Where's The Podium? #14: ToPC Road Race/Criterium

Back to racing at the Tour of Page County. This is a race for the hardmen. The strongest made their presence known and the weaker were picked off by these two grueling days. Everyone was challenged and I, for one, had a great weekend with friends and bikes.

This race was promoted by teammate Chris Gould. His tireless efforts to put on a memorable and challenging weekend should not go without mention. Everyone that put in efforts to have this weekend of racing (not unlike many others, but not all) to run as smoothly as possible did a great job. It was a new experience for me to help out with corner marshaling, but I learned a lot and still raced as best I could, and to be honest, better than I expected, though there aren't any good results to show for it.

If I was not racing, I was to be on a corner. This made for an added challenge to the efforts out there, but I am glad I could do my part in the whole that made this all work.

Anyway, Saturday was the road race. I went in with minimal expectations and a mind to just ride with the group for as long as I could. I also rode with the mindset that I was back to racing after a lot of unexpected time off, and form was what I as personally after. Yes, I did expect to get dropped. I could go into why I thought that, but there's not much use beyond me knowing that I would. No selling myself short here, though. Remember, I did better than expected.

The pace wasn't blistering from the start and for the most part, it was tame throughout the first half of my race. In the race I was described as somewhat "aggressive" by my teammate. I'll take that. I thought, as long as the pace isn't that I'm being shelled off the back, I might as well be active on the front with a teammate in mind and fall off when I fall off. So that's just how it went. I didn't know the course, but our race was to ride it for 5 laps and approximately 60 miles. I made it 4 with 3 in the group and the last on solo off the back.

While I was with the group, I think I rode well. I was in the mix near the front as often as I could be. I drove pace a bit, wasn't afraid to hit the front leading into climbs, and did my part to ride tempo and recover when I could. Again, after the 3rd lap I fell off to ride a lap solo and I knew my race was over. I still have a lot to learn about this distance and these efforts for so long on my body. I am still figuring out what I need, how I can rely on a feed for my bottles, and what I must do to prepare for such rides.

With what I knew and how I had been feeling leading up to this race, I had a good race Saturday. I should now know that feeds are expected at this distance and with a bigger team, I might be more likely to have someone help me out and hand me a bottle. Thus, I need feed bottles at the ready. This road race marked the first time I have ever had a bottle handed to me and it was perfectly done so by teammate Ed Patrick's wife, Kristin. A big thank you goes to her for helping me surviving as long as I did and to Andrew, while in the race, for keeping my head straight about getting a bottle when I needed to.

Andrew took 7th for the road race. I could tell he would have gotten a better spot, but he got boxed in on that climb and could not move around to edge out a better spot. With that race over I was back to my car for a quick change, fluid and food gathering, and back out to a corner for some second half marshaling. I am happy with how the race went for me and it helped to build some measure of confidence in myself for the races to come.

Saturday night was another pleasant surprise. I'm having trouble adequately summing up all that happened. Not because I was drunky, but just because there was so much going on. All the people, conversations, jokes, food, beer selections, and smiles made me so excited to be there. I don't know how people found much comfortable sleep with the rowdiness some of us "last standing" caused, but it made for a memorable time.

Sunday was ahead and more racing with it. The downtown Luray Criterium is something everyone who has raced will not soon forget. That climb. Ouch. Each race had lapped riders, breakaways, and strong finishers. I was not one of those finishers, but I'll live. Marshaling was tough, but it didn't have it as bad as some and I knew I wouldn't last the whole race.

Again, this race weekend was all about getting back some form and having some momentum to carry into the next weekend; which will be in the Millersberg Stage Race. I lost weight and am happy with how my bike performed. Ahead to Millersberg, we're going to have a larger than usual Cat 3 squad and a rider or two that we want to have in contention for that general classification (one in particular, mind you). Awesome! I will be doing my absolute best to help out when and where I can and am not afraid to sacrifice myself for that possibility of a teammate winning. At this point, I am happy to play the teammate role and I know it doesn't go unappreciated. I just hope my efforts are used to the best of their ability and that I can make a positive difference for the team!

By the Numbers:
Saturday

• Time - 2 hours 32min.
• Distance - 51.7 mi.
• Speed - Max: 48.5 mph. Average: 20.3 mph.
• Elevation gain - 3,957 ft.

Sunday

... not a lot to talk about, so I'll leave it at that.

Thanks for reading and I hope to race this again next year. Results should be better by then, though the race will be just as hard.

Where's The Podium? #13: ToWC Day 2

The Tour of Washington County Day 2 took racers to an early morning individual time trial, criterium in the afternoon, and a Fathers Day with some all out efforts to round out the general classifications.

The worst of it for me was a bit two-fold. I did not end up being able to finish and end up on the "results" of the stage race because of a spill I took through 90 degree, right turn to the finishing hill of the afternoon criterium. I was not riding particularly strong at that point and was thus, popped off the back. I would have been pulled out of the race in a lap or two anyway. It is just a bummer that I had to go out the way I did.

paramedic's bandaging.

How it happened: Having been popped, again, I was not around anyone and I was really just riding within my limits to continue the race until the officials would have pulled me. Having already burned matches into the red trying to hold onto the the back of the group, I was, at the point of my spill, not taking risks or looking to make my day anymore painful. That is what made this spill entirely unexpected. I was not taking turns with any amount of aggression. Just before the spill, I wasn't avoiding any debris or anything unpredictable through the turn. My wheels slid out from under me and although my left shoe immediately unclipped, my right shoe did not and my right leg was consequently pinned down to the road and the sliding over the road commenced.

"raw meat"-like, but not that bad actually.

The positives are that I didn't take anyone else out and certainly that my bike sustained no damage save a few scratches on the brake lever, handlebar tape, and right pedal. My right shoe sustained some damage, but nothing to cause a replacement beyond the buckle* holding down my top strap.

and that's where that happened.

Beyond my woes, A big shout-out goes to my Whole Wheel Velo Club teammate and damn classy rider, Andrew Shelby, for taking 6th for the overall weekend (increasing his placement with every passing stage). Although I would have liked to have had a bigger impact in his success and possible higher placing, his class and smart racing earned him his very impressive placement and I have learned a lot watching his preparation, recovery, and tenacity throughout the stage race. I look forward to continue racing with him and other WWVC cyclists.

Speaking of which, teammate Chris Gould had a somewhat uncomfortable weekend battling some sickness on this second day. He raced in the criterium, but was pulled early due to throwing up a few times prior to the event and consequently losing a lot of his energy and water. I'm sure he will bounce back soon and anticipation for his Tour of Page County is growing as August draws nearer (bikereg here).

So, although I ht the pavement, the weekend was a success and being part of it is a blessing. I'm really pulling for my form to come around and allow me to be at least a dark-horse for some results in the upcoming races next month and beyond. Also note that I am again starting to think about cyclocross and my sights are set on acquiring a bike for such events. I'm sure I can either borrow an offered teammate's bike or find one for cheap. The first season I'm into it for the thrills, spills. beer, and fun suffering throughout.

crashes will be had here too.

The weekend also had me meeting a lot of people in this well knit group of cyclists, friends and families. A weekend stage race will give much more opportunities for cyclists, family members and fans tagging along for the event. I am still trying to meet more cyclists and work my way through these events.

This road rash won't keep me from competing in a race next weekend. Thanks for reading.

*Then again, I have been searching online for replacement buckles and I am coming up at a loss. I will try emailing the company, though I know Vittoria is not known for making shoes and as my former team's sponsoring shop owner thought, they may have just put their name on some factory-made shoes and might not have much as far as company interest in these shoes. They still prove to be uncomfortable at times, though that has largely subsided this season.

Where's The Podium? # 11: Crystal Cup - Pulled

As far a results go for another race I was pulled from, they don't much matter. I am upset to say the least, but I know it wasn't necessarily my fault this time. Luck ran out for our team and and I that's just how it goes.

Today's race was different than any others I have raced for one simple reason: teamwork. I had a role today and I was doing my best to hold up my end.

The course was an interesting one. With a few quick, off-camber, pot-hole and man-hole cover ridden turns, the course had a decent 180 degree turn leading to the finishing stretch of 600-800 meters in a headwind. It was a pure crit course, though somewhere on the left-hand turn just before the 180 my front wheel went over something that poked an unwelcome hole through that tire and tube.

Yes, I do need new socks.

I have never had a flat in a race, let alone ridden a far as I had to to get to that pit. It is not fun to try and maneuver a bike around corners with a flat front. Next to actually going down, the last thing I wanted to do was have to run my bike and I to "the pit." As a newbie to "the pit," all the guy could tell me was to keep calm, keep breathing, and to hop on my bike to wait for my relaunch into the field. I can't say I was on the front of the peloton, but I surely wasn't as far back as I was released. No complaints though. It happens, and being off the back trying to regain my developing rhythm after a second restart to my race was just a bit too much to ask.

The first restart came after 6 and a half minutes due to a rough crash in the second turn. I do not know how many went down but I heard the cyclist behind me touch the barrier. Though that rider didn't go down, he took a lot of the field out and unfortunately caused what felt like at least a 10 minute wait for medical and some course clean-up. I haven't ever had a stoppage like that before and in a 45 minute race, it was a tough thing to deal with. I topped off my water with the bottled water they were passing out and was as eager as everyone else to get the race hustling again.

Thus, the race was out as it had begun with a junior rider off the front and chasers looking to possibly establish a break from the peloton. This is where I was to fit in team tactics. With riders on the team looking to be there for a possible field sprint, strong rider, Andrew Shelby and I were to be the yo-yos off the front making our presence felt in moves and counter-moves that would possibly put other teams into difficulty chasing. My short stints off the front were just that. They weren't all that impressive, but I was doing the best I could to put myself into moves and where my team hoped I could be.

Before my flat, I was in one move with two other riders and though it did not last long, I was back in the pack trying to recover as the aforementioned flat front hit me and there I would lose my position, developing rhythm, and connection to the race. I was pulled two laps later having gone into the red trying to grab teammate Jason Acuna's (who did well to stick it to the end) wheel and I was back to that all too familiar feeling of being dropped. I gave my handle bars a good smack or two out of pathetic frustration, but the end was inevitable and I'm not about to beat myself up for things out of my control.

I know this was some unfortunate luck that I hit rather than my own poor legs, but it is for that reason and a few others that I am, at this moment a bit bummed about. Firstly, sure, it wasn't my fault, but I was feeling relatively good. I was ready to stick with my given job for the race as best I could. Therein lies another reason for a bit of frustration. I have never been given the opportunity to have a role in a race with team goals in mind. I wanted to keep up my part and the cards would fall as they may. I would rather be a sprinter for the end, but my time for that will come. You all know how I am about learning as much as I can and patience in this all. I really am kicking myself a bit (I know I may sound too hard on myself here) that I have not had any results for this great team and being dropped in every race for the past month does not sit with me well. Yes, not my fault today, but it makes me feel sick - just how it is.

Another reason for a touch of disappointment though overall happiness can be found in that my family actually watched me race for the first time ever today. Until now, they have simply seen pictures, heard me talk about it all, and read through this blog a bit to understand this sport I've gotten myself into. I very much appreciate their support of my pursuits here and I am glad they saw a bit of my efforts. I, of course wish I could have been there longer, but it happens. I am honored they came out to watch me and I hope to have them see me race again.

That's that. Bad luck and I live to fight another weekend. I am lucky that I was not caught in the wreck and our team is hoping for a quick recovery for our rider, Chris "Derf" Doerfler who unfortunately hit the pavement in that early wreck. A few of our other riders faced the same fate I did off the back and those who were able to stick in did their best to finish strong.

What is eating at me is simply that i felt I had more in the tank. Though I went into the red when I was dropped off the back, the "rest" that you might think I would have gained from waiting in the pit for my launch back into the field worked against my legs. That rhythm I keep talking about is something I have never had so severely interrupted. In a 45 minute race, I knew things would happen fast and e last place I wanted to be was on the back (no pun intended). You all should know that it is often easier and more safe to be near the front. A criterium in a downtown setting will have sketchy corners, road ornaments, and enough unpredictability that will behoove riders to keep their nose to the front. Of course, not everyone can be there and the fast pace set by those on the front will aim to string things out and slim down the numbers of riders able to be there. It's a survival of the fittest type of environment. My role to be on and off the front was a welcomed by me and I was eager to give it all a try as I am usually one to work my self through the pack and into a good position for the sprint finish.

Reading updates from teammates in the race tell me that Andrew Shelby finished 10th and in the money with Ed Patrick slipping in 16th (after an apparent touch with the pavement of his own). I am proud of those guys and their hard work. I really wish I could have been there grinning with Tony Barsi with a mind to have a go at the final sprint. Well done to those guys and a heartfelt "we'll get'em next time" to the others that dropped some significant water-weight on today's course. Bad luck here and there won't keep us from coming back for more.

I will be updating this as I see fit (pictures, garmin details etc.) and as always... thanks for reading. I need sleep.

Where's The Podium #9: Ride Sally Ride - Dead Last

As if I asked for it, this performance was terrible, embarrassing, and not without reasons. I'm not saying excuses, but reasons. I knew I would not be at full form for this race, but I surely didn't expect to do this poorly. I was lapped 8 times. Sure, that means I was going terribly slow, but it also means I didn't quit - whatever that's worth.

The course was wide, open, fast, clean, and the type where I could tell I would normally be able to stick with the peloton, and if I was smart, aggressive, clever, and strong enough, I might be able to come out with a top 10 finish and some points toward my license.

I was none of those things. Honestly, I am embarrassed at my performance in my team's host race and I feel I did them a disservice by it. I was not put on this team to pull a last place performance. I do not ride my bike to be lapped. I race to win and I intend to prove that to myself next weekend.

At least this proves I was actually in the race.

Mentally, this was a tough, tough race for me to ride through. I started off right where I wanted to be. I was attentive to breaks forming with efforts at the front to bridge gaps follow attacks, and generally stay at the front. I felt fresh. I felt strong... even a little confident. I was race how I wanted to knowing where I could get my recovery and advancements. The laps were going by fast and I was loving it. Then, just as I was sitting mid-pack trying to regain lost positions, I kept losing positions. I could not see how my legs were in so much pain. I turned to look back and found that I was second to last in the peloton. I made another effort to move at least to mid-pack for more appropriate recovery, but the legs would just not do it. I didn't get why and I was mad. Losing that peloton gave me a mind full of doubts and questions of why I am even riding my bike anymore. I was angry ay my legs (though ultimately, me) for hurting and dropping me so I didn't at all let up the pain. If they were going to hurt, I would give them reason for it for as long as the race organizers would let me. Criterium style lets to continue to ride the course even after being lapped, so I just kept stabbing my legs and brooding my anger at myself. I was pulled with one lap to go, and I quickly peeled off and right to my car. I felt so ashamed (albeit selfish looking back at it now) that I didn't even want to show my face to my teammates.

The night before this (after a 4:45 am wake-up for work) I visited Philadelphia to see some amazing friends (then to have a 3 hour drive back, morning of the race, after 4 hours of sleep and some drinking for sure). I would not trade the opportunity to see them and connect with them for much of anything. I knew my legs would be at a disadvantage, but I really didn't expect to do so poorly. My biggest concern as I was being lapped was that I didn't interfere or impede anyone through the turns. I sat up whenever necessary to allow an escapee or the peloton through the turns at speed. My average 23.1 mph is nothing compared to the 28 mph the peloton was racing at.

Enough of this. Lessons learned, and regrets are useless - I live to fight another day... another weekend. Thanks for reading.

Where's The Podium? #8: Oxford Road Race - 35th

Firstly, I will allow myself to say that I don’t feel great about this one, but I guess I have to live with it just as much as I have to live with successes.. and the successes will come eventually, friends.

New helmet, new paint on glasses, same old sport.

Secondly, I will say that what they have posted as the "official" result as I've noted in the title of this post is wrong, but either way... at least I didn't DNF, and it really doesn't matter beyond top 20... 10... 5? Oh well. I am near happy to suffer for as long as they will let me. At least the drive to Chris's place in NW, Washington DC was really nice. I do need to visit DC more often (any pictures are from that drive through - to and from).

If you haven't already guessed, I was again dropped for the second weekend in a row. I was really hoping for a competitive showing at this race. Sure, I didn't know the course, but considering the fact that this is a Cat 3/4 race and thus more acute to my perceived skill level than a 1/2/3 race, I had a mind to make something of this race as far as a result. I was optimistic in the warm-up and first lap of the race.

The course that was described to us (Chris Gould, Jonathan Lyons, and me) was that of the rolling terrain type with no real decisive climbing and generally a fast, but fun loop. The 3/4 racers were to go around 8 times and then turn off that loop for the finish at the end of a 1.5 mile rolling portion that kicked the race off as the original neutral stretch.

This Oxford RR marked the first race I would participate in with new teammates on the road. From the nullified neutralization, WWVC's Chris Gould took off after an optimistic breakawayee for about a lap and a half. I did my best to mark any surges on the front and I even tried my hand at "taking a pull." I did know the break wouldn't work, but it was all a learning experience for me with a teammate up the road. I didn't much mind being reminded (as if I didn't already know) to cycle-through if I was to find myself on the front "trying" to give a pull. I wasn't too much of a pill on the front, but it would all be for naught anyway.

As entirely expected, Chris and his person of doomed co-resistance to the inevitable were folded back into the peloton and I slipped back toward the middle of the pack. It was at this time that I realized my legs were beginning to feel quite fatigued and overall too heavy to keep me dancing with the peloton over the punchy, yet,  decisive enough climbing that was going on. As it happened, I was gapped by the field and left wondering a lot of things (more on that later).

I lost track of Jonathan and Chris at about that time as well, only hoping that they were up in the field or at least somewhere more comfortable than where I was. I ended up time working with 1 then 3 riders to actually latch back on to the field the following lap, (3rd lap maybe?) but the timing of that regrouping left little for recovery. I knew that within a minute of getting back together with the peloton there would be another climb and that I would most certainly lose the chance for remaining with them for the rest of the race.

That was the story as the suffering continued and the legs just pumped as best they could. Eventually, Chris and another cyclist caught up to my efforts and the three of us would work and talk together for the rest of our race as they pulled us a lap early.

Having to face getting dropped for the second weekend in a row had me wondering about my cycling quite a bit. Am I going to improve beyond this point? Well, of course I will. Okay, I am not as strong as I thought I was/would be/hoped to be for this race, but it's not the only thing I have had/will have going on this season. Mind you, I'm making an effort to not put myself in an overly confident, nor overwhelmingly discouraged cyclist. I don't want to think my moving up to a Category 3 racer was any sort of fluke or premature happening, but I still have a long way to go. These utter defeats remind me of my Cat 5 days where I didn't know how to train, race, or deal entirely well with such circumstances. Today, however, I know consistency and not giving up is key. I didn't DNF like so many this race. I didn't want to stop. At this level, I will not allow myself to do that. Whether I am first to the line or the official pulls me, I am not done with any race until I am officially done (barring injury or mechanical).

My race preparation needs work. Not just the morning of, (this race-day morning wasn't bad at all) but the week before. I need to dive back into that training bible and get my focus back. My diet needs focus as well. I will be back at it all soon.

I was happy to meet another teammate, race with the two there and I still look forward to racing with more teammates soon. Also, a Congrats to teammate Joe Harar for taking 2nd place in the Cat 5 race! I'm not sure when my next race might be at this point. Next weekend sure has options, but work might take priority so as I can grab some needed hours and overtime pay. We'll see.

Thanks for reading.

Where's The Podium? #7: Poolesville Road Race - 43rd

There is not too much to say about this one other than I'm still learning - a lot. I got destroyed and I wouldn't have had it any other way... kinda. I mean sure I would have loved to be able to stick with that front group, but I couldn't. I suffered for as long as they would let me and that's all I could do.

The course was approximately a 10.4 mile loop with nothing too difficult. The unique aspect of this race came with the dirt/gravel/atv-track patch. Bottles were bounced, tires blew, legs were burning, and the pace was high through this section. On the second lap I got popped when the peloton revved up right after this dirt section and I could just not hold on. After getting popped I worked with riders as long as I could with them / as long as they could with me. I waved at and thanked the volunteers as I rode by and made the best of my situation. Although something happened that the initial breakaway was actually directed/undirected off course for over a mile that had them actually end their race early. What a bummer.

The replacements served me well!

I didn't know how I would fair in this race, but I was certainly hoping for a better showing. I was pulled after I believe 4 laps. I would have kept on going, but the race director warned us that he would be pulling us rather aggressively.

All in stride - I'm still learning this gig. The level of competition here is beyond anything I have raced yet. I will venture to say that this was an ambitious race for me to enter and I am glad I did. It hurt. It humbled me - sorta. It made me know what I have to still aspire to be. I am getting stronger and I have no fear for for any race I enter. I want to make the most of every race I go to and hopefully I will be able to work with/for teammates the rest of the season. I was glad to represent WWVC in the 1/2/3 field.

This all goes along with my stance on cycling: I have nothing to prove to anyone, but everything to prove to myself.

By the Numbers: I'm an idiot and didn't move my computer from my one bag to the other while packing for the race.... so you all will just have to take my word for the suffering.

Thanks for reading. I am aiming to get some real results shortly. My teammate are tearing things up in their races and I want a piece real bad. I'm getting hungry. I want to destroy everyone and I want to keep destroying myself. All in good time.

Side note - I mentioned how my helmet broke and the super glue will just not hold. Well, I went ahead and bough myself a new Bell Volt helmet (Team BMC style). I am hoping it gets here before my race on Saturday (or ahead-jarring crash) at the Oxford Road Race. Who knows, but this bad boy is the prettiest helmet...

Where's The Podium? #6: Race At The Lake #2 - 16th

This is the kind of race I have been wanting to do for a long time. I've stepped up into the "big" leagues of this cycling area and had my grit worked in Ohio today. I learned a lot and I am so excited about what is in store from here on out. Today's race is officially my last as an IUP Cyclist. I have had an amazing experience here and would not be where I was today, had it not been for IUP and everyone that has been involved with my continuing development and growth as a cyclist.

Closing that gap (like I was doing all day).

This sport is a wild one. Things may seem tame on the outside of a race like today's, but when attacks are flying, one after the other, a lot is really going on and there is no way to know it unless you're in the mix. I was lucky enough to be in that mix and working hard to stay active and off the back. I really did not know what to expect going into today's race. Honestly, it was kind of one of those "expectations - low; hopes - high" kind of deals before I started.  I have a lot still to learn, but let's just get right to the race as I saw it, shall we?

The start time was at about 12:30 and everything seemed like new to me - or at least it felt like I was in some unfamiliar territory. This course was a 1.2 mile (closed to traffic) circuit that we were to complete 30 times. It was rolling and plenty fast with this field. I have gotten used to seeing these Cat 1/2/3 fellas race while on the sidelines. Today, I was there lining up next to people I have watched with some awe at their abilities and style. I won't say I was nervous, but excited and anxious will probably suffice to describe my pre-race mindset like every other race I've had this season. I refuse to get nervous.

Friday afternoon's preparation.

The pace and intensity picked right up after the neutral roll out and I worked to stay off the back and try to handle the turns with confidence and predictable form. The last thing I wanted to do was cause a crash, let alone be in one. I am one to lose positions in cornering and bike handling is something I really intend to work on, though today's race certainly helped. I kept reminding myself that I was surrounded by riders much more accomplished than I with many more miles in their legs. It is still yet to settle in me that I have just raced against category 1s and 2s (and yes, some darn good 3s).

Fitting shirts to get the day before my most intense race yet.

With me being able to hold my own through the first laps, it was time for me to get off the back. I looked around and saw my efforts stacking up in a similar fashion to everyone else's. If you ride hard to catch wheels, close gaps, or chase breaks, you're gonna hurt and need some recovery after folding into the peloton as the pace slackens. Once you'v recovered a bit, you are ready for another bout or two on the front making your presence known - giving scares to everyone looking to mark attacks and counter attacks swinging throughout the race.

Attacks were flying the whole time. I went with what I could - really just testing my legs and knowing that I was in position to stay up there and not let every gap open up in front of me. I had nothing to prove - and everything to prove. I followed people's wheels as constantly as I could and finally a break of six went off the front. Apparently, that break turned into four as two drifted back to the peloton. No one seemed to know exactly who was in the break, but those who figured out that their team wasn't represented did what they could to bring it back - to no avail.


I believe this guy won, but the peloton was way back.

 Once one or two would pull hard on the front from this chasing peloton, everyone would quickly slow as teammates of those in the breakaway group, having followed the chaser's wheel to the front of our group, made sure no one could continue a fighting workload to reel the breakaway back in, and riders would continue to jockey positions and wait for the next surge while trying to take in drinks and leg recovery. It was all for nought and the group ahead would take to top four spots. The finishing laps brought an initial slowing for our group as riders were readying themselves for a speedy final circuit. I knew I wasn't about to have the final kick some of these guys had, but I also knew that my legs weren't spent and I did have something left for a dig. On the second to last left-hand bend toward the finish someone 3 feet to my left had a wobble with his bike - whether he was about to go into the grass or just lost focus, I'm not sure. either way he made a bunch of people behind him and I touch their brakes and lose positioning as I continued to find my line. The last, right-hand turn to the uphill finish was mixed with riders in full sprint and riders slipping back having done their jobs and not caring for their position on the line. I tried to take advantage of every rider dropping back to finish 16th overall.

By The Numbers. (FINALLY FOUND MY COMPUTER!) I rolled beyond the finish for over a lap, so my numbers are taking that into effect - keep that in mind. This was a 36 mile race, but what I recorded is as follows: Distance - 39.75 miles. Elapsed Time - 1:33:58. Av Pace - 2:21/mi. Av Speed - 25.4 mph. Max Speed - 39.3 mph. Calories - 3047. Av HeartRate - 170 bpm. Max HR - 190 bpm. Total ascent -1654 ft.

I held my own in the race and didn't get dropped. Sweet. I look forward to racing these and other elite level racers. I know it's not the biggest deal in the world to be racing at this level, but to me it's just another stepping stone and I will keep up as best I can. I don't suppose I will be able to hold on to every race that I encounter with this kind of talent, but I'm not ever giving up. The talent was HUGE by the way... former national champion Paul Martin was in the mix and apparently Steven Brewer got a few pictures of me leading him in the peloton. I haven't seen any photos Steve took, but I'm excited. I don't know if I'll ever have a race at this level where a camera is focussed on me again. Thanks to him and David for taking photos and everyone there watching and supporting me race. I had a blast.

Doing some work in front of former national champion, Paul Martin.

Again thank you all for reading and thanks to Duane for hosting David and me Friday night, and showing us what a Kent State frat party is all about (nothing special, folks). Chipotle after the race was unbelievably good. Almost as unbelievable as a helicopter crashing a few blocks between my apartment and IUP's campus in the middle of me writing this (everyone was relatively okay).

I snapped this and a few other quick ones before police shooed us away.

I'm not sure when my next race will be, but I think I will take a bit of a rest as this next week is my final undergraduate Finals Week and graduation on Saturday will keep me out of racing. I have some good stuff to look forward to with my new team and I will be talking with them to see where they will be testing their legs. I'll add more pictures (of the race) as I see fit.

Where's The Podium? #5: ECCC Championships Crit - 20th

The previous day's road race at the 2011 Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference Championships at Penn State University rendered itself unexpectedly pleasant to David, finishing a well earned 7th, and me with a 3rd place finish. After heading back to IUP to recover and clean the bikes, I found my thoughts of Sunday's PSU criterium similarly daunting with what I remember from 2009. A lot of pain and me being unable to hang on had me pull out of my race early back then. This time around, I had more revenge to take and I believe I made the best of my opportunity there. David, on the other-hand, did not fair so lucky in this technical 1 km race course.

Mens D1 crit had David unfortunately starting at the very back of the pack. His race erupted right away with sandbaggers fast riders working off the front from turn one. I knew this would be a near impossible task to get to the front for David. Those leaders were gapping the field the whole race. Anyway, David went down just before the most technical part of the race. I saw his eyes look right at the curb and his bike slid out from under him. He took some nice road rash and scrapes, but jumped right up. His bike was quite out of focus from that point on, but he up and ran to the spare wheel area and hopped right back into the crit. From then on everything seemed to be a bit off for him and he was eventually pulled. Nevertheless he rode a strong effort and stayed in as long as he could. The tough effort he gave the day before and a crash with a bike not fully recovered will throw anyone's game off. With his race finished, the D2 mens race was to go off before my combined C1&2 crit. I took that time to warm up and get to the race line-up.

I started on the line 3rd row back. I guess it was fairly middle of the pack, but I sure wish I has been able to get their earlier. Either way our race was high-paced and at least to my knowledge, wreck free. I guess i heard that one or two guys went down, I got close a few times, but the technicality of that crit was amazing. The fast turns, the quick pace, the big digs, the fights for positions. All of this made for a crit I really enjoyed.

The more crits I do the more I like them. They are about pain and soaking up the suffering with quick decisions to be made and no room for mistakes.

The beginning of my race, I was a bit sketchy. I was in pain, I was pushed back, and suffering. I did not know the turns too well, let alone at speed and I was around riders that I knew I could/should be beating. This was much more technical than Steel City for sure. I figured out that if I give a real good effort on the final stretch of each lap, with a lap of recovery tossed in every so often, I could get some real gains in positioning. Not panicking is very key in cycling. No matter how difficult or lost things may feel, you never panic. So I gained more positions and when the pace was really let up at the front I actually lead through a few turns. I was very happy with the form I was showing and the work and determination of getting to the front paying off. I bobbed amongst the top 20 from the last 1/3 of the race.

The end of the race had me suffering just as I had throughout it all. I tried to keep my efforts at a smart level. Turns out no sleep the night before will really sap a sprint and sharp minded positioning no matter how "good" I felt about my efforts. I lost positions the last 2 laps and ended out 20th. I didn't know I had slipped back so far, But I was not about to take any huge risks on turns - though I was getting better and better at flying through those bad boys as the race went on.

All in all, I enjoyed the race and was glad to know David was fine from his wreck (not taking out anyone else is key too). I tapped into an aggression that I only hope to keep a hold of. I cut people off for wheels when they were slacking, I never hesitated to work my way up - not caring who was sucking my wheel for a free ride, I jumped people when they were weak, I took the wind like I didn't care. That is the racing I will hope to keep up this weekend. We are off to Ohio this weekend to race around a lake and to see IUP Cycling's alum, Duane Corbett.

By the numbers... I just found my computer yesterday. Whoo! There is another nice surprise I ran into this week as well that I will blog about shortly. Stay tuned... thanks for reading!

Where's The Podium? #4: ECCC Championships RR - 3rd

If you have't read the back-story to this Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference Championship weekend, please feel free to. This post will certainly make more sense. At any rate, David and I, feeling strong and confident from Tuesday night's "black-flagged" criterium race at the Bud Harris Cycling Oval in Pittsburgh, headed to Penn State for the Easterns and the Nittany Cycling Classic races.  (This year, as in 2009, ECCC Championships, "Easterns," and the Nittany Cycling Classic all refer to the same thing.) I forgot my camera for the trip, so the few post-race bike shots will have to suffice.

I will say that my weekend in general did not go as planned, for better or worse. For reasons I will just say are beyond my control Friday night before the Saturday team time trial (TTT) and Black Moshannon road race, I was only able to grab about 2.5 hours of sleep. I was already anxious about how I might do in this race. Knowing how I faired in 2009 had me wondering if I would be able to finish the race, let alone try and place well. I will note that David and I aptly decided against participating in the TTT. There was only two of us, and I will just say it would have been a stretch for us to get there in time and ready to suffer before the road race beginning at 10:10. Thus, we planed for that 10:10 start time for my category C race and David's category D one. Again, the C racers were to do 2 laps of the 21.8mile (?) course while the Ds were to punch out one lap.

The course has a 6 mile climb that separates the favorites from the rest and the descents were similarly decisive for the strongmen, at least the final descent would be. Although I competed one lap of this road race in 2009, the heavy fog that settled on us this time was incredible. I could not tell where I was, but at the end of the day, We all  On top of climbs and into  the descents we could not see more than 20 yards ahead. It made for a memorable and extremely fun/tense workload. Again, my race had two laps up and down and each one had their own flavor.

This bike deserves a wash.

Start Line. No warm-up before hand, but I had a feeling I would be alright. A breakfast of two and  Two gels were consumed leading up to the race and I had two more tucked on the quads. I am not one to rely on gels too often, but having 2.5 hours of sleep the night before rendered me ready to try anything for energy and lessen the pain coming. I got a few twinges of nervousness, but I was eager to just get it all started. In regular "Belgian" form, I didn't hesitate to line up with warmers and I was the only one. You have to know the climbing will make you warm up. Today's climbing would have me screaming to rip off my gloves, cap and arm warmers while the descents would keep me in check.

Lap One. The pace wasn't too high as Penn State took to the front pace making. Their efforts on the front would be the constant for the day. I sat mid-pack of the race until the climbing hit. I was eager to slide up near the front knowing there would probably not be any major moves off the front, but just in case. Before hitting the major climb, someone did try to move off the front, but the PSU boys and others weren't about to panic. That climb the first time through had me getting a little nervous about my form. I had a feeling I could do well to keep with the pace this time through, but I also had in mind the second time I would have to ascend with this leading/chase group. Once we were over the major section of the climb, I took the opportunity to suck down my first gel, strip off my first glove layer, and unzip the jersey to reveal a little of that base layer and release some of that heat. I did this trailing off the group a bit, but I knew I would swing back on through the rolling terrain we were racing through. Our race motorcycle was following us as we crested the big climb and rolled through the top terrain and as I got everything situated to my liking I gave his a thumbs up ad a "thank you" and as one of those things I do to keep myself laughing. The fog was incredible though. I liked that our leading/chase group of 8 or so had the moto sweing forward - leading us down for a visual que as to where the road lead (he was really just sitting next to the breakaway rider not 5 sec up the road). Turning the acute angle left-hand corner down the final descent right onto the finishing stretch, the pace was quickened at least for a show of hustle for the cheering spectators and to size up how this second go-through might shake out.

Lap Two. The pace was much like the first lap. Penn State was on the front and we had finally swallowed up the lone breakaway. I believe he sat on for as long as he could until being popped off the back during that 6 mile climb. He told me later that our group had about a 5 minute lead on the second group on the road. In any case, the selection was made and I began to pay attention to every little detain I could.

Grimy bike - I was happy to clean.

The Details. Keep in mind I have not raced with any of these guys before. I could see that Penn State was still at the front with two teammates working hard. However heroic and honorable their efforts were to be leading out their home race, they were still in the wind 90% of the race. This, I knew, would play to my and everyone else's advantage come the final sprint. I also noticed the University of New Hampshire (UNH) had two boys in this group as well. They were masterful/fearless descenders and their wheel would be the ones I was looking to follow up and down the final climb and descent. I also paid attention to other racer's breathing, size, body language, and tactics. Everything was telling me who to follow, who to watch out for, and who to avoid. a UNH wheel would be the one for me and I think it paid off well. I didn't expect to even be close to the front group let alone having the ability to pick and choose victims.

The Finish. Atop the 6-mile climb, on the aforementioned rollers PSU's riders were still on the front with the UNH pair right behind. I and a Duke University rider were sitting third row and we began to chat up the finish and how we were excited to see things play out. He was a smart rider and I might have looked to follow his wheel. All of a sudden the race was really on when a Cornell rider swung out and cranked the pace up (#matchburning). My gloves were off. I knew I needed full feel of my handlebars and shifters for this finish. PSU was happy to follow this Cornell crank-up lead and we all knew the end was neigh. The descent began and attacks flew. Riders were trying to take the race into their own hands. With the heavy fog, I was quite uneasy to pick out an opportunity to attack and I let the others rip it up knowing I would still have a final say on the finishing stretch. A UNH and Duke rider attacked just before the descent began and their gap was growing. I thought to myself to not let this one slip away. This race was too important to me to let others drop me and give me no say for the win. I took up the chase and looked to have help from the others not wanting to give up before even a fight. We eventually got close to them when we hit the final sketchy, acute-angle, turn to the finish. I knew they did not mention that the yellow line was taken out for the final sprint and I actually swung wide and into the gravel off the pavement when I needed to open my sprint. I could feel the watt sapping pull of the gravel when I lunged out of my saddle and into full-sprint to recover lost positions. After 1.5 rotations of my pedals I snapped myself back onto the pavement and surveyed the rider ahead. Duke and one of the UNH riders were too far ahead for me to see at this point, but I quickly picked off two other riders before seeing the other UNH boy ahead. He saw me coming and knew I would be swinging past him to take the podium. I kept pushing through to the line wishing there were 100 meters more to go, but Duke took a decisive win with UNH holding for second. I was stoked!

A secure third.

I couldn't believe I just took third in the toughest race I had ever participated in. Everything about my racing career went through my mind from the first time I attempted it til the finish taking 3rd. This race meant a lot to me and to round off the podium was a shock and equally exciting moment. I high-fived and congratulated the other racers as they passed me before turning around and I had the biggest smile on my face. This, just like every other painful race is why I race, train, and suffer. I am a pansy when it comes to descending. I am still working on that and my tactics, but given the fact I didn't know any of these riders and who to really watch, I am not a "climber,"the little sleep I got, and that I was unable to shave my legs the night before... something was working in my favor. Had there been an attack on the climb, I doubt I would be able to follow. This limit pushing effort was just what I wanted and my result was everything I didn't expect.

Bronze Medal

David faired well to take 7th in the D race and we are both happy with our form and efforts. The PSU was not over with this road race, however. Easter Sunday would bring the infamous PSU Frat-Row criterium to our legs. Stay tuned for a post-race-post on that endeavor. More personal surprises in that one too. Thanks to everyone for the support and congrats on my podium spot! It helps to have people thinking of me and hoping I roll through on top. I'm still searching for that first win of this season, but I am confident it's not too far off.

By the Numbers. Still no sign of my bike computer. It would have been nice to spit everything I was feeling your way, but such is life.

I hope to find more relevant photos from the races. Anyone know where I might be able to find some? If I spot any good ones I'll add them here. Thanks for reading.

Where's The Podium? #3: Steel City Showdown - 18th

The Steel City Showdown was a criterium through and through and an amazing event at that! Part of the 2011 ABRA Criterium Series, people from all over came to race this unique, challenging course and I loved every minute of it.

Nathan and Sean hustling to get race ready.

The day's events started with the men's Cat5 race in which IUP Cycling's David Watkins, Sean Morahan, and Nathan Graham opened things up. Their race set the bar high for the day's suffering to be experienced by all. Sean hit the deck early on at turn 1, but hopped right back on and continued his race in well appreciated IUP fashion. Unfortunately the pace was just too fast for Sean and Nathan to stay in, but for first time racers they went into it with a fight and are looking forward to more racing at IUP. David, on the other-hand, was working well to stay in the front group of this race and hung on for a great 7th place. Describing the race, he mentioned how well aware he was of his efforts and that of other competitors. His positioning was perfect throughout the race as far as I could tell and I'm sure his parents - who came to see this interesting sport their son has so readily gotten into - were very proud of his efforts.

The men's Cat3/4 race for me was set to go off following an exciting women's Cat1/2/3/4 race and finish. I was getting more and more excited as the start-time drew nearer and my legs were feeling as well as I would expect them to. As usual, I was probably one of the few in my race to "have at it" with no arm or leg warmers. Though I got a few comments questioning my sanity and offers to have me borrow extra warmers from friends, I knew this was nothing to worry about and my warm-up did plenty to get me feeling well warm and ready. At the start line I was feeling happy and jittery from the free espresso provided me by Big Bang Bike's tent (thank you much!). I was also happy to be meeting and joking with some future teammates of Whole Wheel Velo Club that made the trip north-westward to race this!

Me cheesin' with future teammates of WWVC

The race started with a half-lap neutral start, but one wouldn't have been able to claim anything neutral by the jostling for position taking place right from the start. I will say I've had worse clip-ins and my position from the front line was unfortunately lost, but I knew it was going to be a tough one for me to get out front anyway. I was aware of my mid-pack positioning and decided to sprint up the hills of the bridges to regain positions and try to keep myself off the back. These sprint-like efforts were sucking my energy, but I knew it was all I could do to try and put myself up there. I found my efforts to work up to the front semi-rewarded, though absolutely energy sapping. I tried to recover well through turns only to punch again so soon. Eventually my efforts began to really take their toll and I popped off the back of a lead group sucking wind and knowing there was nothing more I could do but keep turning the pedals as hard as I could.

What a feeling! I hated and loved it. The more it hurt, the more my thoughts turned into a reflection of my cycling aspirations. I've got a long way to go, but I was right where I wanted to be. My body was aching - begging me to stop - but I wouldn't dare (just like everyone else). Eventually, I found myself suffering with a great intensity that I will say had many contributors to it, but I won't go into that mess. The intense suffering was awesome. I could feel my whole body screaming and I just wanted to keep pushing it. Questions in my mind of whether I could actually finish this race were quickly driven out and I wouldn't rather be doing anything else. I began keeping in mind to not panic and make the best of what was happening around me. Flying through corners, testing limits, chasing gaps, and all the pain gave me such a great feeling - I need to do more crits.

Eventually, I found myself working hard to stick with a slowly forming chase group. I worked on the front when I could and was quickly put in my place by that wind. There were a few sketchy moments of my bike and I whipping from that wind, but it was taken in stride as there were more things I had to worry about than the uncontrollables dished out by the powers that be. The lap cards were a welcome reminder that this suffering did have a commencement and I tried my best to keep my spirits up. It turned out to be easier than I expected. Again, my appreciation of the suffering I was experiencing was great and I found myself drooling, snotting, and sucking wind like the best of them. I thought it best to cheer on the crowd and let my teammates watching and supporting me know that I was having a blast despite any pain-face I may had been displaying. The cheering I gave the crowd actually helped me get a little boost of adrenaline and I could hardly believe a little gap I established on my group at one point. Upon realization of this gap I told them "I don't mean to break-away or anything." I'm sure they understood and I slipped back into the line keeping in mind the race finish was quickly approaching. Ben Hay took the sprint of our little group and I passed a few riders that found a sprint not entirely worth a full effort, or they just burned out.

Turns out I finished 18th and I will accept that with optimism. I set a goal to not be pulled from the race and wherever I was to finish would be where I finished. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved a better placing. I would have loved to be in the lead group. I would have loved to mix it up with the strong-men of the race, but this is my first crit of the season, first cat3/4 race of the season, and it won't be the last. Out of the nearly 80 starters (so I heard) to this crit, to come out top 20 and being in the less than optimum condition I was in from misfortunes of my idiocy yesterday and this morning, I am a happy camper. I wanted to experience this event and it really was everything I expected.

I would like to thank all those who helped make this event possible and as great as it was. Another "thank you" to David's parents for generously giving David money to buy us all a post-race meal. (Dick's Diner, you dawg!) I would also like to thank the help and support from Jason Plank and his girlfriend Kelsey at our race. Unfortunately, her camera's battery died before she could cover more of IUPs racing, but we look forward to seeing what she did get and I will be adding what I can at a later time/post. This race was to be IUP Cycling's biggest with respect to atmosphere and we look forward to racing it for years to come and results to boot. I hope to convince David and the other IUP cyclists to start up and maintain blogs and keep IUP Cycling's going after I'm off to other things. I understand I post this on IUP Cycling's blog with a great lean towards my race, but that's just how it is until they step up and write their own accounts, ya dig?

By the numbers: Well there aren't any to speak of on my end. I cannot seem to find my bike computer and I can only imagine my average heart rate was somewhere around 176bpm with a max of around 202bpm. Who know's, folks. This 45 min race was a good one! Official results can be found HERE. And for those who don't know, I did in fact break my trainer yesterday working an interval. I will be hopefully acquiring a new one that won't break and that will be "all that" for my winter training and warm-up needs (another post will update about this situation shortly).

Again, thanks for reading, I will update (and edit) as I see fit, and do please share your thoughts in the comments section. They are much appreciated.

Where's The Podium? #2: Hollidaysburg Canoe Creek 1 - 9th

I am going to try and keep my policy of no regrets alive through this one. This race was another animal for me compared to my Morgantown race. Sure Morgantown was a climbing race, but this one was more of hill repeat race. I am running through my mind what I could have done differently to have come out with a better result, but what happens, happens and overall this is still a learning experience.

Terrible fog on the way there and back.

This morning was a rush. I woke up at 6am for the 8:30ish race start and there were a lot of things I wish I had taken care of either the night before or with more patience that would have kept my focus at least intact. For example, the gps system I have for my car is a real pain. The past two weekends it has not been able to find the parks or destinations I need to get to to park and begin my pre-race warm-ups. I have had to rely on either a friend's gps or, like today, guessing a bit and utilizing some rather ambiguous verbal directions from the kind driver next to me. on top of that, I should have gotten gas the night before. Not only was the possibility of missing the sign-in due to not knowing where I was going haunting me, I was on "E" and below that last dial mark for way longer than I felt comfortable. Those two factors alone were enough to unnerve me even before we rolled into the assigned parking lot in a rush to sign in.

David hustling after sign-in.

After my sign-in I rushed back to my car and did what I could to get myself right before the start of the race. After slapping that trust warming gel on the legs and making sure my number race "6" wasn't a number "9," I rolled out with David to the port-a-potty and then off to the start line. The race was to be 5 laps around the hilly course with two 90 degree turns to keep everyone alert. There wasn't a flat spot on the road until the finishing stretch. It was a cold race and I was one, of only two, to have a go at this race again with no leg or knee warmers (How much are tickets to Belgium?)

They combined all of the fields into a single roll out. The Cat 4/5 field was certainly the largest with about 30 or so racers. With us, we had a small women's field and an even smaller Cat 1/2/3 field of four racers leading us out on the course. The 1/2/3s pulled away as we began our race with a brisk spin and it didn't take long for the race to get to business with the rush of a Pitt University rider taking the front on the first hill. The course was up and down the whole way and these hills would become very familiar to our stretching legs. There was some real accordion action going on with the peloton throughout the race with efforts really picking up on the harder sections and down the other sides, while calmer portions allowed for enough recovery to settle in to those behind.

This is where the race began complications for me. I was feeling strong, motivated and confident about this morning's race. It was not a terribly long race and in my mind, there is no reason why I couldn't have gone for the win. The length might just be that deciding factor however. Had this race been longer I doubt there would have been so much chaos on the finishing stretch because those who were continually  sagging on the tougher ascents would have cracked and a truly strong group would have decided the winner.

The race really erupted with 2 laps to go when that aforementioned University of Pitt racer thought the sign said 1 to go and he put a real dig attack at the front and opened up a gap on one of the tougher hills. Most were scrambling to keep up with that attack and I quickly moved past a lot of the racers finding myself one of the chasers of his short-lived break away. I was with maybe 5-6 racers and we worked well together to reel him and any other break away attempts back in. Note: I did not shy away from taking any pulls to close a gap as I knew nothing would stick and there would be time for recovery. Unfortunately, after our select group reeled in those attacks, we didn't keep the gas flowing as hard and were caught by a large chase group. I won't say at the time I minded so much as I knew I wasn't losing the race being part of a larger group, but in hindsight it would have been nice for us to continue to act with a sense of urgency. With either 2 or 1 to go we caught a straggler from the 1/2/3 race and he was of the "Spokes n Skis" team. They are the hosting bicycle club of the Hollidaysburg Spring Classics series and they certainly had strength in numbers for this race. I was happy to encourage us working together to catch any escapees, but the race was back together with 1 lap to go and no one was about to try to be a hero at this point.

The pace was still hard and my legs were feeling the efforts. I didn't have doubts about my ability and I was paying attention to wheels I wanted to follow when the finish was upon us. The problem was, there were so many to choose from.

Expectations: I listened to my gut. That Cat 1/2/3 rider we picked up, though he may have been on the same team as many of the contenders in our field, would prove the best wheel for me to follow when we it this finishing stretch. Certainly he knows the finish and would have a lot left in his tank for either a lead-out or just a good dig to the front. He goes - I follow, and whether I drop the hammer hard enough in a jump from his wheel to take the sprint or someone else just pips me at the line, I made the right move going to the front and not hesitating. No matter how many people are in the final field sprint, his wheel was mine and I took advantage of it in the best way

Reality: We swing onto the final stretch (that we did not ride through on any of the laps except for the roll out and the line hadn't even been drawn yet) and it's anyone's game. I see the Cat 1/2/3 racer right in front of me make dig to the front and put a little gap on everyone - no one takes his wheel. My hesitation is that it's just too far from the line and maybe someone else will follow this move that I can grab a wheel from. I don't know this finishing stretch and I have no clue where the finish line really is. I had been paying attention to the other strong riders throughout the race and there were any I could have taken. I know who had done long hard pulls on the front and who didn't suffer as bad as everyone else on the continuous hills. I am bobbing over the yellow line (center-line rule nulled) trying to pick a wheel that will take me to the line. The group is moving fast and everyone seems to have enough for the win. A surge on my right goes away and I am left dodging some of the riders now cracking from the sprint. I continue to accelerate and I see he line is now maybe 75 yards ahead with at least 5-8 riders still ahead of me. I believe I still pass more before I cross it and I am not happy with myself.

I played my cards right up until that finishing stretch. I should have gone with my gut instinct rather than left it to chance. I am mad I didn't go with that rider while I had the chance. He may not have had enough to take me to the line, but I certainly would have been better off to catch someone else's wheel up front rather than swinging around behind working for a lessor position. I may not have known the finish, but he did and a sharper mind would have told me to go with him. I had him and maybe two other racers I was looking to follow at the finish and I failed to really utilize any of them.

I am hard on myself and that is that. I am still learning lessons and I will take these and hopefully apply them to my next endeavors. On a more positive note, one of the Team Spokes N Skis racers told me at the start line that had read my post about Morgantown and mentioned that he actually picked up a tip from it that I unfortunately forgot to remember in my rush to get ready for this morning's start. He then whipped it out and dropped some liquid race-weight - when you gotta go.... I always appreciate readers and he is telling me I should race the Hollidaysburg Telpower race coming up in a few weeks that sounds a lot like another nice climbing race like Morgantown.  Anyway, it was nice to see and hear his kids cheering us all on marshaling a corner with his wife. On the last lap I definitely heard a "Go Daddy!" coming from those excited fans. It sounds like another serious climbing race like Morgantown! (Note: Today's race was not a climbing on in my opinion, but a punchy-hill one. Climbing races make you push and suffer much more than today.) We'll see how I feel after my next week of crits. The Team SNS riders are a good bunch and I do hope to see them in future races.

At this point, I am guessing as to my official race result. I could have ended up worse than 6th, but I don't think I was any further down than 8th. I will post up the official result when I can. Either way I am certainly happy that I did the race. It was a very well run and organized race and post -race soup and sandwiches was a very much appreciated touch! I made a joke this race when I saw a rider toss one of his unnecessary bottles from his bike a the start of the final lap. I yelled out "Like a Pro!" and no one else seemed to find this too funny as I guess things were supposed to get serious. I like to keep things light especially when I can tell others are suffering more than me (though none of that matter when I don't come out with a good result). I took off my extra cage last night knowing that carrying a second bottle in a race that would hover around an hour would be extra weight. Beyond garnering no laughs from my little exclamation, a hard effort was what I needed and a real check on my mental edge within the race is good to have.

By the numbers, I remembered to start my garmin at the race start and today's was about 24(.01) miles exactly with a max speed of 36.7 pmh and an average of 20.8 mph. I have a recorded time of 1 hour 9 minutes with a max hr of 189 bpm and an average of 159 bpm. Only 1703 ft of climbing with a max speed of 36.7 mph.

Pretty house I believe a friend may have been telling me about the other day that I was happy to see - back in Indiana.

Thanks for reading and I hope these climbing legs and lessons I'm acquiring will help me in the future. This racing is what I love and I'm excited to begin crit racing at the Bud harris Cycling Oval on Tuesday (on Wednesday nights I have class which has it's pluses and minuses) and the Steel City Showdown on Sunday. Oh baby!

OFFICIAL RESULTS: I took 9th not 6th. Not happy about that result at all, but I'm really prepping for this weekend.

Tomorrow is the infamous "Hell of The North," Paris-Roubaix race. This Queen of the Classics is a true test of a strong-man's will. I am excited to watch it live tomorrow morning from some live feeds presented by Cycling Fans. If you don't know about Paris-Roubaix, get familiar. This race makes legends out of cyclings very best and solidifies them in cycling history. I am entirely humbled by the true passion of everyone involved in this, the most difficult one-day race of the year. It will also be showing in prime time on Versus starting at 7pm for a 3 hour exclusive coverage of the race tomorrow evening. Oh baby baby!

Where's The Podium? #1: Morgantown Road Race - 4th

Let's start from the top. An afternoon race start time is key. JR Petsko's ABRA racing series is full of them and that alone is enough to make me want to keep coming back. It was with that in mind that I took the horrific weather with some reserved animosity. We could have been racing in the terrible snow, sleet, rain, and wind with not a prayer for sun early in the morning. Yet, all of that mixed in with a grueling "pain-cave" race made the Morgantown Road Race a race of great proportions with everyone involved. Myself, David Watkins and John Blank (after a clutch no-show opened up a spot for John) all raced in the Cat 4/5 race. I will say that although this race's distance was longer than I have ever raced, I believe the length allowed me to really figure out what it was that I needed to do. I had more time to read the race, judge my effort, and make my moves.

Looking at some other racers getting ready, the rain began to fall.. then a snow mix.

Slushy seat and bike

There I am warming up and this will lead nicely to me talking about the race and my tactics therein. I chose to pack no leg-warmers. I wasn't even going to consider it (channeling my inner Belgian). I wore my Elite Ozone warming gel and that was all that I needed. I will contend that I was the only one not wearing leg or knee warmers in all of the races and I am proud of that. That was part of my mental preparation... there was nothing that would stand in the way of me doing this race in the best way I could manage. It was going to be tough, leg-warmers or not and I have nothing to hide. Also note the Power Bar energy gel tucked on the quad. I had another slipped on the other side and that's where they stayed until use in the race.  I also decided against wearing my wind/water-proof jacket. I knew I would get cold, but I also knew my legs were the important component here. When we finally did get rolling after a 30 min delay for weather improvement, everyone was unsure of how things would unfold.

Rolling out, things were good and bad. Tough cold, wind, rain added to terrible road conditions with potholes that knocked many people's water bottles out (I almost lost one of mine) was the bad.  There was a lot of talking during the first 8 miles or so before a break happened with I'm guessing three or four riders and another trailing to bridge a gap to them. I will say that I would have probably tried to get with that break had I been able to move to the front, but I was sure glad to find out that staying in the peloton was just what I needed. I made it a goal of mine to go with any and every break that happened no matter what - afraid that the race would slip from me without my control. The peloton caught that break I believe on the first climb, but again I was not near the front so I am unsure of when that happened. Nonetheless, they were caught and another break was to go I believe on the 2nd climb (no one could control that one but those three).

Note about that 2nd breakaway: It stuck. They were all from the same team (TOMS... like Toms Shoes) and they admitted that they were just using the race to get points so that they could cat-up. I mean, I can accept that, but it kinda stinks to be racing below your level just for points. Apparently they actually started the race late, bridged up to the peloton, passed us all and took the 1-2-3. I fail to see how that is impressive when they could have raced in the Cat 3/4 race and challenged themselves with better competition. Enough said.... maybe.

With the breakaway gone the rest of the race was to be decided on the climbs and the rolling hills to the finish. I ended up finding myself with a nice group after the first climb. I believe David was at least there and it was at that point that I took my first energy gel and I suggested David do the same. The timing of my intake worked well for me. His proved to be a little more difficult as I believe we hit the second climb of the day struggling to open the thing and he was admittedly not ready for the horrid taste of banana-strawberry (it was all that was left when we shopped) bitterness. That second climb was a test indeed. A select group got away at that one and I was in the red to keep with them.

A lot was going through my mind at that point. Firstly, I thought that I just needed to limit my losses and tick away as hard as I could. Secondly, I needed to not give up. This race was not going to slip by me. Thirdly, I thought to make a joke with the others suffering by saying "I shouldn't have had all that candy at Halloween!" but I also  [fourthly] thought I might save that one. Fifthly, the thought of doubt came in the form of me wondering how I was going to handle the next climbs and bridging back the gap that was occurring and how much weight I wish I could have really lost during training. 

A gap certainly did occur and I had to bridge on the descent to keep with them. They were cooking and I was frying. Eventually I did come up on their wheels and recovered enough to give a few pulls to make sure we were not going to have too many others join us. It was clear that our work should not be done in groups of two or three, so eventually we formed a nice "chasing group," as they'd say, and worked together. Hitting the third climb was a brutal thing. We were all on the rivet and I would contend I was the worst. My pain-face was evident just sucking wind. I remember blurred vision just looking down at my front wheel; I suppose to make sure it was still rolling forward. Although I believe the pace was quicker on the second climb, energy stores were being tested on this third one and my legs were screaming. Yet, so were everyone else's (one must never forget). I fell off the wheels of my group again and knew that even after the summit, I would still have to work myself hard to catch them again.

The descents were sketchy. Wet pavement is one thing, but I am not used to such switchbacks. I don't know if they just look fast doing them in the pros, but I did my best to hold a line without skidding off-road. However, I didn't really have a problem with them and don't you think the only switchbacks were on the descents. Uphill switchbacks reminded me that these were the kind of climbs I have dreamed about killing. Though I surely hoped they wouldn't kill me.

I suffered to bridge the gap to my group of five and I wondered if I was burning too much of what I had left for the finish. Upon that thought my tactics came to mind. Instead of taking more pulls like I had done after the second climb, I decided I had better not just latch onto a wheel directly. Rather, I knew I needed to protect myself, my efforts, and my legs for when I needed them most. I trailed off the back a bit and did no more work than to remain as inconspicuous as possible (out of sight - out of mind) Now I do understand this kind of thinking and tactics. I was benefitting from the work of others and am no better than the Toms teammates taking advantage of a situation. Albeit, they chose to race an "easier" race for points. My move was a race time decision and it paid off. I got no complaints from the guys trading pulls and I tried to stay off the back just enough so as to hope they would think I was suffering more than I was and maybe even still trying to catch their group. I don't think I fooled anyone though.

Tactics are something I am very much focussed on this year. I want to race like I know what I am doing. I chose to take the race into my own hands and play it how I needed to. I did not take any wind for the last 10+ miles and I am okay with that. Some may call it cheap, I call it race tactics. It was within this time that I made sure I took my second energy gel, made sure that I was drinking a lot of my V8 Fusion/water mix in my bottles, and recover. I played my cards right and I am happy with how it turned out.

The last 2-3 miles I knew from the drive in. It was a relief to know where I was and what to look for through the finishing miles - crossing the state line from Pennsylvania into West Virginia. Those last two miles were testing for everyone in my group. The two guys who put the most effort in pushing the pace before this point got dropped by three of our group's members on the third to last roller within the final mile. I was still playing my patience card and kept to their pace as they slowly faded to a surge from those aforementioned three. I knew how close we were to the finish and I knew I needed to attack my waning lead-out and find more suitable wheels to follow before the road opened up at the "200m to go" mark where the yellow-line-rule was to be nulled for any sprint finish. I caught my three targets on the second to last roller and for some reason a straggler from the Cat 3/4 was following their wheels too. Upon bridging and recognizing (by not recognizing this rider from our breakaway) this atrocity I readily snapped at the rider to back off their wheels and I found my position at I believe third wheel with about 500m left. Once we rolled up on the last little roller to the slight uphill finish, I knew where to look for that "200m to go" sign and I quickly accelerated and swept to the left side of the road upon us passing that sign. I was surprised that no one in front of me had tried this move and I was happy to have it all to myself. I don't know what happened with the other riders of my group, but after I swung over, I took the sprint with strength and full confidence I had just taken 4th.

I had high spirits before and after the race. I felt confident in myself, my training, preparation, and mental state. I was excited to just be racing and I wanted the race to be a learning experience above all. Beyond that, I wanted to work not only my legs for a result, but also my tactics and mental game. They say that it is not always the strongest that wins a race, but sometimes the smartest. I believe I played this one right and I got the "win" I wanted. I am not a "climber," but I made it work out. I knew that my pull after the third climb was not necessary unless someone in my group was to yell at me for not doing any work. We were not going to be caught by anyone behind and I knew I needed to do my best to recover. I do wish it could have been for the top spot on the podium, but I am happy with my result. My bike needs a shower.

Looking ahead to other races, I believe I just need to try to remain consistent. Continue and believe in my training, remain patient, and going with my gut during a race. There is no need to go into the red for a pull when I have a greater concern - the finish line.

Great race and I look forward to the next ABRA event.

David finished 25th in his first ever bicycle race and I am not sure where John Blank finished yet. As a team I believe we are happy about the race and I am most certainly looking forward to the next weekend. I will update as I see fit. Thanks for reading!

Other info about race: Unfortunately, I forgot to start my garmin right when the whistle blew so I lost the first few miles of the race, but my average speed was 20.2 mph, max heart rate was 191 bpm with an average hr at 161 bpm, I had an average cadence of 88 rpm, and the total ascent was 3199 ft for my recorded 47.95 miles. The official race results can be found HERE For the race my official finishing time was 2 hours 24 minutes and 28 seconds, but think about this... the finishing time of the Cat 1,2,3's race was 2 hours 8 minutes 55 sec. We all had ~50 miles to do so yeah; I have a long way to go. I did win $20 though!