Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday Nov. 7th
Yesterday was a LONG day. We went to a dinner night at the resort on Friday night called "Fado" night. Basically, a five course traditional Portuguese dinner of baked pork, fish, potatoes, tons of food that did not stop coming. Oh, and the never empty wine glass. Fado is traditional Portuguese folk music. During the first part of the evening, we had a saxophone player walking the room playing music for all the tables and then as dinner started finishing, 2 folk guitar players and a female singer arrived to sing for us. I had a bit too much of the local water, which by the way you shouldn't be drinking, so I didn't eat or drink much but it was enjoyable. I left early, the alarm set for 3 A.M. so we could drive 3 plus hours to get to Lisbon by 7 A.M. Saturday morning. Our plane didn't leave until 9 but with all the bike stuff, it is just easier to be there early and handle to logistics. Plus we needed to haul all the stuff down from the room, load the car, find our way out of Albufiera and back to the freeway, get to the airport, fill up with fuel, turn in the rental car and check in. Good luck! First snag, the door out of the parking garage was closed and locked, second snag, how do we get out of town? We drove a ways and stopped at a gas station for directions, I speak English, gas station guys, Portuguese only. Let's see down this way, turn left, then right onto A2 and away we go. Uh oh, road just bent left, was that our left. Hope so, turn right go a bit more, doesn't seem right, stop, get the map again, turn around, it's been 45 minutes and we really aren't out of town yet. OK, back to the last turn, go straight, there is a sign for A22 and then A2, feeling better, finally onto the freeway, which by the way are very good, better then ours. The speeds on the freeways are posted 50 KPH to 120 KPH. Most driver's drive over 120 KPH easy. Just stay in the right lane, if you do pull out to the left to pass, look back first before making the move and then get back to the right immediately. Signals, hardly ever used. We got what was supposed to be a VW Passat, and you all know what I think of VW's. I don't know what we got, didn't say VW anywhere on the outside. Did say Exso or something on it but it was a manual transmission 6 speed, TDI diesel wagon that had a fuel range of about 1100 kilometers per tank. The gauge barely moved but when you did need fuel, diesel of course, fuel was about 1.21 Euros per liter. The Euro is worth about .50 more than a dollar, so that means about $1.80 a liter or $7.00 a gallon for fuel. Glad it got great mileage.
It was roomy, all the bike gear fit inside, rode and handled well and had lots of power, rain sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, steering wheel controls for the radio, cruise, etc. The deluxe package, very nice over all.
Anyway, I digress, back on the highway, set the cruise at 130+KPH and off we go. Lisbon, 250 K ahead.
Not much traffic at 4 A.M. on Saturday. We made good time, found all the right turns to get us pointed to Lisbon, stopped for fuel not far from the city and then got on the the Vasco de Gamas bridged that travels over the huge bay that Lisbon straddles The bridge goes on for ever and eventually makes a big turn and enters the city center and drops you almost right at the airport. It took us a while to slowly find the entrance to the rental car area, then find the Eurocar guys, the car checked out good and we were in the airport at 7 as planned. I checked us in the day before but knew there would be over sized baggage issues, so we went through the same routine as coming over, refund some $ and recharge some $. We flew Continental, I refuse to fly NW/Delta every chance I get and don't even get me started on that discussion. Continental treated us good. Luggage, 2 small carry on per person is OK. No extra money for 1 checked bag. $45 for a second bag, $100 for an over sized item like a bike box, so for $145 each way bike, wheels, rollers, and all the necessary gear made it over. The plane was on time and as we were standing in line to clear customs, who walks up behind us but Norm and Helen, the Canadians we had dinner with a week or so before and the guy who lead out the 3 up race I was in. We talked a bit, got through customs and away we went, us to MN and them to Calgary. The plane rides were uneventful, we switched in Newark again and got back on another express size jet that holds a max. of about 60 passengers but only had about 25 on board. We landed about 1/2 hour early got picked up and made it home before dark but about 17 hours after the alarm went off.
Things look normal here, nice to have some warm days left but I'm sure that will change immediately.
Sunday has been spent unpacking, doing laundry, eating, preparing for back to work tomorrow.
I feel like I am in a daze yet and can't really focus on what really just happened in the last 2 weeks, it will all come clear and then become great memories of where this track cycling craziness has lead me in the last few years.
Quite a marvelous bunch of adventures that can't easily be described but I hope can continue and maybe even get better.
It was roomy, all the bike gear fit inside, rode and handled well and had lots of power, rain sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, steering wheel controls for the radio, cruise, etc. The deluxe package, very nice over all.
Anyway, I digress, back on the highway, set the cruise at 130+KPH and off we go. Lisbon, 250 K ahead.
Not much traffic at 4 A.M. on Saturday. We made good time, found all the right turns to get us pointed to Lisbon, stopped for fuel not far from the city and then got on the the Vasco de Gamas bridged that travels over the huge bay that Lisbon straddles The bridge goes on for ever and eventually makes a big turn and enters the city center and drops you almost right at the airport. It took us a while to slowly find the entrance to the rental car area, then find the Eurocar guys, the car checked out good and we were in the airport at 7 as planned. I checked us in the day before but knew there would be over sized baggage issues, so we went through the same routine as coming over, refund some $ and recharge some $. We flew Continental, I refuse to fly NW/Delta every chance I get and don't even get me started on that discussion. Continental treated us good. Luggage, 2 small carry on per person is OK. No extra money for 1 checked bag. $45 for a second bag, $100 for an over sized item like a bike box, so for $145 each way bike, wheels, rollers, and all the necessary gear made it over. The plane was on time and as we were standing in line to clear customs, who walks up behind us but Norm and Helen, the Canadians we had dinner with a week or so before and the guy who lead out the 3 up race I was in. We talked a bit, got through customs and away we went, us to MN and them to Calgary. The plane rides were uneventful, we switched in Newark again and got back on another express size jet that holds a max. of about 60 passengers but only had about 25 on board. We landed about 1/2 hour early got picked up and made it home before dark but about 17 hours after the alarm went off.
Things look normal here, nice to have some warm days left but I'm sure that will change immediately.
Sunday has been spent unpacking, doing laundry, eating, preparing for back to work tomorrow.
I feel like I am in a daze yet and can't really focus on what really just happened in the last 2 weeks, it will all come clear and then become great memories of where this track cycling craziness has lead me in the last few years.
Quite a marvelous bunch of adventures that can't easily be described but I hope can continue and maybe even get better.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sundays race report
The track infield was open early again, the officials were finally learning that we need warm up time before races, but the track was closed as per usual. Qualifying heats for some of the younger riders were to start at 9, the track finally opened about 9:30, uggh!. I was on the rollers for 25 minutes prior so I went off for some laps, did my 1st hard effort, came in for a gear change for the next "race gear" effort but riders were called off, dam. My race wasn't until about 1 P.M. So a long morning of staying hydrated and fueled. Another new friend from Trexeltown missed out on his qualifier due to official miscalculation, sorry David, but Kris from Canada made his final. My race was getting smaller, down from 16 and people dropping out because they were tired or who knows why. Kim was out for here points race, 3 age groups together, yuck. She rode a good active race attacking when she could to get ahead of the other strong riders but could not get anyone to help her so, eventually, no points. Time for awards then the 5th, 6th and 7th race. Mine being the 7th. Rick from CA, was talking to me and helped me plan a miss and out like strategy for the race which I was thinking about the night before while on the rollers back at the hotel, stay protected in the pack until the sprint lap and then move up and over. The plan was a good one until the second lap when four guys went off the front, I tucked on behind them and the race was strung out in a line, so long miss and out tactics. 3 or 4 strong riders drove the field, it slowed slightly after each sprint but not much. I think I was 5th in at least 2 sprints, no points. One sprint, a Brit pulled up at the start of the home straight when I was flying by him and bumped shoulders with me, getting even, not really just very tired and happy he didn't crash me or him. It was a good race for me as far as tactics, I stayed protected and went up track to take advantage of the banking when the pack slowed, there were just some really fast riders, the last sprint I gave it all I could and eventually took 6th overall, with no points. Saved the best for last again. Last year my best was 10th in the points so 6th was a good number for me.
The rest of the day slowed while I packed the bike for the road trip south, loaned my new Canada friend Kriz my front 808 Zipp because he had a flat and eventually said good bye to some officials I got to know and like as well as some competitors, including an Argentinian who seemed to become my best friend as I packed the car and even though we couldn't really converse he wished me well and said, see you in Manchester next year. Does this mean the 2011 season just started?
The rest of the day slowed while I packed the bike for the road trip south, loaned my new Canada friend Kriz my front 808 Zipp because he had a flat and eventually said good bye to some officials I got to know and like as well as some competitors, including an Argentinian who seemed to become my best friend as I packed the car and even though we couldn't really converse he wished me well and said, see you in Manchester next year. Does this mean the 2011 season just started?
Monday morning, where did Sat. and Sun. go
I am officially done with the 2010 track season, started in April and done on Oct. 31st, whew! I was having kind of a low key, down day on Sat. after the adrenaline filled Thursday night races, crash and relegation. Others continued to support me but I really didn't feel good about being involved in the only crash that I was aware of. The plan was to take the day off and do some tourist things and get my head right for the final points race on Sunday afternoon. Vera and I went to the track to watch a bit in the morning, had lunch in their buffet, which has a been very nice and convenient. We were looking for a wine distillery that has an underground museum. If we couldn't find it, next option was a town called Aviero, north of the track 30k or so, on the Atlantic coast. We must have missed the museum signs because the next thing we knew we were in Aviero, kind of a huge port town instead of the small town we expected, lots bigger than we expected. The downtown is quaint, with canals in the old town area where you can rent gondolas for a ride. It was blustery and raining on and off so no gondolas for us. We did find the beach area about 10k from the center of town, giant sand dunes with waves crashing like crazy from the stormy weather. A little walk on the beach to calm my mind and spirit and plus be a primer for our week on the southern coast at the Algrave. Back to Sangalhos, track town, to check schedules for tomorrow and as we drove to the track we spied the Museum sign, so we fit that in as well, last tour of the day. Kind of an amazing place, the museum is scattered in the tunnels below the distillery amongst all the aging wine and brandy of the Allianca wine producers. African art and sculpture, crystals, masks and ceremonial gear, fossils, tiles and of course old brandy and young wine. The tunnels were dark so the photos aren't so good but I will put some of the better ones up soon. After the museum, back to the track for a short bit to wish Kim luck in her final sprint rounds and then back to the hotel, rollers in the room for a half an hour, dinner at our favorite local restaurant and say good bye to the friendly owner. Still raining, Norm and Helen and Kriz and Bieta, from Canada were our dinner partners, nice dinner and friends. Back to the hotel, more pictures of our hotel, packing for our check out bright and early Sunday morning. We were planning to leave from the track after the points race and drive 6 hours to our home for the next week at a place called Oura View Beach club, a resort sitting right at the edge of the southern coast, Atlantic Ocean.
Sunday was a daylight saving time hour change, would my phone/alarm know that? It did, we got up in time got some breakfast, checked out with a surprise that our room was 55 Euros a night for 2 not each, so half price, nice.
Sunday was a daylight saving time hour change, would my phone/alarm know that? It did, we got up in time got some breakfast, checked out with a surprise that our room was 55 Euros a night for 2 not each, so half price, nice.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday morning
A day off after a hectic Friday, I was hoping to be still racing today but Friday evening didn't really go as planned. I didn't leave the track on Friday not wanting to drive back and forth between my morning and evening schedules. We relaxed, had a buffet lunch at the velodrome and slept a bit in the car. Yeah, doesn't sound comfy but it was. I got back in to have a more casual warm up time in the afternoon, first time of the week that it didn't feel rushed. The warm up went good, feeling strong and concentrated on the efforts I needed to do so my first ride was against a Frenchman who's 200 time was close to mine. I drew position 1, where I wanted to be anyhow. Staged and ready, 1 lap, 2nd lap he was leading me and above going a bit faster but still above me so he couldn't come over the top of me so I caught him and took him up track in 3 and then dropped and sprinted with all I had as the bell started to ring, unfortunately I didn't get a big enough gap and he was strong enough to get over around and drop me. His time was 13.04 so about what we did for qualifiers. This was a 1 ride only so next I was placed with two others for a one race only ride to determine who would come back Sat. morning.
3 up repechage, the losing 2 would go to the 9-12 four up race later tonight. I drew position 1 again, lined up and we were off, me against a guy from Japan and a Brit. We lined up and were off, the Japanese guy trying to get had of me, we came around turn 1 with 2 to go and I was passing him, my plan to be at the rail in 2 and ride off the front from 400 meters changing, I decided to move him up track as he was a on my hip and I had a wheel ahead, I moved up, heard him yell but he didn't move, we got very close when I felt his pedal hit my right shoe and then grind away at my rear disc wheel, then bump, clunk, crash, the two behind me went down and I rolled down the back with a strange flapping sound from the back of my bike. I looked back and a chunk of carbon wheel was hanging out flapping against the seat and chain stays as the wheel went around on my bike. Double gun, race stopped, medics moving up to the track As I went down to change the rear wheel, a group of American racers that I've met rushed over to help me and I got my Rolf wheel gear swapped and the wheel on and headed back to the entry only to get sent to the commissar who told me I caused the accident and was relegated. I protested a bit but he said he was sorry and I was still relegated.
The other two got to race alone with and Japanese guy beating the Brit.
I'm now in the 4 up last race of the night to determine 9th through 12th. Lots of emotions and comments from the rest of the racers, a Brit bitching me out as I walked passed him and a bunch of USA mates telling me I was screwed but the end result was what the commissar decided.
The four up turned into a 3 up, Norm, a Canadian went off the front to try and kilo me and the other guy, I stuck to the wheel of the other guy and we blew by Norm but I didn't quite have the power to come over the top, I was about half a bike length behind at the line, leaving the night with a 10th overall.
I eventually found both the Japanese and Brit guys and apologized for the crash, even though I think it was just aggressive racing. The Japanese guy shook hands, hugged and bowed to each other and things seemed OK. The Brit, who was getting medical attention for some scrapes and missed the 4 up event, didn't think much of my explanation, not my problem.
Back at the velo now, Saturday morning, to use their wifi because the hotel one sucks and then off to a vineyard tour before some roller work and back for a points race tomorrow.
3 up repechage, the losing 2 would go to the 9-12 four up race later tonight. I drew position 1 again, lined up and we were off, me against a guy from Japan and a Brit. We lined up and were off, the Japanese guy trying to get had of me, we came around turn 1 with 2 to go and I was passing him, my plan to be at the rail in 2 and ride off the front from 400 meters changing, I decided to move him up track as he was a on my hip and I had a wheel ahead, I moved up, heard him yell but he didn't move, we got very close when I felt his pedal hit my right shoe and then grind away at my rear disc wheel, then bump, clunk, crash, the two behind me went down and I rolled down the back with a strange flapping sound from the back of my bike. I looked back and a chunk of carbon wheel was hanging out flapping against the seat and chain stays as the wheel went around on my bike. Double gun, race stopped, medics moving up to the track As I went down to change the rear wheel, a group of American racers that I've met rushed over to help me and I got my Rolf wheel gear swapped and the wheel on and headed back to the entry only to get sent to the commissar who told me I caused the accident and was relegated. I protested a bit but he said he was sorry and I was still relegated.
The other two got to race alone with and Japanese guy beating the Brit.
I'm now in the 4 up last race of the night to determine 9th through 12th. Lots of emotions and comments from the rest of the racers, a Brit bitching me out as I walked passed him and a bunch of USA mates telling me I was screwed but the end result was what the commissar decided.
The four up turned into a 3 up, Norm, a Canadian went off the front to try and kilo me and the other guy, I stuck to the wheel of the other guy and we blew by Norm but I didn't quite have the power to come over the top, I was about half a bike length behind at the line, leaving the night with a 10th overall.
I eventually found both the Japanese and Brit guys and apologized for the crash, even though I think it was just aggressive racing. The Japanese guy shook hands, hugged and bowed to each other and things seemed OK. The Brit, who was getting medical attention for some scrapes and missed the 4 up event, didn't think much of my explanation, not my problem.
Back at the velo now, Saturday morning, to use their wifi because the hotel one sucks and then off to a vineyard tour before some roller work and back for a points race tomorrow.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday
Short and sweet today; I am at the track, it's about 1 PM and we just had lunch at the track buffet which was moved from the outdoor tent to inside because it has been raining all morning. The buffet has been great but the staff really hasn't done anything to let the racers know it's happening other than hope the word spreads as people use it. The rain is bad for the track because there are leaks everywhere. Especially bad because 3 leaks are on the track surface, just out of turn 4, middle of the back straight and about 4 feet below the rail in 3. The two that are on the straights have guys with towels running up and drying them between riders that come by on their 200 efforts. I feel bad for the track personnel.
Back to racing. I got here early and went through my warm up session and got it all it, even though the track didn't open until 8:10 and was closed at 9. My effort was the 51st ride of the morning and with the rain delay finally I rode about 11. It felt like a good effort, 1 little bobble going into 1, I got close to a sponge as I came into turn one full on and scooped up too far above the red line between 1 and 2 to avoid hitting the sponge, losing a few 1/10's I am sure. Came home with a 13.03. I was looking to break into the 12's and probably would have except for my erratic move in between 1 and 2. That time qualified me 8th overall and from the looks of it my age group qualifies 8 with the 1/8 rides starting after 7 tonight.
So time to relax and maybe nap at bit at the track and start over again tonight. Matched sprints, here we go.
I already feel better compared to last years worlds where I only qualified 16th or 17th. Thanks Chris for all the advice and work, and you too Bob for all the motor 200's.
Back to racing. I got here early and went through my warm up session and got it all it, even though the track didn't open until 8:10 and was closed at 9. My effort was the 51st ride of the morning and with the rain delay finally I rode about 11. It felt like a good effort, 1 little bobble going into 1, I got close to a sponge as I came into turn one full on and scooped up too far above the red line between 1 and 2 to avoid hitting the sponge, losing a few 1/10's I am sure. Came home with a 13.03. I was looking to break into the 12's and probably would have except for my erratic move in between 1 and 2. That time qualified me 8th overall and from the looks of it my age group qualifies 8 with the 1/8 rides starting after 7 tonight.
So time to relax and maybe nap at bit at the track and start over again tonight. Matched sprints, here we go.
I already feel better compared to last years worlds where I only qualified 16th or 17th. Thanks Chris for all the advice and work, and you too Bob for all the motor 200's.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday morning
Yesterday was an off day with no visits to the track at all. We slept in awhile and then went to the hotels free breakfast buffet for a casual meal before making the final plans to head south 25 k to a town called Coimbra. The guide books call it a small Lisbon, because it has all the amenities of the bigger city but a little more like a country University town. It also has an old town that was what we really wanted to see. Streets not much wider than a small car and a half wide going up very steep twisty roads up the hills from the river to the top of the town and the local university. There are great shops, bars and bakeries along the way to stop and relax with an pastry and a coffee. The high lights were an 18th century library and a museum that was built on the foundation of original Roman ruins, tunnels and passage ways that were built in the 11th and 12th centuries and not found again until the beginning of the 1900's. It wasn't very big compared to the rest of the city but probably covered a full city block and was 60 to 70 feet under ground. Quite amazing to be standing and walking around inside that structure, some of which was 4 feet high and some 30 feet high. I took lots of pictures so hopefully I can get them up soon.
We got back about 4 and I unpacked the rollers for a casual ride on the hotel terrace in the fresh air to loosen up for today. Shower and off to dinner at the local restaurant, bar, coffee shop and then back to the room to prepare the bike and get to bed.
6 A.M. Came around but I felt refreshed and ready for some morning activation at the track. The hotel is finally figuring out they need to have breakfast ready in time for the early track opening time so at 7 I got some breakfast and then drove to the track which was open earlier than before but not ready to ride. By 8:10 I was on the track with 2 others when a local track official yelled us off some some reason. There isn't any times posted so it is hard to know what's the schedule. Back on the rollers for 15 minutes and finally at 8:30 the same guy whistled us back on again, still no one at the entrance gates but somebody important must have shown up and approved riders to be on. Amazingly enough I got my 1 hour activation rides in and had time to ride the rollers and cool of before they called the track closed. The first race starting at 10 instead of 9 today. Fewer scratch race heats then they planned I guess. As I am sitting in the stands 2 scratch race heats were completed so now there is just open track time until....?
I am about ready to call it a morning, go back to the hotel and relax for the day, tomorrow my races start in earnest, Qualifying 200's and then matched sprints. Saturday is the finals for the matched sprints and then my season ends on Sunday with a 40 lap points race. My warm up speeds to day in my Flying 100's are encouraging so I feel good about making the top 12 for the sprint rounds in my age group.
We got back about 4 and I unpacked the rollers for a casual ride on the hotel terrace in the fresh air to loosen up for today. Shower and off to dinner at the local restaurant, bar, coffee shop and then back to the room to prepare the bike and get to bed.
6 A.M. Came around but I felt refreshed and ready for some morning activation at the track. The hotel is finally figuring out they need to have breakfast ready in time for the early track opening time so at 7 I got some breakfast and then drove to the track which was open earlier than before but not ready to ride. By 8:10 I was on the track with 2 others when a local track official yelled us off some some reason. There isn't any times posted so it is hard to know what's the schedule. Back on the rollers for 15 minutes and finally at 8:30 the same guy whistled us back on again, still no one at the entrance gates but somebody important must have shown up and approved riders to be on. Amazingly enough I got my 1 hour activation rides in and had time to ride the rollers and cool of before they called the track closed. The first race starting at 10 instead of 9 today. Fewer scratch race heats then they planned I guess. As I am sitting in the stands 2 scratch race heats were completed so now there is just open track time until....?
I am about ready to call it a morning, go back to the hotel and relax for the day, tomorrow my races start in earnest, Qualifying 200's and then matched sprints. Saturday is the finals for the matched sprints and then my season ends on Sunday with a 40 lap points race. My warm up speeds to day in my Flying 100's are encouraging so I feel good about making the top 12 for the sprint rounds in my age group.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Pictures, what pictures
New Ipad and I can't quite figure out how to add pictures to this site. So i will keep trying but may need to wait until I find an IE computer to do it, that kind of sucks but....
Tomorrow is day off so casual rollers and sight seeing is on the schedule with activation work on Thursday and 200 qualifiers and matched sprints on Friday and Saturday and then a points race on Sunday.
Tomorrow is day off so casual rollers and sight seeing is on the schedule with activation work on Thursday and 200 qualifiers and matched sprints on Friday and Saturday and then a points race on Sunday.
Tuesday at the Velodromo, Sangalhos
Monday is done and we are into Tuesday the official start of the Champs. Last night after the track was closed there was an opening ceremony which we stayed for. I missed it last year at worlds in Sydney so I thought we should see what it was all about. There was a podium full of junior Portugal riders and then kids carrying flags for all the countries represented. Then there was a lot of speeches in Portugese and then a big local group of singers and guitar and according players to entertain us. That done we were served wine and appetizers. Long but kind of small town fun. Back to the hotel and dinner with Kevin and Kim and off to bed early. I wanted to be at the track right away, it was a supposed to open at 8, so I planned to get up at 6. I made it up and grabbed so snacks and impromptu breakfast to keep me fueled for the morning. Off to the track, stopping by another hotel to pick up a new friend name Chris, of course, from Canada who we met during Monday. We were first at the track but the doors were in fact not open so we sat in the car and talked. At little before 8 they were open so race day begins. Normal warm up but they closed the track 10 minutes before 9 so I barely got a warm up lap in race gear at full speed. I need to remember that for the next warm up session. I was a in the second race, 6th heat starting on the home straight. Bike and helmet check passed, no computer even in the revised back of the top tube position, roller warm ups and then up the ramp to wait for my start. There wasn't any prior gate practice so here we go. In the gate, count down form 50 seconds, 5,4,3,2,1 go bang, bang the other side gate didn't open. I stopped after 10-15 meters, rolled around and got back to the gate and made sure it wasn't my false start. Here we go again, this time we are off but I didn't realized I didn't have a competitor on the track with me. The effort felt good but there is a lot of echo in the space so you can't hear times. Eventually they published them, 40.97 my fastest time ever but only good for 12th out of 19. Fastest time was 36.9?, like I said before fast track. Roller time and pack up for the afternoon off and some real food/lunch.
That's it for now, more pictures later.
That's it for now, more pictures later.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Here in Portugal
It's Monday already and I just finished breakfast at the Curia Hotel, official rider hotel for Worlds Masters. I finally got a full nights sleep after a long Saturday through Sunday plane flight. We left Sat. At 2:30 and got to Lisbon about 8:00 A.M. Got through customs, what is in the box sir? Bicycle, ok, got the rental car and thankfully fit all the gear into it. Of course we got lost some getting out of Lisbon, wrong turn at the round a bout but made it to highway A1 and drove north about 2 hours to get to the Anadia area. It's a very small town area, smaller than I expected and looks old and quaint. We needed to get the phrase book out and ask someone in town how to get to the Curia Hotel. Found it and unloaded some gear and talked to a few racers about where the track was. Basically they couldn't tel me how to get but could lead me there. Off I go without telling Vera what was happening. 20 minutes later and I am at the Velodrome, very cool and very new. I will post some pictures soon but it looks like it really isn't even finished yet and is located kind of out in the middle of small town nowhere. It is very impressive. I tried to register but they were closed for lunch. There was only a few hours until my practice time so I figured I could assemble the bike and just stay and ride, only light training laps anyhow. I got everything together and got registered only to remember that Vera had my shoes in here luggage at the hotel, dam. 45 minutes until track opens for me, rush back to the hotel and then back to the track, getting lost on both trips but made it back by 3:15 so suit up and on the track. Being new, the surface is fresh and untreated and VERY smooth, should be fast. I have connected with a bunch of racers from USA masters already, Kim E., Mark R., Larry and a bunch more. I got at least an hour of ride time in before it was time to be done for the day.
Friday, October 22, 2010
One day until take off
The basement is a pile of bike parts and luggage right now. I just picked up 2 luggage pieces that needed repairs after the last airplane flight they took. It's amazing how new cases can fall apart after only one trip. Cheap, yeah right, stuff or baggage handlers who like to destroy stuff, you decide. I spent last night fitting 3 wheels into a new wheel case, hoping the TSA won't take it apart to look and then forget how to put it back together leaving Zipps and Rolfs floating through the airport and baggage compartment loose. I packed the bike in the case and made sure most stuff fits but probably will need to weight it and adjust how it's packed later tonight. Oh yeah then bike clothes, shoes, helmets, track bike tools, nutritional stuff and all the other gear needed for 2 weeks away. Regular normal street clothes, where do I put them I wonder.
I just happy to know that I am not the only one struggling through this packing quandary. It's just hard to decide what to bring because additional baggage fees really add up in a hurry. Most of this stuff is just barely above the minimum size limits so the airlines can basically add lots of extra dollars anytime they want. You are at the mercy of the counter check in personnel so smile and try not to cause a problem, that means you Pat.
The last busy day at work is moving along quite nicely, open the shop early and then head to a breakfast meeting with the Chamber, back to work to deal with customers and cars, off to the bank to close on some new roof financing plans so we can get a new roof on the building while I am gone and before winter strikes. Back to the shop to try and finish the day out without any snags and then back home for more packing, weighing and re packing.
I am starting to get in vacation mode but it never seems real until we start to load the car for the airport trip.
24 hours and the adventure begins.
I just happy to know that I am not the only one struggling through this packing quandary. It's just hard to decide what to bring because additional baggage fees really add up in a hurry. Most of this stuff is just barely above the minimum size limits so the airlines can basically add lots of extra dollars anytime they want. You are at the mercy of the counter check in personnel so smile and try not to cause a problem, that means you Pat.
The last busy day at work is moving along quite nicely, open the shop early and then head to a breakfast meeting with the Chamber, back to work to deal with customers and cars, off to the bank to close on some new roof financing plans so we can get a new roof on the building while I am gone and before winter strikes. Back to the shop to try and finish the day out without any snags and then back home for more packing, weighing and re packing.
I am starting to get in vacation mode but it never seems real until we start to load the car for the airport trip.
24 hours and the adventure begins.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Last days of training before...Worlds
So last Thursday was the last Madison practice of the 2010 season, another great night. Another warmer fall night, not like the cold of last year so it was another good chance to try and improve Madison skills plus stay fresh for Portugal.
We had about 12 or so show up. Some of my favorite track friends Linsey, Andy, Tom O. among others. It was a fun night where we could do what I am starting to consider "real" track racing. That includes Madisons, Keirins and Sprints. I guess I am getting biased, this year, they seem to be my most favorite races.
Saturday, back in the weight room and then to the track. I still can't believe I can have the whole facility to train on all alone, what a great opportunity.
Monday, roller work at home along with some preliminary planning and organizing for Saturday's departure.
Tuesday, easy day, maybe more rollers, Wednesday back to the track for some motor 200's thanks to Bob's generous offer to drive the motor, can't find a smoother driver around.
Thursday, start to pack and finish on Friday. A few small pieces of the bike and travel puzzle coming together as the week comes to an end.
I just talked to my buddy from Australia who raced the worlds with me last year in Sydney. I will miss his fun and excitement this year but will know he will be with me in spirit.
The weather has been amazing at the end of the season this year compared to last year when I had to train on the track the day after a snowfall with snow still on the track.
One more day of good weather is all I ask.
We had about 12 or so show up. Some of my favorite track friends Linsey, Andy, Tom O. among others. It was a fun night where we could do what I am starting to consider "real" track racing. That includes Madisons, Keirins and Sprints. I guess I am getting biased, this year, they seem to be my most favorite races.
Saturday, back in the weight room and then to the track. I still can't believe I can have the whole facility to train on all alone, what a great opportunity.
Monday, roller work at home along with some preliminary planning and organizing for Saturday's departure.
Tuesday, easy day, maybe more rollers, Wednesday back to the track for some motor 200's thanks to Bob's generous offer to drive the motor, can't find a smoother driver around.
Thursday, start to pack and finish on Friday. A few small pieces of the bike and travel puzzle coming together as the week comes to an end.
I just talked to my buddy from Australia who raced the worlds with me last year in Sydney. I will miss his fun and excitement this year but will know he will be with me in spirit.
The weather has been amazing at the end of the season this year compared to last year when I had to train on the track the day after a snowfall with snow still on the track.
One more day of good weather is all I ask.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday the 5th and last day of racing
I swear this will be the last entry about the TX trip, hopefully I will be more on top of things when I go to Portugal in October later this year.
Saturday was a day that went on forever. I had an OK points race, not what I expected for a race pace or my result but that's in the past. The pace was a lot faster than I expected based on what happened last year. The race stayed fast for the whole race and I did way too much work at the front chasing gaps and then getting over taken by the rippers I pulled. The last lap I thought I finally got a point but someone was up the track and I ended 5th on the last sprint. I think I ended up 8th overall with no points.
Sunday was going to be a hectic day, we needed to check out of the hotel by 11 or so. All of us, Chris, Dan and me were racing at different times of the day and of course everyone needed sleep, food, training warm up times, etc to be ready for the last big day.
I was the lucky one to get to race about 9:30 A.M., Chris mid day and Dan last race of the day.
After I spent Saturday evening watching all the points races, it ended up as another late night to bed, hopefully no smoke alarms tonight. I set my alarm for 5 A.M. but woke at 4:30 anyhow and decided to get up. I just knew if I went back to sleep I would wake up suddenly and find that it was 10 A.M. or something like that. I tip toed around the room trying to get some food and get the gear out to the car.
I got to the track, almost first one. Got unloaded and made it in to start the normal hour or so warm up routine. Not very rested and not very energetic. I had only to race a standing start 500 and I was done for the day except for shuttling Chris and Dan from the hotel to the track. The plan was for me to do my effort, rush back to the hotel, get Chris and come back and help him get ready for a Kilo then go back and help Dan check out and bring him back before Chris did his team sprint.
I was feeling OK about the 500, the weather was beautiful, not too warm yet. I lined up for the start, 15, 10, 5,4,3,2 out of the saddle and back on the bike, 1, go, go go, go. I don't think I was out of the saddle as long as usual but close, dropping down going into turn 3, just a lap and a half to go. Stay low on the bike and on the track, make the track as short as possible, push, harder, more, my legs started to burn, more, more out of 4 and just the main straight now, push and bike throw to finish....and try to suck in some air. As I rolled around slowing I was trying to hear my times and thought I heard the announcer say something about 43. I really didn't hear much of it. 43, if that was my time, that sucked big time, worst time ever and I actually trained some for the 500 this time. The rest of the field was fast, as low as 37 or 38 seconds for the fastest. Crap, how did they do that! I was disappointed but still somewhat excited from my Bronze in the Sprints and I had to focus on the next task, got get Chris so he could warm up.
I grabbed some food from the track vendor and devoured that as I roared back to the hotel. I got there in record time, collected Chris and his gear and back to the track we sped. Unloading his gear, we realized I left the rollers back in the trailer at the hotel, dam. I didn't need them for my warm up and I just wasn't thinking about how Chris had to warm up. In the pits I found some other rollers that were not being used and Kim Edwards said Chris could use hers while I went back to the hotel again for my rollers. Flash, back to the hotel and then back to the track. Lucky no cops were out that early. Chris was trying to warm up without a lot of success so he was glad to see me again I think. The track temp was up significantly from the morning, getting hot again.
As I was helping Chris I heard the announcer call for Dan Schueller to the gate for his Kilo....What? Dan is back at the hotel, no way. Then I realised Dan had switched his Kilo effort for a spot in the last race of the day, a Madison and the officials must not have pulled his name. Whew.
OK, Chris is on his own and I am driving back to the hotel again!!! 3 times was just way too many trips.
I found Dan sitting in the entry with all the gear, I guess check out was at 11 not 12 and it was after 12 so he had to go somewhere. Loaded again and back to the track, I need a nap but that's not gonna happen.
I finally had some time to check my 500TT results, I just needed to know for sure what my time was. After scouring the time sheets I found the early morning sheet for my age group. And the time is ....41.448 that's great for me anyhow. Best time ever, almost .75 seconds faster than last year at Worlds indoors in Sydney. The 43+ that I heard was KPH, speed not time. Still not nearly fast enough but it got me 10th overall in the event. So I ended up with a 3rd, 8th and 10th. Some reward for all my hard work over the summer but also some incentive to keep working hard until Worlds in Oct.
Time to relax on the deck above the track in turn three with Linsey, Andy and the rest of the pack. I was feeling worn out and temps were up so I grabbed one of the ice vests we had ready and put it on, sat down in the shade and finally relaxed.
Our group still had a lot of races to do, team sprints and madisons mostly. The day wore on, got hotter and races continued. Chris got to do his Team Sprint with Ted and Ted's FL friend wearing the skin suit of all skin suits. The three of them dressed in body colored suits with muscle fibers through out. That effort got them a 3rd overall in the team sprints.
Andy and Dan got a chance to show the masters how to ride a madison by gaining a lap on the field and winning their madison overall.
Dan rode his madison with a partner he found at the last minute, Franco and they ended up 5th. They were the last race of the week and by the end of the day Andy, Linsey, Dan and I were finally loading the bike coffin for the long ride home. Chris had some family stuff come up and had to get to the airport and take a flight home. It was dark by the time we were loaded, even all the track lights were off and we were loading the car by headlights.
We said good bye to the Frisco track looking for a beer and some dinner before driving a few miles north. After about 4 hours on the road we couldn't take it anymore, stopped and slept for the night before driving all day and into the night Monday to get home.
The adventure was over and we were back to work the next day, Tuesday. Should have thought ahead and taken that day off to recover.
2381 miles and almost 49 hours in the Caliber later the week was history and it was time to start looking forward to Elite Nationals for Chris the last week of Sept and Worlds Masters for me the last week of October. There is going to be some cold days of training ahead.
Saturday was a day that went on forever. I had an OK points race, not what I expected for a race pace or my result but that's in the past. The pace was a lot faster than I expected based on what happened last year. The race stayed fast for the whole race and I did way too much work at the front chasing gaps and then getting over taken by the rippers I pulled. The last lap I thought I finally got a point but someone was up the track and I ended 5th on the last sprint. I think I ended up 8th overall with no points.
Sunday was going to be a hectic day, we needed to check out of the hotel by 11 or so. All of us, Chris, Dan and me were racing at different times of the day and of course everyone needed sleep, food, training warm up times, etc to be ready for the last big day.
I was the lucky one to get to race about 9:30 A.M., Chris mid day and Dan last race of the day.
After I spent Saturday evening watching all the points races, it ended up as another late night to bed, hopefully no smoke alarms tonight. I set my alarm for 5 A.M. but woke at 4:30 anyhow and decided to get up. I just knew if I went back to sleep I would wake up suddenly and find that it was 10 A.M. or something like that. I tip toed around the room trying to get some food and get the gear out to the car.
I got to the track, almost first one. Got unloaded and made it in to start the normal hour or so warm up routine. Not very rested and not very energetic. I had only to race a standing start 500 and I was done for the day except for shuttling Chris and Dan from the hotel to the track. The plan was for me to do my effort, rush back to the hotel, get Chris and come back and help him get ready for a Kilo then go back and help Dan check out and bring him back before Chris did his team sprint.
I was feeling OK about the 500, the weather was beautiful, not too warm yet. I lined up for the start, 15, 10, 5,4,3,2 out of the saddle and back on the bike, 1, go, go go, go. I don't think I was out of the saddle as long as usual but close, dropping down going into turn 3, just a lap and a half to go. Stay low on the bike and on the track, make the track as short as possible, push, harder, more, my legs started to burn, more, more out of 4 and just the main straight now, push and bike throw to finish....and try to suck in some air. As I rolled around slowing I was trying to hear my times and thought I heard the announcer say something about 43. I really didn't hear much of it. 43, if that was my time, that sucked big time, worst time ever and I actually trained some for the 500 this time. The rest of the field was fast, as low as 37 or 38 seconds for the fastest. Crap, how did they do that! I was disappointed but still somewhat excited from my Bronze in the Sprints and I had to focus on the next task, got get Chris so he could warm up.
I grabbed some food from the track vendor and devoured that as I roared back to the hotel. I got there in record time, collected Chris and his gear and back to the track we sped. Unloading his gear, we realized I left the rollers back in the trailer at the hotel, dam. I didn't need them for my warm up and I just wasn't thinking about how Chris had to warm up. In the pits I found some other rollers that were not being used and Kim Edwards said Chris could use hers while I went back to the hotel again for my rollers. Flash, back to the hotel and then back to the track. Lucky no cops were out that early. Chris was trying to warm up without a lot of success so he was glad to see me again I think. The track temp was up significantly from the morning, getting hot again.
As I was helping Chris I heard the announcer call for Dan Schueller to the gate for his Kilo....What? Dan is back at the hotel, no way. Then I realised Dan had switched his Kilo effort for a spot in the last race of the day, a Madison and the officials must not have pulled his name. Whew.
OK, Chris is on his own and I am driving back to the hotel again!!! 3 times was just way too many trips.
I found Dan sitting in the entry with all the gear, I guess check out was at 11 not 12 and it was after 12 so he had to go somewhere. Loaded again and back to the track, I need a nap but that's not gonna happen.
I finally had some time to check my 500TT results, I just needed to know for sure what my time was. After scouring the time sheets I found the early morning sheet for my age group. And the time is ....41.448 that's great for me anyhow. Best time ever, almost .75 seconds faster than last year at Worlds indoors in Sydney. The 43+ that I heard was KPH, speed not time. Still not nearly fast enough but it got me 10th overall in the event. So I ended up with a 3rd, 8th and 10th. Some reward for all my hard work over the summer but also some incentive to keep working hard until Worlds in Oct.
Time to relax on the deck above the track in turn three with Linsey, Andy and the rest of the pack. I was feeling worn out and temps were up so I grabbed one of the ice vests we had ready and put it on, sat down in the shade and finally relaxed.
Our group still had a lot of races to do, team sprints and madisons mostly. The day wore on, got hotter and races continued. Chris got to do his Team Sprint with Ted and Ted's FL friend wearing the skin suit of all skin suits. The three of them dressed in body colored suits with muscle fibers through out. That effort got them a 3rd overall in the team sprints.
Andy and Dan got a chance to show the masters how to ride a madison by gaining a lap on the field and winning their madison overall.
Dan rode his madison with a partner he found at the last minute, Franco and they ended up 5th. They were the last race of the week and by the end of the day Andy, Linsey, Dan and I were finally loading the bike coffin for the long ride home. Chris had some family stuff come up and had to get to the airport and take a flight home. It was dark by the time we were loaded, even all the track lights were off and we were loading the car by headlights.
We said good bye to the Frisco track looking for a beer and some dinner before driving a few miles north. After about 4 hours on the road we couldn't take it anymore, stopped and slept for the night before driving all day and into the night Monday to get home.
The adventure was over and we were back to work the next day, Tuesday. Should have thought ahead and taken that day off to recover.
2381 miles and almost 49 hours in the Caliber later the week was history and it was time to start looking forward to Elite Nationals for Chris the last week of Sept and Worlds Masters for me the last week of October. There is going to be some cold days of training ahead.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Andy K.
Andy warming up prior to his points race with Linsey watching the races on the turn 3 "deck"
Saturday of USA Masters, 9/4/10
So I continue to try and recollect what happened the last 2-3 days of our Texas adventure for anyone that really is still interested.
Saturday morning was nasty early and after the short night and not very energetic. This was Chris' day to sprint and he wasn't really feeling fresh after being with me all day and night on Friday.
I was hoping he could rely on his past late night experience and gather up the power for the day. Unfortunately at this level you need more than the will to do things, you need to be rested and fresh because your competitors will be at the top of their game.
Not wanting to put words in Chris' mouth, the end result wasn't what we wanted and after qualifying very high he didn't make it to the finals.
I feel responsible to a certain extent because as my coach, team mate and friend Chris wanted me to have the best Sprint round experience possible and sacrificed himself to help me get my bronze.
I can't say how generous that was on his part, Thanks Chris.
The day dragged on, we got back to the hotel for a short time after stopping for lunch. I needed to try and rest a bit because my points race was scheduled for Sat. night. This was to be my fun race and I felt good that I could do well after all the Peace Coffee Grind race night experience from a few weeks back in MN.
Back to the track and warm up time. I felt somewhat off my game from lack of sleep too but still had high hopes.
As I warmed up, I kept checking the sign in sheet only to find 6-8 entries. What the ?? One of my sprint competitors summed it up for me. Not a lot of my age group wanted to race with a big field. I can't answer why, steep banking, past experiences, I don't know.
We got close to the race and just before the sign in closed with 8 racers, a bunch stepped up and signed in filling the field to about 15?
Roll off the rail and I was near the front thinking about last years race that was hot for the few laps around the sprints but not so much in between. I stayed near the front when a few guys went off and thought I should get up with them, which I did but I brought the whole field with me. From then on the race pace picked up speed and didn't surge like last year. So much for consistency with last year. I struggled during the race ending up in the middle of the pack doing way too much on my own but never getting close enough to gain any points. A few laps to go and I thought I finally would score at least a 4th place on the last lap only to realize some one was off the front I didn't see so, 5th place on the last lap.
I think Dave G. said it best, I was the hardest working racer to not gain any points.
Finishing position I think was 8th overall.
I think I gained some pack respect and leaned some lessons to race another day.
The rest of the night was spent relaxing on the deck watching the other points races for Dan S, Mark S and Andy K. I really should have gone back to the hotel to bed but I really wanted to see how the NSC group would fair in their points races.
I know I should have their results here but I just can't recall them right now. I know they all had very competitive, big fields that were very tough.
I am always impressed by Mark S. strategy and knowledge. Mid race, I think 4 were off the front and about to gain and then did gain a lap. He went off with front with two others, stayed off the front long enough to collect some sprint points before drifting back into the pack, great track sense Mark.
Saturday morning was nasty early and after the short night and not very energetic. This was Chris' day to sprint and he wasn't really feeling fresh after being with me all day and night on Friday.
I was hoping he could rely on his past late night experience and gather up the power for the day. Unfortunately at this level you need more than the will to do things, you need to be rested and fresh because your competitors will be at the top of their game.
Not wanting to put words in Chris' mouth, the end result wasn't what we wanted and after qualifying very high he didn't make it to the finals.
I feel responsible to a certain extent because as my coach, team mate and friend Chris wanted me to have the best Sprint round experience possible and sacrificed himself to help me get my bronze.
I can't say how generous that was on his part, Thanks Chris.
The day dragged on, we got back to the hotel for a short time after stopping for lunch. I needed to try and rest a bit because my points race was scheduled for Sat. night. This was to be my fun race and I felt good that I could do well after all the Peace Coffee Grind race night experience from a few weeks back in MN.
Back to the track and warm up time. I felt somewhat off my game from lack of sleep too but still had high hopes.
As I warmed up, I kept checking the sign in sheet only to find 6-8 entries. What the ?? One of my sprint competitors summed it up for me. Not a lot of my age group wanted to race with a big field. I can't answer why, steep banking, past experiences, I don't know.
We got close to the race and just before the sign in closed with 8 racers, a bunch stepped up and signed in filling the field to about 15?
Roll off the rail and I was near the front thinking about last years race that was hot for the few laps around the sprints but not so much in between. I stayed near the front when a few guys went off and thought I should get up with them, which I did but I brought the whole field with me. From then on the race pace picked up speed and didn't surge like last year. So much for consistency with last year. I struggled during the race ending up in the middle of the pack doing way too much on my own but never getting close enough to gain any points. A few laps to go and I thought I finally would score at least a 4th place on the last lap only to realize some one was off the front I didn't see so, 5th place on the last lap.
I think Dave G. said it best, I was the hardest working racer to not gain any points.
Finishing position I think was 8th overall.
I think I gained some pack respect and leaned some lessons to race another day.
The rest of the night was spent relaxing on the deck watching the other points races for Dan S, Mark S and Andy K. I really should have gone back to the hotel to bed but I really wanted to see how the NSC group would fair in their points races.
I know I should have their results here but I just can't recall them right now. I know they all had very competitive, big fields that were very tough.
I am always impressed by Mark S. strategy and knowledge. Mid race, I think 4 were off the front and about to gain and then did gain a lap. He went off with front with two others, stayed off the front long enough to collect some sprint points before drifting back into the pack, great track sense Mark.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Trying to keep up, fail
Back home again and have been for a while. Actually can't believe it's been a week since my first real race day.
So much for keeping an up to date blog of all the Masters track Championships last week. The drive down was a bit hectic and long, the first days were easy but still packed with activity like settling in to the hotel, getting food supplies and other things we were missing or forgot to bring, discovering the best and fastest ways to get to the track. Adapting to every ones own schedules and time tables and life patterns was another challenge for the first part of the week and continued through out the week.
Then of course we needed to fit in race times and make allowances for when there was open track time to warm up prior to races. Lastly, we had other racers and friends that were doing events before or after our own and we all wanted to support each other as much as possible and still save time for ourselves.
This was a lot different than last years USA Masters, where I drove to CO alone and stayed alone in a hotel for the week. I still was interested in the other racers last year but had more flexibility. I can't say either one was bad, both good experiences, just very different.
Here's what I can remember from last week after Thursday night. I wasn't at the track for the Thursday night events because I needed to be up early on Friday for warm ups for my Sprint day. Chris and I got to the track early on Friday and I got my warm ups in. I felt good after an easy rest day on Thursday and based on my warm up 200 speeds, I felt confident that I could do a very good qualifying time. I was sent out about mid way through the group of 12 racers with the 13th a no show. The effort felt strong but the time was somewhat slower than I hoped, 13.355. Not as good as Blaine but good enough for the 4th fastest time in my age group. It was .004 slower than 3rd qualifier but .842 slower than the fastest qualifier at 12. 513. Only 8 qualified for continuing on. Most everyone felt the track was slower that day, the wind was up and the track surface is a lot more aggressive than the beautiful, smooth Blaine track.
All the time Chris Ferris was with me advising and helping me plan my strategy for the up coming sprint rounds. This was super helpful. It seems like most of my competitors have been racing for decades while I have about 4 years of race experience. (Why didn't I ever find this adventure earlier?) They have all this experience in these conditions that was neutralized to some extent by Chris' advice.
Next up, 1/8th finals. I was matched with the 5th place guy who wasn't much slower than me. First round he got a gap on me and bested me by about 6 inches at the line. Next round was one of my favorites and best. I was in position 1 and kept him on my hip for 2 laps riding him up to the rail most of the time. When I finally jumped coming out of 4 with 1 to go I gapped him and won by a good margin. The third race wasn't quite as exciting but I gapped him again and won 2 out of 3. On to 1/4 finals. My next competitor was the 3rd fastest qualifier. Another exciting race with me starting from position one, lowest on the track. Chris gave me a monster push to get me out front and I kept my competitor up high again trying to fake him out a bit on the main straight with 2 to go and then with some shoulder contact with one to go. (the handler for the other guy was complaining that he couldn't match Chris' push to get me started) I did get a jump and beat him to the line. One more race to get to the semi's. We were off again with another massive push from Chris (my competitor had another handler try and over do Chris without success) figuring that it was best for me to be ahead and control from the front again. It's a bit of a blur but I think with 1 to go coming out of 2, he dropped and tried to go under me. I was slow to react and he did go under and gap me and I couldn't catch him. Dam, another race coming up. As we rolled to slow off the track I heard the officials announce he was relegated for passing under me on the apron. It happened so fast I didn't realize how low he got. By a tires width I must have beat him down to shut the door and he went around me lower than he legally could. Anti climatic end with 2 back to back wins.
Time to leave the track for a short time to get a very late lunch, go back to the hotel and catch a very short rest/nap and then start all over. Back to the track, warm up session and get ready for some even harder rides. My next up was the top qualifier for the semi final. The top qualifier was faster and more experienced but I gave it 2 good shots, first round a shorter sprint, second round I tried to jump in turn two on 2 to go, got a gap but he closed it and passed me leaving me with a bronze medal. No National Champ jersey but a very satisfying result for me, on the podium for the second year in a row out of 2 attempts and especially good because the sprints are my main focus for the last 2 years.
We stayed for the podium ceremony and then got out as soon as possible to get Chris some food and back to the hotel, his sprint rounds were happening the next day, Saturday, and it would be another long day. Plus I had a Points race scheduled for Saturday evening as my second event.
This is where controlling the schedule and rest time is critical. Chris sacrificed himself all day Friday to help make my prime event a success and with his support, it was a success. It was now my turn to do any thing I could to help make his sprint day go well. Friday was a hot day so we both were pretty well wasted by the time we got to bed which wasn't until after midnight for the 2 or 3rd time during the week. We set our alarms and hoped the short rest would be sufficient. As happens sometimes, fate controls events and at about 3 A.M. the smoke alarm went off in our hotel room. CRAPPP!!! I jumped out of bed and went straight for the detector, knowing how inconsistent they can be. I just about destroyed it by the time I realized the noise was from a siren mounted in the ceiling away from the detector. By now Dan was up, Chris had his head buried under pillows and we were beginning to wonder what caused the alarm. No smoke in our room or the hall. Eventually, the alarm stopped and we could try to get back to bed but sleep was not easy to find again. Not knowing what set it off, I wondered as I tried to sleep, should I really go to sleep and if I did, what would I grab and run with should the place break out in a fire.
Overcome eventually with sleep, the next thing I heard was our alarms announcing a very short end to a restless night.
We did hear later that some of the bike racers smoked up some food they were cooking and instead of opening a window, they opened the hall door, filled the hall with smoke and set off the alarm. Dam bike racers!
So much for keeping an up to date blog of all the Masters track Championships last week. The drive down was a bit hectic and long, the first days were easy but still packed with activity like settling in to the hotel, getting food supplies and other things we were missing or forgot to bring, discovering the best and fastest ways to get to the track. Adapting to every ones own schedules and time tables and life patterns was another challenge for the first part of the week and continued through out the week.
Then of course we needed to fit in race times and make allowances for when there was open track time to warm up prior to races. Lastly, we had other racers and friends that were doing events before or after our own and we all wanted to support each other as much as possible and still save time for ourselves.
This was a lot different than last years USA Masters, where I drove to CO alone and stayed alone in a hotel for the week. I still was interested in the other racers last year but had more flexibility. I can't say either one was bad, both good experiences, just very different.
Here's what I can remember from last week after Thursday night. I wasn't at the track for the Thursday night events because I needed to be up early on Friday for warm ups for my Sprint day. Chris and I got to the track early on Friday and I got my warm ups in. I felt good after an easy rest day on Thursday and based on my warm up 200 speeds, I felt confident that I could do a very good qualifying time. I was sent out about mid way through the group of 12 racers with the 13th a no show. The effort felt strong but the time was somewhat slower than I hoped, 13.355. Not as good as Blaine but good enough for the 4th fastest time in my age group. It was .004 slower than 3rd qualifier but .842 slower than the fastest qualifier at 12. 513. Only 8 qualified for continuing on. Most everyone felt the track was slower that day, the wind was up and the track surface is a lot more aggressive than the beautiful, smooth Blaine track.
All the time Chris Ferris was with me advising and helping me plan my strategy for the up coming sprint rounds. This was super helpful. It seems like most of my competitors have been racing for decades while I have about 4 years of race experience. (Why didn't I ever find this adventure earlier?) They have all this experience in these conditions that was neutralized to some extent by Chris' advice.
Next up, 1/8th finals. I was matched with the 5th place guy who wasn't much slower than me. First round he got a gap on me and bested me by about 6 inches at the line. Next round was one of my favorites and best. I was in position 1 and kept him on my hip for 2 laps riding him up to the rail most of the time. When I finally jumped coming out of 4 with 1 to go I gapped him and won by a good margin. The third race wasn't quite as exciting but I gapped him again and won 2 out of 3. On to 1/4 finals. My next competitor was the 3rd fastest qualifier. Another exciting race with me starting from position one, lowest on the track. Chris gave me a monster push to get me out front and I kept my competitor up high again trying to fake him out a bit on the main straight with 2 to go and then with some shoulder contact with one to go. (the handler for the other guy was complaining that he couldn't match Chris' push to get me started) I did get a jump and beat him to the line. One more race to get to the semi's. We were off again with another massive push from Chris (my competitor had another handler try and over do Chris without success) figuring that it was best for me to be ahead and control from the front again. It's a bit of a blur but I think with 1 to go coming out of 2, he dropped and tried to go under me. I was slow to react and he did go under and gap me and I couldn't catch him. Dam, another race coming up. As we rolled to slow off the track I heard the officials announce he was relegated for passing under me on the apron. It happened so fast I didn't realize how low he got. By a tires width I must have beat him down to shut the door and he went around me lower than he legally could. Anti climatic end with 2 back to back wins.
Time to leave the track for a short time to get a very late lunch, go back to the hotel and catch a very short rest/nap and then start all over. Back to the track, warm up session and get ready for some even harder rides. My next up was the top qualifier for the semi final. The top qualifier was faster and more experienced but I gave it 2 good shots, first round a shorter sprint, second round I tried to jump in turn two on 2 to go, got a gap but he closed it and passed me leaving me with a bronze medal. No National Champ jersey but a very satisfying result for me, on the podium for the second year in a row out of 2 attempts and especially good because the sprints are my main focus for the last 2 years.
We stayed for the podium ceremony and then got out as soon as possible to get Chris some food and back to the hotel, his sprint rounds were happening the next day, Saturday, and it would be another long day. Plus I had a Points race scheduled for Saturday evening as my second event.
This is where controlling the schedule and rest time is critical. Chris sacrificed himself all day Friday to help make my prime event a success and with his support, it was a success. It was now my turn to do any thing I could to help make his sprint day go well. Friday was a hot day so we both were pretty well wasted by the time we got to bed which wasn't until after midnight for the 2 or 3rd time during the week. We set our alarms and hoped the short rest would be sufficient. As happens sometimes, fate controls events and at about 3 A.M. the smoke alarm went off in our hotel room. CRAPPP!!! I jumped out of bed and went straight for the detector, knowing how inconsistent they can be. I just about destroyed it by the time I realized the noise was from a siren mounted in the ceiling away from the detector. By now Dan was up, Chris had his head buried under pillows and we were beginning to wonder what caused the alarm. No smoke in our room or the hall. Eventually, the alarm stopped and we could try to get back to bed but sleep was not easy to find again. Not knowing what set it off, I wondered as I tried to sleep, should I really go to sleep and if I did, what would I grab and run with should the place break out in a fire.
Overcome eventually with sleep, the next thing I heard was our alarms announcing a very short end to a restless night.
We did hear later that some of the bike racers smoked up some food they were cooking and instead of opening a window, they opened the hall door, filled the hall with smoke and set off the alarm. Dam bike racers!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Some of the infield cover
This is the turn 3/4 end of the track with some permanent and temporary cover to help with sun and, today, rain protection.
Tuesday night and Wednesday
Not too much to update about right now. Tuesday morning was an easy half hour early training ride to to continue to feel comfortable on the track and keep the legs fresh. As the day progressed the weather got worse with rain showing up.
Tuesday evening was a wash out so neither Dan Schueller or Dan Casper got to race. They were there and about ready but no go.
We all ended up back at the hotel with me getting an early to bed night because the open training session on Thursday got shifted to 6 to 8 A.M. I got up a bit late but still made it to the track at 6, first one there, including officials. It was dark, with all the track lights still on and lightening in the sky. Not good.
Rain started about 6:15 and basically has continued all day long. A drying period, almost ready to open the track and then more rain over and over again. I spent a half an hour on the rollers under a tent, sat around a lot, read a book for a while, wandered around some and eventually gave up and went back to the hotel about 2:30 or so.
The track did re open about 6 and some of last nights schedule was run. The latest word is Dan S. got his race in and may have finished provisionally, 8th or 9th as per Andy Kruse.
Dan Casper is racing as we speak with results in soon unless there is more rain.
Tomorrow, up early to see what adjustments have been made to the schedule because tomorrow is my full day of Sprints, 200 qualifier with matched sprint heats to follow. I'm a little disappointed about not getting any activation in today but it was a relaxing day and not any heat stress.
More as the week progresses.
Tuesday evening was a wash out so neither Dan Schueller or Dan Casper got to race. They were there and about ready but no go.
We all ended up back at the hotel with me getting an early to bed night because the open training session on Thursday got shifted to 6 to 8 A.M. I got up a bit late but still made it to the track at 6, first one there, including officials. It was dark, with all the track lights still on and lightening in the sky. Not good.
Rain started about 6:15 and basically has continued all day long. A drying period, almost ready to open the track and then more rain over and over again. I spent a half an hour on the rollers under a tent, sat around a lot, read a book for a while, wandered around some and eventually gave up and went back to the hotel about 2:30 or so.
The track did re open about 6 and some of last nights schedule was run. The latest word is Dan S. got his race in and may have finished provisionally, 8th or 9th as per Andy Kruse.
Dan Casper is racing as we speak with results in soon unless there is more rain.
Tomorrow, up early to see what adjustments have been made to the schedule because tomorrow is my full day of Sprints, 200 qualifier with matched sprint heats to follow. I'm a little disappointed about not getting any activation in today but it was a relaxing day and not any heat stress.
More as the week progresses.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
She's a winner
Check out that smile on the cool down lap after coming back from being off the pace to win the 2K by .122 and become a National Champ, well deserved
We are here and the races are on
Finally a bit of down time to update the TX adventure. It's Wed and we have been here since Monday after noon. Uneventful trip down, easy drive when sharing the load with 2 other drivers. As Chris said, we had the Team sprint rotation on. Pat, does 4 hours, Dan does 4 hours and Chris leads us home with another 4 hours. We drove to Wichita on Sunday and spent the night. Linsey and Andy got there before us because they got out of town a few hours earlier. Chris, Dan and I spent 2 hours with the final "bike coffin" arrangements and packing. I don't think either Andy's car or mine could have fit anything else in with 9 bikes, 5 track and 4 road bikes, all the spare wheels and tires and then of course all the gear required to spend a week away. Every one said basically the same thing; I think I brought to much stuff!
One of my worries was how the little Caliber would tow a packed trailer and haul three guys. Other then the mileage dropping from the usual 30 MPG on trips to 18 to 20 MPG, it wasn't too bad. 18 was still a bunch better than the 4-6 the motor home option would have got us.
Monday was a short drive day, we found the hotel early enough to unpack the coffin, settle in a bit, put the track bikes back together and eventually go to the track for some laps to stretch out the stiff travel legs. The weather was hot, mid to high 90's but not too bad for early evening recovery laps. Andy and Linsey seem to be always ahead of the three of us, left Sunday before us, got to the final hotel before us, got to the track before us, etc, etc. Dan did a road ride instead of a track session so Chris and I were the last 2 on the track. The officials actually asked us if we were ready to leave rather than kick us out. Maybe that's the reason Chris got the nick name Captain Midnight, for late night training. It was a fun night, marred only by me a little when, on my first lap I got dropped off turn 4 right in line with a sponge that was set up to keep riders away from the gate practice. I thumped over it and then got yelled at by the flag man. Oh well, get the stupid stuff out of the way when the track is empty and not too many around to see it. W e eventually made it back to the hotel after a grocery stop. Made dinner around midnight and got to bed late.
The track is the same but a lot different than Blaine. Plywood surface with an epoxy coating that is like a textured surface. Not as abrasive as I expected. You can ride slower in the corners but not too slow as can be attested by a few who slid down trying to push the limit. No major accidents just some bruise egos and some track rash, no slivers though! The transitions into and out of turn 1/2 and 3/4 are more aggressive than Blaine. Tiny infield ride ring, very wide cement apron on the inside of the track to progress onto the track. The blue apron is strange, half is flat and half is banked like the lane. The rest of the facility seems good, I'll have some pics up soon.
Tuesday was a real training day for Chris and me. We slept in longer than we wanted but everyone seemed to need it. The only problem was getting to the track for the hottest part of the day. Back to the regular warm up schedule with some slight adjustments to try and cope with the heat. I finally started to adjust and go faster, pretty close the same times and speeds in my Flying 100 efforts as in Blaine. Chris got cooking right away and did some comparable times which made him feel good too. Dan was out and got laps in to try and get used to the new feel. Of course, Linsey and Andy were there in the morning and were leaving about the time we arrived.
All in all, a good day. Not too hectic on the track so we could actually do Flying efforts without a lot of traffic. Finally out of the track, a stop for dinner and then back to the hotel to try and get to bed a little earlier than the night before, but not by much.
Wed. morning, I wanted to get to and be on the track by 8 for the open session that closed at 9 to do some recovery laps with some traffic to get more familiar with the track. Chris and I were out on the track not much after 8 and each got our half hour in.
Linsey and Andy were there ahead of us but this time had some real reason for being there. Andy was the first racer up of the NSC group, doing a 3K TT, Linsey later was up for a 2K effort.
No suspense, Andy did great and got a bronze medal and then about 4 hours later Linsey went out and did a GREAT race holding off her competitor by .122 of a second to take first overall and be our first National Champion. Her competitor was up almost half a lap half way through the race but Linzilla just kept riding the black line and clawed her way back to the gold.
Congratulations both Linsey and Andy.
Next up is tonight's points race for Dan, 80 laps?
More reports and pictures soon.
One of my worries was how the little Caliber would tow a packed trailer and haul three guys. Other then the mileage dropping from the usual 30 MPG on trips to 18 to 20 MPG, it wasn't too bad. 18 was still a bunch better than the 4-6 the motor home option would have got us.
Monday was a short drive day, we found the hotel early enough to unpack the coffin, settle in a bit, put the track bikes back together and eventually go to the track for some laps to stretch out the stiff travel legs. The weather was hot, mid to high 90's but not too bad for early evening recovery laps. Andy and Linsey seem to be always ahead of the three of us, left Sunday before us, got to the final hotel before us, got to the track before us, etc, etc. Dan did a road ride instead of a track session so Chris and I were the last 2 on the track. The officials actually asked us if we were ready to leave rather than kick us out. Maybe that's the reason Chris got the nick name Captain Midnight, for late night training. It was a fun night, marred only by me a little when, on my first lap I got dropped off turn 4 right in line with a sponge that was set up to keep riders away from the gate practice. I thumped over it and then got yelled at by the flag man. Oh well, get the stupid stuff out of the way when the track is empty and not too many around to see it. W e eventually made it back to the hotel after a grocery stop. Made dinner around midnight and got to bed late.
The track is the same but a lot different than Blaine. Plywood surface with an epoxy coating that is like a textured surface. Not as abrasive as I expected. You can ride slower in the corners but not too slow as can be attested by a few who slid down trying to push the limit. No major accidents just some bruise egos and some track rash, no slivers though! The transitions into and out of turn 1/2 and 3/4 are more aggressive than Blaine. Tiny infield ride ring, very wide cement apron on the inside of the track to progress onto the track. The blue apron is strange, half is flat and half is banked like the lane. The rest of the facility seems good, I'll have some pics up soon.
Tuesday was a real training day for Chris and me. We slept in longer than we wanted but everyone seemed to need it. The only problem was getting to the track for the hottest part of the day. Back to the regular warm up schedule with some slight adjustments to try and cope with the heat. I finally started to adjust and go faster, pretty close the same times and speeds in my Flying 100 efforts as in Blaine. Chris got cooking right away and did some comparable times which made him feel good too. Dan was out and got laps in to try and get used to the new feel. Of course, Linsey and Andy were there in the morning and were leaving about the time we arrived.
All in all, a good day. Not too hectic on the track so we could actually do Flying efforts without a lot of traffic. Finally out of the track, a stop for dinner and then back to the hotel to try and get to bed a little earlier than the night before, but not by much.
Wed. morning, I wanted to get to and be on the track by 8 for the open session that closed at 9 to do some recovery laps with some traffic to get more familiar with the track. Chris and I were out on the track not much after 8 and each got our half hour in.
Linsey and Andy were there ahead of us but this time had some real reason for being there. Andy was the first racer up of the NSC group, doing a 3K TT, Linsey later was up for a 2K effort.
No suspense, Andy did great and got a bronze medal and then about 4 hours later Linsey went out and did a GREAT race holding off her competitor by .122 of a second to take first overall and be our first National Champion. Her competitor was up almost half a lap half way through the race but Linzilla just kept riding the black line and clawed her way back to the gold.
Congratulations both Linsey and Andy.
Next up is tonight's points race for Dan, 80 laps?
More reports and pictures soon.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Madison
Something new for me this year is actually racing Madisons. The last 2-3 years I have participated in madison training at the track but never felt strong enough or comfortable enough to sign up for a race. I came close in the middle of last year but as it turned out, I was one of the last to sign up and find a partner and ended up being partnerless. Maybe not such a bad outcome at the time.
This year, more early season madison training and I was actually starting to feel comfortable about the exchanges.
The first madison race of the season came up, I found a partner, Zak M. and off we went. I think it was a 60 lap points race, we didn't place very well but we learned a lot and I found out that I was starting to love madisons.
My next shot was right before Ragbrai, I wasn't palnning to do the madison but one team mate dropped for the night and someone needed a partner so I volunteered. Another successfull race, not great placing but tons more experience. Third event, the State Champ. Madison event for the year. For some reason we had a light racer turn out and the race needed one more team to actually be run. In I jumped even though I was racing against all the Cat 1/2's including my team mate Chris. Another successfull race. I am getting hooked.
The latest adventure was the 2 day Peace Coffee Grind. 2 nights back to back, all madison racing from long points races, to miss and outs to flying TT's. Another great learning experience back with my buddy Zak. As I've told others recently, I would not have traded those race nights, great fun, hard race nights. Not the best pacing but overall great training for USA Master's Championships.
This year, more early season madison training and I was actually starting to feel comfortable about the exchanges.
The first madison race of the season came up, I found a partner, Zak M. and off we went. I think it was a 60 lap points race, we didn't place very well but we learned a lot and I found out that I was starting to love madisons.
My next shot was right before Ragbrai, I wasn't palnning to do the madison but one team mate dropped for the night and someone needed a partner so I volunteered. Another successfull race, not great placing but tons more experience. Third event, the State Champ. Madison event for the year. For some reason we had a light racer turn out and the race needed one more team to actually be run. In I jumped even though I was racing against all the Cat 1/2's including my team mate Chris. Another successfull race. I am getting hooked.
The latest adventure was the 2 day Peace Coffee Grind. 2 nights back to back, all madison racing from long points races, to miss and outs to flying TT's. Another great learning experience back with my buddy Zak. As I've told others recently, I would not have traded those race nights, great fun, hard race nights. Not the best pacing but overall great training for USA Master's Championships.
NSC Fixed Gear Classic
The NSC Velodrome hosted it's second Fixed Gear Classic national level race week end again this year June 11th, 12th and 13th. There were track racers from all across the country competeing for medals and money.
This time around, there were races for Cat 3's so I decided to try my luck on at least one day of the event.
As luck would have it, I picked the day that got rained out, Saturday. The Cat 3's got 1 race in, a 10 lap scratch. It was an eye opener for me. Still early in the season and my warm up routine not quite the best yet. I finished a disappointing last overall.
What it did do for me is help re focus my efforts and get me back to the realization that all the races in Blaine were really about training for my real goals which were/are;
1) Reset the 60 plus Flying 200 record at Blaine, matching my Colorado time
2) Be faster and more competitive at USA Masters Track Championships in Frisco TX in Aug/Sept.
3) Be faster and more competitive at Worlds Masters Track Champioships in Portugal in Oct.
High lights of the weekend were my team mate, Chris, winning the track stand contest on Friday and better yet, placing high enough in all the other races to be on the podium for the overall.
Congrats to Chris for putting PJW Racing on the podium for a national level event.
This time around, there were races for Cat 3's so I decided to try my luck on at least one day of the event.
As luck would have it, I picked the day that got rained out, Saturday. The Cat 3's got 1 race in, a 10 lap scratch. It was an eye opener for me. Still early in the season and my warm up routine not quite the best yet. I finished a disappointing last overall.
What it did do for me is help re focus my efforts and get me back to the realization that all the races in Blaine were really about training for my real goals which were/are;
1) Reset the 60 plus Flying 200 record at Blaine, matching my Colorado time
2) Be faster and more competitive at USA Masters Track Championships in Frisco TX in Aug/Sept.
3) Be faster and more competitive at Worlds Masters Track Champioships in Portugal in Oct.
High lights of the weekend were my team mate, Chris, winning the track stand contest on Friday and better yet, placing high enough in all the other races to be on the podium for the overall.
Congrats to Chris for putting PJW Racing on the podium for a national level event.
Thanks Rolf and CARS Bike shop
Rolf Prima wheels available from CARS Bike shop in Mounds View MN. Ask for Bruce, tell them PJW Racing sent you
Rolf Prima
PJW Racing is lucky to have Rolf Prima wheels as an associate sponsor helping us with sets of Alloy track clincher wheels this year.
Here is one set ready to ride. Their first rides however were not on the track but on a Bianchi Pista track fixie and ridden over 500 miles on RAGBRAI, the ride across Iowa.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
It's August, time for some excitement
The year continues to fly by as we prepare for the best of the 2010 track and cycling season.
It's also time to catch up since last year when I abandoned this blog.
I don't really remember much about the early part of the year other than lots of weight room work and roller work based on what coach Chris suggested. The idea was to build on last years successes and get stronger for the 2010 season.
Chris was also instrumental in getting me to look at my team affliliation and decide if I wanted to form my own team. It sounded a bit of a strectch but I thought, why not. I already advertise at the track so a PJW Automotive team was not out of the question. Next step was to formalize the teams goals and qualifications and then think about team kits and other possible team members.
Relying on the local MCF bulletin board, I found a local graphic artist, Peter Anderson, who was familiar with designing cycling kits and the creative process began. New to this process, I didn't realize how long it would take to work through all the attempts. We picked Champ Systems for our clothing supplier and by the time I ok'd the final design spring time was close at hand.
As an aid to getting a very small team started, I decided to sell Team wear to any interested cyclist so that I could meet the minimum order levels.
The team was coming together, just me on it but the beginning of a new adventure.
As I formalized the Team support options, coach Chris decided to become team member #2.
I was happy and excited to have him on board.
It's also time to catch up since last year when I abandoned this blog.
I don't really remember much about the early part of the year other than lots of weight room work and roller work based on what coach Chris suggested. The idea was to build on last years successes and get stronger for the 2010 season.
Chris was also instrumental in getting me to look at my team affliliation and decide if I wanted to form my own team. It sounded a bit of a strectch but I thought, why not. I already advertise at the track so a PJW Automotive team was not out of the question. Next step was to formalize the teams goals and qualifications and then think about team kits and other possible team members.
Relying on the local MCF bulletin board, I found a local graphic artist, Peter Anderson, who was familiar with designing cycling kits and the creative process began. New to this process, I didn't realize how long it would take to work through all the attempts. We picked Champ Systems for our clothing supplier and by the time I ok'd the final design spring time was close at hand.
As an aid to getting a very small team started, I decided to sell Team wear to any interested cyclist so that I could meet the minimum order levels.
The team was coming together, just me on it but the beginning of a new adventure.
As I formalized the Team support options, coach Chris decided to become team member #2.
I was happy and excited to have him on board.
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