congrats man. after a season of racing 5s to eventually 4s I was a better/stronger cyclist in one year than after 7 years of riding by myself or with recreational groups combined. You are on your way.
congrats man. after a season of racing 5s to eventually 4s I was a better/stronger cyclist in one year than after 7 years of riding by myself or with recreational groups combined. You are on your way.
That's really good to hear. Definitely inspiring. The race was legitimately more intense than any training I've done so far. I can see how it would have quite an effect. I can't wait to see some results. I'm so ready to de-clyde myself.Originally Posted by save10
I'd suck that wheel, with my head down and legs pumping, hiding as much of my big non-aero body as I could get behind his slippery self, for as long as I possibly could. He could wag his elbow all day and I'd never budge!
On the whole 'stay on the front' thing - there is a tendency when you first start out to not want to mix it up with the pack, to just hang near the back to get a feel for what is happening. Many riders do that despite the advice they receive. Others go for it more. You learn a lot either way. One thing I've found personally, is that making a decision up front - having a clear plan for a race - enables you to overcome misgivings that might pop up. So, if you want to learn to be up front, decide to do that in advance, visualize it, and then make it happen. Ditto for hanging on in the back. Visualize what it will be like, then go do it. "Reading the race" to determine what to do requires the experience and skill Hermes has described. So consider saving that for later, and practice following a definite race plan.
There was this little sticky uphill, I said "Now or never now or never. Everybody is hurting, I got to go now." - Jens
Race #2: I PASSED SOMEONE. I got dropped right out of the gate because some genuinely unstable riders pushed me almost off course. I was extremely disappointed. Had to brake very hard to avoid eating soil. By the time I had recovered and gotten back on the gas, the group was gone. However, I was still feeling strong and pushed myself harder than last race. I was fortunate enough to push hard enough to catch and pass another dropped rider. This was the most exhilarating thing I think I've ever done. Watching him struggle as I pushed by unlocked a sick dark place in my heart.
I am loving this. Surgery next month means I won't get to enter two races I had planned to race, but in June there are two more and I plan to be much stronger by then.
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