When we arrived at the race an hour before the start, we were the fourth car in the lot. Guess these folks don't arrive as early as they do in New England for a race. Or perhaps they weren't going to warm up if it means losing 15 minutes of sleep in the middle of the night. I quickly dressed and put together my bike as I waited for registration to open. After 20 painful minutes of waiting, the GC standings were posted. Sure enough, my fears were averted and I was in the pink jersey!!! I had accumulated 16 more points then the rider in second place and 20 more then the rider in third. I signed in and asked where the promoter was so that I could pick up my jersey. They assured me that he was around and would be back at 6:30 for an officials meeting. I started to walk away, when the other lady said "Well, it is 6:35, so that might not be exact." That's how I ended up racing my only day in the leaders jersey in the team kit.
The third stage could be described as a small circuit race or a large crit. We were to do 8 laps of a 2.2 mile course that again included a couple of rolling sections, two flat areas and another wide straight finish with a slight false flat uphill. Peter and I both had the race numbers of the top riders within 20 points of me taped to our frames. My intention was to finish in the top 10, limiting whomever won to only 20 more points then me and securing the overall title.
From the gun the race was fast. Very quickly the pack fell into a routine. A routine that was so predictable, everyone would sprint out of the corners like a mad dog, then at the base of the rise sit up. The group always came back together and there wasn't a need to spend excess energy chasing. On the second lap, a single rider rolled off the front and after two days of racing, the pack seemed to not care about him. The rider quickly got about a 20 second gap on the pack and yo-yoed for the next six laps. As we followed this single rider, another racer shouted to me (could have been at me) "Hey NEBC, you have teammates here, why aren't you going to get him?" I was confused at first, because it certainly sounded like he implied that I had multiple teammates available at my disposal to chase things down. I instead told him that if he can explain to me why I wanted to bring that rider back, I would. That I was in the overall lead and that rider wasn't a GC threat. He simply replied "Oh". and the race continued. On the seventh lap the guys decided to turn up the pace. A small group of 15 riders created a gap and we were off to the races. For the last two laps, the group remained strung out. Coming into the last turn I was positioned fourth and felt good about my chances. A rider in front of me decided that he wanted to move from the inside of the group to the outside and nearly took me out. As I accelerated and started to overtake him, he changed his mind and went back to the inside, this time bumping off my side. I remained seated, trying to remain secure through the finish and took fourth.
Final result, 2nd in stage 1, 4th in stage 2, 4th in stage 3, overall victory!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Giro di Jersey - Stage 2
Stage 2 of the race was a 53 mile road race that consisted of 5 10 mile laps. The course was rolling hills for the first eight miles, turned left and went up a 8% hill for a quarter mile, leveled out for a couple of hundred yards before going up at about 5% for another quarter mile. A short recovery before a screaming downhill descent into the finishing straight. The finish was spectacular, wide open straight-away that you could carry a lot of speed into, but it had a slight uphill that kept it very safe.
Unsure of just how far from my friends house I was staying at, ML and I packed up the car early and headed out. With no traffic on a Saturday morning, we arrived about two hours before the start. Early enough that we parked in a lot that ended up being closed to cars an hour later.
With plenty of time to get ready, I double-checked my equipment and prepared for the 9:05 start. At 8:50, they announced that the races would be delayed by 15 minutes. Great, more time to wait.
Finally, the race went off. Unlike local races, the first five miles were neutral, and the pace car kept it neutral, cruising along at no more then 20 mph. With the pace car gone, the pack upped the speed a bit and I started to look for any rider in the top 5 GC trying to make a move. Seems that regardless of what rider moved off the front, the pink jersey (worn by the race leader, just like that race in Italy by a similar name) chased. The pack turned left onto the hill, and I found myself very easily moving from 20th to first on the hill. This was a typical big ring power hill for me. As we transitioned to the middle section, I eased up and drifted back, trying to preserve all my matches. I took note of one rather large rider who was climbing very well. I continued to watch him on the descent, figuring that if he could climb like that and descend like a rock, he would be an ideal rider to draft behind into the finish.
As the next couple of laps wore on, I continued to watch either the pink jersey chase everything in sight, or his teammate Andy track things down. This kept the pace comfortable and I never had to work to keep things together. On the final lap, the pace quickened and everyone got strung out in the field. As we climbed the last time, I worked to stay five riders back. No sense putting effort in where I didn't have too, but I couldn't afford to go too far back and not have time to make it up on the finish. Just at the top of the hill, when the pace typically slows and everyone comes back together, I yelled to Peter C to keep the pace up and he kindly obliged. Going into the downhill, my pre-picked big boy came to the front and dove down the hill. What seemed like a perfect plan started to fall apart when by draft sat up and wanted me to pull through. I obliged momentarily, then started to coast. Four or five riders came by me and I again jumped into their draft. At the bottom of the hill, 400 meters from the line, I was sitting sixth and towards the middle of the road when I saw the pink jersey sprint on the right hand of the pack. Two guys went for the line in front of me and I followed their wheel. 200 meters from the line, their pace slowed a bit and I momentarily tried to figure what to do. I distinctly remember hearing an interview from the Tour a couple of years ago where someone commented that their finish was slightly uphill and they needed to wait until it was almost too late before launching their sprint. This memory had absolutely no impact on my decision and I figured it was time to go for it. I gave it everything I had, I broke clear of the field and opened a gap. 30 meters from the line I ran out of steam and three guys snuck past me. As I coasted after the line, I realized that my mind was telling me to wait. Too late for that realization. Instead I reveled in the moment, I took fourth with some impressive teamwork from Peter.
We cooled down a bit and as we headed back to the start/finish area, we saw the pink jersey riding away and both realized that someone else would be in the lead tomorrow. I felt confident about my chances, but then three guys scored more points then me in the second stage, I didn't think that they were top 5 the previous day, but I would have liked some confirmation.
ML, Peter and I hung around for the next three hours. We watched the rest of the races, we listened to the announcer talk to the winner of the Pro field, listened to them talk to the winner of the junior field (that race started 10 minutes after ours finished) and even watched them reopen all the roads. While unintentional, we realized that our car was now free to leave the lot that we parked in to start the day so long before. We ended up leaving the race unsure of who would start the next day in pink.
Quick note: Stage 3 started at 7am on Sunday and was an hour away. When I crashed at 10pm Saturday night the results were still not posted. When my Blackberry chirped at 2am and woke me up, I checked my email. The results were posted on-line, but my Blackberry couldn't display the page. Great, just what I need to think about at 2am as I tried to go back to sleep. Leaving the house at 4:45 Sunday morning, I was fully amped up and didn't require the large coffee I started to drink on the drive.
Unsure of just how far from my friends house I was staying at, ML and I packed up the car early and headed out. With no traffic on a Saturday morning, we arrived about two hours before the start. Early enough that we parked in a lot that ended up being closed to cars an hour later.
With plenty of time to get ready, I double-checked my equipment and prepared for the 9:05 start. At 8:50, they announced that the races would be delayed by 15 minutes. Great, more time to wait.
Finally, the race went off. Unlike local races, the first five miles were neutral, and the pace car kept it neutral, cruising along at no more then 20 mph. With the pace car gone, the pack upped the speed a bit and I started to look for any rider in the top 5 GC trying to make a move. Seems that regardless of what rider moved off the front, the pink jersey (worn by the race leader, just like that race in Italy by a similar name) chased. The pack turned left onto the hill, and I found myself very easily moving from 20th to first on the hill. This was a typical big ring power hill for me. As we transitioned to the middle section, I eased up and drifted back, trying to preserve all my matches. I took note of one rather large rider who was climbing very well. I continued to watch him on the descent, figuring that if he could climb like that and descend like a rock, he would be an ideal rider to draft behind into the finish.
As the next couple of laps wore on, I continued to watch either the pink jersey chase everything in sight, or his teammate Andy track things down. This kept the pace comfortable and I never had to work to keep things together. On the final lap, the pace quickened and everyone got strung out in the field. As we climbed the last time, I worked to stay five riders back. No sense putting effort in where I didn't have too, but I couldn't afford to go too far back and not have time to make it up on the finish. Just at the top of the hill, when the pace typically slows and everyone comes back together, I yelled to Peter C to keep the pace up and he kindly obliged. Going into the downhill, my pre-picked big boy came to the front and dove down the hill. What seemed like a perfect plan started to fall apart when by draft sat up and wanted me to pull through. I obliged momentarily, then started to coast. Four or five riders came by me and I again jumped into their draft. At the bottom of the hill, 400 meters from the line, I was sitting sixth and towards the middle of the road when I saw the pink jersey sprint on the right hand of the pack. Two guys went for the line in front of me and I followed their wheel. 200 meters from the line, their pace slowed a bit and I momentarily tried to figure what to do. I distinctly remember hearing an interview from the Tour a couple of years ago where someone commented that their finish was slightly uphill and they needed to wait until it was almost too late before launching their sprint. This memory had absolutely no impact on my decision and I figured it was time to go for it. I gave it everything I had, I broke clear of the field and opened a gap. 30 meters from the line I ran out of steam and three guys snuck past me. As I coasted after the line, I realized that my mind was telling me to wait. Too late for that realization. Instead I reveled in the moment, I took fourth with some impressive teamwork from Peter.
We cooled down a bit and as we headed back to the start/finish area, we saw the pink jersey riding away and both realized that someone else would be in the lead tomorrow. I felt confident about my chances, but then three guys scored more points then me in the second stage, I didn't think that they were top 5 the previous day, but I would have liked some confirmation.
ML, Peter and I hung around for the next three hours. We watched the rest of the races, we listened to the announcer talk to the winner of the Pro field, listened to them talk to the winner of the junior field (that race started 10 minutes after ours finished) and even watched them reopen all the roads. While unintentional, we realized that our car was now free to leave the lot that we parked in to start the day so long before. We ended up leaving the race unsure of who would start the next day in pink.
Quick note: Stage 3 started at 7am on Sunday and was an hour away. When I crashed at 10pm Saturday night the results were still not posted. When my Blackberry chirped at 2am and woke me up, I checked my email. The results were posted on-line, but my Blackberry couldn't display the page. Great, just what I need to think about at 2am as I tried to go back to sleep. Leaving the house at 4:45 Sunday morning, I was fully amped up and didn't require the large coffee I started to drink on the drive.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Giro di Jersey - Stage 1
Years ago I ended up in grad school because a group of guys I was friends with all had this idea that we should go together to make it bearable. Great plan. Immediately after I passed my GMAT and was accepted, I found out that these four guys have this discussion every year and perhaps believe they will try to get in, but never even try. About two months ago I had a similar conversation with some different friends about trying to find a stage race outside of New England. Next thing I know, I'm off to New Jersey to race. This time I have a teammate, Peter.
Day 1, very simple TT. The course is a simple out and back 15km course. The first section is a slight downhill where you can gather your momentum before hitting a quarter mile 8% decent, real speed. Or should have been real speed, up until a local driving a mini-van went around me, then continued at 30 mph. At the bottom of the hill is an immediate left hand bend. In the course preview I was concerned about this turn, as turning at 35+ on a TT bike isn't the easiest thing. Trying to brake at 30mph, trailing a minivan on a TT bike isn't any better. Shortly after the turn, the road rose up just a bit, enough to slow me down, but the minivan pulled away at 30, fortunately not to be seen again. Two miles into the race, I passed my 30 second guy. This course was FAST. Keeping in mind that the first half was downhill and I would need power on the way back, I tried to stay within myself. The speed just kept coming out. My computer afterwards showed my speeds frequently over 35. Just coming out of the turnaround, I caught my minute man. It wasn't long before my minute 3o man was in sight and being passed. Next in sight was my 2 minute man!!! I was very amped by this and started cranking harder. At the base of the last big climb, I caught my target, and took note of his number. Between oxygen debt, adreneline and total lack of math skills, it took me half way up the hill to realize that I just passed my 3 minute man. Pedal, pedal, pedal, over the hill and the line is now in sight. Crossing the line I stopped my computer 21:31, average of 25.9 mph. The second half of the course took two minutes longer then the first half, but I was done. Now to sit and wait.
When the results were posted, I was in second!!! Awesome run and 27 out of 3o points. The Giro is an omnium, meaning that it didn't matter that it took me 11 seconds longer then the winner, I was just three points behind him. Time to rest up and get ready for stage 2.
Who knew Jersey had farms and pretty views?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Harpoon B2B
Today I rode from Boston to Winsor, VT. Not sure where that is? Is is 146 mile from Boston. Along the way I found my love for biking again? There's really more to biking then racing. It's about good times, good friends and being one with the bike. Here's just a few of the things that I saw.
Friday, June 13, 2008
TT things
Three weeks ago I picked up my TT bike. I almost immediately took it over to the local weekly time trial race. The bike worked well, but it wasn't adjusted fully. Even as it was, I did the course in 22:54, four seconds off my personal best. The conditions were decent, not excellent and the wheels were stock. I've fiddled with the bars, got the position better and took it back. On a warm day in temps in the upper 80's, I went back. Riding what felt like a pretty conservative race I flew. The final result was a very strong 22:06. Taking nearly 48 seconds off my former PR, I was stoked!!! I still rocked the crappy slow wheels and know that I've got a little bit more left in my legs, another PR is to be netter soon.
Next week will probably be a conservative race, as I am heading to the Giro. Not in Italy, Jersey. It's kind of like the Italy of the south. Not really though. The Giro of Jersey looks to be a good three day stage race as prep for Fitchburg.
As if the PR wasn't enough good news for the week, the race director of GMSR announced that they will no longer be doing the mass start uphill App Gap stage on day 1. Instead they will be incorporating an out and back ITT. This was met with a very happy face. Unfortunately I continued reading and found out that the race will be based on time, not points this year. App Gap is going to continue to be where the race is decided, but now it will be evident how fast the climbers are. Oh well, that's a concern for August, not June.
Next week will probably be a conservative race, as I am heading to the Giro. Not in Italy, Jersey. It's kind of like the Italy of the south. Not really though. The Giro of Jersey looks to be a good three day stage race as prep for Fitchburg.
As if the PR wasn't enough good news for the week, the race director of GMSR announced that they will no longer be doing the mass start uphill App Gap stage on day 1. Instead they will be incorporating an out and back ITT. This was met with a very happy face. Unfortunately I continued reading and found out that the race will be based on time, not points this year. App Gap is going to continue to be where the race is decided, but now it will be evident how fast the climbers are. Oh well, that's a concern for August, not June.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Yankees Game
Funny chant of the day:
Hip hip Jorge!!!
Hip hip Jorge!!!
All this while the fans are cheering for Jorge Posada.
Some Photos
Hip hip Jorge!!!
Hip hip Jorge!!!
All this while the fans are cheering for Jorge Posada.
Some Photos
Summer
Nothing says summer has arrived like hot dogs, beer and baseball.
First trip to Yankee Stadium. Being a Sox fan, this is like a
Catholic going to temple. Loyalties need to be put aside for the day
and the recognition of a higher being understood. To be in the home
of so many defeats, but also one of the greatest modern Sox memories
(lest we forget Wake on the mound in 2004!) Is pretty cool. Long live
baseball!!!
First trip to Yankee Stadium. Being a Sox fan, this is like a
Catholic going to temple. Loyalties need to be put aside for the day
and the recognition of a higher being understood. To be in the home
of so many defeats, but also one of the greatest modern Sox memories
(lest we forget Wake on the mound in 2004!) Is pretty cool. Long live
baseball!!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Singlespeed Love
SS was good. The maiden ride on my converted bike. Right away I realized just how much I loved my old mountain bike. It's a 12 year old Fisher with small 26 inch wheels and some real old throwback equipment. The rig was stripped of the gears, but the brake levers were integrated into the shift levers leaving me with possible ghost shifting. The first hour was a blast, only threw my chain twice!!! The second hour was a bit more of a drag, as my body wanted a bigger gear and to grind, but that's not an option on a singlespeed. Everything said, I'm very happy with how it went. Even happier today that my legs and knees aren't screaming in pain. Operation "Bike for enjoyment" continues...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Pats Peak MTB Race
I had two goals for the race. First goal was to qualify for nationals(needed a top 15 finish) and to take it easy on the first lap to pace myself. In the starting queue, I took a quick count of heads and found that my field was one of the larger of the day and had 21starters. The advice I had heard from most people was you just had to finish and you would qualify. With 6 more heads then spots, I knew I needed to do better then just finish. Being new to mountain bike racing, no one was familiar to me and assumed that they were all better. I stood there waiting for my field to be called to the line pondering the race, and when we were called I wasn't paying attention and went from the front to the back of the pack. Hmm, not a good first move. When the whistle went off, something inside my head wen toff too and I attacked the group, going around a large group of riders and to the front. Within the first 100 yards I was at the front of the field and climbing hard, opening a gap behind me. At this point I actually realized goal number two was over and focused on the race.For most of the first lap I tried to push my pace without blowing up.The three distinct long climbs were just that, long. Neither overly steep or technical in nature, they just sapped the strength. Over the third climb and I started the long technical descent. (Racer note: on Thursday I broke my full suspension frame and with the assistance of Anthony at the Loft was able to secure a hard tail rig to race. Note to all, the first time a new bike is ridden by you is probably best not to be at a race. Afterwards someone asked what I thought about the bike and I said we had a rockstar relationship; we went hard, had violent fits with each other and when it was all over best that we part amicably before someone dies. Still, major accolades to the Loft and Anthony for their help!!!) With heavy hands on the brakes, I just about crawled down the mountain. Weaving around large rocks is tough, doing so downhill while trying to pass riders from earlier fields is just about downright impossible, so I continued my crawl. This impossible action was not conveyed to five riders who had caught me and magically jumped from behind to in front on the same tough downhill. Having been there and watched, I'm still not sure how they did it. As we broke the woods and the downhill, I could see the five riders just in front of me and pushed to catch them. On the uphills I would pass two or three, then on the downhills they would pass me. At one point one of the guys asked if I would pull him up the hill if he helped pull me down. On the final lap, I knew that same rider was just behind me so I pushed really hard on the uphill and let the brakes loose on the downhill, riding at the edge of comfort and control. When I broke through the woods I was confident that I would hold my position and qualify for nationals. Mission accomplished, final result 5th!
Note 2: It was pretty surreal to be riding along a fire road in the woods, pass a house with with people in the front watching the race and hear "Hey, that's Scott Brooks".
Note 2: It was pretty surreal to be riding along a fire road in the woods, pass a house with with people in the front watching the race and hear "Hey, that's Scott Brooks".
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