Great Lakes - Fall Fling Races- west chicago

Is anyone else here doing any of these races? I am thinking about doing at least one or two of these, i'd be glad to finish anywhere but last and even that I wouldn't be disappointed with.

There are 4 races and all of them look pretty good, i'm most interested in the Maple Park Time Trial but am thinking about doing all of them.

http://www.abdcycling.com/events/fallfling.html

Yes! I've been counting the days till the fall fling since last year. They've moved the crits and road races to new venues, and that should ad some excitement.

I'd highly suggest doing all the events. We don't get a lot of Omniums around here and being mindful of "over-all" placings adds an element of strategy you'd normally not get to consider.

I'll be flinging. Loved it last year. Check my blog for stories. Do every event you can. If you're a 5 then your crits are really short but that allows you to just go out and hammer everyone. When you are about to die it ends. It's like a sprint.

The TT is awesome. I have done the course a few times. 3 or 4 so far. It's a great course for testing. Last time on it I averaged something just under 24mph IIRC. I took 5th in the TT last year. One of the only top 5's I have ever gotten in anything.

I'm in for the series..4s

I'm in for the series..4s

Get with me before the start so I can attach the requisite extra weights to your bike.

Get with me before the start so I can attach the requisite extra weights to your bike.

A set of your new wheels? :innocent: *rim shot*

A set of your new wheels? :innocent: *rim shot*

:rolleyes:

;) :d

LOL....I added extra weight since superweek.....just not to the bike....doh

Yes! I've been counting the days till the fall fling since last year. They've moved the crits and road races to new venues, and that should ad some excitement.

I'd highly suggest doing all the events. We don't get a lot of Omniums around here and being mindful of "over-all" placings adds an element of strategy you'd normally not get to consider.

I think I will do all of them then, you have until the 22nd I believe to register b4 you have to pay extra for late registration.



I'll be flinging. Loved it last year. Check my blog for stories. Do every event you can. If you're a 5 then your crits are really short but that allows you to just go out and hammer everyone. When you are about to die it ends. It's like a sprint.

The TT is awesome. I have done the course a few times. 3 or 4 so far. It's a great course for testing. Last time on it I averaged something just under 24mph IIRC. I took 5th in the TT last year. One of the only top 5's I have ever gotten in anything.

no clue what a 5 is, if it's a total beginner than that's me. I don't even have a computer for my bike yet, may get the garmin 305 or just a regular cycle computer this monday.

Forget the computer (especially a fancy one if you are a 5... Which you are). It will just distract you and keep you from spilling your guts as much as you should.

If you've never raced before, also make sure to remove any aerobars if you have one, and any little under-saddle bag (although, it might not be a bad idea to leave it on for the RR and TT). And, come on up and say hello at the races. Most of us don't bite.

Welcome to the addiction. It will make a lot more sense once you try it.

I'm going to race. This will be a first for me.

I'm going to race. This will be a first for me.

The fall fling attracts a lot of people like you. It will hurt. You will want more. Say hello.

The fall fling attracts a lot of people like you. It will hurt. You will want more. Say hello.

I'm going to do the Crit and the RR. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm going to do the Crit and the RR. I'm looking forward to it.

Do them all, man!

Except, maybe, the pesky TT. Those things actually hurt pretty damn bad if you do them correctly, and they're not too fun.

Seriously. The distances on those Cat5 races are fairly short.

Do them all, man!

Except, maybe, the pesky TT. Those things actually hurt pretty damn bad if you do them correctly, and they're not too fun.

Seriously. The distances on those Cat5 races are fairly short.

At this point it appears that kid duty will prevent me from racing the second weekend. If I can, I going to get the second weekend as well.

Forget the computer (especially a fancy one if you are a 5... Which you are). It will just distract you and keep you from spilling your guts as much as you should.

If you've never raced before, also make sure to remove any aerobars if you have one, and any little under-saddle bag (although, it might not be a bad idea to leave it on for the RR and TT). And, come on up and say hello at the races. Most of us don't bite.

Welcome to the addiction. It will make a lot more sense once you try it.

well it's official, I have registered and paid for all four races. I have all next week off work, i'm taking a "staycation" so I may head down to the west chicago location later in the week to practice a bit. This also means I can head to the penny road pub on tuesday, it couldn't hurt to know what it feels like to get dropped before the road race and push myself, lol.

As for a computer I was going to get a Garmin 305 tomorrow because I like the garmin training center (I have the forerunner 50). Should I just take it off for the race? the little bag will be gone too. I got a jersey last weekend so I will assume on filling it with gel packs for the road race and maybe a powerbar.

the addiction hit me on the first test ride I took and now has a stranglehold so I can't wait for this.

well it's official, I have registered and paid for all four races. I have all next week off work, i'm taking a "staycation" so I may head down to the west chicago location later in the week to practice a bit. This also means I can head to the penny road pub on tuesday, it couldn't hurt to know what it feels like to get dropped before the road race and push myself, lol.

As for a computer I was going to get a Garmin 305 tomorrow because I like the garmin training center (I have the forerunner 50). Should I just take it off for the race? the little bag will be gone too. I got a jersey last weekend so I will assume on filling it with gel packs for the road race and maybe a powerbar.

the addiction hit me on the first test ride I took and now has a stranglehold so I can't wait for this.

You're talking about the general cycling addiction. That's bad enough. The racing addiction is like the "swine flu" to cycling's "regular flu". When you're waking up at 4:00am some morning to drive to lord-know's-where and race your bike while it's snowing, you'll get what I'm saying. There are already guys out there hopping on trainers with any eye towards next year's racing, and this year's isn't even over.

Abyhow, those West Chicago courses are about 2 miles from my house. If you go take a peek, let us know how it looks.

And, not sure how long the road race is for you folks, but you probably won't need that many (if any) gels!

well I never got a chance to check out the course but the weather looks like it will hold out. I was hoping it would rain and the fast beginners would stay home so I could have a better chance of winning, lol.

I'm showing up 2hrs early and will have a jump rope to warm up with as I don't have a trainer. I do have an e-z up for shade, should I bring it along?

Any tips are welcome as I haven't been on a bike very long, as in- 2 months. Also I will be in a grey toyota corolla and a full carbon Bianchi c2c.

If anyone wants to meet up with me, send me a PM and I will give you my cell number.

well I never got a chance to check out the course but the weather looks like it will hold out. I was hoping it would rain and the fast beginners would stay home so I could have a better chance of winning, lol.

I'm showing up 2hrs early and will have a jump rope to warm up with as I don't have a trainer. I do have an e-z up for shade, should I bring it along?

Any tips are welcome as I haven't been on a bike very long, as in- 2 months. Also I will be in a grey toyota corolla and a full carbon Bianchi c2c.

If anyone wants to meet up with me, send me a PM and I will give you my cell number.

I took a spin around there yesterday and am going to ride it tonight. You have nothing to worry about as far as course. Smooth pavement, VERY wide with super easy corners. You could probably run 200 guys on there without any problems.

Good luck in your race tomorrow. Whatever you do, have fun. If it's like last year there will be several guys there who haven't raced before, you won't be alone.

Leave the trainer at home. Assuming you're in the 5's (beginner) race you should have an open course to warm up on. Just be careful to stay out of the way of any of the folks setting stuff up (although I don't think that will be bad).

If you still happen to be around for the 4's race (11:55), I'll be the "larger" guy in bicycle heaven kit (blue/teal/black) on the red/black/white BMC. I'll probably actually run over there at 8:00 to register and then ride back around 10:30.

No matter what happens, report back here on your race experience.

I'm in for the crit tomorrow and the RR on Sunday. I'll be the fat slow guy. I think I'll wear a brightly colored Hawaiian floral print shirt, Bermuda shorts, shower shoes and my U.S. Navy flight helmet.

Sees ya all there tomorrow.

You guys know what I look like. If not then go to my website.

I'll be there early.

Google says it'll take 3 hours to get there...man have to get up early. Ugh. Oh well. Staying overnight in Munster, IN then to the RR Sunday morning. Supposedly only 1/2 hr from the hotel.

Weather looks like it will cooperate so that's a plus. Can't wait. Been a while since the last race (Kenosha Superweek).

Really looking forward to the TT. I want hurt myself.

See you in the AM - well late AM - 11:55 with MJH

Does anyone know if the fields are filled? I did not register since I have been dealing with lower back and neck issues since my crash in July. Last weekend I was basically on the sofa all day and have not ridden in 10 days. Reading this thread I'm getting the itch to race. I did 10 miles today and was winded at 5 miles. :cry: . It's amazing how fast you lose what took long to build up!! Regardless, I was considering racing, hence my question on the fields.

Turnout is usually good but modest. I don't expect any field will fill.

Turnout is usually good but modest. I don't expect any field will fill.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but ABR allowed 100 riders in a 5's race earlier this year? I don't see anything filling! If it does, just pick another cat...

Good luck out there tomorrow to everybody.

I'm in for the crit tomorrow and the RR on Sunday. I'll be the fat slow guy. I think I'll wear a brightly colored Hawaiian floral print shirt, Bermuda shorts, shower shoes and my U.S. Navy flight helmet.

what cat will you be racing? I'd wear the same but i've spent too much money on riding gear, nobody told me it wouldn't make me faster. :lol:


Sees ya all there tomorrow.

You guys know what I look like. If not then go to my website.

I'll be there early.


Correct me if I'm wrong, but ABR allowed 100 riders in a 5's race earlier this year? I don't see anything filling! If it does, just pick another cat...

Good luck out there tomorrow to everybody.

oh yea, my name is Tony, I will try to catch you all tomorrow and say hi.
I'll be racing beginner. White Castelli Jersey, white arm warmers and black shorts with red/yellow shoes

probably hitting the "drop zone" often due to nervousness. :roflmao2:

what cat will you be racing? I'd wear the same but i've spent too much money on riding gear, nobody told me it wouldn't make me faster. :lol:





oh yea, my name is Tony, I will try to catch you all tomorrow and say hi.
I'll be racing beginner. White Castelli Jersey, white arm warmers and black shorts with red/yellow shoes

probably hitting the "drop zone" often due to nervousness. :roflmao2:

I'm in the beginner race too. I just hope I remember to bring my bike.

bring bike

bring bike

bring bike

bring bike

Ahh....memories. Check out my blog and look for the posts tagged fall fling.

Good luck everyone!! I'll not be racing this weekend.

Good luck everyone!! I'll not be racing this weekend.

You should! I just went over and picked up my number. About 34 registered for the 4's.

You should! I just went over and picked up my number. About 34 registered for the 4's.

I decided not to race because I thought the field was filled but because my back was hurting to the point when I got up that I said to myself, "enough is enough". I'm soooooo depressed with the recovery from my crash. At first I was in denial, then tough it out , then realization that I have to pick-n-choose my races, to now, the season is over and looking to next year. I still have swelling in my back to the point that I can feel it. Some days are worse than others. I'd take a broken bone over this "soft tissue" crap!!!!


Regardless, I'll live vicariously through this forum...sooooooo how did people do today?

FWIW I took a spill and messed up my shoulder in the first training crit of the year (mid-march). Yesterday I tried bowling, and it's still too messed up to move without pain. Getting old sucks.

Timmyquest took 3rd in a fairly uneventful 4's. Chad Hartley beat Ryan Freun out of a 3 man break to win the P/1/2/3 (with some freak named "Friedman" winning the field sprint without much of a contest).

Hey Mr. Scrooby, you happen to get much of the finish sprint of the 40+ on that giant camera of yours? In a very weird protest the dropped Ron Kelly from 1st to 3rd (without ever really talking to him) based on druber's complaints, which (according to impartial onlookers) didn't have a whole lot behind them. Not that anything can change now, but it would be nice to see.

Kelley was talking it over with the officials when I was leaving.

I did a lot of work, felt great, had a good race. Felt like we were in control of a lot of it. That said, I got swallowed at the final sprint and finished 29th. Out of the points. :(

Great course - wide open and flat - makes for safe fast racing. Fall Fling is a "fun" thing for me. Today it lived up to it.

Met Murcielago and talked to him a bit.

Leaving tomorrow at ....oh...way too f'n early thirty.

Wait ... Friedman won the 1/2/3 race.

WHICH Friedman?

Wait ... Friedman won the 1/2/3 race.

WHICH Friedman?

Joel took the field sprint in the 1/2/3 today. His first 1/2/3 race.

3 guys (Ryan, Chad and someone else) were OTF by about 1/2 a lap. Joel got 4th overall....and the sprint wasn't even close. He sat up and looked around before he even got to the line.

Whoa ...

Whoa ...

Exactly. I've been saying that since day 1. Hell you were at his first race when I told you to keep an eye on him.

He now has a powertap, coach/killer in his own right.

Hey Mr. Scrooby, you happen to get much of the finish sprint of the 40+ on that giant camera of yours? In a very weird protest the dropped Ron Kelly from 1st to 3rd (without ever really talking to him) based on druber's complaints, which (according to impartial onlookers) didn't have a whole lot behind them. Not that anything can change now, but it would be nice to see.

I haven't uploaded them yet, but, yeah, in one frame Kelley is jumping on the right, and in the next he's ahead on the left. It's impossible to tell how close he came to Druber's wheel or how "irregular" his sprint may have been, but Mark was wagging his fist as he crossed the line.

(Dig up video from the Chicago Criterium Cat 3 for a refresher on why it's bad form to come across someone in the sprint.)

I was nearby 2 hours later when Druber and Kelley were discussing it like gentlemen. Mark claims that officials were already discussing the sprint by the time he got to them, so a relegation may been imposed regardless. (Rob raced the 1/2/3, so he was unavailable to make his case.)

I've seen such relegations before, but it's rare enough that frankly it's not something I think to pay attention to when I observe a sprint, and outside of trained officials, I would not expect any other impartial onlooker to notice an irregular sprint, either.

40+ sprint (http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemann/sets/72157622338099453/).

Negative racing today. I raced well but placed poorly.

Negative racing today. I raced well but placed poorly.

Uh ... huh?

It was nice meeting you Psimet, Doug I missed you, next time if you could have your name on your wheels that would be a little more helpful :lol:. Overall the weekend was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. There are two versions, short story- I lost and still had fun.

Long story-
Saturday Crit-
I felt good, forgot to hit start on the garmin so I missed the first two laps of the races stats. I stayed with the pack, on the last lap I started to move up and pretty much blew up with half a lap to go, still with the pack I stood up to sprint after turn 4 and my legs had other plans. I sat down and coasted in at the back of the pack for a 27th out of 29. Happy that I stayed with the group and had a blast there, tight racing and I wasn't as nervous as i'd expected. More fun than I ever expected by a long shot.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/14537006

Sunday-
I was much more nervous sunday, it was a neutral start and I was in the very back. Maybe I should have gone mid pack for the best wind protection? First lap went by very fast, felt faster than the crit although it was about the same speed but there was a lot of wind and some small hills. Half way thru the second lap there were still guys at the front trying to make a gap and I was already starting to peel off the back and catch a lot of wind. So 10 miles (26 minutes) into the race I was dropped. I recovered, ate a gel and finished 28th, not sure how many entered but I know I wasn't dead last. :thumb:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/14537004

I just got this garmin a week ago so I haven't had a chance to figure it out very well yet but I do know that I like the Garmin Training center better than Carmin Connect...

Here is a screen print of Saturday's Crit, I blew up at 12 min 35 sec when my heart rate hit 184bpm.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv105/995Tony/untitled-1.jpg

Sunday's Road Race, I blew up at 26:55.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv105/995Tony/RoadRace-1.jpg

ok I really need to learn how to post a screen print of the garmin training center without that oversize blank spot under the picture. :crash:

Uh ... huh?

I was in the top 10-20 for 99% of the race. Felt great, moved up well, etc.

During the final sprint a poop-ton of guys violated the "centerline" rule. It ended up being an on-again, off-again sprint. It was weird. It was dangerous. I kind of sat back. Thus 28th.

Raced well....but poor placing.

It was nice meeting you Psimet, Doug I missed you, next time if you could have your name on your wheels that would be a little more helpful :lol:.

I was there both days. I was the quiet guy who showed, raced and left. Sorry.

I saw psimet walking around Saturday.

Oh! So if you raced well in 99% of the laps, but just not the last one, then you could be the winner?

Cool! http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/de_vlinder/Smilies/dancing_banana.gif

Time trials... Kinda silly.

And, another thing I'm too old, fat, and out of shape to do well at.