NC State Crit Championship - Friday - June 11th

Category racing tonight in hot and sticky Salisbury, NC.   The course was L shaped, fast, technical and a bit suspect, both in the neighborhood it went through and the roads and turns.  I am sure The Judge did his best at making sure it was patched and prepared well, but it was still with challenge.   As a matter of fact, one of my teammates went down, JPatterson "The Kid" and although all I saw was road rash and a cracked frame, I certainly hope he will be fine and be able to race again this weekend.  

In any event, I wanted some Cat 3 points so I can eventually move up since I seem to be getting quite a bit of crap from the friends, but after tonights performance it may just quiet them for a while.   A race that I really wanted to be super competitive in and quite possibly win to claim another State Crit Championship (won as a 4 in Fayetteville a few years ago).   It was all but that tonight.   The race started and I sat on the front from the gun just to make sure I got through the turns okay in the always nervous beginning of a race.  It worked and then I let others take their turn on the front. 

It started out extremely mild paced, but I am sure mid to back was challenging from having to go single file through turns 2, 3 and 4 (all night long).   There were a few minor jumps, not even sure I would call them attacks, but probably more for positioning.   I found it interesting that with at least two visible teams (Clif Bar and Bennissimo) there was very little to no teamwork.  Santana threw some attacks, but no one countered or let it go more than a few seconds.   At some point it was a given that this was going to be a sprint finish, so just sit in and wait your chances.

This is typically a good thing for me, but tonight, like Tuesday night at Orr Road, I just wasn't feeling it.   I thought with the mild pace and disposition for a sprint that my legs would come around about 30 minutes or so, but they didn't and I just didn't even have enough to put myself into a position to challenge.   I was sitting 12th wheel or so coming out of corner 4 and not much in the way of order was changed from that point forward based on the narrow and technical turns.  I gave it a go, but all I could muster this night was 10th and that was a challenge in itself.  My dreams of a championship were dashed as quickly as the race ended. 

Something has to give at some point in either my snap and fitness start coming around again OR I need to take some time off the bike and re-focus on the next wave of training.    It is always dangerous to be a self coached athlete that knows their body well.  They ignore so many signs and tell themselves it is something other than what it really is.

In the Pro/1/2/3 race, which I had pondered lining up for, but wanted upgrade points instead, it was ON!  From the gun, single file for about 1/4 of the course.  OUCH!  If  you were mid pack to back, good luck hanging on that train.   Started with 80 guys and dwindled to 40 or so.   Our team was well represented and was in every move or attempting most moves, but at the end of the day the race was controlled by Global Bike.   There were certainly strong guys, but not so much strong teams, so everyone appeared playing off of Global Bike's moves.   Charlotteans Ben and Alder raced their tails off to set up their man, DForkner for the sprint and of course he delivered since he was fresh and delivered to the line.  

The Judge and The Don were extremely active as RJenkins did his own patrolling of the front, but in the end, no breaks, no concerted effort from other guys and a great photo finish.  The Judge, and local Salisbury hero, claimed 2nd place and The Don snuck in for 5th.   Tough race and good team effort!

Orr Road - June 8th

The last Orr Road before the North Carolina State Criterium Championships in Salisbury, NC this weekend so everybody had the itch to come out and get that last real practice in.   The rest of the week will be used to settle down and allow the body one last rest before all hell breaks lose in Salisbury.   Category championships on Friday night, age groups on Saturday and good ole City Park Criterium on Sunday.  

The start was pretty ordinary in that you had a couple of guys attacking, but as usual nothing sticking.  Carolina Flyers were definitely dominant in number with perhaps 25-30 guys accounted for.    I tried a few moves but nothing doing, but also watched The Don (JP) patrol the front until he retired from the festivities and turned professional photographer.  Remember he had crashed at a Rock Hill time trail a few weeks ago and broke a rib or two, so he is warming up but certainly not 100%.   He is still dangerous at less than full capacity.   The Judge sat in for a while and you had to wonder what was going on there.   Mr. Jenkins was resting for the Lowe's TT on Wednesday night, so no Orr Road on schedule. 

I guess "the move" went with about 12 to go or so.  AMartz blasted off with MKelly on his wheel and me on Mike's.  Not sure how the others came across, but I am sure it wasn't long after because it was a strong move.   Alder pulled a 1/3 of a lap, motioned for help and Mike wouldn't pull through.  I pulled through and ripped it on the flat stretch and once I came off it was "blow up" city.   Then I saw the break come by and left the station.   Not sure who all it included but The Judge was there with Alder, MKelly, SMartin, TMiller, DLeatherman, maybe NBoyd and another.   They seemed to be working well together, although I can guess 3 or so that probably did not pull through expecting The Judge to carry their weight too.    All the major teams were represented, so it was up to Salsarita's, Harris Teeter and most of the unattached to do the work, although we all know that Carolina Flyers has the reputation for pulling their own guys back, so I saw some of that too.   

The break was keeping their time gap pretty consistent until 6 or so to go and the pack was inching back slowly.   Oh yeah, where was I you might ask... well after blowing up I decided to spectate and enjoy the view from the sidelines with the Patterson family and many others who got popped, thought they might get popped, or just wanted ringside for the drama to come.   And remember my lap counts, although I was watching, are at best a guess.  With 5 to go, there had been 7 or 8 in the break and the next lap, there was all of a sudden 2, The Judge and Shane.   I have no idea what happened, but when you can pop Alder, Trey, etc. then somebody obviously jumped... my guess, The Judge.   I thought they would have it with 3 to go, but Shane probably did the best he could, which probably wasn't yielding much for the break.   The pack was more quickly pulling them back and with 1 to go, it was about 5 seconds and we all know last lap creates excitement and chaos.   They came around for the finish and The Judge had to re-attack on the back side to hold Marcus and the field off.   The Judge wins again.  Impressive rally by the field.  Not sure who was putting in that effort, but I guarantee you it was a mixed bag trying to keep it all together.  

I heard we averaged 27.5 for an hour, which is our typical speed these days with a little longer of a session.  I think there were some tired cyclists after this heat and humidity has been setting in and some long training rides and races over the past month or so.   I know it was my worst Orr Road in quite some time.  I still don't think I was over 3 Mountain Madness, but just love the thrill of participating in Orr Road.  I remember when I was just starting out I would choose BikeSouth over Orr Road on Tuesday nights and man how that thought has changed.

Hats off to Gordon, Rick and Matt (yes, our rivals) for some consistent and solid results at Roan Moan last weekend in TN.   Nice to see our local guys fare well at races when we are not racing against them. :)  As well, Congrats to RJenkins for winning the S.C. Time Trial Championship over the weekend too. 

3 Mountain Madness - Sat - June 5th & Misc

Thursday, June 3rd - local Lowe's ride (road race simulation)... small group on the "A" ride, about 20 or so. Pace was being pushed none the less as we opted for a route that looked less likely for thunderstorms. Hot and humid was the cause for dropped riders. BMiller, SNavritil, JHathcock and myself formed a 4 man rotation with a little help here and there, but most hanging on to get back by dark. Came back to 521 with about 10-12, but at Sun City, BMiller punched it, Hathcock bridged across. I started late, but floored it and carried Navritil across. The four of us rode off into the sunset. 61 miles later...

Friday, June 4th - quick booty loop ride, from home, a few loops and back... 25 miles.

Saturday, June 5th - Well, well, well... the mountains and i just don't mix. Went up North to do a cookie ride, 3 Mountain Madness... Sauertown, Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain. My primary purpose was to get one last mountain ride in before BSG for training, but you always hope to do well. I guess well is relevant and by all accounts I did not.

Had two teammates there, but teammates don't mean much in one of these rides. The Judge, who typically wins this one and most others and MHill. The other team represented well was Triangle Velo out of Chapel Hill with three strong riders. Big group together for a while, til we got near Sauertown and a split formed. Sauertown is not that steep or long, so the group remained together, although a few of us were dangling on the back. Once we got to Hanging Rock at mile 29 or so, there was more selection, one of which was not me. I, along with a few others, got caught behind a park ranger driving like a grandma on the descent, so we were forced to slow, which gave plenty of opportunity for the lead group to put in some time and they did.

The chase group got somewhat organized and about 5 miles later saw the lead group in sight. I was hanging on the back fighting fatigue and heat when our group decided to put in a hard effort to re-attach. I popped, mile 38. I chased my tail off to get back on.  I caught back on at the bottom of a hill and popped not more than 5 seconds later when they were climbing again.  Bye, bye!  Mile 40.

What a lonely and windy countryside in Surry County soloing a cookie ride from mile 40.  Does it really build character or just show weakness and possibly stupidity? Don't answer that.  I looked back many a time to see if there was a chase group I could join up with, but I think we had already put too much time on them. So, then the game became how long could I hold off somebody... anybody?

I got 2 bottles at mile 32 and didn't refill until mile 68 (the next rest stop that was handing out full bottles), which meant I had been out, as was the heat and sun... 91 degrees and direct sunlight mixed with a nice breeze (called headwind). The fun of the ride was over early and often. I thought several times about taking the turn to the right called 75 miles, but then again I came to train, climb and paid my cookie entry, so to the left and 94 miles here I come, solo.

Finally saw a guy behind me about mile 65 or so, but didn't want to concede too early, so I punched it again to keep the game going. Thought he would eventually make the catch, but just didn't happen. If I put time on him the way I was feeling and climbing, then there was no use of waiting up for another wheel.

Got to Pilot Mountain and wish I never would have. I was already screaming obscenities to myself for even attempting it when I could have just gone straight and won the race. :) As I entered the park, here comes Keith and Charlie. How depressing, since I know on a good day it takes me 19 minutes to get to the top. Today I don't even want to know how long, but probably double that. Got to the top and thanked God. That was the end of my ride... kind of. Now only 10 miles to go.

I found some renewed energy on the flats, felt a few rain drops at 90 and hoped for a lightning strike to my carbon frame. No such luck. Working down my 8th bottle and still wondering why I was cramping and just physically falling apart. Counting down the miles, thinking about the free cookies and wondering how many beers Charlie had already put down. Really wondering why I even left the house at 5:00a to do this freaking ride, but kept good company with my friend, DEngel.

Finished at last and had no care or concern what my time was. Ready to lay down and sleep. After Doug and I regrouped, ate and cooled, headed home with bikes we don't deserve. We should have to ride BSG with steel bikes and a 19 cassette. Okay, I will speak for myself and won't try it with a 23 this time.

I believe Lexington is on the way home, so of course we had to stop for Lexington BBQ. At least something good came of the day. Home by 5:15 and wife tells me we have to be at some friends for a cookout at 6:30. I am learning to internalize. Just another day on the bike....

Sunday, June 6th - too many "to dos" around the house today, but was able to get on the bike at 7:15p for 25 miles. 

Rain Rain Go Freaking Away - Tuesday - June 1st

How many days can it continue to rain in Charlotte? I am getting started on the ark tomorrow. I crossed my fingers and gave it a wish that the forecast would be wrong. The sun gave me hope, but of course 19 minutes into Orr Road the sky fell out and the downpour started as we floated back home down the River Tryon on two wheels. But first...

A sparse crowd of those not smart enough to believe the weather forecast. Got to Orr Road and got started just fine. MHill went from the gun, solo. Very impressive, but never have I seen an early move last, and certainly never a solo move. I think Mark just wanted to hit us quick and get his workout in before he headed off to the gym, or this night to celebrate his anniversary. And as always a few moves here and a few moves there, but nothing sticking and we never really made it long enough for legs to start fatiguing and giving up a little on attacks and covering attacks. I flatted about 15 minutes in and to be honest was somewhat thankful as I wasn't feeling it tonight, but it does take me some time to get the old body moving well. I had been in one of those early moves and didn't have the horsepower or representation needed to work that hard. Sorry, but it is a fact and why blow your load when you know the chase and catch will soon follow and the attacks will continue long after you wish you had those bullets back.

As we got back in town, it appeared dryer and once to the booty loop (that is another story) it hadn't even rained, so Santana and BMiller hit the loop for a few laps. Mr. Miller was on a single speed cross bike (again, another story), but he is strong enough to do so. We caught on with the local triathlete team.. some sort of threats - not real intimidating, but certainly look dangerous with those little funny bars sticking out ready to poke and prod while trying hard to hold a straight line. Just kidding. I can say that since I am a former tri guy and now wear sleeves and like to ride very inconsistent speeds. We took to the loop for a few laps at single file pace to keep the heart rate high and the legs in a spot of bother. A little game of cat and mouse to keep everybody entertained.

Rolling home and 55 miles later, I was still soaked from the earlier downpour. No way it can rain again tomorrow, right?

A little soapbox and if you are a metric or power driven geek and you know exactly who you are, then turn away and don't continue reading or you will be beside yourself in disbelief, but remember this is my blog and my opinion.  And yes I have a power meter and these things can be quite useful IF used correctly.  I certainly don't use mine correctly, but is is mine, right and I can do anything I want with it including not using it.   I do use it, but not with all the bells and whistles and graphs and plots and dots and colors and in the land of make belive of "what ifs".   As a matter of fact, I get questions about why I don't report my data and share some of those files.   I don't because I don't over analyze it and don't want to get caught up in data that keeps the mind from telling the legs to go until you blow.  I raced Saturday night at High Point and never looked down once to check speed, distance, power, cadence, etc.   It wasn't important.  What was important is that I keep the wheel in front of me and that I keep an eye (from the break) on what is behind me and stay consistent when need be and pick up power or pace when need be.   You get a feel for these things.  You become insightful and maybe even intuitive as a bike racer.   Use wisely and don't let power slow you down.  Gosh, I can hear CAndrews lecturing me right now.   Retract it all. :)

Memorial Day Soaker Ride - May 31st

I'd like to recognize this day and it's significance... Memorial Day... a day many take for granted, but one to stop and realize how many men and women have fought and are still fighting for our freedom and safety around this world so that we can take pleasure in doing the things that we do in our everyday lives. God bless those countrymen for all they do and for those that lay to rest in honor of our great nation. Happy Memorial Day!

Cyclists are allergic to rain, but more from the need to keep the equipment clean and their shoes dry. If we think it might rain, we break out the rain bike, rain shoes, rain everything. Today was suppose to be nice in the a.m., showers in the p.m. Boy was that forecast further from the truth. And meteorologists get paid for this type of prediction.


Started out at 8a with a few local guys for a 2 hour ride. Easy pace, just spinning the legs and enjoying the holiday. Lead by RGrier, we did some sightseeing of some old JReavis routes that are too busy these days and not well maintained for bikes. Nice change of pace though and kept the showers away until we started down the backside of Dam Road. It looked like we were heading right into the eye of the storm (remember, we are cyclists and not necessarily known for our intellect), but we wanted a piece of Dam Road (a nice little climb close by and always splits the group on local rides). We got absolutely drenched going up Dam Road and back through Fort Mill. As a matter of fact, from that point on it rained non-stop. We decided without even a conversation that it was a B line back to the shop. But it was absolutely horrible conditions getting back, with huge puddles everywhere. Brakes weren't working well, road markings were dangerous to get near and we couldn't even see at times from the barrage of rain and splash from passing cars (i think they secretly got a thrill out of splashing those darn cyclists - little did they realize that we were already wet).


What a way to spend your day off and early morning up, but 40 miles later I am sure each of us was glad to be back at home spending Memorial Day with our family in dry clothes. An "A" for effort and an honorary degree in meteorology bestowed to all that finished today. Great job!

Double Up Day - Sat a.m. Nationals & High Point Criterium - May 29th

Started in the saddle at 6:45a, wet roads and hopes to stay dry for the Tour de Fort Mill without getting too beat up by the big local team, who coincidently enough showed up with 11 guys this morning. The ride was actually tame. I threw in a couple of attacks on the hills to get the legs fired up, see who was paying attention and to keep the others on the defensive. Keeping my eyes peeled to MBotting and GStiel. Never know when those motors might go or put you in the pain locker. TFenig got the Doby Bridge sprint - go Tom. And MBotting wasn't feeling it today obviously because he didn't give it a go at Doby Bridge (the most significant hilltop finish on the route - about a 1/2 mile that starts with some elevation, levels off for a while with a slight pitch and then steps up again for the finish). And in the finale, MBotting decided to lead it out and I assume set up GStiel, but everybody got clustered because it almost seemed like nobody was going to jump and start their sprint (it usually starts 300 meters out or so). Today it probably got started 100 meters out. I got caught looking, but not for long, as GStiel and JHunter were the players. It looked as though Gordon had it, but he started fading quickly. Jeff jumped from Gordon's wheel to mine and just couldn't make the pass. Score! And as all Saturday bike rides should end, five of us headed for coffee and bagels in town - RGrier, DKeesler, RSmith, DEngle and myself. Gentlemen they are and great perspective on life. To home and 53 miles later...

Later that day and with the uncertainty of my riding for Sunday and Monday, my lovely wife gave me the green light to race in High Point this evening, so we packed the car and headed up North 1-1/2 hours. It was pouring when we left and was wondering how the weather would hold up in HP.  I have a great wife!
Racing Masters 35+ and never know who will show up. We certainly have some powerhouses in the Masters field in the SouthEast. Unfortunately only 14 guys lined up. Threat of rain, holiday weekend, late start...who knows? 3 teams were in force and some individual contributors mixed in. RJenkins went from the gun with one follower, they came back, The Judge went and took three I believe (i thought all the teams were represented) and that was the move, but they couldn't organize and were brought back. RJ goes again with one and that is the move of the day.  There were a number of vicious attacks in between.  Another attack comes and I go with - guy from Carolina Bicycle (Michael) - that is the second move of the day. The Judge tries like hell to get away, but he is the most marked man in the sport and rightfully so.  Both breaks are working together well and maintained their speed & distance, so there are the top 4 - racing for 5th is everybody else. WBixby gets Ryan at the finish, but Ryan certainly doesn't claim to be a sprinter, but has wicked horsepower so be careful of his ability to TT away from you. Michael and I worked great together until that last lap and all of a sudden we are playing, watching, waiting and get to the final turn and he jumps. I jump immediately not knowing how well he sprints. Lucky for me, I was able to close it down and come past for 3rd - again, no points. Good showing by Carolina Masters... 2nd, 3rd and 6th. On to Lexington BBQ for dinner - wouldn't miss it for the world if I am in the neighborhood.

All in a days work!

Charlotte Nationals - Orr Road - May 25th

Ahh, another night with a slight threat of rain, but this historic weekly event must go on regardless. And the troops come from every direction to take their pain, shock their legs, blow their heart out and feel good afterwards that they gave it a go, again.




How exciting would be if I just wrote the usual suspects showed up, rode around in circles for 50 minutes and called it a night? Okay, not far from the truth, but it is all about those little decisions each person makes during this ride, i mean race, that gives them that thrill of exhilaration and accomplishment, meaning how many folks do they move up on, how many laps do they last, where do they finish, what was their max heartrate, did they take the corners without braking and are their shoulders and wrists relaxed after the ride, did they beat their arch rival, did they do better than last week, did they get yelled at by some elite snob, etc., etc.



Shout out for the guys who put up the cones each week. We use to divide and conquer with volunteers, but not sure who the hero is these days... they deserve "saint" status in the racing community though. There is nothing worse than showing up at Orr Road and see no cones set up. We are such an entitled crowd for what reason I have no idea. Have you ever met a racer that didn't think they were pretty good, if not great and certainly wanted swag for free?



Sometimes it is hard to keep an eye on the race with so many folks out there, who has been lapped, how much distance you give a couple of guys before pulling them back, what moves to go with, at what point on the course you burn that match you have been saving up, etc.



Tonight was no exception. Breaks here and there, but not much sticking. I was in a couple of little moves, but could tell in each that they weren't sticking... either to small, not enough horsepower, a teammate with me (which has stayed away on occasion), not the right teams represented (usually the case), etc. I thought the move of the day was done with The Judge and a pretty substantial group got away and started putting time in on us as I was setting tempo on the front, but several guys saw the same and didn't want it to last so after about 3-4 laps it was pulled back. A few more attacks and nothing doing.



And with about 10 or so to go, The Judge gets away again (who can believe that, right?) with TMiller, Sheehan and DFuller. Some old school horsepower with The Young Buck (TM). Looks solid as long as all are motivated and working together. Seems they were although CVigna, Salsarita's and AMartz were working hard to pull them back. Too many years of experience in that pack.



Not sure how the final flushed out, although I know The Young Buck got away on a little move and won Orr Road - put that on your resume my man and tell USA Cycling to come sanction this baby. I would assume The Judge pulled in second. Sheehan has been doing very well at Orr Road over the last month or so, so no surprise to see him in the mix and reading the move - must have something to do with that secret mountain training. And certainly no surprise to see DFuller up there - crafty veteran and that has a pounce too.



So, we all played our cards for the sprint finish. I knew AMartz was out (young Cat 1 who was taking full lap pulls to bring it back) and probably CVigna (since he was putting in attacks late). Knew my competition was some of the Masters riders (Morgan & Knitche, etc.) Never know when the attack will come with one to go, but it typically is always right before the start/finish with one to go and sure enough there it goes, but it is always too early and short lived. I got to 8th wheel or so and felt pretty good there - just never know who will pop, who will attack and who is on your wheel. I saw some hesitation after the first turn and knew I needed to be to the right in a position to jump on a wheel (never fails). And sure enough DLeatherman jumps. He is pretty strong and hasn't been racing the last few years, so not sure his mojo yet, but I knew enough to find his wheel. I didn't think he would be able to hold it from turn 2 to the finish (there is no way), but figured he was leading one of his Carolina Flyers boys out. They missed his wheel though. I took it thinking he would sit up once he saw me on but he had committed so time to blow it up. It really was the perfect leadout for me, but I figured his guy was on my wheel so when I jumped I dug deep hoping like hell no one could come around. I know Vigna has a lightening 100 meters but I knew he had blown his load already. Digging deep..... Knitche on my wheel.... can he come around.... not this time my man. 5th place on the resume - just kidding.



I enjoy the ride home almost as much visiting with friends, recovering and riding right through Uptown on the way out South. Great time and great weekly event to hang out with the guys and put your body through measurable pain in the process.