Did two races this weekend, unfortunately I DNF'd in both. First race was Saturday the Wayne Elliot Memorial Circuit race. The race was going well I actually just finished a pull at the front working with Jamey when I was forced over the yellow line just enough to catch a deep hole, that not only caused me to flat the rear but ejected my water bottle. I managed to get a new wheel on but the race was fast and just could not catch back on myself. That is the downside to these faster races, the peleton rarely breaks into groups, more times than not you just end up with dropped riders, which makes it hard to make up time on a group.
Sunday was the Scarborough crit series, again felt good fitness but made a mental error. I just went to the back of the peleton to get a drink and feed, did not go to the back by choice just not many places to get back in safely. Anyhow, as I was placing my bottle back in the cage I heard all the shifting and knew there was going to be an acceleration, I popped my head up and the peleton was going but the four guys in front of me were just sitting there, and by the time I got around them it was too late, there was no way I was catching back on. On the back stretch of the course we were hitting 32mph, and again by ones self this is nearly impossible to catch back on. I could have taken a free lap but then I could not be in contention or try for the win (which is never easy anyhow), and I was frustrated cause I thought those four riders were just cooling down on the course, but I did find out later that they were in the B race and just sat in for some laps. So, I learned I need to pay better attention, and be ready for anything.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Been Awhile...
Its been quite awhile since I've published anything on my blog, wow since the end of last race season just after Tour of the Catskills.
Life being what it is, there have been many changes some barely noticeable (like my weight loss :) ), others profound and life changing. First, (not actually the first thing) my family and I have moved to Southern Maine, Westbrook to be exact. The primary catalyst for our move was my younger brother and his family live in Portland and we wanted to be closer to them, not to mention we typically drove to the New England area for bike races a few times a year and grew fond of the area as a byproduct of our travels.
On our very first trip to Maine as a family, we visited the Portland Headlight located at Fort Williams on Cape Elizabeth, ME, its a very picturesque site (I think its the most photographed lighthouse). So, when I asked Didi (after nearly 6 1/2 yrs and four children) to marry me, this is where on July 17th, 2010 we decided to vow to live our lives for each other forever. Oh, and if you haven't guessed this is another huge change in my life, and the best thing I could ever do for my own happiness. So, a new home and a new wife what more can a person do to make their life whole.
We have been here for nearly three months and love it, we are close to the ocean (I grew up in Southern California) the kids love to play at the beach, the White Mountains of NH are only a short two hour drive, as well as much more. So, I guess you could just say we are an active family and the area is just more conducive to the lifestyle we want to lead. For instance, in Pottsville seeing someone riding a bike to work or jogging along the roads or walking with a group for excises was the exception while here its the norm. Not to mention I am with-in a 15 min bike ride to most of the group rides in the area, and as well here its not something that is lacking.
Race season is underway, I am decent shape for this time of year and definitely stronger than I ever was. I owe this to the fast hard group rides that I have been doing along with rides with people that are stronger than I which really makes me dig deep. To date I have done two sanctioned races, Michale Schott Memorial Crit in Marble Head, MA as well as the dreaded Tour of the Battenkill along with two of the Scarborough Crit Series races. Marblehead was my best race thus far in three seasons, I was able to stay with the peleton, answer a few attacks, and if not for a crash going into the last turn that I narrowly avoided would have had a decent finish; but that's racing. Battenkill, well lets just say it was BattenKILL, I did go away with a sense of how much suffering I can handle, which seems to carry over into my season as it progresses.
Next, is the Wayne Elliot Memorial Circuit Race, Merrimac MA this coming weekend, and after that I have several race I am looking that suit my goals for this year. My main goal this year is to get as many upgrade points as I can upgrading to a Cat 3 if possible before July, while honing my skills as a cyclist. This as those of you that race may know, not a small task it will take discipline and lots of smart racing being where I need to be to get a points finish as well as picking races that suit me physically.
I hope its not as long between post, but who know what life holds I will just take it as it comes and hold on for one heck of a ride.....
Life being what it is, there have been many changes some barely noticeable (like my weight loss :) ), others profound and life changing. First, (not actually the first thing) my family and I have moved to Southern Maine, Westbrook to be exact. The primary catalyst for our move was my younger brother and his family live in Portland and we wanted to be closer to them, not to mention we typically drove to the New England area for bike races a few times a year and grew fond of the area as a byproduct of our travels.
On our very first trip to Maine as a family, we visited the Portland Headlight located at Fort Williams on Cape Elizabeth, ME, its a very picturesque site (I think its the most photographed lighthouse). So, when I asked Didi (after nearly 6 1/2 yrs and four children) to marry me, this is where on July 17th, 2010 we decided to vow to live our lives for each other forever. Oh, and if you haven't guessed this is another huge change in my life, and the best thing I could ever do for my own happiness. So, a new home and a new wife what more can a person do to make their life whole.
We have been here for nearly three months and love it, we are close to the ocean (I grew up in Southern California) the kids love to play at the beach, the White Mountains of NH are only a short two hour drive, as well as much more. So, I guess you could just say we are an active family and the area is just more conducive to the lifestyle we want to lead. For instance, in Pottsville seeing someone riding a bike to work or jogging along the roads or walking with a group for excises was the exception while here its the norm. Not to mention I am with-in a 15 min bike ride to most of the group rides in the area, and as well here its not something that is lacking.
Race season is underway, I am decent shape for this time of year and definitely stronger than I ever was. I owe this to the fast hard group rides that I have been doing along with rides with people that are stronger than I which really makes me dig deep. To date I have done two sanctioned races, Michale Schott Memorial Crit in Marble Head, MA as well as the dreaded Tour of the Battenkill along with two of the Scarborough Crit Series races. Marblehead was my best race thus far in three seasons, I was able to stay with the peleton, answer a few attacks, and if not for a crash going into the last turn that I narrowly avoided would have had a decent finish; but that's racing. Battenkill, well lets just say it was BattenKILL, I did go away with a sense of how much suffering I can handle, which seems to carry over into my season as it progresses.
Next, is the Wayne Elliot Memorial Circuit Race, Merrimac MA this coming weekend, and after that I have several race I am looking that suit my goals for this year. My main goal this year is to get as many upgrade points as I can upgrading to a Cat 3 if possible before July, while honing my skills as a cyclist. This as those of you that race may know, not a small task it will take discipline and lots of smart racing being where I need to be to get a points finish as well as picking races that suit me physically.
I hope its not as long between post, but who know what life holds I will just take it as it comes and hold on for one heck of a ride.....
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tour of The Catskills
Well, its come and gone kinda an anti climax. It was a very tough event, but I was well prepared and did well (though my placement may not reflect it). I actually chased the pack down on day two after getting dropped on the first KOM, and for anyone that hasn't had the opprotunity to try and chase down the group for several miles its an experience.
The climbs were long and steady, some close to 7+ miles in length and with varing degrees of gradient from 4% up 19-20%. My results would have been a bit better had it not been for a few things out of my control like the detour due to a traffic accident and me getting stuck at a traffic light for nearly 3 minutes watching as the pack faded away. But overall it was a great experience, and an excellent moral booster to see my progress. I may do one more race this year or a charity metric century at the very least.
As for training, I am slowed down actually off the bike or anything else for at least a full week. Then its into a transition time to start some weight training and begin getting stronger and working on my weaknesses and limiters for next year. Its going to be interesting to say the least
gun
The climbs were long and steady, some close to 7+ miles in length and with varing degrees of gradient from 4% up 19-20%. My results would have been a bit better had it not been for a few things out of my control like the detour due to a traffic accident and me getting stuck at a traffic light for nearly 3 minutes watching as the pack faded away. But overall it was a great experience, and an excellent moral booster to see my progress. I may do one more race this year or a charity metric century at the very least.
As for training, I am slowed down actually off the bike or anything else for at least a full week. Then its into a transition time to start some weight training and begin getting stronger and working on my weaknesses and limiters for next year. Its going to be interesting to say the least
gun
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Final shake down
Went out today for an hour, my goal was one to two hours but I felt great so I shut it down and went home. Did a few efforts but mainly stayed in my Z1 HR. One thing I did notice is that on a steep short climb I got my hr up to 179 and it came back down to 122 pretty quick I was very happy with that, and I have done this hill before its like 24% grade but only about 100-150 yards in length, I definitely felt stronger on it. Did a few short sprints starting out shifting up then an all out 10 second effort. Still need to work on my sprint, have gotten better on my jump (starting with either leg), but the all out effort I still feel a bit off the mark but that will come with time.
Still working on recovery, actually getting a half session massage today not sure if I am going to go for the neuro musc/ myofacial release or deep tissue will talk to the therapist and she what she thinks she is good. That is one thing I wish I could do more often, will have to try and work that into my next years race budget.
Things went well, of course there are things I found that I need to work on but that is good. Now I just need to race smart and give it all I have.
Gunna be a good time.
Harv
Still working on recovery, actually getting a half session massage today not sure if I am going to go for the neuro musc/ myofacial release or deep tissue will talk to the therapist and she what she thinks she is good. That is one thing I wish I could do more often, will have to try and work that into my next years race budget.
Things went well, of course there are things I found that I need to work on but that is good. Now I just need to race smart and give it all I have.
Gunna be a good time.
Harv
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tour of the Catskills in three days
My biggest race of the year is only three days away. Many things are going through my head, typical things like will I do well, did I do enough to do well, and much more. I am at this point before a race trying to focus on the task at hand and make sure I have all my gear in good working order (I do this well in advance don't want to change set ups on the bike to close to the race), and that I am prepared.
This race is a bit different being that its multi day, and so now I need to make sure I have spare equipment. I don't have an extra bike but I do have an extra wheel set, two extra cassette's, extra brake cables, handle bars and shifters, rear derailleur, and extra saddle, and other odds and ends. Now I did not go out and buy new stuff this is all off of my bike I wrecked (wouldn't be buying a dura-ace derailleur for a spare), but its pretty cool to have back ups kinda makes me feel like I am really in it.
At my level I am everything, trainer, mechanic, and motivator. My wife she is also a motivator for me and she is my support vehicle (not allowed to drive the course) in that she goes to the feeds zones for me and cheers me on.
Well, my bike is tuned wheels are trued, gear is packed and ready to go.
Physically, I am as prepared as I am going to get. I am in my taper to race day doing short intensity work outs (decreasing volume), and doing everything to ensure I recover for a good peak on race day. I feel I have done a good job, probably not all I could do but all I could do with the time I am willing to give. I actually during my main training weeks was able to increase my volume from 6-8 hours on the bike a week to 15-20 hrs on the bike as well as my off the bike work. I did not have to make to many sacrifices to achieve this mainly just did not work much overtime at work and road early in the morning while the family slept.
I am going for it all this race, I am going to try and not leave anything on the road each of the three days, use the techniques I have learned like sag climbing, and just go for it in general with out burning to many matches to fast. Its going to be a lot of fun, and a great race experience.
gun
This race is a bit different being that its multi day, and so now I need to make sure I have spare equipment. I don't have an extra bike but I do have an extra wheel set, two extra cassette's, extra brake cables, handle bars and shifters, rear derailleur, and extra saddle, and other odds and ends. Now I did not go out and buy new stuff this is all off of my bike I wrecked (wouldn't be buying a dura-ace derailleur for a spare), but its pretty cool to have back ups kinda makes me feel like I am really in it.
At my level I am everything, trainer, mechanic, and motivator. My wife she is also a motivator for me and she is my support vehicle (not allowed to drive the course) in that she goes to the feeds zones for me and cheers me on.
Well, my bike is tuned wheels are trued, gear is packed and ready to go.
Physically, I am as prepared as I am going to get. I am in my taper to race day doing short intensity work outs (decreasing volume), and doing everything to ensure I recover for a good peak on race day. I feel I have done a good job, probably not all I could do but all I could do with the time I am willing to give. I actually during my main training weeks was able to increase my volume from 6-8 hours on the bike a week to 15-20 hrs on the bike as well as my off the bike work. I did not have to make to many sacrifices to achieve this mainly just did not work much overtime at work and road early in the morning while the family slept.
I am going for it all this race, I am going to try and not leave anything on the road each of the three days, use the techniques I have learned like sag climbing, and just go for it in general with out burning to many matches to fast. Its going to be a lot of fun, and a great race experience.
gun
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Less than two weeks to go..
Its actually a week and a day till the prolouge of my stage race and man am I excited, but also a bit nervous. Not in a bad way, just hoping I really bring it all and use up everything and leave nothing on the table. By this I dont mean kill myself and not finish well, I mean race smart and use my matches wisely, but if I have to burn them all I want to make sure its a forest fire...
I am basically in recovery right now, I am doing a seven day modual from cyclo club called "get faster in 7days" then I will go into my taper. But really its part of my taper cause I have increased intensity while decreasing volume, and really am trying to make sure I put as much effort into my recovering as I do into my training.
Its going to be a great time no matter what happens but I still want to kick butt....
gun
I am basically in recovery right now, I am doing a seven day modual from cyclo club called "get faster in 7days" then I will go into my taper. But really its part of my taper cause I have increased intensity while decreasing volume, and really am trying to make sure I put as much effort into my recovering as I do into my training.
Its going to be a great time no matter what happens but I still want to kick butt....
gun
Sunday, September 6, 2009
C Race today
Well the race went to crap the first lap but not due to fitness. I did feel a bit tired but that is to be expected, with my not tapering to this race (a C race I would rate it). Myself and two team mates were up front setting the pace, I was feeling good, I was moving through the peleton with ease, and did not even faulter on the small climbs that this course had, but then on the long climb I was taking my turn at the front, and my chain came off on the steeper part of it, I got it back on with out stopping but dropped back a bit before I did. I held on to the back third till it came off again before we finished the climb and ended up off the back some. My one team mate and I (who flatted) worked for a bit but were unable to reel the group back in. He abandoned but I stayed in for another lap, first to get in some miles but to also see what happened, my speed was picking up about 2/10ths a mph every lap so I figured I would stay in for a bit and just hammer it. Hey the only difference from being off the front and the back are position it actually takes the same kind of work to be by yourself in either position,(I would rather be off the front anytime) no one to draft off of or work with so I hung in. The total race was 60 miles I did 47 in just over 2hrs 20 minutes. I am happy with that and I learned a few things, first I still get too excited and want to go and run for it. I need to learn to sit in more, but hey I have fun doing it....My one teamate got 6th and the other worked his butt off for him so it was a good day. Two weeks and I am by myself in NY for the tour of the catskills I will be more rested for that.
gun
gun
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