Monday, February 26, 2007
Race Report: Snelling
While we've had folks doing some racing this year, Snelling was the first big turnout for the team, with DVC represented in the women 3s and 4s, the men in the 4s, 5s and the old duffers 35+ Masters 4s.
The big news was the very strong showing by the women in the 4s. Catherine won her field, with Starla and Kelly finishing 6th and 7th. Our pal Sam from CRC won the other 4s field. If it couldnt' be us, it was great that it was her. Poor Jess flatted on the first lap, leaving Janelle on her own to score 8th in the women's 3s.
On the men's side, Brian entered came out of the final turn in 3rd place but had some cagey folks slide by him. He scored somewhere around 10th. Mac came around the corner in 20th position (in a field of 100) just in time to turn into a massive muscle seizure a few hundred yards from the finish. Both quads seized up and his reward for hanging in for 5 laps was to be unceremoniously spit out the back of the back. The cycling gods are not known for their mercy.
Nick and Kiernan, using intelligence from Mac and Brian, spent the first 3 laps moving around the pack to find the best shelter from the pretty nasty side wind. We helped animate the race, chasing one dangerous looking break before the last lap. Nick did some hard work on the front on the last lap to bring back a solo break that looked like he was going to stay away... We caught sight of him going into the final two miles and the peleton finally got organized, in spite of his teamates doing a good job to block the chase. I was at the front going into the final stretch, but lost my line when our pal Eric Hoffman from Fusion attacked into the last turn. I managed to get 12th or 13th, while Nick finished safely in the pack. This being his first race back since his serious crash at Dunnigan Hills, that was a happy accomplishment.
A safe day for all and a great start for our women in particular.
The big news was the very strong showing by the women in the 4s. Catherine won her field, with Starla and Kelly finishing 6th and 7th. Our pal Sam from CRC won the other 4s field. If it couldnt' be us, it was great that it was her. Poor Jess flatted on the first lap, leaving Janelle on her own to score 8th in the women's 3s.
On the men's side, Brian entered came out of the final turn in 3rd place but had some cagey folks slide by him. He scored somewhere around 10th. Mac came around the corner in 20th position (in a field of 100) just in time to turn into a massive muscle seizure a few hundred yards from the finish. Both quads seized up and his reward for hanging in for 5 laps was to be unceremoniously spit out the back of the back. The cycling gods are not known for their mercy.
Nick and Kiernan, using intelligence from Mac and Brian, spent the first 3 laps moving around the pack to find the best shelter from the pretty nasty side wind. We helped animate the race, chasing one dangerous looking break before the last lap. Nick did some hard work on the front on the last lap to bring back a solo break that looked like he was going to stay away... We caught sight of him going into the final two miles and the peleton finally got organized, in spite of his teamates doing a good job to block the chase. I was at the front going into the final stretch, but lost my line when our pal Eric Hoffman from Fusion attacked into the last turn. I managed to get 12th or 13th, while Nick finished safely in the pack. This being his first race back since his serious crash at Dunnigan Hills, that was a happy accomplishment.
A safe day for all and a great start for our women in particular.
Labels: race report, snelling road race
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Race Diary: The Season is Here
Okay, so the Tour of California has me in full on bike racing fever, epecially watching the pros grimace up Patterson Pass, which crushed me last summer.
And it's good I've got the fever. Because after several months of training in the dark and on trainers and, thankfully, only a few times in the rain, my season is about to begin. Snelling Road Race. Mmmmm... yummy.
It's unfortunate that I spent last weekend in Mexico drinking vast quantities of tequila, apparently wiping out the form I had been building. (Two days ago, I got my heart up to 150 just pumping up my tires and getting on the trainer.)
It's unfortunate that I was hit by a car descending into Sausalito last weekend.
And it's unfortunate that our team has been decimated by bad luck over the last two months. The toll is as follows: Two broken collar bones. One broken hand. A broken thumb. Hernia surgery. A blown out knee and broken tibia (ski accident). Restaurant opening. Two down for this weekend by the flu.
I'm not kidding. That's the truff, Roof.
So, Nick and I head off to Snelling to race with the old duffers in the Masters, less than half our expected numbers (and strength). Brian and Mac will each race solo in their categories.
But you know, its cool. The season is here and I can't wait to get back in the peleton. I put on my race wheels last night and thru on the 23. I hope its pouring rain, freezing and fast as hell.
Let the suffering begin.
And it's good I've got the fever. Because after several months of training in the dark and on trainers and, thankfully, only a few times in the rain, my season is about to begin. Snelling Road Race. Mmmmm... yummy.
It's unfortunate that I spent last weekend in Mexico drinking vast quantities of tequila, apparently wiping out the form I had been building. (Two days ago, I got my heart up to 150 just pumping up my tires and getting on the trainer.)
It's unfortunate that I was hit by a car descending into Sausalito last weekend.
And it's unfortunate that our team has been decimated by bad luck over the last two months. The toll is as follows: Two broken collar bones. One broken hand. A broken thumb. Hernia surgery. A blown out knee and broken tibia (ski accident). Restaurant opening. Two down for this weekend by the flu.
I'm not kidding. That's the truff, Roof.
So, Nick and I head off to Snelling to race with the old duffers in the Masters, less than half our expected numbers (and strength). Brian and Mac will each race solo in their categories.
But you know, its cool. The season is here and I can't wait to get back in the peleton. I put on my race wheels last night and thru on the 23. I hope its pouring rain, freezing and fast as hell.
Let the suffering begin.
Labels: bike racing, cycling bay area, dolce vita cycling, snelling road race
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