After states, I basically stopped training. My riding was sporadic enough that individual weekly synopses aren't really worth writing.
One notable ride was the Kissena 150 on Nov 2nd. I only did the first 100 laps, which was plenty.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/399624251
There were a few more races that I'll write reports for.
3.12.13
R13.36: New York State Track Championships 9/15 - Cat 1/2/3
Well this was the big race of the year for me. It was originally scheduled for some time in August, but due to a lack of certain-level officials, Alan had to cancel. I stepped up to take over promoting after Eric R talked to some of the t-town officials who agreed to Sept 15. This was the only day in their schedule they were free so it'd have to work. Alan had assured me that promoting would in no way affect my racing, which I believed. Boy was I wrong. Don't promote your A races, people.
A short time before states, I realized that the schedule Alan set up for me was a little wonky. The first event was the team sprint, which meant that people had to quickly come up with teams on the fly without having any metrics for other riders' abilities. This momentary chaos did give us a chance to let the officials figure out how to use the fancy score keeping spreadsheet that Alan usually uses. The next moment of chaos came when we realized the team sprints were being done in order of sign up instead of the category start order that was posted on the schedule. This meant that Karl had no clue that we were up, and had to get ready quickly. Josh and I lined up and waited for Karl. Dave the official said he didn't have time to wait, so one of us would have to do two laps or forfeit the ride. I said sure, why not, but somehow I lost my balance and fell over right before the start, which gave Karl enough time to get over and ready for the start. Funny how those things happen. Karl and I knew our big team to beat was Kieran's kissena team, which we overheard we were able to do. They had a bit of a split up at the start that they didn't recover from. Our team integrated nicely and felt fast the whole way around. I tried looking for our opposite team while riding, which was a composite team of Al, Lucas, and Dan Lim. Turns out they just edged us out for the win. I wish I had known because I'm sure I could have dug a little deeper. Our final time was 1:26.60
Next up was the kilo. I rode hard for a 1:14.65, which was the third fastest time behind Kieran and Karl. Those of you who know standard Kissena times probably have realized by now that this year was screaming fast. I don't know if it was the timers, the weather, or what, but I haven't seen that many sub 1:15 kilos and well below 1:30 team sprints ever before.
The third race was a 25 lap points race. I tried to attack from the gun to see if I could either get some solid early points or preferably connect with another strong rider or two and take a lap. It didn't happen and I fizzled out. After the second sprint, a group of four got off the front who did eventually lap the field. I didn't really end up doing anything noteworthy, which put me in last place. This basically put me out of contention for states, which was fine by me because this is when shit really hit the fan promoting-wise.
The kilos, 500s, and team sprints took up over half the day, which meant we were running well behind schedule. This meant we might have to cut an event. We decided right away that flying 200s would have to go, as that would take another hour alone. This angered the sprinters, who are an emotional bunch. Then right after my buddy Randy the EMT left, there was a touch of wheels and Mike P went down cracking his collarbone. This put us further behind schedule which meant we'd have to scrap all but the championship rounds of sprints. This really angered the sprinters, most of which weren't even NYS residents.
So then I had to do a scratch race. By this point I had thrown my helmet down in complete disgust with how my event was going, which naturally cracked it. I still rode with it anyhow. In fact, I'm still riding with that helmet. Since I was basically out of contention and partially out of my mind, I spent the race attacking and venting my anger and frustration. Somehow despite completely wasting myself, I still came in fifth.
The final race for the 1/2/3 combined field was the match sprints. We decided to run them based on top kilo times, but since this excluded last year's state champ Al, who was very close in points to both Karl and Kieran, I opted out as the third seed. Kieran unsurprisingly beat out both of them to win the overall, but Karl and Al gave him hell, with Karl only being one omnium point down.
I then spent another hour or more sorting through results, handing out medals, cleaning the track, packing away gear, and vowing to never promote a race again.
And that was state championships. At least I didn't get stuck with second place again.
Results:
http://kissenavelodrome.info/results/2013/NewYorkStateChampionships.pdf
A short time before states, I realized that the schedule Alan set up for me was a little wonky. The first event was the team sprint, which meant that people had to quickly come up with teams on the fly without having any metrics for other riders' abilities. This momentary chaos did give us a chance to let the officials figure out how to use the fancy score keeping spreadsheet that Alan usually uses. The next moment of chaos came when we realized the team sprints were being done in order of sign up instead of the category start order that was posted on the schedule. This meant that Karl had no clue that we were up, and had to get ready quickly. Josh and I lined up and waited for Karl. Dave the official said he didn't have time to wait, so one of us would have to do two laps or forfeit the ride. I said sure, why not, but somehow I lost my balance and fell over right before the start, which gave Karl enough time to get over and ready for the start. Funny how those things happen. Karl and I knew our big team to beat was Kieran's kissena team, which we overheard we were able to do. They had a bit of a split up at the start that they didn't recover from. Our team integrated nicely and felt fast the whole way around. I tried looking for our opposite team while riding, which was a composite team of Al, Lucas, and Dan Lim. Turns out they just edged us out for the win. I wish I had known because I'm sure I could have dug a little deeper. Our final time was 1:26.60
Next up was the kilo. I rode hard for a 1:14.65, which was the third fastest time behind Kieran and Karl. Those of you who know standard Kissena times probably have realized by now that this year was screaming fast. I don't know if it was the timers, the weather, or what, but I haven't seen that many sub 1:15 kilos and well below 1:30 team sprints ever before.
The third race was a 25 lap points race. I tried to attack from the gun to see if I could either get some solid early points or preferably connect with another strong rider or two and take a lap. It didn't happen and I fizzled out. After the second sprint, a group of four got off the front who did eventually lap the field. I didn't really end up doing anything noteworthy, which put me in last place. This basically put me out of contention for states, which was fine by me because this is when shit really hit the fan promoting-wise.
The kilos, 500s, and team sprints took up over half the day, which meant we were running well behind schedule. This meant we might have to cut an event. We decided right away that flying 200s would have to go, as that would take another hour alone. This angered the sprinters, who are an emotional bunch. Then right after my buddy Randy the EMT left, there was a touch of wheels and Mike P went down cracking his collarbone. This put us further behind schedule which meant we'd have to scrap all but the championship rounds of sprints. This really angered the sprinters, most of which weren't even NYS residents.
So then I had to do a scratch race. By this point I had thrown my helmet down in complete disgust with how my event was going, which naturally cracked it. I still rode with it anyhow. In fact, I'm still riding with that helmet. Since I was basically out of contention and partially out of my mind, I spent the race attacking and venting my anger and frustration. Somehow despite completely wasting myself, I still came in fifth.
The final race for the 1/2/3 combined field was the match sprints. We decided to run them based on top kilo times, but since this excluded last year's state champ Al, who was very close in points to both Karl and Kieran, I opted out as the third seed. Kieran unsurprisingly beat out both of them to win the overall, but Karl and Al gave him hell, with Karl only being one omnium point down.
I then spent another hour or more sorting through results, handing out medals, cleaning the track, packing away gear, and vowing to never promote a race again.
And that was state championships. At least I didn't get stuck with second place again.
Results:
http://kissenavelodrome.info/results/2013/NewYorkStateChampionships.pdf
24.11.13
2013.42: 9/9 - 9/15 - Race!
Sunday: State Championships. See the race report.
Saturday: Rode around to the local beaches. Gconnect seems to tell me I used it as some kind of openers for states tomorrow. I'll believe it.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/375762455
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Friday: nada.
Thursday: work.
Wednesday: Rode to work and back. I almost got pummeled by an SUV that was pulling into the king's park hess station.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/374348713
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Tuesday: Did some sprints down at long beach.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373853233
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Monday: Rest day. Rested.
Saturday: Rode around to the local beaches. Gconnect seems to tell me I used it as some kind of openers for states tomorrow. I'll believe it.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/375762455
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Friday: nada.
Thursday: work.
Wednesday: Rode to work and back. I almost got pummeled by an SUV that was pulling into the king's park hess station.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/374348713
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Tuesday: Did some sprints down at long beach.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373853233
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Monday: Rest day. Rested.
R13.35: Fuji Super Tuesdays 9/3 - Stagiares & Women
This was the final Super Tuesday of the season at t-town. Karl came out with me, which was fun. Andy and Kieran also came, possibly with JP and others? I don't remember. What I do remember, though, was how eerily similar this night felt to the last tuesday of last season. The sunset had that late-season light, a warm-gold look. The weather had a cool, crisp feel. It felt like fall was right around the corner. I reflected with Andy about how similar and yet how very different the two nights were. It was a great way to reflect over the past season, the ups and downs and events that happened.
Alright, let's not get too misty-eyed here. Here's some warm-up data:
The first race was a 12 lap Tempo points race. I don't see the results for this posted, but from what I remember, I attacked early, picked up a bunch of points, and then sat in, came around the field and won more points. I think this gave me the win overall. I could just be full of myself, though.
Next up came a 25 lap points race, which the results call a 20 lap points. I'm starting to question the integrity of these results here. Oh well. I seem to remember winning this one, too, so I'll go with it. I don't really remember how I won, but who needs the details?
Finally for the combined stagiare/women field was another super sprint elimination. I remember this one well, as I made it past the elimation, then Pat Gellineau did an early solo attack as I hear is his signature style. The crowd was cheering for him the whole way. I attacked from the group and caught and passed him in the last half lap, if memory serves me correctly. Andy said he was pretty sure the crowd hated me for doing that. I have no respect, I guess.
Three wins in a row means I won the omnium. Back on top, baby! Yeah, whatever. The feature was a 30 lap scratch race. It would appear that I didn't survive all 30 laps. I think I stayed at the rear and kept getting gapped off. Who knows.
And with that, tuesdays ended.
Interesting tidbit, though. This was also a PA BAR event. Prior to this race, the standings winner was Will Pestcoe, who since the last BAR race started racing in the pro/am field. He realized I could win enough points to take the lead from him, so he tried his best to sell me on racing pros with him so he could keep his BAR win. I, being a jerk, did not. And I waited until after the racing to let him know that it didn't matter anyhow, since I'm not a PA resident. How did I become such a jerk?
EDIT: another interesting tid-bit. This is the night when Karl became worried about Kieran winning states. Something about placing well in the pro/am field in long endurance type races.
EDIT: another interesting tid-bit. This is the night when Karl became worried about Kieran winning states. Something about placing well in the pro/am field in long endurance type races.
Results here:
R13.34: 49th Annual Labor Day Track Meet 9/2 - Cat 1/2/3
This one will be quick.
It rained on and off.
The cat 1/2/3 field got in a three lap scratch.
I tried gearing really heavy since I had a feeling it would be the only race of the day.
Lucas and Karl beat me to the line.
It rained more. Racing was cancelled.
Karl and I got BBQ with Dan and Ronnie.
It was beautiful out afterward, so I went back to the track to do some laps.
...almost reads like poetry.
It rained on and off.
The cat 1/2/3 field got in a three lap scratch.
I tried gearing really heavy since I had a feeling it would be the only race of the day.
Lucas and Karl beat me to the line.
It rained more. Racing was cancelled.
Karl and I got BBQ with Dan and Ronnie.
It was beautiful out afterward, so I went back to the track to do some laps.
...almost reads like poetry.
2013.41: 9/2 - 9/8
Sunday: Karl, Josh, and I got together to do some team sprint training. I think I was the weakest link today. I don't know if my gear was too big or what, but I was usually the one creating a gap. Also, it's hard to do team sprints from a rolling start.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373436282
Saturday: Went to the track to do some flying 400s and flying 800s. The usual tracky bullshit.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373436303
Friday: I rode to work and back again. You can definitely tell the days are getting shorter. I don't like it one bit.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/371614669
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Thursday: Worky-work
Wednesday: Nada.
Tuesday: T-town. See race report.
Monday: Labor Day track meet. See race report.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373436282
Saturday: Went to the track to do some flying 400s and flying 800s. The usual tracky bullshit.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373436303
Friday: I rode to work and back again. You can definitely tell the days are getting shorter. I don't like it one bit.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/371614669
NP/IF/TSS: N/A
Thursday: Worky-work
Wednesday: Nada.
Tuesday: T-town. See race report.
Monday: Labor Day track meet. See race report.
R13.33: Kissena Twilight Series 8/28 - Cat 3/4
Well with this report comes the last twilight race of the season. I don't really remember what happened, as usual, but the results seem to say I did pretty well.
The first race was a miss and out. I don't remember this at all, but apparently I won it. I feel like I should have remembered something like that. Shrug.
Next was a points race. I feel like it was 20 laps, in preparation for States. The results say I won again. That can't be right.
Finally, it seems that we had a scratch race of such-and-such number of laps. I came in fifth on this one, which sounds much more believable.
I came in first in the omnium. Way to finish the season strong!
EDIT: this night is coming back to me slowly. Karl was there to race, but he wasn't really feeling it for some reason. I think the main reason why he came was to get some time in on his pursuit setup.
Results:
http://kissenavelodrome.info/results/2013/Kissena13TwilightSeriesWeek18.pdf
The first race was a miss and out. I don't remember this at all, but apparently I won it. I feel like I should have remembered something like that. Shrug.
Next was a points race. I feel like it was 20 laps, in preparation for States. The results say I won again. That can't be right.
Finally, it seems that we had a scratch race of such-and-such number of laps. I came in fifth on this one, which sounds much more believable.
I came in first in the omnium. Way to finish the season strong!
EDIT: this night is coming back to me slowly. Karl was there to race, but he wasn't really feeling it for some reason. I think the main reason why he came was to get some time in on his pursuit setup.
Results:
http://kissenavelodrome.info/results/2013/Kissena13TwilightSeriesWeek18.pdf
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