2015 Race Results
07-20-15, 08:28 AM
#1876
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Thunderdome is basically right. I imploded insanely hard in the heat less than halfway through. My NP for the race was 350, which is terrific for me on a good day but basically insane in light of the above. Oh yeah, I I wasn't even close with that effort. I cracked so hard that I literally couldn't sleep last night. But man was it ever fun!!
07-20-15, 08:38 AM
#1877
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@aaronmcd congrats on your CCCX. you mentioned some guys swerving on the last lap of colavita. I think it was my friend who tangled bars with a guy. He was pretty sure he was going down and take out half the field. but they held it. so that was good
07-20-15, 08:41 AM
#1878
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That is pretty funny. I'll give it a like. And congrats on the win although, I already liked your podium pic on Facebook. However, wins deserve both!
07-20-15, 08:50 AM
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Thunderdome is basically right. I imploded insanely hard in the heat less than halfway through. My NP for the race was 350, which is terrific for me on a good day but basically insane in light of the above. Oh yeah, I I wasn't even close with that effort. I cracked so hard that I literally couldn't sleep last night. But man was it ever fun!!
07-20-15, 08:55 AM
#1880
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so glad clamfest was early enough to not be THAT hot.
that being said the low end castelli team jerseys are terrible in the humidity.
that being said the low end castelli team jerseys are terrible in the humidity.
07-20-15, 09:45 AM
#1881
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I think what I must accept here is that I am not strong by any measure, so I must be the craftiest racer around, outside @mattm who is too crafty for ETSY.
I'm not asking anyone to defend anything to me. I wish I could go there and do a race and then maybe I could make sense of it.
I'm not asking anyone to defend anything to me. I wish I could go there and do a race and then maybe I could make sense of it.
07-20-15, 09:55 AM
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If anyone did undertake a transcontinental ambassadorship I suspect they would discover that bike races are pretty much bike races.
One thing that is definitely different is that we don't have any of the age group plus category fields that you guys have, none of this 35+ 3/4 type of business, but that has nothing to do with regional racing styles or strengths or whatever.
One thing that is definitely different is that we don't have any of the age group plus category fields that you guys have, none of this 35+ 3/4 type of business, but that has nothing to do with regional racing styles or strengths or whatever.
07-20-15, 09:56 AM
#1883
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I'm not sure you would see it necessarily. I think it tends to be at the cat 3 level where folks seem content to allow good sprinters, but guys that wouldn't make a break to hang around. One of my 'teammates' is a big fat guy with a very good sprint, who would get dropped if you blew in his face, and yet somehow he manages to place and win because guys who are worse sprinters are content to go into a field sprint with guys like that. And I suspect that's probably pretty similar in other places.
07-20-15, 10:02 AM
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its a money maker. slot some time for a 35+3/4, 45+3/4 and 35+123, 45+123 and guys will race twice and those are usually amongst the biggest fields. when races just offer 3's and 35+123s i just do the 35+123s. Its free money for the promoter and us middle age racers like it because we can avoid racing against little kids.
07-20-15, 10:03 AM
#1885
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I'm not sure you would see it necessarily. I think it tends to be at the cat 3 level where folks seem content to allow good sprinters, but guys that wouldn't make a break to hang around. One of my 'teammates' is a big fat guy with a very good sprint, who would get dropped if you blew in his face, and yet somehow he manages to place and win because guys who are worse sprinters are content to go into a field sprint with guys like that. And I suspect that's probably pretty similar in other places.
07-20-15, 10:03 AM
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I'm not sure you would see it necessarily. I think it tends to be at the cat 3 level where folks seem content to allow good sprinters, but guys that wouldn't make a break to hang around. One of my 'teammates' is a big fat guy with a very good sprint, who would get dropped if you blew in his face, and yet somehow he manages to place and win because guys who are worse sprinters are content to go into a field sprint with guys like that. And I suspect that's probably pretty similar in other places.
07-20-15, 10:07 AM
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If anyone did undertake a transcontinental ambassadorship I suspect they would discover that bike races are pretty much bike races.
One thing that is definitely different is that we don't have any of the age group plus category fields that you guys have, none of this 35+ 3/4 type of business, but that has nothing to do with regional racing styles or strengths or whatever.
One thing that is definitely different is that we don't have any of the age group plus category fields that you guys have, none of this 35+ 3/4 type of business, but that has nothing to do with regional racing styles or strengths or whatever.
07-20-15, 10:14 AM
#1888
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I don't know what the master 3/4 groups have to do with it, but fwiw I never raced those. I raced p12 until I got my 1 upgrade and then have switched mostly to Masters because I was super tired and had raced 50+ times between January and June. Also, Masters RR here are competitive for me, where as racing against Nate English, Max Korus, Colin Daw, Chris Reikert, Roman Kilun and then the _other_ p12 squads here = be happy with 20th place.
Easy cowboy. I was just saying that it's the only regional difference I know about. And then I said it has nothing to do with regional racing styles or strengths. The premise being that bike racing is bike racing no matter which side of the country it is on.
07-20-15, 10:20 AM
#1889
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it's not a criticism. you guys are out racing, it is what it is.
07-20-15, 11:06 AM
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Being new to Cat 4, I can already recognize that the same problem exists as stated above in Cat 3 about letting sprinters hang around. Unless there is an obvious course feature to create a selection, there is just not enough team organization to drive the pace or create successful breaks. Sitting in the pack on the section of course where the speed slowed dramatically with the center line rule in placed, many guys *****ing about being out for a group ride. Of course, the regular retort was for them to work their ### to the front and pull then, which they weren't willing to do. I'm part of the problem as I ride independent at the moment, and unless a break is in the midst of happening and I chase it or I come to the front on the rare occasion that I know a strong guy is with me who can make it, I'm not wasting the energy.
07-20-15, 11:15 AM
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There are definitely ways around it, you need to figure out the timing of whatever move you make and it's not going to work every time, but it's very much doable.
07-20-15, 11:29 AM
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you'd be surprised how often breakaways stick in 4s and 3/4s (i wont mention masters 3/4s because i guess that's taboo). there's gonna be strong guys in the 4s or 3/4s that are passing through to a higher level and if they get away its harder for the cat 4 teams to chase because they are less experience/probably weaker. aaronmcd seems to be pretty successful in 3/4s by being aggressive and attentive
07-20-15, 11:42 AM
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Cycledrome Crit 3/4 on Saturday: Dead Last
Attacked right after the prime with 10 laps to go. I wasn't sure if staying solo was going to be successful, but when I realized no one was going to successfully bridge I put my head down and went for it. I had 4 teammates in the group working for me so I knew I had a shot. With about 5 to go I had built up a 30 second lead, but with 2 to go it was cut in half. I thought if no one was motivated I could have a shot to hold off and gave it everything I had. A huge attack on the last lap before a little kicker took a big chunk out of my gap and I was caught 600m from the line. With nothing left to give I coasted across the line behind the pack.
Tour de Fish 3/4: 6th/50
I had no interest in being in the break and I conserved my energy for the sprint. I had no teammates at this race so I was on my own. The race itself felt very easy, but course is 8 turns, pretty technical with a long drag race of a finish from the last turn. I knew if I came out of the turn top 5 positions I could jump immediately and hold for the 25-30 seconds required to reach the line. I don't have a high 5 second, but the difference between my 5 sec and 30 sec is about 100-150 watts, so going long is the key. 4 guys got away with 6 or so to go, but never had a huge gap. I figured with the pace we would bring them to within striking distance on the last lap. With 1 to go another rider attacked, but never made the bridge so was dangling in the middle. I came out of the last turn 3rd wheel and upon exit I jumped. I had an immediate gap and was able to win the field sprint...unfortunately the 5 guys up the road stayed away.
Tour de Fish P123: 20th/50ish
Brutally hot! Made an effort to bridge to a break, but it ended up being to big and no cohesion. Couldn't get good position before last lap, than narrowly avoided a crash which caused me to reconnect. Finished as the first Cat 3 though!
Apparently I have enough points to upgrade to a Cat 2 now if I desire. May wait for a little though.
Attacked right after the prime with 10 laps to go. I wasn't sure if staying solo was going to be successful, but when I realized no one was going to successfully bridge I put my head down and went for it. I had 4 teammates in the group working for me so I knew I had a shot. With about 5 to go I had built up a 30 second lead, but with 2 to go it was cut in half. I thought if no one was motivated I could have a shot to hold off and gave it everything I had. A huge attack on the last lap before a little kicker took a big chunk out of my gap and I was caught 600m from the line. With nothing left to give I coasted across the line behind the pack.
Tour de Fish 3/4: 6th/50
I had no interest in being in the break and I conserved my energy for the sprint. I had no teammates at this race so I was on my own. The race itself felt very easy, but course is 8 turns, pretty technical with a long drag race of a finish from the last turn. I knew if I came out of the turn top 5 positions I could jump immediately and hold for the 25-30 seconds required to reach the line. I don't have a high 5 second, but the difference between my 5 sec and 30 sec is about 100-150 watts, so going long is the key. 4 guys got away with 6 or so to go, but never had a huge gap. I figured with the pace we would bring them to within striking distance on the last lap. With 1 to go another rider attacked, but never made the bridge so was dangling in the middle. I came out of the last turn 3rd wheel and upon exit I jumped. I had an immediate gap and was able to win the field sprint...unfortunately the 5 guys up the road stayed away.
Tour de Fish P123: 20th/50ish
Brutally hot! Made an effort to bridge to a break, but it ended up being to big and no cohesion. Couldn't get good position before last lap, than narrowly avoided a crash which caused me to reconnect. Finished as the first Cat 3 though!
Apparently I have enough points to upgrade to a Cat 2 now if I desire. May wait for a little though.
07-20-15, 12:11 PM
#1898
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"I feel like I have one frame and then the numbers I see in here (speeds, power, whatever) are crazily outside that frame."
Sorry for not quoting the above properly, but I can't seem to do it from
a mobile device. I wasn't sure if that was directed at me, but if so, I will be the first to say that I have so much to learn about racing smarter. I've had a massively steep learning curve since upgrading to a 2 earlier this year, shockingly more so than I expected.
Frankly, I'm in awe that you were able to do so amazingly well so amazingly soon. I had a pie-in-the-sky idea of making it to Cat 1 by the end of next year. To say I won't is the understatement of *that* year already. The only consolation, and it ain't much of one, is my feeling that you're the exception and I'm the damn rule.
Sorry for not quoting the above properly, but I can't seem to do it from
a mobile device. I wasn't sure if that was directed at me, but if so, I will be the first to say that I have so much to learn about racing smarter. I've had a massively steep learning curve since upgrading to a 2 earlier this year, shockingly more so than I expected.
Frankly, I'm in awe that you were able to do so amazingly well so amazingly soon. I had a pie-in-the-sky idea of making it to Cat 1 by the end of next year. To say I won't is the understatement of *that* year already. The only consolation, and it ain't much of one, is my feeling that you're the exception and I'm the damn rule.
07-20-15, 01:08 PM
#1899
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Raced smart today. Had one teammate who was capable and willing to mark the national champions duel that was certain to happen. Sure enough, 5 or 6 minutes into the race Scott Giles starts pushing the pace. My teammate did as instructed and waited. Scott and a strong sprinter, Mark, were up the road maybe 15 seconds and we were all seemingly content to do nothing. Eventually Matt Carinio raced across, with my teammate in toe, and the break was made. We're not yet 10 minutes into the race, but I'm happy. My teammate has instructions to do nothing in the break. Be smart, conserve, and let them duke it out.
It took me 2 or 3 tries, but I finally got clear of the pack to bridge across. The false starts meant the break was 20ish seconds up the road, and with strong headwind/tailwind I wasn't certain I could make it if they didn't want to let me. But, the risk paid off as Scott Giles was the only rider there who could keep me off, my teammate isn't working, Mark is a sprinter, and Carinio/Giles aren't really committed to working if the other will just beat them for the effort.
It takes me 5 or more minutes, but I finally get there. As I get there, we hit one of the 180s and I just about lose contact. It was... difficult for a moment, but I refused to let up and got back on for the 2nd time. Now we're 5, far ahead of the pack, and Giles, my teammate and I take turns making Carinio work. On one of the counters I get clear and put my head down. They're going to chase for a while and my teammate can win.
Hit one of the turn arounds and I see that Carinio is somehow clear of the other 3 and about halfway to my wheel. I redouble my efforts and tell myself that I will crack him before he catches me or I will die trying. I considered letting him catch, but the temptation to beat 2 standing national champions is too much and I nixed that idea. Head down, power down. Spin spin spin. He gets closer each turnaround, and then at one turn the 3 are nearest to me and Carinio is OTB of the break.
Huge adrenaline for the last 2 laps/5 miles. Make the 2nd to last 180 and my teammate gives me a thumbs up. Make the final 180, count to 10 before I pass the chase. Never look back and power through the line. Maybe 15 seconds clear.
Going to Denver tomorrow. Will be my first totally-off-the-bike days in I dunno, 20 months. Am pretty happy to have this result today.
(In the 2nd 35+ open race I played DS and got my 3 guys up the road in a 5-man move. I took the field so we had 4 guys in the top 6. very fun day!)
https://www.strava.com/activities/348916388
It took me 2 or 3 tries, but I finally got clear of the pack to bridge across. The false starts meant the break was 20ish seconds up the road, and with strong headwind/tailwind I wasn't certain I could make it if they didn't want to let me. But, the risk paid off as Scott Giles was the only rider there who could keep me off, my teammate isn't working, Mark is a sprinter, and Carinio/Giles aren't really committed to working if the other will just beat them for the effort.
It takes me 5 or more minutes, but I finally get there. As I get there, we hit one of the 180s and I just about lose contact. It was... difficult for a moment, but I refused to let up and got back on for the 2nd time. Now we're 5, far ahead of the pack, and Giles, my teammate and I take turns making Carinio work. On one of the counters I get clear and put my head down. They're going to chase for a while and my teammate can win.
Hit one of the turn arounds and I see that Carinio is somehow clear of the other 3 and about halfway to my wheel. I redouble my efforts and tell myself that I will crack him before he catches me or I will die trying. I considered letting him catch, but the temptation to beat 2 standing national champions is too much and I nixed that idea. Head down, power down. Spin spin spin. He gets closer each turnaround, and then at one turn the 3 are nearest to me and Carinio is OTB of the break.
Huge adrenaline for the last 2 laps/5 miles. Make the 2nd to last 180 and my teammate gives me a thumbs up. Make the final 180, count to 10 before I pass the chase. Never look back and power through the line. Maybe 15 seconds clear.
Going to Denver tomorrow. Will be my first totally-off-the-bike days in I dunno, 20 months. Am pretty happy to have this result today.
(In the 2nd 35+ open race I played DS and got my 3 guys up the road in a 5-man move. I took the field so we had 4 guys in the top 6. very fun day!)
https://www.strava.com/activities/348916388