Well as my readership might have noted in my weekly synopsis, I spent the afternoon working on bikes. What I didn't mention is that I spent a good chunk of the night before drinking, and so I only woke up around noon to find that Walter wanted some help. I showered, registered for racing, packed the car and headed over to walter's house. One thing that I probably should have done, but skipped, was to eat breakfast. I think I just had two glasses of iced tea. Working out in the heat/humidity/showers drained me. I left the bike wrenching at around 3:45 and ran home to cook up some fine grub, as I was running on fumes. One apple and one can of chef boyardee raviolis later and I felt slightly less like dying, so I decided to give the ol' racin' a try.
I left at roughly 4:15-4:30ish and got to the track a touch after 5:30. I was supposed to meet a guy around 5 to give a quick spiel about track racing, so I felt bad for being late, but I found Joe Brennan talking to him and giving him the basics for me. I answered a few more questions, downed a gel and warmed up. I decided I would try to spin more at these wednesday nights, so I dropped down slightly to a 49x15. I also decided to try a breathe-right nose strip dealy this week to try to give my breathing a boost. It seemed to work really well, though sometimes I thought I could smell blood. I have no clue what that was about.
The first race was an 8 lap super tempo. I decided my training plan for today's races would be to attack early and often, so right after the whistle I attacked and got the first few laps' points. Maybe 3 laps, give or take. After this, Lucas (the only pink rhino to show) was able to bridge up, so we did some work together. I let him grab a sprint, I took one, and gave another to him (EDIT: looking at the points breakdown, Lucas got two sprints in a row). At this point a few more guys bridged up, including last week's points race complainer, who I now know as Dave Corriea. We had a few photo finish sprints, not particularly sure who got what, but in the end I came out with first place, and I believe Dave second, Lucas 3rd. Stand by for official results.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183895708
After this was a 15 lap scratch. At this point, I was dying a pollen-filled death, so I mostly gave up on my endless attacking plan. Another rider decided to give it a go, however, and I started to chase a bit, but then just set tempo with him off the front and no other riders trying to bridge. Further details are hazy, but one way or another I think I attacked a bit to bridge up with Joe Brennan, swapping half lap pulls. Dave caught up as well with Josh, I believe, so it was 5 riders in front. And then shit hit the fan. I think it was Joe Pedata who was riding high on the banking to let the rest of us continue to hammer each other in the ground when his wheel got caught in one of the cracks up there. He went over, sliding down in front of me. I didn't have room to move up track, so I had to risk the more dangerous 'duck under and pray to not die' method. I was able to get through unscathed, but apparently the rider who had made the initial attack was not so lucky. From what I heard from those behind, he didn't see the crash and also tried to go under, but got caught and flipped in a most painful sounding way. This stopped the race temporarily as the two riders were tended to. Joe seemed to end up the better of the two, as the other rider's bike was now in two pieces separated cleanly at the head tube.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183895695
A short break was had, and then Alan restarted the race. It was started with the 4 remaining riders up front with a small gap from the rest of the field on the rail. Alan blew the whistle and it was game on for 3 laps. Joe Brennan jumped from the gun, I wasn't quite sure what was going on, so I just melded in with the rest of the group. We caught Joe, and the final sprint saw Lucas with a solid attack, Josh behind, me next to them looking down track to stay behind Lucas, but in front of Josh and suddenly Dave coming around me at the line uptrack. Whoops. This made the final result Lucas, Dave, me. Oh well. That's what I get for not paying enough attention to the rest of the track (EDIT: Officially, I didn't get pipped at the line. shrug).
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183895683
Next in the line-up was the first round of Chariots. Boo. I switched to a 51 up front, mostly just to get my bike ready for t-town, but also to try to suck less at chariots this year. I think I was second or third from the bottom for this heat with the bulkiest looking rider (relatively, of course) holding me up. I forgot his name, but he's on kissena. I really need to work on names. Anyhow, I got a good push and got to the front of the pack, slowly getting this gear up to speed. I was able to hold everyone else off until the line, with Josh and and Dave also qualifying.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183895681
A break and the finals. I was again either second or third from the bottom, with the same holder. Josh got a good jump going and had a nice gap. I was behind, but suddenly a burst of speed to my right saw the team squiggle rider (Derrick, I think?) put in an impressive jump. I tried to respond, but had nothing left, so I rolled in for 3rd. I'm pretty sure Josh got the win and Derrick got second. Again, just look for the results (EDIT: Derrick 1st, Josh 2nd).
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/183895677
Your guess is as good as mine as to what this meant for the omnium. I'll probably update when I find out. Probably. I sat around for a while after racing finished to try to collect myself as the lack of nutrition was finally hitting me. Good thing an iced coffee picked me up for the long drive home in the auto.
EDIT: the results have been posted at http://www.kissenavelodrome.info/results/2012/Kissena12TwilightSeriesWeek4.pdf
Things to note: Apparently I didn't get beat to the line at the restart of the scratch, so I came in 2nd. I got first in the omnium. Also, it would appear that the supertempo played out different than I remember in regards to swapping laps and all that. I think I need to get an action camera for my bike so I don't have to delve as deep into my memory to write these things up.
31.5.12
2012.27: 5/28 - 6/3
Well as you can see, I have reverted to using date ranges instead of specific training week names, since I officially have no clue what my training is doing.
Sunday: I was slightly hoping to ride out the bike boat bike. What a pipe dream. Woke up late again. I painted the rest of my trailer axle, and then finally went for a ride. At my turn around point, I realized that while I was pedaling away heading out, a mass of angry looking clouds had moved in. Needless to say, I got pretty soaked. My shoes felt like tiny bathtubs for my feet.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/185399146
NP/IF/TSS: 199W/0.861/160
Saturday: Still no riding. The weather was nice, so I worked on my boat trailer axle instead.
Friday: Wanted to do the Kreb ride. Didn't. No riding.
Thursday: No riding.
Wednesday: Helped walter with some bikes in the afternoon for a couple of hours, then headed to the track for racing. See race report. No other riding.
Tuesday: Fixed gear in the evening again. No other riding for a two-fold reason. First, I was hoping to race at t-town, but the high chance of thunderstorms drove me away. That and I was delayed by the second reason, that being I finally just drove to greenport with my dad to try to watch the tall ships set sail. I got up balls early only for the ships to leave at 1pm, but it was well worth it. I don't think the sunburn I got was worth it, though. I got thoroughly cooked. In the end, racing was cancelled in t-town anyhow.
Monday: Rest day. Holiday. No training, went out on Dan's boat. Rode some fixed gear bikes in the evening.
Sunday: I was slightly hoping to ride out the bike boat bike. What a pipe dream. Woke up late again. I painted the rest of my trailer axle, and then finally went for a ride. At my turn around point, I realized that while I was pedaling away heading out, a mass of angry looking clouds had moved in. Needless to say, I got pretty soaked. My shoes felt like tiny bathtubs for my feet.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/185399146
NP/IF/TSS: 199W/0.861/160
Saturday: Still no riding. The weather was nice, so I worked on my boat trailer axle instead.
Friday: Wanted to do the Kreb ride. Didn't. No riding.
Thursday: No riding.
Wednesday: Helped walter with some bikes in the afternoon for a couple of hours, then headed to the track for racing. See race report. No other riding.
Tuesday: Fixed gear in the evening again. No other riding for a two-fold reason. First, I was hoping to race at t-town, but the high chance of thunderstorms drove me away. That and I was delayed by the second reason, that being I finally just drove to greenport with my dad to try to watch the tall ships set sail. I got up balls early only for the ships to leave at 1pm, but it was well worth it. I don't think the sunburn I got was worth it, though. I got thoroughly cooked. In the end, racing was cancelled in t-town anyhow.
Monday: Rest day. Holiday. No training, went out on Dan's boat. Rode some fixed gear bikes in the evening.
24.5.12
Race: Kissena Twilight Series 5/24 - Cat 3/4
Well it was raining most of the day at home, but the weather forecast said flushing should be nice and dry, so I figured I would chance it. I still had all my track bits and pieces in the auto from the failed t-town trip yesterday. When I got to the track, it was in fact beautiful out. Slightly windy, slightly humid.
I still had a 51 on the front from t-town, but I dropped down to a 50 with my usual 15 on the rear. Warming up with my 16 on the rear actually felt the best all day. Switching to the 15 for racing felt sluggish again. In hindsight, maybe I should have dropped even lower.
The first race was an 8 lap snowball. My overly optimistic plan was to sit in the whole race and sprint for the final 3 sprints. Yeah, not so much. Former pro (whom I think I raced at the kingsbridge roller race) gavi epstein was there. As expected, he went off the front at the first sprint. I got up on his wheel and he swung his elbow for me to go through. I guess I'm more used to riding with classy riders, but for some reason on the second lap sprint, gavi went around me for the points. So that's how it's going to be, eh? I said 'screw this' and sat up to the rest of the group. It didn't seem worth it for me to ride on the rivet for gavi to pip me for points the whole race. The final sprint I think I came in 4th, out of the points. Oh well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432951
Next was a 20 lap points race. Since there were only two fields, 4/5 and 3/4, the second race was only a handful of minutes after the first. I was still beat up, and I think just about everyone else was as even after the gun went off, we all rode slow for a few laps. It was kind of sad, but I was in no place to make moves happen. Eventually Gavi went off the front again, this time with keith. I sat in with andy and mattie and a few other guys. One of which was starting to get pissed that we were about to get lapped at about 8 to go. Interestingly enough, he wasn't particularly interested in sitting up front and setting pace. Beggars can't be chosers, I say. I don't really remember what all happened, but I don't think I had anything of note.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432946
The final race was a 9 lap win and out. I was gunning for second place of course. Gavi won first with complaining guy trying to outsprint him. It didn't happen, so he hung out to dry for a while. I put on the gas and caught him in turn 1 of the bell lap and hammered it to the line. Turn 4 saw another rider coming up next to me. It was Andy. We both threw our bikes and looked at each other wondering who exactly won. I swore it was him, he swore it was me. Either way I wasn't going to keep riding, so I sat up. Andy kept on racing. Talking with Alan, he couldn't tell who won, so we both ended up in second place. Works for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432937
Of note, I felt like puking the last two races (I might have thrown up in my mouth a couple of times, actually). Throughout all three races I also felt very slow, with tired legs, and trouble breathing. wahhhh.
I still had a 51 on the front from t-town, but I dropped down to a 50 with my usual 15 on the rear. Warming up with my 16 on the rear actually felt the best all day. Switching to the 15 for racing felt sluggish again. In hindsight, maybe I should have dropped even lower.
The first race was an 8 lap snowball. My overly optimistic plan was to sit in the whole race and sprint for the final 3 sprints. Yeah, not so much. Former pro (whom I think I raced at the kingsbridge roller race) gavi epstein was there. As expected, he went off the front at the first sprint. I got up on his wheel and he swung his elbow for me to go through. I guess I'm more used to riding with classy riders, but for some reason on the second lap sprint, gavi went around me for the points. So that's how it's going to be, eh? I said 'screw this' and sat up to the rest of the group. It didn't seem worth it for me to ride on the rivet for gavi to pip me for points the whole race. The final sprint I think I came in 4th, out of the points. Oh well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432951
Next was a 20 lap points race. Since there were only two fields, 4/5 and 3/4, the second race was only a handful of minutes after the first. I was still beat up, and I think just about everyone else was as even after the gun went off, we all rode slow for a few laps. It was kind of sad, but I was in no place to make moves happen. Eventually Gavi went off the front again, this time with keith. I sat in with andy and mattie and a few other guys. One of which was starting to get pissed that we were about to get lapped at about 8 to go. Interestingly enough, he wasn't particularly interested in sitting up front and setting pace. Beggars can't be chosers, I say. I don't really remember what all happened, but I don't think I had anything of note.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432946
The final race was a 9 lap win and out. I was gunning for second place of course. Gavi won first with complaining guy trying to outsprint him. It didn't happen, so he hung out to dry for a while. I put on the gas and caught him in turn 1 of the bell lap and hammered it to the line. Turn 4 saw another rider coming up next to me. It was Andy. We both threw our bikes and looked at each other wondering who exactly won. I swore it was him, he swore it was me. Either way I wasn't going to keep riding, so I sat up. Andy kept on racing. Talking with Alan, he couldn't tell who won, so we both ended up in second place. Works for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181432937
Of note, I felt like puking the last two races (I might have thrown up in my mouth a couple of times, actually). Throughout all three races I also felt very slow, with tired legs, and trouble breathing. wahhhh.
2012.26: shrug. still trying to figure it out
Sunday: Well I haven't updated this in a few days, so I don't remember what happened. No riding, apparently. Pretty sure I was out late again and it was stupidly humid. I think dan and I rode bikes in the evening, though. Just fixed gear riding to stony brook and a stop in the velvet lounge when it started to rain a little.
Saturday: See above for why my memory is hazy, but I think I helped out at the shop for a little bit and then went for a short ride afterward, but before church. I think my original plan was to ride to greenport for this tall ship festival, but I think I was out late on friday and so I didn't get a good night's sleep at all. Regardless, it was a mostly easy ride with a hard sprint to the lighthouse.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/182341952
NP/IF/TSS: 204W/0.881/101
Friday: The plan was to ride down to the kreb ride, but a late night combined with fog and rain meant I got a late start as always. Instead, while debating riding on the wet roads at all after having just cleaned the bike (always the case), I decided to check the ol' marine traffic AIS map. As fate would have it, there was a regatta of at least 6 sailboats cruising past long beach at that very moment. My guess is they were looking to head to greenport for the tall ship festival thingamabob. So I got changed quick, skipping base layer and HRM strap, TT'd my way to the beach to see what I could find. Just one boat, but it was regal and I loved it. I guess the rest went around old field point already.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181970629
NP/IF/TSS: 234W/1.015/63
Thursday: Weather kind of sucked. Went on a coffee and boat adventure instead. No riding, but I did clean the road bike, change the fork on the future montauk century fixed gear, and swap out the race wheels on the track bike.
Wednesday: Twilight track series at Kissena. See race report. no other riding.
Tuesday: Intent was to go to T-town to try the first tuesday night race. We got there too late to register and just watched. No other riding.
Monday: rest day. no riding.
Saturday: See above for why my memory is hazy, but I think I helped out at the shop for a little bit and then went for a short ride afterward, but before church. I think my original plan was to ride to greenport for this tall ship festival, but I think I was out late on friday and so I didn't get a good night's sleep at all. Regardless, it was a mostly easy ride with a hard sprint to the lighthouse.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/182341952
NP/IF/TSS: 204W/0.881/101
Friday: The plan was to ride down to the kreb ride, but a late night combined with fog and rain meant I got a late start as always. Instead, while debating riding on the wet roads at all after having just cleaned the bike (always the case), I decided to check the ol' marine traffic AIS map. As fate would have it, there was a regatta of at least 6 sailboats cruising past long beach at that very moment. My guess is they were looking to head to greenport for the tall ship festival thingamabob. So I got changed quick, skipping base layer and HRM strap, TT'd my way to the beach to see what I could find. Just one boat, but it was regal and I loved it. I guess the rest went around old field point already.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/181970629
NP/IF/TSS: 234W/1.015/63
Thursday: Weather kind of sucked. Went on a coffee and boat adventure instead. No riding, but I did clean the road bike, change the fork on the future montauk century fixed gear, and swap out the race wheels on the track bike.
Wednesday: Twilight track series at Kissena. See race report. no other riding.
Tuesday: Intent was to go to T-town to try the first tuesday night race. We got there too late to register and just watched. No other riding.
Monday: rest day. no riding.
16.5.12
2012.25 Post-Race Week 2
Sunday: No riding. Worked on the sailboat.
Saturday: Short ride late in the day. my ankle was still a little sore.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/179926881
NP/IF/TSS: 196W/0.847/65
Friday: was originally going to do the kreb ride, but well...you know. Did a long ride later in the day instead. My ankle was bugging me again. I don't know what's going on. I rotated my cleat slightly. it feels like something just isn't right. like my leg is locking out at full extension or something. maybe it's saddle height, maybe my foot is too far forward, maybe my ankle is trying to roll out. maybe i just need new shoes. I really have not a clue. Time will tell.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/179536548
NP/IF/TSS: 173W/0.748/235
Thursday: No riding. Second attempt at surfing. the wind died down just as we got to the water, so it was mostly just working on paddling around and kneeling on the boards. and getting slammed into the sand in the shore break.
Wednesday: cloudy and rainy looking in the morning, so I decided to skip out on registering to race at the track. It actually cleared up and got very nice, so I did the ol' wednesday hill ride instead. I felt very sleepy going into the ride, but I seem to have rode pretty well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178933585
NP/IF/TSS: 215W/0.930/181
Tuesday: rain. no riding.
Monday: Rest day (ha). As the weather was nice, but the forecast not so much, I went for a little ride. The original plan was some easy riding to the light with maybe some lounging by the beach. However, this cool old wooden sailboat that I usually ride by was no longer in its usual place. So I did some boat hunting. Stopped down in port jeff to see if it was by the old wooden boat shop. Not so much. I have a feeling it might have been chopped up for firewood. What a waste. Speaking of getting wasted, I tried an attempt at the thompson ave KOM. I don't usually ride it, so I sprinted into it thinking it was pretty shallow. Then I died 1000 deaths. That thing gets steep. The rest of the ride was me barely pedaling along.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178319033
NP/IF/TSS: 204W/0.885/106
Saturday: Short ride late in the day. my ankle was still a little sore.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/179926881
NP/IF/TSS: 196W/0.847/65
Friday: was originally going to do the kreb ride, but well...you know. Did a long ride later in the day instead. My ankle was bugging me again. I don't know what's going on. I rotated my cleat slightly. it feels like something just isn't right. like my leg is locking out at full extension or something. maybe it's saddle height, maybe my foot is too far forward, maybe my ankle is trying to roll out. maybe i just need new shoes. I really have not a clue. Time will tell.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/179536548
NP/IF/TSS: 173W/0.748/235
Thursday: No riding. Second attempt at surfing. the wind died down just as we got to the water, so it was mostly just working on paddling around and kneeling on the boards. and getting slammed into the sand in the shore break.
Wednesday: cloudy and rainy looking in the morning, so I decided to skip out on registering to race at the track. It actually cleared up and got very nice, so I did the ol' wednesday hill ride instead. I felt very sleepy going into the ride, but I seem to have rode pretty well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178933585
NP/IF/TSS: 215W/0.930/181
Tuesday: rain. no riding.
Monday: Rest day (ha). As the weather was nice, but the forecast not so much, I went for a little ride. The original plan was some easy riding to the light with maybe some lounging by the beach. However, this cool old wooden sailboat that I usually ride by was no longer in its usual place. So I did some boat hunting. Stopped down in port jeff to see if it was by the old wooden boat shop. Not so much. I have a feeling it might have been chopped up for firewood. What a waste. Speaking of getting wasted, I tried an attempt at the thompson ave KOM. I don't usually ride it, so I sprinted into it thinking it was pretty shallow. Then I died 1000 deaths. That thing gets steep. The rest of the ride was me barely pedaling along.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/178319033
NP/IF/TSS: 204W/0.885/106
10.5.12
2012.24: Post-Race
Well my first A race has come and gone. I don't really know what to think of it all. I'm not where I want to be. Plain and simple. Time to figure out where to go from here. I might try to do a few weeks of just burying myself with racing/grouprides/everything. But first I must lounge this week.
Sunday: Mother's Day. As such....no riding. So in conclusion, I didn't ride at all this week.
Saturday: Continuation of the aforementioned trip (see below). Still no riding.
Friday: Took a trip up to maine with steve. brought the bikes, but no riding.
Thursday: Helped Dan with a project for school. No riding.
Wednesday: Rain. No racing, no riding.
Tuesday: Worked for a bit, then thought about riding the monocogo, but it started to rain. I did some looking into upcoming races, and I think I might fly down to Rolla for the Hellbender. We will see.
Monday: Rest day. Rested.
Sunday: Mother's Day. As such....no riding. So in conclusion, I didn't ride at all this week.
Saturday: Continuation of the aforementioned trip (see below). Still no riding.
Friday: Took a trip up to maine with steve. brought the bikes, but no riding.
Thursday: Helped Dan with a project for school. No riding.
Wednesday: Rain. No racing, no riding.
Tuesday: Worked for a bit, then thought about riding the monocogo, but it started to rain. I did some looking into upcoming races, and I think I might fly down to Rolla for the Hellbender. We will see.
Monday: Rest day. Rested.
7.5.12
Race: Kissena Opening Weekend - Day 2
The weather on day two started out cool and cloudy again, with minimal wind. As the day progressed, the skies cleared, the temps went up and the winds picked up a little. They were just gusts though, nothing steady.
The night before was spent eating a ton of food, drinking a few recovery beers and watching the first Sherlock Holmes movie with my parents. I probably should have gotten to sleep earlier, but man, that's a good movie. I finally got to sleep at about 1:30am, with a 7am alarm set. Eggs and toast for breakfast and...decaf coffee. I was dragging.
The first event was the kilo. Due to the light turnout, Alan decided to run them 1 up, starting on the back and finishing on the home stretch. Sadly, I just could not get myself motivated at all. In fact, I was dozing off a little bit just before I got called to the ready area. I had a strong start, but stood all the way through turn 3, 4, the homestretch and finally felt like sitting in turn 1. I was half trying to pace myself a little better than my practice kilo last week, and half just didn't want to race. The fire just wasn't there. I just tried to get it over with, really having to push hard the last half lap. I was told I looked good the whole way around, but I felt sluggish. The final result was a 1:17.50 and another third place using a 50x15.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528966
Next was the team sprint. Steve and I were originally hoping to do it with Tad as the anchor, but he was racing in the morning and only showed up for the points race. Instead, we teamed up with Frank Mesi, who is a really cool masters racer. Colin and Alan Buday ended up riding with Jonathan Chambers on their team, so we were basically just gunning for second place. I don't really get that mentality to just stack the team to guarantee a win. Why not make it a real contest? Either way, I bumped my gear up to a 49x14 for 96". Frank had a solid start, and I let a bike length get between steve and myself. I was able to close it back up as best I do. On a side note, I don't know what it is, but I still have a hard time riding close to the wheel in front of me on the track. Maybe it's just the unpredictable nature of the Kissena surface. Either way, at the transition, Steve kept the speed hot, with his rear wheel kicking out a little in turn 2. The final lap I laid it on and crossed the line with a 1:30.68, which was fine by me. This got us second place.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528956
At this point, I really was getting tired of racing, so I decided to look at the overall so far to see if I could just screw around in the points race and come out on top. I knew there was no way to get second place, but the difference between 3rd and 4th place was 14 vs 9 points. I was under the impression that the points were only going 4 deep at 7-4-2-1, which meant as long as Alan Buday (4th) didn't win the points race (which I figured would happen) the best he could do was come in 1 point shy of me. I liked those odds, particularly with Jon and Tad in the mix. I told Tad not to work for me, and just hunt for points as this would help me out the best. I came through 5th in a few sprints, where apparently the points only go 4 deep, but I was mostly just marking Alan. Colin lapped the field, solidifying his win, so I basically sat up feeling good about myself. In the end, Alan won one sprint just after colin lapped which gave him 2nd place. What happened to Tad or Jon, I don't know. On a side note, I dropped down to a 49x15, which was way too spinny for this race. Should have put the 50 back on.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528946
Either way, I got off the bike feeling good about myself still and waited for the podium to be announced. First place, Colin. Second place, Jon. Third place, Alan. huh?? As it turns out, I screwed up (yet again) and the omnium points went 5 deep at 7-5-3-2-1, which meant Alan tied points with me. Since his points were the most recent, he broke the tie and I managed to bump myself out of 3rd place. Packing up and heading home was pretty rough. Either way, I still won some cash, so that was nice, but man, how do I do this so often? That's what I get for trying to take the easy way out of the last race.
Edit: Where's my manners? Thanks to Alan Atwood and all the officials and volunteers for another great weekend of racing!
The night before was spent eating a ton of food, drinking a few recovery beers and watching the first Sherlock Holmes movie with my parents. I probably should have gotten to sleep earlier, but man, that's a good movie. I finally got to sleep at about 1:30am, with a 7am alarm set. Eggs and toast for breakfast and...decaf coffee. I was dragging.
The first event was the kilo. Due to the light turnout, Alan decided to run them 1 up, starting on the back and finishing on the home stretch. Sadly, I just could not get myself motivated at all. In fact, I was dozing off a little bit just before I got called to the ready area. I had a strong start, but stood all the way through turn 3, 4, the homestretch and finally felt like sitting in turn 1. I was half trying to pace myself a little better than my practice kilo last week, and half just didn't want to race. The fire just wasn't there. I just tried to get it over with, really having to push hard the last half lap. I was told I looked good the whole way around, but I felt sluggish. The final result was a 1:17.50 and another third place using a 50x15.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528966
Next was the team sprint. Steve and I were originally hoping to do it with Tad as the anchor, but he was racing in the morning and only showed up for the points race. Instead, we teamed up with Frank Mesi, who is a really cool masters racer. Colin and Alan Buday ended up riding with Jonathan Chambers on their team, so we were basically just gunning for second place. I don't really get that mentality to just stack the team to guarantee a win. Why not make it a real contest? Either way, I bumped my gear up to a 49x14 for 96". Frank had a solid start, and I let a bike length get between steve and myself. I was able to close it back up as best I do. On a side note, I don't know what it is, but I still have a hard time riding close to the wheel in front of me on the track. Maybe it's just the unpredictable nature of the Kissena surface. Either way, at the transition, Steve kept the speed hot, with his rear wheel kicking out a little in turn 2. The final lap I laid it on and crossed the line with a 1:30.68, which was fine by me. This got us second place.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528956
At this point, I really was getting tired of racing, so I decided to look at the overall so far to see if I could just screw around in the points race and come out on top. I knew there was no way to get second place, but the difference between 3rd and 4th place was 14 vs 9 points. I was under the impression that the points were only going 4 deep at 7-4-2-1, which meant as long as Alan Buday (4th) didn't win the points race (which I figured would happen) the best he could do was come in 1 point shy of me. I liked those odds, particularly with Jon and Tad in the mix. I told Tad not to work for me, and just hunt for points as this would help me out the best. I came through 5th in a few sprints, where apparently the points only go 4 deep, but I was mostly just marking Alan. Colin lapped the field, solidifying his win, so I basically sat up feeling good about myself. In the end, Alan won one sprint just after colin lapped which gave him 2nd place. What happened to Tad or Jon, I don't know. On a side note, I dropped down to a 49x15, which was way too spinny for this race. Should have put the 50 back on.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175528946
Either way, I got off the bike feeling good about myself still and waited for the podium to be announced. First place, Colin. Second place, Jon. Third place, Alan. huh?? As it turns out, I screwed up (yet again) and the omnium points went 5 deep at 7-5-3-2-1, which meant Alan tied points with me. Since his points were the most recent, he broke the tie and I managed to bump myself out of 3rd place. Packing up and heading home was pretty rough. Either way, I still won some cash, so that was nice, but man, how do I do this so often? That's what I get for trying to take the easy way out of the last race.
Edit: Where's my manners? Thanks to Alan Atwood and all the officials and volunteers for another great weekend of racing!
5.5.12
Race: Kissena Opening Weekend - Day 1
Hooray! It's track time!
Day 1. There was a threat of rain in the 5 day forecast early on in the week, but by thursday/friday this was supposed to have gone away. The friday forecast showed partly cloudy, temps in the 70s. I woke up to a drizzling rain. The drive out was also rain. The track was wet, but slowly dried. It stayed cloudy the whole time though, starting out humid (I felt soaking wet just riding around) and then getting cold by the last few races.
The first race was a 10 lap scratch. I had big plans for the event. Mostly just holding onto Colin's wheel for a hoped 2nd place. Steve was also in the race with me, as well as Tad. I didn't even know Tad was there until he attacked for the first of many times. I wasn't sure how to react to the attacks, whether I should jump on his wheel quick or wait for Colin to bridge up. I opted for the latter, thinking it would be a good team-mate type thing. Long story short, the race ended up with Tad attacking alot, Colin countering, and for the final sprint, it was Colin, Jon Chambers and Tad in front of me, possibly not in that exact order. 4th place for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110056
Next was the Miss and Out. My legs were already starting to feel dead, but I was able to just edge a few guys out to make it past the elimination along with Colin and Jon. I tried to stay on their wheels and recover, but when they attacked each other, I just sat up and decided to fight another day. Even if I had gone with them, the results would have been the same. 3rd place for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110055
After this was the flying 200's. I feel like I'm getting the hang of these things. Maybe not. Who knows. I switched to my 14 in the back, keeping my 50 in front. All the other races today were done in 90" (50x15). I felt like I wound it up pretty well and apparently got the second fastest flying 200 time, which I find hard to believe. It was a 12.7something.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110052
The first round of sprints found me in a three-up against Steve and Rick Beasley (I think. the memory is fuzzy already). I got second seed (I think). We had some good cat and mouse going, almost getting into a track stand. Then Rick attacked, and I slowly caught up with him near turn 1 and kept on going for the win. In hindsight, I didn't realize Steve and I got a gap, I just saw a wheel behind me that didn't look familiar. Oh well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110050
This put me in Semi Finals, I guess. In this one I went up against Jon Chambers, and I think Steve again. In hindsight, I must have raced against steve in every one of my heats. Interesting. I was third seed, but slid in behind Jon. My hope was that I would be better at a long attack, so I waited until Jon turned his head, I think also in turn 3 of the first lap and attacked hard. I got a little gap going, but he finally caught and passed me in turn 3 on the final lap.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110044
Now this bumped me down into the race for 3rd place. It ended up being another 3-up with Steve, Andrew Brennan and me. I think I was 3rd seed again. The secret plan was to let Steve win so he would get some omnium points, but Andrew ended up being a harder opponent than we thought. Steve attacked early, but Andrew was right on his wheel with me sitting a bit behind to take it all in. When it became obvious that Andrew would pip Steve, I poured it on to come around for the win. I could use those points, too.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110040
Day 1. There was a threat of rain in the 5 day forecast early on in the week, but by thursday/friday this was supposed to have gone away. The friday forecast showed partly cloudy, temps in the 70s. I woke up to a drizzling rain. The drive out was also rain. The track was wet, but slowly dried. It stayed cloudy the whole time though, starting out humid (I felt soaking wet just riding around) and then getting cold by the last few races.
The first race was a 10 lap scratch. I had big plans for the event. Mostly just holding onto Colin's wheel for a hoped 2nd place. Steve was also in the race with me, as well as Tad. I didn't even know Tad was there until he attacked for the first of many times. I wasn't sure how to react to the attacks, whether I should jump on his wheel quick or wait for Colin to bridge up. I opted for the latter, thinking it would be a good team-mate type thing. Long story short, the race ended up with Tad attacking alot, Colin countering, and for the final sprint, it was Colin, Jon Chambers and Tad in front of me, possibly not in that exact order. 4th place for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110056
Next was the Miss and Out. My legs were already starting to feel dead, but I was able to just edge a few guys out to make it past the elimination along with Colin and Jon. I tried to stay on their wheels and recover, but when they attacked each other, I just sat up and decided to fight another day. Even if I had gone with them, the results would have been the same. 3rd place for me.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110055
After this was the flying 200's. I feel like I'm getting the hang of these things. Maybe not. Who knows. I switched to my 14 in the back, keeping my 50 in front. All the other races today were done in 90" (50x15). I felt like I wound it up pretty well and apparently got the second fastest flying 200 time, which I find hard to believe. It was a 12.7something.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110052
The first round of sprints found me in a three-up against Steve and Rick Beasley (I think. the memory is fuzzy already). I got second seed (I think). We had some good cat and mouse going, almost getting into a track stand. Then Rick attacked, and I slowly caught up with him near turn 1 and kept on going for the win. In hindsight, I didn't realize Steve and I got a gap, I just saw a wheel behind me that didn't look familiar. Oh well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110050
This put me in Semi Finals, I guess. In this one I went up against Jon Chambers, and I think Steve again. In hindsight, I must have raced against steve in every one of my heats. Interesting. I was third seed, but slid in behind Jon. My hope was that I would be better at a long attack, so I waited until Jon turned his head, I think also in turn 3 of the first lap and attacked hard. I got a little gap going, but he finally caught and passed me in turn 3 on the final lap.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110044
Now this bumped me down into the race for 3rd place. It ended up being another 3-up with Steve, Andrew Brennan and me. I think I was 3rd seed again. The secret plan was to let Steve win so he would get some omnium points, but Andrew ended up being a harder opponent than we thought. Steve attacked early, but Andrew was right on his wheel with me sitting a bit behind to take it all in. When it became obvious that Andrew would pip Steve, I poured it on to come around for the win. I could use those points, too.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175110040
2.5.12
2012.23: Race Week!
Well here it is again. Race week. This Saturday and Sunday is Opening Weekend at the track. Hopefully the rains hold off and the race fields fill up.
Saturday/Sunday: Kissena Opening Weekend. See the race report. No other riding was done.
Friday: Spun around the neighborhood for a little bit to loosen up the legs. Nothing to write home about. Or to write on this blog.
Thursday: Easyish spin to work out the legs. Tried to go hard on one strava segment, but I had shifting problems at the end and gave up. My legs still feel sore. We'll see how the weekend is.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/174465067
NP/IF/TSS: 212/0.918/71
Wednesday: Was going to do the wednesday evening hill ride, but the weather was looking pretty rainy. So I did nothing instead. I might have done some squats. I feel like that was something that could have happened.
Tuesday: Rode to Campus Bicycle between the raindrops to see if they had some more spoke nipples and a 5.5mm hex tool that I could borrow. Thankfully, they had both, so I spent the rest of the day rebuilding my track wheel. It is looking good to go now, all I need to do is tie and solder and reglue my tub. Thanks, guys!
Monday: While normally a rest day, tuesday and wednesday are looking rainy, so I decided to get some sprints in this day. I was running out of time, so I decided to try some hill climbs instead. I did one all out effort going up cordwood and I felt like I was coughing up blood. I don't know if it was the pollen, or the sudden cold, dry wind. I rode down branglebrink hoping to recover, but it was not to be. I decided to cut my losses and limp home.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/173475611
NP/IF/TSS: 247W/1.070/41
Saturday/Sunday: Kissena Opening Weekend. See the race report. No other riding was done.
Friday: Spun around the neighborhood for a little bit to loosen up the legs. Nothing to write home about. Or to write on this blog.
Thursday: Easyish spin to work out the legs. Tried to go hard on one strava segment, but I had shifting problems at the end and gave up. My legs still feel sore. We'll see how the weekend is.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/174465067
NP/IF/TSS: 212/0.918/71
Wednesday: Was going to do the wednesday evening hill ride, but the weather was looking pretty rainy. So I did nothing instead. I might have done some squats. I feel like that was something that could have happened.
Tuesday: Rode to Campus Bicycle between the raindrops to see if they had some more spoke nipples and a 5.5mm hex tool that I could borrow. Thankfully, they had both, so I spent the rest of the day rebuilding my track wheel. It is looking good to go now, all I need to do is tie and solder and reglue my tub. Thanks, guys!
Monday: While normally a rest day, tuesday and wednesday are looking rainy, so I decided to get some sprints in this day. I was running out of time, so I decided to try some hill climbs instead. I did one all out effort going up cordwood and I felt like I was coughing up blood. I don't know if it was the pollen, or the sudden cold, dry wind. I rode down branglebrink hoping to recover, but it was not to be. I decided to cut my losses and limp home.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/173475611
NP/IF/TSS: 247W/1.070/41
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