bcordy

Just wondering who's doing the Mason Lake RR March 7, 14, and 21? What Cat? Any tips/training ideas from anyone who has done the race before?

https://static.wsbaracing.com/flyers/2009/Mason.pdf

jazzyrider

I'm doing it but with my team and depending on the weather. If you've never done the race series, keep in mind these are *training races*. If you get dropped, no worries, just treat it like a ride and eventually you'll find riders you can ride with to either get back into the pack or just get some mileage in. The loop is relatively flat and fast, no major climbs and a few small rollers into the finish. Try to stay in the middle of the pack and be aware of other riders and the surroundings.

Other than that, just have fun! I don't know why people try so hard to race fast in bad weather and burn themselves out come good weather. The race season is long and ML series is just a good time for people to get used to racing again.

Mtn Mike

I'll be there for the 7th and maybe the 21st. I'm racing cat 3 and have two team mates that will be in the 4/5's. Mason Lake is called a training race, but it's pretty much as real as it gets. It's USAC sanctioned and scored just like a seasonal race; therefor it counts for rankings and upgrade points.

The course is fairly easy and very fast. The 4/5 catagory almost always ends in a field sprint. Be careful! My team mate messed up his face during a crash in the bunch sprint 3-4 years ago. Chip seal is not a surface you want to slide accross

We're also heading up to Sequim for Sunday's race.

bcordy

Yeah, I've heard it's a "training" race. I guess it's a good way to start the season. I'm stoked for it though.
How many people normally turn out?

Mtn Mike

Seems like around 50 riders in an average field. What cat are you racing?

bcordy

I'll be racing Cat 5.
Long time cyclist, first time racer.

Mtn Mike

The key is just to have fun. Watch your front wheel, ride strait, and keep your eyes on the riders in front of you. I like to maintain a position in the first 10-20 riders in the pack; In the front you'll feel less of the yo-yo effect and the constant, yelling of "slowing" that occurs so much in the 4/5's. You'll also be less likely to be involved in a crash. You'll be racing with a few of my team mates. see you there.

jazzyrider

Just as a sidenote...if you prefer better drier weather, I'd recommend the Tour de Dung series in Sequim. ML can get quite cold (when or if it rains) if you're not used to racing in cold damp weather, make sure you get your car warmed after the race. :-) Sequim has a so-called rain shadow and hardly gets rain.

other than that, I should be there for both races although the Dung series is alternating every other weekend. If you have the legs for both, go for it! Its great training for the upcoming stage races.

Mtn Mike

Just curious, how does the TDD course compair to Mason Lake? I'm planning on doing both, depending on how the legs hold up.

jazzyrider

Course is relatively flat compared to ML and there are only 2 small rollers. The biggest factor though is the wind. Lots of side or headwinds-- never a tailwind. If you're not feeling well for ML, definitely save your legs for Dung. There's also a prize list so most teams use their riders for such if they have the numbers.

jazzyrider

Info from the promoter (David Douglas) =>

The Mason Lake Series kicks of this Saturday and goes for the next 3 Saturdays. A race flyer can be found on the WSBA web site - https://static.wsbaracing.com/flyers/2009/Mason.pdf

Some special notes:

1. There is road construction on HWY 16 - this is the HWY from I-5 to the Narrows Bridge so there will be a detour. Plan for it take a little longer this first Sat. -https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/03/02_SR16_demo_closures.htm
2. There is limited parking - car pool and park with that in mind.

3. No warming up or down on the course - that includes riding backwards on the course.

4. The local community center close to the registration area will be selling hot food from 11 am to 1 pm. This is a great place to meet before or after your race and support the local community. Make sure to thank the local people for supporting the race - because without their support there would be NO race.

5. No personal support vehicles are allowed to follow the race - just the race support cars.

This is set-up to be a training race to get you back into racing shape both mentally and physically - it is a great place to start your season, not end it!

David


See everyone out there this weekend!