I think both of the above strategies have merits, although I admit I’m not the best tactical analyst. Do we have enough people in the race to do a bit of both? Could we keep a few in reserve for @JohnMalcolmson’s suggestions with the rest making early attacks?

Results?  Bros?

mugwump said:

Results?  Bros?

@cpulvidente finished 3rd in the Cat 5 field. He was on fire the whole race and didn’t look tired at all the whole time!

Congrats to Conor on his Cat 5 podium!

As for the Masters race I am processing on board video which I will post soon.

Not a race report as much as a few observations:

26.2 mph average.

We had a nice turnout. Jeff Condon is BACK after injury. I saw a lot of him, Niall and Joe near the front. I had some okay strength, but after being set back due to a herniated disk, I had lost the ability to make repeated hard efforts in a short period.

I can't speak for the other guys, but I got to the front and attacked a few times but my group got shut down quick by Brands.

A few laps later I bridged to an attack (I think it was after a green jersey sprint) including some strong riders and a Brands guy. I thought it had a chance of working until I realized that Brands chased that move down as well. Turned out that the eventual winner was in that break and I guess Brands didn't want to let him go.

Essentially Brands chased down everything. 

I was pretty gassed after my efforts, but was glad to have mixed it up a little.

The finish felt a little strange. It was a huge surge up the hill and then slowed a little after the GAP going into the finish. I was actually coasting for a bit. My brain was screaming to sprint but my legs wouldn't cooperate. I ended up sprinting the last few seconds and came in 22 out of 110.  

Looking forward to L&C Cup next week

.

Please sign up to volunteer to help with registration for Saturday’s  Castelli race! Race for free. Thanks https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h68kb_QnO2NSAaAd2gradwBk12Q3uw__kjm2yTAv8Zg

Who's racing?  Let's get a head count started.

I just signed up to race (Cat 5) and volunteer. 

I’m racing. 

Hi- brand new to the club and forum. I’m racing this Saturday, but am so new I won’t even have kit yet (but have ordered). Racing in the masters 1-4 (I’m 41 and C4- this will be my second C4 race having done 15+ C5 races). I’ll post a proper intro in next day or so. In any event, happy to be on board and happy to be working for the team. It got boring (and lonely!) racing solo! BTW- I may be being dumb, but is there an easy way to track most current threads? Is it last page, bottom of page? I’m also on slack.
Thanks all! Steve Murray (Muzza)

Jeff Condon said:

I’m racing. 

I'm joining you.

@Muzzabiker do you need a jersey?  What size?  We should be able to scare one up for you.

@mugwump - that would be awesome. Thank you. I’m a size L. Don’t misinterpret that to mean I’m a punchy prospect park sprinter! Just an average rouleur who grafts! Shall I meet you at check-in on Sat? I can’t make the event tonight that John Olsson mentioned. Thanks again.

Muzzabiker said:

@mugwump - that would be awesome. Thank you. I’m a size L. Don’t misinterpret that to mean I’m a punchy prospect park sprinter! Just an average rouleur who grafts! Shall I meet you at check-in on Sat? I can’t make the event tonight that John Olsson mentioned. Thanks again.

I don't have a Large jersey, but perhaps someone else does.  I have several small jerseys.
@JohnOlsson is supposed to be at registration.  Perhaps he has a spare.

@Muzzabiker I'll bring a spare Large jersey. I'm tattooed and working the registration table tomorrow so I should be easy to find. 

@JasonFugett - thank you

Is there any particular team race strategy for those racing masters?

Muzzabiker said:

Is there any particular team race strategy for those racing masters?

Usually yes, though there are some limits.  First, there is knowing the players--it's easier to discuss online with the field is full.  Second, there is knowing our collective form--if our guys are worried about finishing, that's a serious limit.

Today, Jeff Condon was just back from vacation, John Powell has been seeing an uptick in form, I'm a bit of a wild card--my form has been uneven this season.  You were an unknown quantity.

Even if we're all riding well, we're not as deep as the Brands team and not as strong as Benzel Busch (aka former Weather Channel).  In these Masters races, we need to watch for what those two teams do.  The Jordan guys, even though they hold the yellow jersey are less of an issue: few of them ride as a team.  The team of the green jersey, Wonder Wheels, usually has only one helper for their lead guy.  And he wasn't here today.

With you, I didn't know if you could hang on, let alone contribute, so asking you to take any particular role seemed an unwise proposition.  Considering I saw you on the last lap, I suppose it was a mistake.  

Actually, I think we underperformed considering what I saw during the race.  Jeff was plenty strong, John had a few sterling moments at the front, and you made an appearance on the last lap.  Next time, we all should be able to do a bit better on positioning, and get involved in a few escapes to see if we can get a break going.  The question is 'how deep are you willing to go?'  I love racing hard at the front, with multiple teammates getting in on moves--it's fun, a way to push oneself beyond normal limits, and occasionally score some muffin money.

We'll have more discussion/advice/requests next time.

race notes:
*we started slow, but had some fast laps.
*there was a big battle for the first KoM.  Brands and Benzel Busch were challenging each other and ramping up the pace.  
*Ricky Lowe, who used to be one of the loudest, angriest complainers when he saw something he didn't like in the peloton.  Today, he was the one counseling good vibes when we barreled toward a rider standing on the road and talking on the phone.
*There were a few early escapes, but none of them got far.
*The major move of the race came the lap before the second KoM.  Pissed am I that I missed it; I had been doing a good job of being near the danger men most of the day, but I was just a bit too far back when they went.  I think four to six were up there.  I was the first guy not to make it.
*Our last lap felt fast but controlled.  Not sure why Brands and BB were in the mix as they had guys up the road.  Even though it seemed we went easier up the hill, we ate into the break's lead and caught them on the line.  Would love to have been up with them.  

Results
21. JP
24. Jeff
33. Steven (Muzzabiker)
??. John (not listed in results)

Not much to report on the Cat 5 race. I was the lone Kissena Cat 5 today. Where are my fellow cat 5 racers at?

There was a lot of surging through out the race. Even up front. There was a break early on by one of the Ride Ya Bike guys that I caught. On lap 3 there was another attempted solo break that was easily caught with no chase. However on lap 4 a group of 5 or 6 got out ahead. Thinking at first it wouldn’t stick I didn’t do anything. I saw a guy making a solo chase and sprinted to his wheel. We tried to chase the breakaway but they were able to stay away to the finish. I nearly blew myself up at the end with the chase but I was able to make a last ditch effort sprint to secure 10th. 

@mugwump
Thanks for taking the time on this. Very thoughtful breakdown. I look forward to racing/riding with the club some more- and learning along the way.

Good work Jason and thanks again for the loaner jersey.

Cheers
Muzza

Apparently flat handlebars are now allowed in races. I saw one in the Cat 5 field today and Charlie and the officials confirmed it's ok (although they admitted they had to look it up in the rule book).

@Muzzabiker anytime! 

@Phil Maronilla I noticed that rider yesterday. That’s actually the second time I’ve seen them racing on that bike at Prospect Park. Also there was a guy racing with flat pedals and sneakers... 

JohnPowell said:

Also, I think they gave me a number in the wrong series.

Looking at the above picture, I think you're right about that.

Bummer about the cramps.  Yes, even a small change in cleat position can make a difference like that--and can take a few weeks to strengthen/change the muscle firing pattern.  The change also can effectively lengthen/shorten the distance from the saddle to the pedals, and can affect all the leg muscles and even the lower back.  Ilya should be able to help with that.  I'd suggest checking in by phone or email to see when/if he has the time.

If there's a next time when you flat out or drop out, try to wait for us to come by and alert us that you're no longer in the race.  It's a help.

While I'm giving unsolicited old man advice, here's another one (not directed at anyone in particular) :

WHEN WAITING FOR THE PORT A POT BEFORE THE RACE, UNDO YOUR BIBS AND TAKE OFF YOUR JERSEY BEFORE GOING IN AND ONLY PUT THEM ON AFTER YOU GET OUT.  Saves everyone time.

Anyone racing this weekend? Cat 5s?