The Race Report Thread 2009-2012
02-11-12, 11:59 AM
#9651
soft pedal zen
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"Race for Humanity" San Antonio RR. Cat 5.
Undoubtedly the least amount of fun I've had on a bike. I got there about 50 minutes before my start time, but waited in line to register for about 48 minutes because they were having problems with the computers. I had just enough time to change, completely botch putting my number on, and forget my gloves and computer because they were lining everyone up. No warm up, of course. Crash within the first 5 minutes near the back... right in front of me. Took out most of the road. I came to a near stop and rode through the grass, then I had to bridge the gap on the field. We make a turn, then a left turn. Announcer said "right turns only" before the race, so there was some confusion. One guy yells, "We're off the course!!" and I hear the official honking his motorcycle so I sit up and fall to the back. We weren't off the course. We get to the first decent hill. I give my only teammate some last resort encouragement as he's falling off. I keep it steady with the guys around me, we crest the hill, and I realize that the group I'm with has fallen off the back. I burn it downhill and in the flat to catch the field. Caught them, completely spent. Then about 6 guys around me fall off and I didn't respond in time. Burnt myself trying to catch the field again and gave up. Went to my car, realized there's a huge crack in my seat tube cluster. Fantastic. Time for a new frame... or a new hobby?
/nobodycares
Undoubtedly the least amount of fun I've had on a bike. I got there about 50 minutes before my start time, but waited in line to register for about 48 minutes because they were having problems with the computers. I had just enough time to change, completely botch putting my number on, and forget my gloves and computer because they were lining everyone up. No warm up, of course. Crash within the first 5 minutes near the back... right in front of me. Took out most of the road. I came to a near stop and rode through the grass, then I had to bridge the gap on the field. We make a turn, then a left turn. Announcer said "right turns only" before the race, so there was some confusion. One guy yells, "We're off the course!!" and I hear the official honking his motorcycle so I sit up and fall to the back. We weren't off the course. We get to the first decent hill. I give my only teammate some last resort encouragement as he's falling off. I keep it steady with the guys around me, we crest the hill, and I realize that the group I'm with has fallen off the back. I burn it downhill and in the flat to catch the field. Caught them, completely spent. Then about 6 guys around me fall off and I didn't respond in time. Burnt myself trying to catch the field again and gave up. Went to my car, realized there's a huge crack in my seat tube cluster. Fantastic. Time for a new frame... or a new hobby?
/nobodycares
Last edited by Higher Class; 02-11-12 at 12:11 PM.
02-11-12, 01:13 PM
#9653
Elite Fred
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There will be better days.
02-11-12, 02:10 PM
#9654
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Sounds frustrating, but at least you didn't wreck (some guys probably had worse days). It's early in the year and it sounds like you got some good work in, nice job. The frame thing sucks, maybe something covered under warranty?
02-11-12, 04:15 PM
#9655
soft pedal zen
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I would like to augment my initial report with the fact that it was BLEEDIN' WINDY today.
02-11-12, 05:03 PM
#9656
Not actually Tmonk
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get ur frame warrantied if u can ofc.
u can ride your fg in the mean time and there will always be more races.
u can ride your fg in the mean time and there will always be more races.
__________________
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
02-11-12, 05:10 PM
#9657
Dazed and Confused
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Race for humanity road race cat 4
Raced the cat 4 today. Felt really good in the race staying in the top 15 in the field of over 65. Middle of race rear tire goes flat. I put y hand up and move across the road to opposite lane so wheeltruck sees me. I look back no wheedle truck. WHAT THE HECK I SAID! Had slow leak person on side of road put enough air to get me back to finish. After race I find out wheeltruck gave some riders a lift in that couldn't continue while I lost a excellent position and chance for another top 10. Wheel truck apologized and I go subject myself to more punishment by doubling back in the 30+ (my first 30+) race. Hung in there almost the whole race only to get dropped with a few miles to go. Another 60+ man field. A great training day is all it turned into with wind gusts approaching 30-40mph.. I did try to chase back to the group but after being stopped for 5/7 minutes that was a lost cause in the hills. Oh well I didn't wreck and there's always next week. I wander how id finish in 30+ if I didn't do cat 3/4 race before?
Raced the cat 4 today. Felt really good in the race staying in the top 15 in the field of over 65. Middle of race rear tire goes flat. I put y hand up and move across the road to opposite lane so wheeltruck sees me. I look back no wheedle truck. WHAT THE HECK I SAID! Had slow leak person on side of road put enough air to get me back to finish. After race I find out wheeltruck gave some riders a lift in that couldn't continue while I lost a excellent position and chance for another top 10. Wheel truck apologized and I go subject myself to more punishment by doubling back in the 30+ (my first 30+) race. Hung in there almost the whole race only to get dropped with a few miles to go. Another 60+ man field. A great training day is all it turned into with wind gusts approaching 30-40mph.. I did try to chase back to the group but after being stopped for 5/7 minutes that was a lost cause in the hills. Oh well I didn't wreck and there's always next week. I wander how id finish in 30+ if I didn't do cat 3/4 race before?
02-11-12, 05:41 PM
#9658
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CBC Snowcone Training Race Series #2, Richmond, VA:
This was my 2nd attempt at a crit in my new found cat5ness. Weather was looking a little iffy, so some people didn't show up. The field of 70 registered ended up with 61 starts. Weather ended up holding for the Cat 4/5 race. I don't know how well it held out for the 1/2/3/4 race, but I hope it did.
This week, my goal was to finish with the group. Last time I ended up a lap down, and I learned the need to place myself a bit further up in the field. Goal was attained, and I did finish with the group, probably about mid pack. This week I learned I need to be a little more assertive in holding my position. I'd end up behind or next to some sketch riders, and they'd either take an inside line through a turn and come out wide and push me off my line, or ended up hard on the brakes and it was either on the brakes for me or plow into them. The race was a total brake fest, to the point that the smell of brake pads was quite strong in the air. So, I ended up spending a lot of time in the back half of the field for most of the race. Definitely did more work than I needed to. I was able to move up the last 2 laps, so I need to work on something similar, and then hold it.
Next time, I need to get positioned even further up in the field, so I don't end up behind the bunched up brake fest, and hopefully on the wheel of someone I can follow a bit more smoothly through the corners. Little steps. I've definitely come out of each race having learned something. Now I just need to apply it.
And my computer died right before the start, so I didn't end up with any data on the ride. That in and of itself wasn't horrible, but not knowing how far into the race time we were sucked.
This was my 2nd attempt at a crit in my new found cat5ness. Weather was looking a little iffy, so some people didn't show up. The field of 70 registered ended up with 61 starts. Weather ended up holding for the Cat 4/5 race. I don't know how well it held out for the 1/2/3/4 race, but I hope it did.
This week, my goal was to finish with the group. Last time I ended up a lap down, and I learned the need to place myself a bit further up in the field. Goal was attained, and I did finish with the group, probably about mid pack. This week I learned I need to be a little more assertive in holding my position. I'd end up behind or next to some sketch riders, and they'd either take an inside line through a turn and come out wide and push me off my line, or ended up hard on the brakes and it was either on the brakes for me or plow into them. The race was a total brake fest, to the point that the smell of brake pads was quite strong in the air. So, I ended up spending a lot of time in the back half of the field for most of the race. Definitely did more work than I needed to. I was able to move up the last 2 laps, so I need to work on something similar, and then hold it.
Next time, I need to get positioned even further up in the field, so I don't end up behind the bunched up brake fest, and hopefully on the wheel of someone I can follow a bit more smoothly through the corners. Little steps. I've definitely come out of each race having learned something. Now I just need to apply it.
And my computer died right before the start, so I didn't end up with any data on the ride. That in and of itself wasn't horrible, but not knowing how far into the race time we were sucked.
__________________
02-11-12, 07:51 PM
#9659
Senior Member
NCSU Road Race Day 1 Collegiate Bs (3/4):
flat, windy course. four 11 mile laps. I really didn't want to let it come down to a group sprint. spent a lot of time attacking and off the front. seemed like there were less than 10 guys who wanted to do anything hard today. spent almost the complete 2nd lap otf (half solo, half with a group of 4) but we eventually got caught. with 7 to go a unc rider attacked. someone in the field said "let him go, he'll never last through the headwind" when I heard that I decided I had to try and go with him so I bridged up to him and we worked very smoothly for the rest of the race. fudged the tactics in the last 400m and ended up 2nd. I'm very happy for my first B race, but still a little upset as this is the 3rd time I've gotten 2nd out of a 2 man break. all in all a good day though.
flat, windy course. four 11 mile laps. I really didn't want to let it come down to a group sprint. spent a lot of time attacking and off the front. seemed like there were less than 10 guys who wanted to do anything hard today. spent almost the complete 2nd lap otf (half solo, half with a group of 4) but we eventually got caught. with 7 to go a unc rider attacked. someone in the field said "let him go, he'll never last through the headwind" when I heard that I decided I had to try and go with him so I bridged up to him and we worked very smoothly for the rest of the race. fudged the tactics in the last 400m and ended up 2nd. I'm very happy for my first B race, but still a little upset as this is the 3rd time I've gotten 2nd out of a 2 man break. all in all a good day though.
02-11-12, 07:59 PM
#9660
fuggitivo solitario
dude, congrats. you didn't open your winning account, but you sure did open your upgrade account. 6/20. Chapeau
02-11-12, 08:04 PM
#9661
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Nicely done, Mikey. The wins will come.
02-11-12, 08:05 PM
#9662
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NCSU Road Race Day 1 Collegiate Bs (3/4):
flat, windy course. four 11 mile laps. I really didn't want to let it come down to a group sprint. spent a lot of time attacking and off the front. seemed like there were less than 10 guys who wanted to do anything hard today. spent almost the complete 2nd lap otf (half solo, half with a group of 4) but we eventually got caught. with 7 to go a unc rider attacked. someone in the field said "let him go, he'll never last through the headwind" when I heard that I decided I had to try and go with him so I bridged up to him and we worked very smoothly for the rest of the race. fudged the tactics in the last 400m and ended up 2nd. I'm very happy for my first B race, but still a little upset as this is the 3rd time I've gotten 2nd out of a 2 man break. all in all a good day though.
flat, windy course. four 11 mile laps. I really didn't want to let it come down to a group sprint. spent a lot of time attacking and off the front. seemed like there were less than 10 guys who wanted to do anything hard today. spent almost the complete 2nd lap otf (half solo, half with a group of 4) but we eventually got caught. with 7 to go a unc rider attacked. someone in the field said "let him go, he'll never last through the headwind" when I heard that I decided I had to try and go with him so I bridged up to him and we worked very smoothly for the rest of the race. fudged the tactics in the last 400m and ended up 2nd. I'm very happy for my first B race, but still a little upset as this is the 3rd time I've gotten 2nd out of a 2 man break. all in all a good day though.
02-11-12, 08:14 PM
#9663
meow
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Indeed, congrats!!
02-11-12, 08:44 PM
#9665
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Nice job, Mike.
As for me, I won a bucket of protein powder.
As for me, I won a bucket of protein powder.
02-11-12, 08:52 PM
#9666
Resident Alien
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So what happened?
Without the back story...in a 2 man break asses if you can win the sprint. If not or there's doubt attack like a rabid pit bull over the last 2k. Look for the moment of inattention. Commit if you have any kind of a gap at all. But be the guy that instigates.
If you think you can win the sprint show the other guy that early on. Odds are he'll make life easier by giving you a lead out.
And never be "happy' with 2nd unless the other guy is simply better.
That said, congrats and way to race your bike.
Without the back story...in a 2 man break asses if you can win the sprint. If not or there's doubt attack like a rabid pit bull over the last 2k. Look for the moment of inattention. Commit if you have any kind of a gap at all. But be the guy that instigates.
If you think you can win the sprint show the other guy that early on. Odds are he'll make life easier by giving you a lead out.
And never be "happy' with 2nd unless the other guy is simply better.
That said, congrats and way to race your bike.
02-11-12, 10:26 PM
#9667
ride lots be safe
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Cedar Hill RR, Dallas. Masters 40+ combined with W open, M 50+ and 60+
Early break went, our team totally missed the boat. Chased fruitlessly.
Had great position in the field sprint for 4th... looking great... until...
So here we are, thundering to the finish line with a stiff tailwind, full sprint speed, maybe 50 feet from the line...and some doofus tries to insert himself between me and the lady racer I just passed. Carnage follows.
Listen people. A bike width is not enough space to squeeze into during a sprint. You are not Robbie McEwen. If you get blocked out, too bad, should've started your sprint from 500 meters out, like the other 5 guys who have the front line.
********.
Adding injustice to injury; I got to buy a new helmet today, and a new r-der hanger, and a new set of bibs and jersey and legwarmers (which, this was my first ride, ever, in them.)
Oh, and even though I crossed the line in the top 10... I didn't get a result... somehow... and I had to leave in a hurry to stop the bleeding and get some ice so I didn't hang around to check results.
Do I sound like I'm pissed off? Good, because I am.
Don't pull stupid moves.
Early break went, our team totally missed the boat. Chased fruitlessly.
Had great position in the field sprint for 4th... looking great... until...
So here we are, thundering to the finish line with a stiff tailwind, full sprint speed, maybe 50 feet from the line...and some doofus tries to insert himself between me and the lady racer I just passed. Carnage follows.
Listen people. A bike width is not enough space to squeeze into during a sprint. You are not Robbie McEwen. If you get blocked out, too bad, should've started your sprint from 500 meters out, like the other 5 guys who have the front line.
********.
Adding injustice to injury; I got to buy a new helmet today, and a new r-der hanger, and a new set of bibs and jersey and legwarmers (which, this was my first ride, ever, in them.)
Oh, and even though I crossed the line in the top 10... I didn't get a result... somehow... and I had to leave in a hurry to stop the bleeding and get some ice so I didn't hang around to check results.
Do I sound like I'm pissed off? Good, because I am.
Don't pull stupid moves.
Last edited by Creakyknees; 02-11-12 at 10:34 PM.
02-12-12, 07:26 AM
#9668
soon to be gsteinc...
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So what happened?
Without the back story...in a 2 man break asses if you can win the sprint. If not or there's doubt attack like a rabid pit bull over the last 2k. Look for the moment of inattention. Commit if you have any kind of a gap at all. But be the guy that instigates.
If you think you can win the sprint show the other guy that early on. Odds are he'll make life easier by giving you a lead out.
And never be "happy' with 2nd unless the other guy is simply better.
That said, congrats and way to race your bike.
Without the back story...in a 2 man break asses if you can win the sprint. If not or there's doubt attack like a rabid pit bull over the last 2k. Look for the moment of inattention. Commit if you have any kind of a gap at all. But be the guy that instigates.
If you think you can win the sprint show the other guy that early on. Odds are he'll make life easier by giving you a lead out.
And never be "happy' with 2nd unless the other guy is simply better.
That said, congrats and way to race your bike.
Mikey, great job, your time will come.
02-12-12, 07:27 AM
#9669
soon to be gsteinc...
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02-12-12, 11:38 AM
#9670
Senior Member
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Race for humanity road race cat 4
Raced the cat 4 today. Felt really good in the race staying in the top 15 in the field of over 65. Middle of race rear tire goes flat. I put y hand up and move across the road to opposite lane so wheeltruck sees me. I look back no wheedle truck. WHAT THE HECK I SAID! Had slow leak person on side of road put enough air to get me back to finish. After race I find out wheeltruck gave some riders a lift in that couldn't continue while I lost a excellent position and chance for another top 10. Wheel truck apologized and I go subject myself to more punishment by doubling back in the 30+ (my first 30+) race. Hung in there almost the whole race only to get dropped with a few miles to go. Another 60+ man field. A great training day is all it turned into with wind gusts approaching 30-40mph.. I did try to chase back to the group but after being stopped for 5/7 minutes that was a lost cause in the hills. Oh well I didn't wreck and there's always next week. I wander how id finish in 30+ if I didn't do cat 3/4 race before?
Raced the cat 4 today. Felt really good in the race staying in the top 15 in the field of over 65. Middle of race rear tire goes flat. I put y hand up and move across the road to opposite lane so wheeltruck sees me. I look back no wheedle truck. WHAT THE HECK I SAID! Had slow leak person on side of road put enough air to get me back to finish. After race I find out wheeltruck gave some riders a lift in that couldn't continue while I lost a excellent position and chance for another top 10. Wheel truck apologized and I go subject myself to more punishment by doubling back in the 30+ (my first 30+) race. Hung in there almost the whole race only to get dropped with a few miles to go. Another 60+ man field. A great training day is all it turned into with wind gusts approaching 30-40mph.. I did try to chase back to the group but after being stopped for 5/7 minutes that was a lost cause in the hills. Oh well I didn't wreck and there's always next week. I wander how id finish in 30+ if I didn't do cat 3/4 race before?
ROFL. This is my first full Cat 4 season. This pairing with the Cat 3s is for the birds man. Mile 11...bye-bye, I'm off the back. Could never recover. Headwind down that front stretch with hills, ridiculous. I swear I was only going like 12mph with that 30mph xwind/headwind at times.
My dream is to have at least 1 field finish this year without getting annialated the first 20 miles.
Maybe I should give the 45+ field a try.
30+ field. Yes, if you know Jeb Stewart, he owns Endurofit...anyway, I think he won the 35+ FPS last season. He was probably in the 30+ field. Just find his wheel, and stay on it the entire way, you will do just fine...haha.
Last edited by zigmeister; 02-12-12 at 11:52 AM.
02-12-12, 01:23 PM
#9672
Senior Member
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02-12-12, 02:37 PM
#9673
soon to be gsteinc...
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02-12-12, 07:52 PM
#9674
Dazed and Confused
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ROFL. This is my first full Cat 4 season. This pairing with the Cat 3s is for the birds man. Mile 11...bye-bye, I'm off the back. Could never recover. Headwind down that front stretch with hills, ridiculous. I swear I was only going like 12mph with that 30mph xwind/headwind at times.
My dream is to have at least 1 field finish this year without getting annialated the first 20 miles.
Maybe I should give the 45+ field a try.
30+ field. Yes, if you know Jeb Stewart, he owns Endurofit...anyway, I think he won the 35+ FPS last season. He was probably in the 30+ field. Just find his wheel, and stay on it the entire way, you will do just fine...haha.
My dream is to have at least 1 field finish this year without getting annialated the first 20 miles.
Maybe I should give the 45+ field a try.
30+ field. Yes, if you know Jeb Stewart, he owns Endurofit...anyway, I think he won the 35+ FPS last season. He was probably in the 30+ field. Just find his wheel, and stay on it the entire way, you will do just fine...haha.
I really am kinda enjoying racings with the cat3s mixed in. I really believed I had a great chance at another top 10 this season. I've had 3 out of 4 since the season started. This is my first year as a 4 also. It really sucked to know my tire was almost on the rim and im right where I want to be in the 3/4 race. Had my hand up but no wheel truck. A spectator with a pump got enough air in my tube to get me to the finish. There was no getting back on. ORC this weekend come out and race with me. Just look for the Velobrew kits. Its gonna be a good weekend. Oh I talked to Jeb before the race about the 30+ he told me to get in there and race it. In the middle of the race before I got dropped he came up and told me he was glad to see me still in there after doing the 4 race before. Really nice guy. Glad he didn't see me roll off the back.
02-12-12, 09:03 PM
#9675
Go, Dog. Go!
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Roger Millikan Memorial Crit 30+ Cat-5 and Masters 50+
Coach pegged me for top 5 in the first race. My last to upgrade to Cat-4. Started off well enough, lost some position but was moving back up. Of course went to the outside and into the wind to do so and was feeling it. Another racer just cuts across and chops me. I touch his tire and fight to stay up (I did). Guy gets yelled at (by others, not me) but I was otb in an instant. Fought the rest of the way to get back on. Finished 33 of the 36 out of 50 that finished the race.
In 50+ I just wanted to see where I am relative to elite masters. The answer: nowhere even remotely close. Fastest race I've entered just as I had been warned. Thurlow Rodgers, Steve Gregorios (who won), and other elite masters were something to watch. Yes, I spectated since I couldn't hang and DNF'd. Watched Rodgers crush it in the 45+ race to win as well. One day I'll finish in the pack chasing the likes of these guys. Maybe.