Masters Racing (All Disciplines) - Pcsd

Putah Creek Smack Down, the affectionate name given the free TT practice sponsored by Joe Santos and Davis Wheelworks. It began some years ago as a way to help triathletes improve their bike leg times. It has evolved into a low-key, friendly way to help triathletes and TT specialists improve, encourage one another, and welcome newbies into this addictive discipline.

I believe I'm the only 50+ who posts here -- there are plenty of other 50+ athletes who ride, but they don't post here. So you're stuck with me. The link I post should include everyone, from the semi-pro set up to the hand-trike driven by a paraplegic, the enclosed trikes, and the Merckxx categories. We welcome everyone -- we're trying to defy the bike race elitism that surfaces at many events.

My best time on the 10 mi. out-and-back is 24:58. That was 2 wks. ago.

Tonight's effort (http://app.strava.com/activities/14620199) wasn't as fast, but the conditions were different. And my suffer score was higher. My goal was to keep my HR higher than in previous practices.

I use each practice as a chance to try something new. This one I used to keep my HR higher -- and to experiment with new music in my head (I don't do iPod during these rides, but will run an inspiring song through my head while pedaling).

This is a fun, low-key, addictive event. I laughed at the Jrs. who said "My coach made me do this." They'll be back.

It's free and open to anyone. I did it Merckx-style for 3 yrs. Once I got the TT set up my times have improved.

Sounds like fun. How much difference did you see when getting the TT bike, RR? And was the improvement immediate, or did it take a while to adjust, get the set-up right, and so on?

RR, that photo of you at the last ITT you did is totally pro! Is that a new bike?

We need an informal good intentioned FRIENDLY event like the PCSM around here. Badly.

Sounds like fun. How much difference did you see when getting the TT bike, RR? And was the improvement immediate, or did it take a while to adjust, get the set-up right, and so on?

It took me a week to shave 3 min. off my Merckx time. Within 3 mos. -- last Sept. -- I was where I am now.

I'm going to get a re-fit as I think I could be lower in front.

Sara, thanks. The photographer is a professional. I buy a couple photos a year from him. He'll take a series of shots at the PCSD for us to use to check positioning. It's quite helpful.

The bike is the same one I had at the track last year.

It took me a week to shave 3 min. off my Merckx time. Within 3 mos. -- last Sept. -- I was where I am now.

I'm going to get a re-fit as I think I could be lower in front.

Sara, thanks. The photographer is a professional. I buy a couple photos a year from him. He'll take a series of shots at the PCSD for us to use to check positioning. It's quite helpful.

The bike is the same one I had at the track last year.

He does great work! That's a really nice way to evaluate your position.

Something is different about the bike....wheels?

He does great work! That's a really nice way to evaluate your position.

Something is different about the bike....wheels?

Ding-ding-ding-ding! We have a winnah!

Yes, Chris bought me the Mercury wheels for Mother's Day. I believe the wings make me faster. *snort*

After 2 wks.off the TT bike I was unhappy to see that I gained :18 over my PR.

Fat and slow.

Boo.

After 2 wks.off the TT bike I was unhappy to see that I gained :18 over my PR.

Fat and slow.

Boo.

And your next ride will be minus 18. ;)

You don't even want to know how slow I am right now. I'll take your 18 seconds any day, G/F!

And your next ride will be minus 18. ;)

You don't even want to know how slow I am right now. I'll take your 18 seconds any day, G/F!

Thanks Sara. I can't find "having my gallbladder out two weeks ago" in my bag of excuses.

I over-planned for this -- cgallagh was stuck at work, so I did what I could with a small window and no bike slave.

I couldn't figure out that stupid carbon clincher + hash-pipe head on the pump. Argh! Frustration to a power of 10. I wish I could channel my inner mechanic; alas, I have none.

I made cookies for the guys that put this on, and I will be out of town for the last two events, so giving cookies today was key.

So I loaded the road bike and did it non-aero, and still got a PB on this bike. Whee!





Decided to take the road bike and be non-aero, since I haven't ridden this ride that way since May 11.

New PR ( (http://app.strava.com/rides/21792007)OMG that was hard!) and goodwill from the cookie-getters. That was the best part of the ride, being able to give these racers cookies. And when I finished, all the cookies were gone. How fun to be a young athlete and be able to snorf cookies and not care!

WTF is that like?

You are 'da bomb'. Way to go on both fronts. Wish I could help you on that ability to eat cookies thing. I have a real weakness for Oatmeal cookies.

New PR ( (http://app.strava.com/rides/21792007)OMG that was hard!) and goodwill from the beer tippers. That was the best part of the ride, being able to give these racers craft brews. And when I finished, all the beer was gone. How fun to be a young athlete and be able to suck down lagers and not care!

WTF is that like?

Fixed it for ya, .... it feels good for an old guy who doesn't care also!

Fixed it for ya, .... it feels good for an old guy who doesn't care also!

Ha! That's great!

If I knew what kind of beer they drink I'd've gotten 6s for them. The CHP might not have been as happy with that as he was with cookies; he favored the snickerdoodles and was nomming away on one when I crossed the finish line.

What? No chocolate chip?? ;)

I gave them 4 Snickerdoodles and 4 choc. chip/walnut. I'm all about diversity.

I thought I would add a bit of history to the time trial on Putah Creek. I believe it was started thirty years ago by the then-owner of Wheelworks in Davis, Dave Peterson. At least I first heard about it from Dave about that time and he was the one running it; I can't guarantee that he didn't take it over from someone else. While the course record was held for a number of years by a triathlete (I can't remember which one), it was not started for triathletes or for TT specialists. It was just a fun community ride where people could measure their progress and connect with other riders. Each week all riders' times were posted on a chalkboard in Wheelworks, sometimes under pseudonyms.

I think the current incarnation happens on Wednesdays, but it was originally a Tuesday night event. In fact, it was known as the Tuesday Night Time Trial. Although I haven't been to it in many years, I believe there has been another change: I'm told that many participants now drive to the course. That's too bad if it is true. I remember lots of fun rides returning to town with a large group of folks who had just done the TT. It is hard to not feel happy when you are riding along with someone who has just set a P.R. even if you had a bad day. Of course old Foxy would always complain when young women beat him, but we all knew he secretly enjoyed it.

I'm really glad to hear the welcoming atmosphere is still in place. I think that event hooked more people on cycling in the Davis area than any other except the DC.

I thought I would add a bit of history to the time trial on Putah Creek. I believe it was started thirty years ago by the then-owner of Wheelworks in Davis, Dave Peterson. At least I first heard about it from Dave about that time and he was the one running it; I can't guarantee that he didn't take it over from someone else. While the course record was held for a number of years by a triathlete (I can't remember which one), it was not started for triathletes or for TT specialists. It was just a fun community ride where people could measure their progress and connect with other riders. Each week all riders' times were posted on a chalkboard in Wheelworks, sometimes under pseudonyms.

I think the current incarnation happens on Wednesdays, but it was originally a Tuesday night event. In fact, it was known as the Tuesday Night Time Trial. Although I haven't been to it in many years, I believe there has been another change: I'm told that many participants now drive to the course. That's too bad if it is true. I remember lots of fun rides returning to town with a large group of folks who had just done the TT. It is hard to not feel happy when you are riding along with someone who has just set a P.R. even if you had a bad day. Of course old Foxy would always complain when young women beat him, but we all knew he secretly enjoyed it.

I'm really glad to hear the welcoming atmosphere is still in place. I think that event hooked more people on cycling in the Davis area than any other except the DC.

Thanks for this background -- I had no idea. It's still a welcoming place and full of diversity; we have the women's national TT champ Molly Von Houweling riding with handcyclists, recumbents, juniors, and the rest of us. Joe Santos runs it now, assisted by Cody Tapley (and they're so low-key, so grateful for our presence, while we're as grateful for theirs) (and Cody is a fierce CAT2 competitor). I love that they show up and give their time to us. Next year I plan to take cookies or homemade jam & bread or beer to them every time I show up -- they sure deserve it.

Thanks for this background -- I had no idea. It's still a welcoming place and full of diversity; we have the women's national TT champ Molly Von Houweling riding with handcyclists, recumbents, juniors, and the rest of us. Joe Santos runs it now, assisted by Cody Tapley (and they're so low-key, so grateful for our presence, while we're as grateful for theirs) (and Cody is a fierce CAT2 competitor). I love that they show up and give their time to us. Next year I plan to take cookies or homemade jam & bread or beer to them every time I show up -- they sure deserve it.

RR, that ride is something that is on my "Must Do" list - and I'm sure Ex approves! Does it go on during the winter?

RR, It sounds like you had a fabulous time this year as well as last year.

RR, that ride is something that is on my "Must Do" list - and I'm sure Ex approves! Does it go on during the winter?

If it has the letters "TT" in it, you probably won't have any issues with Ex. :)

RR, that ride is something that is on my "Must Do" list - and I'm sure Ex approves! Does it go on during the winter?

It does not: Last one is Oct. 3rd. I'll be in LA and so won't make it. But you can. :lol: Be sure to tell them I said hello.