shovelhd

How about the course itself along the Shoreway? Eastbound lanes only. So are they going to divide the lanes going in opposite directions? That's a lot of hay bales. I suspect we will see a similar setup as the Capital City criterium, where the official got plowed down by a racer because riders were coming in both directions on the same piece of road. This keeps getting worse. I need to find a phone number and talk to a human. This auto response email crap isn't being listened to.

sarals 

I hope to be at 2015, too...then there is that qualifying thing!

shovelhd

I am not changing my plans.

Racer Ex 

You are qualified now. They use results from the two years prior.

Im a 55 in 2015.

shovelhd

Me too. Breakaway.

sarals 

Excellent! Next year, then.

Cleave

I think it's the prior year. You qualify in 2014 for the 2015 National Games.
@Racer Ex, you're 55 in 2015? There's go one of the podium spot in each of the races.

sarals 

"Here and Now" on NPR just had a little piece on the Senior Games in Cleveland. They interviewed a cyclist and a marathoner. Both had things to say that really resonated with me! Heavens, how I wish I was in Cleveland with you all right now.

VanceMac

This week! Wow, this year is flying by. Good luck to everyone!

Allegheny Jet

Picked up my numbers on Saturday for next weekends races. Starting to get excited and looking forwards to competing. I'm in full taper mode and some of my short hard efforts have had really high power numbers that I have not seen so far this year.

shovelhd

Were you able to find out anything about the road course? How will the start go? Will all of the men line up together for a free for all or will they line up by age groups? Are numbers in separate series? Will there be time gaps between age groups? Will groups be combined? What about the finish, is it down a blocked-off Lakeside Avenue? Any idea where the finish line is?

sarals 

Hey, you guys, say hi to and give some love to Barb Gicquel for me - she's doing the 40K and 20K road races. Little gal on a Cervelo, Cleave knows who she is.

Allegheny Jet

I have made two phone calls and sent an email trying to find out anything about the race. So far, nothing. I'll post as soon as anyone replies. When I picked up my packet I looked at the finish straight. It looks like a decent place to end a race. If the race ends at the entrance to the Convention Center or City Hall the finish straight will be at lease 300 meters long and even if 1/2 the road is open there will still be 3 to 4 lanes of road.

Cleave

Hi, don't know what happened in Houston, but there were enough 50-54 and 55-59 guys in Palo Alto to have separate road races. I think 60-64 also had a separate race. Older than that, I'm not sure. The start together, scored separately thing really messes up race tactics IMHO.
@Allegheny Jet, you're doing the TTs and road races? @shovelhd, hope you have a safe and pleasant drive later this week.

Allegheny Jet

Cleave, I agree the past races at the NSG have had ample riders for multiple races up to the 70-74 groups. I am not doing the TT's since I took 5th in both the 5 and 10K races last summer. I would not have done them even if I was in the top 4 spots. I will do both road races at the NSG this weekend then go to Indy on Tuesday and race the 2K Pursuit and 500 TT at the Master's Nationals on Wed and Thur.

shovelhd

Most of my questions have been answered on the updated website.

We are off to see the Wizard.

AJ, PM your contact info to me. Maybe we can get together on Sunday night after everything is over.

Cleave

Took a look at the web site and saw that the fields for most of the age groups are impressively large. Should be some fun racing and a fun event. Looking forward to the race reports.

Racer Ex 

Got the word yesterday my TT guy won his age group. Waiting to hear about today.

There's the bar

AzTallRider

Texas TT guy?

shovelhd

The start/finish is rough and sketchy. Think Cav in the final stage. We have two numbers with a third that I think they want us to tape to the bike. Looks bizarre.

shovelhd

Had a nice meal at a local watering hole next to the Quicken Loans center. Watched some women's volleyball. The winning team was impressive. Wandering around, I feel young in this group. The hotel is nice. I have no idea where to do my workout tomorrow. Dont know what neighborhoods to stay out of. I don't want to ride the trainer in the hotel. Saturday morning looks like rain.

Cleave

@shovelhd, you know you can do this.

Any locals on the 33 who can give you advice?

Allegheny Jet

I live 35 minutes from downtown come out and ride with me. I don't work today. Other options are the Cleveland Metropark Parkways or the Ohio Canal Bikeway which is paved in the Northern end.

Racer Ex 

Yessir. Won again yesterday.

AzTallRider

Not surprised by that. Please pass on my congratulations.