Sunday, May 20, 2007
Modesto RR--30+ 4/5
Nick, Steve R. and Jaime and I enjoyed a fabulous Saturday night at the Olive Garden in Modesto last night. Sure, you say, that's what most hipster San Franciscan's were doing last night, but we were in town for the Modesto Road Race.
Luther had done a Google Earth survey of the terrain and said it was super flat, with the largest "hill" in the area topping out at 50 feet. The dreaded Mt. Ventoux wasn't even on the course, which was flat as a tortilla.
Our goal was to hang in and then keep the pace high at the end, ideally leading Nick out or letting him Robbie McEwen it on his own if necessary after the herd had been thinned. Nick has been riding l,ike a monster lately, though as it turned out his efforts over the past few weeks may have caught up with him today.
The field of 75 rolled out after the promoter deadpanned we shouldn't defacate in front of anyone's house. (Some wise guy yelled "What about puking?") I tried to convince everyone they should let me win because the race finished, and more or less ended, on Kiernan Road (my first name). The weirdest thing--the usually giving, "No, you first", "It's all about your needs" nature of bike racers did not give way to a 54 mile promenade with a victory by yours truly.
Dolce got some early TV time for the sponsors as Steve put himself in two early breaks. Nothing was staying away, however. Lotso cross- and headway over a pretty crit-like course... Something like 9 or ten 90 degree turns on each of the 6 laps. Luckily we had a full road closure which kept things fairly safe, aside from the inevitable bozos menacing everyone's front wheels in the turns. Mr. Redshirt, you know who you are and I don't know how you sleep at night.
On the last two laps, Steve and I took up position on the sharp end of the race and spend a good chunk of time in the wind. Definitely felt good to be more on the offensive for once this season, instead of milling about waiting to be annhilated--and great to have a few more teamates in the peleton.
About half way up the last lap, I pulled Nick up to Steve who was at the front. We hung for a bit and then swung into a long straight section with a tailwind. Because our goal was to try to cause some suffering and keep the pack strung out, I drilled it. Something I had never quite gathered until the day before when we had been practicing lead outs is that in a tailwind, there is much less benefit for the draftee Anyway, this seemed like a good opportunity to cause some burney sensations in the legs for the masses who had been sucking wheel for lo these many miles.
I looked pack and could just see a long line behind me. We then swung left into a nasty headwind. I pulled a bit longer and then swung off. Not a whole lot of interest in anyone taking up point. I drifted back to Steve and we realized Nick was gone... I had feared it as he said he hadn't been feeling good.
We had probably less than a mile and a half to go... We were about 15-20 bikes back. I was pretty cooked and didn't think I could factor in the finish. I told Steve, who'd been riding strong all day, I'd bring him up to the front with what I had left. More drooling and heaving into the wind, we made it into the home stretch before one final corner about 500 yards out. But that was all for me... as went around the corner, my wheel slid and I thought I had flatted or rolled my tubular. I pullled the gutter, put my hand up and went straight out the back. No big loss, I was shelled.
In the finale, Steve came around the final corner on the inside as a few others squeezed out to the far outside. Apparently, there was no real lead out, the guys on the front more or less just drilled it to the end. Steve hung tough and scored a top 5.
Jaime completed his first road and we all stayed upright. Hoo - ray.
Luther had done a Google Earth survey of the terrain and said it was super flat, with the largest "hill" in the area topping out at 50 feet. The dreaded Mt. Ventoux wasn't even on the course, which was flat as a tortilla.
Our goal was to hang in and then keep the pace high at the end, ideally leading Nick out or letting him Robbie McEwen it on his own if necessary after the herd had been thinned. Nick has been riding l,ike a monster lately, though as it turned out his efforts over the past few weeks may have caught up with him today.
The field of 75 rolled out after the promoter deadpanned we shouldn't defacate in front of anyone's house. (Some wise guy yelled "What about puking?") I tried to convince everyone they should let me win because the race finished, and more or less ended, on Kiernan Road (my first name). The weirdest thing--the usually giving, "No, you first", "It's all about your needs" nature of bike racers did not give way to a 54 mile promenade with a victory by yours truly.
Dolce got some early TV time for the sponsors as Steve put himself in two early breaks. Nothing was staying away, however. Lotso cross- and headway over a pretty crit-like course... Something like 9 or ten 90 degree turns on each of the 6 laps. Luckily we had a full road closure which kept things fairly safe, aside from the inevitable bozos menacing everyone's front wheels in the turns. Mr. Redshirt, you know who you are and I don't know how you sleep at night.
On the last two laps, Steve and I took up position on the sharp end of the race and spend a good chunk of time in the wind. Definitely felt good to be more on the offensive for once this season, instead of milling about waiting to be annhilated--and great to have a few more teamates in the peleton.
About half way up the last lap, I pulled Nick up to Steve who was at the front. We hung for a bit and then swung into a long straight section with a tailwind. Because our goal was to try to cause some suffering and keep the pack strung out, I drilled it. Something I had never quite gathered until the day before when we had been practicing lead outs is that in a tailwind, there is much less benefit for the draftee Anyway, this seemed like a good opportunity to cause some burney sensations in the legs for the masses who had been sucking wheel for lo these many miles.
I looked pack and could just see a long line behind me. We then swung left into a nasty headwind. I pulled a bit longer and then swung off. Not a whole lot of interest in anyone taking up point. I drifted back to Steve and we realized Nick was gone... I had feared it as he said he hadn't been feeling good.
We had probably less than a mile and a half to go... We were about 15-20 bikes back. I was pretty cooked and didn't think I could factor in the finish. I told Steve, who'd been riding strong all day, I'd bring him up to the front with what I had left. More drooling and heaving into the wind, we made it into the home stretch before one final corner about 500 yards out. But that was all for me... as went around the corner, my wheel slid and I thought I had flatted or rolled my tubular. I pullled the gutter, put my hand up and went straight out the back. No big loss, I was shelled.
In the finale, Steve came around the final corner on the inside as a few others squeezed out to the far outside. Apparently, there was no real lead out, the guys on the front more or less just drilled it to the end. Steve hung tough and scored a top 5.
Jaime completed his first road and we all stayed upright. Hoo - ray.
Labels: cycling, dolce vita cycling, modesto road race
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Cycling TV
For those of you who want more coverage of the TV that our friends at OLN are providing of the pro races, check out this site which was recently brought to my attention: www.cycling.tv
I gather they've been streaming the spring classics in their full glory... Enjoy:
I gather they've been streaming the spring classics in their full glory... Enjoy:
Labels: cycling, cycling on tv, cycling video
East Coast DVC @ BattenKill Roubaix
Dolce Noel, currently riding in Vermont, sent the following missive of what sounds like a pretty epic/horrible race. If you would like info on how to partake next year after reading the below, you can get more info at:
http://www.battenkillroubaix.com/
[From Noel]
Ahh, Battenkill--- that is a truly horrendous course. 55 miles, with brutal steep rollers over dirt roads, with a couple of steep 39x25, out of the saddle-type climbs thrown in for fun. The suffering was endless.
105 starters in the masters 30+ cat. 1-4 field. Only 65 guys finished. I got waxed good and proper, as I deserved after only 4 days of riding so far this "spring" (it snowed 8 inches yesterday). I had a great time.
I made a huge tactical blunder, as the first climb of the day (and one of the steepest) showed up after only 10 miles. The road turned sharp right, and went from a two-lane asphalt down to a narrow dirt one-laner immediately, followed by a vicious climb, about 10-14 percent for about half a mile.
And there I was (idiot!) chillin' at the back, thinking I was clever to conserve energy. The field exploded on the climb, and I had to make my way up through the wreckage, while the leaders took off. I climbed decently, but at the top I could just see the tail end of the lead group of 30 about half a kilometer ahead of me.
It mights as well have been a mile. I chased like a bastard with one other guy for about 5 km, and we got to within about 300 feet..... but no closer. So fucking cruel. I was cursing myself for not training, for lacking the juice for one all-out burst to close that last gap. But so it goes: I can ride for an hour at hr 175, but right now I can't ride harder than that for more than a minute.
Maybe if I had been at the front before the climb I might have had a chance to hang in the lead pack for more suffering. My chase partner cursed under his breath, and then he was gone. I chased alone for a few more miles, wondering why I was doing it, hoping the leaders would sit up. Finally a chase group of about 15 guys caught me, and we worked together for the rest of the race. 40+ miles of suffering on the rivet, over miserable waves of rollers. The chase group slowly disintegrated as the hills took their toll, until it was only 5 of us.
In the final horrible miles, two guys slowly rode away from us. I had nothing. Each time I took five hard pedal strokes, I would have to recover for 5 minutes at the back. The wretched trio drove it over the line, for no particular reason. I finished 48th, about 10 minutes back from the winner. I could barely stand up. What a silly person I am.
http://www.battenkillroubaix.com/
[From Noel]
Ahh, Battenkill--- that is a truly horrendous course. 55 miles, with brutal steep rollers over dirt roads, with a couple of steep 39x25, out of the saddle-type climbs thrown in for fun. The suffering was endless.
105 starters in the masters 30+ cat. 1-4 field. Only 65 guys finished. I got waxed good and proper, as I deserved after only 4 days of riding so far this "spring" (it snowed 8 inches yesterday). I had a great time.
I made a huge tactical blunder, as the first climb of the day (and one of the steepest) showed up after only 10 miles. The road turned sharp right, and went from a two-lane asphalt down to a narrow dirt one-laner immediately, followed by a vicious climb, about 10-14 percent for about half a mile.
And there I was (idiot!) chillin' at the back, thinking I was clever to conserve energy. The field exploded on the climb, and I had to make my way up through the wreckage, while the leaders took off. I climbed decently, but at the top I could just see the tail end of the lead group of 30 about half a kilometer ahead of me.
It mights as well have been a mile. I chased like a bastard with one other guy for about 5 km, and we got to within about 300 feet..... but no closer. So fucking cruel. I was cursing myself for not training, for lacking the juice for one all-out burst to close that last gap. But so it goes: I can ride for an hour at hr 175, but right now I can't ride harder than that for more than a minute.
Maybe if I had been at the front before the climb I might have had a chance to hang in the lead pack for more suffering. My chase partner cursed under his breath, and then he was gone. I chased alone for a few more miles, wondering why I was doing it, hoping the leaders would sit up. Finally a chase group of about 15 guys caught me, and we worked together for the rest of the race. 40+ miles of suffering on the rivet, over miserable waves of rollers. The chase group slowly disintegrated as the hills took their toll, until it was only 5 of us.
In the final horrible miles, two guys slowly rode away from us. I had nothing. Each time I took five hard pedal strokes, I would have to recover for 5 minutes at the back. The wretched trio drove it over the line, for no particular reason. I finished 48th, about 10 minutes back from the winner. I could barely stand up. What a silly person I am.
Labels: battenkill roubaix, cycling, dolce vita cycling
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Paris Nice TV schedule
After the last two weekends of racing, looking forward to a chill weekend watching someother people suffer.
The schedule on Versus:
Sunday Mar 11, 1:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM
Sun, Mar 18 1:00PM
The schedule on Versus:
Sunday Mar 11, 1:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM
Sun, Mar 18 1:00PM
Labels: cycling, Paris NIce, versus
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Farewell, Jan
Champion, pill popper, fatboy, under achiever, time-trial machine and doper are all labels that have been thrown around in the wake of Jan Ullrich's announcement to retire. But it seems to me the response to the loss of this huge figure in cycling has been awfully muted, perhaps because many insiders say they saw it coming.
Poor Jan. It seems to me that over the years his critics used his early accomplishments against him. This is a guy who rode off the front of the peleton to win the Olympics. He won the World Championship, the Tour and the Vuelta. And who then ran into the smoldering will and iron legs of one Lance Armstrong year after year on the world's greatest cycling stage. His own team didn't seem to help much either. TMobile's brilliant coaching staff either couldn't control their team or purposely directed them to attack each other and chase their own breakaways, no where better illustrated than during Lance's last Tour.
People said Jan was soft, didn't train enough. But compared to who? Lance, whose collaboration with Bruneel must go down as one of the most committed programs to winning in any sport ever? And who gave Lance a greater test than Jan in 2003, a Tour that had me on the edge of my seat every morning for two weeks?
And unlike Lance, a notoriously prickly soul, by all accounts Jan is a gentleman, beloved by his teamates. A guy who potentially gave up a second victory in the Tour when he sat up after Lance's fall up Luz Ardiden (yes, he waited).
I don't know what the real story is regarding the doping allegations around Operation Puerto. He has not been officially convicted of anything. What is clear that the affair cost him a shot at the Tour last year and pushed him to retire.
So, here's to you, Jan. Now you can eat those donuts in peace. As Eric Cartman would say, "Screw you guys, I'm going home."
But first, how about a l'il video montage?
Poor Jan. It seems to me that over the years his critics used his early accomplishments against him. This is a guy who rode off the front of the peleton to win the Olympics. He won the World Championship, the Tour and the Vuelta. And who then ran into the smoldering will and iron legs of one Lance Armstrong year after year on the world's greatest cycling stage. His own team didn't seem to help much either. TMobile's brilliant coaching staff either couldn't control their team or purposely directed them to attack each other and chase their own breakaways, no where better illustrated than during Lance's last Tour.
People said Jan was soft, didn't train enough. But compared to who? Lance, whose collaboration with Bruneel must go down as one of the most committed programs to winning in any sport ever? And who gave Lance a greater test than Jan in 2003, a Tour that had me on the edge of my seat every morning for two weeks?
And unlike Lance, a notoriously prickly soul, by all accounts Jan is a gentleman, beloved by his teamates. A guy who potentially gave up a second victory in the Tour when he sat up after Lance's fall up Luz Ardiden (yes, he waited).
I don't know what the real story is regarding the doping allegations around Operation Puerto. He has not been officially convicted of anything. What is clear that the affair cost him a shot at the Tour last year and pushed him to retire.
So, here's to you, Jan. Now you can eat those donuts in peace. As Eric Cartman would say, "Screw you guys, I'm going home."
But first, how about a l'il video montage?
Labels: cycling, cycling videos, jan ullrich
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Tour of California--Events & Activities
There's a ton of events for the cycling mad coming up this weekend that allow for mingling with the stars, drooling over equipment and or just drooling into a beer. Here's a few of the ones I've heard about... feel free to add any more you've heard of in the "comments" section. --McDolce
Big Swinging Cycle’s “Inside the Tour of California”
Saturday, February 17th, our pals at BSC are putting together a pretty major event. In addition to having lots of pro tour equipment porn to oogle, the highlights will include opportunities to meet and greet members from two of the teams competing.
Hang with Team Jelly Belly at 11am.
At 3PM, be on hand for the US introduction of the new Liquigas/Cannondale Pro Tour team, including Pro Tour Stars Danilo “The Killer” Diluca, Paris-Roubaix Winner Magnus Backdstedt and Milan San Remo victor Filippo Pozzato.
At 4PM, lots of great schwag will be getting raffled off.
Contact info:
Phone: 415-441-6294
Web: http://www.bigswingincycles.com
Sausalito Gala with Phil, Paul & Bob
The city of Sausalito is putting on a weekend full of activies, starting with a black tie gala on Friday night (Feb. 16), where all of the teams will be introduced. None other than Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwin and Bob Roll will be emceeing the event. Tickets start at $250. Sunday night from 6-11pm the town is hosting Tour de Cuisine, an excuse to gorge and drink in a cycling festival atmoshphere. For more information on events leading up Le Grand Depart from Sausalito on Monday, go to http://www.tourofcalifornia-sausalito.com/.
City Cycle's Tour of California Kick-off Party
Saturday, February 17th
6:30 - 9:30pm at City Cycle3001 Steiner St. @ Union , San Francisco
There'll be plenty of food, drinks and good cheer!RSVP to ari@citycycle.com or (415) 346-2242
Learn How Everyone Can Benefit from Science-Based Training
As the official coaching, testing and medical team supporting the BMC Racing Team, you'll learn from the experts how the latest science-based training techniques are important for all levels of riders. A Special Event at the NEW Endurance PTC San Francisco location.
When: 9:30am-11:00am Sunday, February 18th
Where: 747 Front Street (at Broadway)
Raffle prizes include:
A seat in the pursuit car following a BMC rider in the 2007 Tour of California Prologue - immediately following the event
An eCyclingTM rotation at the new San Francisco location
A gift certificate from Lombardi Sports
Custom orthodic fitting from Conform'able
This event is free and space is limited.
Please RSVP to rsvp@enduranceptc.com or call 415-380-9629.
Big Swinging Cycle’s “Inside the Tour of California”
Saturday, February 17th, our pals at BSC are putting together a pretty major event. In addition to having lots of pro tour equipment porn to oogle, the highlights will include opportunities to meet and greet members from two of the teams competing.
Hang with Team Jelly Belly at 11am.
At 3PM, be on hand for the US introduction of the new Liquigas/Cannondale Pro Tour team, including Pro Tour Stars Danilo “The Killer” Diluca, Paris-Roubaix Winner Magnus Backdstedt and Milan San Remo victor Filippo Pozzato.
At 4PM, lots of great schwag will be getting raffled off.
Contact info:
Phone: 415-441-6294
Web: http://www.bigswingincycles.com
Sausalito Gala with Phil, Paul & Bob
The city of Sausalito is putting on a weekend full of activies, starting with a black tie gala on Friday night (Feb. 16), where all of the teams will be introduced. None other than Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwin and Bob Roll will be emceeing the event. Tickets start at $250. Sunday night from 6-11pm the town is hosting Tour de Cuisine, an excuse to gorge and drink in a cycling festival atmoshphere. For more information on events leading up Le Grand Depart from Sausalito on Monday, go to http://www.tourofcalifornia-sausalito.com/.
City Cycle's Tour of California Kick-off Party
Saturday, February 17th
6:30 - 9:30pm at City Cycle3001 Steiner St. @ Union , San Francisco
There'll be plenty of food, drinks and good cheer!RSVP to ari@citycycle.com or (415) 346-2242
Learn How Everyone Can Benefit from Science-Based Training
As the official coaching, testing and medical team supporting the BMC Racing Team, you'll learn from the experts how the latest science-based training techniques are important for all levels of riders. A Special Event at the NEW Endurance PTC San Francisco location.
When: 9:30am-11:00am Sunday, February 18th
Where: 747 Front Street (at Broadway)
Raffle prizes include:
A seat in the pursuit car following a BMC rider in the 2007 Tour of California Prologue - immediately following the event
An eCyclingTM rotation at the new San Francisco location
A gift certificate from Lombardi Sports
Custom orthodic fitting from Conform'able
This event is free and space is limited.
Please RSVP to rsvp@enduranceptc.com or call 415-380-9629.
Labels: cycling, cycling bay area, things to do, tour of california, tour of california events
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tour of California is Upon Us!
It is pouring rain outside and I'm trying to get myself fired up to go do hill repeats by looking at pictures from last year's Tour of California.If you are a cycling fan, or even if you're not you've got to go check it out. Last year, milling around the start line of the Prologue, I was literally bumping shoulders with Pro Tour stars like Chris Horner and Freddie Rodriguez (pictured). At one point, a rider pedalling slowly through the crowd elbowed past me... none other than Floyd Landis himself, with a mischevious grin on his face. It's the great thing about bike racing... its all right there in front of you, even at the highest levels of the sport.
I guess the thrill of the day last year was riding in the chase car behind Danny Pate, with cycling luminary and team director Jonathan Vaughters. He was a pretty funny guy with a dry wit.At one point, Vaughters was encouraging Pate over the race radio, saying he was ahead of somebody's splits.
When one of the assistants said, "Really?", Vaughters shrugged and said "I don't know. I forgot to set my watch." That's alright, I'm sure Pate was in a lactic haze anyway.
After Pate's ride, we were driving back to the start area through North Beach. We were stopped at a light and some guy in the car next to us said, "What are you guys in town for?"
Keep in mind we're in the team car, covered with logos with several bikes and wheel sets strapped to the roof. Vaughters deadpans something to the effect of "Would you believe, a bike race?"
Well, the rain just picked up again. I suppose I can't compain... this is the first weekend of real rain all year. But it's pretty real.
Stay tuned for more ToC news and updates.
Labels: cycling, cycling bay area, tour of california
Monday, February 05, 2007
TV Schedule for Tour of California
The biggest stage race in the US, Amgen's Tour of California, is nearly upon the Bay Area.
The Cable Channel Fomerly Known as OLN (Versus) will be televising recaps in between bull riding, bass fishing and their new celeb-reality show, "Dick Cheney's Let's Go Hunting For Liberals!"
Here's the schedule:
Prologue Sunday, February 18th 2pm-4pm PST
Stage 1 Monday, February 19th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 2 Tuesday, February 20th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 3 Wednesday, February 21st 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 4 Thursday, February 22nd 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 5 Friday, February 23rd 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 6 Saturday, February 24th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 7 Sunday, February 25th 2pm-4pm PST
The Cable Channel Fomerly Known as OLN (Versus) will be televising recaps in between bull riding, bass fishing and their new celeb-reality show, "Dick Cheney's Let's Go Hunting For Liberals!"
Here's the schedule:
Prologue Sunday, February 18th 2pm-4pm PST
Stage 1 Monday, February 19th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 2 Tuesday, February 20th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 3 Wednesday, February 21st 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 4 Thursday, February 22nd 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 5 Friday, February 23rd 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 6 Saturday, February 24th 8pm-9pm PST
Stage 7 Sunday, February 25th 2pm-4pm PST
Labels: cycling, tour of california, tv schedule
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