tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193073696871742062024-02-19T03:01:49.551-08:00Recess didn't end in elementary schoolThe play times of Lance ByrdAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-25978366972671644752013-09-16T10:48:00.002-07:002013-09-16T10:48:19.002-07:00South Germantown Cyclocross<br />
<a href="https://www.bikereg.com/Net/20187">BikeReg Page</a><br />
<a href="http://www.crossresults.com/race/3259#cat39677">Crossresults</a><br />
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Hopped those barriers like a boss!<br />
Lol, cx is fun :)<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pajamaking/9771982826/in/set-72157635559706165/<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pajamaking/9771979413/in/set-72157635559706165/<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pajamaking/9772075393/in/set-72157635559706165/<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pajamaking/9771791471/in/set-72157635559706165/<br />
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Results : CAT 1-2-3 MEN (Competitors : 20)<br />
South <span class="il">Germantown</span> Cyclocross - South <span class="il">Germantown</span> Rec Park<br />
RACE DATE : 9/15/2013 - Permit : 2013-3241 - Organized By : Race Works Gruppetto, LLC.<br />
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PL NO CATEGORY LICENSE NAME TEAM ELAPSED<br />
1 18 CAT1 INTL SCHEMPF, Weston SEAVS/Haymarket pb V<br />
2 19 CAT1 INTL NIETERS, Jared SEAVS/Haymarket pb V00:00:00.00<br />
3 22 CAT1 111687 WITTWER, Greg Pyramid Elite Racing00:00:00.00<br />
4 5 CAT1 217193 SITLER, Jake SEAVS/Haymarket pb V00:00:00.00<br />
5 8 CAT1 280764 RUGG, Timothy Pro Tested Gear 00:00:00.00<br />
6 1 CAT1 277204 BLAIR, Patrick Adventures For the C00:00:00.00<br />
7 2 CAT2 133076 BAGGETT, Jonathan Saroff Racing Team 00:00:00.00<br />
8 6 CAT2 INTL ROJAS, Raul DCMTB 00:00:00.00<br />
9 11 CAT1 256984 DRISCOLL, Adam Adventures For the C00:00:00.00<br />
10 13 CAT3 358246 BYRD, Lance Adventures For the C00:00:00.00<br />
11 21 CAT2 297429 WILLIAMS, Adam Winchester Wheelmen 00:00:00.00<br />
12 9 CAT2 358552 MILLER, Larry Crosshairs/Spy/Bike 00:00:00.00<br />
13 12 CAT3 207821 WEBSTER, Andrew Wooden Wheels Racing00:00:00.00<br />
14 20 CAT3 223221 BRADY, Mattison 00:00:00.00<br />
15 14 CAT3 354108 DOVE, John Crosshairs/Spy/Bike 00:00:00.00<br />
16 10 CAT2 282645 SCHIRMER, Neil Clean Currents p/b B00:00:00.00<br />
17 4 CAT3 310117 MASSONNEAU, AndrewWinchester Wheelmen 00:00:00.00<br />
18 3 CAT1 INTL CARWILE, Steve REALL Racing/evanple00:00:00.00<br />
19 15 CAT2 INTL BROWNE, Tanner GS CycleLife 00:00:00.00<br />
DNS 7 CAT1 339512 RABADI, ChristopheDosnoventa 00:00:00.00<br />
DNS 17 CAT3 246931 FREY, Ethan Joe's Bike Shop Raci00:00:00.00<br />
DNF 16 CAT2 204606 GRIFFIN, Eric SEAVS/Haymarket pb V00:00:00.00 <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-83825609252042057872013-06-25T05:35:00.000-07:002013-06-26T18:41:17.032-07:00Hilly Billy Roubaix 2013<br />
<a href="https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17713">Race website</a><br />
<a href="http://t.co/YnjhJdNTp0">Race results</a> <br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/62198243">My Strava data</a><br />
<a href="http://dirtwire.tv/2013/06/hilly-billy-lance-byrd-i-know-gerry-pflugs-trick/">My interview with DirtWire.tv</a><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/69059000?utm_source=2013+Hilly+Billy+Recap!&utm_campaign=ABRA+Mails&utm_medium=email">CXHairs.com video</a> <br />
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The quick and dirty is, I went quick and got dirty and loved nearly every second of it. Hilly Billy Roubaix and I just get along. That's me on the busted barrel representing a 2nd place single speed finish behind Gerry Pflug (1st) and ahead of Gunnar Shogren (3rd) and Dan Rapp (4th).</div>
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Racing is awesome because of the variety of people and secondarily because of the training, equipment, terrain, epicness, etc. I prefer to cover it all in one post, so get a bagel and some coffee and queue the flashback sound effect.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
2012</h2>
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It all started at <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/06/hilly-billy-roubaix-2012-race.html">Hilly Billy Roubaix 2012</a>. It was my first endurance bike race and I did well. More importantly I rode most of that race with Roger Masse. I think I read his <a href="http://rogeremasse.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/hilly-billy-roubaix/">2011 HBR blog post</a> 7 times before the 2012 race (I read it another 3 times before the 2013 race). So when I found myself riding with him in 2012, me on gears, him on his single speed with 34x17 gearing, I was pretty excited. We ended up matching up well back then and I was just amazed at how he could ride on that single gear. I basically wanted to be like Roger.</div>
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Also, at HBR 2012 was Brian Patton. We had met by coincidence on a pre-ride of the 2012 Sugarhill XC race. Come to find out he lives near my In-laws and we both looooove riding in Michaux and he was on strava. We ended up near one another in the results of HBR 2012 but never saw each other out there. We kept up with one another throughout 2012 and 2013, intersecting at several races.</div>
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Then before <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/09/shenandoah-100-2012-race.html">Shenandoah 100</a> 2012 my teammate and close friend <a href="http://pblair12.blogspot.com/">Pat Blair</a> made the switch from gears to single speed mountain biking. I joined him, tossing the gears. <a href="http://dannyatkins.blogspot.com/">Dan Atkins</a> kinda became my mechanic at that point as he guided me through the install of the <a href="http://beercomponents.com/?page_id=588">Beer Components eccentric bottom bracket</a> on my Cannondale Flash 29. For the most part it works (needs re-tightening about every 100 miles) and I was glad to have made the move. </div>
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After the pain that was SM100, Pat and Adam (Driscoll) and I attacked <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/10/iron-cross-2012-race.html">Iron Cross 2012</a>. Roger Masse and Brian Patton were also there. And all of them beat me as I pooped out. But! I also rode a good bit with Dan Rapp (super nice guy) and the eventual single speed winner, Austin Horse (also super nice). They both also beat me, but not before I found out from Austin that he was riding 42x18 on his single speed cross bike! What! That's huge! I thought he would surely pop in the big mountains of Michaux. But instead he won his division and went really fast. During my poop out, Brian Patton rescued me for a while, allowing me to draft on him for many miles. I never really saw Roger but he passed me when I was stuffing my face at the last aid station.</div>
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2013</h2>
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After reviewing my race schedule with my wife and praying about it, I decided that I would only race once per month. I have tons of opportunities to train/ride with friends and teammates throughout the week and its way easier on me and my family (i've got two little boys now!). So in January I was bleh at snotcycle (expected, just happy to race), in February I won the non-elite division of <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2013/02/monster-cross-2013-race.html">Monster Cross</a>. In March I did well at Sugarhill XC. In April I proved I could ride a single speed mountain bike for a really long time at Bakers Dozen (13 hours of ouch!). In May I tested the technical skills at <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2013/05/maximus-michaux-2013.html">Maximus Michaux</a>. And finally June had arrived, I was very excited for HBR 2013.</div>
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Pat Blair has coached me in 2013. I always coached myself before that. I've seen huge gains from Joe Friel training, guided and modified by Pat to fit our lives. One of the biggest changes has been my race prep. I understand now that it takes weeks to prep the body for a race. The "go hard/long when you can and go easy the week before the race" attitude of old just can't come close to producing the results that I have seen with Pat's/Joe Friel's longer-term plan. I pretty much know how I'm going to feel in a race, that is a huge confidence builder.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
My Setup</h2>
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For nutrition I continue to go with <a href="http://www.ceraproductsinc.com/productline/cerasport.html">Cerasport</a> for hydration and <a href="http://theprobar.com/products/original/">Probar</a> nutrition. This is a no-brainer. No <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Rogue.aspx">Camelbak Rogue</a> this time, I used <a href="http://www.kingcage.com/">Stainless Steel King <span class="il">Cage</span></a> water bottle cages that I could bend inward to really clamp down on my water bottles. For equipment I continue to use the <a href="http://www.backcountryresearch.com/">Backcountry Research - Awesome Strap</a> to hold my spare tube, tire levers, and CO2. It totally works (take the time to adjust it
correctly) and I recommend no one uses a saddle bag ever again (man i
hate saddle bags!). If you are worried about your stuff coming loose
and falling all over the place, well stop worrying. Get the right
awesome strap for the location that you want (stem, seat post, seat
rails, etc.) and go Awesome. Also, watch this video because its fun <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwaN0jPXis&feature=player_embedded">Awesome Strap baseball bat test</a>.</div>
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I continue to ride tubeless. This was the first race that I used my custom built Danny Atkins carbon wheels. They are wide/strong but light. So far, they have been great. My bike is a Danny Atkins custom carbon single speed rigid mountain bike. It weighs 17.1 pounds, mwahahahah!</div>
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For tires I chose to NOT use the <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial">Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, Double Defense, 700x35</a>
at 570 grams. They just seem to be life sucking in races. I went with <a href="http://www.michelinbicycletire.com/michelinbicycle/index.cfm?event=wildracerultimate.view">Michelin WildRacer Ultimate 2.0 tires</a>. At 460 grams they are super light for an MTB tire. I was concerned about their flat resistance but I give them an A+ now. 27 and 29 psi seemed to work great.</div>
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Gearing.... what gear! what gear should I use!? somebody help me, the hills are steep! the roads are fast! what gear! So the general rule is 2:1 ratio for ultracross (aka 2.0). So 32x16 or 34x17 or 38x19 or 42x21 are good starting points. Hilly Billy throws crazy grades, sometimes well over 15% at you but also has a lot of faster road sections. So you basically want the tallest gear ratio possible to survive the hills efficiently, allowing you to also paceline with geared riders out on the roads (huge savings!).</div>
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I played around with gearing for over a month prior to the race. But I needed a test. We have a hill in my riding world known as Ilchester. It is a cat 4 road climb with 18% grades. I decided to climb just the steepest parts of it for 2 hours (just straight up and straight down). I figured this would get me over 5k feet of climbing and therefore was a great test for the nearly 7k feet of climbing at HBR. I went as tall as I could imagine I could handle, 38x17. It was a total success, with me completing 18 ilchester climbs in 2 hours. See <a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/59981969">strava output here</a>. Similar to 38x17 is 32x14 (ok the latter is a bit taller). Since the parts i had were better suited for a 32t chainring I went with 32x14. I planned to get off the bike and run any grade over 20%.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Race Day</h2>
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The worst way to start a race day is to find out you forgot your helmet (like I did at Maximus Michaux), so I wore my full gear into the car.</div>
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Once we got driving the navigator let us know that we would be getting to the race very close to "go" time. So in a pinch I got Adam to start applying my sunscreen for me, lol! Thanks to Matt Cooper for documenting all of this embarrassment!</div>
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We ended up getting to the race by 9:30, got our registrations in order and got to the line by 9:45. That's important because last year I had a terrible starting spot and it cost me.</div>
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At the line, there is Garth Prosser (last year's winner). Gerry Pflug and Gunnar Shogren are comparing single speed gears (Gerry 42x20, Gunnar 42x19). Ok my gearing is taller at 32x14 this is going to be interesting. Alpha males Justin Lindine and Mike Simonson are here. I'm surprised to see them on CX bikes. Don't they know that the top 3 from last year were on mountain bikes?</div>
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My plan was simple. Follow Gerry through the first set of hills. If things are pretty tame, then I make the lead group. Otherwise if I'm near max heart rate, then back off and join the chase group. We have a neutral start for a mile or so then we're off. I'm in good position and there's Gerry. Legs feel fine. I'm semi-comfortable. we approach a very steep grade (probably 20%). Can't run this early into things. Gerry swings wide off the gravel road into the grass. I follow. The traction is better here. But wow he is throwing down and we crest the hill with a small gap on most of the leaders. My teammate Adam and Gerry and I are all together. I'm definitely redlining.</div>
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This is a make or break moment, and we're only a few miles in. If I keep this up i'm likely going to pop and have a terrible day. But if I can hang in there and make the lead group, its high-risk high-reward. I decide that with Lindine and Simonson and Prosser behind me that I'm going too big for my briches. And I let go. The leaders rush by a few second later and my body is finally getting a chance to send the signals that my HR was already telling me, "YOU NEED TO SETTLE DOWN".</div>
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Fortunately I was 98% prepared for this outcome. So I didn't panic. After all, this was the plan. But what I didn't plan for was the sinking feeling I got. I've trained hard this year and these guys are just so much faster. Bleh. I suck. Waaaaah. But then the chase group comes, and per my plan I settle in with Jim Mayuric, Brian Patton, and my teammate Andrew Dunlap. My damaged pride disappears once I realize that I can ride comfortably with these guys. The only question is, how much did that little experiment with the leaders cost me?</div>
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The unique ultra-pot-holed section was muddy/slick this year and there was all kinds of desperation maneuvers needed but I got through it pretty cleanly. I'm definitely happy to be on a mountain bike.<br />
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Out on the roads I can see the lead group a minute ahead, and a littering of wannabe's like myself in their wake. As a single speeder I never go it alone on the roads unless there is no one in sight. It take a ton of work to produce the speed of the geared guys so I just pedal along comfortably until a group forms.</div>
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Inevitably some people in our chase group throw down some early race heroics to try to break from the group. Thats insanity this early. HBR is a group ride for the first 55 miles. You make the fastest group that you can and you don't go it alone. Solo riding any time before 55 miles takes something special that should have seen you into the faster group up ahead. So you probably don't have it.</div>
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I stick with Brian. We had talked about me drafting on him on facebook before the race. I knew he would be one of the chase group leaders and he knew I'd be ecstatic to be in the chase group on my single speed. Unfortunately I'm not much help to him besides good company. But he's got that selfless "let's ride" personality and probably really is just happy that we can go together.</div>
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Some where in the early steep climbing we catch site of Gunnar Shogren. Oh boy! This is gonna make my day. Gunnar was last year's single speed winner. He's got wicked descending skills on his modified cross bike. When I say modified I mean he's got a cross frame, with front disc brake, mountain bike wheels and hybrid 700x38 tires. Its like he refuses to ride a mountain bike so instead he built the closest thing to it. If he joins my group then I'll learn a ton and possibly find a way to beat him. We end up together but then after a wicked descent and some fast roads he catches the wheel of a geared guy and works harder than I'm willing to. I let him go and rejoin Jimmy and Brian, but I'm fairly confident I'll see Gunnar again soon.</div>
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At about mile 12 there is a long gravel climb. It was here last year that I hooked up with Dan Atkins and Roger Masse. Dan refused to race again this year, he doesn't really "do" ultracross. Roger is out with Lyme disease. Roger is my hero. So in a way I'm riding for him. Cause he'd be here if he could. This year its Gunnar that I'm catching up to and joining. I know what this means, we are very close in ability and now strategy becomes very important.</div>
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So its Gunnar drilling descents, telling jokes, and essentially tour guiding for the group since he knows the course inside and out. Jimmy is the horse of the group. He has gears, he's on a mountain bike, and he banters with Gunnar every couple of miles or so about West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Brian Patton doesn't say much so I do enough talking for the both of us. "I'm still here General (Brian). Gunnar, didn't you used to be a pro cyclist? Woah! Look at that view!" I'm probably a little annoying but I'm having so much fun riding with these guys. Brian is helping Jimmy with the geared road pulls. Unfortunately he's on a traditional cross bike so he falls back on the descents and has to solo a bit to catch our group every time.</div>
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We discuss aid station 1 near mile 20. Brian and I had already talked about it earlier in the week, we're not stopping. Gunnar is too. Jimmy needs to stop. But some how Jimmy catches us quickly afterward and attacks! We all respond but there's no doubt Jimmy isn't the biggest fan of our group drafting on him. After another 10 miles he attacks again and we cover it gradually. He lets us all know that if we can cover his attack then we can take pulls. I try to explain that I'm on a single speed so althoguh I can keep up in the draft, as soon as I'm out of the draft I'll have to slow way down. But I'm happy to pull on any gradual up hill section. Gunnar just rips Jimmy for getting upset and I feel like the little brother who is happy to have a kickass big brother to defend him. But Jimmy is right, we are REALLY taking advantage of him.</div>
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By aid 2 (mile 38) we've got the rotation figured out. Basically Gunnar and I don't help on the faster roads unless it goes gradually uphill. At which point I pull, then Gunnar (to his credit) also pulls. I give Gunnar a lot of respect. The race is between Gunnar and I, Jimmy is on gears, and if he doesn't pull after I pull then he's gaining an advantage. But he almost always pulls when I do.</div>
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Now, strategy time. I carried all my food with me. No drop bags. I had two water bottles. What I would do as I approached a water station; I'd unscrew the tops of my water bottles slightly, I'd surge ahead of the group to be the first into the station, I would yell "NO DROP BAG! JUST WATER AND GATORADE", then two people would be standing there holding the liquids, I would hand each of them a bottle, thank them and tell them "You guys are the best!" They fill the bottle almost instantly and I roll out. I was always the first into the station of my group and I was always the fastest served, and always the first to leave. This presents me with lots of possible opportunities. 1, it immediatly puts pressure on Gunnar to have to get through the station quickly. 2, I might catch onto a geared guy slightly in front of us, getting a gap. 3, If Jimmy beats Gunnar out of there, we might leave him behind. 4, I just take my time until Jimmy, Brian, and Gunnar catch up and we continue on together.<br />
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Number 4 occurred at aid station 2 and we ended up together. Although we might have lost Brian Patton here or a little further on. Gunnar nails the descents again. Jimmy rides the roads steady. And I don't feel much pressure since I'm stocked on food, liquids, and I'm feeling good. Every hill is hard but thats because every hill is hard :)<br />
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After aid station 2 we start catching stragglers. Those that made the lead group or decided to go it solo between our group and the lead group. These riders generally aren't too helpful. They usually would grab onto the group as long as possible but fall off on the next serious climb.<br />
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At mile 55 we catch some one I know. Its Dave Weaver. I can see he has goose bumps. He can't last long with our still charging group. He bobbles a turn and goes down after riding with us for a bit. This is the uglier part of the race now. Bodies are suffering. For me it is presenting more opportunities because I still feel good. But Jimmy and Gunnar haven't shown many signs of fading. And despite my good energy levels, the climbs are taking a toll on me in the form of tiny little "warning" cramps. They aren't stopping me yet but its a fine line before these turn into full blown cramping.<br />
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Approaching aid station 3 we hit a climb that is really a series of climbs. Some parts are very steep. Without any special moves, a gap forms between me and Jimmy, and Jimmy and Gunnar. What should I do? This is a decent time to go it alone, most of the course is just hills, there isn't a ton of paceline road left. But Jimmy only has a small gap on Gunnar, if they work together they could bring me back on a road section and I will have wasted some energy and further agitated my tiny cramps.<br />
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I decide with aid station 3 close I should just go! Perhaps I can find some friends to stay away with. I prepare only one bottle for the station since we are only 13 miles from the finish now. I'm in and out of the station before Gunnar and Jimmy even arrive. Up ahead I see a geared rider and I make a strong move through the rolling backcountry roads to bridge to him.<br />
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As I approach him, my slightly slow brain had a thought, "That's a CF guy. Gerry is a CF guy. Are you about to catch Gerry?". I focused my eyes more clearly on the rider in disbelief. It wasn't Gerry. I know him, its Jesse Kelly, a guy who finished top 10 last year. I remember seeing pictures of him finishing last years race. He's a horse of a man, a thick and strong rider.<br />
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Jesse and I get to talking. He thinks we're in 7th! He's suffering with some borderline cramping on the hills. He had never made the lead group so he's been out here alone for a while. I get straight to the point. "Gunnar is back there with a geared rider, Jimmy. I just dropped them. I could really use your help. You draft on me everywhere except the fast roads and we'll work together to stay away."<br />
<br />
Jesse is unsure he can help. But I back off a little and he presses a little and we kinda stay together. But on a steeper section I lose him. Out on the road he comes back to me as I spin out. We chat some more and I offer him some hammer gel. I have plenty and would be happy to shed the weight, power him up a little, and for us to work together. He downs it and we continue.<br />
<br />
Again on a steep climb we separate and this time I decide to press forward. I can see another rider up ahead. It doesn't take me long to recognize this frame. Its Todd Latocha, last year's 3rd overall rider. He's super skinny, and easy to recognize. I pump him up by letting him know that Jesse isn't far behind. He presses a road section and we're moving pretty well.<br />
<br />
But up ahead is a wicked big road hill. I had to run this hill last year because my gears were broken. Even while running last year I caught a suffering Rob Spreng. This year Todd throws himself into the hill but has little left to give and I move away from him as I torque it. Lets see, first Dave Weaver, then Jesse Kelly, now Todd Latocha, what other stud might I catch out here? Am I really in 6th place now!?<br />
<br />
On the road descent I'm getting as aero as possible. This section isn't helping me catch anyone. And amazingly Jesse Kelly is back and has caught me. We only have 2 or so miles left, he wants to stay away from Todd and I want to draft a geared guy so I catch on to him and we fly through the rollers. Although we are in different divisions, both of us would like to beat the other for the overall. On the long road climb approaching the park entrance I lose Jesse and know that if I don't cramp that I'm good for 6th. I see 5th way in the distance and know my position is set.<br />
<br />
The final grass section that they added this year (I estimate it added 3 minutes to the finishing times) was a pretty wicked addition. From the point of view of making the race epic, it was a fantastic addition. From the point of view of a rider that is 1 mile from the finish, it is just mean. I navigate it well on my mountain bike and continue to feel sorry for those on cross bikes.<br />
<br />
Then the final super steep road hill with the sun just cooking me and I'm home! 6th place overall and 2nd in the single speed division, a break-through race! I am super stoked!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Immediately I find Adam and he says he got 2nd! That's awesome! Beer, Pizza, Water, Bacon, sitting around and listening to the top 10 riders' war stories. This is grand. DirtWire interview, podium, Coop arrives alive but thoroughly crushed after many mechanicals and stomach fits.<br />
<br />
All that training and prep came together nicely today. I DID IT! We sat for a little, took in God's beautiful scenery and headed home :)<br />
<br />
The video glasses have died. Here are the final blurry vids before a new pair steps up:<br />
<br />
riding with Jesse Kelly to the finish:<br />
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finish:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-60845078536704378332013-05-08T08:39:00.002-07:002013-05-10T05:56:11.309-07:00Maximus Michaux 2013<br />
<a href="http://bikeshop.gettysburgbicycle.com/race-michaux.html">Race website</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gettysburgbicycle.com/about/race-results-pg87.htm">Race results</a> <br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/52576967">My Strava data</a><br />
<br />
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<br />
Ever since the beat-down I suffered last year (2012) at the Maximus Michaux 20 miler and <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/09/shenandoah-100-2012-race.html">Shenandoah 100</a> I made it my goal in 2013 to improve my mountain bike skills and endurance. I love tough/epic courses even though they aren't my strength.<br />
<br />
Over the last two weeks everything in life aligned very well for me to make a great run at the Maximus 40 miler. There wasn't another race I wanted more than this one. My mountain bike skills are the best they've been. My fitness is the best its been. I was loaded up on sleep. And I feel full of the life that comes with peaking. <br />
<br />
My Setup:<br />
For nutrition I continue to go with <a href="http://www.ceraproductsinc.com/productline/cerasport.html">Cerasport</a> for hydration and <a href="http://theprobar.com/products/original/">Probar</a> nutrition. I carry my spare tube, levers, and pump with my <a href="http://www.backcountryresearch.com/">Backcountry Research - Awesome Strap</a>. It totally works (take the time to adjust it
correctly) and I recommend no one uses a saddle bag ever again (man i
hate saddle bags!). If you are worried about your stuff coming loose
and falling all over the place, well stop worrying. Get the right
awesome strap for the location that you want (stem, seat post, seat
rails, etc.) and go Awesome. Also, watch this video because its fun <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwaN0jPXis&feature=player_embedded">Awesome Strap baseball bat test</a>. Every time I've crashed, the worst thing that happens is that my stuff has rotated some on my seatpost. I nudge it back to the ideal location and am back on it!<br />
<br />
I continue to ride tubeless on my <a href="http://www.notubes.com/ZTR-Crest-29er-Stock-Wheelset-P452C130.aspx">Stans ZTR Crest wheels</a>. These wheels have been fantastic<strike> but I wish I had gone with a Crest front wheel and a stronger Arch rear wheel for Maximus</strike>. More on that later.<br />
<br />
For tires I chose <a href="http://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Mountain/Ikon.aspx">Maxxis Ikon 2.20, with EXO sidewall protection</a> at 590 grams. I trained on these tries all winter and spring. They survived 13 hours of Bakers Dozen. And it kinda feels like cheating since they are so light, but resilient. I was nervous about them at Maximus since it is the rockiest, most flat prone course on the planet! So I reduced my risk a bit and added 3 psi above my normal levels. That put my front tire at 24 psi and my back at 26 psi. Ya its high, but I really didn't want to flat. My teammate Patrick Blair rode his normal pressure with Ikons and he had no issues and <a href="http://pblair12.blogspot.com/2013/05/2013-michaux-maximus-race-report.html">won the SS, placing 4th overall on time!</a><br />
<br />
The weather:<br />
Everything was perfect all week. Race morning was chilly in the high 40's but ended up feeling perfect during the race. The course was in perfect condition.<br />
<br />
Prerace:<br />
I slept perfectly the night before. It seemed that nothing was going to stop me today. Then as Pat and I rode to the course I realized I forgot my helmet. CRAP!!! As soon as we get to the race site Pat recognizes people, asks for a helmet and I get to borrow this super light and awesome <a href="http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/helmets/mtb-helmets/sworks-prevail">Specialized Prevail</a>. The guy said apologetically "Its a small". I have a tiny head (see podium picture), jackpot.<br />
<br />
The Race:<br />
Brian Patton, Pat and I move to the start. They send the "Senior" geared guys off first and then thankfully call the single speeders up next. This gives us a chance to go after many of the faster geared guys and means the first climb won't be too cluttered.<br />
We're off! Immediately a guy in mtb shorts and a loose shirt drills it. I figure he's some young kid that wants to be first into the single track. Good thing my legs are feeling amazing cause He, Pat, a guy with crazy amounts of hair, and I are flying up the mountain road. I can tell we are pushing it but my legs are saying "no problemo". My confidence is building.<br />
<br />
We turn towards the single track. Last year taught me that this section is super important for making the selection. Its not very steep but goes on forever and is technical. I give the three studs in front of me some room and watch things unfold. They are all over the trail, running sections where they took a bad line. I don't put my foot down once and I feel like I'm riding completely within myself. Confidence at near max! Except it's still just 25 minutes into a 4 hour race ;)<br />
<br />
At the first road section, Pat latches onto a Vet geared rider who has now caught us. He's flying and obviously out of my league. So I let them go. The loosely clothed SS'r and the ultra hairy SS'r semi-press after them but I'm pretty sure they aren't getting away so I stay on my pace (ah the advantage of confidence).<br />
<br />
We travel through some winding technical trails. Again I'm doing very well and can see the motley two not far ahead. My handlebars are being squeezed at several tight tree-lined turns and I remember that I really want to trim some length off of them.<br />
<br />
Out on a fire-road I close down on the two and see that Pat is away. I know what is coming next and I figure this might be the last time I see these guys. We are about to climb <a href="http://app.strava.com/segments/2763303">dead woman hollow</a>, a pretty steep and long cat 3 gravely, non-technical climb. These kinda climbs are my strength. Even longer would be better :)<br />
<br />
The loosely clothed guy drops back a little just before the climb. He is actually a very good rider. I think he is Montana Miller. But at the time, I didn't know that. The very hairy rider is "Topher". He's also a very good rider, but I didn't know that at the time either ;) I pass Topher at the base of the climb and we look at each other. He says something like "good stuff!". I say "All aboard the pain train!" and drill away from him. I look up the mountain and see Pat about 40 seconds ahead. We are both catching the spread out geared riders that started ahead of us. But he's climbing faster and I don't even consider trying to catch him. I know that I'm going plenty fast and Strava confirmed that later, listing me as the KOM until super stud Brandon Draugelis uploaded. Pat's garmin didn't list him for the segment otherwise he might have been the KOM.<br />
<br />
By the top I've left Topher and Montana Miller far behind. I thought I was a lock for 2nd by this point since I still felt great. I just need to ride smart and hope that my bike holds up. Maximus and Montana and Topher still had plenty of tricks up their sleeves though. And we are only 1 hour into a 4 hour race.<br />
<br />
I descended <a href="http://app.strava.com/segments/1306578">3 mile trail</a>, a super rocky (boldery!) downhill that just twists and turns and dives and rises for a long, long time. I still felt my skills were shinning but went down a few times with silly mistakes. At one point I hear a guy up ahead shout. I come around the turn and face some crazy technical stuff and go down. So I shout. Next time I'll heed the shouts of those who go before me. This thing is going on forever! and finally I'm out of that trail.<br />
<br />
Something changed during that descent. My body feels heavy and I'm not cranking the pedals as effortlessly. Interesting. A descent has battered me this early? I shouldn't be so surprised since the hardest part of SM100, for me, was the final huge descent. But I'm surprised. I tell myself to relax and that the body will come back quickly.<br />
<br />
In hindsight, the day after the race I realized that my rear wheel was not spinning well. Did I bust it on this section during one of my crashes? Maybe it was later on that I busted it. I'll never know if I was just tired from the big climb followed by a very taxing descent or if I was also fighting a bad wheel. But in the future I need to take a second and check my bike after I go down. <span style="color: red;">I had thought that I had damaged my Crest rear wheel when I first blogged. But on further review the wheel had just shifted a little (despite the skewer being tight). So just a little skewer/wheel adjustment has fixed the spinning issues. I asked Danny Atkins (guru) about skewers and he recommends Shimano XT. He says he's tried tons of skewers and beside the ultra-expensive DT Swiss ratcheting skewers, Shimano are the best. Noted.</span><br />
<br />
After some mountain road riding, the 40 miler and 20 miler split directions. I am entering new unknown territory. The trail started to get very raw, rocky, woody. The size of the rocks grew. I'm riding up rocks now, not over them. On a steep switchback I catch site of Topher and Montana Miller, they're closing on me quickly in this super technical stuff. When they catch me I try to hold wheels but they are riding stuff that I'm running. I didn't really panic. In fact I got pretty excited. "This is going to be a battle!" I thought, amazed that after 1.5 hours of racing the three of us are all together.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately this rugged stuff didn't end after 3 miles, or 5 or 7. It just kept going. I suppose if those guys hadn't dropped me I'd be blogging how raw and awesome this was. But its costing me second place and I'm losing hope that the type of riding will change so that I can close the gap. In fact, I'm getting so tired from bumping into rocks and trying to stay upright that I'm not sure that I can match those guys anymore.<br />
<br />
The miles pass and I ride with various people but in general I'm descending more slowly than the people around me. I really understand the advantage of dual suspension now. In fact, I was wishing I had a little less pressure in my front shock and tires. These are lessons that Michaux shouts at you loud and clear. I'm learning a ton and actually still having fun. <br />
<br />
With 12 miles to go Cheryl "Churtle" Sorenson rips past me on a crazy descent. She started over a minute behind me, and I'm impressed. I can't hold onto her either but then catch her at the aid station. The trails are a little less mean and I feel pretty comfortable riding behind her. She's really really good at this ;)<br />
<br />
We get mixed in with some geared riders. I leave them on the climbs. They leave me in the rocks. And I'm getting tired. I can tell we're getting near the finish because no one is giving an inch. I go down and loose them and again the fatigue is stomping down on me. On a descent I see Montana Miller on the side of the trail, frustrated over a mechanical. I've moved back into 3rd among single speeders but feel sad for him. He was awesome out there.<br />
<br />
I start to recognize trails from the finish of the 20 miler and know that I'm also almost done. There isn't anyone to race anymore and I just dig deep up the final long climb.<br />
<br />
At the finish I'm super happy. Despite the struggles, this is Michaux and I've achieved what I had trained to do. I rode well enough to race with some great Michaux riders. I just couldn't seal the deal. But man, I finished 3rd in the SS division and was really proud. I've come a long way since the Maximus Michaux 2012 20 miler where I finished 5th in the geared division.<br />
<br />
<i>I'll post pics of my setup soon.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-58472786627312485962013-03-01T08:18:00.001-08:002013-03-01T08:18:20.050-08:00Tire talk with Dan AtkinsDan Atkins (Race Pace cycling) gives good advice on tires. How do I know? I wouldn't have <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2013/02/monster-cross-2013-race.html">won the Monster Cross non-elite race</a> on Sunday if I didn't push back my fears and take his advice.<br />
<br />
I had questions, he had answers and I'm sharing:<br />
<br />
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":14b">atkins.</span><br />
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1dm">tread vs. volume. lets say a 2.1 with more aggressive tread vs. a 2.2 with faster rolling tread. bascially the same weight.</span><div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":16f">
go.</div>
</div>
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":137">that's up to you</span><div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":14d">
i like low tread tires usually</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1iu">are they equally grippy. or does more tread mean more grip. or more volume mean more grip?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":3h">they're not equally grippy</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1l7">
lower tread height tires typically have less grip</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1l6">
but that doesn't really mean its a worse tire</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1l8">
i like low tread tires on the rear because it helps me move the bike around with the brake a lot easier</div>
</div>
<div class="kk">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1l4">agreed.</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1l3">
alright</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1l2">
how about puncture resistance</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1jd">
any difference?</div>
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1om">not really</span></div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1n9">ok, what is an advantage of volume?</span></div>
</div>
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1n8">more valume that is.</span><div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1na">
and what is the advantage of less volume</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1nf">lower pressure, better traction for higher volume tires</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1nk">
generally</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1nv">
less volume is lighter and potentially faster</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":19r">
its hard to generalize</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1dt">
you really need to compare one tire to the next</div>
</div>
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1nw">u ever go high pressure for something like cohutta 100 miler</span><div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":136">
like so much road</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":3l">
seems like u want like 45 psi</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1g2">no</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1o3">
never</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1nu">hah, ok</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1dq">it might make sense reading race reports and descriptions of the course</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1gk">
but in reality it's a terrible idea</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1do">good to know</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1qt">just run whatever your regular tire pressure is</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1p9">
you will be MUCH more comfortable</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1p8">
i made that mistake the first time i did a 100</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1pa">
at wilderness</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1p6">
i rode like 45 PSI because i heard that there was so much stuff other than singletrack</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1p5">
and it was awful</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1p4">lol, ok i was def heading towards that mistake for wildcat 100</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1n2">don't do it! <img alt=":)" height="14" pattern="smile" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-image: url("im/emotisprites/smile3.png"); background-position: 0px -336px;" width="14" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1md">i
rode 40 psi last night just to see. seemed alright. but only rode one
trail in ccbc (over by my house) so tough to tell. this helps</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1fz">you will regret it for sure</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1fx">
after 8 hours your back will be dead</div>
</div>
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1fy">excellent info thx! ok to post this to my blog "tire talk with dan atkins"?</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1mz">for sure</span></div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1my">jackpot</span></div>
</div>
<div class="kd" id=":37">
</div>
<div class="nH">
<div class="nH" style="overflow: auto;">
<textarea class="ad3" dir="ltr" id=":1h0" style="height: 36px; overflow-y: hidden;"></textarea></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-55181300595775800032013-02-25T08:00:00.002-08:002013-02-26T06:27:39.537-08:00Monster Cross 2013, Race!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bikereg.com/Net/15715">Race website</a><br />
<a href="http://runriderace.com/monster-cross-50-division-resu/">Race results</a> <br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/42171749">My Strava data</a> <br />
<br />
According to the "confirmed riders" list leading up to race day, Monster Cross 2013 looked like the unofficial February Mid-Atlantic off-road championship, with big names and a huge field (573 riders). Normally at an ultracross race I would enter the "open under 40" field, but Monster cross had a unique set of divisions. There was the Pro/Elite division that was choc-full of Cat 1 roadies and cyclocrossers, as well as pro mountain bikers who all crush me at their leisure. I felt that field was too big for my britches. So I signed up for a "non-elite" division, the cyclocross under 40. Top 3 in this division get winners jerseys so that was a sweet prize to race for. I felt if I raced very well I had a chance for 3rd-ish in that division.<br />
<br />
My Setup:<br />
For nutrition I continue to go with <a href="http://www.ceraproductsinc.com/productline/cerasport.html">Cerasport</a> for hydration and <a href="http://theprobar.com/products/original/">Probar</a> nutrition. This is a no-brainer. No <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Rogue.aspx">Camelbak Rogue</a> this time, since the race is only about 3 hours.<br />
For equipment I continue to use the <a href="http://www.backcountryresearch.com/">Backcountry Research - Awesome Strap</a> to hold my spare tube, tire levers, and hand-pump. It totally works (take the time to adjust it
correctly) and I recommend no one uses a saddle bag ever again (man i
hate saddle bags!). If you are worried about your stuff coming loose
and falling all over the place, well stop worrying. Get the right
awesome strap for the location that you want (stem, seat post, seat
rails, etc.) and go Awesome. Also, watch this video because its fun <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwaN0jPXis&feature=player_embedded">Awesome Strap baseball bat test</a>.<br />
<br />
I continue to ride tubeless on my <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Alpha-340-Comp-Wheelset--P895.aspx">Stans Alpha 340 Comp wheels</a>.<br />
<br />
For tires I chose to NOT use the <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial">Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, Double Defense, 700x35</a>
at 570 grams. This course is one of the tamer ultracross courses with pretty fast avg speeds over 17mph. Not to mention I had previously promised myself that I take Danny Atkins advice (he's right a lot). I put on the <a href="http://www.vittoria.com/product/cyclocross/">Vittoria EVO XG</a> cx 700x32 tubeless. They are so easy to air up tubeless on the Stans wheels. I took'm for a spin on my local cx course a few days earlier. It was a rough and bumpy ride since the ground was all frozen and I am used to my comfy mtb. I started to waffle towards the mondials again but then i saw this video which shows a lot of the course in speedy time:<br />
<br />
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Vittoria tires it is. Thanks to Danny Atkins and articles like <a href="http://ridingagainstthegrain.com/2011/12/30/cyclocross-speed-marathon-mondial/">this article</a> that helped me to step away from my fear of flatting, to go to a lighter tire for this years' ultracross experiences.</div>
<div>
</div>
I am still using <a href="http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1120&catid=185&subcat=0">TRP CX8.4</a>
linear pull brakes because cantilevers are rubbish and i can't afford
to upgrade my cx bike to have disc brakes. I still want a <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/road/cyclocross/superx">Cannondale SuperX</a> with disc brakes ;)<br />
<br />
The weather:<br />
It was in the 30s in the morning but climbed to the low 50s. The ground was wet but still fast after hard rain the day before. The skies were clear (beautiful!). <br />
<br />
The Race:<br />
The pro/elite group went off a few minutes before us. I was glad of that because I wanted to try to go with the lead group of non-elites. But if they had all been mixed together it would have been chaos in the non-elite standings. Pat was in the elite race. Sug was on his single speed cx bike in the non-elite race with me. I didn't have high expectations going in to this race so I was calm as a cucumber. I chatted with my ultracross buddy Brian Patton at the start. It was a good atomosphere. We had a neutral start for a while and the crowds were thick. The
initial pace wasn't anything crazy. It felt a lot like a group training ride. The double track was fast and gravely. There were muddy spots here and there. The lead group (pace-line) was huge! Turns felt dicey with people all around, coming forward and moving back. I was doing everything I could to stay calm.<br />
<br />
<br />
The race is two 24 mile loops. Winning times in 2012 had been around 2:47 so I expected this group would go 3 hours. At an hour of racing I looked around and there were just tons of people in the pace-line. The pace was fast enough that no one wanted to attack away from the group and tame enough with only a few steep hills that no big separations could occur. In a way it felt like a dream because I am used to just burying myself early trying to stay with crazy fast guys. But now I was around peers and was racing well within myself. Its like all those races you read about, with tactics and strategy. It felt really good. I was having to exercise patience in a lead pack for the first time.<br />
<br />
As we came through the start/finish around 1:20 I continued to feel great. I hadn't spent much time at the front and started to wonder if people were hurting or hiding. I took to the front, working with a rider from the Winchester Wheelmen. The pack was still in tact. So I made a small move on my next turn up front. A gap formed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearsaab/8508897700/in/set-72157632860656622/">pic</a> <br />
<br />
I wasn't really sure what to do. Its still early, but that gap formed fairly easily. I decided to go with it for a bit. I didn't really step on the gas but just kept the pressure on. I caught up to a pro/elite rider Zach Morrey. He is a super good NUE mountain biker that is coming off a double collar bone break. We chatted some and worked together. I enjoyed not having the pack around me on the descents and turns. But after a while the pack caught me. And I tucked back in.<br />
<br />
That effort might have lasted 10 minutes. I'm not sure. But it moved me from comfortable, to engaged. And now the pack is starting to turn up the pace. I went from engaged to pushing in a short time. In retrospect it was a tactical mistake to have gone it alone for a while. Go or stay, but don't hang out. I drank and ate and tried to prepare for some tough racing in the last 20 miles. The smooth rolling double track was drying some and becoming thicker/slower. The screw was tightening and I started wishing I never made that move.<br />
<br />
With maybe 15 miles to go or maybe 10, the real attack comes. It kinda happened, nothing immediately noticeable, but I was gapped. I was feeling tight, a little out of energy. Thoughts of "u blew it!" started creeping in. Sug came by me and said "let's go! get on my wheel!". I decided that I would bury myself to stay with him in hopes that we could bridge. He stood up out of each turn. I thought "I haven't really been standing" so I stood out of the turns. The legs started to sizzle but it felt right.<br />
<br />
The gap was holding to the 5 or so leaders. They had maybe 10 or 15 seconds on us. It seemed that we had been beat. But Sug kept drilling. And once he let up I moved to the front and drilled. I got down in the drops and put my head down on the straights and just let it rip. The legs kept giving so I kept asking. A minute or so went by and I had done it! I was back with the leaders (so I thought).<br />
<br />
We hit the last big climb with about 5 miles to go. I threw down all the way to the top. The five of us crested together but it seemed that only 4 of us had anything left. The road section was fast and I tucked in. Small attacks kept coming and all I could think is how am I going to win this? Where should I attack? How close are we to the finish?<br />
<br />
We entered a trail section that had people cheering and some one said "make your move now!" so I thought it was now or the final sprint. I made some nice descending moves to get on the wheel of the leader. We entered the park proper. I tried to shift to the big ring but the mud had taken its toll and the small ring was all i had. We sprinted through the muddy grass to the line! I couldn't get around the leader. I congratulated him on the win and he said "no i was in the pro/elite race." Wow! I think I won!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearsaab/8509007564/in/set-72157632860656622/">pic</a><br />
<br />
I was super proud to have bridged to the group (thanks to Sug!). And was stunned to have finished ahead of all the non-elites. Unfortunately, the results show an over 40 cyclocrosser that has a faster time then mine.<br />
<br />
Photo evidence has surfaced that #27 was not in my race, he started with the elites (he's towards the right in orange and light blue ;)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearsaab/8507762967/in/set-72157632860656622/lightbox/">evidence (lol)</a><br />
<br />
I won the under 40 cyclocross division and got a sweet jersey :) Happy days!<br />
<br />
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(left to right) me, pat blair, and adam (sug) driscoll.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-76264346787459516462013-01-31T15:01:00.004-08:002013-01-31T15:01:52.709-08:00Don't play with floods<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">This morning started great, rise with the family, horse around. Get on the bike to go to work.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Well it rained a lot last night. I admired the raging Potapsco as I crossed the bridge from BaltCo. to HoCo (avalon).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">River road had some shallow standing water. I started pedaling through it and it got deeper and deeper.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">By the time I realized that I was in a flood it was too late to turn around (will never mess wtih standing water again).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The water rose and rose until my entire bike frame became submerged. I'm freaking out obviously.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Some how I stayed upright and made it to the other side... scary (i might have got it on video and will upload tonight).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">My feet experienced an epic level of cold during the rest of the super windy 40 degree commute.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Fortunately I had overdressed so the rest of me was hot.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I was really looking forward to my shower at work, I crack my bag open and there is just work shoes, no clothes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Ugh!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I guess I'm going to have to wear my flooded rain pants and my skinsuit to work today.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Then I checked Pat's unlocked locker, he has a pair of wrinkled jeans in there that seem to be 34w and 30L. I was thankful for them.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Took a shower (no towel).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Got dressed in jeans and a skinsuit. Got up to work and put on my sweater.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Happy to be safe and basically dressed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/39310473">Strava output</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-60858990042484647242012-10-08T10:55:00.000-07:002012-10-11T04:14:12.909-07:00Iron Cross 2012, Race!<br />
<a href="http://ironcrossrace.com/">Race website</a><br />
<a href="http://ironcrossrace.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-results.html">Race results (in ew! format, lol)</a> <br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/24311286">My Strava data</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/speaker/8105-Gerry-Plug/video/657641-Iron-Cross-2012-Race-Coverage">CyclingDirt.org Video</a> <br />
<br />
Iron Cross 2012 has been my Fall target race since doing <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/06/hilly-billy-roubaix-2012-race.html">Hilly Billy Roubaix 2012</a>. Hilly Billy showed me that I really enjoy ultracross because it plays to my adventurous side, and tests the limits.<br />
Iron Cross 2012 was the final race of the <a href="http://www.ultracx.com/">American Ultracross Championship Series</a> and is the queen stage (if u will) of the series. That means deeper fields and hotter paces.<br />
<br />
My Setup:<br />
For nutrition I continue to go with <a href="http://www.ceraproductsinc.com/productline/cerasport.html">Cerasport</a> for hydration and <a href="http://theprobar.com/products/original/">Probar</a> nutrition. This is a no-brainer. I also carry water and tools in my <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2012-Rogue.aspx">Camelbak Rogue</a>.<br />
For equipment I tried the <a href="http://www.backcountryresearch.com/">Backcountry Research - Awesome Strap</a> for the first time. It totally works (take the time to adjust it correctly) and I recommend no one uses a saddle bag ever again (man i hate saddle bags!). If you are worried about your stuff coming loose and falling all over the place, well stop worrying. Get the right awesome strap for the location that you want (stem, seat post, seat rails, etc.) and go Awesome. Also, watch this video because its fun <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwaN0jPXis&feature=player_embedded">Awesome Strap baseball bat test</a>.<br />
<br />
I continue to ride tubeless on my <a href="http://www.notubes.com/Alpha-340-Comp-Wheelset--P895.aspx">Stans Alpha 340 Comp wheels</a>.<br />
<br />
For tires I chose <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial">Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, Double Defense, 700x35</a> at 570 grams, because I would rather take a weight penalty and have the extra flat protection. The width is perfect for ultracross. And the tread is great in dry conditions, gravel, and is even decent in wet conditions. I would call it a winner if you're looking for some lower-risk ultracross racing. But if you are willing to risk flatting for the chance to go a few minutes faster, then go with something lighter but with the same volume like the <a href="http://www.notubes.com/The-Raven-Tire-700x35-P159.aspx">Stans Raven 700x35</a> at 360 grams. I found <a href="http://ridingagainstthegrain.com/2011/12/30/cyclocross-speed-marathon-mondial/">this article</a> enticing me to go to a lighter tire for my next ultracross experience (maybe all of 2013 to give them a fair shot).<br />
In review: <br />
1) they will last thousands of miles.<br />
2) they are lighter (570 grams) than the bomb-proof continental cx plus (800 grams)<br />
3) they are very flat resistant (gotta be the "Double Defense" version)<br />
4) they seem to air up tubeless pretty easily on my Stans wheels.<br />
5) the tread is very good on road, gravel, dry trails, and even decent on wet trails. <br />
<br />
I am still using <a href="http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1120&catid=185&subcat=0">TRP CX8.4</a> linear pull brakes because cantilevers are rubbish and i can't afford to upgrade my cx bike to have disc brakes. But I talked to someone with a <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/road/cyclocross/superx">Cannondale SuperX</a> and I wanted it ;)<br />
<br />
The weather:<br />
Man, all week the weather reports worsened. 20% chance of rain and 53, then 40% chance of rain and 50, by Friday it was 80% chance of rain and 45. The race directors sent out a doom-gloom/hypothermia email that was begging racers to be ready and encouraged them to even carry a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_blanket">Mylar blanket</a> in case of an emergency. Wowzer. I was nervous. I don't do well in cold/wet conditions. Just like my tire selection, I decided I would rather play things safe, and take a speed penalty to be ready. I wore an <a href="http://o2rainwear.com/2011/03/original-cycling-jacket/">O2 Cycling Rain Jacket</a> under my jersey. Which worked pretty well despite NO RAIN! Lol, I could feel the wind tugging on me a little so I focused on drafting during descents as often as possible.<br />
<br />
The Race:<br />
I lined-up front. I wanted to try to go with the lead group. Pat and Sug were up there, so why not? It was pretty cold at the start and i was a little shaky. Some of those shakes were nerves/excitement. Garth Prosser(?), Gerry Pflug, are all up here. That's cool ;)<br />
The initial pace went out pretty hot. It felt a lot like a 1 hour cyclocross race except a little less sprinty. The first four-ish miles are on bike paths between 2 parks and so its gravel, a little sand, and some road. A bit sketchy and I liked it a lot. I could feel that I was a little above my limit but was happy to be following Gerry's wheel (see video) <br />
<br />
<i>Early lead group:</i><br />
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As we approached the first cat 3 climb from mile 7 to 10, <a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/24311286#434793827">Piney Mountain Ridge Rd Climb</a>, I hoped I could continue on with the leaders but that was a dream. So I cut my early losses and decided to fall back. Several of us kinda spread out behind the leaders throughout the climb and these would all form the eventual chase group. Our organization out on the roads with rolling hills wasn't the best but we worked together. I felt like one of the stronger of the bunch so I was happy with this group. But in hindsight, when I was pulling i was doing a very bad job of pacing myself. I go too hard for too long. Then drop back in the group until the legs come to life and go again. It was stupid excitement and just poor pacing.<br />
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<i>Chase group being led by the eventual single speed winner. Yes I am drafting on a single speed (43x18 on these climbs!):</i><br />
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The chase group whittled down to about 4 of us as we approached the <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lippencote descent. I felt pretty burnt by this point but hoped the descending would rebuild the legs. I made sure to lead my group into Lippencote so that i could pick my lines in the technical trails. I climbed the initial part well and then started descending. I felt comfortable and didn't push it. Then I see Pat with a flat and a little later I see Adam with a flat as well. Damn, this trail took both AFC top contenders... out of contention. Adam's flat kinda fixed itself via Stans liquid and some C02 so we continued out of the descent together. I sprinted to grab the wheel of a roadie-looking rider that had a small gap on us... the legs responded with a resounding "I DON'T THINK SO!" Hmmm, I'm not bouncing back as quickly as I had hoped.</span></span><br />
Adam, the SS leader, and the roadie went on ahead as a group. I rode moderately until I could catch a draft on the rider behind me. We drilled some downhill (legs were coming back) but again I think I'm drilling too hard when I pull. Bad pacing again. On the <a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/24311286#434793856">Milesburg Rd climb</a> at mile 28 I decide that its time ride my own race. No more chasing people. I've put too much hurt'n on myself and it's still too early in the race. I climbed strongly and consistently (should have just ridden this way from the start) and prepared for the mighty WigWam.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
Approaching the WigWam Run-up<br />
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Up WigWam I caught Adam and others that I had lost out on the roads. I never ran, I just hiked faster. <a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/24311286#436810727">According to Strava I'm the fastest on this segment</a>. Yay! I'm tickled to be tops at something (although I would prefer to be the best pedal-er). It was max heart rate for everyone and boy is it pretty up there ;)<br />
I was getting thirsty heading into aid station 2 and thought we would all be stopping. Negative, none of my group stopped. I was surprised but took my time. The mistake I made here is when the volunteers asked me how many scoops of Heed I wanted "1 or 2". I'll take "4". "4!" they say. "Ya". So what the hell was I thinking? Well I'm not familiar with Heed other than drinking it at Hilly Billy. The stuff tastes horrible. At Hilly Billy they were digging it out with a teaspoon. Apparently these guys were using a scooper (i wasn't watching them, i was eating). I thanked them, jumped on the bike and grabbed my waterbottle. I take a swig, "UUUuuuuugh!". This is the nastiest sweetness of all time. But i don't have much water left in my Camelbak so it'll have to do and I try to convince myself that some how the super sugary grossness is going to help me. Please race directors, use Cerasport. Heed is so gross.<br />
So this first half of iron cross has totally shot my legs. Time to regroup. I have a lot of descending to do (i think). So I just ride a comfortable pace. Then hit some trials that I never rode in my recon. Its some pretty tough climbing. The legs are not happy. I'm constantly looking for ways to cut my losses. But then Brian Patton shows up. He and I have become friends, meeting in Potapsco before SugarHill 2012 and keeping in touch via Strava and Facebook. He told me he was in the hunt for the series win for under 40, having ridden Hilly Billy and Three peaks. I wanted to help him but doubted I could. He recommended that I draft on him through these gravel road descents. I'm happy to oblige. This helped a ton. I'll take it too far and say that I was riding on the neon wings of an angel (for a while), Lol.<br />
<br />
<i>Thompson Hollow Descent, or maybe the descent after Thompson....i don't know</i>.<br />
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After some fun gravel descending we head out on the roads. Again I think my pacing during pulls was really poor. I was extra motivated to help Brian try to catch the guy that he was battling for the series. But it just wasn't any good. Its like I am trying to go faster via a pace-line instead of trying to go the same speed with less effort. I'll definitely improve on this in my next pace-line. Anyway, I gave it almost everything I had out on those roads. I planned to eek-out the last drops of effort at Hogshead. As soon as we hit the loooong <a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/24311286#434793877">Hogshead climb</a> Brian went ahead. I didn't mind too much. I knew at this point I would finish, and finish pretty well.<br />
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Hogshead Road Climb<br />
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I got passed by maybe 5 riders on Hogshead. But made it to the top without cramps or any other problem other than being really tired. I descended well to aid station 4. There I ate a peanut butter sandwich which is now a new favorite aid station treat. Also apple slices (mmmmmmmm PA apples!). I got some water and headed into the final trails of the race. I wasn't pushing but riding ok. There was no one around. After several miles a guy in a Cycleworks orange kit caught me. I went with him, excited that we had about 5 miles left, and that I had some one to race. I let him lead since he was obviously stronger on the pedals at this point. His technical log hopping skills were pretty bad though. I gave him some room and used my skills to absorb his efforts. On a tougher log jump he crashed and I went ahead. He came back after a while and we hit the run-up, me with a slight gap. We also closed in on another guy. This was getting painful but exciting! After the run-up was a grassy trail climb. My climbing legs are totally shot and I'm barely staying on the bike but I pedal, pedal, pedal. I hear Pat come up behind me when he says "AFC!". I say "finally!" knowing that he must have taken a long time with his flat and partied a bunch at the aid stations to just be catching me now with 3 miles to go.<br />
<br />
At the top of the climb we all take beer hand-ups. Yummy! The cycleworks rider passes me on the final road section and I just settle in on his draft. I feel bad racing this way but I decide that I will pretend he is rider 20 and my goal is to be top 20, so I'm going to beat him. We make the turn to the finish and I take the sprint. Whew! That was a fun hard race. 2 thumbs up to the Iron Cross folks. Their course is really well marked and top notch. <br />
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<i>Awesome strap!</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-8140350614646605432012-10-05T06:12:00.001-07:002012-10-05T06:12:32.312-07:00Iron Cross 2012, final pre-race notesThe IC course description is really good (in my opinion). I add some notes from my recon.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 days until race time!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">from <a href="http://ironcrossrace.com/">ic website</a>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We
usually break this thing down into four "sektors" - as we're fond of
calling them. Each Sektor has it's own unique features and they are
separated by our checkpoints making it pretty easy to figure out what's
where - as long as you're not so oxygen depleted that you don't remember
where you are, what day it is, or why the heck you're climbing up a
cliff with a bike hanging off your back.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sektor 1 - Start to CP#1</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Features: Start at Pine Grove Furnace State Park; KOM/QOM; rolling roads and two big climbs</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This
is fast fast fast for the most part with the start course sometimes
playing a bigger role in the race than you might think. A prologue loop
of rolling pavement and rail trail brings you back through Pine Grove
SP in about four miles. Find a group to ride with and hang on up the
first dirt climb as you'll appreciate the help on the rolling roads that
lead to the first major climb to the KOM just before CP1. Up front the
attacks usually start on those rollers after a long burn up the first
climb has put a couple pretenders out the back. The KOM climb will
cause a selection or perhaps even a breakaway and small groups will
solidify for the run to Lippencote with riders chasing hard to make
contact.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">--- I didn't ride this section. Seems like a descent description. This is cardio work, nothing really technical.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sektor 2: CP#1 to CP#2</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Features: Lippencote Tr. descent; Rt 30; WigWam "Run" Up</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rolling
along the top of the ridgeline to Lippencote the front runners may test
each other but alliances form here so that those who are off the back
don't get the chance to get back on. Then comes Lippencote which can be
carnage or bliss depending on how smooth and light you can ride the
rocks. You can't hold back though because a minute lost here can prove
very difficult to pull back. Lippencote will almost certainly put paid
to at least one front runner's day, but those who can float this descent
can then fly on the flats of Rt 30 around the end of the ridge. But
awaiting all is Wigwam, IC's infamous run-up. Often a decision maker in
this race, it is not unusual to see groups enter the trail to Wigwam
together only to emerge at the top scattered over minutes of trail as
they enter CP#2.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- The miles approaching lippenconte you will be riding a park road (gravel but smooth, nothing like hilly billy).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- It is pretty much rolling hills and fast so u should be in a group.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- At some point you will see a clearing coming, that is powerlines. These powerlines are very close to the LEFT_HAND turn into Lippenconte. I think it is super important to not get caught behind a bunch of technical slowpokes. Get up front as best as possible at the powerlines and get ready for a semi-short technical trail climb. I rode it on my single speed mtb with cx tires. But it was dry. Point being, positioning up front seems to be really important. After the semi-short climb is the big descent. This thing is classic michaux. Take ur time and ride or run it as necessary. But take comfort that you put a bunch of slowpokes behind u at the hole shot.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- at the base of the descent u come to a road. there is a lot of road from here so find a group and chill (lot of downhill for many miles).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- eventually u will start getting back into the forest (on roads) and are getting near a biiig road/gravelish (smooth) climb. Several minutes to climb this. if u got gapped and are in a group that is kinda slow, this is where u make a move to catch the next group. At the top of that climb the road will flatten out and the reservoir will be on ur right.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- basically with the resevoir on the right u are approaching the Wigwam run-up. But it really is four parts.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1) As you leave the reservoir a left hand turn is coming. This turns immediately into some single/double track that is kinda a technical climb (very hilly billy-esqu). steep and kinda loose. It was totally rideable dry. So u want to get into this section towards the front of ur group and drill this hill.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2) u come out to a powerline field and have to ride the flat (tall grass) field to the base of wigwam. put everyone behind u that u possible can before this run-up.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3) Hike wigwam as fast as possible. but avoid getting on ur toes and trying to run. Overall u'll be faster if u hike quickly/smoothly. Ur heart rate will be max.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">4) At the top of the run-up u bike for a bit on double track but have another rocky run-up in about 1/4 mile. hike (and possibly run) that one fast too. At the top of that you have officially finished the run-up. slog ur way in the field (tall grass) to the road. IF u have a group to ride with from here u will probably never see people gapped behind u ever agian! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sektor 3: CP#2 to CP#3</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Features: Repeat climbs, Long Paved Section, Super Fast Descending</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This
Sektor would be a hoot except that is it preceded by that run-up and
that makes things ruff for a bit. Once you get your legs back under you
you'll start rolling across a ridge top road that, if you're lucky
enough to be with some buds, can be some fast stuff. A short sweet
climb leads to more rolling ridge riding and perhaps the fastest descent
of the day - keep your head up and watch for the off-camber bit! Hit
the pavement along the base of the ridge; it is great to have friends to
share the work on this bit of the course too! Keep your head up for
those turns though as there are couple of them to keep you on the right
course, both on the ground and on the telephone poles (and if you don't
see the confirmation arrow then you probably missed something!). A
final right off the pavement and a slight upgrade mean you're just about
to CP#3 where they'll great you with a smile, a smile that hides their
pity for what you are about to experience.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- I didn't ride the first half of this section so take the description for what its worth.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- The second half of this section is pretty tame and fast gravel road so u'll be happy to be in a group.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sektor 4: CP#3 to Finish</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Features: Hogshead Climb; Woodrow Descent; CP#4, Final Singletrack; Last Run-Up (?); Pavement Finish!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And
now we come to it. The final sektor of Iron Cross. We don't take it
easy on you so don't expect to coast home. First it's Hogshead</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">,
probably the biggest meanest bitch on the course. This thing is
relentless. You think you're at the top. You're not. Keep going. And
then go some more. Then swear at the guys that came up with this
course. Then rub out the cramps. Then keep going and you're close.
Next up is the descent of Woodrow. Watch those corners, it's loose and
sketchball. Down the descent to CP#4 and some fun double and
singletrack a short road bit and more trail for next few miles. If it's
dry a lot of the folks up front will rip through this bit with a couple
steps here or there and one last run up to get back to the ridge top.
The really fast guys ride that last run up in the dry. If it's
wet...YMMV. From there you'll smell the finish. Well, that's actually
your stank but it does smell, I'll give you that. Rip across the ridge
and then it's down the paved descent (where it is the only time of the
day you're wishing for bigger gears) and into the finish at Pine Grove
Furnace and the Iron Masters Mansion.</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- Pat and Sug will destroy the Hogshead climb. It pails in comparsion to SM100 climbing but its long and tough.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- The woodrow Descent is where Sug/Alex/Goat crashed back in 2007ish. So take these fast loose turns with care. It really helps to have the course displaying in your garmin (i found). I could see the hairpin or gradual turns coming on the map.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- Survive the trails. The description is very good though. It is a lot of rideable stuff. But definitely favor the run if ur unsure.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-- Goat and I missed the run-up they mention at the end of the trails so I've got nothing to add to that.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-40758039845827568102012-09-24T05:02:00.002-07:002012-09-24T05:02:52.799-07:00Charm City Cyclocross 2012, day 1 and day 2Ahhhhh a little cyclocross to sooth the soul. My last race was epicly epic, THE Shenandoah 100. So its nice to be coming to a race that involves less preparation, less stress, less travel, and less... rac'n.<br />
<br />
Charm city is nostalgic. It was my first real bike race. I did Cat 4 in 2010, then won both Cat 4 races in 2011 to get my upgrade, and did both 2/3/4 races this year.<br />
<br />
Day 1 was not all I had hoped. I started 4th or 5th row which was decent. I liken a start with that many racers of different skill levels to escaping a burning building. The first lap or two is the burning building. Some escape easily, others not as easily. Point being, you can't start racing until you escape the building and get with a group of riders that aren't holding you back and aren't going to wreck wildly.<br />
<br />
The start was sluggish. I picked my way through pretty well on lap 1 to move into the top 20. My body wasn't too happy though. I was nervous that my lack of cyclocross training would hurt me. I was hurt'n! I hung in there. It was hot hot hot. I didn't enjoy this race immensely but it was fun. I think I finished 15th.<br />
<br />
Day 2 was a totally different. I start 3rd row this time and from the "go!" felt like my old cyclocross self. I put in efforts to pass and was in the top 15 after lap 1. But this time I felt that there was plenty of gas in the tank. I caught up to a group including Jameson Ribbens and Andrey Doroshenko. I'm pretty sure I can ride with these guys and I know they did well on Day 1 so I'm happy.<br />
<br />
After a while I hear that we're in the top 10 and there are tons of guys just ahead. I decide to attack and try to make it to the next group. This was foolish in hindsight. I had worked hard to catch these guys who mostly started front row. I should have spent more laps with them. The attack hurts me and I drop back to the back of the group. And I'm hurt'n! But I think I can rally and still take this group in a few laps.<br />
<br />
Approaching the sandpit it takes a lot of effort to ride it because I'm sitting at the back of the pack and have to deal with the riders in front of me swerving and slowing. This became a recurring theme for my race. Bale or crash in the sand pit. Spend a lap to catch back up to the group. But bale or crash again because they are all sprawled out in front of me (that's right, i could do it easily if it wasn't for them, lol ;).<br />
<br />
But I'm loving this race. I'm riding hard but within myself. I'm competing. I'm pedaling AND thinking. Usually it's all pedaling for me. I'm making mistakes and learning. I'm measuring up the guys in my group. I'm looking for ways to beat them. I've never really been able to enjoy the tactics of racing. This is awesome!<br />
<br />
I end up in a group of 3 riders with a lap to go. The body has been giving it all she's got and i'm in the mix for a top 10 finish. I start thinking how I'm going to handle our last sandpit pass. This sand has been killing me. I'm going to run through it and go for the sprint on the road.<br />
<br />
We come to the sandpit, and once again i'm sitting at the back of the group. I immediately go for the run but stupidly go inside. There is room but not much. There had been plenty of room on the outside line! The rider in front starts swerving and ends up coming into me and the tape. I'm running full speed and just tear through the tape and kinda through him (sorry dude!). Its a mess and I'm not proud of it but I make it through. The guy at the front of our group is clear and I'm not catching him but the second guy is still close enough.<br />
<br />
I close down the gap in the final turns and sprint on the road. The guy makes an effort but he can't match. I come close to catching the leader of our group but it was too much space. Soooo FUN!!!<br />
Super exciting and I think this is one of my first really tactical races (it showed). There is something to be said for not just pedaling ur guts out the whole race. It was a blast and I believe I ended up 10th.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-35665251662011529232012-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:002012-09-07T12:17:18.656-07:00Shenandoah 100 2012, race<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Oh man, this was so brutally terrible it almost doesn't qualify for a lancefun blog. But this chat with Danny got me kick started. The report follows this chat. But the chat is better.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1oj"><a href="http://www.bobs-photogallery.com/MountainBikeRaces/2012-Mountain-Bike-Races/Shenandoah-Mountain-100-Sept-2/25172865_D7rQgs#%21i=2065052312&k=Tm8qBXx">http://www.bobs<wbr></wbr>-photogallery.c<wbr></wbr>om/MountainBike<wbr></wbr>Races/2012-Moun<wbr></wbr>tain-Bike-Races<wbr></wbr>/Shenandoah-Mou<wbr></wbr>ntain-100-Sept-<wbr></wbr>2/25172865_D7rQ<wbr></wbr>gs#!i=206505231<wbr></wbr>2&k=Tm8qBXx</a></span><br />
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1ps">lol, that's the "i'm going to be top 5 SS" look</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1pt">
silly fellow</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1pu">haha!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1pv">deep
down inside its also the "danny really kicked my ass up that last hill
and now i can't see him. i thought i was going to out climb him?" look</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1pw">man I was looking for you, I totally expected you to kill me on that hill</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1px">i
could see u and wolfy. but i was zone 5 at least to be that close.
and after that really long climb somewhere in mile 20ish i never saw u
again. and i was totally broken by then</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1py">
miserable</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1pz"><img alt=":(" height="12" pattern="frown" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-image: url("im/emotisprites/frown3.png"); background-position: 0px -180px;" width="12" /> man it makes me sad to hear you were miserable</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1q0">ya.
it was just such a struggle. never felt comfortable until i decided i
was going to quit chasing u. but didn't decide that until after i sunk
my own battle ship with no hope of feeling good. and then i had to
walk up all those techy climbs. bad to worse. i enjoyed some of the
descents.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1iu">until my hands got exhausted and i could barely brake anymore. hahaha. pathetic</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1hr">hahah it was a pretty rough intro to NUE i guess <img alt=":(" height="12" pattern="frown" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-image: url("im/emotisprites/frown3.png"); background-position: 0px -180px;" width="12" /></span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1jp">
you still had a solid time</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1jo">ya,
could have been worse. rallied from mile 40 to 85 (through soul crusher) but then that big descent just ended me with the exhausted
hands (crash). and the final long climb was sad... lol. man i hated a
lot of that. this is my race report. i don't think i'll blog about it
because it doesn't qualify for lancefun.blogsp<wbr></wbr>ot....</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1l8">oh man! epic hard days are the best blogs to read</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1ku">
<a href="http://www.bobs-photogallery.com/MountainBikeRaces/2012-Mountain-Bike-Races/Shenandoah-Mountain-100-Sept-2/25172865_D7rQgs#%21i=2066700423&k=ZwnM5q6">http://www.bobs<wbr></wbr>-photogallery.c<wbr></wbr>om/MountainBike<wbr></wbr>Races/2012-Moun<wbr></wbr>tain-Bike-Races<wbr></wbr>/Shenandoah-Mou<wbr></wbr>ntain-100-Sept-<wbr></wbr>2/25172865_D7rQ<wbr></wbr>gs#!i=206670042<wbr></wbr>3&k=ZwnM5q6</a></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">lol.
that was definitely my favorite part of the entire ride! glorious
that they got that pic. makes my day. thx dan. i'll post this chat as
my blog post. then maybe fill some stuff in as i have time</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Shenandoah-oah-oah-oah.... Your mountains are large and I shall climb them like a frolicking goat!</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">So most of the blogs I read leading up to this behemoth 100 miler is that the climbs are long the descents are awesome and its basically a party. The only thing i was worried about was the sheer time on the bike. I had never ridden a bike for longer than 4 hours and 42 minutes during Hilly Billy Roubaix 2012. So 8+ hours sounded like a lot. Also, my longest mountain bike race was a 24 mile race at Sugarhill 2012. I bonked pretty hard during that. Also, I converted my bike to single speed three week before so I had never raced a single speed. But despite all that I still thought the only real issue for me would be the total time and distance.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Then I read this <a href="http://schottler.blogspot.com/2011/09/shenandoah-100.html">blog by Schottler from 2011</a> where he finished in 7:46 (fast!) and it sounded a little tougher. I thought "alright maybe this is going to be more technically challenging then i think".</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I drove to the campground the night before, arriving at 10:30pm. I was sleeping in my car and maybe fell asleep by 12am. Super happy about a decent night's sleep. I woke at 5am and got ready. I hadn't planned for the darkness and didn't have a headlamp so getting ready with my bike light in awkward positions made for slow going. The whole drop bag situation confused me some. The stations already have tons of food. The drop bags are just for rider specific stuff. Weird and I don't feel comfortable with the drop bag stuff. Ok, I'll put some Cerasport and Probars at aid station 3. But I'll just carry the bulk of what I need. (MISTAKE)</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Pat shouted for me at the start. I got in next to him. The sun is starting to rise so the race starts soon. Pat points out Gerry Pflug, Ron Harding, and others. I get to chat it up with Roger Masse (love that guy!). This is cool. 6:31am and we're off!</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Right away I'm huffing and puffing. This is nothing like the party pace I read about in previous 100 miler descriptions. People are flying. And my single speed is holding me back. I'm at the back of the big lead group and start thinking "Maybe I just need to dig deep for 30 minutes and things will really settle down on the first climb"</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">The first climb is mildly-hard. and pretty long. I'm digging and passing some but mostly keeping up. I can see Danny Atkins and Dan Wolf (both of Race Pace bicycles) not too far ahead. These are the guys I had hoped to ride with. But that's because I thought I would be well within myself. But I'm redzone. We're 20 minutes in and people aren't backing off. "Ok, well maybe I just need to dig for 1 hour hard then things will settle".</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Things are a little slick and loose on the descent. I feel pretty capable though. Mostly we're all happy its not raining. Things are a blur from here. I don't remember what happened for a while. But I know that I was still uncomfortably working hard. Spinning like crazy on the flats. Mashing on the uphills on my 32x18 single speed. I'm hurting. We hit another long climb. Again I see Dan and Dan but can't catch them without sprinting. "Maybe I'll see them later".</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">We get into some single track. This was getting pretty technical with big rocks jutting out everywhere. What the hell? Its really hard to follow geared guys because the spin slowly through this stuff. I'm single speed and have to back off, then mash over a slick rock, then back off. This is getting brutal and I'm not even a quarter of the way through. I'm already borderline miserable. But probably still doing well place wise. press forward.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">We go down a long technical descent and out on the roads. I'm guessing we're at mile 25 or so. I'm spinning like crazy to stay with a group. I know that I'm heading towards a disastrous 100 if I keep doing this but the Dan's are still ahead, and I can't bear to let these groups go and ride my own pace. We catch a big group that is part pacing. I believe Dan Wolf is in it. I don't see Atkins. The leader looks like Gerry Pflug but that doesn't seem right because the women's leader "Sue" is here as well. I'm so happy to be going slow and to have caught up with the group that I believe I belong with.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">The joy is short lived. We turn into a trail section and I'm towards the back of the group. Again the climb is pretty technical and the geared riders are taking it so slowly!!!! Its killing me as I balance on my single speed, then mash hard over slick roots/rocks then back off so that i don't run into the line of rider ahead of me. I know I need to walk but I'm also trying not to stop and cause the people behind me to have to walk to. Finally a falter and scramble out of the way to let people go by. I'm starting to hate this.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">After some significant walk-climbing i see that nearly everyone is walking now. In fact this is a know "run-up" of the race. I just was walking sooner than everyone else. I just can't believe how technical this is. Its nothing like I imagined. eventually I see some one riding up behind. Its Roger Masse! Dude is riding much further up the "run-up" than most others. impressive. I know I'm toast and he looks pretty good. Damn I wish I had stuck back with him earlier.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I don't really remember the descent after this long climb. I think it was fun. I had met up with a single speeder, Kelly Klett, and decided to stick with him for as long as possible. We seemed to be climbing at similar speeds. I</span><span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">'m mashing and he looks more comfortable. </span><span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">He tells me he's riding 34x21! I tell him I chose a 32x18 and it was proving to be too tall. He chuckled and said "well i shouldn't be seeing you in the last 30 miles". I agreed.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Its starts raining pretty hard. UUUUUUGH! Not rain too! I'm feeling sorry for myself. Bleh! Thankfully I had arm warmers because I wasn't pedaling hard enough to keep warm.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I rode with Kelly for maybe 15 miles. But lost him as I stopped at aid station 3. This was fair since I think I caught him after aid 2 where he stopped. I basically rolled through that one (MISTAKE). There was a longish road section where I had plenty of time to chill and contemplate quitting. I'm feeling pretty terrible. And this is my last chance to drop out anywhere close to the finish. But i've invested this much time/effort/money/pain. Press forward. My only real fear at this point was cramps. So I was drinking Cerasport and eating Probars and Hammer gel liberally. Of all the things I did wrong I can at least say I ate enough. The MISTAKE was that I carried most of it with me and should have put most of it in drop bags at aid 2 and 4 as I had originally planned. That weight adds up.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I drafted on some geared guys. Again this felt way harder than I imagined it should. I'm feeling crummy. We get into some trails and approach a monster climb at mile 50. I try to ride it but again its just too technical (narrow, semi-loose, very wet roots, rocks). It felt like the roots and rocks were trying to push me off the side of the trail. I would get to a flattish section, hop on my bike. Get clipped in. Pedal pedal then back tire slides on a root and i'm back off nearly falling down the hill. Now I'm just angry. I WISH I HAD QUIT! The descent is not all that fun for a broken angry fellow either.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Out on the roads leading into the biggest climb of the day I pass by people that look as soul-less as me. We all look pretty fit/fast. But are having bad days from one thing or another. No one is really talking. I'm getting depressed just recounting it, lol! We're climbing slowly and then enter some double track. Now the real climbing up to aid 5 begins.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I can't sit climb. The legs are shot. So like my four year old son, I stand on the pedals and churn slowly, body swaying back and fourth for over an hour. I have no idea how I can pedal standing for so long. Just for short segments when I sit. I knew this would be a long climb but it seems to go beyond long. Danny Atkins had warned me that the climbing wasn't over by aid 5. So at aid 5 I get some food, get a drink and prepare to climb more.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"> </span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Well, the climbing past aid5 is nothing like the climbing before. This is muddy. This is boggy. How is there so much water on top of a mountain? It stopped raining 30 minutes ago but water is coming out of every mountain orifice. I'm told by another rider that its wet up here even when it hasn't rained. This defies logic. Its a an active volcano of water up here! The pedals are turning so slow but I'm still passing other dead folk and I'm still fighting. How can I possibly still be pedaling. standing and pedaling? The human body is amazing.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I keep climbing and dipping and climbing and dipping. Its maddening! does this mountain have a top. Looking at the map I suppose I was riding the ridge of the mountain. This IS crushing my soul but i'm a little happy that the legs aren't cramping. They are turning. And finally! the descent. No wait another rise. The descent! Nope another rise.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Then the real descent. This thing is so long. I thought I would be glad to be here. But this is even worse. I'm exhausted so I have no technical skills. So I'm on the brakes. But the hands are shot. Literally I can't squeeze the levers anymore. I stop to let the hands rest and go again. I can't believe even the descents are crushing my soul now. At some point I wreck, imagining what my face will meet as i go over the bars. Will a stick stab me in the eye? Will my neck get slashed on a rock. Nope just dirt and gravel. I check my bike praying that there is no damage. Ok its good. I litetally pray out loud, "God please get me off this MOUNTAIN!". This marks my first steps into desperation. The crash gave my hands a little rest though so I'm able to descend again. But I keep meeting techy, kicker hills. The legs can't do it and I have to walk my bike up them.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">Finally the bottom. I basically skip aid 6. I just want to get back. MISTAKE. 12 miles doesn't sound like much but at 9mph, its over an hour to the finish. This dawns on me about a mile past the station. I'm not turning back. So far its road and I can do that. Then the final climb. I know it aint little but now its the biggest slowest slog. At least its not technical. I get passed by a single speeder that makes me look like i'm standing still. I care. But can't do anything. The downhill is miserable with my mushy lifeless hands. Some guy tries to past me just before the finish area. He could hear that we were close and took a chance but crashed.</span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz"><br /></span></div>
<div class="kk">
<span dir="ltr" id=":1kz">I finish in 9 hours 22 minutes. Ugh! Pat cheers me in. He won the single speed division on the same gearing (32x18) today finishing in 8 hours 8 minutes. Life is improving. I finished. And Pat won. Food! Wash the bike and cry to Dan Atkins and Dan Wolf how much that sucked. They didn't have the most fun either finishing in 8 hours 40ish minutes. I ended up 8th among single speeders. There were and incredible amount of DNF'd riders.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-40660747365437598282012-08-30T06:12:00.004-07:002012-08-30T06:20:13.219-07:00Shenandoah 100 2012 preparationThe <a href="http://www.mtntouring.com/mountain/htm/shenandoah_mountain_100/page_sm100.htm">2012 Shenandoah 100</a> is this weekend. I tested all of the bike configurations yesterday on my ride with Pat. The machine is ready.<br />
But there are tons of other things to prepare. Here is the checklist that Pat and I created and are using:<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sHiAVbNxSR3gtoupEVqn8EHzjXGQFb_FHdNN47YDADA/edit">Ultra Race Checklist</a><br />
<br />
Notice the "upload course to Garmin Edge 500". I did this for my <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/08/iron-cross-2012-course-recon.html">Iron Cross Recon rides</a>. I would have been horribly lost without it. So why not use the feature for racing ultras too? It can show me how much further I have to the finish, my estimated finish time, the profile of the course ahead, and breadcrumbs to show the pathway (and get back on course if you're off course). The breadcrumbs aren't a map, so at forks in the course it can be difficult to tell which way to go. It's not perfect, just awesome :)<br />
<br />
Steps I used to upload the Shenandoah 100 course to my Garmin:<br />
<ol>
<li>Find the course on Strava. Literally I typed "Shenandoah 100 strava" into Google and found <a href="http://app.strava.com/runs/2011-shenandoah-100-1503580">Brain P's ride from last year</a>. I was looking for a better course recording than Danny Atkin's because it looks like Danny's recording from last year was a little off on some of the roads. This was an indicator to me to look for a more precise recording.</li>
<li>Go to this <a href="http://cosmocatalano.com/strava/export/">Strava Export Tool</a>. I pasted the Strava ride URL into the bar and selected TCX. Click export and expect to wait a while because this is a looooong course.</li>
<li>Download the TCX file from the page that is displayed on completion.</li>
<li>Log-in to <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/">Garmin Connect</a>.</li>
<li>Click upload. And selection Manual upload. And select the TCX file.</li>
<li>Do the quick edit so that you can name the course whatever you like ("Shenandoah 100").</li>
<li>Make sure your Garmin is plugged into your computer. And select "upload to device".</li>
<li>Then follow <a href="http://www.blog.ultracycle.net/2010/05/courses-on-the-garmin-edge-500">these instructions for loading/riding the course</a>. Note that you don't have to start where the course starts. You can "start the course" while you are off course or at a different point on the course and then Garmin will tell you when you have reached the course and will guide you from that point. </li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-47101173171497107572012-08-27T06:38:00.004-07:002012-08-27T06:39:34.551-07:00Iron Cross 2012, course recon<span dir="ltr" id=":gu">In my <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/08/iron-cross-2012-setup.html">previous post</a> I had decided to recon the <a href="http://www.ironcrossrace.com/">2012 Iron Cross</a> course on my single speed mountain bike with ultra cross tires. Well really I was riding the 2011 course which I assume will be similar. And by ultra cross tires I mean a <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/continental-speed-king-cyclocross-tire-review">Continental 35mm Speed King cx tire</a> on the front and a <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial">Scwalbe Marathon Mondial</a> 35mm with double defense on the back (tubeless).</span><br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu"><br /></span>
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu">The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial setup tubeless was the tire that I was really wanting to test. If it held well I plan to buy another for the race. I also wanted to test my SS gear selection. I went with 32x17 since I am new to single speeding and I wasn't sure how brutal the hills would be.</span><br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu"><br /></span>
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu">Overall I would say the course is generally tame but with a few fun and super challenging sections. Maybe 45 miles tame and 15 miles of fun/tough stuff. So maybe it is a "bad"
course for a single speeder compared to something like Hilly Billy Roubaix which is almost constantly epic :)</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu">There is a lot of paved road. Then lots of well maintained gravel road with long, usually gradual
climbs. So a tall gear would be great in those sections. But then there is some Michaux single
track where a shorter gear is good.</span><br />
<br />
<span dir="ltr" id=":gu">The course has some really nice
parts. The Lippenconte (sp?) trail section is classic Michaux single track with giant rocks and scenic woods. In this video you can see me entering the trail and climbing a pretty technical initial section:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WN16WjfwdsY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Other than this initial climb, there is one other dicey downhill section. The rest of the trail is smoother single track.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then after a long section of road including route 30, you climb a long gravel hill back into Michaux. No extreme grades, just long. And you find yourself at the reservoir (not the best video):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VZAfYti0cQM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Not too far from the reservoir is the killer run-up. You have a semi-technical double track trail climb to get to it. The first video is approaching it (looks like a giant wall in front of you). The second video is me "hiking" it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bj7F9sT30xA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OTqLvAyY7_o/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OTqLvAyY7_o?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OTqLvAyY7_o?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
That run-up is going to really separate things. And it is probably THE biggest decider in the race. It is max heart rate action for well over 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
That concluded day 1 recon. Onto day 2 recon this time riding with The Goat (Greg Saylor).<br />
<br />
There is a bunch of gravel road riding from mile 25 probably to 40ish. That includes some more paved road. Goat was on gears and was nearly sleeping as I spun out on my SS through this section. Then we had a long climb on gravel roads again. I made this video as we crested the top:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-p8EgfVPu8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Then near the end of the course is a longish single track section that was so much fun i forgot to stop the video:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/odz2bVgvQIE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
In terms of gearing I would say that 32x17 was too short. 32x16 is probably what i will ride if I do SS.<span dir="ltr" id=":1v"> Decisions.
I'm probably not going to podium in the open. And i risk hurting my CX
bike on the single track. I'll have a good shot for the podium in SS and there is less
risk of mechanicals. But the course is pretty tame except for a few great MTB sections.</span> I guess in the heat of racing the tame sections won't be too boring. So I'll probably go SS.<br />
<br />
To win this race I think you have to ride a cyclocross bike with fast rolling tires. That was definitely not true at Hilly Billy Roubaix where it seemed that mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes were equal.<br />
<br />
This recon ride would have been impossible without the breadcrumbs course feature in my Garmin 500. Lifesaver! <a href="http://www.blog.ultracycle.net/2010/05/courses-on-the-garmin-edge-500" target="_blank">http://www.blog.ultracycle.<wbr></wbr>net/2010/05/courses-on-the-<wbr></wbr>garmin-edge-500</a> <br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to it! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-92121712481956363952012-08-24T05:46:00.000-07:002012-08-24T05:46:08.954-07:00Iron Cross 2012, SetupI am trying various combinations of tires/bikes. At Hilly Billy 2012 I used the Continental Cyclocross Plus because I wanted a bomb-proof tire and was more focused on finishing the longest/hardest race that I had ever attempted. Well they were definitely bomb proof but the 800 grams of tire is a bit sluggish and probably over kill. Time to optimize!<br />
<br />
Here is the chat to Master mountain bike jedi Danny Atkins:<br />
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1u5">oh
man. put a cx tire (front) and touring tire (back) on my SS mtb
because i'm going to ride the iron cross course the next 2 days</span><br />
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":zn">
tried it out on my home cx course at ccbc.</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1s4">
that was just fun.</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1s5">
might never ride my cx bike off road again</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1s6">oh awesome!</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1s7">
haha</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1s8">
curious why a touring tire?</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1s9">for real, why!</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1sa">
i'll tell u why</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1sb">
because
the only way to get a puncture resistant, low rolling resistant, 29'r
or 700 sized tire that isn't too fat.... get a touring a tire. i got
the shwalbe mondial.</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1sc">
the only killer... they aren't so hot at going tubeless</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1sd">
i'm hoping they still have air when i get home today</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1se">
tested them last night</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1rm">that's an interesting choice</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1ri">
how did it do?</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1rj">but
they are about 250 grams lighter than the tires i rode at hilly billy.
so that is the big advantage. yet they are still very puncture
resistant.</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qx">
it went great</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qw">
as long as they are still holding air tubeless today</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qv">
check out my little g+ post:</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qu">
<br /></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qu">
<div>
<div>
dear cyclocross bike, sorry but I found something else. Oh, it's name? single speed ultra cross Mountain bike.</div>
</div>
<div style="max-height: 373px; max-width: 497px; min-height: 372px;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/117524233036217103372/albums/5780037698208190065/5780037697135176418" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kno-suMLHsY/UDbRqV4b6uI/AAAAAAAAdXk/tszN36kvRSs/w497-h373/12%2B-%2B1" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qt">
</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qt">
and iron cross is more fast rolling roads than hilly billy</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qs">
so it is a faster tire</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1qr">
struggling to come up with a solution for the front tire tho</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1s0">
mondial's don't have enough tread i feel like to be a front tire</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1k1">
just used a 700x35 cx tire.</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1ra">
which feels great</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1t6">
but now i've lost the puncture resistance in the front</div>
</div>
<div class="kq" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kp">
Sent at 8:07 AM on Friday</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":zk">why not go with another one of those contis?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1oo">800 grams</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1na">
trying to go like 550 grams</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":zo">
mondial is 580 but the tread aint good enough</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":zp">i see</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1tk">so maybe even 650 in the front</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1rb">
just not 800!</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1ta">
and the tread life is horrible on the conti cx plus</div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1ne">
the mondial should last forever</div>
</div>
<div class="kq" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kp">
Sent at 8:11 AM on Friday</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1qq">if the mondial does well in my test rides today and tomorrow. i may go with it as a front tire too.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="kq" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kp">
Sent at 8:13 AM on Friday</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1qp">actually, ya that is the plan. mondial for the front too if it can survive tubeless in the back this weekend.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="kq" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kp">
Sent at 8:17 AM on Friday</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1qo">what pressure will you run them at</span></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":zz">i did 55psi at hilly billy. but will probably try to go 45ish today/tomorrow on the mondial</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":100">
what do u think?</div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1qh">no idea</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":1oj">
ha, i really dont know...touring tires aren't my thing <img alt=";)" height="12" pattern="wink" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-image: url("im/emotisprites/wink3.png"); background-position: 0px -144px;" width="12" /></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="2byrds@gmail.com">me: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":10c">ya, me neither. the mondial is THE road/off road touring tire</span></div>
<div class="kl" dir="ltr" id=":10b">
used to be called something else. marathon extreme or something. anyway.. i'm a little extreme <img alt=";)" height="12" pattern="wink" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-image: url("im/emotisprites/wink3.png"); background-position: 0px -144px;" width="12" /></div>
</div>
<div class="km" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kk">
<span class="kn" title="datkins003@gmail.com">Dan: </span> <span dir="ltr" id=":1ou">oh yeah the marathon is ringing some bells</span></div>
</div>
<div class="kq" role="chatMessage">
<div class="kp">
Sent at 8:21 AM on Friday</div>
<div class="kp">
</div>
<div class="kp">
So let the test begin! </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-79450055943256830802012-08-12T10:31:00.003-07:002012-08-12T10:31:40.657-07:00Westside Worlds 2012/08/08<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6767112387792200138" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdFhGUFBOQWJqWlhvbGtDcXNzUEZkQUE&output=html" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">A group unofficial leaderboard</a><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdENGRU15UHdkYmxILUk5dFIwYzU0eUE&output=html" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">B group unofficial leaderboard</a><br /><br /><br />The unofficial Westside Worlds ride came to an unofficial end.</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6767112387792200138" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;">
It will unofficially continue on without the cross racers.</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6767112387792200138" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;">
Super year!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-67671123877922001382012-08-03T05:53:00.003-07:002012-08-03T05:53:46.080-07:00Westside Worlds 2012/08/01<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdFhGUFBOQWJqWlhvbGtDcXNzUEZkQUE&output=html">A group unofficial leaderboard</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdENGRU15UHdkYmxILUk5dFIwYzU0eUE&output=html">B group unofficial leaderboard</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/15978027">My Strava data </a><br />
<br />
<br />
The unofficial Westside Worlds ride is still seeing new faces and turnout is pretty amazing for this late in the season. Thats awesome!<br />
<br />
The A group ride was tough and a whole lot of fun. Next week is possibly the last WsW of the year (CX BABY!).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-90535760172974318262012-08-01T10:36:00.001-07:002012-08-01T10:37:38.800-07:00Iron Cross 2012, Idea<a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/06/hilly-billy-roubaix-2012-race.html">Hilly Billy Roubaix 2012</a> was so awesome that Iron Cross 2012 is a near must.<br />
<br />
Time to begin <span class="il">prepping</span>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is some sweet video from 2011, courtesy of cylcingdirt.org.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
killer trail section:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509694-Iron-Cross-Leaders-on-Lippencote-Descent" target="_blank">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/<wbr>coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-<wbr>Cross-2011/video/509694-Iron-<wbr>Cross-Leaders-on-Lippencote-<wbr>Descent</wbr></wbr></wbr></wbr></a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
highlight video:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509803-Iron-Cross-Highlights-2011" target="_blank">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/<wbr>coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-<wbr>Cross-2011/video/509803-Iron-<wbr>Cross-Highlights-2011</wbr></wbr></wbr></a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
last year's winner was a roadie/duathlete/triathlete:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509681-Iron-Cross-Dereck-Treadwell-1st" target="_blank">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/<wbr>coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-<wbr>Cross-2011/video/509681-Iron-<wbr>Cross-Dereck-Treadwell-1st</wbr></wbr></wbr></a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
pflug second:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509693-Iron-Cross-Gerry-Pflug-2nd" target="_blank">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/<wbr>coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-<wbr>Cross-2011/video/509693-Iron-<wbr>Cross-Gerry-Pflug-2nd</wbr></wbr></wbr></a> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
gunnar shogren "40x19 SS"</div>
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-Cross-2011/video/509682-Iron-Cross-Gunnar-Shogren-2nd-SS" target="_blank">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/<wbr>coverage/240312-NoTubes-Iron-<wbr>Cross-2011/video/509682-Iron-<wbr>Cross-Gunnar-Shogren-2nd-SS</wbr></wbr></wbr></a><br />
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":yv" role="button" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-86424980178266746522012-07-29T12:36:00.002-07:002012-07-29T12:46:05.070-07:00Gotta watch the kids? Time for a long run!Watch AFC Elite Adam Driscoll and I "watch" our kids:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9BoLRGQghGI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/runs/15319007">Strava run data</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-39201304369879339032012-07-23T07:08:00.004-07:002012-07-23T07:15:27.322-07:00My Cannondale Flash 29'er 1 takes on Michaux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB41Kc2HSW5i2UhiLYJpDb-fH0sx26CFuD1NALNgNFkxEgw_o-Pjfa4tX9DwO5N2O_-MsiKFLoDbgxQJz37uTG_c-xmt4FPRvtM4UuuZ8wcZMKO_s-dCBSPdAmEsmPF8__UcYn6KZRTrM/s1600/IMG370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB41Kc2HSW5i2UhiLYJpDb-fH0sx26CFuD1NALNgNFkxEgw_o-Pjfa4tX9DwO5N2O_-MsiKFLoDbgxQJz37uTG_c-xmt4FPRvtM4UuuZ8wcZMKO_s-dCBSPdAmEsmPF8__UcYn6KZRTrM/s320/IMG370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After braving Michaux (its raw out there! <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-little-taste-of-dark-hollow-in-michaux.html">see my previous post</a>) on my Cannondale Flash 29'er 1, its time to chat about it.<br />
<br />
I don't hide that I like to trail poach on my cx bike with some rugged 35mm tires. But if I want to do some real trail riding on the Baltimore County side of Potapsco or in the glorious mountains of Michaux, its time for the Cannondale mountain bike. It has been fantastic for me over the last 2 seasons.<br />
<br />
Lefty fork = awesome<br />
Avid Elixir brakes = awesome<br />
Sram drivetrain = awesome<br />
I upgraded the tires to something beefier. Bontrager 29-3 Experts. They have been great.<br />
I also upgraded the wheels to the Stans No Tubes, 340 Arch 29er. They are sweet! I recommend getting a Stan's injector for no-mess tubeless action. <br />
I use Crank Brother Candy 3 pedals because I prefer Crank Bros. pedals for cyclocross. The Candy version seems better for mountain biking.<br />
<br />
I bought the bike at <a href="http://bikedoctorlinthicum.com/">Bike Doctor Linthicum</a>. They are and AFC sponsor.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-84658046295449799272012-07-22T19:09:00.002-07:002012-07-23T03:19:20.711-07:00A little taste of Dark Hollow in Michaux<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/14185643">My Strava Data</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/14186716">Dan Atkins Strava Data</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gettysburgbicycle.com/michaux/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/darkhollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gettysburgbicycle.com/michaux/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/darkhollow.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn't have time for the 40 miler at Dark Hollow in Michaux. Decisions. Do the 20 miler or ride 20 miles of the 40 miler with Dan Atkins? Easy choice. I'm a social rider and wasn't looking for a race this weekend anyways. Ride with Danny it is.<br />
Now the second decision, where do I meet up with him? Starting with the rest of the field didn't seem right but on top of that, its unlikely I was going to keep up with Danny. He blasts me on the MTB and really blasts me on a technical course. Michaux is THE technical MTB trail haven of this area. Its raw!<br />
I decided to meet up with him at about mile 8. That should take the edge off of Dan's wicked pace in the single-track. Also, I have hope because I only need to survive 20 miles. It's on!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/product_images/x/667/ikam_xtreme_white__17725_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/product_images/x/667/ikam_xtreme_white__17725_zoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Also, I wanted to try my new video glasses. These were a cheap buy at the Gander Mountain store in Chambersburg PA. $42, and you can return them within 30 days. Had to give them a try. As you can see from some of the videos, the audio isn't so hot when moving at any kind of speed. So interviews aren't really doable. Also the field of vision is less than your own normal field of vision. I didn't take that into account. But for $42 I was pretty happy with the results.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately Danny got a flat in the first 90 seconds and had change it while the entire field went on. This put him behind schedule but we met up and headed off together just after the 8 mile mark. This was a good section to start together, it was gravel roads to chat and catch up.<br />
<br />
Video: I'm still getting used to clip length and knowing when I am recording :) Also, i'm terribly awkward, hah ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
As we approached the first single track area I was getting a little nervous. Dan is an excellent technical rider. Could I hang with him after he's been racing for an hour? It turned out I could and I was super happy :) I got to learn a lot by following him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NrEKoYPqZI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
When I attack a technical climb I tend to get tense and really mash through rocky/rooty sections. Dan is much more efficient. He relies on balance and consistent power and an occasional tree push-off (solid move!). So this is how he survives 40 miles :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Video: I crash on a climb and then use the running skills to keep up with Dan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NnvbluTItQ8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Video: Hike a bike!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fTba2h4V_lE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTba2h4V_lE?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTba2h4V_lE?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Video: Aid station 2 party. Check in on the Race Pace guys:<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_oTTNH4lZGc/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_oTTNH4lZGc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_oTTNH4lZGc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
Video: Some "gorgeous" twisty single track:<br />
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<br />
Tons of fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-56804445164890287102012-07-19T05:49:00.002-07:002012-07-19T06:20:45.062-07:00Westside Worlds 07/18/2012<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/13783468">Strava goodness</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdFhGUFBOQWJqWlhvbGtDcXNzUEZkQUE&output=html">Unofficially awesome unofficial A ride results</a><br />
<br />
Westside worlds is a chance to remember that I just freaking love biking. Some times the opportunity to ride hard can be a chore. WsW says, "Chores are for school boys, lets ride!"<br />
Storms loomed on the horizon in all directions so we had a small group at the start. Sug, Pat, Shiny Jay, Coop, Dan skinny Miranda, and Tom Schreck didn't get scared away. Its an all AFC affair today for this unofficial fun-ness.<br />
The pace was honest throughout. Not gritty, but strong. I felt decent after a solid <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/07/2xrip-2012-afc-comes-out-in-force.html">2xrip duathlon</a> this past weekend. Shweetness. So I tried to help on the pace.<br />
Going into Race Rd. the rotation kept up almost all the way to the sprint. AFC guys like to share in the pain. I caught Sug's wheel and was going pretty deep to hold. "Should I try to go by?" I decided to hold the wheel and enjoy a second place. Snakey Coop had other plans and rocketed by me close to the line. I needed that. I was being a panzy and didn't fight around Sug and payed for it. The effort was good for 3rd so I wasn't crying or anything.<br />
Lawyers and Landing went by without event.<br />
Going down Beechwood THE Jay Lins made his signature fast descent. He opened a gap up on Sug, Pat, and I. "Could I catch him on Illy?" I thought I could but it was going to take some work.<br />
Ilchester time! Adam and Pat scooted along quickly and caught Jay on the turn into the second hill. I'm going to guess they let him know that he should keep pressing cause I'm a little ways back. "Stay cool Lancer", I thought. "Lancer?". "Ya, Lancer". Cool name.<br />
I caught Jay on the second hill section. He gave me some encouragement that signaled that he had played his card. I kept pressing and ended up third.<br />
College, New Cut, Hillsborough, was more fun pressing. <br />
Bonnie didn't go crazy. More strong pulls. No wild moves. I wanted the win pretty badly. Sug was pulling as we entered the sprint zone and I got up next to him. Pat and Jay Lins were right there. I decided to get a little wild and long sprint it. The cranks whirred. The gap opened, except on Sug. I knew I was in trouble as we flew past the West's who were cheering us on. Suggy gonna hurt me. He won. Still no complaints here. And according to Strava I achieved a new max heart rate of 189 (up from 188 on Bonnie previously). Good for me! ;)<br />
The West's offered beer. The boring training guy in me said "Hell no! Beer during WsW? Ur and idiot." Mmmmmm, IPA! Thx West family. You guys are the best.<br />
More fun times to get to Westchester. I decided I wanted to get through it ASAP so I just pulled the group into it (lightly) and started my feable attack from the beginning. Sug and Pat covered it easily and went on their merry way. Jay Lins caught me and nearly opened a gap but a little life returned to me towards the top and I accelarated to 3rd.<br />
The stoms never came. The only thing they did was cool the evening off. Jackpot!<br />
Loved it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-73969373338331336902012-07-15T11:18:00.003-07:002012-07-15T11:26:55.418-07:002xrip 2012, AFC comes out in force<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552690_10151015171234909_217479488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552690_10151015171234909_217479488_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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2xrip was a blast today. And AFC is going to raise some awesome money!<br />
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The AFC Elite racers of Pat, Adam, Dan Miranda, and I traded punches with the big boys, and came out smiling :)<br />
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The day was super humid, but over cast and not too hot. Pat, Adam, and I got to the race nice and early to get ready for the 7am start. After the normal checks, all systems were "go".</div>
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<br /></div>
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The pre-race analysis went something like:</div>
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Adam (Sug) is the defending champ and course record holder, but <a href="http://snappletriteam.com/athlete-blogs/national-team/lucas-mccollum">Lucas McCullom</a> was signed up and he had beaten both Adam and I at <a href="http://lancefun.blogspot.com/2012/06/usat-long-course-duathlon-age-group.html">The USAT Long Course Duathlon Age Group National Champs</a> in early June. Can Sug's insane running and bike fitness overcome Lucas on a hilly/technical course?</div>
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Pat used to be quite the multi-athlete. However in the past few years he has focused on mountain biking and cyclocross. He had run a little to get ready for this. Could he summon his running talents of old to make the podium?</div>
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I did well here last year (4th). If you don't count my 2 minute penalty I was the fastest bike leg last year. Certainly I had run more this year but not as much lately as my attention is leaning towards cyclocross. Would my fitness from Long course nats carry me to the podium?</div>
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Dan Miranda has been tearing it up on the running scene along with Sug and has greatly improved his biking. Would his superior running form and new found bike skills get him to the podium?</div>
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"Go!". The early running pace was strong but nothing too crazy. Except for a guy in a Virginia Tech skinsuit. He was really moving. Dan Miranda was up towards the front. Adam not too far behind him. Then Lucas. Then Pat and I.</div>
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It was a 2 mile, very hilly loop. I could tell that I was pushing it a little deep early. But I wanted to stay close to the front. By the end of the loop Pat and I were together and a bit off the lead but doing well.</div>
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On the bike I felt decent. Time to catch some of these faster runners. I didn't have as many people to catch this year because I ran way faster. But the key was to catch guys and then put gaps between them and me because the second run is twice as long (4 miles) and I need all the cushion I can get ;)</div>
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Pat and I rode within site of each other throughout. If the pace slacked then one of us would pass the other. I didn't feel as spunky this year as I did last year but we were definitely moving. Before the end of the first lap on the 2 loop course we had caught everyone that we were gonna catch. We had moved into 3rd and 4th position behind Sug and Lucas (but those two were waaaay out of site). With Sug almost a lock to make the podium we really wanted to get another AFC'r up on the podium with him.</div>
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The problem was math. According to my calculations, we hadn't caught the Virginia Tech fast runner guy until pretty late in the first loop and that meant we were in trouble on the run. Would we be able to create a big enough gap over lap 2?</div>
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The 26 miles flew by fairly quickly. It seemed like a very long time last year. Fun will do that. And mashing the pedals with Pat is just plain fun. With about 5 miles to go I could see my heart rate dropping despite my near all out effort. I had used everything. But I was happy that the "wheels" were starting to come unglued with the finish near. I had done all I could on the bike.</div>
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Based on what I was seeing from Pat, he was not as tanked. He had been moving consistently through the hills, while I was attacking the hills like an animal. He was riding smart.</div>
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Pat and I came through transition and into the run together. In a way I was happy. But I was also dreading the next 4 miles. Last year had been brutal. "God I hope this hurts less." ;) </div>
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Pat pressed right away as he always has, consistent and strong. We knew we were racing for that 3rd podium spot. We could see that Sug was securely winning the race with at least a 1 minute lead. Lucas was definitely too far from us to consider chasing. Who lurked behind?</div>
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Just after the 1 mile mark is a turn around. It was a long downhill. We wondered aloud what we would see once we turned. Down the hill. Sharp 180. Up the hill. And then we see him. The Virginia Tech guy is rolling over the horizon. He's not very far back. My heart sank. Pat gave him a kind "Nice job man!" as we passed one another. I felt sick.</div>
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I tried to rally my innards but my body was in rebellion. Pat's pace is too much and it's not looking good for either of us holding this guy off despite a sizable (maybe) 30 second lead. I have to let Pat go and hope he can do it.</div>
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A few moments later the Virginia Tech runner comes by me, I can muster a "good job dude!" This same thing happened to me last year when Adam Forgione passed me. It kinda sucked but I knew I had to finish off an otherwise great race.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I could watch at various points as Pat's lead shrank. But there was a time when I thought Pat would get the 3rd place back after being passed. It was close.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I finished in roughly 1:48. Definitely better than last year. I was happy with 5th! Pat was 4th. VTech man 3rd. Go hokies... LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The 2xrip folks did a great job putting on this event.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">At the finish I found out that Adam had won and set a new course record by several minutes. His bike leg was especially impressive at 25+mph. He did amazingly well. Pat was 4th, I was 5th and we think Dan was 9th. Awesome results all around :)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The real winners will be <a href="http://www.kupenda.org/">Kupenda for the Children</a> and <a href="http://www.diabetesdestiny.org/">Extreme Weekend for Diabetes</a>. 2xrip is donating some of it's profits to AFC. And AFC donates all monies raised to these 2 great causes. God is good and has blessed us with seeing some fantastic achievements with both ministries! I can't help but to smile every-time I think about it :)</span></div>
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We race for Him and he's turned our hearts towards them!<br />
<br />
My strava output:<br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/runs/13450802">First run leg</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/13450811">Bike leg</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/runs/13450795">Second run leg</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-28008263254163241492012-07-13T04:29:00.000-07:002012-07-13T04:30:53.403-07:00WsW unofficial stats update 07/13/2012I didn't make it to <a href="http://adventuresforthecure.com/team/trainingRides.html#wswRoadRide">Westside Worlds</a> this past Wednesday but unofficial battles ensued. Collin "Bomb Lobber" Becker made an appearance fresh off his <a href="http://racepacetrek.tumblr.com/">win at Tour de Burg</a> so you know the AFC guys wanted to test him. Adam "Sugar Suggy Sug" Driscoll didn't dissappoint, winning all 4 segments and throwing down a new (insane) time for Ilchester (3:29 for the TT segment, <a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/13142995#233844785">3:42 for the WsW segment</a>). Glorious! Bomb Lobber said:
"Adam made me go cross-eyed up Ilchester and I still can't beat him.
On that stupid TT bike too!"
</br>
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdFhGUFBOQWJqWlhvbGtDcXNzUEZkQUE&output=html">Unofficial WsW A group leader board</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdENGRU15UHdkYmxILUk5dFIwYzU0eUE&output=html">Unofficial WsW B group leader board</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/13142995">Adam's Strava Data</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-14253791065419005612012-07-04T17:48:00.003-07:002012-07-05T07:04:55.642-07:00Westside Worlds, Happy 4th of July!<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdFhGUFBOQWJqWlhvbGtDcXNzUEZkQUE&output=html">Unofficial WsW A group leader board</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ArffGNyJ9s-BdENGRU15UHdkYmxILUk5dFIwYzU0eUE&output=html">Unofficial WsW B group leader board</a><br />
<a href="http://app.strava.com/rides/12516991">Strava Data</a><br />
<br />
This was a hot one folks. And the start time was different than normal so we had a small group. But there was plenty of fun to be had :) Pat was pressing the pace early. No doubt this is gonna be a suffer fest. I took some pulls but was playing things conservative after a string of subpar Westside Worlds. Bruce Cole was also looking strong. Into Race Rd. we had a solid rotation. As we approached the end Pat took to the long sprint. You gotta love this guy's desire to hurt and throw caution to the wind. I ended up going by him at the end but there was no doubt who the strongest sprinter was. The heat makes recovery tough so what would happen as the miles pass? Lawyers was mild. Bruce, Pat, and I continued to rotate well through Montgomery and Landing. Landing hurt pretty well. Towards the end, Al from Kelley's joined the group. Into Ilchester it became immediately obvious that Pat and Al were battling for first. Bruce and I pressed together. We crested to the flat together but I was able to put some sunlight between us and I ended up third (second in the points). Sug had found us midway through Ilchester and now we were 5 strong. Pat ended winning the killer duel but he had to bleed for the win against a fresh Al. College was a suffer fest. The heat was making the recovery from Ilchester daunting. For the most part we were together. Sug pressed New Cut and thankfully Pat let him go. He was crushing our crushed souls :) By Bonnie, the fresher Sug went up ahead. Pat, Bruce, Al, and I traded pulls again. Pat and Al payed a bit for their killer effort on Ilchester. I go hard on that thing, but especially Pat can just go to another world of pain. I took Bonnie among our group in a longish sprint. Now the heat is getting to us! Sug met back up with us at the top of Bonnie. He pulled through Ilchester. Once again Pat, Bruce and I had to let the mega-watts booty train go. We limped to Westchester together. Pat has a race this coming weekend (see his blog linked to in my blog) so he didn't want to crush Westchester. I still felt decent so I went after Sug and Al who had a sizeable lead. I was happy to catch Al just past the one lane bridge and was really happy to be able to dig all the way to the end. Super fun WsW!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-79666699966516873332012-07-04T06:47:00.002-07:002012-07-04T06:49:59.064-07:00Arbutus 10k Tandem craziness!Arbutus and Catonsville Americans celebrate July 4th all the way. We kicked off this morning with the Arbutus 10k. A race that you would think is low key, but it's probably the fastest 10k in the area, all year. Pat and Lauren Blair and Annie and I hopped onto the tandems. We were super excited to ride together and watch Sug (Adam Driscoll) and Dan Miranda (AFC!) battle it out with some stiff competition. The people of Arbutus were out cheering and had their sprinklers spraying onto the course for the runners. It was awesome! Sug and Dan were 5th and 6th, both breaking 35 minutes on a super hilly course. Also our friend Art Wong ran 46 minutes! God Bless America :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1219307369687174206.post-25686529981212228162012-06-30T08:20:00.000-07:002012-07-02T10:58:00.371-07:00Hilly Billy Roubaix 2012, Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I ended up 12th overall. 7th in my division I believe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Let us learn from this hilly billy experience:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Race recap video by me (semi-delirious):</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643975-Lance-got-some-Pizza">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643975-Lance-got-some-Pizza</a></span><br />
<br />
Adam (Sug) video:<br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643909-Adam-Driscoll-Dealing-With-Diabetes">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643909-Adam-Driscoll-Dealing-With-Diabetes</a><br />
<br />
Pat's video:<br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643981-Patrick-Blair-Taken-out-by-a-pot-hole">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643981-Patrick-Blair-Taken-out-by-a-pot-hole</a><br />
<br />
Roger Masse, didn't meniton me :( LOL!<br />
<a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643989-Roger-Masse-Escaping-Cyclingdirt">http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249501-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix/video/643989-Roger-Masse-Escaping-Cyclingdirt</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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- Focusing and not crashing would have been very helpful.</div>
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- The first, third, and ninth place finishers were on a MTB with a shock. Pflug was also on a MTB.</div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffredjordan.smugmug.com%2FSports%2F2012-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix%2F23747697_Pj8Bz5%23!i%3D1924207514%26k%3DH79drxk&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLpTIf9BTvcvpM16yP-PdvoIuy2A" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">http://fredjordan.smugmug.com/<wbr></wbr>Sports/2012-Hilly-Billy-<wbr></wbr>Roubaix/23747697_Pj8Bz5#!i=<wbr></wbr>1924207514&k=H79drxk</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffredjordan.smugmug.com%2FSports%2F2012-Hilly-Billy-Roubaix%2F23747697_Pj8Bz5%23!i%3D1924213823%26k%3DqPDn799&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhv6a9sDcO6Y8Rx1QFEv_LtCjHcQ" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">http://fredjordan.smugmug.com/<wbr></wbr>Sports/2012-Hilly-Billy-<wbr></wbr>Roubaix/23747697_Pj8Bz5#!i=<wbr></wbr>1924213823&k=qPDn799</a></div>
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- Water bottles disappear easily in the bumpy conditions. Pflug had a camelbak but most of the top 10 did not. I lost 1 bottle and Sug lost 2 bottles so our Camelbak's saved us. But the lost water bottles were nubbie mistakes it seems.</div>
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- Once again there were a crazy amount of flats (Dave Weaver had 3(?)). Danny called that and prophesied correctly about several other things. If in doubt, ask Danny Atkins.</div>
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- That was super fun!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259330821590874779noreply@blogger.com0