Masters Misc Race Report Thread
06-18-15, 02:00 PM
#3428
Idiot Emeritus
Pasadena Senior Games, June 16 and 17, El Dorado Park, Long Beach, CA
June 16 - Women's 40K Road Race, M60-64
First Overall
The women's 40K road race (28 miles) was held on a flat 1.3 mile loop in El Dorado Park, Long Beach. 15 laps. The course featured decent pavement, a full road closure (no centerline rule), one 90 degree left turn, a small "kicker" on the finish straight, and a ten MPH right quartering headwind on the finish straight! It was a sprinters course. The field was combined, 50 - open in age. There were 14 riders entered. I had three riders in my age category, and below my category was one rider. Everyone else was above. I was most concerned with the rider aged below (LaNett Draper) and with one of the riders in my group (Gale McCall). Both are seasoned racers, LaNett is a current USAC racer (I believe she's a 3), and Gale is a very strong endurance rider, as well as racer. Gale had beaten me in four previous attempts on that course, and I wanted to beat her - flat out!
My plan was to sit in, cover any break that looked strong, use my head, read the race, and be there for the sprint.
At the whistle, LaNett went off the front, and Gale and I followed, and we pretty quickly got a good gap. It took us half a lap to go completely clear, but by then we were way out in front, and no one in the main group seemed to have any impetus to chase us down. We settled into a hard pace, and decided to work together. We worked together very well, all three of us sharing duties on the front, including into the headwind section on the finish straight, and ended up lapping the main field twice. It became clear to me about lap ten that LaNett was the strongest of the three of us, by a small but significant margin. When I was on the front, I was not going full out into the headwind section, I needed to conserve for the finish sprint, so I'd back down slightly. LaNett would sometimes pull through there and she had a fairly strong pull when she did that. My goal was to win my age group, and I thought I could use LaNett to get me there. I was sure she'd lead the sprint after the final turn, and I wanted to be positioned to grab her wheel when she did.
On the bell lap, LaNett was on the front. We kept the pace as it was, no attacks, no surges. We were single file around the course, through the final corner, and started up the kicker into that wind. That's where Gale jumped, and I went after her. I expected LaNett to come around, but she didn't. I thought Gale had left a bit early, actually a lot early, and I was having no trouble holding her wheel even though she was going really hard. We got to about one hundred yards from the finish, and I knew it was time to go. I jumped left, came off the saddle, and hit it. My right calf started to twinge, and as I got alongside Gale I let up just slightly. I saw where I was, and I thought "this is it!" and I threw down everything I had, I just buried it. I pulled ahead of Gale and I heard her yell when she blew (and she sat up!). I stayed in it hard, and hit the line - first! LaNett was on my left, maybe a bike length back.
I had just won a race, not backed into a podium slot, not just won my age group. For the first time ever, I had won a race, and I had done it against two very capable, tough competitors.
June 17, 10K ITT
Second in my age category
The last time trial I did was the Basso Bridge at the Mariposa Stage Race. That was ten mile ITT, and I had turned in the best effort yet for me in a time trial. I'm a middle of the road time trialer, but as of late, things seemed to be turning around. I had no expectations for this event, although I wanted to be respectable. Gale McCall, in the past four times I had raced against her, had shown that she was a very good time trialer, and had come in minutes ahead of me each time. Also in the mix was Patti Wagner, who had not raced the day before, and who was also a solid TT racer. I decided not to concern myself with who was there, but to do what I needed to do, which was to ride a smooth, even, race.
The course was the same loop used for the 40K road race the day before. I was to do four laps.
The wind was calm, so I chose my 80MM front wheel over the 48MM front wheel.
I did 35 minute warmup on the trainer, and then did a lap of the course, throwing in a couple of hard efforts to push up the heart rate. I timed it to arrive at the line with little time to spare before I started, because I didn't want to cool down. I hit that just right!
When I rolled off, I was still warm, and I came up off the saddle and gave it a good push - nothing super hard, just enough to get a dig and get things moving, and then I settled in.
The first lap felt good, quite comfortable, and I was pleased that I hadn't gone off too hard. The announcer didn't call a lap time for me, so I glanced at the GPS timer and guessed I was right around five minutes, perhaps less. Not terrible. I had lost a little time in the 90 degree turn to finish straight, because I had overtaken a rider in front of me, and I didn't get the line through the corner I wanted, so I slowed slightly. I kept the second lap pace as close to my first lap as I could. The third lap was to be a little harder, so I ramped it up a bit when I passed the start finish. I went a little too hard and had to back off a bit on the back section, and by then the wind started coming up. I lost a little time on that back section because of that. When I rounded the 90 degree corner, a rider who started well ahead of me caught me. She was OTS and pushing hard up the kicker, and I moved over so as not to catch any of her draft. She did give me impetus to ramp it up some, and I stayed close to her to the finish line. I stayed in it as hard as I could (and I could have gone harder, but I had the afternoon road race on my mind), trying to be smooth, and trying to keep the cadence high. I came OTS on the kicker, then gave it a big push to the line, coming OTS again at about 50 yards and sprinting for the finish.
I felt pretty good about that TT, I believed I had pretty much done what I had planned to do, although I was a little miffed that I hadn't been smoother and faster on my third lap.
I finished with a 20:04, 1 minute 33 seconds faster than last year, 15 seconds slower than Patti Wagner, but ahead of Gale McCall. It was good enough for second in my age group.
Women's 20K Road Race, M60-64
Second overall, first in my age category
This was held on the same course as the ITT and 40K road race. This time we were to do 8 laps. The wind, as it was the day before, would be a factor on that finish straight. The field had fleshed out some, with two more strong riders competing in the race, one, Christina De Bono in the 50-54 category, and Patti Wagner in the 60-64 category with me. Patti is a strong USAC racer, and I had raced against her last year, and the year before. Christina had turned in an excellent time trial the day before and again this day. So, I knew I had my work cut out for me!
We rolled off at the whistle (actually it was a bell!), and off Gale and LaNett and I went on a hard attack. We wanted to get separation, and we needed to gap the two other strong riders in the field. Well, it didn't work, they managed to latch on and we towed them off the front with us. So, we settled in and started working. The pace on the first four laps was pretty high. There was some concern that one of the group wasn't doing her share on the front, so with a little skullduggery, we managed to get that rider on to the front for a good long pull. At some point, I dropped a water bottle, and my immediate concern was that it wouldn't take another rider out - all turned out fine, though, no damage done.
I took a pull on the sixth lap, and I slowed us to a moderate pace on the back of the course and through the 90 degree turn and kicker. Gale took the pull from there, and we rolled across the line at a leisurely 19 MPH for the bell lap. We did not pick up the pace on that lap. I pulled off to the right and rode alongside Gale. At some point she asked me something and I said "let's just have some fun!". Patti was behind Gale, and LaNett was behind Patti. Christina was behind LaNett. Just before the 90 degree turn, LaNett went on the right, Gale grabbed her wheel, and I got Gale's. We drilled it single file through that turn, LaNett on the front, Gale second wheel, me third. We got separation on the other two riders, and we stayed in it. About 130 or so yards from the finish Gale blew, and I jumped left after a moment's hesitation. That hesitation was enough to get LaNett clear. I went hard, but I could see that even though I was closing, I wouldn't catch her. I didn't have enough room to catch her. She had made a TEXTBOOK move, and she took a very classy and well deserved win! I was second overall, first in my age category.
I have come a long way since last season. Some would say "no one shows up for Senior Games races". Not so! The tough riders may be low in number, but that makes for a small field. And that makes for a hard race, one where tactics come into play, and mistakes are amplified. I rode within myself, I rode smart, and I had really good success. And, I had a wonderful time!
Thanks for reading!
June 16 - Women's 40K Road Race, M60-64
First Overall
The women's 40K road race (28 miles) was held on a flat 1.3 mile loop in El Dorado Park, Long Beach. 15 laps. The course featured decent pavement, a full road closure (no centerline rule), one 90 degree left turn, a small "kicker" on the finish straight, and a ten MPH right quartering headwind on the finish straight! It was a sprinters course. The field was combined, 50 - open in age. There were 14 riders entered. I had three riders in my age category, and below my category was one rider. Everyone else was above. I was most concerned with the rider aged below (LaNett Draper) and with one of the riders in my group (Gale McCall). Both are seasoned racers, LaNett is a current USAC racer (I believe she's a 3), and Gale is a very strong endurance rider, as well as racer. Gale had beaten me in four previous attempts on that course, and I wanted to beat her - flat out!
My plan was to sit in, cover any break that looked strong, use my head, read the race, and be there for the sprint.
At the whistle, LaNett went off the front, and Gale and I followed, and we pretty quickly got a good gap. It took us half a lap to go completely clear, but by then we were way out in front, and no one in the main group seemed to have any impetus to chase us down. We settled into a hard pace, and decided to work together. We worked together very well, all three of us sharing duties on the front, including into the headwind section on the finish straight, and ended up lapping the main field twice. It became clear to me about lap ten that LaNett was the strongest of the three of us, by a small but significant margin. When I was on the front, I was not going full out into the headwind section, I needed to conserve for the finish sprint, so I'd back down slightly. LaNett would sometimes pull through there and she had a fairly strong pull when she did that. My goal was to win my age group, and I thought I could use LaNett to get me there. I was sure she'd lead the sprint after the final turn, and I wanted to be positioned to grab her wheel when she did.
On the bell lap, LaNett was on the front. We kept the pace as it was, no attacks, no surges. We were single file around the course, through the final corner, and started up the kicker into that wind. That's where Gale jumped, and I went after her. I expected LaNett to come around, but she didn't. I thought Gale had left a bit early, actually a lot early, and I was having no trouble holding her wheel even though she was going really hard. We got to about one hundred yards from the finish, and I knew it was time to go. I jumped left, came off the saddle, and hit it. My right calf started to twinge, and as I got alongside Gale I let up just slightly. I saw where I was, and I thought "this is it!" and I threw down everything I had, I just buried it. I pulled ahead of Gale and I heard her yell when she blew (and she sat up!). I stayed in it hard, and hit the line - first! LaNett was on my left, maybe a bike length back.
I had just won a race, not backed into a podium slot, not just won my age group. For the first time ever, I had won a race, and I had done it against two very capable, tough competitors.
June 17, 10K ITT
Second in my age category
The last time trial I did was the Basso Bridge at the Mariposa Stage Race. That was ten mile ITT, and I had turned in the best effort yet for me in a time trial. I'm a middle of the road time trialer, but as of late, things seemed to be turning around. I had no expectations for this event, although I wanted to be respectable. Gale McCall, in the past four times I had raced against her, had shown that she was a very good time trialer, and had come in minutes ahead of me each time. Also in the mix was Patti Wagner, who had not raced the day before, and who was also a solid TT racer. I decided not to concern myself with who was there, but to do what I needed to do, which was to ride a smooth, even, race.
The course was the same loop used for the 40K road race the day before. I was to do four laps.
The wind was calm, so I chose my 80MM front wheel over the 48MM front wheel.
I did 35 minute warmup on the trainer, and then did a lap of the course, throwing in a couple of hard efforts to push up the heart rate. I timed it to arrive at the line with little time to spare before I started, because I didn't want to cool down. I hit that just right!
When I rolled off, I was still warm, and I came up off the saddle and gave it a good push - nothing super hard, just enough to get a dig and get things moving, and then I settled in.
The first lap felt good, quite comfortable, and I was pleased that I hadn't gone off too hard. The announcer didn't call a lap time for me, so I glanced at the GPS timer and guessed I was right around five minutes, perhaps less. Not terrible. I had lost a little time in the 90 degree turn to finish straight, because I had overtaken a rider in front of me, and I didn't get the line through the corner I wanted, so I slowed slightly. I kept the second lap pace as close to my first lap as I could. The third lap was to be a little harder, so I ramped it up a bit when I passed the start finish. I went a little too hard and had to back off a bit on the back section, and by then the wind started coming up. I lost a little time on that back section because of that. When I rounded the 90 degree corner, a rider who started well ahead of me caught me. She was OTS and pushing hard up the kicker, and I moved over so as not to catch any of her draft. She did give me impetus to ramp it up some, and I stayed close to her to the finish line. I stayed in it as hard as I could (and I could have gone harder, but I had the afternoon road race on my mind), trying to be smooth, and trying to keep the cadence high. I came OTS on the kicker, then gave it a big push to the line, coming OTS again at about 50 yards and sprinting for the finish.
I felt pretty good about that TT, I believed I had pretty much done what I had planned to do, although I was a little miffed that I hadn't been smoother and faster on my third lap.
I finished with a 20:04, 1 minute 33 seconds faster than last year, 15 seconds slower than Patti Wagner, but ahead of Gale McCall. It was good enough for second in my age group.
Women's 20K Road Race, M60-64
Second overall, first in my age category
This was held on the same course as the ITT and 40K road race. This time we were to do 8 laps. The wind, as it was the day before, would be a factor on that finish straight. The field had fleshed out some, with two more strong riders competing in the race, one, Christina De Bono in the 50-54 category, and Patti Wagner in the 60-64 category with me. Patti is a strong USAC racer, and I had raced against her last year, and the year before. Christina had turned in an excellent time trial the day before and again this day. So, I knew I had my work cut out for me!
We rolled off at the whistle (actually it was a bell!), and off Gale and LaNett and I went on a hard attack. We wanted to get separation, and we needed to gap the two other strong riders in the field. Well, it didn't work, they managed to latch on and we towed them off the front with us. So, we settled in and started working. The pace on the first four laps was pretty high. There was some concern that one of the group wasn't doing her share on the front, so with a little skullduggery, we managed to get that rider on to the front for a good long pull. At some point, I dropped a water bottle, and my immediate concern was that it wouldn't take another rider out - all turned out fine, though, no damage done.
I took a pull on the sixth lap, and I slowed us to a moderate pace on the back of the course and through the 90 degree turn and kicker. Gale took the pull from there, and we rolled across the line at a leisurely 19 MPH for the bell lap. We did not pick up the pace on that lap. I pulled off to the right and rode alongside Gale. At some point she asked me something and I said "let's just have some fun!". Patti was behind Gale, and LaNett was behind Patti. Christina was behind LaNett. Just before the 90 degree turn, LaNett went on the right, Gale grabbed her wheel, and I got Gale's. We drilled it single file through that turn, LaNett on the front, Gale second wheel, me third. We got separation on the other two riders, and we stayed in it. About 130 or so yards from the finish Gale blew, and I jumped left after a moment's hesitation. That hesitation was enough to get LaNett clear. I went hard, but I could see that even though I was closing, I wouldn't catch her. I didn't have enough room to catch her. She had made a TEXTBOOK move, and she took a very classy and well deserved win! I was second overall, first in my age category.
I have come a long way since last season. Some would say "no one shows up for Senior Games races". Not so! The tough riders may be low in number, but that makes for a small field. And that makes for a hard race, one where tactics come into play, and mistakes are amplified. I rode within myself, I rode smart, and I had really good success. And, I had a wonderful time!
Thanks for reading!
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
Last edited by sarals; 06-18-15 at 10:36 PM.
06-18-15, 02:11 PM
#3429
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That's great reading Sara. You have progressed well, just like Ex said you would. Congrats on a great and monumental weekend.
FYI, I qualify in the CT Masters Games, where all M50+ riders start together, and field sizes are no different than paying M50+ races.
FYI, I qualify in the CT Masters Games, where all M50+ riders start together, and field sizes are no different than paying M50+ races.
06-18-15, 02:13 PM
#3430
06-18-15, 03:04 PM
#3431
Old & Getting Older Racer
Thread Starter
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@sarals, one small correction which makes your results more impressive. The course is 1.73 miles, not 1.3 miles. 
Good seeing you yesterday and great racing.
Good seeing you yesterday and great racing.
__________________
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
06-18-15, 03:12 PM
#3432
meow
Join Date: Jan 2008
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@sarals Congrats. That is awesome and inspiring! I haven't visited BF much over the past few years. But, I've checked in a bit, here and there. I (think I) remember when you started and one can't help but note your hard work, pleasantness, energy, authenticity, and willingness to get out of your comfort zone, learn, and go for it. It's so cool to see what you've achieved!!! Again, congrats!!
06-18-15, 03:37 PM
#3433
So it is
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@sarals, that is flat out awesome! Well done!
06-18-15, 03:42 PM
#3434
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Sara - looks like you rode with a VENGEance! I'm almost as proud as Ex must be right now. I move that we all adjourn to IBOHUNT's place and pass around a jar in celebration!
I move that we all adjourn to IBOHUNT's place and pass around a jar in celebration!
__________________
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
06-18-15, 07:43 PM
#3436
Idiot Emeritus
LOL!!! Love the jar, love the car!!!
Thanks, all of you! It's been a slow progression, something all of you who have been at this for a while fully understand. For me, it's been well worth the pain, the effort, the angst, all of it. And then, there is all of YOU. You guys and gals were and are a huge part of why I've gotten to where I am now. Ex has done his part, oh he's amazing, but I've had help in other ways from so many of you!
And Cleave - I can't wait to read your race report! Specifically, the 20K! And you know what I'm talking about. I have to post that shameless selfie we took, too!
Thanks, all of you! It's been a slow progression, something all of you who have been at this for a while fully understand. For me, it's been well worth the pain, the effort, the angst, all of it. And then, there is all of YOU. You guys and gals were and are a huge part of why I've gotten to where I am now. Ex has done his part, oh he's amazing, but I've had help in other ways from so many of you!
And Cleave - I can't wait to read your race report! Specifically, the 20K! And you know what I'm talking about. I have to post that shameless selfie we took, too!
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
06-18-15, 07:59 PM
#3437
Tilting at Windmills
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I posted something along the lines of "one of these days sara, one of these days" awhile ago. Well, damned if you didn't prove me right. 
Congrats, and well done.
Congrats, and well done.
06-18-15, 10:14 PM
#3438
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A big part of the reason I said "ok" when Gary asked me to start coaching was to play with the process, and engage in something that might bring to other folks some of those moments I've been fortunate enough to experience in my own racing.
This is just more icing on a cake that so many folks have added to. So, so cool!
This is just more icing on a cake that so many folks have added to. So, so cool!
06-18-15, 10:24 PM
#3439
Idiot Emeritus
A big part of the reason I said "ok" when Gary asked me to start coaching was to play with the process, and engage in something that might bring to other folks some of those moments I've been fortunate enough to experience in my own racing.
This is just more icing on a cake that so many folks have added to. So, so cool!
This is just more icing on a cake that so many folks have added to. So, so cool!
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
06-18-15, 10:26 PM
#3440
Idiot Emeritus
Thank you, nacler!
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
06-18-15, 10:46 PM
#3441
Idiot Emeritus
20K RR finish.
40K RR finish. (I was getting ready to celebrate!)
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
06-19-15, 01:13 AM
#3442
Tilting at Windmills
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Nothing pompous about savoring a significant achievement. I would think that you agree however, that the achievement is best enjoyed with friends, so thanks for sharing it with us.
Now go get some more.
06-19-15, 05:00 AM
#3443
Senior Member
Pasadena Senior Games, June 16 and 17, El Dorado Park, Long Beach, CA
June 16 - Women's 40K Road Race, M60-64
First Overall
I had just won a race, not backed into a podium slot, not just won my age group. For the first time ever, I had won a race, and I had done it against two very capable, tough competitors.
June 16 - Women's 40K Road Race, M60-64
First Overall
I had just won a race, not backed into a podium slot, not just won my age group. For the first time ever, I had won a race, and I had done it against two very capable, tough competitors.
06-19-15, 10:23 AM
#3444
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Is there much better than the taste of victory after putting in the work to earn it?
Sara, what have you done for us lately? lol
06-19-15, 12:20 PM
#3446
Idiot Emeritus
06-20-15, 06:24 PM
#3448
Idiot Emeritus
06-20-15, 08:31 PM
#3449
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CO state tt champs. 40k TT. Sw3, DFL. ugh.
The brighter part of the day was that I met LAJ and rapwithtom in real life. They were getting ready and I was crushed from my effort, so it was a quick hello, but nice to meet them nonetheless.
The brighter part of the day was that I met LAJ and rapwithtom in real life. They were getting ready and I was crushed from my effort, so it was a quick hello, but nice to meet them nonetheless.
06-20-15, 09:37 PM
#3450
So it is
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It was my pleasure, valygrl. To be honest, I don't think I spoke with anyone that was happy with their efforts today. Crazy day.
14/29 starters, though over 30 registered? Weird.
I really felt good today, and was ready to do well. I went out slightly harder than I should have, but it seemed to be a headwind, so I planned on killing it on the way back. There were two corners, and two turn-arounds, and when I rode this a couple weeks ago, they were all sandy and gravely. They still looked shaky to me, so I know I lost some time there. Coming back, I struggled to maintain power. Off chasing butterflies, and not concentrating on the task at hand. I should have just been staring at the dang Garmin, and looking at the road be damned. Slowly faded, so I didn't break the hour I wanted as I missed it by 29 seconds. Something to shoot for next year. It was hot, it was breezy, and there were farmers making dust, and some parts of the course were stinky. I did leave it out there, as my average hr was bopping along at 174 for the hour, with a max of 181. I got back to the truck, and wasn't all there til I had my Recoverite and some more liquids.
The gentleman I report to was quite happy with my effort, so I'm happier now than I was. I have found the underlying feeling of every TT is the fact that I think I could have gone harder. Not immediately, but as I start replaying the thing, I realize different aspects of it that I think I can and should improve upon.
The upside is I made it through my races in June intact, so I get to go to Washington without a pair of crutches. The other upside is I get to go race Mount Evans after I get back. The downside is the descent on that rascal is horrid.
14/29 starters, though over 30 registered? Weird.
I really felt good today, and was ready to do well. I went out slightly harder than I should have, but it seemed to be a headwind, so I planned on killing it on the way back. There were two corners, and two turn-arounds, and when I rode this a couple weeks ago, they were all sandy and gravely. They still looked shaky to me, so I know I lost some time there. Coming back, I struggled to maintain power. Off chasing butterflies, and not concentrating on the task at hand. I should have just been staring at the dang Garmin, and looking at the road be damned. Slowly faded, so I didn't break the hour I wanted as I missed it by 29 seconds. Something to shoot for next year. It was hot, it was breezy, and there were farmers making dust, and some parts of the course were stinky. I did leave it out there, as my average hr was bopping along at 174 for the hour, with a max of 181. I got back to the truck, and wasn't all there til I had my Recoverite and some more liquids.
The gentleman I report to was quite happy with my effort, so I'm happier now than I was. I have found the underlying feeling of every TT is the fact that I think I could have gone harder. Not immediately, but as I start replaying the thing, I realize different aspects of it that I think I can and should improve upon.
The upside is I made it through my races in June intact, so I get to go to Washington without a pair of crutches. The other upside is I get to go race Mount Evans after I get back. The downside is the descent on that rascal is horrid.