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.....
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