After dabbling a few years in mountain bike racing, I decided I wanted to try a few road races this summer. My goal was to do a crit, circuit and road race and see what I think. In May, I placed 3rd in Cat 4 Women's at the O'Fallon Gold Cup Criterium. It was a tough decision not to do St. Joe's mountain bike race, but the opportunity to race almost in my backyard on June 21st at the Tour de Winghaven was too good to pass up. This was to be a 27 mile circuit race with a Women's Open field. That means that all categories would be racing together, so I would not have the luxury of racing women only in the cat 4 field, but pro, cat 1, 2 and 3 racers as well. I looked at this as an opportunity to see how I stacked up against women who race on the national and local circuit, as Tour de Winghaven is the only race in Missouri that is on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The NRC consists of 30 races across the country that qualify for national points. Going to the line that day was a far cry from the Gold Cup race. The race official explained that the 27 miles race would be reduced to 24 miles due to time constraints and that if a racer is lapped on the course or could impede the final sprint, they may be pulled from the race. With over 30-35 racers in the field, it was a bit larger than the 7 or so in the Gold Cup Cat 4. Luckily, my customary pre-race jitters that start the night before subsided before the gun went off. The race began and the first lap went well - the cornering and round-abouts that I was warned could give me trouble weren't bad at all. Holding your line in a larger group is easier than it looks. You race tighter because you must. On the second lap, the field began to spread out. I saw several cat 4 racers, including one that placed second ahead of me in the Gold Cup race, start to drop off the pack. The pack would surge and sprint at times, and I began to struggle to stay with the pack. After the second lap, I fell off the back with another girl. We took turns pulling for several laps until we caught up to another girl who had fallen off the pack. I asked to pull the uphills while I let them take turns pulling the downhills and flatter sections. We maintained a steady pace, with the lead pack too far ahead to catch and the rest of the pack way too far behind to catch us. As we crossed the line to begin our final lap, the race official pulled us from the race, citing time constraints. They had been behind all morning and wanted to play catch-up. I was disappointed, in that we were never lapped and were not impeding the pack at all. After taking a cool-down spin around the block, I road back to see the women's pack cross the line - 24 miles in an hour, while I completed 21 miles in about 57 minutes for a 22.1 mph pace. I was happy with my performance and didn't feel so bad about the "forced" dnf when I discovered that the field behind us had been pulled long before. Only 19 racers finished in the lead pack and were scored. I think I was 20th...I have mixed feelings about the day. I do know how I stack up, and considering my lack of training and age compared to the other racers, I was thrilled with my result. I just wish I wasn't listed as a dnf. On a day when racers were dropping out due to the heat & being pulled because they were lapped, I personally know what my performance level was. And sometimes that just has to be good enough.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tour de Winghaven
After dabbling a few years in mountain bike racing, I decided I wanted to try a few road races this summer. My goal was to do a crit, circuit and road race and see what I think. In May, I placed 3rd in Cat 4 Women's at the O'Fallon Gold Cup Criterium. It was a tough decision not to do St. Joe's mountain bike race, but the opportunity to race almost in my backyard on June 21st at the Tour de Winghaven was too good to pass up. This was to be a 27 mile circuit race with a Women's Open field. That means that all categories would be racing together, so I would not have the luxury of racing women only in the cat 4 field, but pro, cat 1, 2 and 3 racers as well. I looked at this as an opportunity to see how I stacked up against women who race on the national and local circuit, as Tour de Winghaven is the only race in Missouri that is on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The NRC consists of 30 races across the country that qualify for national points. Going to the line that day was a far cry from the Gold Cup race. The race official explained that the 27 miles race would be reduced to 24 miles due to time constraints and that if a racer is lapped on the course or could impede the final sprint, they may be pulled from the race. With over 30-35 racers in the field, it was a bit larger than the 7 or so in the Gold Cup Cat 4. Luckily, my customary pre-race jitters that start the night before subsided before the gun went off. The race began and the first lap went well - the cornering and round-abouts that I was warned could give me trouble weren't bad at all. Holding your line in a larger group is easier than it looks. You race tighter because you must. On the second lap, the field began to spread out. I saw several cat 4 racers, including one that placed second ahead of me in the Gold Cup race, start to drop off the pack. The pack would surge and sprint at times, and I began to struggle to stay with the pack. After the second lap, I fell off the back with another girl. We took turns pulling for several laps until we caught up to another girl who had fallen off the pack. I asked to pull the uphills while I let them take turns pulling the downhills and flatter sections. We maintained a steady pace, with the lead pack too far ahead to catch and the rest of the pack way too far behind to catch us. As we crossed the line to begin our final lap, the race official pulled us from the race, citing time constraints. They had been behind all morning and wanted to play catch-up. I was disappointed, in that we were never lapped and were not impeding the pack at all. After taking a cool-down spin around the block, I road back to see the women's pack cross the line - 24 miles in an hour, while I completed 21 miles in about 57 minutes for a 22.1 mph pace. I was happy with my performance and didn't feel so bad about the "forced" dnf when I discovered that the field behind us had been pulled long before. Only 19 racers finished in the lead pack and were scored. I think I was 20th...I have mixed feelings about the day. I do know how I stack up, and considering my lack of training and age compared to the other racers, I was thrilled with my result. I just wish I wasn't listed as a dnf. On a day when racers were dropping out due to the heat & being pulled because they were lapped, I personally know what my performance level was. And sometimes that just has to be good enough.
Lost Valley 6-29
I decided to ride Lost Valley today right after work. I was feeling a little tired but pushed through. Great weather! I was a little nervous about the conditions from the other day. I started from the mound, typical race start. I decided to time my laps to see if I had improved since the race. With no warm up I decided to take it easy on the first gravel section and not bonk in a hurry. I headed down Bocko hill at an amazingly fast speed and cruised up the dreaded gravel climb. I couldnt believe how good I was feeling at this point not having stretched out or warmed up. Cranked it into a harder gear and decided to push harder. I thought that I was pushing pretty hard but never wanted to over do it to fast. I turned into the new section of singletrack and couldnt see shit! I had my sunglasses on and it was very hard to see due to the shadows. This may have been good though, I didnt have time to prepare for anything and just let my bike do the work. I was putting on a pretty good pace by now. So now I am heading into Brads least favorite section with the sharp uphill turn with the rocky technical section coming up. I decided to take the wide turn and washed my rear tire out, sliding off my bike. no bid deal, get up and move on. I decided to try to push it in spots i usually dont or cant, and take it easy on spots where I usually tear it up. Came to the finish line and checked my watch, 46 minutes exactly. Shit! I was hoping for around 40, so I turned the corner and headed back up the gravel climb, knowing I had some time to make up if I wanted to make it in under 1:30. I was about 1/3 up the hill and shifted down, then down, then down. Now I am in my middle ring and easiest gear in the rear. I never climb this hill like that! I was about to quit when something told me to quit being a pussy and push. I hit the top of the hill and started grinding on the pedals. The only bad part of the second lap was a minor toe dab on the new section, rear tire slipped out on a rock. This lap was better, and I felt great, never getting out of breath and really never had sore legs. I pulled up to the finish line and checked the watch, 1:30 exactly. I was a little bummed that it wasnt in the 1:20's but it still was my fasted 2 laps ever. I figured that I would push myself harder if it were a race or if I had more people to ride with, but overall it was a great training day for me. Tore it up the last monster hill in a higher gear than I was used to and headed back to the truck. Only 2 minor toe dabs the whole time, not to bad. Now I have to train for 3 laps, at 10+ miles a lap.
The trail was in the best shape that I have ever seen it in!
Jay
The trail was in the best shape that I have ever seen it in!
Jay
Indian Camp Creek 6-29
Brad and I went out for short ride at Indian Camp Creek. The trail was in great shape except for handfull of muddy sections which we were able to ride around. We only had time to ride once due to ski practice and came up to about 7 miles. Good quick ride!
Lost Valley Schlafly ride - 6-28
We had 4 members of the Schlafly Cycling team. myself, Doug, Elizabeth, and Aaron, and one newcommer to the mtb scene hit Lost Valley on Sunday. Jr wanted to brave the mtb crew so we let him borrow Doug's bike. Doug just bought the new Gary Fisher Superfly, one bad ass bike! He was itching to try it out. I woke up and headed over to Aarons house to pick him up. We were heading to the trail to meet Jr hopeing for dry conditions from the rain the night before. Well we were in for a slick ride. Unfortunately for us it was slick and muddy in spots, making it very hard to stay on the trail and on the bike. It was a very slow pace but steady ride. Great to see everyone out! We were all muddy and bikes were a little dirty. There will be better days! Good thing is no one was hurt and everyone had fun!
Jay
Jay
St. Joes MTB race
Well it has been over a week since the race and I think that I finally caught up on fluids. We were in Indiana for a ski expedition on Saturday and Nikki and I drove home that night leaving the team behind to perform without me on Sunday. But it seams that they did better without me anyway.
Sunday morning I woke up bright and early and decided to head down to the Farmington area for the race hoping to get a little pre-ride in before the race, since I had never seen the race course before. I met Keith, Jason, and Scott in the parking lot and decided to get warmed up. Jason took off and I waited for Keith. We rode about 2 miles of the trail and headed back to the truck to get fueled up. It was only about 100 degrees with absolutely no wind, so it wasnt to bad!
About 30 minutes until the race we decided to head back towards the start line and ride another 2 miles to keep warmed up, as if it wasnt hot enough. The race director went through the pre race meeting and it was our time to go. Keith, Jason and myself had a little strategy going into the race, us three ride together, work as a team and help push each other at a good steady pace. Well one guy in our class decided to go out of the gate like a bat out of hell. So immediately our plan was screwed up. I ended up being in second to last place heading into the woods, not were i wanted to be. But immediately caught up to the lead pack. The guy in front burnt out so fast it was amazing, i guess it was the fast pace and the heat that got to him. So us three took off. Keith ended up taking the wrong route leaving Jason and myself in front all alone. We both decided to take it easy and let keith catch up. Well for those that know Keith, it didnt take long. We started riding at a good pace and came to a little rough technical climb. For some stupid reason I was in the wrong gear spinning out like crazy. Once I made it up the hill I was breathing very hard and sweating like no other. I pushed on and tried to stay with Jason. I ended up letting Keith pass me and told him that I thought I was going to overheat, so I slowed down to let me heartrate slow and my breathing to catch up. After about 5-10 minutes I was fine. But know I was all alone and it is hard to push yourself in the woods when there is no one around. It was so damn hot and the sweat was rolling off of my body. I pulled up to the finish line and the director said great job, keep it up, which meant I had to fight through another lap. 8 miles down and 8 more to go in the heat. Thankfully Jason's fiance was in the transition area with a new cold water bottle for me to trade. Mine was empty and I needed water bad. So I headed into the trail trying to make up the gap. About 2 miles into it I came up on a short rough downhill and heard someone behind me. I turned around to look and see if it was someone in my category, and ended up locking my front wheel up and up and over the handle bars I went. No big deal, nothing hurt except a little pride. Got back on the bike and started up again. I was riding all by myself when a singlespeed guy passed me, so I tried to stay on his wheel for a while, knowing he was faster than me so I watched to see what he was doing. He ended up crashing into the woods and I never saw him again.
Feeling pretty good and refueled I cruised through the second lap all alone. I could see the finish line and started pushing very hard. I put my head down and cranked on the pedals, only to look up and see two trees directly in front of me. I swerved out of the way and slid out, just about 100 yards away, totaly feeling like a dumbass. I was drained from the heat, and completely out of it. I finished in third place and another podium finish for me.
It was a very good race, although I went into it tired as hell from skiing and driving and working in the heat all weak before. Should have prepared a little better but oh well, lesson learned. So I then grabbed a Schlafly Pale Ale out of the cooler and relaxed for a bit.
Next race is a while away, time to train!
Jay
Sunday morning I woke up bright and early and decided to head down to the Farmington area for the race hoping to get a little pre-ride in before the race, since I had never seen the race course before. I met Keith, Jason, and Scott in the parking lot and decided to get warmed up. Jason took off and I waited for Keith. We rode about 2 miles of the trail and headed back to the truck to get fueled up. It was only about 100 degrees with absolutely no wind, so it wasnt to bad!
About 30 minutes until the race we decided to head back towards the start line and ride another 2 miles to keep warmed up, as if it wasnt hot enough. The race director went through the pre race meeting and it was our time to go. Keith, Jason and myself had a little strategy going into the race, us three ride together, work as a team and help push each other at a good steady pace. Well one guy in our class decided to go out of the gate like a bat out of hell. So immediately our plan was screwed up. I ended up being in second to last place heading into the woods, not were i wanted to be. But immediately caught up to the lead pack. The guy in front burnt out so fast it was amazing, i guess it was the fast pace and the heat that got to him. So us three took off. Keith ended up taking the wrong route leaving Jason and myself in front all alone. We both decided to take it easy and let keith catch up. Well for those that know Keith, it didnt take long. We started riding at a good pace and came to a little rough technical climb. For some stupid reason I was in the wrong gear spinning out like crazy. Once I made it up the hill I was breathing very hard and sweating like no other. I pushed on and tried to stay with Jason. I ended up letting Keith pass me and told him that I thought I was going to overheat, so I slowed down to let me heartrate slow and my breathing to catch up. After about 5-10 minutes I was fine. But know I was all alone and it is hard to push yourself in the woods when there is no one around. It was so damn hot and the sweat was rolling off of my body. I pulled up to the finish line and the director said great job, keep it up, which meant I had to fight through another lap. 8 miles down and 8 more to go in the heat. Thankfully Jason's fiance was in the transition area with a new cold water bottle for me to trade. Mine was empty and I needed water bad. So I headed into the trail trying to make up the gap. About 2 miles into it I came up on a short rough downhill and heard someone behind me. I turned around to look and see if it was someone in my category, and ended up locking my front wheel up and up and over the handle bars I went. No big deal, nothing hurt except a little pride. Got back on the bike and started up again. I was riding all by myself when a singlespeed guy passed me, so I tried to stay on his wheel for a while, knowing he was faster than me so I watched to see what he was doing. He ended up crashing into the woods and I never saw him again.
Feeling pretty good and refueled I cruised through the second lap all alone. I could see the finish line and started pushing very hard. I put my head down and cranked on the pedals, only to look up and see two trees directly in front of me. I swerved out of the way and slid out, just about 100 yards away, totaly feeling like a dumbass. I was drained from the heat, and completely out of it. I finished in third place and another podium finish for me.
It was a very good race, although I went into it tired as hell from skiing and driving and working in the heat all weak before. Should have prepared a little better but oh well, lesson learned. So I then grabbed a Schlafly Pale Ale out of the cooler and relaxed for a bit.
Next race is a while away, time to train!
Jay
Friday, June 19, 2009
St. Joes Mountain Bike Race
This Sunday is the next race. I know that myself, Jason Pryor and Keith Weinkein are going. Wish us luck. I will have a write up early next week. Hopefully we can get some good pics also!
Jay
Jay
Thursday, June 18, 2009
st paul flat tire ride
well it is Thursday night st Paul group ride.
i showed up early to tend to a flat from a ride on Sunday.
it was over 90 degrees so the tire changing was hot.
i finished fixing the flat and we were ready to leave, nope i had another tube failed or i caused a pinch.
brad mac came to the rescue and we did another change in the parking lot.
off we go and i was in the back from the start, it was hot and i could tell the pace was to fast for me today. i hung out in the back for awhile talked to Marys Friend ( sorry) the heat caused me to forget your name. she felt bad for me for awhile then tore off to leave me fighting myself solo.
i made the call to take the escape route home because it would have some shade.
this decision would also take me off of the group route and ridding alone, if they were to turn around to look for me i would never be found.
i was cruising about 12 mph just trying to get home and i felt another flat tire. i was over ten mile from home, no phone, no socks, some water and a rice crispy treat. i waved down a few cars and truck but no one would have anything to do with a guy in tights walking in funny shoes.
i walked until my knees were hurting from the shoes. then came a nice dude named Jeff and picked me up with his truck.
he took me to my truck and bid me good well, thanks Jeff you rally helped out today.
and that dis for my 12 mile ride ...moral take a phone or a tube with some air or you too could be flagging down the boys with pick up trucks who think you are very stupid to be out here on that bike with funny shoes and tights..
i showed up early to tend to a flat from a ride on Sunday.
it was over 90 degrees so the tire changing was hot.
i finished fixing the flat and we were ready to leave, nope i had another tube failed or i caused a pinch.
brad mac came to the rescue and we did another change in the parking lot.
off we go and i was in the back from the start, it was hot and i could tell the pace was to fast for me today. i hung out in the back for awhile talked to Marys Friend ( sorry) the heat caused me to forget your name. she felt bad for me for awhile then tore off to leave me fighting myself solo.
i made the call to take the escape route home because it would have some shade.
this decision would also take me off of the group route and ridding alone, if they were to turn around to look for me i would never be found.
i was cruising about 12 mph just trying to get home and i felt another flat tire. i was over ten mile from home, no phone, no socks, some water and a rice crispy treat. i waved down a few cars and truck but no one would have anything to do with a guy in tights walking in funny shoes.
i walked until my knees were hurting from the shoes. then came a nice dude named Jeff and picked me up with his truck.
he took me to my truck and bid me good well, thanks Jeff you rally helped out today.
and that dis for my 12 mile ride ...moral take a phone or a tube with some air or you too could be flagging down the boys with pick up trucks who think you are very stupid to be out here on that bike with funny shoes and tights..
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