Really looking forward to the Leroy Twp Cyclocross Race this Sunday! It's the 3rd race in the Bike Authority / Team Lake Effect series. I raced this venue last year and I'm certain that Kevin and Chagrin River Cycling will put on an awesome race. The weather looks good too!
I'm mulling over the write-ups for Michigan Double Cross, Bloomer Park, Interbike (including some quality time on the Ellsworth Roots CX bike), and the Planet Bike USGP Cyclocross race in Madison, WI. Still recovering from that action packed vacation!
Showing posts with label cyclocross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cyclocross. Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Results are up from Wendy Park CX
The results have been posted for the Wendy Park CX race which kicked off the Bike Authority CX series. Overall I am satisfied with my results. Although going out to Coventry the night before to watch the Buckeyes blow it against USC wasn't the best pre-race preparation.
Racing the A race after doing the B's was absolutely gruelling (yet still fun in a sick sort of way). My average lap time went from being 7:10 in the B's to just under 7:40 in the A's. Not bad for almost 100 minutes of racing, but at the same time very sobering knowing that I would have been close to getting lapped by Matt Weeks even if I had decided to only race A's. Even though I save just a little for the A race. I've got to wonder how the heck Nate Loman and Dave Chernosky came up with the idea to race both the Portage Lake sprint tri that morning and then still come out for the BA race! Actually that sounds like an awesome idea to me... :-)
SnakeBite Racing had a great showing with 8 guys grunting it out in the B's. Dean had a great showing at his first CX race ever in the middle of the pack for the C's. We also had two women (Sadie and Linda) with strong results in the B Women. But the highlight of the day was certainly Pat & Linda's girls Nicole and Samantha taking both 1st and 2nd in the C - Juniors race.
A huge thanks to the members of Team Lake Effect for setting up a killer course again at a great venue and to Bike Authority for sponsoring the series!
Racing the A race after doing the B's was absolutely gruelling (yet still fun in a sick sort of way). My average lap time went from being 7:10 in the B's to just under 7:40 in the A's. Not bad for almost 100 minutes of racing, but at the same time very sobering knowing that I would have been close to getting lapped by Matt Weeks even if I had decided to only race A's. Even though I save just a little for the A race. I've got to wonder how the heck Nate Loman and Dave Chernosky came up with the idea to race both the Portage Lake sprint tri that morning and then still come out for the BA race! Actually that sounds like an awesome idea to me... :-)
SnakeBite Racing had a great showing with 8 guys grunting it out in the B's. Dean had a great showing at his first CX race ever in the middle of the pack for the C's. We also had two women (Sadie and Linda) with strong results in the B Women. But the highlight of the day was certainly Pat & Linda's girls Nicole and Samantha taking both 1st and 2nd in the C - Juniors race.
A huge thanks to the members of Team Lake Effect for setting up a killer course again at a great venue and to Bike Authority for sponsoring the series!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Cross My Heart and Hope to Die
The 2nd annual Cross My Heart and Hope to Die Willoughby Cyclocross Spectacular is this comming Saturday Oct. 18th at Todd Field (google map). This excellent event is sponsored by Spin and is Race #2 of the 10th Annual Bike Authority Cyclocross Series; series points will be awarded accordingly. Open category racers will compete together for the same cash purse, but points will be awarded based on age category defined under series rules. For more info visit: http://www.teamlakeeffect.net
Todd Field, Willoughby, Ohio
Address: 38264 Glenn Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094
Link to race flyer
Categories: Expert/40+ Open [all Cat 1,2,3,Pro,Semi,Expert], Intemediate Men [Cat 4, sport], Women’s Open, Novice Men [Cat 5, Beginner], Novice Women, Juniors [under 18]
Start Times: 11:00–1:15 Registration Open
12:00pm All Novice/Juniors - 30min.
12:45pm Intemediate Men/Womens Open - 45min.
1:45pm Expert/40+ Open - 1hr.
Awards: Immediately following Expert/40+ Open at Willoughby Brewing Company [top of the hill]
All Categories: 1st Lap “Primes” provided by Willoughby Brewing Company [$10 gift card]
Expert/40+ Open, Cash Payout 15 Deep: 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $150, 4th $125, 5th $100, 6th $90, 7th $80, 8th $70, 9th $60, 10th $50, 11th $45, 12th $40, 13th $35, 14th $30, 15th $25
Women’s Open, Cash Payout 3 Deep: 1st $150, 2nd $100, 3rd $50
All other categories: Merchandise 3 Deep
Series: This is Race #2 of the Bike Authority Cyclocross Series, points will be awarded accordingly. Expert/40+ Open category racers will compete together for the same cash purse, but points will be awarded based on age category defined under series rules. For more info visit: www.teamlakeeffect.net
Entry Fee: $20 [USCF or NORBA license required]
One day permits will be available for $10
USCF permit pending
Website: www.teamspin.com, www.sssmst.com
Contact Info: greg [at] spinbikeshop.com
Todd Field, Willoughby, Ohio
Address: 38264 Glenn Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094
Link to race flyer
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
2008-10-05 Leroy Twp Cyclocross
Last Sunday Sadie and I found ourselves at the Leroy Twp CX race. We arrived a little later than I had wanted, and we didn't have time to preview the course before the start of the C race. It ended up being OK as I was able to get out there once the C's started to finish.
The starting area was a little cramped so getting a good position would be critical. I lined up on the far left, and a couple of riders came in late to fill in further to my left which was OK. Drew Berclaw got the hole shot with me right behind him through the first 90*, 180*, 90* turn combo heading into the only set of barriers. The barriers were pretty close and Drew ended up kicking the second barrier, splintering the white pine plank. He looked and said he was OK as I shot past.
An of camber right turn lead into a tightening spiral with a 180* switchback at the end to shoot you back out. The next obstacle was a BIG dirt mound with 20-30 yards of MTB style single track along the top ridge. I was fully prepared to run this section, but I can't recall if I ran it during the race at all. I do remember biting it HARD coming down the off camber turn at the end because I was braking too hard with the front. I banged up my knee pretty good and dropped my chain under the 3rd eye. However, I didn't loose any places in this mishap, only valuable time.
Through a muddy round about and then across a quick bump of a ditch. This lead into a maze of turns around several trees, I ended up taking an extra turn here losing more time on a later lap... Making a narrow turn around a baseball field while trying to avoid the ditch lead out onto a welcomed pavement section before the circus of switchbacks which took you across a ditch along the road 7 times. The ditch crossings became increasingly difficult because the ditch got deeper the farther down the course. The first crossings were ridable (more so heading out toward the road than back into the field). Hitting the crossings at a slight angle let you climb across the slope so it wasn't as steep. Even then the later crossings had me almost stalling out heading back up to the field. I decided to dismount on these as shown below.
Once the playing in the ditch part was complete, we passed the wheel pits and rode around the grass along the edge of the park back to the start/finish.
The race was pretty uneventful and even though there was $$ on the line for the top four spots, I just wasn't into racing that day. I found myself settling in on a 'managable' pace not really wanting to chase but more to maintain my position. Nate Loman tried to bring me along as he went on the chase, but I couldn't make myself stick on his wheel. Towards the end of the race I just tried not to slow down or cost myself any more time with dumb mistakes.
There is a picture of the course layout HERE. Results and pictures can be found HERE.
The starting area was a little cramped so getting a good position would be critical. I lined up on the far left, and a couple of riders came in late to fill in further to my left which was OK. Drew Berclaw got the hole shot with me right behind him through the first 90*, 180*, 90* turn combo heading into the only set of barriers. The barriers were pretty close and Drew ended up kicking the second barrier, splintering the white pine plank. He looked and said he was OK as I shot past.
An of camber right turn lead into a tightening spiral with a 180* switchback at the end to shoot you back out. The next obstacle was a BIG dirt mound with 20-30 yards of MTB style single track along the top ridge. I was fully prepared to run this section, but I can't recall if I ran it during the race at all. I do remember biting it HARD coming down the off camber turn at the end because I was braking too hard with the front. I banged up my knee pretty good and dropped my chain under the 3rd eye. However, I didn't loose any places in this mishap, only valuable time.
Through a muddy round about and then across a quick bump of a ditch. This lead into a maze of turns around several trees, I ended up taking an extra turn here losing more time on a later lap... Making a narrow turn around a baseball field while trying to avoid the ditch lead out onto a welcomed pavement section before the circus of switchbacks which took you across a ditch along the road 7 times. The ditch crossings became increasingly difficult because the ditch got deeper the farther down the course. The first crossings were ridable (more so heading out toward the road than back into the field). Hitting the crossings at a slight angle let you climb across the slope so it wasn't as steep. Even then the later crossings had me almost stalling out heading back up to the field. I decided to dismount on these as shown below.
Once the playing in the ditch part was complete, we passed the wheel pits and rode around the grass along the edge of the park back to the start/finish.
The race was pretty uneventful and even though there was $$ on the line for the top four spots, I just wasn't into racing that day. I found myself settling in on a 'managable' pace not really wanting to chase but more to maintain my position. Nate Loman tried to bring me along as he went on the chase, but I couldn't make myself stick on his wheel. Towards the end of the race I just tried not to slow down or cost myself any more time with dumb mistakes.
There is a picture of the course layout HERE. Results and pictures can be found HERE.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
F F F FLAT
Well the first race of the BA series is now under my belt (series info and results are here). The race was significantly harder than I expected. The weather was comfortably cool in the upper sixties and lower seventies for the B race. There were 39 men and 9 women starting 30 seconds later who massed at the starting line. The line wasn't very wide at about 7-8 riders wide, and I found myself in the 3rd/4th row. Needless to say, I didn't come close to getting the hole-shot, and I was in about 15-20th place going into the first set of turns.
I began to work to pass people, but it was hard at this point because it was quite congested and many people were jockeying for position. Although there was no single track, the course was pretty technical and challenging. The east most section began past the first couple of turns where we crossed quick 3ft dip down and shot back up the other side and into the 'hilly' portion. The 'hills' were actually man made dirt piles. The course wrapped up and around the tops of the 3 hills (two out and on the way back in) in a series of off camber 'S' turns. After cresting the 2nd hill, there were 2 quick descents, the 2nd of which ended with a 90* right turn in loose gravel. It was hard to find a good line here, and I ended up unclipping my right foot heading into this one in case I washed out.
After this turn, there was a flat section which lead out around and then up onto a paved section across the bridge to the island. The 3-4 inch high pavement edge started after an ever so slight rise and there was a quick 90* left turn right in the midst of the transition from grass to pavement. This made the transition difficult to bunny hop, and most riders compensated by slowing and unweighting the front and rear wheels in succession.
After a headwind out to the island and a sweeping 180* turn to head back, there was a man made barrier in the middle of a turn to head up the longest hill. There was still a lot of traffic at this point on the first lap and guys were having problems mounting and getting up the hill. I picked up a couple of places here when I chose to run up the hill.
Going over the off camber turn at the top of a small hill led into some fun switchbacks that took us up a small rise and then shot us down a dip and into the next left turn. These reminded me of riding at the Lorain speedway, when you would shoot up the bank and then swoop back down. Past the wheel pit there were many twists and turns, a quick jaunt in and out of the woods, and through two sections of sand. The first of these was ridable, the second was not.
Next there was as set of 3 railroad ties, evenly spaced about 10ft apart. I really appreciated that these barriers were not regulation height, although others liked them even more, since they could ride them. Finally there were a few more turns including a switchback that which crossed a gravel driveway at the apex. Heading down a gradual hill and sweeping turn brought us back to the start.
I picked up a few people over the course of the race, until I had my first mishap. Heading down the 3ft dip, I turned too sharp heading out of it and firmly planted and went over my front wheel. I got a nice gouge in my right calf from my chain ring and Pat Miranda gave me some words of encouragement as came up on me as I shook it off and remounted.
Heading out on the last lap, I was holding Scott Carter and Pat off while seeing who was next up ahead. Here is where I made my most costly mistake when I hit the pavement transition too hard and pinched my rear wheel. I thought it looked low and by the time I was sweeping around to head back in it was affecting my handling. I rode it back in, as Scott passed me. I continued to ride it until I was at the off camber hill, where I shouldered the bike and trudged to the pits.
I had taken my pit wheels off my road bike and unfortunately the drop out thickness was a good bit wider on my Ritchey, so the wheel change was a little less smooth than I'd liked. As Pat rode by he assured me that he had a giant gap on the next rider, which was accurate. I got out of the pits a little ways behind the next rider, Rick Bennett. I worked my way up to him and made my pass during the 2nd sand section.
At this point, I just wanted to hold my position into the finish and I didn't want to make any mistakes.
After a somewhat disappointing B race, I figured I'd bite the bullet and throw myself into the A race. I lined up at the back of the A's with Mike Vanucci and waited for the pain to begin. The A start went much like the B's and I was in the back fighting for position. At the top of the 2nd hill before the big descents, the pack jammed up. I chose to dismount and run around several people which really worked well.
Disaster struck again at the pavement transition where didn't unweight my front wheel enough and pinched again. This flat came quickly and I was less than 1/2 way out to the island before the leaders of the A masters caught and passed me. Riding the flat front was pretty tricky on the paved turn, but I got around and back in to where I could run to the pit.
As I was running to the pit, I passed Chris Ricardi whose rear wheel had shifted in the drow out. I was able to quickly change my wheel and get out a bit behind Chris, who I tried to go after. He was riding well at this point and putting a little more distance between us.
Through the S/F, out, and heading back through the pit area, I still hadn't gained much ground on Chris, but I saw Mike V. coming out after a wheel change. I trailed him for a while and when I passed him between the two sand sections, I said we should go after Ricardi.
Another lap came and went and I wasn't getting any closer to Chris, however, I was still hitting the same points on the course at the same time as other riders were hitting other points that I'd seen them at on previous laps. I think I remember seeing Mike V. in the pits again heading out to the technical part. My hunt for Chris was cut short when I felt my rear tire go flat after hitting a rock that I think I'd hit several times on previous laps and had still never seen. I'd gotten an extra 35 minute work out in the A race, but that was enough for me and for my tires.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
2008-09-22-23 Michigan Double CX UCI
I did the 2008 Michigan Double Cross UCI races this past weekend (was in town anyway for my nephew's 1st B-day). I just built up a new Ritchey steel CX bike on Thurs / Fri and had never even ridden it off road, let alone raced it prior to Saturday morning. Saturday's race was a little disappointing. I had just moved up into 2nd place on the 1st of 3 laps when I dropped my chain and got passed by about 20 guys while I tried to get it back on.
Sunday went much better. I kept the wheels down on all except 2 corners, and those spills only cost me one place each, which I was able to quickly make up. I was able to keep the chain on, although it started to come out after the 2nd fall. I got 2nd and probably could have contended more for 1st, but all struggles I went through the day before, I decided to try and play it safe and ride more conservatively.
Considering the total lack of experience I had on the new bike, having taped up the bar the morning of the first race, I'm really pleased with the handling and performance. While the course was dry and packed down overall, there were many corners consisting of downhill off camber switchbacks which were pretty sketchy because of the morning due (particularly on day two). I still need to experiment a little with tire pressure and am running the tires with a little higher presure than I'd like to run them. I'm worried about bottoming out and pinch flatting or damaging the wheels though.
I need to send out a HUGE Thank You to Rudy and to Bike Authority for getting me hooked up with such a sweet bike on such short notice. I've been to a lot of bike shops in Northeast Ohio, and Bike Authority surpasses them all when it comes down to it. But don't just take my word for it, be sure to stop over at the MyFoxCleveland HOT LIST and see for yourself what other people have to say!
Sunday went much better. I kept the wheels down on all except 2 corners, and those spills only cost me one place each, which I was able to quickly make up. I was able to keep the chain on, although it started to come out after the 2nd fall. I got 2nd and probably could have contended more for 1st, but all struggles I went through the day before, I decided to try and play it safe and ride more conservatively.
Considering the total lack of experience I had on the new bike, having taped up the bar the morning of the first race, I'm really pleased with the handling and performance. While the course was dry and packed down overall, there were many corners consisting of downhill off camber switchbacks which were pretty sketchy because of the morning due (particularly on day two). I still need to experiment a little with tire pressure and am running the tires with a little higher presure than I'd like to run them. I'm worried about bottoming out and pinch flatting or damaging the wheels though.
I need to send out a HUGE Thank You to Rudy and to Bike Authority for getting me hooked up with such a sweet bike on such short notice. I've been to a lot of bike shops in Northeast Ohio, and Bike Authority surpasses them all when it comes down to it. But don't just take my word for it, be sure to stop over at the MyFoxCleveland HOT LIST and see for yourself what other people have to say!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
See you Tonight
UPDATE - Euphoria Cross Cancelled!
Location: Emerald Corporate Park (map and directions can be found HERE)
Emerald Parkway
Cleveland Ohio 44135
Emerald Pkwy is located just off of I-480 / Grayton Rd. (exit 9). At the bottom of exit, make a left turn at the traffic light to go north on Grayton Rd. Stay in the left lane and make a left turn at the next traffic light which will be Emerald Pkwy. Go down Emerald Pkwy a little ways and you will see parking and registration.
The Euphoria Cyclocross Series
[Presented by Team Spin / RR Donnelley]
Wednesdays, September 3 - October 22, 2008
| time | what | field | length | entry | prizes |
| 5.30-6.05 | registration | ||||
| 6.15 | start | A | 45-60 min | $10 | cash - 3 deep |
| 6.16 | start | B | 30-45 min | $10 | merch - 3 deep |
Entry Fee: $10 per week or $50 all eight weeks [USA Cycling license required; one-day licenses will be available for $10 for those looking to try a race]
If you need a one day license, use this form instead.
Categories: A Race: Cat 1, 2, 3, Pro, Semi-pro and Expert
Website: teamspin.com / spinbikeshop.com
Contact Info: info@spinbikeshop.com
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thelma vs. Bones - rumble on the road
Some of you might remember back in January when I met Thelma and started a meaningful relationship that has lasted just over 7 months now. Well, I know it's usually not good to bring up a previous fling, but I need to really show the change that Thelma has brought to my life.
Don't get me wrong, my relationship with Bones was a good one while it lasted. We had many good times. Reminiscing to a previous post 'What coulda been...', I sometimes miss my rough and ragged Bones:
It tugs at my heart to remember trusty old Bones 3 and the good times we had. She has now hitched a ride to the west coast with a dear friend of mine. I had almost forgot about the brief stint I had with Bones' little sis Bones 2 after she and my friend grew apart and when Bones 3 took a liking to his car and latched on. I really hope for his sake that she wasn't just using him for the ride to LA. My brief fling with Bones 2 (I would hardly even call it a fling, especially since Thelma is the jealous type) ended almost before it started when she hopped in the car and rode off with another friend of mine looking for Nirvana or something.
It's good to remember all the fun times that I had with my Saris Bones 3. When I let her go, she looked almost as good as the day I first met her 7 years ago. She was very sturdy and it's not like I treated her as nicely as I could have by leaving her on my car year round the majority of the time. She did have her way of showing displeasure with her rougher touch on my Alero's finish and the frames of my bikes (the car's finish could have been easily protected had I not shared the same disregard for it as I did for ole Bones).
But enough about the past; I'm really looking forward to a longer and better relationship with my Saris Thelma 3. I will be sure to post more pics of her in all her glory when the Cyclocross season starts next week. But until then to hook up with a Bones or Thelma of your own, see the fine gentlemen at Bike Authority. They have a great selection of Saris racks to choose from. And this weekend you can even look forward to a 10% discount on the Saris rack of your choosing. Click HERE for more info, or just read down the page.
Don't get me wrong, my relationship with Bones was a good one while it lasted. We had many good times. Reminiscing to a previous post 'What coulda been...', I sometimes miss my rough and ragged Bones:
Pics from both the Broadview races in 2005. Right now, it looks like the weather will be good for this Saturday's race.
Hopefully Copley's will be good too.
(Although I'm certain it won't be in the 60's like it was last year)
It tugs at my heart to remember trusty old Bones 3 and the good times we had. She has now hitched a ride to the west coast with a dear friend of mine. I had almost forgot about the brief stint I had with Bones' little sis Bones 2 after she and my friend grew apart and when Bones 3 took a liking to his car and latched on. I really hope for his sake that she wasn't just using him for the ride to LA. My brief fling with Bones 2 (I would hardly even call it a fling, especially since Thelma is the jealous type) ended almost before it started when she hopped in the car and rode off with another friend of mine looking for Nirvana or something.
It's good to remember all the fun times that I had with my Saris Bones 3. When I let her go, she looked almost as good as the day I first met her 7 years ago. She was very sturdy and it's not like I treated her as nicely as I could have by leaving her on my car year round the majority of the time. She did have her way of showing displeasure with her rougher touch on my Alero's finish and the frames of my bikes (the car's finish could have been easily protected had I not shared the same disregard for it as I did for ole Bones).
But enough about the past; I'm really looking forward to a longer and better relationship with my Saris Thelma 3. I will be sure to post more pics of her in all her glory when the Cyclocross season starts next week. But until then to hook up with a Bones or Thelma of your own, see the fine gentlemen at Bike Authority. They have a great selection of Saris racks to choose from. And this weekend you can even look forward to a 10% discount on the Saris rack of your choosing. Click HERE for more info, or just read down the page.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Euphoria Cyclocross Series
UPDATE - Euphoria Cross Cancelled!
Location: Emerald Corporate Park (map and directions can be found HERE)
Emerald Parkway
Cleveland Ohio 44135
Off Grayton/480
Registration: Complete the series liability release [covers all eight races]
Sign and date liability release [each week]
Complete sign-in sheet [includes pre-registrants]
Preregistration available at Spin [Lakewood
The Euphoria Cyclocross Series
[Presented by Team Spin / RR Donnelley]
Wednesdays, September 3 - October 22, 2008
| time | what | field | length | entry | prizes |
| 5.30-6.05 | registration | ||||
| 6.15 | start | A | 45-60 min | $10 | cash - 3 deep |
| 6.16 | start | B | 30-45 min | $10 | merch - 3 deep |
Entry Fee: $10 per week or $50 all eight weeks [USA Cycling license required; one-day licenses will be available for $10 for those looking to try a race]
Categories: A Race: Cat 1, 2, 3, Pro, Semi-pro and Expert
Website: teamspin.com / spinbikeshop.com
Contact Info: info@spinbikeshop.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Soon!
It's almost that time of year again: Cyclocoss Season is rapidly approaching!
Northeast Ohio's Bike Authority Cross series schedule is online:
9-28 - Whiskey Island
11-2 - Kirtland Park
11-16 - Broadview Heights
12-7 - Copley
The Cap City Cross (Columbus) series is online.
Working farther south, Ohio Valley Cyclocross series schedule is online. This year's OVCX will include 5 UCI races on the following dates:
Cincy area: Oct. 10, 11, 12
Louisville: Oct. 25, 26
There is also a weekend of UCI racing in the Detroit area: Sept. 20, 21
Hopefully the OrrvilleCross series will be posted soon.
I've been told that Spin's 'Cross My Heart and Hope To Die Race will be held this year on 10/18. I'm also looking forward to the weeknight practice races. Location and details TBA.
Northeast Ohio's Bike Authority Cross series schedule is online:
9-28 - Whiskey Island
11-2 - Kirtland Park
11-16 - Broadview Heights
12-7 - Copley
The Cap City Cross (Columbus) series is online.
Working farther south, Ohio Valley Cyclocross series schedule is online. This year's OVCX will include 5 UCI races on the following dates:
Cincy area: Oct. 10, 11, 12
Louisville: Oct. 25, 26
There is also a weekend of UCI racing in the Detroit area: Sept. 20, 21
Hopefully the OrrvilleCross series will be posted soon.
I've been told that Spin's 'Cross My Heart and Hope To Die Race will be held this year on 10/18. I'm also looking forward to the weeknight practice races. Location and details TBA.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
crossresults.com
I just saw that results from the Team Lake Effect / Bike Authority CX series have been posted to http://crossresults.com/ - SWEET
Don't know how many of you read VeloNews, but crossresults.com was recently featured as their Site of the Day.
Don't know how many of you read VeloNews, but crossresults.com was recently featured as their Site of the Day.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
CX growth
It's good to see growth in the sport, but there are some very good concerns in this well thought up write up on Until the Snow Ends.
Update: Here is a video on YouTube which shows the mayhem in the same section of the course where Trebon was taken out, only it shows the first lap.
Update: Here is a video on YouTube which shows the mayhem in the same section of the course where Trebon was taken out, only it shows the first lap.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Race stats
John E posted a link to an excellent map of last Sunday's race at the top of his blog entry. I figured I'd oblige and post some stats to go along with the grueling laps. A picture is worth 1000 words.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Boughton Farms mudfest!
Racing at Boughton Farms always brings variety. The final two races last year were case in point. The first race on 11/26/06 had beautiful weather with a high of 64*. While the following week the course was muddy with some snow, and the temp was freezing causing lots of problems with derailleurs. Sunday's weather was in the low 40's with a bitter wind. While it wasn't raining for the race, there was mud-a-plenty from the rain earlier.
The 'B' race lined up on the lane leading to the first long field crossing. The lane and path through the field was somewhat narrow, and we were lined up several rows deep (with me being toward the back). After the start, I was right on John Bodell's wheel and as we picked up speed I encouraged him to push it as the group started to string out. Once we made the right hand turn into the field, I was able to start getting around people. I pushed it hard for the first 500ft or so and then I started to settle in just a little. As 1 or 2 people came around me toward the end of the 1000ft field crossing, I knew I had to get back on the gas and keep pushing.
After the 90* right at the end of the field, I could see that gaps were starting to form up ahead with one large group still at the front. I really picked it up here to get back on the lead pack. As we made a right-left-right jog down and up a small rise, I picked off some more people. I yelled to Rick that we've got to catch on that group as I came up on him.
A quick left led us onto the grass which would take us all the way back to the woods. I think I passed Rick at this point and maybe another rider or two. Turning right through the woods, I'm not sure if the lead group had shed some riders, but I came up on a few riders. Exiting the woods and hitting a short rise we started jockeying for position. A couple of riders got off the front including Ed Delgros and I think I passed Julie at this point.
The right turn around the field to lead back toward the farm took us up a long muddy incline that just seemed to sap every ounce of energy in order to get passed it. Over the top I was able to downshift and get some speed going. Going through the first quick section of single track, we headed back near the S/F and then made another right around the corner of the field to take us back to the woods.
The lane we were riding down was muddy, but it had some packed soil beneath the mud. The real factor in this section, however, was the headwind which was probably 15mph. I can't remember if I had someone in front of me at this point, or if I was on my own.
Wrapping through the woods and then heading back toward the farm took us though some quick rises and 3 quick sections of singletrack. I made good time through these, even though they were rutted with mud and had tight turns. I was pushing pretty good because I knew I had chasers and I could see Ed Delgros up ahead, but with a pretty good gap.
Through the first set of barriers and out up a grassy lane there was a 180* switchback across a quick rise and then leading slightly down to a really muddy right hand turn. We then wrapped left around the oil well, over a 2nd set of barriers, through some more sloppy mud and up a small incline to cross the start/finish line. Hopefully you can tell by my description that the lap was long and painful. Only 3 more to go! Ugh.
Crossing the field for the 2nd time, I finally managed to close the gap to Ed. I wanted to stay on his wheel at this point because he usually finishes ahead of me and through the long grass stretch back to the woods there was a headwind which was blocked a little by the trees. I also didn't want to push the pace against him and have him chase me, because he was racing Master's and I wanted to give Rick a better chance of catching him/us.
I had to fight hard up the muddy incline to stay with Ed, who had gapped me just a bit by the time we got over the crest. I could have passed him on the downhill, but I still wanted to hang on his wheel for the reasons mentioned before. When we hit the single track, Ed slid out and fell. There was no way I could pass him at this point because it was too narrow. He recovered quickly and we continued. Going back toward the woods, I was RIGHT on Ed's wheel through the wind. I really had to work not to bump his wheel, I was so close.
Going turning out of the woods I could see that Rick was back there, but I wasn't gaining any ground. Through the first technical section of single track, Ed went down again. Again it was too narrow here to get by and I hoped that Rick was getting closer. As we came to a lapped 'C' rider in another section of singletrack, I yelled up to warn him we were approaching as it would be tight. Just as we were passing the junior who had pulled off on the left, Ed washed out and fell to the right. I made a quick decision to split between the junior and Ed's bike before he had a chance to get up, and it worked well.
Once past Ed, I hit it hard to drop him. Past the barriers and switchback, I could see that I had a pretty good gap, but it wasn't what I wanted it to be. Rick was still a ways back from Ed and there was another rider who was gaining on us from behind. Past the S/F, I worked hard through the field, but my reserves were getting a little low. To borrow a line from Ray's blog, I at this point hit a small pothole sized 'puddle and somehow fell right over going in a straight line.' It was seriously like I was JRA and all of a sudden my handlebars were plowing through the mud! I got up with the bike and was a little shaken, but I knew I was losing/lost precious time. I didn't look back at all, but started running with the bike, built my speed, and remounted from the right just before the end of the field.
Through the grass back to the woods and then around the corner of the field, the ascent again took its toll on me. I had caught glimpses of my chasers and could hear them on my wheel up the gradual climb. When the first rider passed I said 'good job', but I didn't recognize the kit. The 2nd chaser, Ed, also came around me, but he didn't push it in the descent and let a gap form between us and the other rider.
I was content to stay on Ed's wheel as it had worked OK for me. He went through the quick section of single track OK and I stayed right on him through the long windy section. In the woods he had a little problem on a wrap around left turn heading up a hill. I had the outside line and with him stalling on the inside, I gassed hard in order to shake him. I could see that I was gapping him and at the same time pulling that much closer to the rider in front of me.
Through the first set of barriers and at the switchback, Donny was eagerly cheering me on and yelling 'Get Julie'. Then it clicked, that it was Julie Lewis in front of me. Passing the S/F, I was thankful when they announced one lap to go! But, I had my work cut out for me, since Julie is a strong rider.
I slowly decreased the gap to Julie all the way back to through the woods, where she still had a couple hundred feet on me. I could also see that she was gaining on another rider, who ran up the long rise instead of riding it. Maybe I could catch both of them! This thought was very short lived as I struggled to make it past the muddy rise for the final time. Julie seemed to have doubled her gap by the time I made it over the peak.
Out of the singletrack, Sadie was yelling for me to go get Julie. I knew it would be hard with the windy lane coming up, but I'd give it my best shot. If I could have only gotten to Julie's wheel before the straight... I grunted it out and slowly the gap was decreasing. Coming out of the woods, it was back down to a couple hundred feet.
I could see Julie running one section of single track ahead, and knew I could make up ground to her. I kept good lines although I was unclipping my right foot a lot, which would cause my calf to really cramp up. Through the last section of single track, I hit the 'center of a bump and slid off' as Ray refers. But I slid off to the left and into the trees! I managed to stay upright and cut back to my right to the parallel trail. More time lost.
Onto the grass, I could see Julie all the way up at the first set of barriers heaving her bike over them. I gave chase and wasn't making up ground quickly on her, but time was quickly running out. Julie looked slow through the 2nd set of barriers and I knew I could make up time there, but the finish was only 100 yards from there.
I took the barriers and remounted as quick as I could. I then stood on the pedals and hit it as hard as I could, dropping gears as I went. It seemed to take forever to get to Julie and to the finish line, but when I looked down my wheel was a meer 6 inches in front of hers. The finish wasn't really well marked, as original start line in the mud was pretty much gone.
I rode through the finish and didn't stop for 50 feet or so. I didn't know for sure that I'd gotten Julie until I visited the scorers table a while later to warm up in the greenhouse. They had me down for 9th place (again!). This makes the 4th out of 5 races where I've finished 9th, which is a great improvement for me over last year.
Congrat's to everyone a great races. Drew Bercaw scored his first win in the 'B' race series after a strong race. Sadie Deckard continued to dominate the 'C' Women's race. She missed riding her singlespeed and forgot to shift from her 50t front ring to her 34t ring for the whole race. Rick Adams grabbed another 2nd place in the 'B' Masters. John Ehrlinger and Dave Steiner both had great results in the 'A' Masters and 'A' race respectively.
Results have been posted on Team Lake Effect's website.
The 'B' race lined up on the lane leading to the first long field crossing. The lane and path through the field was somewhat narrow, and we were lined up several rows deep (with me being toward the back). After the start, I was right on John Bodell's wheel and as we picked up speed I encouraged him to push it as the group started to string out. Once we made the right hand turn into the field, I was able to start getting around people. I pushed it hard for the first 500ft or so and then I started to settle in just a little. As 1 or 2 people came around me toward the end of the 1000ft field crossing, I knew I had to get back on the gas and keep pushing.
After the 90* right at the end of the field, I could see that gaps were starting to form up ahead with one large group still at the front. I really picked it up here to get back on the lead pack. As we made a right-left-right jog down and up a small rise, I picked off some more people. I yelled to Rick that we've got to catch on that group as I came up on him.
A quick left led us onto the grass which would take us all the way back to the woods. I think I passed Rick at this point and maybe another rider or two. Turning right through the woods, I'm not sure if the lead group had shed some riders, but I came up on a few riders. Exiting the woods and hitting a short rise we started jockeying for position. A couple of riders got off the front including Ed Delgros and I think I passed Julie at this point.
The right turn around the field to lead back toward the farm took us up a long muddy incline that just seemed to sap every ounce of energy in order to get passed it. Over the top I was able to downshift and get some speed going. Going through the first quick section of single track, we headed back near the S/F and then made another right around the corner of the field to take us back to the woods.
The lane we were riding down was muddy, but it had some packed soil beneath the mud. The real factor in this section, however, was the headwind which was probably 15mph. I can't remember if I had someone in front of me at this point, or if I was on my own.
Wrapping through the woods and then heading back toward the farm took us though some quick rises and 3 quick sections of singletrack. I made good time through these, even though they were rutted with mud and had tight turns. I was pushing pretty good because I knew I had chasers and I could see Ed Delgros up ahead, but with a pretty good gap.
Through the first set of barriers and out up a grassy lane there was a 180* switchback across a quick rise and then leading slightly down to a really muddy right hand turn. We then wrapped left around the oil well, over a 2nd set of barriers, through some more sloppy mud and up a small incline to cross the start/finish line. Hopefully you can tell by my description that the lap was long and painful. Only 3 more to go! Ugh.
Crossing the field for the 2nd time, I finally managed to close the gap to Ed. I wanted to stay on his wheel at this point because he usually finishes ahead of me and through the long grass stretch back to the woods there was a headwind which was blocked a little by the trees. I also didn't want to push the pace against him and have him chase me, because he was racing Master's and I wanted to give Rick a better chance of catching him/us.
I had to fight hard up the muddy incline to stay with Ed, who had gapped me just a bit by the time we got over the crest. I could have passed him on the downhill, but I still wanted to hang on his wheel for the reasons mentioned before. When we hit the single track, Ed slid out and fell. There was no way I could pass him at this point because it was too narrow. He recovered quickly and we continued. Going back toward the woods, I was RIGHT on Ed's wheel through the wind. I really had to work not to bump his wheel, I was so close.
Going turning out of the woods I could see that Rick was back there, but I wasn't gaining any ground. Through the first technical section of single track, Ed went down again. Again it was too narrow here to get by and I hoped that Rick was getting closer. As we came to a lapped 'C' rider in another section of singletrack, I yelled up to warn him we were approaching as it would be tight. Just as we were passing the junior who had pulled off on the left, Ed washed out and fell to the right. I made a quick decision to split between the junior and Ed's bike before he had a chance to get up, and it worked well.
Once past Ed, I hit it hard to drop him. Past the barriers and switchback, I could see that I had a pretty good gap, but it wasn't what I wanted it to be. Rick was still a ways back from Ed and there was another rider who was gaining on us from behind. Past the S/F, I worked hard through the field, but my reserves were getting a little low. To borrow a line from Ray's blog, I at this point hit a small pothole sized 'puddle and somehow fell right over going in a straight line.' It was seriously like I was JRA and all of a sudden my handlebars were plowing through the mud! I got up with the bike and was a little shaken, but I knew I was losing/lost precious time. I didn't look back at all, but started running with the bike, built my speed, and remounted from the right just before the end of the field.
Through the grass back to the woods and then around the corner of the field, the ascent again took its toll on me. I had caught glimpses of my chasers and could hear them on my wheel up the gradual climb. When the first rider passed I said 'good job', but I didn't recognize the kit. The 2nd chaser, Ed, also came around me, but he didn't push it in the descent and let a gap form between us and the other rider.
I was content to stay on Ed's wheel as it had worked OK for me. He went through the quick section of single track OK and I stayed right on him through the long windy section. In the woods he had a little problem on a wrap around left turn heading up a hill. I had the outside line and with him stalling on the inside, I gassed hard in order to shake him. I could see that I was gapping him and at the same time pulling that much closer to the rider in front of me.
Through the first set of barriers and at the switchback, Donny was eagerly cheering me on and yelling 'Get Julie'. Then it clicked, that it was Julie Lewis in front of me. Passing the S/F, I was thankful when they announced one lap to go! But, I had my work cut out for me, since Julie is a strong rider.
I slowly decreased the gap to Julie all the way back to through the woods, where she still had a couple hundred feet on me. I could also see that she was gaining on another rider, who ran up the long rise instead of riding it. Maybe I could catch both of them! This thought was very short lived as I struggled to make it past the muddy rise for the final time. Julie seemed to have doubled her gap by the time I made it over the peak.
Out of the singletrack, Sadie was yelling for me to go get Julie. I knew it would be hard with the windy lane coming up, but I'd give it my best shot. If I could have only gotten to Julie's wheel before the straight... I grunted it out and slowly the gap was decreasing. Coming out of the woods, it was back down to a couple hundred feet.
I could see Julie running one section of single track ahead, and knew I could make up ground to her. I kept good lines although I was unclipping my right foot a lot, which would cause my calf to really cramp up. Through the last section of single track, I hit the 'center of a bump and slid off' as Ray refers. But I slid off to the left and into the trees! I managed to stay upright and cut back to my right to the parallel trail. More time lost.
Onto the grass, I could see Julie all the way up at the first set of barriers heaving her bike over them. I gave chase and wasn't making up ground quickly on her, but time was quickly running out. Julie looked slow through the 2nd set of barriers and I knew I could make up time there, but the finish was only 100 yards from there.
I took the barriers and remounted as quick as I could. I then stood on the pedals and hit it as hard as I could, dropping gears as I went. It seemed to take forever to get to Julie and to the finish line, but when I looked down my wheel was a meer 6 inches in front of hers. The finish wasn't really well marked, as original start line in the mud was pretty much gone.
I rode through the finish and didn't stop for 50 feet or so. I didn't know for sure that I'd gotten Julie until I visited the scorers table a while later to warm up in the greenhouse. They had me down for 9th place (again!). This makes the 4th out of 5 races where I've finished 9th, which is a great improvement for me over last year.
Congrat's to everyone a great races. Drew Bercaw scored his first win in the 'B' race series after a strong race. Sadie Deckard continued to dominate the 'C' Women's race. She missed riding her singlespeed and forgot to shift from her 50t front ring to her 34t ring for the whole race. Rick Adams grabbed another 2nd place in the 'B' Masters. John Ehrlinger and Dave Steiner both had great results in the 'A' Masters and 'A' race respectively.
Results have been posted on Team Lake Effect's website.
Pics posted
Pics from the Boughton Farm 'A' race have been posted in this set on Flickr.
Dave S. has some great pics of the 'B' & 'C' races posted here.
Dave S. has some great pics of the 'B' & 'C' races posted here.
I hope to have my race report up soon; before I forget vital details.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
2007-11-24 BA CX#3 Broadview Hts
This Saturday's CX race was true to tradition for the Fields. Snow started in the evening on Thanksgiving and by Friday morning there were a couple of inches on the ground. Sadie and I wanted to pre-ride the course on Friday; but first a trip to Bike Authority was in order to pick up a new CX bike. Sadie's RedLine track bike wouldn't have the tire clearance to handle the snow, ice, and mud buildup. The last of the '07 bikes are priced to move at BA. Shawn got Sadie setup with a shorter stem and took off the extra brake levers. He also said that Rudy and team were down setting up the course, which would be run in reverse from last week.
Come Saturday, some of the snow had melted, but this had just made more MUD to bog down in. Luckily, reversing the course meant that we would be riding down the sled hill which had been a tough run up last week. The other big difference was the gravel descent which led to a small bridge and up a steady gravel climb on the other side.
The Start/Finish was near the top parking lot and the course lead quickly into the single track at this point. I didn't get a good position at the line, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway as I chose too high of a gear and spun/got bogged down in the mud. Once I got moving, I was able to build good momentum and move from near last place to the top 15 by the first turn. I was able to pick off a couple more people before we got to the single track, but at this point passing wasn't really possible.
I did manage to pick up a place or 2 in the woods and then caught another rider on the gravel climb. Surprisingly, I caught Cameron Jackson right before going between the two baseball fields and down the hill. The rest of the race was jostling back and forth for position between me, Jack Turner, and a rider from Team Awesome. Tony Marut had flatted so we ended up catching him with 2 laps to go, but he wasted no time coming back and overtaking the 3 of us.
The loop from the parking lot around the soccer field and back to the lot was really bogging me down and taking it's toll. When a attack came here leading into the last lap, I didn't respond in time and got gapped. I maintained position from here to the finish and grabbed another 9th place finish.
Pics of the 'A' Race are posted here.
Come Saturday, some of the snow had melted, but this had just made more MUD to bog down in. Luckily, reversing the course meant that we would be riding down the sled hill which had been a tough run up last week. The other big difference was the gravel descent which led to a small bridge and up a steady gravel climb on the other side.
The Start/Finish was near the top parking lot and the course lead quickly into the single track at this point. I didn't get a good position at the line, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway as I chose too high of a gear and spun/got bogged down in the mud. Once I got moving, I was able to build good momentum and move from near last place to the top 15 by the first turn. I was able to pick off a couple more people before we got to the single track, but at this point passing wasn't really possible.
I did manage to pick up a place or 2 in the woods and then caught another rider on the gravel climb. Surprisingly, I caught Cameron Jackson right before going between the two baseball fields and down the hill. The rest of the race was jostling back and forth for position between me, Jack Turner, and a rider from Team Awesome. Tony Marut had flatted so we ended up catching him with 2 laps to go, but he wasted no time coming back and overtaking the 3 of us.
The loop from the parking lot around the soccer field and back to the lot was really bogging me down and taking it's toll. When a attack came here leading into the last lap, I didn't respond in time and got gapped. I maintained position from here to the finish and grabbed another 9th place finish.
Pics of the 'A' Race are posted here.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
What coulda been...
Pics from both the Broadview races in 2005. Right now, it looks like the weather will be good for this Saturday's race.Hopefully Copley's will be good too.
(Although I'm certain it won't be in the 60's like it was last year)
2007-11-18 BA CX#3 Broadview Hts
Sunday's Bike Authority CX race was one of the best course designs I'd ridden on and the best I'd ever finished (9th) at The Fields in Broadview Heights. The weather was perfect for CX; far and above the snow and slop we raced thru in 2005. The innovative Cannondale "C" on the descent provided a great challenge and good amusement for those watching from the far hill.
Having made the mistake of not typing something up right after I raced, I don't remember much. But several other racers have posted their accounts (leave a comment if you have a blog you'd like me to link to):
Rick, John, Ray, Brett, Ernesto, Robert, Bill, Shawn, Julie, and Drew (who has an AWESOME video of the start of the 'B' race)
I on the other hand will give a photographic account of the 'A' race on Flickr.
John before the finish with the Cannondale "C" in the distance.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
SPIN CX results are up:
Click here for the results of the Spin CX race:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dt95m24_51gzv6zm&pli=1
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dt95m24_51gzv6zm&pli=1
Saturday, November 10, 2007
SPIN - Cross your Heart and hope to DIE
Today's cyclocross race was put on by Spin in Willoughby, OH. I got conned by Mehul into doing the A race since only 2 other people had signed up at the time and they were paying out 10 deep. The final field ended up being about 20 guys. Had I raced the B race, I probably would have had a pretty good chance at placing, since there were only about 5 guys who weren't racing masters.
The race turned out to be a bust for me, since I flatted less than 1/4 mile into the 2nd lap of the 1.8 mile course. The spot where I flatted also claimed Paul Martin on the first lap and Brett Davis around the 4th or 5th lap. It was a dip perpendicular to the course which had gotten muddy and rutted up as the day went on. I had run the spot on the first lap, but tried riding it on lap 2. When my wheel went into the mud, I felt a solid bump and heard hissing. I thought I had pinch flatted at first. I was running a Tufo Elite LPS tubular clincher on the front at about 38 psi. I really didn't think I had hit hard enough to pinch flat, and it turned out that I hadn't. Upon checking the tire there was a 1/2 inch long cut which was at about a 45* angle to the tread. Chalk up another $60 tire tragedy this year.
There were 2 bright sides to flatting though: I avoided the utter PAIN of doing what turned out to be about an hour and 15 minute race for some people, and I was able to take some decent pics of the A race. Pics are posted HERE Needless to say, when Rick saw that I wasn't racing he wasn't too pleased. I had talked him into doing the A race...
I'll give a short description of the course, but I'm thinking John, Ray, or Rick will go into more detail. The start was on pavement, continued up a wide sidewalk, through the parking lot, and to the spot where I flatted. After the dip, there was a run-up with 4 switch backs taking you up and down the side of a hill. The turns were off camber and the climbs didn't have much traction, so several people were running this part.
Then after shooting down you hit a short steep pop over a roadway and around a off camber turn where you had to avoid going into the reeds. Ride out on the grass and switch back along the edge of a gravel parking lot. A well banked turn and a few more turns snaked you through the parking lots down a paved path and back onto the grass. There was a few tight turns and switch backs along the river and a 3 foot high log dismount, which one guy on a MTB was able to bunny. A uphill switchback and then some more turns taking you into a straight stretch with a double barrier leading to the pit area.
After the pit was a few wrapping turns back and forth around some trees. There was a turn around a ball field and a quick switch back and another hard right turn. At this point you could finally open up in the grass for a few hundred feet. Making a couple of sweeping turns brought you up to a point where you rode a little ways up the hill and then had a really off camber switchback across and then down the hill.
Ride out and turn around a light pole and then ride back to the hill. This time you get to go all the way straight up the hill for about 100 feet. There was a barrier 20 feet up the hill to force you to dismount, not like riding this hill was even possible. There was barely enough traction to run up it, and it was STEEP. At the top, you turned right and then right again to remount and plummet down the hill going at least 20mph. 40-50 feet after the bottom there was a switch back on the edge of a ball diamond which was muddy, rutted, and slick. You had to practically lock your brakes up to be able to slow enough from the descent to make the turn.
After the turn, there was a stretch of grass and then a quick jog up a rise, where the traction was a little sketchy. Ride along the top, cut around a pine tree, go down around the fence, to get to another 'S' turn leading onto another muddy ball diamond. Cross behind home plate and keep your momentum from carrying you into the fence while you turned right. You then got to circle to the left past the fence and ride through a picnic shelter where some cool tunes where playin. At this point you were on the pavement which took you past the wheel pit again and through the start/finish.
I hope I painted a nice visual of the pain that this course dealt to those who got to do a complete race on it today. The pics over at Flickr will show you what I mean. Snakebite had a really good showing today with all of our racers doing the A race and with John E claiming 10th place for the final money spot. Awards took place afterwards at the Willoughby brewing company in true CX fashion. Kudos to Greg and the guys from Spin on putting on a great race!
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