Does it mean you have jet lag when you wake up at 1 or 2 in the morning, wide awake, wondering what to do? Or how about when you wake up at 1 in the morning the night before going back to work, then go to sleep only to wake with a start hearing traffic go by your window and realize that the alarm clock was not set right and I may be late for work the first day back?
Let's hope I set the alarm right tonight and can sleep all the way through the night and not be on Golburn time tomorrow.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Gopher Wheelmen in Golburn
The Golburn track was dedicated to Dunc Gray who was born in Golburn, Siefert Oval.
Last night in Oz
Like all vacations, they go by way too fast, especially the final few days that seem to just disappear before you know it. It's Thursday evening and I fly out of here tomorrow on a 2:00 P.M. flight for the jump backwards in time, out of the coming warm months and into the cold and dark of MN. The Australian track carnivals are just about to start. Bushy is scheduled to race Saturday night at a local event an hour or so north of Sydney. We spent part of our last day at the local Golburn 400 meter asphalt track with Coly, doing a few warm up laps and then some Fying 200 efforts with me leading him out and then Coly leading both of us out. The day started out over cast and cooler but turned into a marvelous afternoon. After the track session, we went over to Roses Cafe and of course, had a coffee and a bit of lunch on the sidewalk,. I was trying to make the day last as long as possible but eventually we needed to go home and I started to pack the bike and wheels up for the trip home. Another stressfull leap of faith that the airlines will actually take care of the Teschner and and the Zipps. The rest of the luggage is about packed and may weigh more going home than coming here. Hopefully, not overweight.
The last dinner in Golburn was at the local Chinese restaurant and then over to Scotty and Michele's for a cup of tea and a farewell.
The talk continues to be a reconnection in 2011 for a Golburn Dog Pound cyclists do RAGBRAI. Does Iowa have any idea what is in store for them. I think not.
The last dinner in Golburn was at the local Chinese restaurant and then over to Scotty and Michele's for a cup of tea and a farewell.
The talk continues to be a reconnection in 2011 for a Golburn Dog Pound cyclists do RAGBRAI. Does Iowa have any idea what is in store for them. I think not.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Canberra, downtown for lunch
Central down town Canberra, The Capital of Australia, just like Washington DC, has its own territory as well as city. Town of about 300, 000 people. The countryside is about 15 minute drive from here for cycling or motorcycling up and down the hills and around the twisties.
The motorbikes in the country
The Ducati and the Suzuki sitting in the middle of the Great Dividing range, which is like our Continental Divide in the Rockies, just not nearly as high, about midway between Golburn and Canberra
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday morning, Tuesday in the states
It's about 8:30 in the morning on Wed. The big BBQ at Chris's home is tonight in his backyard patio or as he calls it the pagoda. All the fixing's are bought and preparations mostly done so the plan is to go for a motor bike ride through the hills around Canberra today. The weather the last few days has been cooler and wetter than I've ever seen here. Getting me ready for the cold temps of MN soon I guess. Sunday and Monday were casual days with a bike road ride Monday afternoon around the Golburn area. It's a smaller town so it takes no time at all get get to small country roads with little or no traffic. We met up with Coly again so the three of us did about an hour and a half out in windy and cool conditions followed by the traditional stop at a local coffee shop for a snack and here what's happening around town.
The original plan was to do the motor bike ride yeasterday but it rained most all the day so we decided to go back to Sydney, stop at Bundy's bike shop and pick up some cycling shoes I ordered from an Australian company. We also got a copy of Windows 7 for Chris' laptop while in Sydney, he has been hating his Vista OS and thought as long as we were rained in, might be a good project. Back home after hitting the stores for BBQ foods and then computer upgrades, which went resonably well all things considered.
Lyn, Chris' wife, made a great, delicious curry dinner last night, what a treat to have home cooked curries. After, some TV and then some reading and off to bed.
The last few days have truely been relaxing, vacation days. I rarely take time at home to really relax and completely unwind so this is a real treat.
Tomorrow, the plan is to train at the local 400 meter asphalt track for a while on the track bikes. Chris is heading into the local bike carnival season around here, coming into summer and has a race on Saturday in a town an hour or so north of Sydney. Too bad I can't stay and ride the carnivals but home is calling.
The sun is out again this morning, with the temps rising. JJ the cat is wandering around my room noseing into my luggage, wondering what all the MN smells are about. Only a few days left and I will be getting back on a plane for the longest day of my life. I leave here, Friday at 2:00 P.M. and get into Mpls at about 7:00 P.M. after traveling for about 19 hours or so. I get the day back I lost on the way here. Maybe the plane won't be as full heading home so I can get some room to move.
The original plan was to do the motor bike ride yeasterday but it rained most all the day so we decided to go back to Sydney, stop at Bundy's bike shop and pick up some cycling shoes I ordered from an Australian company. We also got a copy of Windows 7 for Chris' laptop while in Sydney, he has been hating his Vista OS and thought as long as we were rained in, might be a good project. Back home after hitting the stores for BBQ foods and then computer upgrades, which went resonably well all things considered.
Lyn, Chris' wife, made a great, delicious curry dinner last night, what a treat to have home cooked curries. After, some TV and then some reading and off to bed.
The last few days have truely been relaxing, vacation days. I rarely take time at home to really relax and completely unwind so this is a real treat.
Tomorrow, the plan is to train at the local 400 meter asphalt track for a while on the track bikes. Chris is heading into the local bike carnival season around here, coming into summer and has a race on Saturday in a town an hour or so north of Sydney. Too bad I can't stay and ride the carnivals but home is calling.
The sun is out again this morning, with the temps rising. JJ the cat is wandering around my room noseing into my luggage, wondering what all the MN smells are about. Only a few days left and I will be getting back on a plane for the longest day of my life. I leave here, Friday at 2:00 P.M. and get into Mpls at about 7:00 P.M. after traveling for about 19 hours or so. I get the day back I lost on the way here. Maybe the plane won't be as full heading home so I can get some room to move.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
1st Australian motorcycle Grand Prix
Monument at the original start of the Grand Prix, just outside of Golburn. The orginal course was mostly on dirt roads and took about 4 hours per lap, 1924.
Lot's to do in Golburn
I've never seen this many Lotus Super Sevens in one location ever. Lined up ready for local club race practice session.
This is the local Golburn auto race track, road racers, closed course, also used for push bike races.
There is a local circle track for cars, horse track and of course the 400 meter push bike oval as well.
Gas prices in Sydney and Australia
About 4 liters per gallon, $1.19.5 per liter.You tell me how lucky we are in the USA
A few days ago in Sydney Harbor area
Friday before the points race, a day off seeing some Sydney sites at the Rocks, a historic area of the city in the harbor, across from the Opera house with the Harbor bridge in the background.
There are tours to walk across the top of the bridge.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday in Oz
Saving the best for last, or how I am getting to love points races.
The last post was obviously from my buddy Chris/Bushy, posted from the track on Saturday morning while I was warming up for my points race qualifing race. Strange to be circling the track and see him typing away on a computer below me in turn 1.
Good to see things from another perspective.
Worlds Masters track champs are done for another year and we are back in Golburn relaxing after a great adventure. I can't believe how 10 minutes of racing can make a whole season of training so worth while. Yesterday, that is on Saturday, both Chris and I had points races scheduled. The schedule is always fluid because the officials are changing things based on riders dropping events mid week, something neither Chris or I can understand, come all this way, sign up for an event and then drop out at the last minute. The last week has been a good week but coming into Saturday I just didn't feel like I did the best efforts. Those I did were good but I expected more personally. Not having a chance to race sprints because the officials changed their minds at the last minute and cut my age group rounds from 18 races to 12, leaving me no races but a Flying 200 qualifing time was sad and left me wanting more track time. I came back Friday morning to warm up early before the spring finals to make the last gear decision for my points race. I settled on a 50/15, the gear I was planning to use all the time.
Saturday morning came bright and early again, all week we have been up at either 5:30 or 6:00 to get to the track for proper warm ups because our races have been early and the track has only limited amounts of time for real warm ups. Even then, the track fills to 70 plus riders by the 9:00 A.M. start times and then there are only occasional 10 minute warm up sessions later on that fill the track with riders. My 40 lap points race was combined with the 65-69 age group so that meant we needed to do 2, 30 lap heat races to narrow the field to 24 for the final.
I was schedule for the second heat about 9:15 or so. Coming here after racing at the USA Masters races I felt I had a chance to be competitive or I would not have come. After the last few days, I knew I was at a different level here so there have been the constant thoughts of can I really ride a mass start race with these guys and not get dropped, can I stay close in the field and stay safe, confident and relaxed? The thought of having to do a heat and then another race also added some insecurity. I haven't done a mass start race for over a month, only working on sprint efforts so even though I felt confident, I was not 100% confident. Anyone else every felt like that?
Not long after my warm ups, I was listening and watching for the sign on procedure. Previously, we went to a spot below turn 4 for a bike weigh in, helmut check and sign in. I started to head to that area and found no one around so I circled back to the results and officials area only to find new sign in sheets and a slightly different procedure. I'm sure they must have annouced it but the accoustics in the velodrome aren't great and with the Aussie accent, it is hard to know what and when things are happening. I signed in with about 5 minutes to spare and heard that the heats were in question, more DNS riders. 10 minutes later, no heats, only a final. It is now 9:00, I am warmed up and ready to race and my race, the final is at 2:30 in the afternoon. We are checked out of the hotel and stuck at Dunc Gray for the day. No races at all until about 10:30 when some of the lower age group heats were run.
The big challenge is to stay motivated, energized, hydrated and fueled all morning long and be ready at 2:30. Lucky we bought and brought food and beverages along prepared for a long day. My anxiety level dropped for the morning knowing I was in a final of 24 with some riders probably above my age group but not knowing who or how many. The morning actually went by quickly, on and off the rollers, eat, drink, relax, watch some races and see how the action played out, all points races today. I am amazed at how even at these levels, there are dumb mistakes being made and resulting crashes in the mass start events. So we watch as a few races were marred with crashes. Equally, I am amzed at how hard and fast some of the older age groups go. Eventually there was a warm up period from about 12 to 12:30 during the lunch break, again the track was packed with just about every rider in the house. Crazy but good to help relieve the jitters and to get use to pack riding.
Bob, from the track, has a friend, Warren, racing here and I have been trying to find him all week. He is in my age group and won the Pursuit round. I just haven't been able to connect but surprise, as I am rolling around the infield right before my race I spy his number and we catch up. I introduced myself and we talk for a while right before the race. As we roll around there are 2 more crashes in prior races so there is more time to waste as the officials clear and inspect the track and riders are taken care of.
My plan is to start near the front but behind enough riders to stay in someone's draft until the sprints occur. I am the first one to line up on the rail in the infield and try to strategically place my self near the front but far enough back so I have some protection. My plan isn't perfect but close enough, finally, we roll up the ramp onto the track and I am amazingly calm and clear headed, I am about 10 riders back in a pack of 24. One thing I've learned is that no one rides at the measurement line in mass start events here in Sydney, they are always at the read line or higher, leaving a perfect gap to close into. That's about where I am and so eventually, I move up the pack. The pace is high but not crazy so I am good for now. I am watching the lap counters, which is something I've learned to do better this season and see that the first sprint is about on and I am kind of trapped. I make it across the line probably about 10 or so, hard to really be precise about this. After the effort I realize there is a gap between the guy ahead of me and the front guys, he is riding close to the black line but moving up and down. Going into 3 I take a chance and ride below him and actually end up on the gray warm up area going quite fast through 3 to 4 and then back up and in front of him, no warning so I guess I am good to close the gap. Can't believe I did that and actually made it work. The next laps are a blur, every sprint is faster and I feel like I am close on getting points but just not quite there. A group gets off the front and I am at the lead of the second group and close the gap and the roll off and back in line. At one point another gap forms from the group in front of me and the guy behind me yells to catch them, I'm thinking, screw you, why should I do the work for you? but I give it some gas and we are back on again. The race finishes and I am still in the top 10 or 15 I think so I may not have placed but it was a GREAT race for me.
So to come full cricle, how can 10 minutes of your life make a whole year worth while, do something that makes you feel so completely alive and energized that you can't hardly contain it. I've heard a lot of pro bike races say in magazines and videos that it isn't about winning but about doing the best you can, not leaving anything behind and that's what this race was all about for me.
Bushy was up for his 60 lap points race right after me so I got to the bottom of turn one in the infield and yelled and screamed at him as he did a great effort staying with another big group. He eventually got lapped twice and then pulled with about 18 to go but that was about twice as long as he did last year so he's got to be proud of that. He only entered this race because he didn't want to sit around all day with nothing to do while I was racing. This was just a training race for him.
After his race, we packed up quick to get to his duaghter's, Stacy and husband Chris, house in Sydney for a BBQ, we were already way behind schedule.
We arrived about a half hour later starving and ready to eat. Thanks Stacy for a great feed, which we really needed. After dinner, a ride back to Golburn and a casual Sunday.
Time for the vacation to begin.
The last post was obviously from my buddy Chris/Bushy, posted from the track on Saturday morning while I was warming up for my points race qualifing race. Strange to be circling the track and see him typing away on a computer below me in turn 1.
Good to see things from another perspective.
Worlds Masters track champs are done for another year and we are back in Golburn relaxing after a great adventure. I can't believe how 10 minutes of racing can make a whole season of training so worth while. Yesterday, that is on Saturday, both Chris and I had points races scheduled. The schedule is always fluid because the officials are changing things based on riders dropping events mid week, something neither Chris or I can understand, come all this way, sign up for an event and then drop out at the last minute. The last week has been a good week but coming into Saturday I just didn't feel like I did the best efforts. Those I did were good but I expected more personally. Not having a chance to race sprints because the officials changed their minds at the last minute and cut my age group rounds from 18 races to 12, leaving me no races but a Flying 200 qualifing time was sad and left me wanting more track time. I came back Friday morning to warm up early before the spring finals to make the last gear decision for my points race. I settled on a 50/15, the gear I was planning to use all the time.
Saturday morning came bright and early again, all week we have been up at either 5:30 or 6:00 to get to the track for proper warm ups because our races have been early and the track has only limited amounts of time for real warm ups. Even then, the track fills to 70 plus riders by the 9:00 A.M. start times and then there are only occasional 10 minute warm up sessions later on that fill the track with riders. My 40 lap points race was combined with the 65-69 age group so that meant we needed to do 2, 30 lap heat races to narrow the field to 24 for the final.
I was schedule for the second heat about 9:15 or so. Coming here after racing at the USA Masters races I felt I had a chance to be competitive or I would not have come. After the last few days, I knew I was at a different level here so there have been the constant thoughts of can I really ride a mass start race with these guys and not get dropped, can I stay close in the field and stay safe, confident and relaxed? The thought of having to do a heat and then another race also added some insecurity. I haven't done a mass start race for over a month, only working on sprint efforts so even though I felt confident, I was not 100% confident. Anyone else every felt like that?
Not long after my warm ups, I was listening and watching for the sign on procedure. Previously, we went to a spot below turn 4 for a bike weigh in, helmut check and sign in. I started to head to that area and found no one around so I circled back to the results and officials area only to find new sign in sheets and a slightly different procedure. I'm sure they must have annouced it but the accoustics in the velodrome aren't great and with the Aussie accent, it is hard to know what and when things are happening. I signed in with about 5 minutes to spare and heard that the heats were in question, more DNS riders. 10 minutes later, no heats, only a final. It is now 9:00, I am warmed up and ready to race and my race, the final is at 2:30 in the afternoon. We are checked out of the hotel and stuck at Dunc Gray for the day. No races at all until about 10:30 when some of the lower age group heats were run.
The big challenge is to stay motivated, energized, hydrated and fueled all morning long and be ready at 2:30. Lucky we bought and brought food and beverages along prepared for a long day. My anxiety level dropped for the morning knowing I was in a final of 24 with some riders probably above my age group but not knowing who or how many. The morning actually went by quickly, on and off the rollers, eat, drink, relax, watch some races and see how the action played out, all points races today. I am amazed at how even at these levels, there are dumb mistakes being made and resulting crashes in the mass start events. So we watch as a few races were marred with crashes. Equally, I am amzed at how hard and fast some of the older age groups go. Eventually there was a warm up period from about 12 to 12:30 during the lunch break, again the track was packed with just about every rider in the house. Crazy but good to help relieve the jitters and to get use to pack riding.
Bob, from the track, has a friend, Warren, racing here and I have been trying to find him all week. He is in my age group and won the Pursuit round. I just haven't been able to connect but surprise, as I am rolling around the infield right before my race I spy his number and we catch up. I introduced myself and we talk for a while right before the race. As we roll around there are 2 more crashes in prior races so there is more time to waste as the officials clear and inspect the track and riders are taken care of.
My plan is to start near the front but behind enough riders to stay in someone's draft until the sprints occur. I am the first one to line up on the rail in the infield and try to strategically place my self near the front but far enough back so I have some protection. My plan isn't perfect but close enough, finally, we roll up the ramp onto the track and I am amazingly calm and clear headed, I am about 10 riders back in a pack of 24. One thing I've learned is that no one rides at the measurement line in mass start events here in Sydney, they are always at the read line or higher, leaving a perfect gap to close into. That's about where I am and so eventually, I move up the pack. The pace is high but not crazy so I am good for now. I am watching the lap counters, which is something I've learned to do better this season and see that the first sprint is about on and I am kind of trapped. I make it across the line probably about 10 or so, hard to really be precise about this. After the effort I realize there is a gap between the guy ahead of me and the front guys, he is riding close to the black line but moving up and down. Going into 3 I take a chance and ride below him and actually end up on the gray warm up area going quite fast through 3 to 4 and then back up and in front of him, no warning so I guess I am good to close the gap. Can't believe I did that and actually made it work. The next laps are a blur, every sprint is faster and I feel like I am close on getting points but just not quite there. A group gets off the front and I am at the lead of the second group and close the gap and the roll off and back in line. At one point another gap forms from the group in front of me and the guy behind me yells to catch them, I'm thinking, screw you, why should I do the work for you? but I give it some gas and we are back on again. The race finishes and I am still in the top 10 or 15 I think so I may not have placed but it was a GREAT race for me.
So to come full cricle, how can 10 minutes of your life make a whole year worth while, do something that makes you feel so completely alive and energized that you can't hardly contain it. I've heard a lot of pro bike races say in magazines and videos that it isn't about winning but about doing the best you can, not leaving anything behind and that's what this race was all about for me.
Bushy was up for his 60 lap points race right after me so I got to the bottom of turn one in the infield and yelled and screamed at him as he did a great effort staying with another big group. He eventually got lapped twice and then pulled with about 18 to go but that was about twice as long as he did last year so he's got to be proud of that. He only entered this race because he didn't want to sit around all day with nothing to do while I was racing. This was just a training race for him.
After his race, we packed up quick to get to his duaghter's, Stacy and husband Chris, house in Sydney for a BBQ, we were already way behind schedule.
We arrived about a half hour later starving and ready to eat. Thanks Stacy for a great feed, which we really needed. After dinner, a ride back to Golburn and a casual Sunday.
Time for the vacation to begin.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Been a great week in OZ with Pat. Racing the worlds has been another earth moving experience, trained hard all winter, yeah we can train outdoors here in the colder months, dropped weight and rode a whole lot better than last year. Two objectives for this years championships, do better than last year and don't come last, both objectives have been fulfilled with one race to go.
Great atmoshpere racing masters, learnt so much just watching more experienced riders go round, oh yeah listening to Pat's coach s well. He gave me some great advice, the guy must never sleep, thanks a whole lot. Turn 4 attack on the bell lap, and dropping down at the 30m mark in the flying 200m I will long remember.
Being here with Pat has made it a whole better, unflapable as always , always there to offer support, truly a great friend. He has had a crack in every event and left everything on the track.
So yesterday to celebrate the championships I took him into the centre of Sydney on a ferry and we had a great day, carbo loaded in a pub at the Rocks, walked around and checked out the eye candy, perfect way to focus on the point score race today. Come on you think he goes all the way to OZ and I wouldn't get him to a pub, un-australian if I didn't.
Well we are coming into summer here so I will thinking of you lot in your basements on the home trainer grinding out the miles and me travelling the country side racing a track carnivals, carbo loading between carnivals. So if you travel across the ditch about 16,000kms (turn left at Hawaii) head to the Dunc Gray velodrome in Sydney which is identical to the track at Blaine except in true Australian tradition it has a roof and pub attached. Always thinking of the riders they are, keep you out of the sun and keep the fluid up to yourself.
Be safe
Chris aka Bushy
Great atmoshpere racing masters, learnt so much just watching more experienced riders go round, oh yeah listening to Pat's coach s well. He gave me some great advice, the guy must never sleep, thanks a whole lot. Turn 4 attack on the bell lap, and dropping down at the 30m mark in the flying 200m I will long remember.
Being here with Pat has made it a whole better, unflapable as always , always there to offer support, truly a great friend. He has had a crack in every event and left everything on the track.
So yesterday to celebrate the championships I took him into the centre of Sydney on a ferry and we had a great day, carbo loaded in a pub at the Rocks, walked around and checked out the eye candy, perfect way to focus on the point score race today. Come on you think he goes all the way to OZ and I wouldn't get him to a pub, un-australian if I didn't.
Well we are coming into summer here so I will thinking of you lot in your basements on the home trainer grinding out the miles and me travelling the country side racing a track carnivals, carbo loading between carnivals. So if you travel across the ditch about 16,000kms (turn left at Hawaii) head to the Dunc Gray velodrome in Sydney which is identical to the track at Blaine except in true Australian tradition it has a roof and pub attached. Always thinking of the riders they are, keep you out of the sun and keep the fluid up to yourself.
Be safe
Chris aka Bushy
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday Report
Just a quick update for now.
We are still at the track and Bushy has had a massive day. It's about 6:30 in the evenining and we have been here since about 7:00 this morning. Warm ups right away while the track was still somewhat clear to do a full on 200. Then into the Fying 200 qualifiers. Chris did a 13.61 and I did a 13.678. Great for Chris, disappointing for me. We were both looking for under 12's but that didn't happen.
Long story short, I was in the run offs and then out again due to some DNS, so I was done for the day. Chris got into the top 18 of his age group, 17th to be exact. That got him to one matched sprint which he lost but still made it to a 3 up repachage which was late in the aftenoon. Unfortunately he lost that round so we are done with sprints.
I will have to do better in the upcoming points race on Saturday. I have to get through a 30 lap qualifier to be in the 40 lap final. Should be good.
More to come.
We are still at the track and Bushy has had a massive day. It's about 6:30 in the evenining and we have been here since about 7:00 this morning. Warm ups right away while the track was still somewhat clear to do a full on 200. Then into the Fying 200 qualifiers. Chris did a 13.61 and I did a 13.678. Great for Chris, disappointing for me. We were both looking for under 12's but that didn't happen.
Long story short, I was in the run offs and then out again due to some DNS, so I was done for the day. Chris got into the top 18 of his age group, 17th to be exact. That got him to one matched sprint which he lost but still made it to a 3 up repachage which was late in the aftenoon. Unfortunately he lost that round so we are done with sprints.
I will have to do better in the upcoming points race on Saturday. I have to get through a 30 lap qualifier to be in the 40 lap final. Should be good.
More to come.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Bicycle Road course
Great up and down road course about 5K's from the track. No vehicle traffic is allowed.
Crit course right next to the Velodrome
The velodrome is off to the right. The Handle Bar restaurant and pub in the background for viewing the start/finish line.
Wed. Report
It's Wed. afternoon about 4 P.M. and we are back at the hotel, Chris has control of the TV remote so I'm on the blog. I think I have the best of the picks. We have a total of 5 TV channels and as per usual, all are basically crap.
It's been another big day though. This whole week looks like it will be early morning rises to get to the track for open training. I am so glad the track is as close as it is.
Today was a warm up session getting ready for tomorrow's Flying 200 qualifiers and the match sprints. Up at 6:15 today and at the track by 7 and ready to ride at 7:30. I was the first one on the track today which fits because I decided to wear the First Light Team kit today. First Light is alive and well in Sydney.
My plan was some warm up laps and then some Flying 200's in lighter gears. The first effort was great. By the time I changed gears for the second effort there must have been over 70 riders on the track. Trying to find a gap to weave between was just impossible. This track is really fast so by the time I got into turn one I already closed the gap that I found to race into. Instead, I did 2 half efforts and gave up. A few minutes on the rollers and it was time for the scratch and team sprint riders to take over at 9:00. Chris did a few light road miles while I was on the track.
We went back to the hotel for a shower and the off to Peter Bundy's bike shop again to find directions to the Bont cycling shoe distributor which ended up across town. We found our way there only having to stop for directions once. Just another adventure in cycling land.
Back to our side of town for a bit of lunch and pick up some food for tomorrow and back to the track to retrieve the pump I left there in the morning. Lucky, it was still there after 5-6 hours.
The rest of the day will be relaxing and getting dinner and then preparing for another early morning and a full day of sprints.
It's been another big day though. This whole week looks like it will be early morning rises to get to the track for open training. I am so glad the track is as close as it is.
Today was a warm up session getting ready for tomorrow's Flying 200 qualifiers and the match sprints. Up at 6:15 today and at the track by 7 and ready to ride at 7:30. I was the first one on the track today which fits because I decided to wear the First Light Team kit today. First Light is alive and well in Sydney.
My plan was some warm up laps and then some Flying 200's in lighter gears. The first effort was great. By the time I changed gears for the second effort there must have been over 70 riders on the track. Trying to find a gap to weave between was just impossible. This track is really fast so by the time I got into turn one I already closed the gap that I found to race into. Instead, I did 2 half efforts and gave up. A few minutes on the rollers and it was time for the scratch and team sprint riders to take over at 9:00. Chris did a few light road miles while I was on the track.
We went back to the hotel for a shower and the off to Peter Bundy's bike shop again to find directions to the Bont cycling shoe distributor which ended up across town. We found our way there only having to stop for directions once. Just another adventure in cycling land.
Back to our side of town for a bit of lunch and pick up some food for tomorrow and back to the track to retrieve the pump I left there in the morning. Lucky, it was still there after 5-6 hours.
The rest of the day will be relaxing and getting dinner and then preparing for another early morning and a full day of sprints.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, I think
Today we were up at 5:30 ugh!! We are at the velodrome right now and it seems a bit strange to be sitting at the base of turn one below the track on the infield logged in and posting this blog. It's a day off for me but Chris has his Pursuit to do. He is in the first group and 4th out. He has a optimistic time schedule set, under 3 minutes. I will be calling out splits in turn one as his handler. He's warming up now and I'm being a slug, which is fine for me. I still feel sleepy due to time changes, different beds, some snoring from the bed next to me and all the excitement of the week.
After his warm down we plan to do a very light road ride from the velodrome to a closed course bicycle only road race course that is up the raod a bit from the velodrome. On the way back there is a crit course right next to the velodrome to try out as well. Our facilty in Blaine is great but I can't believe how nice this place is. I'll get some more photos up later.
After his warm down we plan to do a very light road ride from the velodrome to a closed course bicycle only road race course that is up the raod a bit from the velodrome. On the way back there is a crit course right next to the velodrome to try out as well. Our facilty in Blaine is great but I can't believe how nice this place is. I'll get some more photos up later.
Lights on, time to race
Fun to see the place fill up with racers from all over the world.
It is still a very casual atmosphere though.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Monday afternoon review and updates
So I arrived on Friday morning to find my buddy Chris waiting. Within the hour we were at Peter Bundy's bike shop getting some new TT bars fitted to Chris' bike thanks to new UCI rules. We drove back to Golburn, unpacked the bike and checked it out. It survived just fine. Assembled and ready to go.
Chris has a spare road bike for me to use while here so we decided to go for a short local ride and meet up with another friend, Colly to work out some of the plane ride stiffness. Very nice to be riding with Chris around the town and area of Golburn, seemed very familiar and nice. The weather, windy and cooler but very acceptable. A stop by Gloria Jeans coffee shop for a latte and then back home for tea/dinner and then early to bed, seems like a long time since a real bed
Chris has a spare road bike for me to use while here so we decided to go for a short local ride and meet up with another friend, Colly to work out some of the plane ride stiffness. Very nice to be riding with Chris around the town and area of Golburn, seemed very familiar and nice. The weather, windy and cooler but very acceptable. A stop by Gloria Jeans coffee shop for a latte and then back home for tea/dinner and then early to bed, seems like a long time since a real bed
Saturday morning, up early and off to a local car show that Chris' buddy Marxy helped organize. The team van graphics were from Marxy's hands so he wanted the van there for a while but we needed to get back to Sydney to register and then ride a few warm up laps just to get a feel for the track again.
Back in Sydney, registration in the Handle Bar pub which is attached to the velodrome, how convienient. The warm up ride times were scheduled by age group and seemed a bit restrictive but as we got to the track, there wasn't that many out so any age group and any number on the track were good. Very easy to start feeling comfortable on a great track. Identical to ours, but with a roof on the place the track surface is perfect, smooth, not slippery and seems very fast. A few hours later and we are headed back to Golburn, dinner and a nights sleep and then back to Sydney for the week, staying at the Ridges Hotel for the week almost right across the street from the Velodrome.
Sunday, packed and ready to go back to Sydney, lots of driving, it's about 2 plus hours between Golburn and Sydney, so it's great to be staying at the hotel. Sunday is another training day with a few more efforts to start preparing for Mondays 500TT. Close to the end of my time on the track the start gate was brought out for practice. Never having been in one before I thought it would be good. My first time in, count down to go and the gate sticks on, no start. The next few times seemed to get better every time and then the line got massive so I guess we were done for the day. More great time on the track and then drive around to find a dinner spot, back the the hotel and bed.
Both Chris and I have a 500TT on Monday. He is part of the first group out and I am in the second group. We are up at 6 to get to the track and start warming up. The open track closes at 9 to start racing and I wasn't going to repeat my Colorado mistake of getting there too late for a proper warm up. We had plenty of time and actually needed to spend some time on the rollers to stay warm. Before racing, bike weigh in, 7.36 Kilos well over the min. of 6.8 and a helmut check. Chris is supposed to be second out but the first riders scratched so he is first out of the gate. A PR for Chris so he was happy. A half hour or so later, I'm out. The start was a bit shaky from about 10 meters to 30 meters but then or it and before you know it it's over. I was a bit disappointed but still did a PR at 42.63 and 42.228 KPH. I ended up 20th out of 25 with one DNS. Warm up race for the real stuff to come on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The rest of the day is relaxing, finding food and getting a bit more situated as well as blog time.
Tomorrow, Chris does a individual pursuit bright and early again so I will go with and help call out splits for him. More results to come. I have a day off for a casual short bike ride for fun.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Time to go
I don't know if I am calm or nervous. Maybe a bit of both.
I leave tonight at 5 P.M. I just finished glueing my last tire this morning, kind of last minute I would say but life has been hectic getting ready for this and doing all life's normal stuff.
I am more worried about how the bike will survive the trip and if my luggage is too heavy then anything else right now.
The airlines here are always a big unknown. I'm not so concerned about Quantas, it's Delta/NW that always seems to be a challenge. I know I will get stuck with a big extra baggage fee for the bike box, hopefully not the other bag.
Not much left to do but try to relax and then head to the airport.
I talked to my buddy Chris, or Bushy in Oz yesterday and things seem set there.
I'll be glad to get back on a bike on Saturday and ride some laps in Sydney.
I leave tonight at 5 P.M. I just finished glueing my last tire this morning, kind of last minute I would say but life has been hectic getting ready for this and doing all life's normal stuff.
I am more worried about how the bike will survive the trip and if my luggage is too heavy then anything else right now.
The airlines here are always a big unknown. I'm not so concerned about Quantas, it's Delta/NW that always seems to be a challenge. I know I will get stuck with a big extra baggage fee for the bike box, hopefully not the other bag.
Not much left to do but try to relax and then head to the airport.
I talked to my buddy Chris, or Bushy in Oz yesterday and things seem set there.
I'll be glad to get back on a bike on Saturday and ride some laps in Sydney.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Training is done, all that's left is managing life at home and business for 2 more days and then a long plane ride to the land of Oz.
There are still last minute things, more so than usual. I'm still waiting for a new tire to glue on one of the 404's, axles for a new Zipp disc from County Cycles, updates on how my laptop is doing since the theft and recovery, packing... Yikes! lots to do yet before this Wednesday.
Yesterday was the last day of 2009 for me at NSC Velo.
I was to meet Chris there for some last training laps and that went well.
I was a bit surprised to see snow on the track when I got there at noon though.
Cold riding, mid to low 30's and mindful of the slippery snow areas. That's another first for me.
Chris mentioned track racing becoming a winter sport, this must be the start of it.
There are still last minute things, more so than usual. I'm still waiting for a new tire to glue on one of the 404's, axles for a new Zipp disc from County Cycles, updates on how my laptop is doing since the theft and recovery, packing... Yikes! lots to do yet before this Wednesday.
Yesterday was the last day of 2009 for me at NSC Velo.
I was to meet Chris there for some last training laps and that went well.
I was a bit surprised to see snow on the track when I got there at noon though.
Cold riding, mid to low 30's and mindful of the slippery snow areas. That's another first for me.
Chris mentioned track racing becoming a winter sport, this must be the start of it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Beginning a new chapter of the adventure
Oz again in 2009.
I really didn't think a year ago I would be packing for another Oz trip but all the stars are aligned and off I go again.
This time, bike racing at the Worlds Masters Track Championships are on the menu, Sydney Oct 17th to the 24th.
My work with coach Chris Ferris has paid off over the year and I have been lucky enough to have great results. Track record for my age group at the Blaine NSC track for Flying 200's, a few exciting nights at Thursday Night Lights events and then a trip to US Master Track Nationals with good results. All this along with great support from my wife Vera, coach Chris, Bob Williams, the track manager at Blaine as well as all the other racers that have encouraged my progress.
Of course, my buddy Chris, AKA Bushy in Oz has had some not small part in making this happen. He has generously offered support and lodging while in Oz. He is also racing at the Worlds, just glad we are not in the same age group.
There will be more info and pics along the way, this is the last weekend at home preparing for the trip.
Last night was training at the track with Chris Ferris, mid 30 temps and doing Russian Flying 200's. Quite fun but COLD!
The warmth of Australia is calling my name.
I really didn't think a year ago I would be packing for another Oz trip but all the stars are aligned and off I go again.
This time, bike racing at the Worlds Masters Track Championships are on the menu, Sydney Oct 17th to the 24th.
My work with coach Chris Ferris has paid off over the year and I have been lucky enough to have great results. Track record for my age group at the Blaine NSC track for Flying 200's, a few exciting nights at Thursday Night Lights events and then a trip to US Master Track Nationals with good results. All this along with great support from my wife Vera, coach Chris, Bob Williams, the track manager at Blaine as well as all the other racers that have encouraged my progress.
Of course, my buddy Chris, AKA Bushy in Oz has had some not small part in making this happen. He has generously offered support and lodging while in Oz. He is also racing at the Worlds, just glad we are not in the same age group.
There will be more info and pics along the way, this is the last weekend at home preparing for the trip.
Last night was training at the track with Chris Ferris, mid 30 temps and doing Russian Flying 200's. Quite fun but COLD!
The warmth of Australia is calling my name.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday Report
It's midnight Saturday night back at the hotel. I've been packing because the great adventure is coming to an end soon. I need to check out first thing tomorrow because some of the NSC group races tomorrow and the session opens at 9 again. It's the last day of the 2009 National Track Masters Championships.
I probably don't have enough time tonight to tell the whole story but it has been quite successful for at least 3 of the NSC racers.
The schedule was Flying 200's and Match sprints all morning long and the more match sprints and 3 points races in the evening.
James and Ted were scheduled for the sprints and I was schedule for a 30 lap points race with sprints every 6 laps this evening between the medal rounds for the matched sprints.
I got up this morning early enough to get breakfast and make it to the track by 9 to be around for Ted's and James' races.
I felt a bit off, tired I guess and didn't really feel like eating but races tonight so eat and drink as much as possible to stay fueled.
The morning session went well.
James managed to make it to the semi finals for the sprints, Ted lost his first two rounds but won the 4 up sprint to take 5th overall. Qualifying times were very fast, 3 racers below 11 seconds at about 10.9 or slightly less. Ted did a great job of taking control of the 4 up and doing about a lap or more off the front.
I left about 11 and decided to try and eat something light and then head back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening effort.
I have been uneasy the whole day, not knowing how the race would play out. Would I be competitive, will I make 30 laps, how fast will it be, how sketchy, would I be able to get more than the 1 point that only Linda has been able to score in the points races so far this week.
I kept telling my self that these guys are my equals, some slightly faster, some slower but as far as I knew none who have to repeatedly race against a lot younger group of races. I was hoping that the pain I go through in Thursday Night Lights will make me strong for this race.
Here's the end result for me;
I got to the track at 4 and went through coach Chris' warm up schedule, finished with about 2 minutes to spare before the races started.
Lots of matched sprints first and then a call for my points race. 30 laps, sprints every 6, so bell at 25, 19, 13, 7 and 1. We get about a lap and a half of open warm up time and then roll to the rail for the start. I am about 10th in line. At the rail, Paul Buckles comes up to me and says hi and good luck, nice of him to be there with some of his friends.
The starter isn't real assertive about the roll off command so I start to roll off, then stop and then get passed so off I go. We bunch up and I am high on the track just off the front slightly behind and to the right of I guy I think will be fast. We pick up some speed but not much and roll around a few laps.
We make a few rounds and the pace quickens. The guy I think will be fast is taking off. Do I go with it or not? I'm off and we speed around the back, through 3 and 4 and come to the line and I'm 4th I think. Alright, tied Linda with 1 point.
The pack slows a lot and bunches up. I get up high and hide in the pack as much as I can being on the top edge. I actually start to feel a bit in control of this mess.
We roll around and duplicate the action, speeding up for the next sprint. This time I wait a bit longer and hit the gas and get 3rd I think. Good for more points. Things slow again. Certainly not the same as happens at Blaine.
Going through 1 again, I am almost at the rail, one lane away, and about mid pack as the pack slows quite a bit. Another racer comes up along the right side of me and is headed for an open spot that doesn't exist, not good. His front wheel wobbles, I hear some yells and a bike collapses in front of me. Been there, done that! I don't think, just flick slightly to the right as a hole opens before me and I hear a lot of crashing and banging of a lot of expensive carbon parts.
WOW, that was close. Only the second crash of the week and it happened right in front of me.
The race gets neutralized as the carnage is assessed. I am right behind the fast guy again who is leading a slower than good pace. A coach from below yells at us to pick up the pace, fast guy ignores it so I go to the front and make a bit more speed to keep the back guys from falling off.
About 5 or 6 laps later we get the gun with 17 to go. One of the crashers is back in, the rest are out.
The trend is the same, the bell and I hang out behind a big guy until and back straight and then pour it on, passing a few and get more points. This is getting to be fun. Chris, you are right, just a bunch of matched sprints but we don't get to come to the infield in between.
After on sprint I feel tired and drop back more than normal but still stay in a draft.
The NSC crew is great. They seem to be positioned all around the track and as I go from corner to corner I hear a different voice yelling good things to me. I get back to the efforts.
I am finally watching the pack, keeping track of when the bell laps will happen and planning when to ease up and when to pick up the pace not based on riders but based on what I need to do to get points. Now that is a new and wonderful experience.
We are closing in on the end of the race. In a lapse, I get too low and get boxed in a bit. I fight my way out on the back stretch and take off pacing 4 to 5 riders though 3 and 4 accelerating to the next guy and closing in on the finish in what feels faster than anyone ahead of me. I am over the line 4th for another point.
My lungs are burning but I feel very excited.
My total is 7 points which gets me 4th over all. That means I am on the podium and get a medal!!!
I am kind of in disbelief.
Feel nervous and crappy all day long and then escape a crash and get one of my best ever result, certainly best in the U.S.
The rest of the night is a blur. Getting on the podium, getting a medal, pictures and enjoying the results.
We pack up, head to a late dinner with Dan, Linda, Dave and Skibby and then, oh yeah back here packing and watching movies.
All right, a few pictures and then I am about done for the night. Tomorrow will come early.
I probably don't have enough time tonight to tell the whole story but it has been quite successful for at least 3 of the NSC racers.
The schedule was Flying 200's and Match sprints all morning long and the more match sprints and 3 points races in the evening.
James and Ted were scheduled for the sprints and I was schedule for a 30 lap points race with sprints every 6 laps this evening between the medal rounds for the matched sprints.
I got up this morning early enough to get breakfast and make it to the track by 9 to be around for Ted's and James' races.
I felt a bit off, tired I guess and didn't really feel like eating but races tonight so eat and drink as much as possible to stay fueled.
The morning session went well.
James managed to make it to the semi finals for the sprints, Ted lost his first two rounds but won the 4 up sprint to take 5th overall. Qualifying times were very fast, 3 racers below 11 seconds at about 10.9 or slightly less. Ted did a great job of taking control of the 4 up and doing about a lap or more off the front.
I left about 11 and decided to try and eat something light and then head back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening effort.
I have been uneasy the whole day, not knowing how the race would play out. Would I be competitive, will I make 30 laps, how fast will it be, how sketchy, would I be able to get more than the 1 point that only Linda has been able to score in the points races so far this week.
I kept telling my self that these guys are my equals, some slightly faster, some slower but as far as I knew none who have to repeatedly race against a lot younger group of races. I was hoping that the pain I go through in Thursday Night Lights will make me strong for this race.
Here's the end result for me;
I got to the track at 4 and went through coach Chris' warm up schedule, finished with about 2 minutes to spare before the races started.
Lots of matched sprints first and then a call for my points race. 30 laps, sprints every 6, so bell at 25, 19, 13, 7 and 1. We get about a lap and a half of open warm up time and then roll to the rail for the start. I am about 10th in line. At the rail, Paul Buckles comes up to me and says hi and good luck, nice of him to be there with some of his friends.
The starter isn't real assertive about the roll off command so I start to roll off, then stop and then get passed so off I go. We bunch up and I am high on the track just off the front slightly behind and to the right of I guy I think will be fast. We pick up some speed but not much and roll around a few laps.
We make a few rounds and the pace quickens. The guy I think will be fast is taking off. Do I go with it or not? I'm off and we speed around the back, through 3 and 4 and come to the line and I'm 4th I think. Alright, tied Linda with 1 point.
The pack slows a lot and bunches up. I get up high and hide in the pack as much as I can being on the top edge. I actually start to feel a bit in control of this mess.
We roll around and duplicate the action, speeding up for the next sprint. This time I wait a bit longer and hit the gas and get 3rd I think. Good for more points. Things slow again. Certainly not the same as happens at Blaine.
Going through 1 again, I am almost at the rail, one lane away, and about mid pack as the pack slows quite a bit. Another racer comes up along the right side of me and is headed for an open spot that doesn't exist, not good. His front wheel wobbles, I hear some yells and a bike collapses in front of me. Been there, done that! I don't think, just flick slightly to the right as a hole opens before me and I hear a lot of crashing and banging of a lot of expensive carbon parts.
WOW, that was close. Only the second crash of the week and it happened right in front of me.
The race gets neutralized as the carnage is assessed. I am right behind the fast guy again who is leading a slower than good pace. A coach from below yells at us to pick up the pace, fast guy ignores it so I go to the front and make a bit more speed to keep the back guys from falling off.
About 5 or 6 laps later we get the gun with 17 to go. One of the crashers is back in, the rest are out.
The trend is the same, the bell and I hang out behind a big guy until and back straight and then pour it on, passing a few and get more points. This is getting to be fun. Chris, you are right, just a bunch of matched sprints but we don't get to come to the infield in between.
After on sprint I feel tired and drop back more than normal but still stay in a draft.
The NSC crew is great. They seem to be positioned all around the track and as I go from corner to corner I hear a different voice yelling good things to me. I get back to the efforts.
I am finally watching the pack, keeping track of when the bell laps will happen and planning when to ease up and when to pick up the pace not based on riders but based on what I need to do to get points. Now that is a new and wonderful experience.
We are closing in on the end of the race. In a lapse, I get too low and get boxed in a bit. I fight my way out on the back stretch and take off pacing 4 to 5 riders though 3 and 4 accelerating to the next guy and closing in on the finish in what feels faster than anyone ahead of me. I am over the line 4th for another point.
My lungs are burning but I feel very excited.
My total is 7 points which gets me 4th over all. That means I am on the podium and get a medal!!!
I am kind of in disbelief.
Feel nervous and crappy all day long and then escape a crash and get one of my best ever result, certainly best in the U.S.
The rest of the night is a blur. Getting on the podium, getting a medal, pictures and enjoying the results.
We pack up, head to a late dinner with Dan, Linda, Dave and Skibby and then, oh yeah back here packing and watching movies.
All right, a few pictures and then I am about done for the night. Tomorrow will come early.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday Report
It's been a very long day. Up at 5:30, ate some breakfast and loaded up the car to get to the track so I would not have a repeat of Tuesday morning when I basically got NO warm up time on the track.
The schedule seems to morphing a bit every day, not by much but enough to keep you wondering what really will happen next.
The track was scheduled to start races at 9:30, let's try 9:00 instead.
I was the second person to arrive at the track behind another NSC racer, Greg McCrea. We both had to sit around for about a half hour before the gates were unlocked at 7.
I unloaded and kitted up and started to run through my warm up progression as coach Chris suggested. Progressive warm up laps, about 20+ minutes. One sub max 200 effort, gear switch, one max 200 effort or rather a start and then back off for traffic ahead. I slowed a bit and let some gaps form and then did a warm up gear max effort which felt good, 958 watts and 54.6 kph. It felt smooth and bit less then max due to all the traffic. Good timing, I got my race gear 808 rear wheel on and there was 5 minutes until racing starts. On the rollers for some easy spin.
Lots of good moral support from Dave Grey and James Tainter along the way.
My earlier efforts confirmed that my line from turn 2 to 3 was looking and feeling fast.
Perfect weather, hardly any wind, sunny and warm but with a hint of morning coolness.
Off comes the leg and arm warmers and wind vest and before I know it I am in the staging lane.
Like the Blaine track, we get pushed out on the back straight but only get one lap before the bell instead of two. My concentration was at it's max, I think I have played this scene in my head at least 60 to 70 times in the last month.
I'm on the bike at the edge of the track, sitting up and breathing, then in the drops, a big push and I am off. Straight up to the rail, easy now through 3 and 4, back to the rail on the home straight, easy through 1 and 2, to the rail on the back, mid way between the rail and blue line through 3 and 4, rail on the home straight and gathering speed, rail in 1, yellow mid turn line and I am out of the saddle and there is a voice in my head yelling harder, harder. I am out of 2 and focused on the yellow line the crosses the red and black line at about 180 meters. I am back in the saddle right before that yellow line aimed at the 200 meter mark, as I spot it my eyes shoot to the end of corner 4 and the Teschner dips and automatically rounds 4. That voice yells harder, faster, harder, scoop and spin as I feel like I keep the speed up to the max. Bike throw and it's over, up high in 1 and 2 and decelerate down to the blue band. During the decel I hear the announcer call the time but I only hear a 9. Damn, what's the rest! I get into the infield and then here from someone, somewhere 12.9! I feel a little shiver. My best at Blaine so far has been 13.68. The rest of the 13 heats continue and I don't think I am really aware of them. I call coach Chris and give him the news. PR for me at Masters Nationals....
Chris warns me to not get too excited because that is just the qualifier for the match sprints to come, stay focused.
I finally find the time sheets and I qualified 7Th. Top 8 come back for best of three match sprints.
9-12 do a 4 up round to determine their placing. I am guaranteed at least 8Th.
Match Sprints;
I am matched with the second fastest in our group, a guy about 5'5' with thighs bigger then the two of mine put together and a second faster 200 time.
I spend some roller time and then on deck. He draws a chip with #2 on it. I guess I'm leading this round. We get a push off and he is above and behind me on my right hip. You can ride rally slow on these corners and I was a bit freaked by how slow but now I am more concerned about keeping my eye on him. We get two laps, one slower and then the bell lap and the race is on. He is still on my hip around 3 and 4, main straight, 1 and 2. Out of two he slows and I miss it. Down and behind me to the lane. I try to respond but too late so I tuck into his draft a bit higher to try for some bank effect out of 3 and 4. I come around him in 4 and we sprint to the finish with him ahead by about half a bike. He's not that much faster.
More roller time and then we are ready to do it again. This time I get position 2. I stay up and behind, try some weak fake efforts with no effect. We are in 3 and I am accelerating over the top of him, 4, I am ahead and I here Tainter or someone yell GOOOO. Out of the saddle and accel. I get a jump and go over the top but not full on, there is more than a lap to go. I am riding at the top edge of the red line through 1, 2, back side, wiggling around some to try and make it harder to come around. Into 4 the track pushes me up and out of the lane for 10-15 meters, not good. He still hasn't come around. We sprint to the finish and he gets me by less that a wheel. Crap!
He races tonight, I don't.
I get a warning for coming out of the lane, I really didn't mean it judge, ya sure.
More rollers because I still need to do a 4 up sprint to determine 5Th through 8Th.
This should be interesting, first time for everything I guess.
James asks if I need a holder and I say yeah. Right before the race he sits me down and says stay out of 4Th place. I get it. I draw position 3.
The race starts, position 1 and 2 drop down and eschelon back to me, above and behind. I am trying to watch them as well as keep aware of the 4 guy behind me as we head to 3. As we go through 3, position one moves up and squeezes 2 towards me. We compress but I don't move up any. Where they gonna go? Guy 4 is still not in the action. Maybe waiting for the 3 of us to self destruct. Guy 1 starts to wind it up and takes off out of two and gets a jump on all of us. I get gapped, no panic, I can do this. I close the gap staying a bit above for some slight draft. Here comes turn 3, 4. I pull out higher and hammer for the finish. We cross the line with his wheel 6-10 inches ahead of me.
Medals pay out from 1-5. I am 6Th. All in all, I am excited to have 6Th. Would have been more exciting to have a medal but, next year.
The schedule seems to morphing a bit every day, not by much but enough to keep you wondering what really will happen next.
The track was scheduled to start races at 9:30, let's try 9:00 instead.
I was the second person to arrive at the track behind another NSC racer, Greg McCrea. We both had to sit around for about a half hour before the gates were unlocked at 7.
I unloaded and kitted up and started to run through my warm up progression as coach Chris suggested. Progressive warm up laps, about 20+ minutes. One sub max 200 effort, gear switch, one max 200 effort or rather a start and then back off for traffic ahead. I slowed a bit and let some gaps form and then did a warm up gear max effort which felt good, 958 watts and 54.6 kph. It felt smooth and bit less then max due to all the traffic. Good timing, I got my race gear 808 rear wheel on and there was 5 minutes until racing starts. On the rollers for some easy spin.
Lots of good moral support from Dave Grey and James Tainter along the way.
My earlier efforts confirmed that my line from turn 2 to 3 was looking and feeling fast.
Perfect weather, hardly any wind, sunny and warm but with a hint of morning coolness.
Off comes the leg and arm warmers and wind vest and before I know it I am in the staging lane.
Like the Blaine track, we get pushed out on the back straight but only get one lap before the bell instead of two. My concentration was at it's max, I think I have played this scene in my head at least 60 to 70 times in the last month.
I'm on the bike at the edge of the track, sitting up and breathing, then in the drops, a big push and I am off. Straight up to the rail, easy now through 3 and 4, back to the rail on the home straight, easy through 1 and 2, to the rail on the back, mid way between the rail and blue line through 3 and 4, rail on the home straight and gathering speed, rail in 1, yellow mid turn line and I am out of the saddle and there is a voice in my head yelling harder, harder. I am out of 2 and focused on the yellow line the crosses the red and black line at about 180 meters. I am back in the saddle right before that yellow line aimed at the 200 meter mark, as I spot it my eyes shoot to the end of corner 4 and the Teschner dips and automatically rounds 4. That voice yells harder, faster, harder, scoop and spin as I feel like I keep the speed up to the max. Bike throw and it's over, up high in 1 and 2 and decelerate down to the blue band. During the decel I hear the announcer call the time but I only hear a 9. Damn, what's the rest! I get into the infield and then here from someone, somewhere 12.9! I feel a little shiver. My best at Blaine so far has been 13.68. The rest of the 13 heats continue and I don't think I am really aware of them. I call coach Chris and give him the news. PR for me at Masters Nationals....
Chris warns me to not get too excited because that is just the qualifier for the match sprints to come, stay focused.
I finally find the time sheets and I qualified 7Th. Top 8 come back for best of three match sprints.
9-12 do a 4 up round to determine their placing. I am guaranteed at least 8Th.
Match Sprints;
I am matched with the second fastest in our group, a guy about 5'5' with thighs bigger then the two of mine put together and a second faster 200 time.
I spend some roller time and then on deck. He draws a chip with #2 on it. I guess I'm leading this round. We get a push off and he is above and behind me on my right hip. You can ride rally slow on these corners and I was a bit freaked by how slow but now I am more concerned about keeping my eye on him. We get two laps, one slower and then the bell lap and the race is on. He is still on my hip around 3 and 4, main straight, 1 and 2. Out of two he slows and I miss it. Down and behind me to the lane. I try to respond but too late so I tuck into his draft a bit higher to try for some bank effect out of 3 and 4. I come around him in 4 and we sprint to the finish with him ahead by about half a bike. He's not that much faster.
More roller time and then we are ready to do it again. This time I get position 2. I stay up and behind, try some weak fake efforts with no effect. We are in 3 and I am accelerating over the top of him, 4, I am ahead and I here Tainter or someone yell GOOOO. Out of the saddle and accel. I get a jump and go over the top but not full on, there is more than a lap to go. I am riding at the top edge of the red line through 1, 2, back side, wiggling around some to try and make it harder to come around. Into 4 the track pushes me up and out of the lane for 10-15 meters, not good. He still hasn't come around. We sprint to the finish and he gets me by less that a wheel. Crap!
He races tonight, I don't.
I get a warning for coming out of the lane, I really didn't mean it judge, ya sure.
More rollers because I still need to do a 4 up sprint to determine 5Th through 8Th.
This should be interesting, first time for everything I guess.
James asks if I need a holder and I say yeah. Right before the race he sits me down and says stay out of 4Th place. I get it. I draw position 3.
The race starts, position 1 and 2 drop down and eschelon back to me, above and behind. I am trying to watch them as well as keep aware of the 4 guy behind me as we head to 3. As we go through 3, position one moves up and squeezes 2 towards me. We compress but I don't move up any. Where they gonna go? Guy 4 is still not in the action. Maybe waiting for the 3 of us to self destruct. Guy 1 starts to wind it up and takes off out of two and gets a jump on all of us. I get gapped, no panic, I can do this. I close the gap staying a bit above for some slight draft. Here comes turn 3, 4. I pull out higher and hammer for the finish. We cross the line with his wheel 6-10 inches ahead of me.
Medals pay out from 1-5. I am 6Th. All in all, I am excited to have 6Th. Would have been more exciting to have a medal but, next year.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday report
It's about 4 pm on Thursday, time to relax again. I'm having a hard time adjusting to this relaxing thing, certainly different then being at home and work.
Ted showed up today to claim his track bike and start his weekend adventure.
We loaded up and went to the track about noon to meet up with the other NSC riders for some open training time from noon to 2.
Warm up, under gear 200 sub max and max efforts and then cool down laps.
Beautiful sunny, warm great day to be riding a track bike.
There wasn't a lot of riders out so it was easy to do the efforts. I am getting more and more comfortable with turns 3 and 4, fastest part of the 200 but seems rough/bumpy in the lane. I think I have a good line, readjusted at the end of the day, so I am hopeful of a fast ride. My max under gear effort was 53.6 kph and 918 watts. Still lower than I would like. I have a few more sub max efforts tomorrow bright and early to hone the effort and then time for truth. I didn't have anyone handy to time the efforts, everyone else was timing someone else or on the track. I will have to wait until tomorrow for a time.
The plan is to get to the track tonight and watch for an hour and then head back for an early night. I need to be at the track ready to go no later than 7:15 A.M. and need to get a good nights rest. There are some match sprint events tonight so I can get a feel for how everyone races them here.
Ted showed up today to claim his track bike and start his weekend adventure.
We loaded up and went to the track about noon to meet up with the other NSC riders for some open training time from noon to 2.
Warm up, under gear 200 sub max and max efforts and then cool down laps.
Beautiful sunny, warm great day to be riding a track bike.
There wasn't a lot of riders out so it was easy to do the efforts. I am getting more and more comfortable with turns 3 and 4, fastest part of the 200 but seems rough/bumpy in the lane. I think I have a good line, readjusted at the end of the day, so I am hopeful of a fast ride. My max under gear effort was 53.6 kph and 918 watts. Still lower than I would like. I have a few more sub max efforts tomorrow bright and early to hone the effort and then time for truth. I didn't have anyone handy to time the efforts, everyone else was timing someone else or on the track. I will have to wait until tomorrow for a time.
The plan is to get to the track tonight and watch for an hour and then head back for an early night. I need to be at the track ready to go no later than 7:15 A.M. and need to get a good nights rest. There are some match sprint events tonight so I can get a feel for how everyone races them here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tonights Race schedule Points races
I'm back from watching Skibby and Dan Casper race points races tonight. 2 different races, Skibby in a 60? lap and Casper in a 75 lap race with sprints every 6 laps.
Both Skibby and Dan stayed in the pack riding smart races. The pace was fast as expected. Neither of our boys could muster up any points. Skibby came close on the last lap of his race. He lead the field going down the home straight with 1 to go but was overcome on the back straight still finishing with the main pack.
A few riders got off and lapped the field to take the top spots.
Dan stayed in the main pack for the complete race. The field never got lapped but a few fast riders, one ex pro took all the prizes.
Dan got a good jump towards the end of the race looking for points when two riders rode below him on the blue and should have been relegated but I guess they either didn't get points or no official saw it happen.
Two really good races under close to perfect conditions. High 60's for temps and the winds had dropped significantly.
Tomorrow, I get to sleep in again and then head to the track for warm ups about noonish for my big day of Flying 200's and Match Sprints on Friday.
Ted is supposed to be in as well so I can turn his Tiemeyer back over to him.
The Teschner is ready for tomorrow after a minor chain lengthening to allow a 51/17 gear. It now works with 51/17 through 51/15, warm up through race gears.
Both Skibby and Dan stayed in the pack riding smart races. The pace was fast as expected. Neither of our boys could muster up any points. Skibby came close on the last lap of his race. He lead the field going down the home straight with 1 to go but was overcome on the back straight still finishing with the main pack.
A few riders got off and lapped the field to take the top spots.
Dan stayed in the main pack for the complete race. The field never got lapped but a few fast riders, one ex pro took all the prizes.
Dan got a good jump towards the end of the race looking for points when two riders rode below him on the blue and should have been relegated but I guess they either didn't get points or no official saw it happen.
Two really good races under close to perfect conditions. High 60's for temps and the winds had dropped significantly.
Tomorrow, I get to sleep in again and then head to the track for warm ups about noonish for my big day of Flying 200's and Match Sprints on Friday.
Ted is supposed to be in as well so I can turn his Tiemeyer back over to him.
The Teschner is ready for tomorrow after a minor chain lengthening to allow a 51/17 gear. It now works with 51/17 through 51/15, warm up through race gears.
Wed, day off
Today is a lazy day off. I slept in later than usual, had breakfast and started to pack for the day out.
The plan, go to the track and watch Linda Sone race, head to Colorado Cyclist to see what the place looks like, drive to the Garden of the Gods and ride the loop a few times, back to the hotel and then back to the track to watch Skibby race in the points race.
So I am back to the hotel, missed Linda's race because it was taking a lot longer to get through the heats and I needed to be on my way.
I found Colorado Cyclist, fun to see, didn't even buy anything. I did find another local bike store because I needed a 17 tooth cog to match what coach Chris wanted me to use as warm up gears. I was getting close by adjusting the chain ring but now I am on track.
The Garden of the Gods is quite amazing, just north and west of Colorado Springs, not really in the mountains, just the foot hills but amazing anyhow.
Pictures will be up soon. I did the loop twice, just easy pace, stopping a lot on the first loop for pictures, second loop just to ride.
Always seems amazing to me when I connect to Chris, got the call as I was eating a sandwich sitting in the parking lot of the Garden.
Thanks for the call and advice Chris.
Time for a little nap and get some stuff ready for tomorrows training day then off to the track to cheer Skibby on.
More to come.
The plan, go to the track and watch Linda Sone race, head to Colorado Cyclist to see what the place looks like, drive to the Garden of the Gods and ride the loop a few times, back to the hotel and then back to the track to watch Skibby race in the points race.
So I am back to the hotel, missed Linda's race because it was taking a lot longer to get through the heats and I needed to be on my way.
I found Colorado Cyclist, fun to see, didn't even buy anything. I did find another local bike store because I needed a 17 tooth cog to match what coach Chris wanted me to use as warm up gears. I was getting close by adjusting the chain ring but now I am on track.
The Garden of the Gods is quite amazing, just north and west of Colorado Springs, not really in the mountains, just the foot hills but amazing anyhow.
Pictures will be up soon. I did the loop twice, just easy pace, stopping a lot on the first loop for pictures, second loop just to ride.
Always seems amazing to me when I connect to Chris, got the call as I was eating a sandwich sitting in the parking lot of the Garden.
Thanks for the call and advice Chris.
Time for a little nap and get some stuff ready for tomorrows training day then off to the track to cheer Skibby on.
More to come.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, Race day
I am rarely late for anything, usually I am early, especially track races.
I need all the time I can get to warm up and be ready to go full on.
My down loaded schedule listed open track time from 7 to 9.
My race started at 10. One race only, a 500 meter individual TT.
I am up early, 7:00, figuring that if I am on the track by 8:45 I will have plenty of time to warm up with Chris's warm up schedule. Of course, it rained all night long and is severely overcast and in the high 50's again. The streets and parking lot are wet. I'm thinking rain delays.
Breakfast and then pack the car, off to the track.
Inside the infield, the area is mostly dry and there are people riding on a dry track. Looks like rain any minute but good for now.
I find the race schedule posted in the tunnel and find that I need 1 number on, not 2. I find a place to set up and while getting ready I here the announcer say the track will close for open training at 9, it's 8:35. How did I not understand that even though I had it high lighted in yellow on my schedule!! Races before me start at 9, of course no open training from 9 to 10.
I get on the track and roll around in warm up gear for about 10 minutes before the track is closed. Dam, did I learn something?
I get a neighbor to adjust my numbers. I change to my race gear and set up my rollers. There is a warm up cement track inside the real track so I roll around that for a bit and then get on the rollers for about 20-25 minutes. Not what coach Chris suggested and I was planning but all I can think of to do.
In between I go to the bike check area to make sure my Teschner set up is legal, it is.
The schedule works through the age categories. I am in the Men's, 60-64 group. There are 10 Heats, with 2 riders per heat one starting on the home straight, one on the back.
The good thing is I am not a bit nervous. Just being on the bike calms me down. I am in Heat 5, starting on the home stretch. I watched a few races to make sure I was aware of the finish line for me at the pursuit line on the back straight. Start is on the pursuit line of the home straight.
I do a few false starts from a roll on the warm up track and head to the bike check again and then get in line to race.
The clock reads 15, then 10, 9, tone at 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, high pitched tone and I'm off. The start is a bit slower then I would like, out of the saddle, turn 1, turn 2, back stretch, sit going into turn 3 and try to stay low through 3 and 4. Not a great line, close to the red sprinters line, very bumpy concrete surface on this part of the track. I get through it, down the home stretch, going through turn 1 and 2 I start to feel a bit stressed but get on it as best I can going to the finish, bike push and I'm done.
As I'm rolling off I hear the announcer say 42 and some odd seconds. I know I've heard others in the 39's so I know it's not great.
Back on the rollers to cool down. Eventually the first guy out who had a 37 something gets beat with a 36.9 something.
Awards are handed out and take a while. Dave, Linda and Dan Casper show up and we talk a bit before the track opens for training again.
Finally, I get to complete the training schedule that Chris has prepared for me. I feel better to be on schedule again.
I'm in a 51/15 now and warm up for about 20 minutes and then do 2 Flying 200 efforts. The first is 85% the second probably 95% full on. It's taking a while to get used to riding fast on this track, easy to ride slow but that's not what this is all about. My last effort, 899 watts at 54 kph top speed. Seems a bit weak on watts but the speed seems about what I usually do. Maybe the bigger gear is a watts limit. Seemed smoother than my 500 effort though.
After 2 efforts I'm done for the day. Time to pack and get some lunch.
Before I leave, I eventually find the time postings.
Official 42.66 and 42.19 kph speed. 15Th of 19 but 1 DNF. There is about 3 of us at 42 seconds and similar speeds. Fastest time was 36.9??? and if I remember 48+kph.
All things considered, I feel ok. I didn't really come to do a 500, I came to sprint on Friday. This is just a great training day to prepare for Friday.
Lunch and back to the hotel.
The adventure continues with a day off and a very casual bike ride in the Garden of the Gods.
More pictures to follow.
I need all the time I can get to warm up and be ready to go full on.
My down loaded schedule listed open track time from 7 to 9.
My race started at 10. One race only, a 500 meter individual TT.
I am up early, 7:00, figuring that if I am on the track by 8:45 I will have plenty of time to warm up with Chris's warm up schedule. Of course, it rained all night long and is severely overcast and in the high 50's again. The streets and parking lot are wet. I'm thinking rain delays.
Breakfast and then pack the car, off to the track.
Inside the infield, the area is mostly dry and there are people riding on a dry track. Looks like rain any minute but good for now.
I find the race schedule posted in the tunnel and find that I need 1 number on, not 2. I find a place to set up and while getting ready I here the announcer say the track will close for open training at 9, it's 8:35. How did I not understand that even though I had it high lighted in yellow on my schedule!! Races before me start at 9, of course no open training from 9 to 10.
I get on the track and roll around in warm up gear for about 10 minutes before the track is closed. Dam, did I learn something?
I get a neighbor to adjust my numbers. I change to my race gear and set up my rollers. There is a warm up cement track inside the real track so I roll around that for a bit and then get on the rollers for about 20-25 minutes. Not what coach Chris suggested and I was planning but all I can think of to do.
In between I go to the bike check area to make sure my Teschner set up is legal, it is.
The schedule works through the age categories. I am in the Men's, 60-64 group. There are 10 Heats, with 2 riders per heat one starting on the home straight, one on the back.
The good thing is I am not a bit nervous. Just being on the bike calms me down. I am in Heat 5, starting on the home stretch. I watched a few races to make sure I was aware of the finish line for me at the pursuit line on the back straight. Start is on the pursuit line of the home straight.
I do a few false starts from a roll on the warm up track and head to the bike check again and then get in line to race.
The clock reads 15, then 10, 9, tone at 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, high pitched tone and I'm off. The start is a bit slower then I would like, out of the saddle, turn 1, turn 2, back stretch, sit going into turn 3 and try to stay low through 3 and 4. Not a great line, close to the red sprinters line, very bumpy concrete surface on this part of the track. I get through it, down the home stretch, going through turn 1 and 2 I start to feel a bit stressed but get on it as best I can going to the finish, bike push and I'm done.
As I'm rolling off I hear the announcer say 42 and some odd seconds. I know I've heard others in the 39's so I know it's not great.
Back on the rollers to cool down. Eventually the first guy out who had a 37 something gets beat with a 36.9 something.
Awards are handed out and take a while. Dave, Linda and Dan Casper show up and we talk a bit before the track opens for training again.
Finally, I get to complete the training schedule that Chris has prepared for me. I feel better to be on schedule again.
I'm in a 51/15 now and warm up for about 20 minutes and then do 2 Flying 200 efforts. The first is 85% the second probably 95% full on. It's taking a while to get used to riding fast on this track, easy to ride slow but that's not what this is all about. My last effort, 899 watts at 54 kph top speed. Seems a bit weak on watts but the speed seems about what I usually do. Maybe the bigger gear is a watts limit. Seemed smoother than my 500 effort though.
After 2 efforts I'm done for the day. Time to pack and get some lunch.
Before I leave, I eventually find the time postings.
Official 42.66 and 42.19 kph speed. 15Th of 19 but 1 DNF. There is about 3 of us at 42 seconds and similar speeds. Fastest time was 36.9??? and if I remember 48+kph.
All things considered, I feel ok. I didn't really come to do a 500, I came to sprint on Friday. This is just a great training day to prepare for Friday.
Lunch and back to the hotel.
The adventure continues with a day off and a very casual bike ride in the Garden of the Gods.
More pictures to follow.
Monday at the track
I woke up Monday refreshed and ready to go to the track for the open track session.
I got there and found a few people wandering around. It was still before 9 so not much was happening.
There really wasn't anyone around to ask about the schedule so I just changed into my kit and got the Teschner ready for it's maiden voyage in Colorado.
The first half lap was nervous but I started to feel at home half way around.
Chris Ferris, my coach for the last year, prepared some routines and gear choices for me to use which worked out well.
I spent about an hour and a half on the track doing some warm up, small gear riding, tracing my 200 sprint lines repeatedly to get them stuck permanently in my head.
Great morning. The track close for a half hour to set up some timing tapes and then was open again.
About that time, Dave Grey, Linda Sone, Skibby and Tainter showed up. Good to see some familiar faces.
I did a few more laps and then called it a day for day one on the track.
The rest of the day was buying some supplies I forgot, getting dinner and mostly relaxing at the hotel.
Went to bed early after packing for Tuesdays first race.
I got there and found a few people wandering around. It was still before 9 so not much was happening.
There really wasn't anyone around to ask about the schedule so I just changed into my kit and got the Teschner ready for it's maiden voyage in Colorado.
The first half lap was nervous but I started to feel at home half way around.
Chris Ferris, my coach for the last year, prepared some routines and gear choices for me to use which worked out well.
I spent about an hour and a half on the track doing some warm up, small gear riding, tracing my 200 sprint lines repeatedly to get them stuck permanently in my head.
Great morning. The track close for a half hour to set up some timing tapes and then was open again.
About that time, Dave Grey, Linda Sone, Skibby and Tainter showed up. Good to see some familiar faces.
I did a few more laps and then called it a day for day one on the track.
The rest of the day was buying some supplies I forgot, getting dinner and mostly relaxing at the hotel.
Went to bed early after packing for Tuesdays first race.
Master's Nationals 2009
Here I am in Colorado Springs after the first day of competition at Master's Track Nationals.
Kind of feels a bit surreal, can't really believe I am here.
Outside, the mountain view to the west is bocked by big nasty rain clouds and it is pouring down rain, with thunder and hailing pea sized ice balls! The weather forcast says there have been tornados around the area.
This may be a theme for the week.
I left last Saturday, driving about 650 miles to North Platte NB. Mostly uneventful except for the down pour going through Des Moines IA. Hot, humid weather in the mid 80's.
I spent the night in a Holiday Inn Express, poured rain again on and off all night. Woke up to temps in the high 50's.
Sunday felt like a long day even though I only had to drive another 350 miles. I got stuck in a major traffic jam 30 miles from Colorado Springs for about 45 minutes, finally getting off at an exit with a gas station to have a little "rest" break, whew.
I got on a parallel road and made it to Co. Springs finally about 4 ish. My mapquest directions got me right to the track, fun to see right away. I stopped and asked someone working the track and they didn't know how to get me to the host hotel. I drove around a bit sight seeing and then called the hotel for directions and finally made it to my home for a week, the Crown Plaza, nothing too fancy but OK enough. My room is on the back side of the hotel, just below Interstate 25, walk out, main floor.
I unpacked and thought I would look for some place to eat and find the track without getting back on I25. About a hour later, finally found the track again. Next time, take I25.
Found a local guy who gave me some tour guide info. I followed his suggesting and found some dinner and a bunch of local stores in an area called Broadmore, next to some upscale residential areas. Noodles and Company invited me to dinner, I took them up on it.
Drove back to the hotel to settle in.
The traffic noise is a bit high but other wise quiet. I can carry all my gear in and out of the patio sliding glass door.
I also can and did set up my rollers to ride a bit after dinner to work out the stiffness from sitting for 15 hours and 1000 miles.
That was it for day 2 of the adventure.
Kind of feels a bit surreal, can't really believe I am here.
Outside, the mountain view to the west is bocked by big nasty rain clouds and it is pouring down rain, with thunder and hailing pea sized ice balls! The weather forcast says there have been tornados around the area.
This may be a theme for the week.
I left last Saturday, driving about 650 miles to North Platte NB. Mostly uneventful except for the down pour going through Des Moines IA. Hot, humid weather in the mid 80's.
I spent the night in a Holiday Inn Express, poured rain again on and off all night. Woke up to temps in the high 50's.
Sunday felt like a long day even though I only had to drive another 350 miles. I got stuck in a major traffic jam 30 miles from Colorado Springs for about 45 minutes, finally getting off at an exit with a gas station to have a little "rest" break, whew.
I got on a parallel road and made it to Co. Springs finally about 4 ish. My mapquest directions got me right to the track, fun to see right away. I stopped and asked someone working the track and they didn't know how to get me to the host hotel. I drove around a bit sight seeing and then called the hotel for directions and finally made it to my home for a week, the Crown Plaza, nothing too fancy but OK enough. My room is on the back side of the hotel, just below Interstate 25, walk out, main floor.
I unpacked and thought I would look for some place to eat and find the track without getting back on I25. About a hour later, finally found the track again. Next time, take I25.
Found a local guy who gave me some tour guide info. I followed his suggesting and found some dinner and a bunch of local stores in an area called Broadmore, next to some upscale residential areas. Noodles and Company invited me to dinner, I took them up on it.
Drove back to the hotel to settle in.
The traffic noise is a bit high but other wise quiet. I can carry all my gear in and out of the patio sliding glass door.
I also can and did set up my rollers to ride a bit after dinner to work out the stiffness from sitting for 15 hours and 1000 miles.
That was it for day 2 of the adventure.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A weekend later
The week just flew by as usual. Last Monday, the holiday seems like a blur ago.
The TT night results are in, 3rd out of 6 in my age group so that wasn't too bad. I'm ok with that. About 60 to 65 riders total and I ended up about 50th over all. 1st real TT effort since last fall at the Firehouse 50 TTT so just getting comfy again. 21.5 avg speed.
Wed, recovery and then track race night on Thursday.
Track race this week has the first Madison race of the season so that messes with the rest of the schedule.
Cat. 3's have a Win and Out, 15 lap Scratch and a 50 lap Points race to deal with. The points race includes the Cat 1/2's that didn't want to enter the Madison. That makes 3 really fast races in a row.
Personal and business stuff continue to weazel their way into my brain as I prepare for the races.
Shop scheduling and staffing continue to be a challenge to get right when the economy is as wacky as it is right now.
First race, 5 laps and then the Win and Out starts. I'm off the back at about lap 5, didn't finish last but no placings. Used a 50/15 gear and just didn't have the power to turn it.
Second race, I still don't have a clear head, still thinking about shop crap so I'm off the back again. Tried a 49/15 gear, better at responding to accelerations and I stayed with the group for a while but again, not last but no prizes.
The 50 lap points has Cat 1/2's as well as 3'sbecause of the Madison. Back to a 50/15 but I trail off at about lap 8. I got lapped 3-4 times during the race but by half way my mind seems to clear some and as the pack comes by I jump on and stay with the 2nd group of chasers for most of the rest of the race. Finally some fun was had. I stayed in 'till the end as usual which makes me feel good but doesn't count for any points. Just a long hard training session.
The TT night results are in, 3rd out of 6 in my age group so that wasn't too bad. I'm ok with that. About 60 to 65 riders total and I ended up about 50th over all. 1st real TT effort since last fall at the Firehouse 50 TTT so just getting comfy again. 21.5 avg speed.
Wed, recovery and then track race night on Thursday.
Track race this week has the first Madison race of the season so that messes with the rest of the schedule.
Cat. 3's have a Win and Out, 15 lap Scratch and a 50 lap Points race to deal with. The points race includes the Cat 1/2's that didn't want to enter the Madison. That makes 3 really fast races in a row.
Personal and business stuff continue to weazel their way into my brain as I prepare for the races.
Shop scheduling and staffing continue to be a challenge to get right when the economy is as wacky as it is right now.
First race, 5 laps and then the Win and Out starts. I'm off the back at about lap 5, didn't finish last but no placings. Used a 50/15 gear and just didn't have the power to turn it.
Second race, I still don't have a clear head, still thinking about shop crap so I'm off the back again. Tried a 49/15 gear, better at responding to accelerations and I stayed with the group for a while but again, not last but no prizes.
The 50 lap points has Cat 1/2's as well as 3'sbecause of the Madison. Back to a 50/15 but I trail off at about lap 8. I got lapped 3-4 times during the race but by half way my mind seems to clear some and as the pack comes by I jump on and stay with the 2nd group of chasers for most of the rest of the race. Finally some fun was had. I stayed in 'till the end as usual which makes me feel good but doesn't count for any points. Just a long hard training session.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The week starts with a day off
It's so nice to look forward to an extra day off at the begining of a week, makes the weekend feel a lot longer than 2 days plus a day.
Saturday's training went well but I didn't expect to be as worn out from it based on how I felt Saturday evening.
Sunday was a recovery day, go the gym and stretch and do light stuff and then prepare to drive to Lake Pepin for a complete day off and lunch at a great restuarant, The Harbor View in Pepin WI. We decided to bring Max the dog along and see how he would do on a road trip. A stop in Stockholm along the way to walk through some of the craft shops was a good way to see how Max would respond to a lot more people than he usually sees. Not too bad Max, no massive barking and excitment.
Lunch was great, we got to Pepin about 1 P.M. and walked right in, no waiting in line, amazing for a Holiday weekend.
After lunch a walk on the beach with Max getting washed by the river waves.
Casual drive home and the end of a nice day. Brings back memories of sailing on Pepin and push bike riding the bluffs on off days.
Monday, a big training day planned. Weight room and track training.
Andy called and wanted to ride a casual ride so off with him in the morning for a 30 mile easy ride, back home for food and then to the gym for squats and dead lifts. Wow, I'm wasted. Sorry no track night tonight.
Tuesday, T n T time trial race in Medina at Baker Park. Reg. starts at 6, race at 7. I have to stay at the shop and close up at 6, how am I gonna make it. The traffic is on my side and I get there at 20 to 7, register, ride about a mile or 2 of warm up and then stand in line at the start for about 40 minutes, #59 of about 65. No pressure to ride fast, this is supposed to be a recovery day.
I am off and get passed by my 30 second guy a mile or so in. Eventually 3 guys total pass me, I challenged one going up what I thought was the last hill only to see 2 more hills to come, oops, off he goes.
I'm not sure of the time yet but it was fun and not too much of an effort. Met up with the First Light Team guys which was good. They are my Team mates for the Firehouse 50 TTT in August.
It's Wed. now, got to get through the work day, go to the dentist appointment, a community meeting and walk the dog and then pack up for tomorrows track night.
I feel like the summer roller coaster is just getting started.
Saturday's training went well but I didn't expect to be as worn out from it based on how I felt Saturday evening.
Sunday was a recovery day, go the gym and stretch and do light stuff and then prepare to drive to Lake Pepin for a complete day off and lunch at a great restuarant, The Harbor View in Pepin WI. We decided to bring Max the dog along and see how he would do on a road trip. A stop in Stockholm along the way to walk through some of the craft shops was a good way to see how Max would respond to a lot more people than he usually sees. Not too bad Max, no massive barking and excitment.
Lunch was great, we got to Pepin about 1 P.M. and walked right in, no waiting in line, amazing for a Holiday weekend.
After lunch a walk on the beach with Max getting washed by the river waves.
Casual drive home and the end of a nice day. Brings back memories of sailing on Pepin and push bike riding the bluffs on off days.
Monday, a big training day planned. Weight room and track training.
Andy called and wanted to ride a casual ride so off with him in the morning for a 30 mile easy ride, back home for food and then to the gym for squats and dead lifts. Wow, I'm wasted. Sorry no track night tonight.
Tuesday, T n T time trial race in Medina at Baker Park. Reg. starts at 6, race at 7. I have to stay at the shop and close up at 6, how am I gonna make it. The traffic is on my side and I get there at 20 to 7, register, ride about a mile or 2 of warm up and then stand in line at the start for about 40 minutes, #59 of about 65. No pressure to ride fast, this is supposed to be a recovery day.
I am off and get passed by my 30 second guy a mile or so in. Eventually 3 guys total pass me, I challenged one going up what I thought was the last hill only to see 2 more hills to come, oops, off he goes.
I'm not sure of the time yet but it was fun and not too much of an effort. Met up with the First Light Team guys which was good. They are my Team mates for the Firehouse 50 TTT in August.
It's Wed. now, got to get through the work day, go to the dentist appointment, a community meeting and walk the dog and then pack up for tomorrows track night.
I feel like the summer roller coaster is just getting started.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Great day
Nothing like getting up early, going to the Gym and doing "cleans" and "ab twists" and then spending the rest of the afternoon doing Flying 200 training efforts with Chris and Gwen, can a day get any better?
Sad to only see a few other riders there on such a great day but hey, more time for those of us who were there.
Tomorrow, rest, recovery, lunch at the Haborview in Pepin and then prepare for another full day of weight room and track training on Monday.
Sad to only see a few other riders there on such a great day but hey, more time for those of us who were there.
Tomorrow, rest, recovery, lunch at the Haborview in Pepin and then prepare for another full day of weight room and track training on Monday.
Friday, May 22, 2009
After the first race night
The first night jitters are over. The race season was off and running under cloudy skies and cooler temps and normal winds.
This is my first season as a Cat. 3 track racer. I was reminded of how good that was when I saw one of the newer Cat. 4 racers slide off the track in turn one during the neutral lap and take out a few riders including one guy who ended up with a broken collar bone. Short season for him.
The 3's are more experienced but faster so there are challenges ahead for me.
My over all results aren't very impressive at all but considering that about 6 months ago I was wondering if I would have the will and energy to be racing this season, I feel good.
There was about 11 to 12 Cat 3's total.
Three races, 10 Lap Scratch, Miss and Out, 40 Lap Scratch. I finished 9th or 10th in the 10 lap, First called off in the Miss and Out because I put myself in a box and then got lapped a few times in the 40 so probably finished last or next to last. The pace was fast and hard but not as hard as I thought so I have optimistic hopes of improving my results in the near future.
It's good to be racing with more experienced and trust worthy racers.
The atmosphere was great, everyone out there seemed excited to have the season going.
Linzilla did great sticking with the Cat. 3's for a couple of races.
Kudos to Bob Williams and all the volunteers for getting the season off and running again.
I am anxious to get back on the track for Saturday and Monday training, I've got places to pick up.
This is my first season as a Cat. 3 track racer. I was reminded of how good that was when I saw one of the newer Cat. 4 racers slide off the track in turn one during the neutral lap and take out a few riders including one guy who ended up with a broken collar bone. Short season for him.
The 3's are more experienced but faster so there are challenges ahead for me.
My over all results aren't very impressive at all but considering that about 6 months ago I was wondering if I would have the will and energy to be racing this season, I feel good.
There was about 11 to 12 Cat 3's total.
Three races, 10 Lap Scratch, Miss and Out, 40 Lap Scratch. I finished 9th or 10th in the 10 lap, First called off in the Miss and Out because I put myself in a box and then got lapped a few times in the 40 so probably finished last or next to last. The pace was fast and hard but not as hard as I thought so I have optimistic hopes of improving my results in the near future.
It's good to be racing with more experienced and trust worthy racers.
The atmosphere was great, everyone out there seemed excited to have the season going.
Linzilla did great sticking with the Cat. 3's for a couple of races.
Kudos to Bob Williams and all the volunteers for getting the season off and running again.
I am anxious to get back on the track for Saturday and Monday training, I've got places to pick up.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Yeah, I should have...
remembered my 20th wedding anniversary that is. That's what happens when life gets busy and you are focused on something all year long, like preparing for the first track race of the season, and then other life things confuse and complicate daily routines.
All last week, I kept saying, anniversary, day before race night, got to remember...
Thanks Vera for being understanding and putting up with all my crazy schedule, training and mega involvement in just about everything I do.
I'll make it up this week end, I promise, right after training.
All last week, I kept saying, anniversary, day before race night, got to remember...
Thanks Vera for being understanding and putting up with all my crazy schedule, training and mega involvement in just about everything I do.
I'll make it up this week end, I promise, right after training.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Weather
Anyone looked outside today and noticed the massive winds, lets hope they drop off before tomorrow nights opening round of track racing at the velodrome.
So much for going into tomorrow with a bright and happy mental attitude, I just found out a long time friend died of a heart attack last Sunday and the service is on for Thursday afternoon right before race night.
I guess I need to take some of my friends old happy attitude with me tomorrow and make the best of it.
Here's to good luck for all the Gopher Wheelmen and other racers tomorrow night.
So much for going into tomorrow with a bright and happy mental attitude, I just found out a long time friend died of a heart attack last Sunday and the service is on for Thursday afternoon right before race night.
I guess I need to take some of my friends old happy attitude with me tomorrow and make the best of it.
Here's to good luck for all the Gopher Wheelmen and other racers tomorrow night.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Vacation
So much for doing a casual ride on the Paul Bunyan trail last Friday, by the time I got there the beautiful sunny day turned cold and rainy and windy. I kept driving looking for warm and dry but that wasn't going to happen.
Went to Crow Wing Crest lodge on 11th Crow Wing lake just outside of Akeley to meet up with my other buddies, JR, Peter and Bob and had a few beers to relax instead.
Saturday, cold and windy but at least sunny. Went to the local cafe for breakfast, chiken fried steak, eggs and hasbrowns, yum. Drove to the Headwaters Park and did a lap around inside onto Wilderness Trail and then some miles out of the park as recovery miles.
Beautiful day, still windy but nice to be up north without much to care about.
Back home on Sunday to the normal routine.
Monday, back at work.
Went to Crow Wing Crest lodge on 11th Crow Wing lake just outside of Akeley to meet up with my other buddies, JR, Peter and Bob and had a few beers to relax instead.
Saturday, cold and windy but at least sunny. Went to the local cafe for breakfast, chiken fried steak, eggs and hasbrowns, yum. Drove to the Headwaters Park and did a lap around inside onto Wilderness Trail and then some miles out of the park as recovery miles.
Beautiful day, still windy but nice to be up north without much to care about.
Back home on Sunday to the normal routine.
Monday, back at work.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Last pre season Madison
Looks like the weather will be good for Madison training tonight, just so long as the wind drops off a bit, 30 plus MPH gusts are no fun on the track.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Far from OZ
It's been quite a while since my last entry, obviously no longer in the land down under but think about it all the time.
I still am in continuos contact with my cycling buddies and friends from Goulburn. Chris aka Bushy is constantly sending me internet stuff that either makes me laugh out loud and grimace in disgust or something in between.
Plans to get together for Ragbrai in 2011 are in the early stages, should be classic. I don't know if Iowa has enough beer for an Aussie invasion.
Track race season is about to start in MN at NSC for 2009. First race is May 21st, Thursday of course, weather permitting.
I'm planning a more successful season starting out as a Cat. 3 this year.
The end of last year ended in a major crash and broken right collar bone so that is definitely NOT in the plans for this year.
Training for 2009 is going well with Chris Ferris as my coach. More weight room work than I've ever done so I feel strong and just have to turn the power into track bike speed. It better do something, getting up at 5 A.M. to go do squats on Monday mornings, go to work all day and then do structured training at the track Monday night makes for a long training day.
Major goals for the year are to stay competitive with the 3's, get to the Master National Track races in Indy in August and set a new NSC over 60 Masters Flying 200 time.
Should be an exciting time.
I still am in continuos contact with my cycling buddies and friends from Goulburn. Chris aka Bushy is constantly sending me internet stuff that either makes me laugh out loud and grimace in disgust or something in between.
Plans to get together for Ragbrai in 2011 are in the early stages, should be classic. I don't know if Iowa has enough beer for an Aussie invasion.
Track race season is about to start in MN at NSC for 2009. First race is May 21st, Thursday of course, weather permitting.
I'm planning a more successful season starting out as a Cat. 3 this year.
The end of last year ended in a major crash and broken right collar bone so that is definitely NOT in the plans for this year.
Training for 2009 is going well with Chris Ferris as my coach. More weight room work than I've ever done so I feel strong and just have to turn the power into track bike speed. It better do something, getting up at 5 A.M. to go do squats on Monday mornings, go to work all day and then do structured training at the track Monday night makes for a long training day.
Major goals for the year are to stay competitive with the 3's, get to the Master National Track races in Indy in August and set a new NSC over 60 Masters Flying 200 time.
Should be an exciting time.
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