This past weekend was the running of Milan-San Remo, the longest single-day race in the Pro calendar. Just under 300km, this race makes for a brutally long day on the bikes, and can play out in a multitude of ways. Every year, as with most Classics, there are the riders that are favored to win - usually due to recent success, past performances at the race, or just canny nature and skill. This year, everyone had eyes set on Peter Sagan and Fabian Cancellara - strongmen who excel in these situations. Cancellara has won here before, and came so close last year before being nipped in the sprint.
The conditions this year were quite terrible - cold rain and wind turned into icy slush. The weather got so bad that the event was actually shortened - cutting out some of the snowy and treacherous sections to protect the riders. In the end, a small group escaped over the final climb and powered into the finish. This group just happened to include BOTH Cancellara and Sagan. Sagan launched a little early and ended up getting overtaken right before the line, ending up 2nd with Cancellara right behind him. Great racing from both riders and incredible effort by everyone who managed to finish the brutal race.
My recent race held a similar effect. The Tour de Dung in Sequim, WA - a staple of the early-season racing in Washington, is usually a decent weather affair due to the rain shadow from the mountains. This running however was anything but. Temperature dropped to a low 44 degrees and featured a chilling rain for the majority of the race. To make this even more challenging, a strong wind off the Sound ripped across the area, with gusts up to 45mph! Racers huddled in the cars after quickly getting changed, and hastily warmed up before the race began. The layout of the 12 mile circuit meant that you had a long section where the wind pushed us to about 40mph, spinning out the gearing, two sections where the crosswind had you riding at a slant, and another long section with a BRUTAL headwind limiting you to around 14mph.
As with last week, I felt great at the start of the race. I knew that the big thing would be to try to conserve a bit more energy compared to last week, so that I would be able to hang in for the finish. The strong winds were a constant fight, as they tried to whip the wheels around whenever you hit those parts of the course. It was pretty crazy to spin out the gearing on a flat section, but quite demoralizing fighting the headwind on the other side. As we started lap 5, I was definitely feeling exhausted. Moving up the early climb I sat on the wrong wheel and soon found myself off the back. I worked to chase back, but the gap was already expanding, and once they hit the fast section, I was never going to make it back. I powered along solo, passing a few other riders who had peeled off (many of which were turning around) and then fought along the headwind to try to catch the main grupetto that had formed. I was only about 200m back as we made the corner to start the final lap, and wisely followed them into the parking lot, once again calling it a day. As we changed out of our soaking clothes and tried to warm up, we saw the leaders of the race come around for the win. Dave had managed to attach from the group and almost catch a small group of riders who had broken away. He ended up with a great top-10 finish, and Joe was 2nd in the group sprint from the remaining pack that arrived shortly after. The final tally - only 28 finishers - over 50% abandoned!
I was once again a little disappointed that I was unable to finish the race, but definitely did better than last week, so my fitness is getting there. Tour de Dung #2 is this weekend, and the weather should be better. Lets see if I can make my mark.
Bike Racing, Fit Science, and Physical Therapy
March 19, 2013
DNF
Well, so much for coming out swinging.
I lined up for the start of my very first Cat1/2 race the other day, to compete in the second Mason Lake event - one of the traditional season-starters up here in Washington. Due to the early season, and the location, this race always attracts big fields of racers looking to start their racing season. We also get a good amount of Oregon riders who make the trip up to compete as well. We also had some of the locally-based Pros racing for some early-season fitness as well.
The Mason Lake course basically consists of two parts - wide-open main road (where you typically fight the wind) and a narrower, winding road around the lake. The key is to move up during the open section, since the narrower road makes things a little more difficult (especially when it is a little damp, which is a majority of these races). The finish is a slight uphill grade, roughly 350m after a sharp 90 corner (where there is usually at least one crash during the day). This uphill finish can make for a very difficult and long sprint if you don't time it right.
I felt great during the warm-up and even during the first lap and half. Moving around through the field, trying to be of assistance to the team. As we turned onto the back stretch along the lake during lap 2, I started to realize that my legs were feeling a bit tired - probably my fault for not eating enough, but I think it was just not being used to the race-pace of the field (one of my teammates mentioned after the race that the Mason races this year were the fastest for the last few years). I sunk back into the field for the remainder of lap 2 to try to recuperate. Lap 3 was an effort to rest as much as possible, but I was definitely starting to notice the lack of power in my legs.
I made it through about a quarter of lap 4 before I just couldn't hang on and fell into the no-mans land off the back. I figured that the main reason I wasn't able to hang was just the fitness side, so I continued to ride along on my own. Just before the turn onto the back stretch I caught onto a rider who had fallen of the back as well and we worked together, switching turns pulling for the next lap and half. This completed 60 of the 72 miles in the race, and I figured it was time to call it quits and catch the finish of the field. I found another member of my team who had blown up early as well and we rode back to the finish line to watch. About 2 minutes later the leaders came through - riders from Oregon taking the top 2 spots. Our best finish was in the top 10, so not terrible, but I really felt that I needed to improve my condition to be of help to the team. At least I got some good miles into the legs and hope to be of more use in the next race.
On a good note - first race on the new bike, and it performed as well as could be hoped with me dragging it down. I will post a write-up with photos shortly.
I lined up for the start of my very first Cat1/2 race the other day, to compete in the second Mason Lake event - one of the traditional season-starters up here in Washington. Due to the early season, and the location, this race always attracts big fields of racers looking to start their racing season. We also get a good amount of Oregon riders who make the trip up to compete as well. We also had some of the locally-based Pros racing for some early-season fitness as well.
The Mason Lake course basically consists of two parts - wide-open main road (where you typically fight the wind) and a narrower, winding road around the lake. The key is to move up during the open section, since the narrower road makes things a little more difficult (especially when it is a little damp, which is a majority of these races). The finish is a slight uphill grade, roughly 350m after a sharp 90 corner (where there is usually at least one crash during the day). This uphill finish can make for a very difficult and long sprint if you don't time it right.
I felt great during the warm-up and even during the first lap and half. Moving around through the field, trying to be of assistance to the team. As we turned onto the back stretch along the lake during lap 2, I started to realize that my legs were feeling a bit tired - probably my fault for not eating enough, but I think it was just not being used to the race-pace of the field (one of my teammates mentioned after the race that the Mason races this year were the fastest for the last few years). I sunk back into the field for the remainder of lap 2 to try to recuperate. Lap 3 was an effort to rest as much as possible, but I was definitely starting to notice the lack of power in my legs.
I made it through about a quarter of lap 4 before I just couldn't hang on and fell into the no-mans land off the back. I figured that the main reason I wasn't able to hang was just the fitness side, so I continued to ride along on my own. Just before the turn onto the back stretch I caught onto a rider who had fallen of the back as well and we worked together, switching turns pulling for the next lap and half. This completed 60 of the 72 miles in the race, and I figured it was time to call it quits and catch the finish of the field. I found another member of my team who had blown up early as well and we rode back to the finish line to watch. About 2 minutes later the leaders came through - riders from Oregon taking the top 2 spots. Our best finish was in the top 10, so not terrible, but I really felt that I needed to improve my condition to be of help to the team. At least I got some good miles into the legs and hope to be of more use in the next race.
On a good note - first race on the new bike, and it performed as well as could be hoped with me dragging it down. I will post a write-up with photos shortly.
February 3, 2013
Speedvagen Integrated Stem
They also offer a special limited edition World Championships edition -
Even cooler with a custom paint scheme, and limited quantities, although with a higher price-tag as well.
If you have the funds, these stems are an awesome upgrade to your cross rig. Order here - http://boutique.vanillabicycles.com/category/stems
Maybe order and extra and send it my way too!
Cyclocross Worlds 2013
Yesterday was the World Championship of Cyclocross, the first ever raced on the US shores. We had an awesome year of professional racing in the US this year. Jeremy Powers, as the reigning US champion, put on an amazing season littered with wins and easily led the US in points for the Elite men. His Rapha-Focus teammate, Zach McDonald, in his final year as a U23, also raced incredible as national champion. Unfortunately neither was able to defend their title for 2013/2014, but they did race and win in style all season. Zach almost took home the Elite national title with an amazing ride to finish behind Jonathan Page. Flash forward to the Worlds, and surprising it was Tim Johnson who managed to grab the highest finish for a US Elite, coming in 19th, ahead of Page and Powers who finished in the mid 20s.
Going into the races I, like most cross fans, figured our best bet for a win rested on Katie Compton - the most dominant US crosser for the past for years. Katie was on a roll and managed to win the World Cup this year - no easy task. Yet, in the Elite Women's race, she was unable to hang with Marianne Vos - perhaps the winningest woman in cycling history.
Similarly, in the juniors race, an incredible Logan Owen raced well, but had to settle just off the podium in 4th place.
Not the finished we were all hoping for, but impressive non-the-less, and hopefully next year we have better luck.
Read more here - http://www.cxmagazine.com/
Going into the races I, like most cross fans, figured our best bet for a win rested on Katie Compton - the most dominant US crosser for the past for years. Katie was on a roll and managed to win the World Cup this year - no easy task. Yet, in the Elite Women's race, she was unable to hang with Marianne Vos - perhaps the winningest woman in cycling history.
Similarly, in the juniors race, an incredible Logan Owen raced well, but had to settle just off the podium in 4th place.
Not the finished we were all hoping for, but impressive non-the-less, and hopefully next year we have better luck.
Read more here - http://www.cxmagazine.com/
January 28, 2013
MadFiber - part 1
After the tour, the MadFiber staff began to get a set of wheels together for me to take home - luckily I received a set of the uber-light tubular model - perfect for some cross and road experiences. In addition to the wheels (packed into that great double-wheel bag shown above), MadFiber also sends you this little goodie bag:
Overall, the finish on the wheels is very high, part of the benefit of low-production wheels - they have the time to carefully inspect each wheel and ensure it meets their demands. Areas like the valve-stem hole are carefully finished and blend into the wheel. The tubular bed is equally impressive and is part of the strength of the wheels. Now it is time to brake out some glue and get some tires on these wheels. Check back for part 2!
January 6, 2013
Winter Miles
Here we are in the midst of Winter and in preparation for the 2013 season. This means long stints in the saddle and big mileage to get ready for the 1/2 races. Today was my longest stint yet this winter, and I am glad to relaxing now.
After my 3 hour ride yesterday I started my morning by cleaning and regreasing the chain (an important step for maintaining your gear and sanity - nothing is more draining than listening to your chain squeak the entire ride!) I then rode out to meet my teammates for a few hills and some good miles. After some delay in the main group, Mike and I started off along the route on our own.
Riding along at a slow place we discussed wheel sets for the Baron Outsider bikes we ride in the winter and rainy day training. Since the Outsider uses disc brakes for all-weather stopping, choices aren't as plentiful, but many narrow 29er wheels work perfect. This was something I have been looking into since I really need to replace this Kona Payroll rims that I took off my girlfriend's bike. She is riding happy on the velocity/white industry wheels I ran before, so once I get some new wheels I can finally unload these silly Konas.
After finishing the first hill, the rest of the group was still nowhere to be seen. We kept riding the route and started the 2nd climb where we ran into our teammate Andrew. He hopped onto our wheels and finished the climb with us. At the top we decided to turn around and redo the climb, hoping we would run into the rest of the team. We were right, and about halfway down we saw everyone climbing up. A quick turn-around and now we were climbing again. At the top we regrouped and then rode into Juanita for the final climb of the organized ride. Some of the team kicked up the pace on the climb, but I chose to hold my pace and slowly passed the people who had tried to go all-out and ran out of juice.
At this point it was time to head home. Heading back along the river, I unfortunately battled the wind the entire way, not the best way to end a long day. After the wind tunnel I finally turned off the path and heading up one last hill for my destination. This hill is a long grinder, and by the top you are definitely ready to be done. A nice shower and some lunch is a great reward for these miles, and hopefully come racing, all this work will pay off with some solid results during the season.
After my 3 hour ride yesterday I started my morning by cleaning and regreasing the chain (an important step for maintaining your gear and sanity - nothing is more draining than listening to your chain squeak the entire ride!) I then rode out to meet my teammates for a few hills and some good miles. After some delay in the main group, Mike and I started off along the route on our own.
Riding along at a slow place we discussed wheel sets for the Baron Outsider bikes we ride in the winter and rainy day training. Since the Outsider uses disc brakes for all-weather stopping, choices aren't as plentiful, but many narrow 29er wheels work perfect. This was something I have been looking into since I really need to replace this Kona Payroll rims that I took off my girlfriend's bike. She is riding happy on the velocity/white industry wheels I ran before, so once I get some new wheels I can finally unload these silly Konas.
After finishing the first hill, the rest of the group was still nowhere to be seen. We kept riding the route and started the 2nd climb where we ran into our teammate Andrew. He hopped onto our wheels and finished the climb with us. At the top we decided to turn around and redo the climb, hoping we would run into the rest of the team. We were right, and about halfway down we saw everyone climbing up. A quick turn-around and now we were climbing again. At the top we regrouped and then rode into Juanita for the final climb of the organized ride. Some of the team kicked up the pace on the climb, but I chose to hold my pace and slowly passed the people who had tried to go all-out and ran out of juice.
At this point it was time to head home. Heading back along the river, I unfortunately battled the wind the entire way, not the best way to end a long day. After the wind tunnel I finally turned off the path and heading up one last hill for my destination. This hill is a long grinder, and by the top you are definitely ready to be done. A nice shower and some lunch is a great reward for these miles, and hopefully come racing, all this work will pay off with some solid results during the season.
December 31, 2012
Camp 9 Firestation
One of the great rides that I managed to sneak in during my recent trip to California was to the Camp 9 mountain-top firestation in the hills outside of Santa Clarita. This route was nice since you quickly escaped the hustle of the city and you were soon onto a nice open climb up to the station.
After a few rolling hills you arrived at a small farm that claimed to be a filming site for tv and movies. It looked a little small for that work to me, but it was a great place to get a view of the hills you were heading into.
From this point it was all climbing. The road slowly turned up past a small park and started to cut a path along the sides of the mountain as you climbed up. The view along the entire climb was great since you had a open side to the valley and could watch the road as it climbed up ahead of you. After the main climb you ended up in another small park area where you could rest before heading deeper into the mountains or turn onto the fireroad and climb up to the firestation at the top. This road was a little rougher, with large cracks and a rougher chip-seal finish, but the climbing was still great. Since the fireroad was up so high, each corner offered a new view of the valleys, a great little prize for the work of climbing up this far.
Finally you arrived at the top and into the parking area for the firestation. It was surprising to see so many cars there since the climb was so quiet. From this vantage point you could look one way to see Santa Clarita and look the other way and see Los Angeles and even the shine of the ocean.
Once you were ready to move again (and throw on a wind jacket or a vest to keep the chill out) it was time for the long descent. Once again you were subject to the rougher pavement of the fireroads, albeit at a much quicker rate this time. Turning back onto the main roads you were able to really kick up the speed and settle in for an awesome descent. On the smooth and open roads you could really tuck in and fly down. Before you knew it, you were back to the farm and heading back into town. If you are ever in the Santa Clarita area, look up the Camp 9 and plan out a ride. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Once you were ready to move again (and throw on a wind jacket or a vest to keep the chill out) it was time for the long descent. Once again you were subject to the rougher pavement of the fireroads, albeit at a much quicker rate this time. Turning back onto the main roads you were able to really kick up the speed and settle in for an awesome descent. On the smooth and open roads you could really tuck in and fly down. Before you knew it, you were back to the farm and heading back into town. If you are ever in the Santa Clarita area, look up the Camp 9 and plan out a ride. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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