I was. Maybe I was just wishing I was faster....
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
i need to dig these bad boys out of the closet. at least i think they are in the closet. i have got grand total of zero miles on them for 2010.
every year, this very same time of the year, things change. the wife is headed back to work, the kid is starting school & the days are getting shorter. the grind is back in full effect.
in order to deal i bust out the running shoes. running takes up less of my time and allows me to hang onto my fitness a bit longer. i enjoy it, sort of. running and me have an odd relationship. i love the feeling of a great run. gliding, hovering, just above the ground. however, about the time i reach some form of, well, running form, i transition to the trainer for the winter.
cyclo-cross is all the buzz right now with PSIMET Racing. i am sure it is something i would fully enjoy and even be decent at, but time is not going to permit it. it is all about balance.
"Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
the 100
last week i logged 1300 miles, behind the windshield of a car. most for work, some for fun. either way that seems like a lot.
after a nice get-a-way weekend in St. Louis with family and good friends i was free and clear on Monday. i knew exactly what i needed to do. what i must do.
the solo self supported century sufferfest (SSSCF) or the 100. no, the ride did not take place on the 9, but my trusty 06 Giant TCR C2. she and i have seen many a century, but none this year.
i departed at 8am in perfect conditions. the 70 degrees were fall like, but that is to be expected after weeks in the 90s. i felt good, rested, but leery of how the mind and body would handle the long haul.
the goal for the day was modest, under six hours. looking back at my past solo attempts i really did struggle with them. i have completed close to 20 single day rides of 100 miles or more since 2006. slow and fast ones. i know what to expect. as much as one can know what to expect when one plans to ride a bike for 6 hours.
the rundown
-legs were good, not great, & i faded near the end.
-i was oddly focused & motivated for this effort.
-had to improvise my planned route due to gravel.
-stopped around mile 60 to refill the bottles.
-Assos plus DZNutz is the only way to go long.
-5 hr 36 min total time / 5 hr 20 min ride time / 101 miles.
-consumed 5 bottles of water, 1 HEED, 1 Cliff Bar, 1 Kashi Bar, 2 Hammer Gels
-mixing Hammer Chocolate & Raspberry is a good idea.
a great day on the bike for sure.
after a nice get-a-way weekend in St. Louis with family and good friends i was free and clear on Monday. i knew exactly what i needed to do. what i must do.
the solo self supported century sufferfest (SSSCF) or the 100. no, the ride did not take place on the 9, but my trusty 06 Giant TCR C2. she and i have seen many a century, but none this year.
i departed at 8am in perfect conditions. the 70 degrees were fall like, but that is to be expected after weeks in the 90s. i felt good, rested, but leery of how the mind and body would handle the long haul.
the goal for the day was modest, under six hours. looking back at my past solo attempts i really did struggle with them. i have completed close to 20 single day rides of 100 miles or more since 2006. slow and fast ones. i know what to expect. as much as one can know what to expect when one plans to ride a bike for 6 hours.
the rundown
-legs were good, not great, & i faded near the end.
-i was oddly focused & motivated for this effort.
-had to improvise my planned route due to gravel.
-stopped around mile 60 to refill the bottles.
-Assos plus DZNutz is the only way to go long.
-5 hr 36 min total time / 5 hr 20 min ride time / 101 miles.
-consumed 5 bottles of water, 1 HEED, 1 Cliff Bar, 1 Kashi Bar, 2 Hammer Gels
-mixing Hammer Chocolate & Raspberry is a good idea.
a great day on the bike for sure.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Rubbing is Racing
Grayslake Cycling Classic 8.7.10
i went to a race and a monkey fell in front of me.
someone needs to tell me why i spend the first 5 laps of every race near the back of the pack. do i like the pain that comes with the surges? do i like the fear of the back of the pack crash? am i just really dumb? could it be a bad combination of them all?
anyway, i was racing, getting comfortable with the turns, when 2.5 laps into the race a rider went down in front of me. he almost made a spectacular save, but didn't. i think we all avoided him, but we did it very slowly. race over.
i wanted to drive us back to the pack, but the pack was flying and few were interested. they let our little group of maybe 10 race around for about 27 minutes. they even gave us the one to go (when the main pack had about 4 to go). that was cool. with that signal i rode away from our group to stomp out some frustration.
27th out of 50 starters. John & Kyle were smart, rode at the front, and finished with the lead pack. nice job boys.
the Boss let me sulk and pout a bit after my race before he reminded me; "Dude, that's racing."
secretly i only toss my helmet around because i want a new one.
next up i watched the CAT 3s. we had 5 in the race. some young, some old, some new, some just back from injury. they all rode really well.
my day was not done. typically i pre reg for these events and always think the longer the drive, the more racing i need to do. Masters 30 CAT 1 thru 4.
oh no he didn't.
i think there were three 4s the race. me, my teammate Joe, and one xXx rider, but i could be wrong. there was some talent there. 30 riders and i knew half of them, which means their reputations preceded them.
i lasted 2 laps before falling off. it took me 3 more laps to catch Joe. i won't drag this out. i mean we were lapped once. i finished last of the finishers. yet, it was extremely satisfying for me.
that's racing.
i went to a race and a monkey fell in front of me.
someone needs to tell me why i spend the first 5 laps of every race near the back of the pack. do i like the pain that comes with the surges? do i like the fear of the back of the pack crash? am i just really dumb? could it be a bad combination of them all?
anyway, i was racing, getting comfortable with the turns, when 2.5 laps into the race a rider went down in front of me. he almost made a spectacular save, but didn't. i think we all avoided him, but we did it very slowly. race over.
i wanted to drive us back to the pack, but the pack was flying and few were interested. they let our little group of maybe 10 race around for about 27 minutes. they even gave us the one to go (when the main pack had about 4 to go). that was cool. with that signal i rode away from our group to stomp out some frustration.
27th out of 50 starters. John & Kyle were smart, rode at the front, and finished with the lead pack. nice job boys.
the Boss let me sulk and pout a bit after my race before he reminded me; "Dude, that's racing."
secretly i only toss my helmet around because i want a new one.
next up i watched the CAT 3s. we had 5 in the race. some young, some old, some new, some just back from injury. they all rode really well.
my day was not done. typically i pre reg for these events and always think the longer the drive, the more racing i need to do. Masters 30 CAT 1 thru 4.
oh no he didn't.
i think there were three 4s the race. me, my teammate Joe, and one xXx rider, but i could be wrong. there was some talent there. 30 riders and i knew half of them, which means their reputations preceded them.
i lasted 2 laps before falling off. it took me 3 more laps to catch Joe. i won't drag this out. i mean we were lapped once. i finished last of the finishers. yet, it was extremely satisfying for me.
that's racing.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
A Wise Man Once Told Me
"You cant expect to finish 22nd every time."
7.31.2010 Tour of Elk Grove, Mens CAT 4, 35 minutes.
This isn't going to be all that complicated. I Did Not Finish the race. First DNF of the year and my fresh racing career.
I have been chasing something for a while and ignoring the obvious. The wife could see it, the mom in law could see it, the four year old could see it, but not me. Too much chart staring and confusion as to why the damn blue line wasn't going upward.
Eight efforts in Nine days leading up the race had me getting pulled with about 3 laps to go. I got the throat slash from USAC & pulled with 3 other riders despite working my arse off, 25 mph & 275w. I didn't take that very well. We weren't getting lapped or going to be lapped AND I like to finish.
However, I get it. I sucked today no matter how many laps I finished, or didn't, and a safe finish for the pack is more important.
This course requires a fresh set of legs and clear mind. The surges out of the tight corners were massive for me. The U-turn was, well, a U-turn and I never figured that one out. What hurt the most was the acceleration coming out of turn 2 & 3 onto a slight uphill back stretch. Not really my kind of course. No, I don't know what kind of course suits me best, but it aint Elk Grove Village. :)
A couple days off and a couple Fat Tire beers have been jotted down for this coming week. Up next for PSIMET Racing is the Grayslake Cycling Classic.
7.31.2010 Tour of Elk Grove, Mens CAT 4, 35 minutes.
This isn't going to be all that complicated. I Did Not Finish the race. First DNF of the year and my fresh racing career.
I have been chasing something for a while and ignoring the obvious. The wife could see it, the mom in law could see it, the four year old could see it, but not me. Too much chart staring and confusion as to why the damn blue line wasn't going upward.
Eight efforts in Nine days leading up the race had me getting pulled with about 3 laps to go. I got the throat slash from USAC & pulled with 3 other riders despite working my arse off, 25 mph & 275w. I didn't take that very well. We weren't getting lapped or going to be lapped AND I like to finish.
However, I get it. I sucked today no matter how many laps I finished, or didn't, and a safe finish for the pack is more important.
This course requires a fresh set of legs and clear mind. The surges out of the tight corners were massive for me. The U-turn was, well, a U-turn and I never figured that one out. What hurt the most was the acceleration coming out of turn 2 & 3 onto a slight uphill back stretch. Not really my kind of course. No, I don't know what kind of course suits me best, but it aint Elk Grove Village. :)
A couple days off and a couple Fat Tire beers have been jotted down for this coming week. Up next for PSIMET Racing is the Grayslake Cycling Classic.
Friday, July 23, 2010
SSSCSF
July is fast moving. the door on July is about to hit us in the face. done, closed, finished.
Superweek is almost over, but there is plenty of racing yet to be done. in fact, one more Super effort today, up in Kenosha, then the Tour of Elk Grove, then Grayslake Cycling Classic, then the Ronny Reagan Crit, then goodbye August.
my year is missing something. something close to my cycling heart.
100 miles.
i got my start as a super century domestique. 5 to 8 centuries a year. last year, at the Bicycle Tour of Colorado Bangert, & I knocked out several in one week. good times.
i need some solo self supported century sufferfest.
2009 SSSCSF
2006 SSSCSF
2010 _______ book it.
Superweek is almost over, but there is plenty of racing yet to be done. in fact, one more Super effort today, up in Kenosha, then the Tour of Elk Grove, then Grayslake Cycling Classic, then the Ronny Reagan Crit, then goodbye August.
my year is missing something. something close to my cycling heart.
100 miles.
i got my start as a super century domestique. 5 to 8 centuries a year. last year, at the Bicycle Tour of Colorado Bangert, & I knocked out several in one week. good times.
i need some solo self supported century sufferfest.
2009 SSSCSF
2006 SSSCSF
2010 _______ book it.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Just Got Paid
Evanston Grand Prix (Superweek), 7.18.10, M35+ 4/5 Field.
Going into Geneva I felt great. Nervous about the technical course, but everything else was lined up. It was a difficult race and while my final spot doesn't reveal this, I rode well. Going into Evanston everything was not lined up. It is not my style to sandbag or under estimate my form, but I really wasn't feeling "it" yesterday.
A quick thunderstorm postponed things for a bit and allowed us to get in several warm up laps. Uh, wow, 6 left turns, 1 right turn, several that seemed tight, and several with manholes occupying the optimal line.
My PT wasn't working, which made me made (likely dead hub batteries). I had a kid in tow and while she had excellent race day sitters (Team PSIMET significant others RULE!) I still worry that she is OK, behaving, listening, not swimming in the local fountain :) and so on. Plus, when the rain cleared it got super hot. I think I covered it all.
Race Quick Hitters
1. Started at the back. Like all the way back.
2. Missed my clip in, but hey I was already OTB.
3. Once again, took me 5 or six laps to get comfortable.
4. PSIMET for the $50 prime...almost...nice effort Boss.
5.The only right hand turn was killing me.
6. Moved up gradually this time around.
7. Never saw the one man break who stayed away for the win.
8. In the drops, on the saddle, worked best for me & that right hander.
9. Bell lap, sitting 3rd, turn two crash, jumped on it hard to get a gap.
10. Got squirrelly in 5 on squishy asphalt, lost momentum & 2nd place.
I was going , but wanted to make a move coming out of the right hander when the crash behind us dictated otherwise. We were racing for second and I likely don't win that sprint, but I have a much better chance sitting 2nd wheel coming out of the last turn as opposed to first. Second, went around early, then 3rd, then 4th, and I was crapping out. I pushed through it, arse on the tip of the saddle, funny pain face on full display and grabbed me some 5th place.
Still plenty of room for improvement.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Willow Springs Road Race....
.....Road Race, Criterium, Circuit Race, Short Group Ride. Whatever it officially was I enjoyed it. I mean racing on Tuesday with perfect weather is much better than being tied to a desk on a Tuesday with perfect weather.
Keep in mind this is my first year of racing. It is all a new experience for me. From the events to the terminology to fellow riders comments to almost hitting a barricade while attempting to grab a water bottle at 25 mph, and so on.
I pre rode the course a week ago, but was interested to see how it would be officially set up. Meaning which roads of the three, if any, would be closed. Willow Springs was the only one. At least we could trudge uphill in both lanes. Archer & 95th were single lanes, center line rule enforced, with either barricades and/or cones.
Despinte being 20 minutes behind schedule I think Superweek put on another fantastic event.
I don't want to drag this out. I mean a CAT4 race report isn't appointment reading.
Quick Hitters: 7.13.10 Willow Springs Road Race M4/5 20 miles
1. Neutral Start was interesting. I wasn't ready to just dart out of the parking lot like that.
2. The only potential brake of the race was shut down, by the ladies race in front of us.
3. A flat can derail strong legs.
4. Braking at the front on a downhill back stretch seems odd.
5. Due to above Joe B. went down hard in the ditch (OK & finished).
6. You can crash hard going up hill.
7. I am getting better @ spotting the contenders for the day.
8. I still cant hold those contenders wheels.
9. Gassed @ the top w/ 1 to go cost me a top ten.
10. 26th out of 75 starters.
The last two efforts we good for me. Good right up until the end. I need to work on the end.
Good luck PSIMET Racing out at Lake Geneva today. I am back to work, tied to the desk and computer.
Keep in mind this is my first year of racing. It is all a new experience for me. From the events to the terminology to fellow riders comments to almost hitting a barricade while attempting to grab a water bottle at 25 mph, and so on.
I pre rode the course a week ago, but was interested to see how it would be officially set up. Meaning which roads of the three, if any, would be closed. Willow Springs was the only one. At least we could trudge uphill in both lanes. Archer & 95th were single lanes, center line rule enforced, with either barricades and/or cones.
Despinte being 20 minutes behind schedule I think Superweek put on another fantastic event.
I don't want to drag this out. I mean a CAT4 race report isn't appointment reading.
Quick Hitters: 7.13.10 Willow Springs Road Race M4/5 20 miles
1. Neutral Start was interesting. I wasn't ready to just dart out of the parking lot like that.
2. The only potential brake of the race was shut down, by the ladies race in front of us.
3. A flat can derail strong legs.
4. Braking at the front on a downhill back stretch seems odd.
5. Due to above Joe B. went down hard in the ditch (OK & finished).
6. You can crash hard going up hill.
7. I am getting better @ spotting the contenders for the day.
8. I still cant hold those contenders wheels.
9. Gassed @ the top w/ 1 to go cost me a top ten.
10. 26th out of 75 starters.
The last two efforts we good for me. Good right up until the end. I need to work on the end.
Good luck PSIMET Racing out at Lake Geneva today. I am back to work, tied to the desk and computer.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Same, but Different...
Superweek(s) is here. 17 consecutive days of bicycle racing in the Chicago Burbs and Southern Cheeseland. This is my first Superweek(s) and I only know, what I know, from others in the know. You got that?
It won't be 17 races for me, but I'm paid for four with the potential of 2 more. Six would be a lot for this old man in two weeks. I'll try to keep the race reports short and sweet.
7/10/2010 @ Geneva, Masters 35+ 4/5 Crit, 40 Minutes; I raced and I didn't win.
You want more? Cool.
Geneva is new to Superweek for 2010. I thought it was/is a great downtown area and setting for a race. The historic business district is fantastic and lined with mature trees providing shade. Parking was easy and registration was a breeze. Plus, the Coffee and Ice Cream was a plenty.
Pre race talk was all about crashing, oh and the crazy technical course, oh and the heat. It was hot, but that is never really an issue for me. I took my warm up lap and rolled through turns 2, 3, and 4.............wow this should be interesting, if not really dangerous.
I was in the second row for the start. Off we go and after three attempts to clip in I am at the back of the pack. Real nice Clark. I stayed back there the first 6 laps trying to figure out the course. It was pretty much single file, with braking, through those turns. Then it was surging at 500 to 600 watts up a slight hill to hang on. My Spider Senses were telling me this was not good for me.
Six laps in and the pack is fracturing even more. About 20 guys are going forward and 20 guys are going backwards. I moved forward and continued to do so the rest of the race. Well, most of the rest.
While I was OTB the winning break of 2 got away. I had no idea who was in that break. Not knowing caused me to burn one to many matches attempting to up the pace or jump on a chase group. The breakaway'ers had teammates in the pack doing their job to contain it. We were racing for third, which I realized right after I lit up that last match.
I rode well. After lap 6 I was in the top ten each time around. I was on the front way too long, but hey at least I was on it. I went into the last two turns up front............ect, ect, ect.......I finished 22nd.
Same, but different.
Willow Springs Circuit Race is up next. I hear there is a hill involved. I like hills. Later.
It won't be 17 races for me, but I'm paid for four with the potential of 2 more. Six would be a lot for this old man in two weeks. I'll try to keep the race reports short and sweet.
7/10/2010 @ Geneva, Masters 35+ 4/5 Crit, 40 Minutes; I raced and I didn't win.
You want more? Cool.
Geneva is new to Superweek for 2010. I thought it was/is a great downtown area and setting for a race. The historic business district is fantastic and lined with mature trees providing shade. Parking was easy and registration was a breeze. Plus, the Coffee and Ice Cream was a plenty.
Pre race talk was all about crashing, oh and the crazy technical course, oh and the heat. It was hot, but that is never really an issue for me. I took my warm up lap and rolled through turns 2, 3, and 4.............wow this should be interesting, if not really dangerous.
I was in the second row for the start. Off we go and after three attempts to clip in I am at the back of the pack. Real nice Clark. I stayed back there the first 6 laps trying to figure out the course. It was pretty much single file, with braking, through those turns. Then it was surging at 500 to 600 watts up a slight hill to hang on. My Spider Senses were telling me this was not good for me.
Six laps in and the pack is fracturing even more. About 20 guys are going forward and 20 guys are going backwards. I moved forward and continued to do so the rest of the race. Well, most of the rest.
While I was OTB the winning break of 2 got away. I had no idea who was in that break. Not knowing caused me to burn one to many matches attempting to up the pace or jump on a chase group. The breakaway'ers had teammates in the pack doing their job to contain it. We were racing for third, which I realized right after I lit up that last match.
I rode well. After lap 6 I was in the top ten each time around. I was on the front way too long, but hey at least I was on it. I went into the last two turns up front............ect, ect, ect.......I finished 22nd.
Same, but different.
Willow Springs Circuit Race is up next. I hear there is a hill involved. I like hills. Later.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Peoria Cycling Classic 6.27.2010
I think it was about the middle portion of our 8 Day Disney Extravaganza Vacation when I signed up for this race. It is the Illinois State Criterium Championship and my first race as a 4. Typically 3 days off the bike and I get a bit crazy and do crazy things. This was no different.
After 3 days of chasing my fitness Sunday arrived and I headed to Peoria with Joe. He was fresh of a 2nd place finish at the 2010 USA Cycling Paralympic Road Nationals in Bend, OR. In typical PSIMET fashion Joe was sure to mention he wasn't feeling the best form. His recent travel and racing had him wore out.
Did I mention I was off the bike for 8 days?
As we rolled up to the starting line I felt nervous. Not anxious like in races before, but straight up nerves. Did I have my number pinned correct? Would I get clipped in? Am I in the big ring? Will I be able to hold onto the group? Don't take anyone out Rookie!?!?
Three turns into the race and the nerves were settled. A rider dived turn three cutting myself and one of the race favorites off. We had to slow to avoid him clipping us. The little non event calmed me because I realized I was not the worst bike handler in the field. :)
I spent the first half of the race in the back half of the pack. I spent the second half of the race in front half of the pack. I followed the wheel of the previously mentioned race favorite for most of that second half. Another solid learning lesson for me. Following a strong rider with excellent handling skills is always nice.
I would have loved to follow Joe, but he was too busy being tired AND Off The Front gapping the pack. Dude is a beast. The field was marking him too. At one point the pack slowed going into a turn and he strolled up on the outside. Strolling, not hammering, not surging, not nothing. Yet I hear someone yelling "ATTACK, ATTACK on the outside. ATTACK on the left."
Onward: I was almost gapped twice on the stretch into wind due to poor corning and a gust of cross wind. Around the 30 minute mark I started wondering if I could keep this effort up for 10 more minutes. With two to go I moved towards the front behind Joe. I lost him somewhere though with one to go. Coming into the last two right handers Eric from BH went zooming past. I grabbed his wheel (Or was that tried??). I was there for a bit, but was toast as we hit the final stretch.
I was passed by many riders on that final stretch. I was pushing it and the legs were burning. At the end of the race I felt like I had nothing left. However, today I am recalling something Joe said and I realize I could have pushed harder.
"You sprint until you turn your insides out."
Despite being boxed in the last two turns Joe still managed 7th. I think I spotted him picking up his insides before getting his payday.
I really enjoyed the course. Eight turns, closed roads, wide roads, smooth roads... The race was fast and smooth. 25.8 mph for 40 minutes is no joke.
Team PSIMET had a smaller turnout for this race with it being 2 plus hours away for most of us. Still, we brought home a 9th in the Masters 30+, 5th in the CAT 3, and Joe's 7th. Nice work boys.
I think it was about the middle portion of our 8 Day Disney Extravaganza Vacation when I signed up for this race. It is the Illinois State Criterium Championship and my first race as a 4. Typically 3 days off the bike and I get a bit crazy and do crazy things. This was no different.
After 3 days of chasing my fitness Sunday arrived and I headed to Peoria with Joe. He was fresh of a 2nd place finish at the 2010 USA Cycling Paralympic Road Nationals in Bend, OR. In typical PSIMET fashion Joe was sure to mention he wasn't feeling the best form. His recent travel and racing had him wore out.
Did I mention I was off the bike for 8 days?
As we rolled up to the starting line I felt nervous. Not anxious like in races before, but straight up nerves. Did I have my number pinned correct? Would I get clipped in? Am I in the big ring? Will I be able to hold onto the group? Don't take anyone out Rookie!?!?
Three turns into the race and the nerves were settled. A rider dived turn three cutting myself and one of the race favorites off. We had to slow to avoid him clipping us. The little non event calmed me because I realized I was not the worst bike handler in the field. :)
I spent the first half of the race in the back half of the pack. I spent the second half of the race in front half of the pack. I followed the wheel of the previously mentioned race favorite for most of that second half. Another solid learning lesson for me. Following a strong rider with excellent handling skills is always nice.
I would have loved to follow Joe, but he was too busy being tired AND Off The Front gapping the pack. Dude is a beast. The field was marking him too. At one point the pack slowed going into a turn and he strolled up on the outside. Strolling, not hammering, not surging, not nothing. Yet I hear someone yelling "ATTACK, ATTACK on the outside. ATTACK on the left."
Onward: I was almost gapped twice on the stretch into wind due to poor corning and a gust of cross wind. Around the 30 minute mark I started wondering if I could keep this effort up for 10 more minutes. With two to go I moved towards the front behind Joe. I lost him somewhere though with one to go. Coming into the last two right handers Eric from BH went zooming past. I grabbed his wheel (Or was that tried??). I was there for a bit, but was toast as we hit the final stretch.
I was passed by many riders on that final stretch. I was pushing it and the legs were burning. At the end of the race I felt like I had nothing left. However, today I am recalling something Joe said and I realize I could have pushed harder.
"You sprint until you turn your insides out."
Despite being boxed in the last two turns Joe still managed 7th. I think I spotted him picking up his insides before getting his payday.
I really enjoyed the course. Eight turns, closed roads, wide roads, smooth roads... The race was fast and smooth. 25.8 mph for 40 minutes is no joke.
Team PSIMET had a smaller turnout for this race with it being 2 plus hours away for most of us. Still, we brought home a 9th in the Masters 30+, 5th in the CAT 3, and Joe's 7th. Nice work boys.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
bump n grind
*late report, but just got back from an extended vacation. time to find the bike and some form. i hope*
Sherman Park Crit this past Saturday. they had two 5 races, so i did two races.
first one, rode well and near the front. i was ready to make a move. however, i missed the one to go bell and had no idea the race was over. i never got my sprint on. mid pack finish. i blame the damn lady near the start/finish who rang her big arse cow bell every time around. or maybe not.
second one, rode well and near the front, but a bit too much on the inside out of the draft and in the wind. led a couple laps. payed attention this time and caught the one to go. tried to get my sprint on coming out of the last turn as i sat top ten. i left my sprint at home though. mid pack finish.
this was the least technical crit i have done all year. a complete oval where brakes should not be needed. i was involved in some bumping and grinding in race one. in race two i had a wheel near the front as things started to heat up. i am pretty sure it was my wheel and told the guy to my right as much. he hit me anyway. i thought his front skewer was going to rip apart my PSIMET hoops. next i think our bars hooked. he gave me the bump, i didn't panic, bounced off a guy shooting up the left (inside) and back into him. this sent him him off course. not sure if he went totally down or not.
that is 13 starts as a 5. my 4 upgrade is approved. now i go on vacation for 8 days. that should help my form a lot......
Sherman Park Crit this past Saturday. they had two 5 races, so i did two races.
first one, rode well and near the front. i was ready to make a move. however, i missed the one to go bell and had no idea the race was over. i never got my sprint on. mid pack finish. i blame the damn lady near the start/finish who rang her big arse cow bell every time around. or maybe not.
second one, rode well and near the front, but a bit too much on the inside out of the draft and in the wind. led a couple laps. payed attention this time and caught the one to go. tried to get my sprint on coming out of the last turn as i sat top ten. i left my sprint at home though. mid pack finish.
this was the least technical crit i have done all year. a complete oval where brakes should not be needed. i was involved in some bumping and grinding in race one. in race two i had a wheel near the front as things started to heat up. i am pretty sure it was my wheel and told the guy to my right as much. he hit me anyway. i thought his front skewer was going to rip apart my PSIMET hoops. next i think our bars hooked. he gave me the bump, i didn't panic, bounced off a guy shooting up the left (inside) and back into him. this sent him him off course. not sure if he went totally down or not.
that is 13 starts as a 5. my 4 upgrade is approved. now i go on vacation for 8 days. that should help my form a lot......
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
the MOVE
6.6.10 Wonder Lake Lakeside Crit
on this day i would continue onward with my struggles to figure this racing thing out.
it was me and the 4 year old who were making the trip North for the race. we left early, got lost, stopped to go potty, watched Barbie the Mermaid Tale, cried (that was me) and eventually found our way to registration 15 minutes prior to race number one.
Bangert was racing and had his family in tow as well. his lovely wife and two kids had offered to watch my daughter while we raced. super nice of them, but this is pretty much the norm on our team. it could be the Bangert's, the Knoepke's, the Speciale's, the Cook's ,the Curtis family.....ect.....this is a great bunch of people.
CAT 5 race. i didn't get much of a warm up in, but such is life. PSIMET Racing was represented in this race with 6 racers. i think Low and i had the same plan, watch Bellum Racing and do what they do. in the end they didn't really do anything though.
there isn't much to say about the race. despite 4 tight turns on this 1.3 mile loop the 5s were pretty calm. the pace was being driven by the xXx rider who we have seen drive the pace before. he is strong and was OTF a couple times.
with one to go i was on Low's wheel who was on Bellum's wheel. we were on the outside going into turn 3. i wanted to go and grab Low for a move, but in a blink of an eye a strong move went up the inside. i was left scrambling to get un boxed and back in the mix. i didn't and came out of turn 4 frustrated just strolling over the line for 12th (30 starters).
CAT Masters 30+ 4/5 race. approximately 60 minutes later we lined up for this race. the 4s had just finished and we watched Raviv ride strong for 4th. we had 5 riders in this race and for the couple of 4s this was back to back efforts.
my plan was to follow Raviv's wheel and get some racing education. here is what i learned; riding in the top 10 is way more better than not. srsly.
i fought to keep his wheel and did so until the very end. i lost it on the back stretch when a move was made that he followed. i attempted to bridge back up and take Joe with me. almost, but a combination of getting squeezed and popping in turn 3 had me toasted. Joe went by on the inside and finished 14th. i was 23rd out of 37.
Raviv finished 2nd. that was back to back races resulting in a 4th & 2nd. he should be a three any day now.
all done and my so so efforts and results had left me wanting......
however, watching the CAT 3 race changed that. one thing i love about cycling is the limits. the ones you know about and the ones you don't. pushing beyond them to do something one didn't think or know they could do. this is cool to see. watching a teammate do it, well that's priceless.
(Click the blog post title for details on the MOVE)
on this day i would continue onward with my struggles to figure this racing thing out.
it was me and the 4 year old who were making the trip North for the race. we left early, got lost, stopped to go potty, watched Barbie the Mermaid Tale, cried (that was me) and eventually found our way to registration 15 minutes prior to race number one.
Bangert was racing and had his family in tow as well. his lovely wife and two kids had offered to watch my daughter while we raced. super nice of them, but this is pretty much the norm on our team. it could be the Bangert's, the Knoepke's, the Speciale's, the Cook's ,the Curtis family.....ect.....this is a great bunch of people.
CAT 5 race. i didn't get much of a warm up in, but such is life. PSIMET Racing was represented in this race with 6 racers. i think Low and i had the same plan, watch Bellum Racing and do what they do. in the end they didn't really do anything though.
there isn't much to say about the race. despite 4 tight turns on this 1.3 mile loop the 5s were pretty calm. the pace was being driven by the xXx rider who we have seen drive the pace before. he is strong and was OTF a couple times.
with one to go i was on Low's wheel who was on Bellum's wheel. we were on the outside going into turn 3. i wanted to go and grab Low for a move, but in a blink of an eye a strong move went up the inside. i was left scrambling to get un boxed and back in the mix. i didn't and came out of turn 4 frustrated just strolling over the line for 12th (30 starters).
CAT Masters 30+ 4/5 race. approximately 60 minutes later we lined up for this race. the 4s had just finished and we watched Raviv ride strong for 4th. we had 5 riders in this race and for the couple of 4s this was back to back efforts.
my plan was to follow Raviv's wheel and get some racing education. here is what i learned; riding in the top 10 is way more better than not. srsly.
i fought to keep his wheel and did so until the very end. i lost it on the back stretch when a move was made that he followed. i attempted to bridge back up and take Joe with me. almost, but a combination of getting squeezed and popping in turn 3 had me toasted. Joe went by on the inside and finished 14th. i was 23rd out of 37.
Raviv finished 2nd. that was back to back races resulting in a 4th & 2nd. he should be a three any day now.
all done and my so so efforts and results had left me wanting......
however, watching the CAT 3 race changed that. one thing i love about cycling is the limits. the ones you know about and the ones you don't. pushing beyond them to do something one didn't think or know they could do. this is cool to see. watching a teammate do it, well that's priceless.
(Click the blog post title for details on the MOVE)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Double or Nothing
it was 2008 when we coined this the Double or Nothing Metric. that year we did this ride on Saturday then hit the Udder Century Sunday, yes the very next day, for 100 miles. one day 62 miles with 6000 feet of climbing and the next day 100 miles in 5 hours (ride time). you had to do both to earn your Double or Nothing Badge. one of my most favorite cycling weekends to date.
the Double or Nothing name actually came about during the 08 BFNIC Spring Classic Ride. he was killing me up the hills. near the end of the ride i darted past and indicated last one to the top buys the first round. well, he grabbed my wheel, timed his jump just right, and hit the top first.
a few minutes later we approached another steep bugger. i dart past again and scream " Double or Nothing." i hit it hard at the bottom as i tend to do sometimes. too hard. midway up he zooms past me again. this was a longer climb though. i was falling back, but then i noticed he let up as he neared the top. i jumped on it hard.
as i neared his wheel the noise from the hard effort and my flapping wind jacket gave me away, maybe even startled Cy, and he droped the hamer one last time for the win.
tomorrow is the twenty ten version of the ride. good times. .
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