May 11, 2014 at 11:42 PM
Margarite is strong and wins solo frequently. I'd say for the last 3 years. funny thing is, I dont think we've ever crossed paths in a breakaway.
Bear Mountain Spring Classic
Margarite is strong and wins solo frequently. I'd say for the last 3 years. funny thing is, I dont think we've ever crossed paths in a breakaway.
May 11, 2014 at 11:51 PM
Not true. Just a few weeks ago, you were in the split that he attacked out of to win solo in Prospect.mperlberg said:Margarite is strong and wins solo frequently. I'd say for the last 3 years. funny thing is, I dont think we've ever crossed paths in a breakaway.
Marc, you're thinking of John Loehner. John is alot shorter than margarite, about my height, very long torsoed and a good bit skinnier than me. Margarite is tall, narrow, and always has a helmet on. Both guys seem to ride solo in the winter, and we often see both heading north when we're heading south.Marc Bertucco said:That's a big, big win. It seems like he's really stepped up his game. I think I confuse Margarite, with the dude who used to be Pro with Saturn and rides without a helmet on training rides. JP, offer some perspective on Margarite?vlad said:Looks like Margarite won the big one.
May 12, 2014 at 12:21 AM
Which one is cuter?
May 12, 2014 at 01:36 PM
Some pics...
May 12, 2014 at 02:41 PM
That race was so hard!
In the senior men's field there was a big crash on the 180 on the neutral. Neutral my ass, hit that thing at 30+ mph. Heard 3 or 4 loud bangs which I assume were either carbon rims getting hot or people slamming on the anchors, skidding, then busting their inner tube. Whatever, silly pro field honey badgered the 180 and it went to shit. Like over half of the field, I ended up at a dead stop on the grass verge, didn't hit the deck, but had a horrendous chase back to the group. The neutral SRAM boys earned their money for sure.
Unlike the week before at Farmersville which was detonated by a masterstroke of pro power (I feel less bad now as I see that Scott from Optum, they guy who detonated the field then, is racing the Tour of California as we speak so he is probably near his peak fitness), this race was just really, really hard. Or everyone was really, really good. Both? After I think the 7th or 8th time suprathreshold I got popped, wasn't even on a climb, was on some nasty rollers with a crosswind. There had already been splits in the field at that point.
Found myself in the grupetto not shortly after- a much move civilised way to ride, much less surging, although you do go the the front more. Whenever I am in the grupetto I laugh. Such a funny concept, not sure any other sport has anything else similar. I was with the grupetto for about 80 minutes or so and we average ~90% of my threshold for that time! Course itself was really hard, we were averaging 21mph. I don't feel bad at all, there were some serious guys in the grupetto with me: 2 Grinta guys, 3 Kelly Benefits guys, 1 Stans No Tubes guy, 1 Bikereg/Cannondale guy and others. That was the grupetto, the main field was animal!
After almost 60 miles I called it a day. It occurred to me that there was no actual time cut as the next stage of the race was in fact a Monday morning at work. Furthermore, there was still another 40 miles at 90% threshold to go.
Next block of racing after a small break is primarily Cat3 fields. Yay, can see what the front of the field is like again!
May 12, 2014 at 04:11 PM
Adam, you are going to feel like Superman in the 3s after doing the pro 1/2/3 fields at Turkey Hill and Bear. Curious, what lap did you come off the main group?
May 12, 2014 at 04:48 PM
Marc- lap 3/7
Just checked Garmin, in the main field we averaged 22.5mph. Grupetto was 21.1mph. Enlightening, even the fatties in my field were fast.
What was the Cat3 average speed for the race?
May 12, 2014 at 05:25 PM
Before I got popped in the cat 3 race, the average speed was 22mph. I bet it slowed down a little.
One thing I've learned over my years as a cat 3 is that, when compared to p123 races, ours aren't necessarily that much slower though they are a heck of a lot dumber... like a zillion times dumber.
If you're into it, if it's for you, there's no way getting around bike racing being really fucking hard.
One thing I've learned over my years as a cat 3 is that, when compared to p123 races, ours aren't necessarily that much slower though they are a heck of a lot dumber... like a zillion times dumber.
If you're into it, if it's for you, there's no way getting around bike racing being really fucking hard.
May 12, 2014 at 05:41 PM
My bike decided to stop shifting into the 28 on Saturday evening. The chain would move over but as soon as I released the shifter, it would fall back down a cog or two. Solution? Don't release the shifter! Despite my meh day, I just might have to buy this shot that seems to have captured my climbing hack...
May 12, 2014 at 11:24 PM
@Adam Average speed was 22.2mph.
May 13, 2014 at 05:18 PM
Ludicrous. Out of 90 starters, only 28 actually finished. You crazy!
May 13, 2014 at 06:14 PM
So many untold stories. Jeff C! What happened to your big group of "DNPs" in the middle of the field? What about Niall and Grehan and other guys racing. REPORTS please?
@Adam, since you gave me the business after Turkey Hill for my racing "lapse in judgement," I think I get to give you a good natured poke in the ribs now. Here's what I said in my course breakdown:
Seriously though, it sounds like you got what you wanted out of the day. Swimming with the big fish is good for the blood now and again, but as you clearly recognize, it's good to be racing, and not just hanging on sometimes too.
But there is one other thing that, especially you "full 96 milers" should be aware of when you are racing. The Pro 1/2/3 field generally attracts a tough regional field. As such the race is kind of brutal. And if you get dropped, you might be in for a long day in the saddle. I've been dropped, say on the 3rd or 4th lap of this race. And what usually ends up happening is that I spend the rest of the day riding mostly solo, sometimes with a few other guys...
...but frankly the course is hard enough that most people drop out at the feedzone on the lap they are dropped. There are a lot of guys who get dropped just 3 or 4 laps into this race. I have always hated that they just quit on the race because it could still be a fun day in the saddle if you had someone to compete against in the end (like cyclocross, for example) no matter where you are in the field.
May 13, 2014 at 06:30 PM
Yep and yep.Seriously though, it sounds like you got what you wanted out of the day. Swimming with the big fish is good for the blood now and again, but as you clearly recognize, it's good to be racing, and not just hanging on sometimes too.
May 13, 2014 at 09:58 PM
Not sure about those results. I was a DNF not a DNP.
Not much to report. I got popped right at the crest of the second KOM and threw in the towel. Not my finest hour so wasn't really shouting about it. Oh well got home earlier to celebrate Mother's Day with the family.
May 14, 2014 at 07:21 PM
My untold story is probably best left untold.
But seriously, it was a gloriously sunny and warm day and the course was challenging and beautiful. The cat 4 field certainly kept a strong pace up Tiorati and by the second lap was down to about 30 in the front group. On the second lap one of my carbon wheels made a noise (a pop or crack noise) and my bike suddenly had a high speed shimmy just as we were approaching the hairpin turn at 40 miles an hour. Having experience with high speed shimmy years ago I quickly got it under control and navigated the turn safely. I was worried about a busted spoke or a flat, but I seemed to be okay. The guy behind me must have been a physics major and started telling me he thought I had overheated my rims on the descent. He probably was right.
One thing about the Boyd wheels is they were wicked fast on that descent. I kept sitting up and braking so as not to plow into the riders ahead of me. Anyway, on the third and last time on the descent I was really nervous about my braking and was too conservative. After a quick chase to get back on the back of the group I popped off the back when they accelerated. For the next few minutes they were just up the road and I was keeping pace with them. I just couldn't catch back on without blowing up. By the time I hit the KOM the field had 45 seconds on me and I chased mostly solo but then with a guy who had cramped and we finished 6 minutes behind the winner.
One story that should be shared is that Niall, who finished something like 25th in the field, attacked with 1K to go on the final rise. That attack didn't work, but I was impressed with his courage to do so. I'm glad he is on our team.
May 16, 2014 at 01:09 AM
@marcbertucco thanks for the prompt.. bear mountain was a lot of fun. per @patrickg description the day reminded me a lot of racing in washington state last year: lakes, sun, plenty of climbing, fast descents, a war of attritution during the race, and running out of matches in the last 2 miles 
my goals were, in order, don't crash on the descent, don't get dropped on the climb, and if all that worked out, take a gel and a hail mary figured the race entry fee alone justified the latter.
figured the race entry fee alone justified the latter. #1 was less stressful than expected. i had sussed out the course the weekend before and was as comfortable as could be reasonably expected on a 48mph descent -- bar one mistake of getting into the drops and heating my wheels up as everyone else sat up and braked with wind, it was ok.
#2 wasn't so easy. on the second lap someone bumped wheels to my front right and nearly took me down with them. on the final lap I was falling off the back at the KOM but thankfully the pace settled down and I reeled myself back on.
#3 nearly didn't happen, until someone went on a kamikaze mission 1-2 miles from the finish and I decided to bridge across for my 1.5 minutes of fame. we didn't work together too well, and in any case only had a short runway to open a gap before we hit the final climb, at which point my legs declared bankruptcy. i got swallowed by a lead group of ~12 and promptly spat out the back, group #2 repeated the same process, until I finally lucked out and caught a wheel that towed me back up to the second group again finished #18 overall which I'm pretty happy with. the hail mary may have cost me a couple places but made for a more interesting day
finished #18 overall which I'm pretty happy with. the hail mary may have cost me a couple places but made for a more interesting day 
Feb 07, 2015 at 01:00 AM
This is happening the day after Orchard Beach. I haven't made up my mind which one i'll do …if I'm feeling semi-fit(contingent upon my knee feelng ok once I start training again next week) I'll do this one in the old dude 40+ 4/5s racing against RBNY who already have 6 guys signed up for that field
Feb 07, 2015 at 06:45 PM
This is happening the day after Orchard Beach. I haven't made up my mind which one i'll do …if I'm feeling semi-fit(contingent upon my knee feelng ok once I start training again next week) I'll do this one in the old dude 40+ 4/5s racing against RBNY who already have 6 guys signed up for that fieldThis race has a very checkered past with respect to it actually happening. Keep that in mind when you are planning around it.
Feb 07, 2015 at 08:02 PM
All I know that this race happens on Mother's Day which is absolutely a no go in my case.
Feb 07, 2015 at 10:28 PM
FWIW, it appears that there is a Cat 4/5 open race on that course during the otherwise Collegiate only Army Spring Classic. Also a women's 3/4 race on Saturday April 4th.
https://www.bikereg.com/army-spring-classic-2015
Feb 08, 2015 at 02:23 AM
As much as I love a local road race, I'm probably going to bail on this one and double up at Orchard Beach. Sometimes, we just have to keep it real(istic).
Cap Region here I come.
May 01, 2015 at 06:55 PM
I'm looking at the Bear Mountain race on Sunday 5/10.
The Cat 4 has three separate fields, a Master's race at 7:30, 42 miles, Cat 4 championship at 10:05 56 miles, and Cat 4 non-championship at 10:20 for 42 miles.
Not sure which to sign up for just yet, probably the 4 Championship. I'm not that familiar with the course, so I'm planning on heading up there this Sunday, 5/3 on Metro North. There are trains leaving 6:43 AM and 7:43 AM going to Peekskill, with preference on the earlier train for an earlier return and to miss the 5 borough riders. I'm going to take a train up, ride the course for a couple of laps, easy and hard, take the train back home. Looking to put in 68 miles with 2 laps, 80 miles with 3 laps, depending on the weather, traffic and mood. Metro North requires a $5 lifetime bicycle pass which you can buy at Grand Central. Happy to have company if anyone wants to join the training (ha, get it) ride.
May 01, 2015 at 07:29 PM
Bruce,
The climb out of Peekskill is big and the road is narrow and can be fairly busy. While it may take longer, the ride from Garrison, or whatever the first stop north of the Bear Mtn Bridge is, is easier and more pleasant. That written, the ride back to Peekskill is a blast. You climb at the start and then can rip the winding descent.
Also, while the straightest route may be on the highway from the Bear Mtn Bridge to Harriman, it's better to make the left after the bridge, go to the Bear Mtn Inn, and then climb past Perkins, so you only have a short time on the highway.
Report back on road conditions. They can vary from perfect to 90% patch.
The climb out of Peekskill is big and the road is narrow and can be fairly busy. While it may take longer, the ride from Garrison, or whatever the first stop north of the Bear Mtn Bridge is, is easier and more pleasant. That written, the ride back to Peekskill is a blast. You climb at the start and then can rip the winding descent.
Also, while the straightest route may be on the highway from the Bear Mtn Bridge to Harriman, it's better to make the left after the bridge, go to the Bear Mtn Inn, and then climb past Perkins, so you only have a short time on the highway.
Report back on road conditions. They can vary from perfect to 90% patch.
May 01, 2015 at 08:09 PM
That's great, thanks JP.
I was looking at this route
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7283012
I was planning on using the route from the train station to Lake Welch drive, but am reconsidering using the return route instead, based on your advice, as it would be nice not to be on the highway.
Sunday looks to be a lovely day, so I'm anticipating traffic on the roads, and am more interested in seeing, and feeling, the route, than getting in a hard workout. I'll definitely report back.
I was looking at this route
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7283012
I was planning on using the route from the train station to Lake Welch drive, but am reconsidering using the return route instead, based on your advice, as it would be nice not to be on the highway.
Sunday looks to be a lovely day, so I'm anticipating traffic on the roads, and am more interested in seeing, and feeling, the route, than getting in a hard workout. I'll definitely report back.
May 02, 2015 at 01:55 AM
My feeling is use the return route for both. The out route on the ride with gps map you showed takes you up a few really notable hills hills. The first is between miles 7 and 9. The second where the u-turn is at Tompkins Cove, and that takes you on a pretty, and pretty hard back road to Gate Hill. Gate Hill is a harder grade than the climb up to Perkins Drive (aka bear mtn access road).
The map overlay picks a great route for the area. But if you want to see the course, I'd simplify.
The map overlay picks a great route for the area. But if you want to see the course, I'd simplify.
May 03, 2015 at 01:21 PM
Bailed on the training ride. I woke up exhausted, the week finally catching up to me. It's a beautiful day outside, and would have been perfect for a ride in Harriman, or to sit in the park and read. Recovery. Balance. Joy.
May 03, 2015 at 10:37 PM
Are we talking about Bear or Prospect Park?mugwump said:
Report back on road conditions. They can vary from perfect to 90% patch.
May 04, 2015 at 01:17 AM
A few editions were cancelled because the bridges on Tiorati Brook road were deemed structurally unsound. So, yeah, like that.
May 05, 2015 at 05:48 PM
Who all is going? I'm going to register shortly. I think Keith is as well.
But, as for the rest of you, so far, only Tim Wang has signed on the line that is dotted.
This course is a classic, It was used for junior nationals in the 1990s, Nationals in the 1980s, and there's been a spring harriman race since probably the 1970s or earlier. It's a big loop with a big hill, a tough hill, plenty of rollers, often crosswinds, and a screaming descent. If you haven't raced here yet, you owe it to yourself to do so.
But, as for the rest of you, so far, only Tim Wang has signed on the line that is dotted.
This course is a classic, It was used for junior nationals in the 1990s, Nationals in the 1980s, and there's been a spring harriman race since probably the 1970s or earlier. It's a big loop with a big hill, a tough hill, plenty of rollers, often crosswinds, and a screaming descent. If you haven't raced here yet, you owe it to yourself to do so.
May 05, 2015 at 07:26 PM
I'm planning to go. just trying to figure out which cat4 field i enter for. seems like those chasing upgrade points would be better served by the 4/5 pack? i'm assuming that even though it's not the NYS race, it still earns USAC points?