U25 Tyler Locke continues to rack up atrong result by placing 5th in
the Pro/1/2 field at San Marco with U25 teammate Joseph Patterson 18th
in his first race since upgrading. Nice job, guys!
Eddie
Monday, July 27, 2009
Superweek Finale-men
Comparing to the girls we have been slacking a little bit with the race reports, our apologies for that. But there has to be a final report ofcourse.
Today was the last race of the Series, Whitefish Bay. 12 guys breaked away and Team VRC was represented by Nick. Unfortunately he had to let go after a while, and the remaining 11 lapped the field. Bennett got taken out by a crashing against a little kid (both are fine though). Losak also hit the deck but managed to get back into the bunch and was very useful...
Because I broke away with 3 guys and we too lapped the field. Losak helped slow down the chase on us and rode me to the front to position me for the sprint. I ended up getting 7th in that sprint, which makes me finish Superweek in an 18th position in the overall GC. I don't know exactly what the last stage caused for Nick's position, but he probably ended somewhere around 30th.
We want to thank everyone for the support and for giving us the opportunity to race here.
Michael
Today was the last race of the Series, Whitefish Bay. 12 guys breaked away and Team VRC was represented by Nick. Unfortunately he had to let go after a while, and the remaining 11 lapped the field. Bennett got taken out by a crashing against a little kid (both are fine though). Losak also hit the deck but managed to get back into the bunch and was very useful...
Because I broke away with 3 guys and we too lapped the field. Losak helped slow down the chase on us and rode me to the front to position me for the sprint. I ended up getting 7th in that sprint, which makes me finish Superweek in an 18th position in the overall GC. I don't know exactly what the last stage caused for Nick's position, but he probably ended somewhere around 30th.
We want to thank everyone for the support and for giving us the opportunity to race here.
Michael
Superweek Finale-women
SUPERWEEK INTERNATIONAL-POINT PREMIUM ROOT BEER CYCLING CLASSIC 2009 WHITEFISH BAY CRITERIUM
On a 0.8 mile; 6 corner circuit the peleton seemed excited that two and a half weeks of racing was coming to an end. However, perhaps everyone was a little jittery because in the third corner of the VERY first lap, half the peleton went down! I was fortunate enough to avoid the catastrophe; however, I glanced back and realized none of the NOW MS-Society girls were in the field. Not a problem they all joined in on the next lap and we were racing again.
A couple groups went up the road; being very active we were represented in all of them. Realizing the group was sufficiently shattered towards the end of the race it was looking like a field sprint was in our near future. We organized with five laps to go; and with the hard work of PC, Lauen and Jenjo I was able to be first wheel through the last corner and held on for dear life pulling off a 5th place.
Lauren rounded it off with a top 10 finish.
We can not say thank you enough for all the support we have received to make this trip happen. Hope you enjoyed following your very own U-25 Women's NOW MS-Society team.
Sincerely,
Julia Lafranchise
On a 0.8 mile; 6 corner circuit the peleton seemed excited that two and a half weeks of racing was coming to an end. However, perhaps everyone was a little jittery because in the third corner of the VERY first lap, half the peleton went down! I was fortunate enough to avoid the catastrophe; however, I glanced back and realized none of the NOW MS-Society girls were in the field. Not a problem they all joined in on the next lap and we were racing again.
A couple groups went up the road; being very active we were represented in all of them. Realizing the group was sufficiently shattered towards the end of the race it was looking like a field sprint was in our near future. We organized with five laps to go; and with the hard work of PC, Lauen and Jenjo I was able to be first wheel through the last corner and held on for dear life pulling off a 5th place.
Lauren rounded it off with a top 10 finish.
We can not say thank you enough for all the support we have received to make this trip happen. Hope you enjoyed following your very own U-25 Women's NOW MS-Society team.
Sincerely,
Julia Lafranchise
Sunday, July 26, 2009
San Marcos Cat 3
Hello all,
I hope everyone is doing well.
As my form starts to show I unfortunately missed out on another awesome stage race (Cascade.) I decided yesterday that I want to race Sam Marcos because I was feeling great. This is to be my last race for this season. I arrived with one thing on my mind which was to win. I waited for the break to have a decent gap before I decided to bridge...break didn't work so I sat in and waited...I came into the hill around 15th and was forced to sprint up the hill to make up ground..passed 12 guys (It was really funny) Then my marked guy busted a Fabian Cancellara. As I was about to come around him he shifted up & all I could do was only match his speed...we caught what looked like the winner, but he got nipped...the 3 of us had about a 40ft gap from the field. I will have to settle with another podium, but honestly I'm just happy to be riding:)
Thank You for reading..
Adam Masters U25
I hope everyone is doing well.
As my form starts to show I unfortunately missed out on another awesome stage race (Cascade.) I decided yesterday that I want to race Sam Marcos because I was feeling great. This is to be my last race for this season. I arrived with one thing on my mind which was to win. I waited for the break to have a decent gap before I decided to bridge...break didn't work so I sat in and waited...I came into the hill around 15th and was forced to sprint up the hill to make up ground..passed 12 guys (It was really funny) Then my marked guy busted a Fabian Cancellara. As I was about to come around him he shifted up & all I could do was only match his speed...we caught what looked like the winner, but he got nipped...the 3 of us had about a 40ft gap from the field. I will have to settle with another podium, but honestly I'm just happy to be riding:)
Thank You for reading..
Adam Masters U25
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Women Superweek update
Hey guys!
Sorry for the break in updates yesterday, it was a busy day for us having criteriums in two separate cities for the boys and girls and traveling.
Yesterday's crit was definitely a brutal one. The course was 1.1 mi for the women with a 100ish degree turn right after the start finish line up a power climb. After the first climb there was a sharp right hand turn, some false flat, a second power climb, sweeping descent into the third and final power climb, then descent toward the finish line. It was definitely a fast course. Average speed for 90 min was about 23.5mph.
Our plan from the get go had been to be active during the race since it did not seem like the bigger teams were taking up that responsibility. Julia was the first to go after turn one of lap one. Brutal. That got the speed going and PC kept it going with a solid attack right after. I could tell right then it would take everything I had simply to finish the race that day. Jen went hard on one lap too and I was feeling pretty worthless sitting in the back not able to do anything. I went with one attack up the third climb about halfway through the race then looked left to see Julia going with it. Happily, I slowed down a smidge and tried to block at the front. It did not really work and I found myself suffering to get back in as the pack rolled by me.
It became pretty clear that a break was not going to stick even though there were a few strong girls that clearly wanted it to. I simply sat in and tried to hang on for dear life. I dont think my legs have ever hurt so badly. Julia came up to me with about 8 laps to go as I was getting gapped off the back and gave me some words of encouragement. At the time, however, I simply wanted to punch her-yeah, thats how badly it hurt.
I found myself making little goals for myself from this point on. "Ok, just make it to that grassy knoll, ok just to that rock, ok two more trees, and repeat." It was one of the most challenging things for me to make it through that race. I could not see straight and have never been that drained after a race. I tried to rely on instinct once my mind and body shut down and found myself on the last lap moving up the right with another girl. Somehow I barely sprinted (not really because I was too afraid to fit through the narrow gap as tired and cross eyed as I was) and I think made it into top twenty.
All of us were hurting but I am very impressed to say how active we were during that really brutal race. For a small team we definitely made our prescence known.
Today was a rest day for the girls. Slept in, got some food, easy spin, and a movie. Hopefully the legs will come back around tomorrow!
Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a great night!
Lauren
Sorry for the break in updates yesterday, it was a busy day for us having criteriums in two separate cities for the boys and girls and traveling.
Yesterday's crit was definitely a brutal one. The course was 1.1 mi for the women with a 100ish degree turn right after the start finish line up a power climb. After the first climb there was a sharp right hand turn, some false flat, a second power climb, sweeping descent into the third and final power climb, then descent toward the finish line. It was definitely a fast course. Average speed for 90 min was about 23.5mph.
Our plan from the get go had been to be active during the race since it did not seem like the bigger teams were taking up that responsibility. Julia was the first to go after turn one of lap one. Brutal. That got the speed going and PC kept it going with a solid attack right after. I could tell right then it would take everything I had simply to finish the race that day. Jen went hard on one lap too and I was feeling pretty worthless sitting in the back not able to do anything. I went with one attack up the third climb about halfway through the race then looked left to see Julia going with it. Happily, I slowed down a smidge and tried to block at the front. It did not really work and I found myself suffering to get back in as the pack rolled by me.
It became pretty clear that a break was not going to stick even though there were a few strong girls that clearly wanted it to. I simply sat in and tried to hang on for dear life. I dont think my legs have ever hurt so badly. Julia came up to me with about 8 laps to go as I was getting gapped off the back and gave me some words of encouragement. At the time, however, I simply wanted to punch her-yeah, thats how badly it hurt.
I found myself making little goals for myself from this point on. "Ok, just make it to that grassy knoll, ok just to that rock, ok two more trees, and repeat." It was one of the most challenging things for me to make it through that race. I could not see straight and have never been that drained after a race. I tried to rely on instinct once my mind and body shut down and found myself on the last lap moving up the right with another girl. Somehow I barely sprinted (not really because I was too afraid to fit through the narrow gap as tired and cross eyed as I was) and I think made it into top twenty.
All of us were hurting but I am very impressed to say how active we were during that really brutal race. For a small team we definitely made our prescence known.
Today was a rest day for the girls. Slept in, got some food, easy spin, and a movie. Hopefully the legs will come back around tomorrow!
Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a great night!
Lauren
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
U25 Men's Superweek Update
Hey All,
Sorry for the delay in the Men's Race report. All has been going smoothly here at Superweek. Today's stage was a Road Race in a Botanical Garden. Great course, 4km loop with a small finish climb. Michael, Myself [EB] and Eric Losak raced today. I took a few days recovery, and felt great today. Michael was riding top 15 wheels all day again today, the Dutch storm as usual. Losak was very active chasing everything down early on in the race. I rode protected behind Michael all day, however with 12 laps to go I flatted. MY TERRIBLE LUCK AGAIN! AHHH. Losak dropped back to help me get back in the field. I had the worst wheel change ever. Eric and I chased for a lap and a half and didn't make too much progress. To cut to the finish Michael got an impressive 10Th in the field sprint. Finishing 23rd due to a 13 man break up the road. Thanks for all the support. We are ready to kill it again tomorrow.
Chao
Eric
Sorry for the delay in the Men's Race report. All has been going smoothly here at Superweek. Today's stage was a Road Race in a Botanical Garden. Great course, 4km loop with a small finish climb. Michael, Myself [EB] and Eric Losak raced today. I took a few days recovery, and felt great today. Michael was riding top 15 wheels all day again today, the Dutch storm as usual. Losak was very active chasing everything down early on in the race. I rode protected behind Michael all day, however with 12 laps to go I flatted. MY TERRIBLE LUCK AGAIN! AHHH. Losak dropped back to help me get back in the field. I had the worst wheel change ever. Eric and I chased for a lap and a half and didn't make too much progress. To cut to the finish Michael got an impressive 10Th in the field sprint. Finishing 23rd due to a 13 man break up the road. Thanks for all the support. We are ready to kill it again tomorrow.
Chao
Eric
Superweek women's update #10
Hello All,
Its really late and this took way too long to get out due to some team business that needed to be attended to so I apologize for the brevity.
Today was a FAST "road race" through a botanical garden with a few rolling hills, one sharp left hand turn to the final climb and about 250m to the line from the top of the climb. I was surprised at how fast we were charging through the course. I cant remember, but I think we did 14 laps and after the first 2 i looked down and it had only been 11 minutes. I put road race in quotations because this was more like a crit on steroids.
There were a few breaks up the road throughout the race with Julia and myself taking turns trying to get into. We made t he wrong choices though and missed the winning break, but whatever it was only 2 girls up the road. There was still a podium in the field. The circuits went through in a blur and before I knew it there were only 3 laps left. My only goal at this point was to stay near the front the last lap since that's what I've been having trouble with.
On the descent with one lap to go I see a blur flying up the left hand side and start to panic then relax when I realize that it is no one other than our own Jen Jo. Thankful to see some friendly legs going up the road I simply traveled up the right hand side that had opened up. Once she got caught I found myself first wheel and decided to try to just sit at the front so I didn't have to mess around with the slowing up and bunching of the field. I tried to keep the pace quick and on the last little hill before the finishing climb someone attacked left and it was all I could do to slot back in and not lose any more places.
I pushed as hard as I could up the final climb and passed a few girls for 16th place. Not in the money yet, but much better than previous races so I guess I'll take it :)
Jen Jo and Julia finished right behind me with the group and I even had two individual riders come up to me after the race saying that we had some strong girls on our team. What a compliment! Especially from the ladies out here who, I swear, have motors for legs.
Had a team meeting this evening to discuss tactics among other things. Hopefully tomorrow shall be a good day-we have some things up our sleeves so stay posted!
Good night all! Thank you for reading and thank you for all the support!
Best,
Lauren
Its really late and this took way too long to get out due to some team business that needed to be attended to so I apologize for the brevity.
Today was a FAST "road race" through a botanical garden with a few rolling hills, one sharp left hand turn to the final climb and about 250m to the line from the top of the climb. I was surprised at how fast we were charging through the course. I cant remember, but I think we did 14 laps and after the first 2 i looked down and it had only been 11 minutes. I put road race in quotations because this was more like a crit on steroids.
There were a few breaks up the road throughout the race with Julia and myself taking turns trying to get into. We made t he wrong choices though and missed the winning break, but whatever it was only 2 girls up the road. There was still a podium in the field. The circuits went through in a blur and before I knew it there were only 3 laps left. My only goal at this point was to stay near the front the last lap since that's what I've been having trouble with.
On the descent with one lap to go I see a blur flying up the left hand side and start to panic then relax when I realize that it is no one other than our own Jen Jo. Thankful to see some friendly legs going up the road I simply traveled up the right hand side that had opened up. Once she got caught I found myself first wheel and decided to try to just sit at the front so I didn't have to mess around with the slowing up and bunching of the field. I tried to keep the pace quick and on the last little hill before the finishing climb someone attacked left and it was all I could do to slot back in and not lose any more places.
I pushed as hard as I could up the final climb and passed a few girls for 16th place. Not in the money yet, but much better than previous races so I guess I'll take it :)
Jen Jo and Julia finished right behind me with the group and I even had two individual riders come up to me after the race saying that we had some strong girls on our team. What a compliment! Especially from the ladies out here who, I swear, have motors for legs.
Had a team meeting this evening to discuss tactics among other things. Hopefully tomorrow shall be a good day-we have some things up our sleeves so stay posted!
Good night all! Thank you for reading and thank you for all the support!
Best,
Lauren
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Women-Superweek
Dear Team VRC,
What: Superweek Update
Who: Lauren, JenJo, PC and Julia
Course: 0.7mile crit with a power climb
Weather: RAIN
Today we decided to be on the offensive. So when a rider went up the road in the first lap I powered up the climb and joined her. Turns out this was the winning break! One other rider bridged up and the three of us (thanks to a selective course and mother nature) lapped the field. Sitting pretty with much of the race still to go I caught my breath in a much more reasonably paced field. Then suddenly while heading up the climb I dropped my chain. . .in a furry of emotions and adrenaline I decided to go get my free lap (turns out you don't get a free lap for dropping your chain). So at this point I was back on the same lap as the field, but with a group up the road I was racing for 8th. Trying to pull myself together and rap my head around a much lower finishing spot than I'd like I continued racing. Much to my dismay; I dropped my chain again and finished at the back.
Lessons learned:
1. mechanical failures and flat tires are the only reason you get free laps (dropping a chain is not one of these).
2. get your bike tuned before racing.
Keeping our heads up and looking forward to more racing the NOW women say good night.
Julia
What: Superweek Update
Who: Lauren, JenJo, PC and Julia
Course: 0.7mile crit with a power climb
Weather: RAIN
Today we decided to be on the offensive. So when a rider went up the road in the first lap I powered up the climb and joined her. Turns out this was the winning break! One other rider bridged up and the three of us (thanks to a selective course and mother nature) lapped the field. Sitting pretty with much of the race still to go I caught my breath in a much more reasonably paced field. Then suddenly while heading up the climb I dropped my chain. . .in a furry of emotions and adrenaline I decided to go get my free lap (turns out you don't get a free lap for dropping your chain). So at this point I was back on the same lap as the field, but with a group up the road I was racing for 8th. Trying to pull myself together and rap my head around a much lower finishing spot than I'd like I continued racing. Much to my dismay; I dropped my chain again and finished at the back.
Lessons learned:
1. mechanical failures and flat tires are the only reason you get free laps (dropping a chain is not one of these).
2. get your bike tuned before racing.
Keeping our heads up and looking forward to more racing the NOW women say good night.
Julia
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Superweek Update
Hey Everyone!
So today was a rest day for us females so not a lot to talk about. We were joined by the lovely PC today (hilarity did ensue) and she took the first city limit prime of our little spin.
Highlights of the day:
-We built PC's bike in <5min NASCAR pit crew style
-We didnt even get lost to OR from the airport (dont worry, we've only been there four times now)
-We picked up cream cheese for our bagels finally
-The girls got locked out of the house...AGAIN because the boys forgot to leave us the keys... goooooood guys. goooooooooooooood.
-Michael "Phlegm" has finally revitalized after a few hours of unconsciousness post race coma
-Half of the house had not seen Ferris Buehler's Day Off yet and so we took care of that (thank you Blockbuster).
-The ghosts have still stayed in their own room (the door was open though and me and Jen Jo peaced out before PC could figure out what was going on... "what's going on guys?!?!"
-The girls went shopping at tj maxx... awesome.
-Getting to bed before 4am... hopefully.
-Having beds for everyone. Except Losak... apparently he prefers the floor to cuddling w/ Michael.
That is really all I can think of. Race tomorrow again YAHOOOOOOO!!
Thank you for all the support and hopefully we will have good results to post tomorrow!
Off to bed,
Lauren
So today was a rest day for us females so not a lot to talk about. We were joined by the lovely PC today (hilarity did ensue) and she took the first city limit prime of our little spin.
Highlights of the day:
-We built PC's bike in <5min NASCAR pit crew style
-We didnt even get lost to OR from the airport (dont worry, we've only been there four times now)
-We picked up cream cheese for our bagels finally
-The girls got locked out of the house...AGAIN because the boys forgot to leave us the keys... goooooood guys. goooooooooooooood.
-Michael "Phlegm" has finally revitalized after a few hours of unconsciousness post race coma
-Half of the house had not seen Ferris Buehler's Day Off yet and so we took care of that (thank you Blockbuster).
-The ghosts have still stayed in their own room (the door was open though and me and Jen Jo peaced out before PC could figure out what was going on... "what's going on guys?!?!"
-The girls went shopping at tj maxx... awesome.
-Getting to bed before 4am... hopefully.
-Having beds for everyone. Except Losak... apparently he prefers the floor to cuddling w/ Michael.
That is really all I can think of. Race tomorrow again YAHOOOOOOO!!
Thank you for all the support and hopefully we will have good results to post tomorrow!
Off to bed,
Lauren
Superweek-Race report #6
Superweek Update
Dearest Team,
Our cycling adventure continues with another great day of racing. After a scheduled rest day everyone was feeling strong; and the crowds were out in force. On a 1.3 mile course with four corners and a small chicane the Shorewood Criterium couldn't have presented a more exciting race.
It seemed like every lap was a points prime or cash sprint. I did my best to win a cash prime, but came up short (although I learned where to gauge my sprint for the finish; so with high hopes for the finish I sat in and caught my breath). Jen did some much needed work at the front and Lauren did her best in a couple of the ensuing sprints.
With four to go I decided to go on the offensive and went up the road with one other rider. We had a small gap, but when I pulled through and looked back she was gone. Not letting that dash my spirit I put my head forward and decided I was going to ride as hard as I could until I got caught. Then, a $250 cash prime was called!!! So I increased my effort, won the prime and came through the start finish to a roaring crowd. I realized I had one lap to go and was well off the front! The last lap was brutal, but all I could think was I was getting closer and closer to the finish and was still all alone.
I rounded the final corner and only had the LONGEST sprint of my life ahead of me; the only problem was I'd been off the front for two laps and so all I could do was turn my pedals and hope for the best, I got more and more excited; then. . .I heard something behind me and the next thing I know I'm getting eaten alive by a very angry peleton that decided I'd spent enough time off the front. Bummer, 17th is definitely not what I had in mind.
Our U-25 women's squad is getting stronger and looking forward to adding PC to the lineup for our next race on Saturday.
More race reports to come.
Julia
Nick: We rolled up to the race right as the girls entered their last lap. The absolute fervor of the crowd and announcers for Julia's move was incredible. It did not work out, but it was a bold move that really put NOW-MS on everybody's lips.
The guys report:
Today it was close to home so we decided to ride our bikes to the race, 48 laps on a 1.3 mile course. After our rest day we were all pumped to make the best of it, and we certainly ended up doing a pretty good job. We were so excited about racing that the first attack of the day came from an VRC-rider, Bennett tried to go for a 100k-solo effort, but unfortunatly the rest of the pack didn't want to cooperate so he got caught again. Besides that the first part of the race was pretty uneventfull (apart from the usual endless streams of attacks which are so common here in Superweek), until the race got stopped. There were firetrucks and ambulances all over the finish line so racing was impossible. We still don't exactly know what happened, rumours were either someone getting a heart attack or a building on fire.
After a delay of half an hour and a shortened race because of it we took off again. Since all of the sprints for the red jersey points and the primes had to be put in the smaller amount of laps the pace was really high for the remainder of the race. Despite this 2 times a large group rode away, without any VRC-riders so it was a good thing everything ended up together after all (partly because of chase work our team did). This meant a bunch sprint...in which we all placed pretty good: Michael got 10th, Nick 17th and Bennett 28th...so the whole team was in the top 30..owww yeaahh! Also in the overall standings VRC is pretty well represented since Iam 15th overall and Nick 23rd. So halfway through Superweek we can be pretty pleased with the results so far, and we are sure there will be more to come. Especially since the U25-team is now complete since Losak has joined us.
Flem.
Dearest Team,
Our cycling adventure continues with another great day of racing. After a scheduled rest day everyone was feeling strong; and the crowds were out in force. On a 1.3 mile course with four corners and a small chicane the Shorewood Criterium couldn't have presented a more exciting race.
It seemed like every lap was a points prime or cash sprint. I did my best to win a cash prime, but came up short (although I learned where to gauge my sprint for the finish; so with high hopes for the finish I sat in and caught my breath). Jen did some much needed work at the front and Lauren did her best in a couple of the ensuing sprints.
With four to go I decided to go on the offensive and went up the road with one other rider. We had a small gap, but when I pulled through and looked back she was gone. Not letting that dash my spirit I put my head forward and decided I was going to ride as hard as I could until I got caught. Then, a $250 cash prime was called!!! So I increased my effort, won the prime and came through the start finish to a roaring crowd. I realized I had one lap to go and was well off the front! The last lap was brutal, but all I could think was I was getting closer and closer to the finish and was still all alone.
I rounded the final corner and only had the LONGEST sprint of my life ahead of me; the only problem was I'd been off the front for two laps and so all I could do was turn my pedals and hope for the best, I got more and more excited; then. . .I heard something behind me and the next thing I know I'm getting eaten alive by a very angry peleton that decided I'd spent enough time off the front. Bummer, 17th is definitely not what I had in mind.
Our U-25 women's squad is getting stronger and looking forward to adding PC to the lineup for our next race on Saturday.
More race reports to come.
Julia
Nick: We rolled up to the race right as the girls entered their last lap. The absolute fervor of the crowd and announcers for Julia's move was incredible. It did not work out, but it was a bold move that really put NOW-MS on everybody's lips.
The guys report:
Today it was close to home so we decided to ride our bikes to the race, 48 laps on a 1.3 mile course. After our rest day we were all pumped to make the best of it, and we certainly ended up doing a pretty good job. We were so excited about racing that the first attack of the day came from an VRC-rider, Bennett tried to go for a 100k-solo effort, but unfortunatly the rest of the pack didn't want to cooperate so he got caught again. Besides that the first part of the race was pretty uneventfull (apart from the usual endless streams of attacks which are so common here in Superweek), until the race got stopped. There were firetrucks and ambulances all over the finish line so racing was impossible. We still don't exactly know what happened, rumours were either someone getting a heart attack or a building on fire.
After a delay of half an hour and a shortened race because of it we took off again. Since all of the sprints for the red jersey points and the primes had to be put in the smaller amount of laps the pace was really high for the remainder of the race. Despite this 2 times a large group rode away, without any VRC-riders so it was a good thing everything ended up together after all (partly because of chase work our team did). This meant a bunch sprint...in which we all placed pretty good: Michael got 10th, Nick 17th and Bennett 28th...so the whole team was in the top 30..owww yeaahh! Also in the overall standings VRC is pretty well represented since Iam 15th overall and Nick 23rd. So halfway through Superweek we can be pretty pleased with the results so far, and we are sure there will be more to come. Especially since the U25-team is now complete since Losak has joined us.
Flem.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Epic-Race across the Alps from Bill
What: Race across the alps in 7 days, 880 km, 18,000 meters of climbing.
Who: Bill Birrell, Matt Miller (Crashed)
When: June 28th to July 4th 2009
Result: Bill: 36:18:02. 16th in solo riders out of 32.
Brief report as 7 days is a long time and I did not find the time to
do daily logs this year.
My teammate crashed at 40 mph on a rainy descent on stage 2 and we
spent the evening in an emergency room 50 miles from the stage finish.
Fortunately he landed in a cow pasture, as opposed to a off a cliff,
but unfortunately for Matt he somehow landed on top of his bike.
The bike is ok, but the kidney that landed on it was bruised. Enough
people's teammates crash out, that the race organizers created a
singles category, but you are relegated to start at the very back
which makes it challenging to reach the pack you want to ride with.
Moving up through approx. 500 riders without blowing yourself up
before you hit the big climbs is an interesting skill.
Course was epic this year, with stage 5 bringing the Stelvio (14 km at
9.1%) followed by two other passes. THis was the warmup to what the
German's called the King stage: 5 passes in 181 km including the
legendary Gavia. Fortunately we had better weather than Andy Hampsten,
but it was not in the road book that the last 5 km. on the Gavia are
mostly at 10%!
Scenery was beautiful and my darling wife drove from one town to the
other. I was one of the most pampered in the bunch.
Learned a great deal from my powermeter this year. I had been
undergearing on the long climbs - resorting to the easiest gear to
save myself way too soon. Turned out all I really needed was a 34X25.
Figured this out on day 3, and suddenly I found myself climbing in the
front half of the field. With the range of abilities that is not as
amazing a statement as it might seem. But I was pleased because it
meant that I stayed in the closed roads for nearly all of the final
stages, coming in 1 to 2 hours behind the leaders.
Still I remain pure packfill: my average speed: 24.4 kph. The winners:
32.6 kph!
The last descent on Stage 5 was rainy and cold, but somehow I didn't
feel it. That night my wife said a seemed really hot (normally a great
thing). On the hot climbs on the last day, I was not sweating at all.
I finished, but didn't really feel that great. By 3 days after the
race, I had a lung infection. It is hard not laugh when an Italian
doctor tells you in broken english, "You lungs, you should not get let
so bad." Oh, well.
Will be doing a slide show sometime soon, so if you want to know more
about a great cycling event, watch your inbox!
Cheers!
Bill
Who: Bill Birrell, Matt Miller (Crashed)
When: June 28th to July 4th 2009
Result: Bill: 36:18:02. 16th in solo riders out of 32.
Brief report as 7 days is a long time and I did not find the time to
do daily logs this year.
My teammate crashed at 40 mph on a rainy descent on stage 2 and we
spent the evening in an emergency room 50 miles from the stage finish.
Fortunately he landed in a cow pasture, as opposed to a off a cliff,
but unfortunately for Matt he somehow landed on top of his bike.
The bike is ok, but the kidney that landed on it was bruised. Enough
people's teammates crash out, that the race organizers created a
singles category, but you are relegated to start at the very back
which makes it challenging to reach the pack you want to ride with.
Moving up through approx. 500 riders without blowing yourself up
before you hit the big climbs is an interesting skill.
Course was epic this year, with stage 5 bringing the Stelvio (14 km at
9.1%) followed by two other passes. THis was the warmup to what the
German's called the King stage: 5 passes in 181 km including the
legendary Gavia. Fortunately we had better weather than Andy Hampsten,
but it was not in the road book that the last 5 km. on the Gavia are
mostly at 10%!
Scenery was beautiful and my darling wife drove from one town to the
other. I was one of the most pampered in the bunch.
Learned a great deal from my powermeter this year. I had been
undergearing on the long climbs - resorting to the easiest gear to
save myself way too soon. Turned out all I really needed was a 34X25.
Figured this out on day 3, and suddenly I found myself climbing in the
front half of the field. With the range of abilities that is not as
amazing a statement as it might seem. But I was pleased because it
meant that I stayed in the closed roads for nearly all of the final
stages, coming in 1 to 2 hours behind the leaders.
Still I remain pure packfill: my average speed: 24.4 kph. The winners:
32.6 kph!
The last descent on Stage 5 was rainy and cold, but somehow I didn't
feel it. That night my wife said a seemed really hot (normally a great
thing). On the hot climbs on the last day, I was not sweating at all.
I finished, but didn't really feel that great. By 3 days after the
race, I had a lung infection. It is hard not laugh when an Italian
doctor tells you in broken english, "You lungs, you should not get let
so bad." Oh, well.
Will be doing a slide show sometime soon, so if you want to know more
about a great cycling event, watch your inbox!
Cheers!
Bill
Kentucky, Hellyer, Superweek!
RED RIVER GORGE UCI Jr Stage Race
Just talked to Kit from Kentucky.
He crashed hard today in stage 4 chased back up, strung out but made the cut.
71 mile stage, 8,000 ft of climbing. Banged up knees, hand etc.
Lots of crashing. His entire squad (6) crashed including Danny Heeley and got flats.
Final stage tomorrow, Twilight Crit.
The GC leader gets a ticket to Moscow with Kit and Kendall.
http://www.tour-rrg.com/Home.aspx
Kendall is at a big USAC Dev camp at Hellyer doing well.
Go Kendall, Go Kit! Go NOW MS Team at SUPERWEEK!
Just talked to Kit from Kentucky.
He crashed hard today in stage 4 chased back up, strung out but made the cut.
71 mile stage, 8,000 ft of climbing. Banged up knees, hand etc.
Lots of crashing. His entire squad (6) crashed including Danny Heeley and got flats.
Final stage tomorrow, Twilight Crit.
The GC leader gets a ticket to Moscow with Kit and Kendall.
http://www.tour-rrg.com/Home.aspx
Kendall is at a big USAC Dev camp at Hellyer doing well.
Go Kendall, Go Kit! Go NOW MS Team at SUPERWEEK!
Superweek update -women and men
Hello VRC!
Today is your U25’s first sanctioned rest day and I’m happy to report
that all we have done is make a costco run for food and air
conditioning… we bought an air conditioner. Thank you costco return
policy ;)—see attached photo
Yesterday’s race:
Race 4 of a possible 17.
Arlington Heights Criterium – 7/14/09
Day 4 of the women’s racing at Superweek, a .7 mile figure-8 shaped
course in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Who: Jen Jo, Julia
Day four and I’m starting to embrace day after day of 60k criteriums in
the humidity. Arlington Heights was a bit of a throw-back to what we’re
used to, it was only 40k… The fact that an hour crit with some fast
women felt short tells me I’m becoming accustomed to Superweek-style
racing
With only me and Julia in the race, we decided to race a bit on the
conservative side, letting the other teams chase each other down until
the end, unless a break looked promising, which turned out to be the
right strategy as no breaks stuck. Coming into the final laps, I
positioned myself toward the front of the field in position to jump on
any attacks. With two to go, Julia came by me and tapped her hip
signaling me to get on her wheel for some protection and perhaps a
lead-out, but the field checked us into the curb and I do what no bike
racer should do, I lost her wheel. The rest of the race feels like a
blur of a swirling field and finally an attack that strung it out on the
last lap going into the tight figure-8 turns.
Came in around 20th , disappointed, but starving for more racing and
podium placing…
It’s been said before, but thank you again to all that made it possible
for us youngins to make it out here.
Next up: recovery spin
-Jen Jo
Da Boys:
Who: Nick, E. Bennett, Flying Dutchman
Most racers are familiar with the concept of the sweet spot. That place
far enough forward in the field that accelerations out of corners are
muted, but you don’t have to follow attacks. This race really didn’t
have one. Attacks were flying throughout the top twenty, and unless you
were top five wheels you were part of the accordion. Bennett got taken
out on the technical section of the course (he’s fine, just a tiny bit
scraped up), while Michael suffered from the rough, technical backside
of the course (and probably also form his 5th straight day of racing).
The finishing straight began out of a tight corner with a slight rise
into a descent, out of a technical section that strung the field out
single file. If you weren’t at the head of the field, the leaders had
hit the descent, guns blazing, by the time you were sprinting uphill out
of the corner, desperately trying to hold the wheel in front of you. I
spent some time right at the front, following the constant surges, but
let myself loose position when riders would sit up and we would be
swarmed. Stuck twenty or thirty wheels back, I suffered. A break of
nearly twenty rider s rolled away a third of the way into the race, and
as they dangled off the front, I found myself near the head of the
peloton as riders dug to bring it back. I pulled through, only to look
back and see that I had pulled clear with another rider. An ill-advised
two-up bridge attempt later, my eyes were rolling back in my head as a
clung to the pack for dear life. A few laps later, I was toast. Blown
out the back. Crap!
Lesson: Sometimes you need to be at the very head of the race to survive.
-Nick
Today is your U25’s first sanctioned rest day and I’m happy to report
that all we have done is make a costco run for food and air
conditioning… we bought an air conditioner. Thank you costco return
policy ;)—see attached photo
Yesterday’s race:
Race 4 of a possible 17.
Arlington Heights Criterium – 7/14/09
Day 4 of the women’s racing at Superweek, a .7 mile figure-8 shaped
course in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Who: Jen Jo, Julia
Day four and I’m starting to embrace day after day of 60k criteriums in
the humidity. Arlington Heights was a bit of a throw-back to what we’re
used to, it was only 40k… The fact that an hour crit with some fast
women felt short tells me I’m becoming accustomed to Superweek-style
racing
With only me and Julia in the race, we decided to race a bit on the
conservative side, letting the other teams chase each other down until
the end, unless a break looked promising, which turned out to be the
right strategy as no breaks stuck. Coming into the final laps, I
positioned myself toward the front of the field in position to jump on
any attacks. With two to go, Julia came by me and tapped her hip
signaling me to get on her wheel for some protection and perhaps a
lead-out, but the field checked us into the curb and I do what no bike
racer should do, I lost her wheel. The rest of the race feels like a
blur of a swirling field and finally an attack that strung it out on the
last lap going into the tight figure-8 turns.
Came in around 20th , disappointed, but starving for more racing and
podium placing…
It’s been said before, but thank you again to all that made it possible
for us youngins to make it out here.
Next up: recovery spin
-Jen Jo
Da Boys:
Who: Nick, E. Bennett, Flying Dutchman
Most racers are familiar with the concept of the sweet spot. That place
far enough forward in the field that accelerations out of corners are
muted, but you don’t have to follow attacks. This race really didn’t
have one. Attacks were flying throughout the top twenty, and unless you
were top five wheels you were part of the accordion. Bennett got taken
out on the technical section of the course (he’s fine, just a tiny bit
scraped up), while Michael suffered from the rough, technical backside
of the course (and probably also form his 5th straight day of racing).
The finishing straight began out of a tight corner with a slight rise
into a descent, out of a technical section that strung the field out
single file. If you weren’t at the head of the field, the leaders had
hit the descent, guns blazing, by the time you were sprinting uphill out
of the corner, desperately trying to hold the wheel in front of you. I
spent some time right at the front, following the constant surges, but
let myself loose position when riders would sit up and we would be
swarmed. Stuck twenty or thirty wheels back, I suffered. A break of
nearly twenty rider s rolled away a third of the way into the race, and
as they dangled off the front, I found myself near the head of the
peloton as riders dug to bring it back. I pulled through, only to look
back and see that I had pulled clear with another rider. An ill-advised
two-up bridge attempt later, my eyes were rolling back in my head as a
clung to the pack for dear life. A few laps later, I was toast. Blown
out the back. Crap!
Lesson: Sometimes you need to be at the very head of the race to survive.
-Nick
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Stage 4: U25 Men's race report-Superweek
Hey team,
All is going great here for both the Men's and Women's team here at Superweek. The women got a huge result with Julia on the podium and Jen Jo and Lauren represented in the sprint.
Time for the guys to have a great stage as well. Today was the first day which I have felt my legs coming around, and after a good nights sleep very motivated as well. Nick, Michael and I started the 100k crit at 5:45pm. With a very short lap, the pace was going to be high, and there was a strong chance that a breakaway could lap the field.
We had the plan to lead out Nick if the race came down to a field sprint. I covered many Early moves, feeling really good and not working very hard. 20 laps into the race there was a crash involving my former team mate Curtis Gunn. He had to be taken out by ambulance, thus the race was delayed 20 min. All thoughts and prayers going to Curtis.
The race resumed with the field getting lapped by three riders. From there on it was a constant fight to stay at the front of the field. Michael and I rode a solid top 15 for the remaining of the laps, with 5 to go I got into a tangle up braking a spoke in the process. All in all, we rode very represented and had some mis fortunate luck when the race really counted.
Everyone in high spirits for Stage 5. More to come. Pictures to follow.
Chao
Eric Bennett
All is going great here for both the Men's and Women's team here at Superweek. The women got a huge result with Julia on the podium and Jen Jo and Lauren represented in the sprint.
Time for the guys to have a great stage as well. Today was the first day which I have felt my legs coming around, and after a good nights sleep very motivated as well. Nick, Michael and I started the 100k crit at 5:45pm. With a very short lap, the pace was going to be high, and there was a strong chance that a breakaway could lap the field.
We had the plan to lead out Nick if the race came down to a field sprint. I covered many Early moves, feeling really good and not working very hard. 20 laps into the race there was a crash involving my former team mate Curtis Gunn. He had to be taken out by ambulance, thus the race was delayed 20 min. All thoughts and prayers going to Curtis.
The race resumed with the field getting lapped by three riders. From there on it was a constant fight to stay at the front of the field. Michael and I rode a solid top 15 for the remaining of the laps, with 5 to go I got into a tangle up braking a spoke in the process. All in all, we rode very represented and had some mis fortunate luck when the race really counted.
Everyone in high spirits for Stage 5. More to come. Pictures to follow.
Chao
Eric Bennett
Monday, July 13, 2009
NOW women race report at Superweek-3rd place
Extra Extra, read all about it:
The latest from the Now-MS Society Women's U-25 Superweek Adventure:
After a long road race and on our third straight day of racing Lauren, Jen and I made our goals conservative. On the very short, very fast course we decided to sit in and relax for the first half of the race; then take it from there.
After a few early attempts at breakaways and with much of the field also on tired legs we held a constant pace for most of the race. Sitting second with 11 to go a points prime was called. At first I thought it was a mistake to be so far up, but decided to go with the sprinters. I found myself crossing the line in 6th, just out of the points. . .bummer. But there was a small gap on the field so I got to the front and did my best to make the break stick. One other girl was interested, but two teams had the wrong girls represented in the break. However, my work paid off and once we had a significant gap everyone was willing to work.
Back in the field Lauren and Jen did their best to keep the pace slow and it paid off! I waited a little too long and couldn't come around the last two girls, but Ican't complain third place is my best finish this year and to do it at superweek makes me even happier!
When the field came around, Jen found her sprinters legs and pulled off 15th, which is in the money! Congrats JenJo.
Thanks again for all the support!
Bedtime. . .more racing tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Julia
P.S. Pictures to come. . .
The latest from the Now-MS Society Women's U-25 Superweek Adventure:
After a long road race and on our third straight day of racing Lauren, Jen and I made our goals conservative. On the very short, very fast course we decided to sit in and relax for the first half of the race; then take it from there.
After a few early attempts at breakaways and with much of the field also on tired legs we held a constant pace for most of the race. Sitting second with 11 to go a points prime was called. At first I thought it was a mistake to be so far up, but decided to go with the sprinters. I found myself crossing the line in 6th, just out of the points. . .bummer. But there was a small gap on the field so I got to the front and did my best to make the break stick. One other girl was interested, but two teams had the wrong girls represented in the break. However, my work paid off and once we had a significant gap everyone was willing to work.
Back in the field Lauren and Jen did their best to keep the pace slow and it paid off! I waited a little too long and couldn't come around the last two girls, but Ican't complain third place is my best finish this year and to do it at superweek makes me even happier!
When the field came around, Jen found her sprinters legs and pulled off 15th, which is in the money! Congrats JenJo.
Thanks again for all the support!
Bedtime. . .more racing tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Julia
P.S. Pictures to come. . .
Julia LaFranchise podium finish at Superweek!!!
Hot off the press. Julia La Franchise storms to 3rd place finish in todays Richton Crit at Superweek. Her team mates Jen and Lauren helped establish a six man break which stayed away for 10 laps. Well done team. Congratulations Julia!
NOW women-day 3 Superweek
Hello all!
Today was a really long day and we're about to go to bed so I will spare you the gory details of today. The alarm went off way to early and as soon as we could the girls were off the course. An hour drive and a much earlier start time=cranky, tired girls.
We got to the course and didnt do much of a warm up because we had a long RR ahead of us and I was simply trying to see if my legs could turn the pedals after yesterday's crash. Turns out even if we had warmed up it would not have mattered because they started us 45 minutes late, oh well. Oh, and we had tried to get race food but the only thing we could find was a gas station. Race food = 1 Mrs. Fields Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie and and XL bag of LifeSaver Gummy Fruits. Awesome.
First few laps of the 5.5 mile course went by in a blur. Lots of little accelerations but nothing too terrible. I remember looking up and seeing 9 to go and wanted to die. Every lap was a battle and I just kept telling myself "just get through one more lap, just one more then you can pull out." It was like a game. Then I would tell myself, "Well, you got through the last lap so just one more."
Laps 7-9 were excruciating. The straight-aways found us pushing the pedals 33 mph and I did not know it was possible for me to go up ANY hill at 20+ mph and so I was thoroughly shocked to look down and see 22-25 mph up some of the power climbs. Can I say again that I wanted to die?
I tried hard to lead Julia out for the final sprint but found myself getting cut off multiple times by the girl that crashed me out yesterday. I decided to just blow past her and sat in the wind w/ Julia on my wheel for the last straight-away. Then someone attacked and I did not have the legs left to match it. Nothing else exciting. Julia battled it out for 13th and I finished somewhere around 20th. Still trying to recover. Bed time soon.
Thanks all for listening to my probably incoherent post-race babble.
Oh, and weird, but Marge has started having a mind of her own. Doors opening, lights, The whole shebang. If any of you have any ideas about what's going on, that would be appreciated. Maybe electrical? Maybe ghosts? eh...
Today was a really long day and we're about to go to bed so I will spare you the gory details of today. The alarm went off way to early and as soon as we could the girls were off the course. An hour drive and a much earlier start time=cranky, tired girls.
We got to the course and didnt do much of a warm up because we had a long RR ahead of us and I was simply trying to see if my legs could turn the pedals after yesterday's crash. Turns out even if we had warmed up it would not have mattered because they started us 45 minutes late, oh well. Oh, and we had tried to get race food but the only thing we could find was a gas station. Race food = 1 Mrs. Fields Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie and and XL bag of LifeSaver Gummy Fruits. Awesome.
First few laps of the 5.5 mile course went by in a blur. Lots of little accelerations but nothing too terrible. I remember looking up and seeing 9 to go and wanted to die. Every lap was a battle and I just kept telling myself "just get through one more lap, just one more then you can pull out." It was like a game. Then I would tell myself, "Well, you got through the last lap so just one more."
Laps 7-9 were excruciating. The straight-aways found us pushing the pedals 33 mph and I did not know it was possible for me to go up ANY hill at 20+ mph and so I was thoroughly shocked to look down and see 22-25 mph up some of the power climbs. Can I say again that I wanted to die?
I tried hard to lead Julia out for the final sprint but found myself getting cut off multiple times by the girl that crashed me out yesterday. I decided to just blow past her and sat in the wind w/ Julia on my wheel for the last straight-away. Then someone attacked and I did not have the legs left to match it. Nothing else exciting. Julia battled it out for 13th and I finished somewhere around 20th. Still trying to recover. Bed time soon.
Thanks all for listening to my probably incoherent post-race babble.
Oh, and weird, but Marge has started having a mind of her own. Doors opening, lights, The whole shebang. If any of you have any ideas about what's going on, that would be appreciated. Maybe electrical? Maybe ghosts? eh...
Superweek U25s-day 3
Well first of all, my first post here on this group so I might as well introduce myself: hello everyone, Iam the Dutch guy who joined the U25-squad for this season.
Since Nick took a well-deserved rest day after his 7th place yesterday and Eric B. flatted after 10 miles without receiving help from the neutral support car, it is my turn to entertain you all with a race report.
So Team VRC rode basically as a one man-team today in a 145k (90 mile)road race over a brutal course. Not because of the weather or the elevation, since it was pretty good weather and there were only 1 or 2 short power climbs. But all of the corners and the fact that the riders made the race pretty hard caused it to be a long, but fun day.
The race can be summarized pretty briefly since even though there was a lot of attacking going on nothing really got away. Until halfway during the race when the pack started to really break up. A few smaller groups formed a front group of a good 30 guys and rode away and fortunatly I was able to bridge up to them. After that another 6-8 guys made it, but the rest of the pack was done for the day. A strong group of 6 (containing both the overall race leader and the sprint competition leader) escaped while everyone else was catching their breath and they proved that they really were the strongest in the race because we never saw them again.
The pack(or what was left of it) thinned out even more while the race progressed and ended up having to sprint for the 8th place since a Taiwanese guy sneaked of in the last kilometre. Even though the last few turns were pretty sketchy I ended up 6th in that sprint so 13th overall.
With a 20th, a 17th and a 13th place so far in Superweek Iam slowly moving to the results which really matter so I hope I can keep this upward momentum going the next few days. Furthermore Team VRC has been showing, by clearly riding in the front and influencing the race, that the team is becoming a force to reckon with....even in a race like Superweek. So especially when Eric L. comes in to complete the team here we should be able to continue to make you guys (and girls ofcourse ;-)) proud.
Michael.
P.S. Even though Nick didn't race today he was of so much value by providing me with much needed bottles.... So thanks again for that! Team spirit is what it is all about, and that aspect is definitly ok. Both the girls team and we are helping eachother out a lot in the race and are having a lot of fun outside of the races (which is equally important ofcourse) as well.
Since Nick took a well-deserved rest day after his 7th place yesterday and Eric B. flatted after 10 miles without receiving help from the neutral support car, it is my turn to entertain you all with a race report.
So Team VRC rode basically as a one man-team today in a 145k (90 mile)road race over a brutal course. Not because of the weather or the elevation, since it was pretty good weather and there were only 1 or 2 short power climbs. But all of the corners and the fact that the riders made the race pretty hard caused it to be a long, but fun day.
The race can be summarized pretty briefly since even though there was a lot of attacking going on nothing really got away. Until halfway during the race when the pack started to really break up. A few smaller groups formed a front group of a good 30 guys and rode away and fortunatly I was able to bridge up to them. After that another 6-8 guys made it, but the rest of the pack was done for the day. A strong group of 6 (containing both the overall race leader and the sprint competition leader) escaped while everyone else was catching their breath and they proved that they really were the strongest in the race because we never saw them again.
The pack(or what was left of it) thinned out even more while the race progressed and ended up having to sprint for the 8th place since a Taiwanese guy sneaked of in the last kilometre. Even though the last few turns were pretty sketchy I ended up 6th in that sprint so 13th overall.
With a 20th, a 17th and a 13th place so far in Superweek Iam slowly moving to the results which really matter so I hope I can keep this upward momentum going the next few days. Furthermore Team VRC has been showing, by clearly riding in the front and influencing the race, that the team is becoming a force to reckon with....even in a race like Superweek. So especially when Eric L. comes in to complete the team here we should be able to continue to make you guys (and girls ofcourse ;-)) proud.
Michael.
P.S. Even though Nick didn't race today he was of so much value by providing me with much needed bottles.... So thanks again for that! Team spirit is what it is all about, and that aspect is definitly ok. Both the girls team and we are helping eachother out a lot in the race and are having a lot of fun outside of the races (which is equally important ofcourse) as well.
CBR Results
While some of our Elite U25 Men and Women are lighting it up at
Superweek, I do know of two additional noteworthy results from Sunday's
CBR race:
U25 Tyler Locke was 4th in the P/1/2 field (in the group that took a
lap). Nice result!
Louise Keoghan won the field sprint for 6th in the Women's P/1/2 race
(and gave big kudos to U25 PC Calderon for the work she did).
Eddie
Superweek, I do know of two additional noteworthy results from Sunday's
CBR race:
U25 Tyler Locke was 4th in the P/1/2 field (in the group that took a
lap). Nice result!
Louise Keoghan won the field sprint for 6th in the Women's P/1/2 race
(and gave big kudos to U25 PC Calderon for the work she did).
Eddie
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Stars abd Bars for Kit and Kendall
Kendall takes a solo lap and is national points race champion!!! Kit
wins the madison and team pursuit titles!!!
Marc Karzen /// Relish iPhone
wins the madison and team pursuit titles!!!
Marc Karzen /// Relish iPhone
Women-San Luis Road Race
Hey team,
What: San Luis road race report
Who: Jen, Lauren and Julia
In a very long race Lauren and Jen both faught admirally. I managed to pull off 7th. I lead out the sprint in what was left of a very shattered field and only one woman came around.
I'd give a more lengthy report but we have a crit to prepare for. More tomorrow.
Julia
What: San Luis road race report
Who: Jen, Lauren and Julia
In a very long race Lauren and Jen both faught admirally. I managed to pull off 7th. I lead out the sprint in what was left of a very shattered field and only one woman came around.
I'd give a more lengthy report but we have a crit to prepare for. More tomorrow.
Julia
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Race Report: Camp San Luis Road Race
Who: Joe and Adam
Result: 4th & 9th
The descent was awesome. The hill hurt. I chased down Cory Bruno early
on, but he cracked me on the hill and won solo. That was depressing.
Another two other climber/sandbaggers snuck away from us and stayed
away for 2nd and 3rd. Adam and I worked the chase for most of the race
and whittled the group from forty to twenty to seven for the last few
laps. I rode away on the ninth and final time up the climb,
slaughtered myself in the headwind with Pfaff, got caught, and still
won the "field" sprint for fourth.
Dan, that feed was not "water." It was grape and it was gross, but I
was too desperate not to drink it.
Last 3's race tomorrow...gonna be fun!
Joe Patterson
Result: 4th & 9th
The descent was awesome. The hill hurt. I chased down Cory Bruno early
on, but he cracked me on the hill and won solo. That was depressing.
Another two other climber/sandbaggers snuck away from us and stayed
away for 2nd and 3rd. Adam and I worked the chase for most of the race
and whittled the group from forty to twenty to seven for the last few
laps. I rode away on the ninth and final time up the climb,
slaughtered myself in the headwind with Pfaff, got caught, and still
won the "field" sprint for fourth.
Dan, that feed was not "water." It was grape and it was gross, but I
was too desperate not to drink it.
Last 3's race tomorrow...gonna be fun!
Joe Patterson
Paralympic Trials-Will
As Marc said i crashed on my face in colorado springs in my lead up to track nationals. I ended up being fine save a face and lips that resembled the aftermath of a lost fight with a belt sander. I went to nationals without a crash on my mind and rode my ass off.
While my kilometer time trial was not the prettiest or fastest i was properly tired. Thankfully Joe Patterson was able to help me down from the apron as my legs could not support a pound.
After a good rest i raced the 3 kilometer pursuit the next day. After focusing on the Kilo for a month i was a green pursuit rider and rode a strong smooth race, my primary goal for the day.I ended up off the podium both days and off the qualifiying times for world championships in November but i put myself out there and did'nt leave anything in the tank. Next up is road nationals in August during U23 and elite nationals where i ride the qualifying time trial for worlds in september.Hope riding is going well for everyone.
will
While my kilometer time trial was not the prettiest or fastest i was properly tired. Thankfully Joe Patterson was able to help me down from the apron as my legs could not support a pound.
After a good rest i raced the 3 kilometer pursuit the next day. After focusing on the Kilo for a month i was a green pursuit rider and rode a strong smooth race, my primary goal for the day.I ended up off the podium both days and off the qualifiying times for world championships in November but i put myself out there and did'nt leave anything in the tank. Next up is road nationals in August during U23 and elite nationals where i ride the qualifying time trial for worlds in september.Hope riding is going well for everyone.
will
Why you should use ROAD ID
Why you should use Road ID or at lease carry an ID.
1) Read my short story and see attached photos
2) ROAD ID Donates part of your purchase to MS
3)You have no reason not to
It was just another Saturday morning MS-NOW ride. You know the drill, relaxed until we hit the Hill at Pepperdine..Then someone decides to put the pressure on and the lemmings follow. No offense I am a lemming in this regard too. Shortly after the ride fractures into various groups for various reasons... and we regroup at Trancus. Well today's "just a normal ride" turned into a very scary, and valuable lesson. One that I would like to share with everyone.
The ride hit full stride, and Phil, Jens, myself were working together to catch a small group that managed to get ahead of us (that group included SAM). We were gearing up for the final sprint right before rest stop at Trancus....and then one of the most awful sites you want to see as a cyclist appeared, a fellow cyclist, a club member, down lying in the middle of the highway, motionless.
Thanks to a very considerate woman and other commuters, who stopped. Sam was shielded from Trafic by their cars as they helped manage the traffic until the emergency crew arrived. When the scores of emergency vehicles arrived, they asked us information about Sam, heck most of us did not even know him, or have any information about him. And neither the emergency crews or other cyclists at the scene (which was somewhat chaotic) could located any ID. Oh, and If you're wondering why Sam couldn't speak up it's because he was knocked out!
Phil, and his super-wife, were quick to get on their mobile and try to call Eddie, and Mark to get some contact info for Sam. Jen and I tried to help by moving bikes and the collection of cyclists that started collecting around the scene out of the way.
Anyway, to keep an already too long email from getting longer, please carry ID and even better get a Road ID!!!
Sam I hope you okay, and recover qucikly.
Best,
Evan
PS- this lesson also teaches us why you should wear cycling gloves too!
1) Read my short story and see attached photos
2) ROAD ID Donates part of your purchase to MS
3)You have no reason not to
It was just another Saturday morning MS-NOW ride. You know the drill, relaxed until we hit the Hill at Pepperdine..Then someone decides to put the pressure on and the lemmings follow. No offense I am a lemming in this regard too. Shortly after the ride fractures into various groups for various reasons... and we regroup at Trancus. Well today's "just a normal ride" turned into a very scary, and valuable lesson. One that I would like to share with everyone.
The ride hit full stride, and Phil, Jens, myself were working together to catch a small group that managed to get ahead of us (that group included SAM). We were gearing up for the final sprint right before rest stop at Trancus....and then one of the most awful sites you want to see as a cyclist appeared, a fellow cyclist, a club member, down lying in the middle of the highway, motionless.
Thanks to a very considerate woman and other commuters, who stopped. Sam was shielded from Trafic by their cars as they helped manage the traffic until the emergency crew arrived. When the scores of emergency vehicles arrived, they asked us information about Sam, heck most of us did not even know him, or have any information about him. And neither the emergency crews or other cyclists at the scene (which was somewhat chaotic) could located any ID. Oh, and If you're wondering why Sam couldn't speak up it's because he was knocked out!
Phil, and his super-wife, were quick to get on their mobile and try to call Eddie, and Mark to get some contact info for Sam. Jen and I tried to help by moving bikes and the collection of cyclists that started collecting around the scene out of the way.
Anyway, to keep an already too long email from getting longer, please carry ID and even better get a Road ID!!!
Sam I hope you okay, and recover qucikly.
Best,
Evan
PS- this lesson also teaches us why you should wear cycling gloves too!
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