I was all set to come out on a tuesday a few weeks back, but a crash at the Barry Wolfe left me hurt and bike-less... Now I have my replacement frame built up so I think I will make it out tomorrow... Anything I need to know?
how much time to allow for first time registration? What about warm up? Parking advice??

Thanks in advance

wait is this your first time to eldo? if so, parking is easy...you just have to drive around some road barriers to get into that section of the park.

registration is easy, fill out the 2 forms online from californiabikeracing.org before you go and bring them to the race to turn in. race starts at 6:30. i would recommend you allow at least 30 minutes for warm-up and registration.

I was all set to come out on a tuesday a few weeks back, but a crash at the Barry Wolfe left me hurt and bike-less... Now I have my replacement frame built up so I think I will make it out tomorrow... Anything I need to know?
how much time to allow for first time registration? What about warm up? Parking advice??

Thanks in advance

Hi Quinn8it,

Right now Eldo starts at 6:30P. For first time registration and warm up I would try to get there no later than 5:45P. The entry fee is $7 if you have a CBR license. If you don't I can't recall or find the cost for a one-day license. You can find more info on Eldo here:

http://www.californiabicycleracing.org/

You can park in the parking area just south of Glider Field in Area III (http://www.longbeach.gov/park/facilities/parks/el_dorado_regional_park.asp -- note that the map is a bit weird, north is to the left) and parking is $4. You have to enter the park from Spring Street. I generally park in one of the residential areas near the park and ride in from there.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Guys! I imagine that I will actually end up getting there a bit earlier just to avoid traffic from Hollywood....

Eldo Tonight!!!

For those who have been asking, I finally did a measurement of the 4/5 race:

Max speed: 33.6 mph
Average speed: 22.6 mph
Distance: 24.64 mi

Your mileage may vary. Literally. :)

For those who have been asking, I finally did a measurement of the 4/5 race:

Max speed: 33.6 mph
Average speed: 22.6 mph
Distance: 24.64 mi

Your mileage may vary. Literally. :)

Wow, that is painfully slow...

Sign me up!:thumb:

Yeah, well, the P123 group passed us on the first lap, and then we got passed again.

I think the average speed may be artificially slow - I spent a lap in recovery off the back.

Yeah, well, the P123 group passed us on the first lap, and then we got passed again.

I think the average speed may be artificially slow - I spent a lap in recovery off the back.

Recovery is for woosies. :p

Wow, that is painfully slow...

Sign me up!:thumb:

Well come out to NorCal, damn they are fast here. :notamused:

Well come out to NorCal, damn they are fast here. :notamused:

One of these days. I'm wanting to do Sea Otter next year.

Strange you mention that, though, because I've heard from a few guys this year that the racing up there actually seems slower.

For those who have been asking, I finally did a measurement of the 4/5 race:

Max speed: 33.6 mph
Average speed: 22.6 mph
Distance: 24.64 mi

Your mileage may vary. Literally. :)

Hi,

I'm surprised that the Masters didn't pass you too. :D Our average speed was 25.3 MPH which included starting my computer at the finish line during our "warm up" lap.

I rode at the back of the 4/5 field a few weeks ago after getting caught behind the big crash is the Masters race. I was kind of surprised at the pace of the race at that time too.

With the amount of people saying that those numbers are slow, I'm wondering if I'm doing it wrong. Does the distance seem right?

I'll try again next week and double check that my computer is calibrated properly.

Cleave:
I don't think the Masters group was too far behind us on Tuesday, and the 4/5 hasn't caught the Masters group or vice versa in a few weeks.

usually my computer shows around 25mph average for the 4/5's, including the warm-up lap. One day we were up in the 27mph range once when we blew past the masters. I was in a breakaway that day though.

I tried again to measure the 4/5 group, and got better numbers.

Max speed 34.9 mph
Average speed: 25 mph

If this seems slow, we spent some time at 20 mph on at least one lap.

I also learned today that need to learn to sprint.

I tried again to measure the 4/5 group, and got better numbers.

Max speed 34.9 mph
Average speed: 25 mph

If this seems slow, we spent some time at 20 mph on at least one lap.

I also learned today that need to learn to sprint.

Oh shut up, you can already out sprint me without even trying. :p

A max speed of 34.9 (assuming that was your sprint) is good enough to be competitive in the 4/5's. At Eldo, and most crits, it all comes down to the finish, so strategy is a big deal. You don't want to be the guy in front, and you don't want to be too far behind. Even though you think your sprint might not be fast enough, you could probably improve just as much by working on a good finish strategy.

Yeah, I realised that I need to work on strategy and positioning - I'm spending too much time in the wind to move up. I also have to work on the form. I hit 34.9 mph on the sprint, but it felt a bit uncomfortable.

Road Upgrades
Guidelines and Notes by Category:
5-4: Experience in 10 mass start races.
Local Associations may also establish policies where
upgrade credit is given for taking a sanctioned rider
education clinic.
4-3: 20 points in any 12-month period; or experience in 25
races with a minimum of 10 top ten finishes with fields
of 30 riders or more, or 20 pack finishes with fields
over 50. 30 points in 12 months is an automatic
upgrade3-2: 25 points in any 12-month period
40 points in 12 months is an automatic upgrade
2-1: 30 points in any 12-month period
50 points in 12 months is an automatic upgrade
USA Cycling may add additional requirements for upgrading
at their discretion. Any such changes shall be made available
on the website.
Qualifying Distances for each category
To qualify for upgrading points, races must meet distance
standards. Races shorter than the minimum distance do not
qualify for upgrading. However, if a road race is less than the
road race minimum but above the criterium minimum, it will
count for upgrading using the criterium points schedule.
Category Class RR Criterium and
Circuit
5 – 4 Men 15 mi 10 mi
4 – 3 Men 25 mi 20 mi
Women 25 mi 15 mi
Junior 25 mi 15 mi
3 – 2 Men 50 mi 20 mi
Women 40 mi 15 mi
2 – 1 Men 80 mi 30 mi
Women 50 mi 20 mi
6
Points awarded for Criteriums and Circuit Races
Number of Starters
Placing 5-10 11-20 21-50 50+
1 3 4 5 7
2 2 3 4 5
3 1 2 3 4
4 1 2 3
5 1 2
6 1
Points awarded for Road Races
Number of Starters
Placing 5-10 11-20 21-50 50+
1 3 7 8 10
2 2 5 6 8
3 1 4 5 7
4 3 4 6
5 2 3 5
6 1 2 4
7 1 3
8 2
9 1

Does these rules about ten top ten finishes also include top ten finishes at El Dorado? I'm not eager to upgrade to have my arse handed. However, it would be nice to know if finishing top ten at Eldo counts toward something.

Yes

Raced tonight. Felt like a slow race, but not counting the neutral laps it averaged 25.5, so maybe it wasn't. Attacked about 6 or 7 times and took a flyer on the last lap and gave it everything. Lasted almost all of the 1.7 mile course hovering about 75 yards in front of the field, but was brought in when they started their sprint, and I had nothing left to kick it up another notch and was just swarmed and ended up coming in close to last. In retrospect, I should have gone about 100 yards earlier as I didn't have enough of a gap coming into the finish, though I still had some left in the tank.

Raced tonight. Felt like a slow race, but not counting the neutral laps it averaged 25.5, so maybe it wasn't. Attacked about 6 or 7 times and took a flyer on the last lap and gave it everything. Lasted almost all of the 1.7 mile course hovering about 75 yards in front of the field, but was brought in when they started their sprint, and I had nothing left to kick it up another notch and was just swarmed and ended up coming in close to last. In retrospect, I should have gone about 100 yards earlier as I didn't have enough of a gap coming into the finish, though I still had some left in the tank.

that sounds like what i did a few weeks ago...it feels great when you are ahead, then you blow up and everyone blows by you. No fun.

I haven't been out there in awhile, has it been crash-free lately?

That was basically what I did my first time there, but I went with about 1/2 a lap to go and got caught about 100' from the line. Good enough for 11th, but still lame. Of course there was a pile-up behind me, so I'm glad I went.

I haven't been out there in awhile, has it been crash-free lately?

I was out there tonight. They actually had the firetruck and ambulence come out. One of my friends who was watching said someone from the Masters group had an asthma attack and his inhaler didn't work. As far as I know in the past month or so no crashes.

My group (4/5's) didn't have a problem but from what I heard when the firetruck and ambulance came on it messed some of the other catagories up. Supposedly they drove straight on the track and like really freaked people out and they all had to go around the trucks.

Hi,

The person in distress was my good friend from Velo Avanti. He had a very bad asthma attack while in the Pro1/2/3 race (he's a 55+ master). We've been riding / racing together since 1985. Anyway, after some stronger drugs from the paramedics and some oxygen he was OK. I ended up pulling out of the Masters race (I had missed the large break) when I saw the emergency vehicles parked behind his camper van.

Hi,

The person in distress was my good friend from Velo Avanti. He had a very bad asthma attack while in the Pro1/2/3 race (he's a 55+ master). We've been riding / racing together since 1985. Anyway, after some stronger drugs from the paramedics and some oxygen he was OK. I ended up pulling out of the Masters race (I had missed the large break) when I saw the emergency vehicles parked behind his camper van.

Hey man, glad to hear that he is ok and no one is hurt. Thanks for the update.

Anyone involved in the crash in the 4-5 on the last lap? i was about three bikes behind that crash. was fortunate enough to avoid it but the person behind me dug their front tire in to the back of my leg which left a sever rubber burn.

also, every week i see the same guy taking pictures. does anyone know where those pictures end up?

also, every week i see the same guy taking pictures. does anyone know where those pictures end up?

http://public.fotki.com/kennybz/bike_racing_photos/2008/

Anyone involved in the crash in the 4-5 on the last lap? i was about three bikes behind that crash. was fortunate enough to avoid it but the person behind me dug their front tire in to the back of my leg which left a sever rubber burn.

also, every week i see the same guy taking pictures. does anyone know where those pictures end up?

I was in pretty much the same situation. I was about 3 lengths back and all of a sudden saw people going over each other. I was lucky enough to just slam on the breaks and not hit anything but it was close. I was surprised I didn't get hit from behind.

I ended up hanging around because my buddy is a EMT and a nurse so he ended up treating the guy. Most guys walked away ok. One guy got it kinda bad and is probably going to have to get a few x-rays and definitely felt it this morning. But it wasn't bad enough that we had to call in an ambulance so he will live.

Would you people stop crashing, it's an easy course!
Coming from a guy who barely avoided a crash on another easy course in NorCal.

Would you people stop crashing, it's an easy course!
Coming from a guy who barely avoided a crash on another easy course in NorCal.

i agree, but the only 2 things to consider that may explain the crashes on an "easy course." the course is very narrow, and lined with curbs on both sides, so there is NO room for error. The other reason, while it isn't that big of a deal, is that there are 3 seperate groups on the course at one time (cat 4/5, masters, and pro 1//2/3). So usually the pro's pass everyone, and we just neutralize and let them go by, but then as the race goes on there are other riders who have fallen off the pace of their respective group and then are getting passed by everyone else. That can be a hazard.

I'll second that.

I've seen quite a few situations at El Dorado that nearly caused crashes because the front 10 bikes are following wheels and not looking where they are going. Sometimes, when the lead pulls off, 10 people follow and come close to the curb. Someone will eventually panic and jam on their brakes or swerve wildly.

It's a shame to see the crashes start again.

I was at that race too. I'm glad I stayed in the top 10 for the majority of the race. Anyone know about how many riders went down?

I've skipped a few Eldos but decided to make my return last night. Two crashes in the 4/5 race and I went down in both.

Crashes Hurt.

Any other survivors on here from last night's crash fest?

I take it you made it through both ok?

Jesus, have riders gotten WORSE in the past 5 years? I don't remember many crashes from back in 2000-2001. I saw 1 bad crash that I just avoided (guy pulled a cleat in the final spring...bodies everywhere).

I'm having serious reservations about coming out there next year (if there is a next year for ElDo)

Just a few bruises and road rash.. I'll be back for more next week.

That's the spirit. At least you didn't fall on your head or get sawed in half by those stupid cement blocks lining the roads.

Those cement blocks... *shudder*

The guy my bike landed on hit the cement block pretty nasty... I guess you can say that he cushioned my bike's fall.

Yesterday was my first race since Dana Point and first Eldo since April. I expected to get dispatched from the group at some point, because my fitness has been lacking lately. I was pretty active on the front with a few others, keeping it single file for the first few laps. I sat up and moved to mid-pack, thought I went too hard and was going to pop. I recovered and moved back up, just in time to avoid the crash going into the 1st prime. I didn't see it, but it was directly behind me. That was all the motivation I needed to stay top 10 the remainder of the race. Where and when was the other crash? I worked a little too much to have a good sprint, but managed to crack the top 10. Hard to say my exact place since there were lapped riders mixed in the sprint :rolleyes: I'll probably come out for the last 2 races, and then get out of the 4's. I briefly met TBbrown in the middle of race, sorry to hear about your crashes, but glad it's minor. Felt good to race again.

Having some fun on the front
http://images40.fotki.com/v1261/photos/1/185551/6581492/Eldo812264-vi.jpg

[QUOTE=OC Roadie;7267476]Yesterday was my first race since Dana Point and first Eldo since April. I expected to get dispatched from the group at some point, because my fitness has been lacking lately. I was pretty active on the front with a few others, keeping it single file for the first few laps. I sat up and moved to mid-pack, thought I went too hard and was going to pop. I recovered and moved back up, just in time to avoid the crash going into the 1st prime. I didn't see it, but it was directly behind me. That was all the motivation I needed to stay top 10 the remainder of the race. Where and when was the other crash? I worked a little too much to have a good sprint, but managed to crack the top 10. Hard to say my exact place since there were lapped riders mixed in the sprint :rolleyes: I'll probably come out for the last 2 races, and then get out of the 4's. I briefly met TBbrown in the middle of race, sorry to hear about your crashes, but glad it's minor. Felt good to race again.



Yeah, you briefly said what's up then took off to the front of the pack. If that's what you call lacking fitness... :thumb:

Hi,

Yeah, last night sucked. I didn't see the first crash in the 4/5 race. My teammate went down in the Masters race in turn 4 just before the bell lap. I saw someone sweep across his front wheel to the extent that it was almost a body slam. Five riders went down. I stopped since I was behind it and because my teammate was in it. I went up the road to wave the packs to the left side of the road and to try to get them to slow down. Nobody really paid much attention to me in the 4/5 or 1/23 packs.

The worst part was that the 4/5s ended up crashing and almost landing on the guys who were already on the ground. I guess I saw tbrown524 but I didn't know it was him. Sorry that you went down but glad that you're OK.

My teammate ended up with a mild concussion. :(

The added pity is that I was feeling pretty good last night after riding badly on Sunday. :mad:

Yesterday was my first race since Dana Point and first Eldo since April. I expected to get dispatched from the group at some point, because my fitness has been lacking lately. I was pretty active on the front with a few others, keeping it single file for the first few laps. I sat up and moved to mid-pack, thought I went too hard and was going to pop. I recovered and moved back up, just in time to avoid the crash going into the 1st prime. I didn't see it, but it was directly behind me. That was all the motivation I needed to stay top 10 the remainder of the race. Where and when was the other crash? I worked a little too much to have a good sprint, but managed to crack the top 10. Hard to say my exact place since there were lapped riders mixed in the sprint :rolleyes: I'll probably come out for the last 2 races, and then get out of the 4's. I briefly met TBbrown in the middle of race, sorry to hear about your crashes, but glad it's minor. Felt good to race again.

Having some fun on the front
http://images40.fotki.com/v1261/photos/1/185551/6581492/Eldo812264-vi.jpg

I remember you. I ended up getting sixth on that race. I don't know if there were lapped riders in the sprint or not, as I wasn't paying attention, but it was a bit confusing. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow.

I'm in the red Giordana jersey with the blue Pinarello:

http://images39.fotki.com/v1290/photos/1/185551/6581492/Eldo812406-vi.jpg

what are the schedule like for training here at El Dorado? I was joggin once at Carson, you people are Fast!

i was unable to make the 6:15 race on tuesday. i heard there was a pretty bad crash and someone lost a finger. any info on what group and person that was? sorry to hear about that by the way.

I think the crash was in the 1/2/3's. I was in 4/5 and on the last lap we went around and saw them all sitting on the grass. I asked someone from the Masters about it but it wasn't their group. I don't know any more details. I work at a pharmacy and I asked the pharmacist (even though she isn't a MD) and she said if they got the finger on ice they could probably reattach it w/ full function. I really hope so, although it still doesn't sound like a pleasant situation to say the least. *shudder*

I was surprised though, 4/5's was moving pretty quick but no one really did anything stupid or anything like that so it was pretty safe (the field ended up getting really thinned out at the end of the race).

Craig Miller lost a finger. Here's the details: http://www.cycling.schroederiron.com/

I was in the 4/5 also.. The crash looked pretty nasty.. Once I saw the blood I knew it had to be bad.

By the way.. The 4/5 race was pretty slow but I loved how it seperated into groups... Made the final sprint much smoother..

I was in the 4/5 also.. The crash looked pretty nasty.. Once I saw the blood I knew it had to be bad.

By the way.. The 4/5 race was pretty slow but I loved how it seperated into groups... Made the final sprint much smoother..

I thought it felt slow, but I still showed a 25+ mph average, which isn't too bad. I ended up in a break that lasted quite a bit longer than the typical Eldo 4/5 breaks. We got reeled in with about 2 to go. I think if we had known that they were going to call 2 to go, we might have dug a little deeper. I managed to hang on for 7th.

That's the worst crash I've seen at El Dorado. Unfortunately, they were not able to save Craig's finger, I hope makes a speedy recover, that's just terrible.

Hi,

I've said it a bunch of times already in this thread -- it's just Eldo -- not the Olympics, not the Worlds. No one is waiting to give the day's winner an endorsement contract for $1 million. So now that that's clear...

If I'm not mis-quoting Chris, Eldo is supposed to be safe, fast, and fun. If it's not then we're doing something wrong. By "we" I mean us -- the racers.

I was leading out the Masters on the last lap when we went by the crash. I was on the front trying to get it up to something over 30 MPH to get it strung out so that it would be safer. I had it over 30 when we went by the crash and I gradually moved to the opposite side of the road when I saw the crash on the left.

I sat up and stayed on the right side of the road just past the fire station and hoped that our pack would stay upright through turn 4. Fortunately we did.

However, I still don't get why so many people use BAD tactics in a race like this. We know that when the pack bunches up problems are more frequent. Look at what happens at any pro race, look at what happens at Eldo. Yet there are way too many racers who won't pull through or pull when they get to the front. The pack slows down, etc., etc.

There was one guy who was driving me crazy on Tuesday. He'd fight for second or third wheel but he would absolutely not pull through. When front rider would ease up he'd start to overlap and slow down too. So when the pace slows he makes it harder for anyone else to come around and when you're trying to get near the front so that you can pull through he makes it harder for you to do that. :mad:

Now this guy was particularly bad but there are plenty of other guys like him.

I don't care if you don't want to pull but if that's your gig sit further back in the pack and don't fight for wheels. Let those who want to push the pace do so. That way the pack is actually SAFER, FASTER, and hopefully more fun.

OK, rant off.

I am terribly sorry to hear about Craig and I hope he recovers in the best way that is currently possible.