Cumming Crit. Two hills, one very false flat, and one extremely windy down turn. Windy as HELL, 45+ mph. 4/5 Under. I'm a 5 who will be a 4 soon.
Anyways, basically the whole story is that, nobody wanted to go up front since the wind would suck your energy. We had two people, separate times, break away but were too tired to keep going. Being by yourself in this wind, again, will kill you. As for the hills, they were no problem. It was the 1km last stretch of road where the wind was literally a wall (I'm 5'4).
So starting out, I was in the front of the pack for a loong time. Moving around was easy. All the unexperienced riders were always going up front, killing themselves, and moving to the back of the pack. Then with a couple of laps to go. I have no clue why I did what I did. I was hoping somebody would take over but hey, maybe I can just make this a very good workout. What did I do? I lead the peloton for 2 to 3 laps. I really pushed the group, especially on the two climbs. The herd was thinning. Then coming down the last 1km I was talking about, that is what killed me. I was still in front but people could tell I was wearing down. So on the first hill, I blew up.
So I guess I made a rookie mistake? After the race, the guy that won the omnium said I did a lot of work. I even tried to TT back onto the group but the wind was a killer.
I was pretty mad and pissed because my legs felt reeeeally good. The course favored me (without the wind that is).
Oh well.
Battle another day, right fellas?
At least I did ok in the RR. Got 15th.
The BikeForums Team
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It's frustrating when nobody wants to work, and doubly so when you do work and lose. It sucks, but everyone has their bad days.
waterrockets
Lesson learned. I pulled the pack around in my first race, and was also dropped.
bdcheung
I also pulled the pack around in my first race. And second. And third. After that, I learned.
Coyote2
Cumming Crit. Two hills, one very false flat, and one extremely windy down turn. Windy as HELL, 45+ mph. 4/5 Under. I'm a 5 who should be a 4, nearing a 3. I'll cat up soon.
Anyways, basically the whole story is that, nobody wanted to go up front since the wind would suck your energy. We had two people, separate times, break away but were too tired to keep going. Being by yourself in this wind, again, will kill you. As for the hills, they were no problem. It was the 1km last stretch of road where the wind was literally a wall (I'm 5'4).
So starting out, I was in the front of the pack for a loong time. Moving around was easy. All the unexperienced riders were always going up front, killing themselves, and moving to the back of the pack. Then with a couple of laps to go. I have no clue why I did what I did. I was hoping somebody would take over but hey, maybe I can just make this a very good workout. What did I do? I lead the peloton for 2 to 3 laps. I really pushed the group, especially on the two climbs. The herd was thinning. Then coming down the last 1km I was talking about, that is what killed me. I was still in front but people could tell I was wearing down. So on the first hill, I blew up.
So I guess I made a rookie mistake? After the race, the guy that won the omnium said I did a lot of work. I even tried to TT back onto the group but the wind was a killer.
I was pretty mad and pissed because my legs felt reeeeally good. The course favored me (without the wind that is).
Oh well.
Battle another day, right fellas?
At least I did very well in the RR. Should have gotten top 10. I got 15th.
Anyone else see the contradiction between the first bolded statement and all the rest of them?
waterrockets
Anyone else see the contradiction between the first bolded statement and all the rest of them?
While there is a contradiction in the isolated meaning of each statement. Taken in context, they are all in "agreement." I figured no comment needed. If you're inexperienced, your perception of your own ability will be way off as well :)
MDcatV
battle another day, yes.
but a few notes:
1 - you're a cat 5, how are you nearing being a 3?
2 - if you are strong enough to be nearing a 3, you shouldnt be racing so "unexperienced" like and doing things that in hindsight you state "I have no idea why I did what I did"
3 - you got popped from a Cat 4/5 race, honestly, regardless of how moronic you race, unless you're in a break from the gun that gets caught last or last few laps, you shouldnt be going OTB of a Cat 4/5 race if you're actually "nearing being a 3" - this I unfortunately know from experience.
4 - if you "should have" gotten top 10 in the RR, but were 15th, then you "should have" gotten 15th.
5 - if no one "wants to work" then you should be attacking like (credit Racer EX) a pit bull on crystal meth., or you should be hiding from the wind planning your next move. there are really only 2 things you should ever be doing in a race, attacking, or planning your next attack. everything else and you're just along for the ride. note, attacking does not include pulling around the field.
a bit more honest self assessment should be conducted, from your post, you shouldnt get too anxious to cat up to a 3. Focus on getting your starts in to go from 5 --->4, then learn how to get results prior to going from 4 --->3.
Coyote2
While there is a contradiction in the isolated meaning of each statement. Taken in context, they are all in "agreement." I figured no comment needed. If you're inexperienced, your perception of your own ability will be way off as well :)
And that's why the OP contradicts himself.
To the OP: if you have to ask yourself "So I guess I made a rookie mistake?", then yeah, you made a rookie mistake and you belong in the Cat 5 -- not the 4, not approaching 3. A dose of reality will help you more than wishful thinking. And I write this as a Cat 5 myself who's gotten a couple of those reality checks.
NeelsGap86
And that's why the OP contradicts himself.
To the OP: if you have to ask yourself "So I guess I made a rookie mistake?", then yeah, you made a rookie mistake and you belong in the Cat 5 -- not the 4, not approaching 3. A dose of reality will help you more than wishful thinking. And I write this as a Cat 5 myself who's gotten a couple of those reality checks.
I'm not saying I am going RIGHT to 3's.
And most of you guys are RIGHT. I do contridict myself. However, I should be a 4 with the results I have had throughout the season. I still have a lot of learning to do.
NeelsGap86
battle another day, yes.
but a few notes:
1 - you're a cat 5, how are you nearing being a 3?
2 - if you are strong enough to be nearing a 3, you shouldnt be racing so "unexperienced" like and doing things that in hindsight you state "I have no idea why I did what I did"
3 - you got popped from a Cat 4/5 race, honestly, regardless of how moronic you race, unless you're in a break from the gun that gets caught last or last few laps, you shouldnt be going OTB of a Cat 4/5 race if you're actually "nearing being a 3" - this I unfortunately know from experience.
4 - if you "should have" gotten top 10 in the RR, but were 15th, then you "should have" gotten 15th.
5 - if no one "wants to work" then you should be attacking like (credit Racer EX) a pit bull on crystal meth., or you should be hiding from the wind planning your next move. there are really only 2 things you should ever be doing in a race, attacking, or planning your next attack. everything else and you're just along for the ride. note, attacking does not include pulling around the field.
a bit more honest self assessment should be conducted, from your post, you shouldnt get too anxious to cat up to a 3. Focus on getting your starts in to go from 5 --->4, then learn how to get results prior to going from 4 --->3.
Thanks man. Greatly noted. Only attack or stay in the pack to plan my moves. Sounds so simple!
Coyote2
I'm not saying I am going RIGHT to 3's.
And most of you guys are RIGHT. I do contridict myself. However, I should be a 4 with the results I have had throughout the season. I still have a lot of learning to do.
By the way, the only "results" you need to upgrade to a 4 would be finishes in ten mass-start events. You can come in dead last in each one and still upgrade. If you don't have those ten finishes, then you should/could NOT be a 4.
NeelsGap86
By the way, the only "results" you need to upgrade to a 4 would be finishes in ten mass-start events. You can come in dead last in each one and still upgrade. If you don't have those ten finishes, then you should/could NOT be a 4.
I know that.
Do races from last year count? I only did one last year.
tbdean
At least I did very well in the RR. Should have gotten top 10. I got 15th.
You're one of the Aaron's guys, right? Ended up sliding in on your cleat?
NeelsGap86
You're one of the Aaron's guys, right? Ended up sliding in on your cleat?
Aaron's guy yes, but def not the one sliding in on my cleat.
tbdean
I was the unattached rider who hung out with you guys before the road race.
I know a couple of you had issues with refs / other riders at the finish line.
Nickel
Proper positioning skill is just as important to develop as the engine. More racing gives you more practice to try new moves to see what works.
NeelsGap86
I was the unattached rider who hung out with you guys before the road race.
I know a couple of you had issues with refs / other riders at the finish line.
Yeah. I didn't but a friend of mine, not on the Aarons team, did. He got DQed in the RR yesterday for going over the yellow line. He was forced out of it. He's a very good rider who paid 40 bucks to race in the RR and got DQ. I know I would have been as mad as him.
Overall though, this past weekend was probably the most fun I have ever had in awhile. The RR was just fantastic. Great rollers.
Too bad Dahlonega RR won't be happening this year. I guess it's just not popular anymore, I guess? I don't know.
How did you do?
wrestlr
Yeah that was me who got DQ'ed at the road race. Pretty pissed but there is always another day and it was a good ride. I was the dude on the BMC. Sounds like you guys had fun at the crit...
-Mike
NeelsGap86
Yeah that was me who got DQ'ed at the road race. Pretty pissed but there is always another day and it was a good ride. I was the dude on the BMC. Sounds like you guys had fun at the crit...
-Mike
Dude, it's Tom with the Fuji.
What did you end up doing Sunday? You didn't miss much in the Crit.
umd
By the way, the only "results" you need to upgrade to a 4 would be finishes in ten mass-start events. You can come in dead last in each one and still upgrade. If you don't have those ten finishes, then you should/could NOT be a 4.
Incorrect. It's 10 starts. You don't actually have to finish...
Coyote2
Incorrect. It's 10 starts. You don't actually have to finish...
My gosh, I just checked and you're right: it just says "experience" in ten mass start races. Heck, maybe you don't even need to start -- maybe "experience" could mean watching, handing up bottles, etc.? :rolleyes:
tbdean
How did you do?
DNF. This was my first road race so I did great up until we reached the length of a typical track race. Then I was wasted and fell back. I packed it in instead of doing the 2nd loop thinking I was in last place, but apparently there were 20+ people behind me. I didn't realize we had dropped so many people on that first hill.
I had a blast though and am looking forward to building some endurance and trying again.
umd
My gosh, I just checked and you're right: it just says "experience" in ten mass start races. Heck, maybe you don't even need to start -- maybe "experience" could mean watching, handing up bottles, etc.? :rolleyes:
There are clinics that count toward the experience requirement. So, yeah, you don't even really need to start 10 races. :thumb:
NeelsGap86
DNF. This was my first road race so I did great up until we reached the length of a typical track race. Then I was wasted and fell back. I packed it in instead of doing the 2nd loop thinking I was in last place, but apparently there were 20+ people behind me. I didn't realize we had dropped so many people on that first hill.
I had a blast though and am looking forward to building some endurance and trying again.
Dude, keep up the good work. Just keep having fun. It was really cool talking to you this past weekend.
I'll probably be at the Cycleworks crit. How about you?
tbdean
I'll probably be at the Cycleworks crit. How about you?
Haven't even heard of it. I did the Jittery Joes practice crit a few times last season, out by the Mall of Georgia. Where is this one?
lachlanbike
Yeah that was me who got DQ'ed at the road race. Pretty pissed but there is always another day and it was a good ride. I was the dude on the BMC. Sounds like you guys had fun at the crit...
-Mike
This happened on the last climb, right? What happened? I was at the back of the pack and almost got taken out. I had to come to a full stop to avoid being run off the road. As a result, I was the last of the leading pack to cross the line. 25th. Apart from that it was an awesome race. Nice and fast.
MDcatV
Yeah that was me who got DQ'ed at the road race. Pretty pissed but there is always another day and it was a good ride. I was the dude on the BMC. Sounds like you guys had fun at the crit...
-Mike
Keep in mind, yellow or centerline rule isnt there just to give officials something to do. It's there to keep you from becoming a hood ornament (i.e. dead). Sucks that you were pushed out there, but good on the officials for DQ-ing you, that's among the better results you can have from this violation.
umd
Keep in mind, yellow or centerline rule isnt there just to give officials something to do. It's there to keep you from becoming a hood ornament (i.e. dead). Sucks that you were pushed out there, but good on the officials for DQ-ing you, that's among the better results you can have from this violation.
At my race yesterday, on part of the course the road had no centerline. The officials said to imagine a centerline...
Snuffleupagus
At my race yesterday, on part of the course the road had no centerline. The officials said to imagine a centerline...
:lol:
We've had that a few times, and the race inevitably goes 8 guys wide, with enough room for the moto to move back and forth - but barely.
wrestlr
Yeah and thats what I came to conclude. If someone else had done the same most would have probably not wanted them to get away with it either so it is not really bothering me. Stuff happens and we race another day. Just bummed that it cost me 40 thats all.
-Mike
waterrockets
The centerline rule has been enforced a little more heavily this year in TX. Not consistently though. Most of the time it they relegate you to the back of the pack if they see you moving up on the wrong side of the road. If you get pushed out there, the moto honks to get everyone back, but no penalties in the races I've been in.
They do make it clear that it's a centerline rule, not a yellow line rule. All roads have a center, and you are not to cross it.
It's not like it's the only rule in bike racing.
This all has me appreciating our Pace Bend road race, with an open road for the entire course -- no centerline rule.
Apus^2
TR-
Unless you have a set responsibility to lead the race (to keep the pace high, etc) or to be up for some other reason, you should be doing no work since you have virtually no teammates in the under 35 cat, especially not for that many laps.
Stay protected in the next crit. Don't do any work until the last sprint see what happens.
The Team Cycleworks crit is the Findlay Roofing Criterium at John 's Creek.
wrestlr
TR-
Unless you have a set responsibility to lead the race (to keep the pace high, etc) or to be up for some other reason, you should be doing no work since you have virtually no teammates in the under 35 cat, especially not for that many laps.
Stay protected in the next crit. Don't do any work until the last sprint see what happens.
Yeah he was pretty smart in the Anniston Crit and I think we both worked pretty well together. Worked smart and save some for the end. Finished a lot better and I bet he felt alot better with the results.