SoCal needs a long "Race Report" thread
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 188
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 1265 Lombardi
Boy, it was interesting day at the Eldo for me today.
Before the race began, I knew there was going to be trouble with the road being wet from bit of sprinkles. I went up to the very front from the getgo. It wasn't bad until we hit the road paint on one of the corners. On the second lap, I think, I was behind one guy at the front making it out safe on this particular corner, which then I heard people going down. I anticipated this. It sounded like it wasn't very far off the front. After that people were little more careful.
Well then in somewhere middle of the race, all of a sudden a guy goes down, of course in front of me. I thought for sure he was going to take me down, I was almost positive in that split second, but some how I managed to bail to the grass, maneuvering in between concrete curb barriers. I just stood in the grass dumbfounded for a second then I noticed a another guy was there with me. We chuckled in disgust. I thought I shouldn't have seen this in front end of the pack.
We tried to catch back up to the pack. Made progress for a while (I was killing my self) but it wasn't happening. But then the 123 pack whizzed by and I hopped right in the back. It probably was against the rules but I said what the heck. It only training crit right? Speed wasn't fast as I thought it would be. I got bored. So, I start moving up, mingling with the "big" boys. I fully expected shat from the guys letting me know I was not supposed be with them,having white jersey number on my back instead of their green. Nobody said anything. Well then, I moved up even further. At one point I even dragged the pack up that little mole hill chasing after couple guys off the front. I was gassed after that and boy did I lose places quick, all the way to the back unlike in the 4/5s. One of the last guys at the back let me know I was in the wrong pack. I told him I am just going to sit behind and relax. I followed him in the rear. Looked like he was barely hanging on and had nerve to tell me I was in the wrong place? Of course I was. Its a training race. Did I tell ya people take this seriously?
Eventually, 123 pack caught up with the 4/5s. I hopped right back out into where I belong. I finished right behind OC Roadie. I was hoping he would drag me up to the front for the win but the traffic didnt allow him to.
Before the race began, I knew there was going to be trouble with the road being wet from bit of sprinkles. I went up to the very front from the getgo. It wasn't bad until we hit the road paint on one of the corners. On the second lap, I think, I was behind one guy at the front making it out safe on this particular corner, which then I heard people going down. I anticipated this. It sounded like it wasn't very far off the front. After that people were little more careful.
Well then in somewhere middle of the race, all of a sudden a guy goes down, of course in front of me. I thought for sure he was going to take me down, I was almost positive in that split second, but some how I managed to bail to the grass, maneuvering in between concrete curb barriers. I just stood in the grass dumbfounded for a second then I noticed a another guy was there with me. We chuckled in disgust. I thought I shouldn't have seen this in front end of the pack.
We tried to catch back up to the pack. Made progress for a while (I was killing my self) but it wasn't happening. But then the 123 pack whizzed by and I hopped right in the back. It probably was against the rules but I said what the heck. It only training crit right? Speed wasn't fast as I thought it would be. I got bored. So, I start moving up, mingling with the "big" boys. I fully expected shat from the guys letting me know I was not supposed be with them,having white jersey number on my back instead of their green. Nobody said anything. Well then, I moved up even further. At one point I even dragged the pack up that little mole hill chasing after couple guys off the front. I was gassed after that and boy did I lose places quick, all the way to the back unlike in the 4/5s. One of the last guys at the back let me know I was in the wrong pack. I told him I am just going to sit behind and relax. I followed him in the rear. Looked like he was barely hanging on and had nerve to tell me I was in the wrong place? Of course I was. Its a training race. Did I tell ya people take this seriously?
Eventually, 123 pack caught up with the 4/5s. I hopped right back out into where I belong. I finished right behind OC Roadie. I was hoping he would drag me up to the front for the win but the traffic didnt allow him to.
you should have told him to "eat it" better yet, get in front of this poser, then allow a 4-5 bike leenght gap open between you and the pack, then sprint= you could have easily dropped him! ;-)))))
#52
Old & Getting Older Racer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,343
Bikes: Bicycle Transportation: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
Originally Posted by 1265 Lombardi
Boy, it was interesting day at the Eldo for me today.
It wasn't bad until we hit the road paint on one of the corners. On the second lap, I think, I was behind one guy at the front making it out safe on this particular corner, which then I heard people going down. I anticipated this. It sounded like it wasn't very far off the front. After that people were little more careful.
Well then in somewhere middle of the race, all of a sudden a guy goes down, of course in front of me. I thought for sure he was going to take me down, I was almost positive in that split second, but some how I managed to bail to the grass, maneuvering in between concrete curb barriers. I just stood in the grass dumbfounded for a second then I noticed a another guy was there with me. We chuckled in disgust. I thought I shouldn't have seen this in front end of the pack.
It wasn't bad until we hit the road paint on one of the corners. On the second lap, I think, I was behind one guy at the front making it out safe on this particular corner, which then I heard people going down. I anticipated this. It sounded like it wasn't very far off the front. After that people were little more careful.
Well then in somewhere middle of the race, all of a sudden a guy goes down, of course in front of me. I thought for sure he was going to take me down, I was almost positive in that split second, but some how I managed to bail to the grass, maneuvering in between concrete curb barriers. I just stood in the grass dumbfounded for a second then I noticed a another guy was there with me. We chuckled in disgust. I thought I shouldn't have seen this in front end of the pack.
__________________
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/
#53
Last LA King's Fan
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Margaritaville , OC
Posts: 106
Bikes: Trek Madone 5.9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 53x11
you should have told him to "eat it" better yet, get in front of this poser, then allow a 4-5 bike leenght gap open between you and the pack, then sprint= you could have easily dropped him! ;-)))))
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Al, CA
Posts: 299
Bikes: Van Dessle , De Rosa Avant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cleave
Joshua, you've had quite an eventful 24 hours. I drove to the neighborhood where I usually park and another Masters racer was unloading. As we were unloading we both started talking about how crazy it was to ride in weather like this. Next thing I knew he was packing up and said goodbye. As I'm standing there I realized that I couldn't see out of my glasses (which are prescription) so I said, "What the..." and left too.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Al, CA
Posts: 299
Bikes: Van Dessle , De Rosa Avant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Groupetto
Your kidding right ? I may be missing the humor. Email Chris Lotz and copy me on his response
#57
re-cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Claremont, CA
Posts: 201
Bikes: Fuji Team Issue, GT tandem, Couture (bet you never heard of this one)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm going to try to make it to the Rose Bowl this evening for the first time. Does anyone know where/when the ride starts and which parking lot to park in?
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Pasadena CA
Posts: 436
Bikes: Arnold
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You want to park in Parking Lot K, which is at the SE corner of the bowl loop road. It rolls out at 5:55 sharp, but if you miss it, you just jump in on the next lap.
See you out there
See you out there
#60
re-cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Claremont, CA
Posts: 201
Bikes: Fuji Team Issue, GT tandem, Couture (bet you never heard of this one)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's every Tues and Thursday. It's also a bit controversial these days and thee are reports the city may try to shut it down, but I also understand this comes up every couple of years or so. One of my secretaries is a born and raised Pasadenite and longtime Rose Bowl evening walker. I get to hear the non-cyclist point of view on the Tues/Thurs ride at length.
In any case, I thought it was a great ride. Not overly fast - I think the average was 26/27 mph. People definitely started getting squirrely on the last two laps as the back markers started to make their plays for the "win", and of course the one crash occurred on the last corner of the last lap. It sure seemed safer at the pointy end of the pack, but a good portion of two laps of that was enough for me.
Anyone else end up going?
In any case, I thought it was a great ride. Not overly fast - I think the average was 26/27 mph. People definitely started getting squirrely on the last two laps as the back markers started to make their plays for the "win", and of course the one crash occurred on the last corner of the last lap. It sure seemed safer at the pointy end of the pack, but a good portion of two laps of that was enough for me.
Anyone else end up going?
#61
Senior Member
Cool. I might be able to make it out there one of these days. Is this an official club ride organized by someone...or is it more an impromptu race that grew legs all by itself?
#62
re-cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Claremont, CA
Posts: 201
Bikes: Fuji Team Issue, GT tandem, Couture (bet you never heard of this one)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Some club or LBS might have had something to do with it way back when and someone may claim some ownership, but as I understand it, it is pretty much just one of the half dozen or so ages old SoCal rides that have a life of their own - like Bud's, Montrose, Como st. and others.
All of these are great rides (I haven't done them all), and they can be fantastic training rides, but they do attract riders with a wide range of skill and sensibilities. It seems that for some riders, these rides are their racing season, and it often shows. For many, racers or not, they're just a great way to get in some fairly intense high speed pack riding miles. If you want to ride next to some of the best Pro/I/II racers around, spend some time at the front end of the pack of any of these rides.
All of these are great rides (I haven't done them all), and they can be fantastic training rides, but they do attract riders with a wide range of skill and sensibilities. It seems that for some riders, these rides are their racing season, and it often shows. For many, racers or not, they're just a great way to get in some fairly intense high speed pack riding miles. If you want to ride next to some of the best Pro/I/II racers around, spend some time at the front end of the pack of any of these rides.
#63
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
today was interesting, it was my first Roadie race and what an eye opener it was. My training has kinda sucked the last few months so I ramped up during this week to prevent getting dropped on the first lap. I race the Cat5 crits @ Redlands this morning and it was a good measuring stick for me. 40 racer showed to the line of the sold out 50. I took Mandy's advice on trying to stay in the front 1/3 heading into the first corner, my team was around me and the pace was just brutal. I was in my upper end gears and pretty much stayed there. I hung on for 3 complete laps and got dropped from the pack on the 4th on the backside of the track. Race marshells let those dropped stay on the course so I used the rest of the remaining time as training, and trying to make smooth yet high speed lines through the corners. I gave it all I got, got dropped, now I need to train harder and put sprints into my program.
After the race I headed over to the park to try and catch up with the BA preview group, I caught them as they just off Oak Glen onto Bryant and talked at the ranger station. I continued up the 38 for about 30-45 minutes for my legs weren't having it........I was done, nothing was left in the tank today after just 2 hrs of climbing the grade + the race. I met up with Mandy and grabbed my bag then hualed butt back to the car enjoying the DH. My legs were hurting good by the time I got there and on the drive back home. Disappointed that I couldn't do the part of the BA ride with the group but I hope they understand
After the race I headed over to the park to try and catch up with the BA preview group, I caught them as they just off Oak Glen onto Bryant and talked at the ranger station. I continued up the 38 for about 30-45 minutes for my legs weren't having it........I was done, nothing was left in the tank today after just 2 hrs of climbing the grade + the race. I met up with Mandy and grabbed my bag then hualed butt back to the car enjoying the DH. My legs were hurting good by the time I got there and on the drive back home. Disappointed that I couldn't do the part of the BA ride with the group but I hope they understand
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#64
Last LA King's Fan
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Margaritaville , OC
Posts: 106
Bikes: Trek Madone 5.9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am sure everyone will be posting their take on the LA Circuit Race as soon as they have had a chance to figure that out. Todays 35 plus race was a real adventure. I dont know the numbers but it seemed pretty full. From the get go those teams going for MCL points were putting ones and two's up the road. I was using this race for some speed endurance work so if the break cracked infront of me I would go, but tried to keep my nose clean.
After a number of attempts a group got off and it looked like it just may stick. About ten guys and the right type of teams in it. The pace was fast. Strong tailwinds made the uphill speeds push over 32mph. Once you turned at the bottom that tailwind was waiting for you..look down and see you are going 22. All day you could move up if you didnt mind the wind.
It looked like the break may get caught when in front of the S/F someone dove into the cones/haybales/stage etc and that sent bikes everywhere. This was the first time i saw a bike launch over people heads. The pace just before was fast and the racing was a little aggressive nothing out of the ordinary. I had nowhere to go since it happend in the front third and I went under the lap cards..least I think. I came out of the otherside to see small group beginning to chase the "lucky ones".
With some help and some class riding by the "lucky ones" I was able to catch up..only to be completely fragged. I love the silence that can happen after something like that happens. Riders trying to figure out what just happened
Someone looked at me and said "What the hell just happend"..my response .."Not sure".
Anyway the incident was soon forgotten once the pace picked back up. We never caught the break..good for them !
After a number of attempts a group got off and it looked like it just may stick. About ten guys and the right type of teams in it. The pace was fast. Strong tailwinds made the uphill speeds push over 32mph. Once you turned at the bottom that tailwind was waiting for you..look down and see you are going 22. All day you could move up if you didnt mind the wind.
It looked like the break may get caught when in front of the S/F someone dove into the cones/haybales/stage etc and that sent bikes everywhere. This was the first time i saw a bike launch over people heads. The pace just before was fast and the racing was a little aggressive nothing out of the ordinary. I had nowhere to go since it happend in the front third and I went under the lap cards..least I think. I came out of the otherside to see small group beginning to chase the "lucky ones".
With some help and some class riding by the "lucky ones" I was able to catch up..only to be completely fragged. I love the silence that can happen after something like that happens. Riders trying to figure out what just happened
Someone looked at me and said "What the hell just happend"..my response .."Not sure".
Anyway the incident was soon forgotten once the pace picked back up. We never caught the break..good for them !
#65
Last LA King's Fan
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Margaritaville , OC
Posts: 106
Bikes: Trek Madone 5.9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jsigone
today was interesting, it was my first Roadie race and what an eye opener it was. My training has kinda sucked the last few months so I ramped up during this week to prevent getting dropped on the first lap. I race the Cat5 crits @ Redlands this morning and it was a good measuring stick for me. 40 racer showed to the line of the sold out 50. I took Mandy's advice on trying to stay in the front 1/3 heading into the first corner, my team was around me and the pace was just brutal. I was in my upper end gears and pretty much stayed there. I hung on for 3 complete laps and got dropped from the pack on the 4th on the backside of the track. Race marshells let those dropped stay on the course so I used the rest of the remaining time as training, and trying to make smooth yet high speed lines through the corners. I gave it all I got, got dropped, now I need to train harder and put sprints into my program.
After the race I headed over to the park to try and catch up with the BA preview group, I caught them as they just off Oak Glen onto Bryant and talked at the ranger station. I continued up the 38 for about 30-45 minutes for my legs weren't having it........I was done, nothing was left in the tank today after just 2 hrs of climbing the grade + the race. I met up with Mandy and grabbed my bag then hualed butt back to the car enjoying the DH. My legs were hurting good by the time I got there and on the drive back home. Disappointed that I couldn't do the part of the BA ride with the group but I hope they understand
After the race I headed over to the park to try and catch up with the BA preview group, I caught them as they just off Oak Glen onto Bryant and talked at the ranger station. I continued up the 38 for about 30-45 minutes for my legs weren't having it........I was done, nothing was left in the tank today after just 2 hrs of climbing the grade + the race. I met up with Mandy and grabbed my bag then hualed butt back to the car enjoying the DH. My legs were hurting good by the time I got there and on the drive back home. Disappointed that I couldn't do the part of the BA ride with the group but I hope they understand
Try to find midweek or training crits to get up to speed. Just doing sprint intervals will only help so much.
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Al, CA
Posts: 299
Bikes: Van Dessle , De Rosa Avant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Redlands Crit was fun but tough. A bit more technical course then your usual four corner crit, five turn half arrow shaped, almost flat course. Pace was fast and it didnt seem like it let up during the race. I was surprise to see maybe only 30-35ish riders. By far the smallest pack I raced with in socal. Which was fine. It would have been hell trying to navigate this course with a large pack. I was content sitting in the back cause I was hurting pretty good already and I knew I was up for torture fest afterwards with the SoCal group going up to Onix Summit. No crashes, most everyone looked like they knew what they were doing. I was just happy to come in with the pack.
Last edited by 1265 Lombardi; 03-25-07 at 10:56 PM.
#67
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
Originally Posted by Groupetto
Redlands is harder crit than usual. You did great. Because it is tight and technical it is fast. If you stuck around to watch the other cat's you would also see people getting pulled left and right. You have to start fast and stay upfront for at least the first 5-10 laps. The pace after that usually slows.
Try to find midweek or training crits to get up to speed. Just doing sprint intervals will only help so much.
Try to find midweek or training crits to get up to speed. Just doing sprint intervals will only help so much.
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#68
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
Originally Posted by 1265 Lombardi
Redlands Crit was fun but tough. A bit more technical course then your usual four corner crit, five turn half arrow shaped, almost flat course. Pace was fast and it didnt seem like it let up during the race. I was surprise to see maybe only 30-35ish riders. By far the smallest pack I raced with in socal. Which was fine. It would have been hell trying to navigate this course with a large pack. I was content sitting in the back cause I was hurting pretty good already and I knew I was up for torture fest afterwards with the SoCal group going up to Onix Summit. No crashes, most everyone looked like they knew what they are doing. I was just happy to come in with the pack.
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Al, CA
Posts: 299
Bikes: Van Dessle , De Rosa Avant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Groupetto
I am sure everyone will be posting their take on the LA Circuit Race as soon as they have had a chance to figure that out. Todays 35 plus race was a real adventure. I dont know the numbers but it seemed pretty full. From the get go those teams going for MCL points were putting ones and two's up the road. I was using this race for some speed endurance work so if the break cracked infront of me I would go, but tried to keep my nose clean.
After a number of attempts a group got off and it looked like it just may stick. About ten guys and the right type of teams in it. The pace was fast. Strong tailwinds made the uphill speeds push over 32mph. Once you turned at the bottom that tailwind was waiting for you..look down and see you are going 22. All day you could move up if you didnt mind the wind.
It looked like the break may get caught when in front of the S/F someone dove into the cones/haybales/stage etc and that sent bikes everywhere. This was the first time i saw a bike launch over people heads. The pace just before was fast and the racing was a little aggressive nothing out of the ordinary. I had nowhere to go since it happend in the front third and I went under the lap cards..least I think. I came out of the otherside to see small group beginning to chase the "lucky ones".
With some help and some class riding by the "lucky ones" I was able to catch up..only to be completely fragged. I love the silence that can happen after something like that happens. Riders trying to figure out what just happened
Someone looked at me and said "What the hell just happend"..my response .."Not sure".
Anyway the incident was soon forgotten once the pace picked back up. We never caught the break..good for them !
After a number of attempts a group got off and it looked like it just may stick. About ten guys and the right type of teams in it. The pace was fast. Strong tailwinds made the uphill speeds push over 32mph. Once you turned at the bottom that tailwind was waiting for you..look down and see you are going 22. All day you could move up if you didnt mind the wind.
It looked like the break may get caught when in front of the S/F someone dove into the cones/haybales/stage etc and that sent bikes everywhere. This was the first time i saw a bike launch over people heads. The pace just before was fast and the racing was a little aggressive nothing out of the ordinary. I had nowhere to go since it happend in the front third and I went under the lap cards..least I think. I came out of the otherside to see small group beginning to chase the "lucky ones".
With some help and some class riding by the "lucky ones" I was able to catch up..only to be completely fragged. I love the silence that can happen after something like that happens. Riders trying to figure out what just happened
Someone looked at me and said "What the hell just happend"..my response .."Not sure".
Anyway the incident was soon forgotten once the pace picked back up. We never caught the break..good for them !
Everyone must been at this race because nobody was at Redlands Crit.
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Los Al, CA
Posts: 299
Bikes: Van Dessle , De Rosa Avant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jsigone
thanks for cheering me on through my suffer fest on the block
#71
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
it was a very good eye opener for me, so I have alot more work to do before the next one.
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#72
re-cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Claremont, CA
Posts: 201
Bikes: Fuji Team Issue, GT tandem, Couture (bet you never heard of this one)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So, who's doing what this weekend? I'll be in the 45+ group at Indo on Saturday and at the Piru TT on Sunday. If I get done in time on Sunday and have any legs left I may try to head down for the 30+ crit at DH.
#73
Old & Getting Older Racer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,343
Bikes: Bicycle Transportation: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
L.A. Circuit Race -- Masters 45+
Well, I ended up racing in the Masters 45+, Cat. 1-4 race with 3 other teammates [Edit: at the LA Circuit Race on the northern border of LAX] -- very unusual for our club. First race since the Long Beach race prior to the ToC stage.
Got a good warm up on the road -- nice to not to have to use rollers -- and got to the line with just the right amount of time to spare. Got a good position on the line and got a good start. Was in the top 20 coming out of turn 1 and held my position into turn 2. Then came the fun and games.
[Standing on soapbox] There are too many people reading and hearing that you have to stay in the top 20 who don't understand that if you're in the top 20 that you need to pull once in a while. These guys will fight you tooth and nail for a wheel but heaven forbid that they end up, through no intent of their own, at the front of the pack. I mean brakes weren't designed to be used to keep you from having to make even a token pull. [Soapbox put away]
So, there I am at mid-pack for a while with these knuckleheads and then I drift back and find a friend. We end up hanging back there for a couple of laps chatting about the race and life in general.
My plan with my teammates was to take a flyer coming out of turn 1 just after getting two to go. Instead, it took me a little longer to work my way to the front than I thought so I took a flyer coming out of turn 2 heading for the bell. Actually ended up chasing down this guy and even though I purposely slowed when I went past he didn't initially get on my wheel. I slowed down and gave him that forlorn, are you coming or not, look and he gassed it enough to get on my wheel.
[Short soliloquy] When you are off the front near the end of the race don't bother looking back because it doesn't matter at that point how close they are -- you are committed to the break. [End soliloquy]
So we're working it down the straight and don't get the bell (did I mis-read the lap cards on the previous lap?). We keep at it trading the lead a couple of times when this other guy comes flying up. I skip a pull and then we hit turn 1 with me at the front. I throw the bike over and am psyched that I'm flying through the corner at warp speed. Then I see that the front of the pack is hitting the corner right behind us. My breakaway companions sit up but I gas it again and get back into the pack at near the front. As we go past the S/F line they decide to ring the bell and tell us over the PA system that we are truly on our last lap.
Time for more fun and games. Since I have to go to work to earn a living, I decide to let the knuckleheads fight it out for a wheel and drift back a bit. Coming out of turn 2 someone almost comes down on me at the exit so I say if 30th is that important to you go for it.
I sit up instead of trying to jump to the front to help with any leadouts for my teammates.
I stayed upright, tried an attack, got a reasonable workout, and got mad at the knuckleheads. All in all, another typical SoCal Masters race for me.
Edit: BTW, for this to make some sense, the course was a four mile loop -- two miles up one side of a "highway" and then two miles back down. The S/F line was about mid-way down one of the straights.
Got a good warm up on the road -- nice to not to have to use rollers -- and got to the line with just the right amount of time to spare. Got a good position on the line and got a good start. Was in the top 20 coming out of turn 1 and held my position into turn 2. Then came the fun and games.
[Standing on soapbox] There are too many people reading and hearing that you have to stay in the top 20 who don't understand that if you're in the top 20 that you need to pull once in a while. These guys will fight you tooth and nail for a wheel but heaven forbid that they end up, through no intent of their own, at the front of the pack. I mean brakes weren't designed to be used to keep you from having to make even a token pull. [Soapbox put away]
So, there I am at mid-pack for a while with these knuckleheads and then I drift back and find a friend. We end up hanging back there for a couple of laps chatting about the race and life in general.
My plan with my teammates was to take a flyer coming out of turn 1 just after getting two to go. Instead, it took me a little longer to work my way to the front than I thought so I took a flyer coming out of turn 2 heading for the bell. Actually ended up chasing down this guy and even though I purposely slowed when I went past he didn't initially get on my wheel. I slowed down and gave him that forlorn, are you coming or not, look and he gassed it enough to get on my wheel.
[Short soliloquy] When you are off the front near the end of the race don't bother looking back because it doesn't matter at that point how close they are -- you are committed to the break. [End soliloquy]
So we're working it down the straight and don't get the bell (did I mis-read the lap cards on the previous lap?). We keep at it trading the lead a couple of times when this other guy comes flying up. I skip a pull and then we hit turn 1 with me at the front. I throw the bike over and am psyched that I'm flying through the corner at warp speed. Then I see that the front of the pack is hitting the corner right behind us. My breakaway companions sit up but I gas it again and get back into the pack at near the front. As we go past the S/F line they decide to ring the bell and tell us over the PA system that we are truly on our last lap.
Time for more fun and games. Since I have to go to work to earn a living, I decide to let the knuckleheads fight it out for a wheel and drift back a bit. Coming out of turn 2 someone almost comes down on me at the exit so I say if 30th is that important to you go for it.
I sit up instead of trying to jump to the front to help with any leadouts for my teammates.
I stayed upright, tried an attack, got a reasonable workout, and got mad at the knuckleheads. All in all, another typical SoCal Masters race for me.
Edit: BTW, for this to make some sense, the course was a four mile loop -- two miles up one side of a "highway" and then two miles back down. The S/F line was about mid-way down one of the straights.
__________________
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/
Last edited by Cleave; 03-26-07 at 09:24 PM.
#74
Old & Getting Older Racer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,343
Bikes: Bicycle Transportation: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
Originally Posted by genedoc
So, who's doing what this weekend? I'll be in the 45+ group at Indo on Saturday and at the Piru TT on Sunday. If I get done in time on Sunday and have any legs left I may try to head down for the 30+ crit at DH.
Not sure what I'm going to do this weekend. I need to race on my TT bike so I may be at Piru. Otherwise, I'll be doing some kind of prep ride for the Mulholland Challenge on Sunday. Watching Little League will keep me away from Indio on Saturday.
__________________
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/
#75
Out of Commission
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,272
Bikes: Felt FC, S-Works Roubaix, Epic Comp, Cyfac Proxidium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ojai for me this weekend. Cat 4/5's and Masters 35+.
__________________
If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, then come sit next to me.
If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, then come sit next to me.