Northern California - San Bruno Mountain Race: Report

San Bruno Mt. Challenge 2010
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http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/RichardfinishSBmt.jpg

I decided I'd start my "New Year" off on the right foot...Of course that meant I had to get down to San Bruno Mountain and cheer the NorCal team on.

I also needed to get my ****** on the bike and get some exercise. I'm coming off a crash, death cold, bad state of mind and a big huge stye in my eye. Today was a little scary going out the door. I thought there might be some rain, but it ended up being really pretty nice. The sun actually started coming out a bit by the time the race was over.

When I arrived I instantly felt the race adrenaline ever though I would not be participating...(jealous). I turned into the parking lot and immediatly sighted Richard (beaker) warming up...(looking really pro)! I didn't want to mess up his warm up, so I didn't chat much and moved down the line of bikes to Rich and Mary Ellen doing their warm ups in the usual attire (Webcore Kits and futuristic space glasses). I looked around to find more familiar faces. I saw Chris Phipps. I've learned to not hog too much of a bikers time, so they remain focused. At that point I decided to head on up to the summit to prepare for the photo finish.

I was hurting on the climb and very grateful I didn't sign up to race this year. As I climbed, people walking up would flinch and move to the side thinking I was in the race, but I would tell them...

"Don't worry I'm actually I'm a part of last years race, but I'm really slow and just getting to the finish line...It's been a long year!"

It got a chuckle or two. I also ran into "Jinws", who I haven't seen around in awhile. He was walking and had his good camera...probably got some good shots.

When I got to the top I could look down and see the first wave ascending. I found a really good spot and hunkered down to wait. I saw the first two riders coming up to the finish...WWaaayyyy ahead of everyone else and of course coming up second was Chris, who just careened by me across the finish.

BTW got a good shot of my new friend "Laurie" who was way up at the front of the womans wave. I told her I'd post her picture.
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/Laurie.jpg
I then saw Rich and Mary Ellen coming up with each other, which was really cool to see then riding together like that.
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/MaryEllen.jpg
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/Rich.jpg
Henry showed up, but had decided not to race and we ended up watching the race together. I sort of missed Richard in a pack, but got a shot of him as he went by.

All and all it was a fun time and Henry and I made a pact to race next year. What a lot of fun, but I wish there were more Bike Forum people. I did meet Eric and "PacificSlim" didn't race...Next year buddy!

Nice going NorCal'rs

BTW never got to meet "Cranks" or 7bmwm3gtr

Eric and Richard
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/EricRichard.jpg

Henry
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/Henry.jpg

Me and the athletes
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/NorCalgang.jpg

Rich/Mary Ellen
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http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/RichMaryEllenwarmup.jpg

Richard with the "Winston Churchill" Victory wave
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/Richfinishline.jpg
Warm ups
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/RichardonTrainer.jpg

So, did PizzaMan take it?

Nice photos! I see a teammate of mine is right behind Laurie...

Chris got second...He changed his catagory and decide to spank the youngins...Pretty good for a FORTY year old fart! : )

You just pipped me to it Pete.

I'd been looking forward to this event for months and it didn't disappoint. This was also my first real outing as a Cat5, although last years Diablo challenge gave me a taste of putting on a number and a timing chip. I'd spent most of the year trying to just work this hill out, it felt really good to break 23mins just a few months back.

My goals for today's race were a) avoid the dreaded DFL and b) hope for sub 23mins again. As it turned out I successfully met a) and got b) with a new PR of 21min 30sec.

Here's what I learned:

- Putting in more focused training can make a difference (who'd have thought)
- Most of my plans about keeping in certain HR zones counted for zip when the race started - I ended up just listening to my body, but it was 20+minutes of "should I go for broke or conserve?"
- Light wheels felt like they helped me - I've been riding my open pro's + Krylions for the last few weeks, and lastweek/today I was riding my William's 19's, Pro3's and latex tubes in. Sooo much nicer, and I felt like I had a bit more spring in my step
- and last but not least, I do suck when it comes to racing, but feel really happy with my own performance.

Other random thoughts:

- the start format was interesting - each category/wave was started at 30s intervals, with timing chips located in stickers on our helmets to keep the climb times accurate
- there's a heck of a lot of bike bling in the Cat5 field - I saw plenty of >$1000 rims, a few p-taps and quarqs and some fancy frames.
- lots of folks burned their matches early on Guadalupe - it was really tough trying to save something on the climb, but I found that holding more back for the entire climb really helped me
- the pre-race prep talk from the organizers to the Cat5's was pretty amusing; along the lines of "you guys are going to be the slow ones, first to pop, so please keep to the right, especially when the back marker motorbike passes you"

It was great to meet some folks in the flesh that I'd only interacted with in the cyberworld - Mary-Ellen/velodiva, Rich/Hermes, dom/7bmwm3gtr and Chris/PizzaMan from BF as well as a few Twitterati. It was good to catch up with Eric again, and really nice to see Pete and Henry show up, I appreciated the moral support. By far the best boost I got all day was the "good luck dad" I got from my 7 yr old daughter before leaving the house this morning. Priceless.

Not many pics, but here's a couple:

Warming up on the trainer

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/2010_01_01_SanBrunoHillClimb/IMG00363.jpg

Lining up to start - Velodiva is center picture

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/2010_01_01_SanBrunoHillClimb/IMG00364.jpg

Proof of goal a). Top cat5 time was an impressive 16'20. Yikes.

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/2010_01_01_SanBrunoHillClimb/IMG00369-1.jpg

I was so excited for my first race, and after all the anticipation building up, i finally let it out at the 2010 San Bruno Mountain Hill Climb.

I met up with my biking partner Ken and we drove to the event. We registered and warmed up on our respective trainers. I was happy to be warm enough to take off both my arm and leg warmers, wearing nothing but Spandex Shorts and My Biking Jersey.

When we started i was so excited, and that rush of excitment motivated me.The very start of the race is a lengthy climb, i practiced and discliplined myself to not climb it fast in order to save energy for the rest of the course, that being said, i was now a part of the small peloton group which was forming and i started to draft the last riders

A gap was forming between the lead group and I, and i was focusing to stay behind one rider who was from team Davis Cycling club, i believe it was Alex Freund. There was a gap between me and him and with a lot of effort i was able to close it.

It was getting very hot and i was now at the actual mountain. There was lots of cheering and motivation. I didnt really have the energy to past Alex but needless to say, i was still very content with my results.

The results are not up yet, however i believe i placed in the top 10 with a time of under 19 minutes, hopefully.

The race was a great experience, and it was a great way to start the new year. I can�t wait for my next one!

Happy New Year everyone.

BTW...I got to meet Richard (Beaker) which was very nice! I was dissapointed i only met one BFer, it's too bad i couldn't meet you Taxi.

BUT i was right behind Alex Freund, who was right behind your friend Laurie, maybe you got me in her picture if that's a close up.

Anyway here are some of my pictures!
Here is Me warming up on my Trainer...
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/cor_vettez06/dominicbike2.jpg
And then at the Start Line next to the Freund Brothers
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And starting off!
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Hey! I saw you a couple of times...I actually rode by you while you were warming up. I'm surprised you didn't notice the NorCal Kit

Anyway Congrats! great racing...and I found you in one of my Photos

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/DSCN1960-1.jpg

Hey! That's pretty awesome aha. Darn well maybe next time we can chat a bit, i'll be looking forward to it!

Nice pics and report, Pete. So glad you went!

Your friend Laurie is also my friend/occasional training partner/mentor. Talk about a small world!

Fun report and swell photos!
Congrats you ever so cool reporters, photographers and fast riders of bicycles!

Nice pics and report, Pete. So glad you went!

Your friend Laurie is also my friend/occasional training partner/mentor. Talk about a small world!

Really! I run into her a lot it seems...She's really a firecracker. I like how she acts low key and lady like until she gets on the bike, then it's Ms. Pit Bull!

Thanks for the great report and photos! :thumb:


"Don't worry I'm actually I'm a part of last years race, but I'm really slow and just getting to the finish line...It's been a long year!"

I love your sense of humor. :lol: :lol:

Well?

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Thank you Curtis, for proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Pinot Noir is not good for rinsing out one's nasal passages.

Propellers are legal if they match at least 5% of team colors...just looked that up, so I fixed it. He will still keep his placement.

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz129/taxi777New/legal_edited-2.jpg

Really! I run into her a lot it seems...She's really a firecracker. I like how she acts low key and lady like until she gets on the bike, then it's Ms. Pit Bull!

Yep, that's Laurie, all right!

Now look closely...you'll notice there were other's using propeller assisted elevation contrivances

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/ChisSBMtfinish_edited-1.jpg.

Now look closely...you'll notice there were other's using propeller assisted elevation contrivances

Pete, it is so great to have you back!!

Pete, it was great to see you at the race and looking good. Thanks for the pics.

Beaker, it was a pleasure to meet you and congrats on the race.

I definitely suffered on Radio Road.:thumb:

We were very lucky that the weather was good and no rain. I like the San Bruno venue and Penn Velo does a wonderful job of promoting and organizing the event each year.

Pete, it was great to see you at the race and looking good. Thanks for the pics.

Beaker, it was a pleasure to meet you and congrats on the race.

I definitely suffered on Radio Road.:thumb:

We were very lucky that the weather was good and no rain. I like the San Bruno venue and Penn Velo does a wonderful job of promoting and organizing the event each year.

+1

Thanks for posting the report on this event. It made me feel like I was there - without the pain! I was off doing a bit of a hillclimb myself, but the kind where you sit on your rear and be transported to the top, where you then tumble head over heals all the way to the bottom... (e.g. i took the kids skiing/snowboarding in tahoe). Happy New Year everyone and I'm looking forward to some group rides later this year.

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Hey Pete, great pics.

It was good seeing ya, it has been awhile. I've been off the bike for so long. Hopefully 2010 will be a better year.

It was good seeing Henry too.

If anyone's wondering, I was the first photographers you saw just after getting on Radio road.
The pictures I took can be found at www.illumixstudios.com

Hey Pete, great pics.

It was good seeing ya, it has been awhile. I've been off the bike for so long. Hopefully 2010 will be a better year.

It was good seeing Henry too.

If anyone's wondering, I was the first photographers you saw just after getting on Radio road.
The pictures I took can be found at www.illumixstudios.com

Great pictures - you caught my suffer face very well

http://www.illumixstudios.com/Sports/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-2010/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-Radio-Rd/10838323_Aen3j#755912827_rjGsE

I really like this picture - the guy had time to mug for the camera while still being faster than me.

http://www.illumixstudios.com/Sports/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-2010/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-Radio-Rd/10838323_Aen3j#755906347_mfYHo

Hey Jin, sorry I didn't stay to chat too long. I was trying to make it to the top before the tsunami caught me! Great Picts! Hope to see you on a ride sometime. I've been kind of off and on with the bike myself.

Great pictures - you caught my suffer face very well

http://www.illumixstudios.com/Sports/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-2010/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-Radio-Rd/10838323_Aen3j#755912827_rjGsE

I really like this picture - the guy had time to mug for the camera while still being faster than me.

http://www.illumixstudios.com/Sports/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-2010/San-Bruno-Hill-Climb-Radio-Rd/10838323_Aen3j#755906347_mfYHo

Thanks. I love it when people pose or dig a little harder for the camera.


Hey Jin, sorry I didn't stay to chat too long. I was trying to make it to the top before the tsunami caught me! Great Picts! Hope to see you on a ride sometime. I've been kind of off and on with the bike myself.

You will. I've set myself a 2010 mile goal for 2010. It's not a lot to most, but it's a healthy and ambitious goal for me, I just hope i don't hurt my back again. See you on the road.

Official results posted here:

https://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2010-82

Good to have you back, Pete. Good race report

Official results posted here:

https://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2010-82

It's amazing some of the times those lower cats are posting. Many of the 4's and 5's were mid-pack P/1/2's!

Great job, BTW.

It's amazing some of the times those lower cats are posting. Many of the 4's and 5's were mid-pack P/1/2's!

Great job, BTW.

Sandbaggers.

I wish I could have witnessed the event first hand. Just wanted to get a feel for something like this. I live about 2 miles from the base of san bruno mountain.

Anyway, i'm just breaking into cycling and was wondering how can one train for this? The mountain looks scary.

I wish I could have witnessed the event first hand. Just wanted to get a feel for something like this. I live about 2 miles from the base of san bruno mountain.

Anyway, i'm just breaking into cycling and was wondering how can one train for this? The mountain looks scary.

I don't think there's a one size fits all answer to this, other than go ride the hill and then repeat. Try out different gearing options, work out where you feel strong and where you don't. If you're new to climbing hills on a bike, then part of your time will just be getting accustomed to climbing; you'll be amazed at the jumps in fitness you can achieve in a relatively short time, but also don't be discouraged if the first time out seems really tough and/or slow. Also be wary of the weather - afternoons always seem to be windy up there.

But really, what the heck do I know, I'm still a relative noob at all this nonsense anyway.

I wish I could have witnessed the event first hand. Just wanted to get a feel for something like this. I live about 2 miles from the base of san bruno mountain.

Anyway, i'm just breaking into cycling and was wondering how can one train for this? The mountain looks scary.

I'm assuming this mountain isn't as bad compared to Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais but i don't know because i haven't rode either of those two. However what makes this climb unique is that because of it's short length, it's more like a Sprint up the mountain. Unlike longer climbs where you have to distribute your power so that your saving up for steeper grades, in San Bruno it's just a rush up the mountain.

Before i knew about the race i probably took 30+ Minutes to climb the whole course, but just leisurely. When i found out about the race i studied the times that my category (Juniors) were getting. Therfore i found out the the best time was 16:47 and the last time was about 28. So I aimed for about 16:30-19:00. I did want 15 minutes, but i found out that would have to wait.

Before long, as i was training on the course, it felt more like a Time Trial than a race when i would repeatedly try to surpass 16:47.

That's what's so fun about this climb, is that it's a really fast-paced climb and training is a lot of fun because you always want to try to go faster then the last time you tried it.

Best of luck with cycling for you.

Pete, thanks for the great photos & write-up. It's always great to see old friends & meet new ones at this event. Well done to everyone who came out & made it to the top, and congrats to everyone who set a new best time. This is a great event for beginners, old vets & everyone in between, & I plan to keep coming back.

Chris

Pete, thanks for the great photos & write-up. It's always great to see old friends & meet new ones at this event. Well done to everyone who came out & made it to the top, and congrats to everyone who set a new best time. This is a great event for beginners, old vets & everyone in between, & I plan to keep coming back.Chris

Chris, it was a pleasure to meet you and I like this event as well. It is a great way to start the new year and we have news reporting by Taxi777News.:D

thanks for the replies. Hopefully i'll be with you all for the race next new year