R3
09-02-12, 09:14 PM
#1
Don't mince words
Thread Starter
R3
Red Rider Races -- hang on!
Today was the Esparto Time Trial. This was my first ITT, ridden in '07, at VeloDiva's invitation. She was going to race and wanted some company.
So I borrowed a CF women's Fuji rode it Merckxx -- don't remember my time but I do remember being stoked at how hard it was and how well I finished (mid-pack WC4). That's when I realized I could be a contendah on a bike, and was thrilled to know that I could ride faster than folks 1/2 or more my age.
Borrowed equipment in subsequent years with unremarkable finishes, but as it's close, and familiar, I kept showing up.
Last year, with TT bike, pointy helmet and skinsuit, I raced and was second to VeloDiva. We scored t-shirts and had a parking lot podium photo op. Freaking awesome fun!
This year I borrowed a disc wheel, used but not abused, from our friend/wrench/multiple Ironman finisher. My training hasn't been as consistent as last year, and I had expectations of perhaps 3rd.
Cool temps, very light winds, some hills -- I wasn't prepared for how that heavy-ass wheel would slow me down on the climbs -- never stepped out of the pain cave for repeat of last year's finish. We were both faster, so in addition to a nice T-shirt and a surprise cash payout ($18 -- paid for gas
), I scored a new PR.
Color me happy. And knackered.
I don't know how you stage racers do it.
Today was the Esparto Time Trial. This was my first ITT, ridden in '07, at VeloDiva's invitation. She was going to race and wanted some company.
So I borrowed a CF women's Fuji rode it Merckxx -- don't remember my time but I do remember being stoked at how hard it was and how well I finished (mid-pack WC4). That's when I realized I could be a contendah on a bike, and was thrilled to know that I could ride faster than folks 1/2 or more my age.
Borrowed equipment in subsequent years with unremarkable finishes, but as it's close, and familiar, I kept showing up.
Last year, with TT bike, pointy helmet and skinsuit, I raced and was second to VeloDiva. We scored t-shirts and had a parking lot podium photo op. Freaking awesome fun!
This year I borrowed a disc wheel, used but not abused, from our friend/wrench/multiple Ironman finisher. My training hasn't been as consistent as last year, and I had expectations of perhaps 3rd.
Cool temps, very light winds, some hills -- I wasn't prepared for how that heavy-ass wheel would slow me down on the climbs -- never stepped out of the pain cave for repeat of last year's finish. We were both faster, so in addition to a nice T-shirt and a surprise cash payout ($18 -- paid for gas
), I scored a new PR. Color me happy. And knackered.
I don't know how you stage racers do it.
09-02-12, 09:46 PM
#2
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It was great to see you and cgallah this AM. We left our house at 5:30AM for a start time of 9:01. That was a fantastic result on a very tough 30k course with some wind and climbing. MEA thinks the "rollers" are fun. When I did that course, I thought the rollers were hard and softened up the legs.
IMO, the disc was a positive overall but it is an older style clincher that I assumed was heavy.
I think this race has come down to the equivalent of a yearly Ali / Frazer slug fest between you and MEA. I think it is great and you push each other. Congrats on a great TT and PR. Since Velo Promo does not have a podium, each year we have to improvise.
IMO, the disc was a positive overall but it is an older style clincher that I assumed was heavy.
I think this race has come down to the equivalent of a yearly Ali / Frazer slug fest between you and MEA. I think it is great and you push each other. Congrats on a great TT and PR. Since Velo Promo does not have a podium, each year we have to improvise.
09-03-12, 08:02 AM
#4
Idiot Emeritus
I am SO PROUD of you, G/F!!
That's a great photo, too. It's too bad you both couldn't have been a little happier
That's a great photo, too. It's too bad you both couldn't have been a little happier
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09-04-12, 10:12 PM
#7
Don't mince words
Thread Starter
It was great to see you and cgallah this AM. We left our house at 5:30AM for a start time of 9:01. That was a fantastic result on a very tough 30k course with some wind and climbing. MEA thinks the "rollers" are fun. When I did that course, I thought the rollers were hard and softened up the legs.
IMO, the disc was a positive overall but it is an older style clincher that I assumed was heavy.
I think this race has come down to the equivalent of a yearly Ali / Frazer slug fest between you and MEA. I think it is great and you push each other. Congrats on a great TT and PR. Since Velo Promo does not have a podium, each year we have to improvise.
IMO, the disc was a positive overall but it is an older style clincher that I assumed was heavy.
I think this race has come down to the equivalent of a yearly Ali / Frazer slug fest between you and MEA. I think it is great and you push each other. Congrats on a great TT and PR. Since Velo Promo does not have a podium, each year we have to improvise.
I like the Ali/Frazier metaphor. We're definitely one another's enablers, that's for sure.
The disc is heavy and probably not likely on my "must have" list. I'll have something different next year.
09-04-12, 10:14 PM
#8
Don't mince words
Thread Starter
Thanks, all, for reading. I appreciate your reading and enabling.
09-04-12, 10:36 PM
#9
Old & Getting Older Racer
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Hi Red Rider, I drove past Esparto on Sunday on my way to Redding. I was thinking about you and Velo Diva (and Hermes). Great ride! PRs are always good. I imagine you would be even faster if you raced more often but then I'd have two older women who can TT faster than I can. 
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Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
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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/
09-05-12, 11:07 PM
#10
Don't mince words
Thread Starter
Hi Red Rider, I drove past Esparto on Sunday on my way to Redding. I was thinking about you and Velo Diva (and Hermes). Great ride! PRs are always good. I imagine you would be even faster if you raced more often but then I'd have two older women who can TT faster than I can.
You must've sent "ride fast!" thoughts to us, as we were both fast. I love that she's 60, I'm 57, and the other ladies were <40.
Like I said on Twitter and Facebook, never let age stop you from being who you can be.
Old ladies rock!
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