Well, here we are. The 2014 CX season has begun and I am again racing the best of the NW in the Elite category. Unlike the usual MFG starter at Big Finn Hill park in Juanita, we instead begin the season along the beautiful Lake Sammamish in Issaquah. A wonderful Summer spilled into the weekend with bright sunny skies and temperatures rising into the mid-high 80s - definitely feels like Summer-cross to me!
With some construction in the park, the MFG crew chose to mix things up with an entirely new course with the added twist of running the opposite direction of the past editions. This lead to an entirely new course feel, although the running along the beaches retained the leg-sapping efficiency of earlier years. Utilizing the sporadic trees, rutted and bumpy grass fields, and three stretches of sand, the course was an ideal mix of technical maneuvering, power, and running finesse.
Our Elite race began at the end of the day, ensuring that the sand was hardly ride-able and the looser off-camber sections were torn-up and rut-filled. Under the Summer heat, we lined up for the next hour of pain. I was lucky to receive a random call-up to start in the front row - a great way to start the season since it would mean less traffic in the early corners. As the whistle blew I clipped in and started to sprint down the stretch, only to have my starting foot pop loose (looks like it is time to tighten those pedal-releases)! I managed to clip in and get charging again, however I was now mixing it up at the back of the pack - so much for that call-up...
Diving into the first corners, I worked my way past some racers and tried to move to the front of the race. As we hit the first section of sand I was able to quickly navigate the winding riders and move up further. This happened again shortly after during the second sand stretch which occurred almost immediately afterward. I then powered through the winding course as it negotiated the trees and off-camber hills on the way toward the beach. Running along the 3rd section of sand was guaranteed for all racers due to the sharp hairpin entry and churned, loose sand. This section of beach was also the longest and left you drained by the end. I made up a few more spots here before we turned back into the trees and shot back toward the main part of the park. Flying out of the trees into a bumpy section of grass, we passed the pits and make a 180 to enter the double barriers before another 180. I was making up ground and could see the leaders just ahead! A few more bumpy stretches and corners lead to the pavement for a drag-race through the start/finish and begin the next lap.
Our laps were taking ~6 minutes, so we would end up completing 9 laps of the course. I managed to move up a little more over the next two laps before getting caught in complete no-man's-land and then getting caught by two racers behind me. We worked together for the next few laps, taking turns of ripping each others legs off as we raced along. This continued until lap 7 when I became unglued and began to yo-yo off the back. I managed to catch back on before lap 8 and then fall off again during the start of that lap. However, one of the riders messed up a corner and I then flew passed him. I was now chasing after the other rider (Mike Dicenso) and trying to catch his tail.
As we entered the final lap, I was feeling drained from the heat and exertion, however there were only a few minutes of pain left - leave it all on the course! I powered along the course toward the fleeting figure up the road. I managed to pass another rider who was completely burned-out along the final sand section and felt like I was making great progress. Back out into the main field and I flew into the barriers a final time. I had a mounting hiccup and ran wider than I usually did, figuring it wouldn't be an issue. Unfortunately, another rider had caught up to me and used the bumble as a perfect opportunity to pass. I immediately noticed the blunder and powered along to hold his wheel. With only a minute of racing left I was struggling to hold on and once we hit the pavement and he was still leading I knew I wasn't going to catch him for this race. We screamed down the pavement and finished the first CX race of the season. My official finishing placing - 9th (3 minutes behind the 2 leaders of the race) of the 22 starters. Not a terrible way to start the season since that was my overall best placement in a race last season and here I was starting there.
After some water (boy that was a hot race!) and cooling down, it was nice to chat with some of my competitors and look forward to a great season of racing. I was very happy with how my new On-One Pickenflick handled the course. The titanium frame was light for the long portaging across the sand, stiff under the continual accelerations, and comfortable over the rough and bumpy course. I guess the awesome Shimano Di2 and hydraulics couldn't have hurt the performance either!
Next weekend is the big Starcrossed race, with the Elite race beginning at 8pm! That should be fun as the night race is always a crazy affair. See you then.
Bike Racing, Fit Science, and Physical Therapy
Showing posts with label MFG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MFG. Show all posts
September 9, 2014
November 17, 2013
MFG #6 - Woodland Park
With that, the 2013 MFG Cyclocross season was wrapped up. As has been the case for the past few years, the season wraps up with the iconic Woodland Park race. This race tends to have ridiculous turn-out due to the great location and fun track. This year was no different, and MFG says that over 1300 racers turned out to compete across the day!
The weather was chilly, but the rain was no-where to be seen. There had been some moisture over the week, so the course did develop a few muddier sections, but it was generally tacky and fast. Zac and the MFG crew developed a new course for the race this year, and it was a big improvement on an already great race. A few little changes throughout, including some winding descents and a longer run-up really made the race a new challenge and had the racers pushing the limits.
As tends to be the case with these races, the early races had delayed the starts, and the 1/2 Elite race started about 15 minutes late. The new starting chute was on the paved loop around the park, so the starting speed was fast. As we transitioned into the grass and the first corner, the pandemonium started as racers struggled to keep upright and heading forward. I managed to keep a good line, and made it through unscathed.
The first lap was an experience, not only moving forward through the field, but also racing the new course with other riders for the first time. Seeing how the lines changed with the other racers was enlightening, and I picked up some little tricks from the faster racers that I would use for the rest of the race to make myself faster. Cutting through a gap between the tape and tree, rather than riding around the tree. Cutting across some loam instead of winding through a muddier section. These little changes were made to pass other riders and keep my pace up.
For the majority of the race I was part of the big chase for the leaders. The fast group that was racing for the win was up the course by a decent amount, but our group of 6 riders were battling it out as the fast 2s. There were a few sections that I was hanging on the back, but I was happy that when we hit the tighter turns I was right back at the front. I finally made my move heading into the starting line, and managed to make a small break with two others on the asphalt. We turned up the gas and managed to gap the rest of the group as we headed toward the run-up. The other two riders both opted to ride up the hill and I transitioned to run. Unfortunately, as we neared 3/4 of the way up, the lead rider bobbled and we were all slowed down to get up the remaining way. Lead gone. As we got to the top, the others were back on our wheels again and all that work was lost.
For the last 3 laps, we continued to push along, until another bobble separated me from the group. I spent the last two laps duking it out with the other rider who fell off the back. We traded punches and actually started reducing the gap to the other riders. Unfortunately, the race would end before we reconnected, but it was good to know we were making positive progress. As we neared the finish, I knew the place to move was the final hill. The other rider was in front as we worked around some other riders. My plan was to watch his attack and stick to his wheel, and then counter-attack at the top of the hill and make it to the line in front. He attacked earlier than I anticipated, but it worked well as I was still moving around the other riders. I did grab his wheel, but we were already into the decent when I was ready to move around him. I did make the inside line in the corner, but he managed to hold the lead into the final corners. I stayed on the wheel, seeing if I could get another attack in, but today was not the day for me. I ended up rolling across the line in 25th of the 37 finishers (and 47 starters). Not my best result, but a good race and a nice end to the MFG races.
Now it is time to regroup for the remaining 3 races of the SCX series and finish up my first Cat2 season well. See you out there!
The weather was chilly, but the rain was no-where to be seen. There had been some moisture over the week, so the course did develop a few muddier sections, but it was generally tacky and fast. Zac and the MFG crew developed a new course for the race this year, and it was a big improvement on an already great race. A few little changes throughout, including some winding descents and a longer run-up really made the race a new challenge and had the racers pushing the limits.
As tends to be the case with these races, the early races had delayed the starts, and the 1/2 Elite race started about 15 minutes late. The new starting chute was on the paved loop around the park, so the starting speed was fast. As we transitioned into the grass and the first corner, the pandemonium started as racers struggled to keep upright and heading forward. I managed to keep a good line, and made it through unscathed.
For the majority of the race I was part of the big chase for the leaders. The fast group that was racing for the win was up the course by a decent amount, but our group of 6 riders were battling it out as the fast 2s. There were a few sections that I was hanging on the back, but I was happy that when we hit the tighter turns I was right back at the front. I finally made my move heading into the starting line, and managed to make a small break with two others on the asphalt. We turned up the gas and managed to gap the rest of the group as we headed toward the run-up. The other two riders both opted to ride up the hill and I transitioned to run. Unfortunately, as we neared 3/4 of the way up, the lead rider bobbled and we were all slowed down to get up the remaining way. Lead gone. As we got to the top, the others were back on our wheels again and all that work was lost.
Now it is time to regroup for the remaining 3 races of the SCX series and finish up my first Cat2 season well. See you out there!
October 29, 2013
MFG 2013 #5 - SCCA/Starbucks GP at Marymoor Velodrome
Boom, and I am back! After my recent re-fit, I am definitely putting down the power and showing the form I have been missing this season.
SCCA/Starbucks GP is typically toward the tail of the MFG series, and was the 5th race this year. Unlike when we race Marymoor for Starcrossed (which is generally warm and dusty), the GP is generally a more Cross-like affair with mud and cold. This year did not disappoint, with the day starting in rain. By the afternoon it had stopped raining and the afternoon races were held across a tacky mud track, with only a few sections containing the slicker mud from the morning. It was a cool fall day, but as the sun came out, it was definitely a nice day for Cross. A few pre-race laps showed that everything was running well, and I was ready to hit the course at full-speed.
The Elite field lined up for our race a bit delayed. This was due to course modifications made before the Elite women (they modified a smaller chicane into a much more abrupt chicane for increased challenge). On the gun, we shot down the front straight and along the paved trail before a turn onto gravel and then into the first pass of the pits across the bumpy grass. We then rolled around the front and then up a short hill with barriers before a off-camber downhill (I am sure this was rougher in the morning while it was more slick). It was then a short blast into the infield and along another stretch of bumpy grass.
I was quite happy with how the course was riding and how I racing as well. The newly revised fitment on the bike was definitely working, as I was able to efficiently power along and keep the bike tracking where I needed it. As I mentioned above, the course had dried out and provided excellent hook-up for the tires. This resulted in high speeds and made for exciting racing as we were constantly battling each other for placing.
As the race wore on, the course began to take its toll on the racers. A younger racer suffered a loose crank bolt and soon I saw him abandon as he only had one crank arm. Other riders ran out of gas or had wipe-outs in the corners. On the last lap a rider from Rock Lobster managed to blow his chain and had to run in the rest of the lap to finish the race.
As I shot into the finish, I raced in with a Masters racer and ended up 21st of 41 starters of the Elite race. Definitely a pick up from the last few races, and a good sign of the progress I have been working on. Now it is time to carry this momentum for the rest of the season and hit up Silver Lake this weekend for Seattle CX #3. See you out there, and keep on racing!
Thanks again Woodinville Bicycle for the great photos.
SCCA/Starbucks GP is typically toward the tail of the MFG series, and was the 5th race this year. Unlike when we race Marymoor for Starcrossed (which is generally warm and dusty), the GP is generally a more Cross-like affair with mud and cold. This year did not disappoint, with the day starting in rain. By the afternoon it had stopped raining and the afternoon races were held across a tacky mud track, with only a few sections containing the slicker mud from the morning. It was a cool fall day, but as the sun came out, it was definitely a nice day for Cross. A few pre-race laps showed that everything was running well, and I was ready to hit the course at full-speed.
While we continued to navigate the infield, I continued to move forward through the competitors. We then shot out to the back half of the course and into a short hill and decent before hitting the harder chicane. After the chicane it was straight into a long off-camber as we rode along the side of the hill and into the the second pass of the pits. Along the back road, it was high-speed and full-gas before a few short hill corners and then into the front again.
As the race wore on, the course began to take its toll on the racers. A younger racer suffered a loose crank bolt and soon I saw him abandon as he only had one crank arm. Other riders ran out of gas or had wipe-outs in the corners. On the last lap a rider from Rock Lobster managed to blow his chain and had to run in the rest of the lap to finish the race.
Thanks again Woodinville Bicycle for the great photos.
October 24, 2013
MFG 2013 #4 at Magnuson Park
Last weekend was round 4 of the 2013 MFG Cyclocross series. Weather has been a bit light the past few days, so it going to be a pretty dry course, and Magnuson park tends to be a fast course with long straights separating the locations of the park. After great warm-up work this week, I was feeling good (and winning here last year as a Cat 3 didn't hurt either) and excited for the race. A short lap of the course showed that it was definitely running fast, with the majority of the track being dirt.
When they called us up, the field was definitely large - 44 racers starting in the 1-2 field. Since I still have not had a good finish this year, I ended up in the 3rd/4th row. On the whistle we hit the gas and flew up toward the start/finish and onto the first lap. Hitting the first corner, I squeezed past a few racers, making up ground as possible. We kept up the pace through the entirety of the front section of grass corners and through the barriers. At this point we were back onto pavement and heading out to the tennis courts at full speed. A few quick corners later and we were navigating a series of short hill corners and then jumped onto the gravel. After a short stretch on the gravel, the road pitched upward for the tough hill section of the course. At this point, the leaders had raced off ahead and I was battling with the back of the field, making up places where I could. At the top of the hill, you then plunged back down the other side and into a 180-degree corner before shooting back to the finish-line.
After a few laps, I was effectively fighting with the few others hanging on at the back of the field. Despite the good lead-in to the event, I just felt out of gas after the first lap. I continued putting down the power as I could, and eventually fell into a good rhythm on the course. As I started the final lap, I was still ahead of the leaders, so I finally finished a race in the same lap this year. Not the result I was hoping for, but still a sign of progress. I ended up finishing in 34th of the 44 starters. Again, not great (no call-up yet...), but a decent finish.
Since the race, I have had my bike re-fit and definitely feel like I am able to put down the power without feeling out of juice. Now it is time to get settled in and ready for the next MFG race at Marymoor park. Lets see how things go; it sure would be fun to finally get some good races done this season.
October 10, 2013
Double Trouble - Cascade CX at Bellingham BMX & MFG #3 at Silver Lake
Whew - busy weekend with the travel up to Bellingham for Cacade Cyclocross at the Bellingham BMX park for Saturday and then back down to Everett for the MFG race at Silver Lake. Coming off my rest week, I wasn't sure how things would go, but getting experience of the 1/2 races is always helpful. I also figured that seeing a whole new course would be a fun little experience.
We drove up to Bellingham on Friday to make sure that I was well-rested and ready for the race on Saturday. The Bellingham BMX park is part of a larger chunk of land, so the owners have decided to build a permanent Cyclocross course on the premises; a very cool idea, even if it is a bit of a journey to get up there. The layout was pretty interesting with a mix of tight and cambered corners, a few sections through the woods, and some deeper sections for mud. Mud would be the key word though, since they had just built the course a few weeks ago, just in time for the big rains we have been having. Even though the run-in to the race had been dry, the course still featured ankle-deep mud pits with ranges from thinner soup to sticky peanut-butter, just to keep things grueling.
We lined up in front of the Masters and the Singlespeed fields, under an unseasonably warm 70 degree day. When the bell rang, I managed a good start and was in the front group as some of the field was caught in the first corners and the first sections of mud. I was running full-gas for the first lap, but slowly lost contact with the leaders as we hit the longer mud sections and the run-up into the woods. I did my best to navigate the next few laps and hold position as best as possible. A few times I ended up getting stuck coming into tricky sections behind the slower single-speed riders, losing time before finally getting a passing line.
With a few laps to go, the leaders had caught me. I jumped onto their wheels and was able to chase their lines for awhile, learning some of the faster lines they had chosen. At this point, it was just about surviving for the next few laps, as other riders were running out of steam or succumbing to mechanical issues. As I approached the final line, I hit the gas and was very happy to be finished. Final position was 12th of the 21 starters, so not too bad, however with only 15 of us finishing the entire race, I was definitely toward the back.
After the race was an important clean-up procedure; washing off pounds of mud from the bike and myself (luckily the boat-shop right next to our parking spot had a hose they let me use; it definitely saved a lot of time compared to our small hand-pump sprayer!). I needed to make sure everything was going to be ready for the race on Sunday since I wouldn't be home beforehand. With all that work finished, it was time for a welcome rest for the night!
The morning dawned with another sunny day, although luckily a little cooler. After getting all the gear packed up, we were on the road back down to Everett and out to Silver Lake for the 3rd MFG race of 2013. Silver Lake has never been a course that I have had good results at, but it is always an interesting event. The long stretches of sand are difficult, and are separated with steep climbs and descents out of a mountain bike race.
As will every MFG race this season, I ended up with a 3rd row starting position, but I tried to position myself behind some of the faster guys to get a good starting shot. When the bell rang, we shot up the paved section and flew into the first corners before a steep hill and flying into some off-camber descending. At this point I was fighting for mid-pack position and then we started some switchback climbing up to the top of the park. A short section of pavement lead into a very fast and steep descent that curved around a bunch of trees to shoot us into the shorter sand section. This was then followed with a long paved climb to the other half of the course and into some winding paths through the trees. Next was some short climbs and drops before being flung back to the beach and along the very long beach section before starting the madness once again.
At the end of this busy weekend, it was definitely time to get working again and see what I can manage to pull together for the rest of the season. These races were definitely eye-opening as I was surprised at how fast I was running out of gas and comparing my speed to the leaders. I feel like the season so far has been a good way to see how the 1/2 field compares to the 3s, and while it is much harder, I plan to adjust my training to make sure I am doing better for the rest of the season.
See you next weekend for Seattle Cyclocross #2 in Carnation.
October 1, 2013
MFG Cyclocross 2013 #2 - Lake Sammamish
This past weekend was not only super rainy, but it was also the weekend of MFG Cyclocross #2 at Lake Sammamish park in Issaquah. After feeling great last weekend at SCX #1, I was excited to hit the course and go for a great finish. I had a solid week of riding, so I felt like the fitness was there and ready. The rain made for treacherous muddy conditions, especially as the morning racers had nicely churned everything up into a soggy, slippery mess.
I warmed up happily utilizing my tent as the rain continued to fall. Everything was feeling great as we lined up. I again was lined up 3rd row as I haven't placed well in the series yet this year. I made sure to start near the side so that as we got going I could shoot up the outside. At the whistle, as I expected the group pulled toward the middle of the road. I moved up along the right shoulder and as we hit the first corner I was happily in the top half of the group. We cycled through the first few winding and bumpy corners before hitting the very slick rear section of off-camber corners. We hit the beach and I was still in a good spot and managed to squeeze up a little more as we ran through the sand. Quickly getting back on the bike, I cut through the trees and we shot back into the front of the course.
The first corners of the front section were deep, thick mud. I rode through the deep corners and hit the barriers still on the tail of the leaders. So far so good!
We got going again through the faster sections and into some really slick mud corners. I was hustling to stay on the wheels until disaster! A rider managed to plow right into my front wheel sending me into the tape and while I managed to stay upright, the hit was enough to pop the wheel out of the dropouts, meaning there was no immediate running. I managed to pop the brake and reset the wheel, but I definitely lost some good ground here.
I got rushing off again ASAP and it felt good to start passing other riders from my field right away. I started getting into a groove and slowly making up places for the next few laps, enjoying my lack of mechanicals even though I did manage to slide around a bit (too much air pressure!)
As race leader Steve Fisher flew past me, I jumped on his wheel and managed to get a great view on a very fast line through the first few corners of the course until he managed to pull away. As I hit the sand for the last lap I was passed by the only other rider to lap me, Russell Stevenson. I was on his tail for the next few corners, again getting a good view of a faster line.
We hit another tricky section and little bobble due to carelessness caused me some trouble as two riders who had been hanging on my wheel managed to squeeze past. I tried to chase them back down, but fatigue was definitely beginning to show. I got onto their wheels at the barriers only to loose them again. I caught them again in a few corners, and as we hit the pavement I jumped on the gas trying to get back in front, however I just missed them at the line, finishing 1 second back.
I ended up finishing a solid 25th out of the starting field of 36. A solid result, although again I feel like I could have been better if I had avoided some little blunders.
Next weekend is the double-header out in Bellingham, so I am ready to bring the speed and go for some solid results. Check back soon to see how things go.
Keep on riding friends.
I warmed up happily utilizing my tent as the rain continued to fall. Everything was feeling great as we lined up. I again was lined up 3rd row as I haven't placed well in the series yet this year. I made sure to start near the side so that as we got going I could shoot up the outside. At the whistle, as I expected the group pulled toward the middle of the road. I moved up along the right shoulder and as we hit the first corner I was happily in the top half of the group. We cycled through the first few winding and bumpy corners before hitting the very slick rear section of off-camber corners. We hit the beach and I was still in a good spot and managed to squeeze up a little more as we ran through the sand. Quickly getting back on the bike, I cut through the trees and we shot back into the front of the course.
The first corners of the front section were deep, thick mud. I rode through the deep corners and hit the barriers still on the tail of the leaders. So far so good!
We got going again through the faster sections and into some really slick mud corners. I was hustling to stay on the wheels until disaster! A rider managed to plow right into my front wheel sending me into the tape and while I managed to stay upright, the hit was enough to pop the wheel out of the dropouts, meaning there was no immediate running. I managed to pop the brake and reset the wheel, but I definitely lost some good ground here.
I got rushing off again ASAP and it felt good to start passing other riders from my field right away. I started getting into a groove and slowly making up places for the next few laps, enjoying my lack of mechanicals even though I did manage to slide around a bit (too much air pressure!)
As race leader Steve Fisher flew past me, I jumped on his wheel and managed to get a great view on a very fast line through the first few corners of the course until he managed to pull away. As I hit the sand for the last lap I was passed by the only other rider to lap me, Russell Stevenson. I was on his tail for the next few corners, again getting a good view of a faster line.
We hit another tricky section and little bobble due to carelessness caused me some trouble as two riders who had been hanging on my wheel managed to squeeze past. I tried to chase them back down, but fatigue was definitely beginning to show. I got onto their wheels at the barriers only to loose them again. I caught them again in a few corners, and as we hit the pavement I jumped on the gas trying to get back in front, however I just missed them at the line, finishing 1 second back.
I ended up finishing a solid 25th out of the starting field of 36. A solid result, although again I feel like I could have been better if I had avoided some little blunders.
Next weekend is the double-header out in Bellingham, so I am ready to bring the speed and go for some solid results. Check back soon to see how things go.
Keep on riding friends.
September 10, 2013
MFG 2013 #1 - Big Finn Hill Park
Well, it is officially Cross season now! This past weekend was the 1st event of the MFG Cyclocross series out here in Washington, and despite the rain the past week, the event was dry and hot like usual. This year I am racing in the 1/2 field, so not only are the races longer, but also against a harder field.
As mentioned in my previous post, I am primarily racing a new bike this year - a Baron Nightingale CX. This event helped show me how good this machine will be for racing this year, however the race also showed me I have a lot of work to do this year!
I had a terrible start (mostly my fault for doing a practice lap) and ended up in the last row. We started with a rush and I managed to climb up a few spots as we moved into the field and started through the corners on the field. I jumped through the corners and made up spots as much as possible.
As we hit the bottleneck single-track section, I dismounted and managed to squeeze past a few more riders who were stuck dealing with the traffic.
Rushing through the course, I definitely started to feel the results of the heat and the work. As we made it to the lap count-down (about 30 minutes into the race), I was definitely slowing down. Luckily, most of the other riders were starting to run out of steam too. I was slowly making up ground as possible, but was very thankful for the final lap.
Putting everything I had left into the pedals, I raced through the last lap and managed to squeeze past one more rider before hitting the finish line.
Still ended up being further back than I wanted, finishing 31st of the 40 starters.
Time to re-focus, build up, and hit Starcrossed next weekend with full force!
As mentioned in my previous post, I am primarily racing a new bike this year - a Baron Nightingale CX. This event helped show me how good this machine will be for racing this year, however the race also showed me I have a lot of work to do this year!
As we hit the bottleneck single-track section, I dismounted and managed to squeeze past a few more riders who were stuck dealing with the traffic.
Time to re-focus, build up, and hit Starcrossed next weekend with full force!
December 18, 2012
Glimpses of Cyclocross
My girlfriend just forwarded me a collection of Instagram photos she took this past Cross season. Even though the racing is over, it is fun to look back and remember the races. Enjoy!
December 13, 2012
MFG #6 - Woodland Park
I can't believe we are already nearly halfway through November! This
season sure flew by. Sunday was the series-finisher for the MFG series
and was once again hosted by the awesome Woodland Park.
The weather, though cold, was mostly dry this week, so the course was running super fast, and the slight rain of the day smoothed out a few sections and only made a few of the corners squirmy, so it remained fast even into the afternoon races. A slight change to last year's layout, the course featured a steep uphill that most ran but a few continued to ride, and an extended running section over 3 sets of barriers and two shorter log barriers further up the hill.
It was fun to watch the 1/2 field race through the course, and after a few laps I noticed that a rider was wearing a Garmin-Sharp kit. Since I know they won't let you race in team kit without being on that team I was trying to figure out who this racer might be. Turns out it is local PRO Tyler Farrar, getting in some fun off-season rides while he is in Seattle this winter. Check out that disguised Redline bike... Too bad Cervelo doesn't offer a cyclocross option.
When the 2:30 races started, a light rain began that would continue through the race and keep racers on their toes in some of the paved corners. On the gun I managed an ok start and climbed back into a good spot by the first corner. Miles Frank of Hammer nutrition got the hole-shot and quickly established a gap he would hold for the remainder of the race. My closest competitor, Patrick Leonard of Soft-Like-Kitten, had tried to catch his wheel but dangled off the back for the entire first lap as I pulled to connect with them. As we entered lap 2 Patrick had a mechanical that would drop him down the rankings (he would end up clawing back to finish 14th, but lose his 2nd place in the overall).
After a few laps of trying to reel in Miles alone, I was joined by Mike Foster of Starbucks and we battled for 2 laps before another rider (Matt Hornland - Mighty Riders) would join our group. Our group traded attacks and allowed us to extend the gap from the next group and for the next 2 laps we would switch leads as each rider gained the front in the section that suited their abilities.
For most of the last lap I was stuck hanging to the back of this group as we thrashed the course trying to shed each other for podium results. As we entered the final segments of the last lap I decided it was time to make a move and shot past both of them on the sustained gravel climbs and was first into the infield pit area. Confident that I had made it through the race without issue (I was now secure in my series win as there was a large gap to the next group and we were less than a minute from the end of the race) I let up as we hit the last two corners to make sure I was 100% safe and rolled across the line 4th for the day (out of 55 starters!) and carried a nice 6 point lead above Miles for the series championship!
One series in the bag, we next move back to the SCX series for the remaining 2 races of that series. I am currently 3rd place and heading into Steilacoom for our next race I hope to put down some killer speed and try to seize control of that series as well.
Congrats to everyone who made it out to race this weekend - I saw some new faces!
J Irons - Men's Cat 4 - 17th
Dave Matthews - Men's Singlespeed - 63rd
Jenny Dallas - Women's Singlespeed - 1st Place!!!
The weather, though cold, was mostly dry this week, so the course was running super fast, and the slight rain of the day smoothed out a few sections and only made a few of the corners squirmy, so it remained fast even into the afternoon races. A slight change to last year's layout, the course featured a steep uphill that most ran but a few continued to ride, and an extended running section over 3 sets of barriers and two shorter log barriers further up the hill.
It was fun to watch the 1/2 field race through the course, and after a few laps I noticed that a rider was wearing a Garmin-Sharp kit. Since I know they won't let you race in team kit without being on that team I was trying to figure out who this racer might be. Turns out it is local PRO Tyler Farrar, getting in some fun off-season rides while he is in Seattle this winter. Check out that disguised Redline bike... Too bad Cervelo doesn't offer a cyclocross option.
When the 2:30 races started, a light rain began that would continue through the race and keep racers on their toes in some of the paved corners. On the gun I managed an ok start and climbed back into a good spot by the first corner. Miles Frank of Hammer nutrition got the hole-shot and quickly established a gap he would hold for the remainder of the race. My closest competitor, Patrick Leonard of Soft-Like-Kitten, had tried to catch his wheel but dangled off the back for the entire first lap as I pulled to connect with them. As we entered lap 2 Patrick had a mechanical that would drop him down the rankings (he would end up clawing back to finish 14th, but lose his 2nd place in the overall).
After a few laps of trying to reel in Miles alone, I was joined by Mike Foster of Starbucks and we battled for 2 laps before another rider (Matt Hornland - Mighty Riders) would join our group. Our group traded attacks and allowed us to extend the gap from the next group and for the next 2 laps we would switch leads as each rider gained the front in the section that suited their abilities.
For most of the last lap I was stuck hanging to the back of this group as we thrashed the course trying to shed each other for podium results. As we entered the final segments of the last lap I decided it was time to make a move and shot past both of them on the sustained gravel climbs and was first into the infield pit area. Confident that I had made it through the race without issue (I was now secure in my series win as there was a large gap to the next group and we were less than a minute from the end of the race) I let up as we hit the last two corners to make sure I was 100% safe and rolled across the line 4th for the day (out of 55 starters!) and carried a nice 6 point lead above Miles for the series championship!
One series in the bag, we next move back to the SCX series for the remaining 2 races of that series. I am currently 3rd place and heading into Steilacoom for our next race I hope to put down some killer speed and try to seize control of that series as well.
Congrats to everyone who made it out to race this weekend - I saw some new faces!
J Irons - Men's Cat 4 - 17th
Dave Matthews - Men's Singlespeed - 63rd
Jenny Dallas - Women's Singlespeed - 1st Place!!!
December 10, 2012
MFG #5 Marymoor Park
The weather has definitely turned to the wetter, and this past weekend was no
exception. The once grassy hills of the Marymoor velodrome were
transformed into tacky, slick, and deep mud. The rain through the
morning ended before the afternoon races began but the conditions didn't
get any better. So, the 2012 Starbucks/SCCA race would be a mudder.
Coming off my win last weekend I was motivated to keep things rolling and got to the front through the first corners and stayed with the lead group for the first sections of the race. After a little bit of back-and-forth attacks, one rider managed to get off the front. I pulled the remaining chasers for a little while before I started to tire and fell to the back of the group. I managed to stay there, just off the last of the leaders for about half the race before I started to slowly sink back. At this point in the race we were dealing with thick traffic from the large number of racers on course, and you would occasionally get stuck behind a slower rider through the tight technical areas and lose more time.
Finally the last lap started, and I managed to claw my way past two more
fading riders. Unfortunately, in the last few corners, I too was overtaken. As I made my
way back onto the slippery front straight I ended up ninth for the day.
Not the top finish I was hoping for, but good enough to hold the series
lead, although by a small margin of 6 points between myself and second
place. With only Woodland Park remaining, I will have to bring my a-game
and stay up front, otherwise the series may be lost.
I learned after the race that about 2/3 of the Men's 3 field was lapped and removed over the course of the race! Nice to be able to finish with the lead group.
Congrats to our other racers who braved this thick and treacherous mud:
Steve Berard - 17th - Men's 3s 35+
Jenny Dallas - 4th - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - DNF - Women's Singlespeed (Better luck next time!)
Coming off my win last weekend I was motivated to keep things rolling and got to the front through the first corners and stayed with the lead group for the first sections of the race. After a little bit of back-and-forth attacks, one rider managed to get off the front. I pulled the remaining chasers for a little while before I started to tire and fell to the back of the group. I managed to stay there, just off the last of the leaders for about half the race before I started to slowly sink back. At this point in the race we were dealing with thick traffic from the large number of racers on course, and you would occasionally get stuck behind a slower rider through the tight technical areas and lose more time.
I learned after the race that about 2/3 of the Men's 3 field was lapped and removed over the course of the race! Nice to be able to finish with the lead group.
Congrats to our other racers who braved this thick and treacherous mud:
Steve Berard - 17th - Men's 3s 35+
Jenny Dallas - 4th - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - DNF - Women's Singlespeed (Better luck next time!)
MFG #4 Magnuson Park
A cool but dry Fall day was the perfect backdrop for this year's race at
Magnuson. This is a long course that was introduced last year and
features 1/3 fast grass switchbacks, 1/3 tighter muddy sections, and 1/3
gravel/asphalt sections. It is a FAST course although the mud last year
bogged it up a good amount and the gravel climb is ready to sap
strength lap after lap.
Due to my good season so far I received a front-row start and with the longer starting chute I managed to hit the grass in a great position about of about 5th place (I really need to work on my starts!) and hung with this lead group through the initial sections of grass. As we moved into the brief road section connecting the grass with the muddy/dirt section I moved into the lead. I had pre-ridden the course, so I knew that the rain had made the course lightly muddy but not the thick goop from 2011. Still I took the fast route and rode the paved lip of the tennis court rather than the muddy rut that most chose. As we hit the stairs I saw that our lead group had a decent gap on the rest of the field (we were cutting through the single-speed men since before the barriers, so they were already getting caught up a bit).
Pressing on, I hit the hill HARD (I knew from last
year that this would be a deciding feature of the course) and started
lap two still leading the field - only 6 more to go! Lap 2 and 3 were
pretty similar affairs - learning the quirks of the course to find where
I could go faster/harder and finding the best places to take a little
breather. On lap 4 as we rounded the corner by the tennis fields I
unclipped a little and the 2nd place rider came around me. He said we
had a big gap and to keep pushing and I got back in front (I didn't know if
he gave me the lead again or if I actually powered into it - Talking to him afterward he said he was gassed and just hanging onto my wheel) but now I
continued to punch out the course (i figure he just wanted to ride in my
shadow with the hope of taking me in the sprint). Knowing it was just
us two I tried shaking him by squeezing past riders who were taking up the middle of the course and laying on the power when I found a good place to
do so. With 2 laps to go, my added pressure worked; as we went through a
slicker corner he washed out a bit and upon hearing the slide I laid on the
gas. I didn't look back to see if it worked, I just kept up my pace and
tried to increase my lead on the field to defend the position.
Finally we entered the last lap. Now I was watching as we cut back and forth along the grass to see how much gap I still had. It looked like I led the field by about 15 seconds or so, so I had to keep it up otherwise they could potentially catch me. I continued my well-working route through the course, hitting the gas in key areas to increase my lead and working past the now very busy field as I could. As I topped the stairs for the last time I saw they were getting close - just entering the corner that leads into the stairway! I hammered down the gravel road and pushed over the hill for the last time passing some more of the now very tired singlespeeders. Entering the asphalt finish drag I tucked in and mashed up the slight grade. I knew I had a lead and sat up to shake my fist as I passed the line - finally after just missing the podium all season I snagged my first win of the CX season!
Next weekend is a double-header of both MFG and SCX, and hopefully I can pad my lead in the MFG series and work up from my 3rd place in SCX.
Congrats to our large group of competitors this weekend!
David Matthews - 61st - Men's Singlespeed (of 86 racers - huge field!)
Jenny Dallas - 5th - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - 14th - Women's Singlespeed
Due to my good season so far I received a front-row start and with the longer starting chute I managed to hit the grass in a great position about of about 5th place (I really need to work on my starts!) and hung with this lead group through the initial sections of grass. As we moved into the brief road section connecting the grass with the muddy/dirt section I moved into the lead. I had pre-ridden the course, so I knew that the rain had made the course lightly muddy but not the thick goop from 2011. Still I took the fast route and rode the paved lip of the tennis court rather than the muddy rut that most chose. As we hit the stairs I saw that our lead group had a decent gap on the rest of the field (we were cutting through the single-speed men since before the barriers, so they were already getting caught up a bit).
Finally we entered the last lap. Now I was watching as we cut back and forth along the grass to see how much gap I still had. It looked like I led the field by about 15 seconds or so, so I had to keep it up otherwise they could potentially catch me. I continued my well-working route through the course, hitting the gas in key areas to increase my lead and working past the now very busy field as I could. As I topped the stairs for the last time I saw they were getting close - just entering the corner that leads into the stairway! I hammered down the gravel road and pushed over the hill for the last time passing some more of the now very tired singlespeeders. Entering the asphalt finish drag I tucked in and mashed up the slight grade. I knew I had a lead and sat up to shake my fist as I passed the line - finally after just missing the podium all season I snagged my first win of the CX season!
Next weekend is a double-header of both MFG and SCX, and hopefully I can pad my lead in the MFG series and work up from my 3rd place in SCX.
Congrats to our large group of competitors this weekend!
David Matthews - 61st - Men's Singlespeed (of 86 racers - huge field!)
Jenny Dallas - 5th - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - 14th - Women's Singlespeed
December 9, 2012
MFG #3 Marymoor Starcrossed
Here we are, nearly halfway into the 2012 cross season and back to a NW favorite - StarCrossed! This race is typically a Pro/1/2 night race under the lights but they run all the other categories later in the day as well to give it a fun and different atmosphere from the standard races. No big international headliners this year since the race doesn't give UCI points this time around, but great aggressive riding from the locals and a few visitors none the less.
At this point I was content to race for the 3rd place position and kept a consistent pace along the course. Apparently I had let up a bit too much however as on the last lap I was passed by a rider from HSP. I ended up getting around him only to have him leapfrog me again heading to the front asphalt stretch. I powered around him once more and held that lead until the final corner on the infield! I tried to take a defensive line, however I gave up too much space on the outer line and he squeezed by to hit the inner finish-line first. I still chugged along to take 4th only to have to drag-race to the line. The judges determined that this final upstart snagged the line from me due to his RFID tag crossing the line before mine. Once again a podium at MFG lost in the last seconds of the race, however a solid 5th place should move me into a great spot in the overall. There are now 3 races left in this series, so I just need to stay consistent for the remaining 2 months and I should take home the big prize before my upgrade.
My race started at 5:30, so definitely a late one, but it was nice to have some extra rest time after the morning riding the meet-the-team ride which was a little longer than I anticipated, but I think it did a decent job of opening up the legs for the night's event. This year's Marymoor course was a change from what has been run in previous years, with a large stretch of pavement in the parking paddock used on course. I really liked the layout and the speed of the course and hope that the SCCA/Starbucks GP held here later this season uses a similar layout.
The racing was definitely fast and furious from the start and like last week, we started behind the single-speed men, which meant we hit lap track early on and it helped force the break. After a poor start (my foot unclipped as we sprinted to the first corner) I managed to stay in the front group and heading into the back stretch I was in the lead. I led for the rest of the first lap and then settled behind two extremely fast riders (Hammer nutrition, whom I imagine will upgrade shortly, and a quick young rider from BC who made the trip down) and the 3 of us pulled a good gap on the rest of the racers for a few laps. I ended up getting separated from these two riders as we dived into one of the tight hairpin corners, where I got stuck in some single-speed riders and was unable to reconnect with the leaders.
Congrats to all our other team riders for showing up to this big race:
Jenny Dallas - 4th - Women's Single-speed
Melissa Desimone - 11th - Women's Single-speed
Way to go on the awesome results!
See you next week for the sand-terror at Silver Lake!
December 7, 2012
MFG #2 - Lake Sammamish
The first official race of Fall, the day started rather chilly but
warmed up to be quite decent for the afternoon. Lake Sammamish is a fast
and bumpy course with the only big obstacle being the long stretch of
beach along the coast. The key for this race was to push that big gear!
From my nice start last race I got a good call-up position and heading
into the first corner after the drag-strip start I was in 4th position. I
held this spot until we hit the beaches and once everyone was running I
managed to get past everyone and I was now leading the race!
For the next few laps I either managed to stay in the lead or I would drop back a few spots as we worked our way from one end of the park to the other, weaving through trees, over bumpy grass, and through the sand. Heading into the last lap I was still leading although I could tell there were riders right on my wheel. As we hit the sand, I was passed and was now in 3rd place. Coming out of the sand I shot past a rider and was back into 2nd as we worked toward the front half of the course. In the straight-away section passing the pits I again took the lead.
We were working our way through the single-speed field and heading toward the finish line. I was first to and through the barriers but again felt the others breathing down my neck. I was soo close to the finish! I swung around riders left and right while pushing to gain ground where I could. Finally I was into the last grass corner and heading into the paved corner heading into the finishing stretch. I came through the corner holding speed and was ready to push all the way to the line...
But suddenly the bike locked up. I had rolled the rear tire off the wheel!! The two riders who were on my wheel shot past. I grabbed the bike and started to run down the long 150 meter stretch. I moved to the gravel for more grip and still riders came shooting past, finishing both in the 3s and the single-speed class. I finally managed to cross the line, but how many spots had I lost?
Deflated from the mechanical robbing my finish I waited for the results to be posted. It had taken me a minute to run in all those last yards. My lead had faded to nothing in the fraction of a second, but luckily the ground we had gained over the others proved to be enough that even with that long and torturous run-in I managed to hold onto a 9th place finish. Not quite what I wanted, but still a respectable result that will luckily keep my call-up for next time. Now I just need to glue the hell out of that tire to make sure I am not robbed of my hard work down the road!
Congrats to our other Bikesale cross riders and their great races:
Jenny Dallas - 4th Place - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - 15th Place - Women's Singlespeed
Irena Netik - 19th Place - Women's Cat 4
Heather Barnett - 15th - Beginners Women
Way to go! Next weekend is the long flats and dusty grass of Arlington. Hopefully we can pull some more results there!
For the next few laps I either managed to stay in the lead or I would drop back a few spots as we worked our way from one end of the park to the other, weaving through trees, over bumpy grass, and through the sand. Heading into the last lap I was still leading although I could tell there were riders right on my wheel. As we hit the sand, I was passed and was now in 3rd place. Coming out of the sand I shot past a rider and was back into 2nd as we worked toward the front half of the course. In the straight-away section passing the pits I again took the lead.
We were working our way through the single-speed field and heading toward the finish line. I was first to and through the barriers but again felt the others breathing down my neck. I was soo close to the finish! I swung around riders left and right while pushing to gain ground where I could. Finally I was into the last grass corner and heading into the paved corner heading into the finishing stretch. I came through the corner holding speed and was ready to push all the way to the line...
But suddenly the bike locked up. I had rolled the rear tire off the wheel!! The two riders who were on my wheel shot past. I grabbed the bike and started to run down the long 150 meter stretch. I moved to the gravel for more grip and still riders came shooting past, finishing both in the 3s and the single-speed class. I finally managed to cross the line, but how many spots had I lost?
Deflated from the mechanical robbing my finish I waited for the results to be posted. It had taken me a minute to run in all those last yards. My lead had faded to nothing in the fraction of a second, but luckily the ground we had gained over the others proved to be enough that even with that long and torturous run-in I managed to hold onto a 9th place finish. Not quite what I wanted, but still a respectable result that will luckily keep my call-up for next time. Now I just need to glue the hell out of that tire to make sure I am not robbed of my hard work down the road!
Congrats to our other Bikesale cross riders and their great races:
Jenny Dallas - 4th Place - Women's Singlespeed
Melissa Desimone - 15th Place - Women's Singlespeed
Irena Netik - 19th Place - Women's Cat 4
Heather Barnett - 15th - Beginners Women
Way to go! Next weekend is the long flats and dusty grass of Arlington. Hopefully we can pull some more results there!
December 5, 2012
MFG #1 - Finn Hill Park
Well, the 2012 CX season has officially begun (not including the
labor-day CX race which is more of a kick in the butt to get ready).
Sunday the 9th was the first MFG race of the year and as usual was run
at Big Finn Hill park in Juanita. Due to some construction and park
changes the course was a little different this year but still contained
the main features of this park; dry bumpy grass, some technical single
track, and a fast paved finish track. This year is a little different
for me as Stephen Berard will be also racing the open 3s and I get a
little more yellow course buddies through Jenny Dallas racing
single-speed ladies. Always nice to have some more of us out there! I am also racing this year on the Independent Fabrication Planet-X frame that I snagged last winter. I am excited to be back on steel after last year (don't get me wrong, the Van Dessel Gin&Trombones is an awesome bike, I just prefer the ride that steel offers). I should post some shots of the bike for the next post. I am very happy with the set-up, and think it should offer consistent performance all season long.
Onto the race-
Steve got a great call-up and started front row while I ended up in the 3rd row for the start. Not too bad considering our large field. Going into the first corner hole-shot Steve maintained a great spot up front and I managed to squeeze into roughly 15th or so through the corner. Laying on the gas I managed to push into the top 10 during the upper grass fields. On the short uphill climb I put in a strong push and joined the lead group of 5 who were just falling off the leader. We continued to sit about 10 seconds off the leader starting the 2nd lap where I squeezed to 4th, then 3rd, and finally moved to 2nd. I continued to work on the front but lost sight of the leader as we began to hit the slowest of the other fields. For the majority of the next laps I was weaving through the traffic and trying to consistently apply pressure to stay in my position and hopefully run into the leader. With 2 laps to go however, the traffic was beginning to cause trouble. In a few places I could feel the nipping at my heels of the rider right behind me (turns out that 3rd and 4th was always right there, hugging my wheel to stay in contention) and we started to leap-frog in a few areas. Starting the last lap I was in 3rd, however I easily swung back to 2nd during the technical grass section. Heading through the single track we ran into some slow riders which meant we all bunched back completely together. On the other side I tried to out-distance during the few grassy corners but didn't make much ground, and heading into the hill I had to jump hard to stay with the two as they powered past. I was now in 4th place but managed to get back to 2nd through the barriers. I just needed to hold on for another few precious minutes! We were catching some more traffic heading into the last grassy corners before the straightaway. I attempted to swing around a rider through the last sharp corner but he managed to swing back and block me! Unfortunately this let the other 2 riders back in front. I put it in the big ring and chased to catch back but unfortunately the race was already done as we hit the pavement. So, ended up with a solid 4th place on this one. Still, not a bad way to start the season and next race I will have a call-up so I won't have as much traffic to deal with the first lap, hopefully meaning better results!
Congrats to my current and former teammates:
Dave Ryan - 30th place Men's 3 45+ (Keep it up!)
Jenny Dallas - 3rd place Women's Single Speed (Way to go!)
Melissa Desimone - 7th place Women's Single Speed (Wahoo!)
Stephen Berard - 12th place Men's 3 Open (Nice job!)
Hope to see some more yellow next weekend for the 1st SCX series race at Steilacoom.
Oh, and thanks to Brian at rideonphoto for the shots of the race.
Onto the race-
Steve got a great call-up and started front row while I ended up in the 3rd row for the start. Not too bad considering our large field. Going into the first corner hole-shot Steve maintained a great spot up front and I managed to squeeze into roughly 15th or so through the corner. Laying on the gas I managed to push into the top 10 during the upper grass fields. On the short uphill climb I put in a strong push and joined the lead group of 5 who were just falling off the leader. We continued to sit about 10 seconds off the leader starting the 2nd lap where I squeezed to 4th, then 3rd, and finally moved to 2nd. I continued to work on the front but lost sight of the leader as we began to hit the slowest of the other fields. For the majority of the next laps I was weaving through the traffic and trying to consistently apply pressure to stay in my position and hopefully run into the leader. With 2 laps to go however, the traffic was beginning to cause trouble. In a few places I could feel the nipping at my heels of the rider right behind me (turns out that 3rd and 4th was always right there, hugging my wheel to stay in contention) and we started to leap-frog in a few areas. Starting the last lap I was in 3rd, however I easily swung back to 2nd during the technical grass section. Heading through the single track we ran into some slow riders which meant we all bunched back completely together. On the other side I tried to out-distance during the few grassy corners but didn't make much ground, and heading into the hill I had to jump hard to stay with the two as they powered past. I was now in 4th place but managed to get back to 2nd through the barriers. I just needed to hold on for another few precious minutes! We were catching some more traffic heading into the last grassy corners before the straightaway. I attempted to swing around a rider through the last sharp corner but he managed to swing back and block me! Unfortunately this let the other 2 riders back in front. I put it in the big ring and chased to catch back but unfortunately the race was already done as we hit the pavement. So, ended up with a solid 4th place on this one. Still, not a bad way to start the season and next race I will have a call-up so I won't have as much traffic to deal with the first lap, hopefully meaning better results!
Congrats to my current and former teammates:
Dave Ryan - 30th place Men's 3 45+ (Keep it up!)
Jenny Dallas - 3rd place Women's Single Speed (Way to go!)
Melissa Desimone - 7th place Women's Single Speed (Wahoo!)
Stephen Berard - 12th place Men's 3 Open (Nice job!)
Hope to see some more yellow next weekend for the 1st SCX series race at Steilacoom.
Oh, and thanks to Brian at rideonphoto for the shots of the race.
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