Best Races in the US: "get thee to Indiana!"
02-02-10, 11:57 AM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: TX
Posts: 2,620
Bikes: Orbea Orca Trek 5500 Trek Equinox
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-02-10, 12:03 PM
#52
Fast for a sloth
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fort Collins
Posts: 1,134
Bikes: Some
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bloomington, IN blows away the vast majority of the country, in terms of riding. Beautiful area with some nasty little climbs, one after the other. And I'd bet you that town is #1 in the nation in terms of Pro/1/2 riders per capita during the school year.
The only downside? Packs of wild dogs and white trash/John Mellencamp trying to run you off the road.
The only downside? Packs of wild dogs and white trash/John Mellencamp trying to run you off the road.
Yes, lots of riders in Bloomington.
My wife came from a small island in the Carribean. I was probably the first Hoosier she ever met. She laughs about how often Indiana shows up in the news - people, places, things. For a state that is an underdog in the way Rudy was at Notre Dame, Indiana is tough to beat.
02-02-10, 02:50 PM
#53
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
I miss Bloomington. I grew up there and went to IU. I love Colorado but I would move back if my wife were willing. The first time I went to Boulder I thought 'damn, this feels like home'. It still does, even after ~10 years here in CO. I don't even bother looking for jobs in Boulder though. Bloomington, occasionally.
Yes, lots of riders in Bloomington.
My wife came from a small island in the Carribean. I was probably the first Hoosier she ever met. She laughs about how often Indiana shows up in the news - people, places, things. For a state that is an underdog in the way Rudy was at Notre Dame, Indiana is tough to beat.
Yes, lots of riders in Bloomington.
My wife came from a small island in the Carribean. I was probably the first Hoosier she ever met. She laughs about how often Indiana shows up in the news - people, places, things. For a state that is an underdog in the way Rudy was at Notre Dame, Indiana is tough to beat.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
02-02-10, 03:04 PM
#54
Fast for a sloth
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fort Collins
Posts: 1,134
Bikes: Some
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm a touch younger. Went to BHSS. If you were ever on a USS team I'm sure we've been in the same room together though.
02-02-10, 03:14 PM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,080
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3369 Post(s)
Liked 5,483 Times
in
2,841 Posts
02-02-10, 03:18 PM
#56
Blast from the Past
I never would have thought about track. Do you say that because one would race more often because the races are shorter? Or is there another dynamic.
Joe Martin is on the definitely maybe list. www.joemartinstagerace.com
Joe Martin is on the definitely maybe list. www.joemartinstagerace.com
As for traveling, I have to agree, unknown competition will make you grow. Instead of " oh that's Dave the bungee jumper going off the front, he'll be back", you just won't know. One of the great things about Super Week is the travel comes to you. A lot of different racers in the fields over the course of the series.
02-02-10, 04:16 PM
#58
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: chicago,Il
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: yes please
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The RR is not manageable for a sprinter. If you're strong, you'll stay on until the last climb and then lose tons of time. It's 18-20%+.
Circuit is fun. Go into the last corner on the last lap in the top 10, and you can win. The light sprinters usually take this one though, finish is at the top of a ~45-60s climb.
You'll love the crit. Come out of the last corner in the top 3 and you're golden.
Last time I did Fitchburg I was a 3. Had a great time. 2nd in the circuit because I had to sprint late (no hole to be found...) and 2nd in the crit because a guy got away with 1/2 lap to go. Good times
Circuit is fun. Go into the last corner on the last lap in the top 10, and you can win. The light sprinters usually take this one though, finish is at the top of a ~45-60s climb.
You'll love the crit. Come out of the last corner in the top 3 and you're golden.
Last time I did Fitchburg I was a 3. Had a great time. 2nd in the circuit because I had to sprint late (no hole to be found...) and 2nd in the crit because a guy got away with 1/2 lap to go. Good times
For the road race, yeah, wow, that grade does not appear learly on the course profile.
Yeah, like Psi said, I am slim-- actually I'm almost exactly the same height/weight as Jens Voigt...just not as Jens as Jens, though I'm working on it. Sprint is what I have naturally, this season I'm all about developing known weaknesses--which is everything that does not involve physically sprinting.
Last edited by slim_77; 02-02-10 at 04:19 PM.
02-02-10, 07:29 PM
#60
Senior Member
02-02-10, 07:36 PM
#61
meow
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831
Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I moved back here from Wyoming.
You'd actually be surprised at the amount of tourism we get. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would want to come to Indiana from somewhere else. Unless they like trees, cornfields, peaceful country roads, drivers that wave instead of flip you off, covered bridges, Amish people, etc. I still wouldn't pick Indiana as a destination. The UP of Michigan maybe, or even Kentucky.
Lots of racing here in Indiana, though. There seems to be bike racing in most towns surrounding mine.
You'd actually be surprised at the amount of tourism we get. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would want to come to Indiana from somewhere else. Unless they like trees, cornfields, peaceful country roads, drivers that wave instead of flip you off, covered bridges, Amish people, etc. I still wouldn't pick Indiana as a destination. The UP of Michigan maybe, or even Kentucky.
Lots of racing here in Indiana, though. There seems to be bike racing in most towns surrounding mine.
02-02-10, 07:44 PM
#62
meow
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831
Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Tulsa Tough is a lot of fun. Lots of money, big fields, three races if you're a 3 or higher but the two you can do as a 4 or 5 are great. The city really embraces the race, it's a fun atmosphere.
Tour of Kansas City is a blast, too, and closer to you. With pregnant Wifey last season I didn't make it to either version. The Cliff Drive course is awesome.
Tour of Kansas City is a blast, too, and closer to you. With pregnant Wifey last season I didn't make it to either version. The Cliff Drive course is awesome.
02-02-10, 10:17 PM
#63
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
I left there after 5th grade in 86. Brother graduated from North in 86. Sister was a Freshman at North that year. Lived out in Park Ridge East.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
02-03-10, 11:41 PM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Main focus is on MTB racing this year, though. Can't decide if I'll be racing for ABD, for a team out of WI, or for a team of my own creation.
I still look forward to crushing the souls of the weak on the local scene, though. Particularly those of the latter team mentioned. How's that for locker room material?
Last edited by Duke of Kent; 02-03-10 at 11:59 PM.
02-05-10, 01:25 PM
#65
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: chicago,Il
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: yes please
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
^nice. How good is the Mtb scene around here? I know Palos is awesome, and there are some great courses in Wisco, but I don't know much about it. BTW, I'm curious, why are you shifting focus to off road?
02-05-10, 01:53 PM
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,850
Bikes: Yeti ASRc, Focus Raven 29er, Flyxii FR316
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From my front door, it was 4mi to a trail system that is mentioned at least once a month in the major dirt scene rags, I was 30min from Mt. Hood, 15min from another 25mi trail system across the river in WA state, and 90min from some of the most epic riding you can imagine, between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. Bend (where they had CX and elite road nats) was only 2hrs away, and that town has some of the best riding I've done as well. Further south, you hit even better trails. Going west of Portland, and anywhere along the coastal range, you ride through the greenest forests you've ever seen. Palos is a good time, but it's pretty tame compared to all of that.
So, instead of riding on nameless roads in the middle of nowhere, I rode on well marked trails in the middle of nowhere. Fell in love with it, and found out that I'm pretty damn good at it.
I like the fact that, for the most part, there isn't much drafting; it's my legs and skills against your legs and skills. And, even in the midwest, there will be far more climbing in the average MTB race than you'd get in a crit or RR.
I know that the WORS series gets a crap load of people racing in it every year; it's the biggest series in the nation. But I can tell you that my "local" series in OR had 4 or 5 of the top 10 guys at XC nationals this year; the talent pool is fast and deep out there. World Cup caliber racers.
Last edited by Duke of Kent; 02-05-10 at 02:01 PM.
02-05-10, 02:57 PM
#68
I eat carbide.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Elgin, IL
Posts: 21,627
Bikes: Lots. Van Dessel and Squid Dealer
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1325 Post(s)
Liked 1,306 Times
in
560 Posts
That's what she said. Wait......nvrmnd.
__________________
PSIMET Wheels, PSIMET Racing, PSIMET Neutral Race Support, and 11 Jackson Coffee
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
Podcast - YouTube Channel
Video about PSIMET Wheels
02-05-10, 02:58 PM
#69
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: chicago,Il
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: yes please
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Let me put it this way:
From my front door, it was 4mi to a trail system that is mentioned at least once a month in the major dirt scene rags, I was 30min from Mt. Hood, 15min from another 25mi trail system across the river in WA state, and 90min from some of the most epic riding you can imagine, between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. Bend (where they had CX and elite road nats) was only 2hrs away, and that town has some of the best riding I've done as well. Further south, you hit even better trails. Going west of Portland, and anywhere along the coastal range, you ride through the greenest forests you've ever seen. Palos is a good time, but it's pretty tame compared to all of that.
So, instead of riding on nameless roads in the middle of nowhere, I rode on well marked trails in the middle of nowhere. Fell in love with it, and found out that I'm pretty damn good at it.
I like the fact that, for the most part, there isn't much drafting; it's my legs and skills against your legs and skills. And, even in the midwest, there will be far more climbing in the average MTB race than you'd get in a crit or RR.
I know that the WORS series gets a crap load of people racing in it every year; it's the biggest series in the nation. But I can tell you that my "local" series in OR had 4 or 5 of the top 10 guys at XC nationals this year; the talent pool is fast and deep out there. World Cup caliber racers.
From my front door, it was 4mi to a trail system that is mentioned at least once a month in the major dirt scene rags, I was 30min from Mt. Hood, 15min from another 25mi trail system across the river in WA state, and 90min from some of the most epic riding you can imagine, between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. Bend (where they had CX and elite road nats) was only 2hrs away, and that town has some of the best riding I've done as well. Further south, you hit even better trails. Going west of Portland, and anywhere along the coastal range, you ride through the greenest forests you've ever seen. Palos is a good time, but it's pretty tame compared to all of that.
So, instead of riding on nameless roads in the middle of nowhere, I rode on well marked trails in the middle of nowhere. Fell in love with it, and found out that I'm pretty damn good at it.
I like the fact that, for the most part, there isn't much drafting; it's my legs and skills against your legs and skills. And, even in the midwest, there will be far more climbing in the average MTB race than you'd get in a crit or RR.
I know that the WORS series gets a crap load of people racing in it every year; it's the biggest series in the nation. But I can tell you that my "local" series in OR had 4 or 5 of the top 10 guys at XC nationals this year; the talent pool is fast and deep out there. World Cup caliber racers.
02-05-10, 10:48 PM
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Northern NY...Brownville
Posts: 2,567
Bikes: Specialized Aethos, Specialized Diverge Comp E5
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 237 Post(s)
Liked 451 Times
in
263 Posts
I'd add that New England has perhaps the most and difficult races for amateurs in the country. Mainly due to the varied terrain and population density compared to many other parts of the country. If you are a focused racer you can easily do 75 races per season and the vast majority of them are all within fairly easy driving distance.
Unfortunately races come and go and what may be a wonderful area for racing this year may be nearly empty a year or so later due to varied reasons but mainly money, insurance, money, uncooperative towns/cities, money hehehe...
When I was racing hard...75 per year...NE had amazing road races and stage races. Killington, Fitchburg, Bob Beal SR Working Man's SR, are some I remember well. We also had Putney, Streaked Mtn, Smuggler's Notch, etc. road races that were epic. There were an amazing amount of crits every weekend to choose from, many of them had unique characteristics that made them memorable.
The terrain and seasons also had a lot to do with the racing action...spring road races, brutal weather...Putney with its' section of unpaved road that would turn to mud in the spring rain...all to win a bag of apples lol. Summer crits of awesome action followed by fall races of both sorts then cross.
I've never raced outside of the NE states, Conn and New York so I can't compare the racing I knew with other areas. But anyone lucky enough to live in an area that is a racing hot bed is lucky.
Unfortunately races come and go and what may be a wonderful area for racing this year may be nearly empty a year or so later due to varied reasons but mainly money, insurance, money, uncooperative towns/cities, money hehehe...
When I was racing hard...75 per year...NE had amazing road races and stage races. Killington, Fitchburg, Bob Beal SR Working Man's SR, are some I remember well. We also had Putney, Streaked Mtn, Smuggler's Notch, etc. road races that were epic. There were an amazing amount of crits every weekend to choose from, many of them had unique characteristics that made them memorable.
The terrain and seasons also had a lot to do with the racing action...spring road races, brutal weather...Putney with its' section of unpaved road that would turn to mud in the spring rain...all to win a bag of apples lol. Summer crits of awesome action followed by fall races of both sorts then cross.
I've never raced outside of the NE states, Conn and New York so I can't compare the racing I knew with other areas. But anyone lucky enough to live in an area that is a racing hot bed is lucky.
