today was pretty damn good for our first race.

myles and marc picked up some MAJOR slack, covering the early moves like there were four of them, not two.

it was really impressive; their racing experience and tenacity shone.

all this allowed JP and I to chill out and warm up in the pack - it was really a huge psychological boon to know that i had such capable teammates protecting me.

during the second lap, i went with a few attacks (including our newest "local boy" gavi epstein of Garmin Cervelo) and did a few half-hearted bridge attempts.

The Break formed and JP was in it, so i sat tight, but eventually a whole bunch of people joined and i realized i needed to be up there as well.

with 2.25 to go, i attacked hard leading up to Tavern on the Green and started sucking up the 15 or so seconds that separated me form them.

ricky lowe and another huge rider from Die Hard came streaking by me and i went absolutely to my limit trying to stay within 10 feet of their wheels.

i told myself, "if you do one thing in this race today, make this bridge" and thank yahweh i did.

unfortunately, one of the two of them quit as soon as they made contact, and i had to chase around him and close the gap again - bad pain.

at cat's paw, the strong guys in the break decided that 20 riders was way too many and they started attacking. i was gapped and eventually sucked up by the field.

marc flew by me and told me to just sit tight and recover (thank you) and by the last lap, i was feeling much better.

upon marc's instructions, i went to the front and started sitting on moves to make sure JP's break stayed away. this felt good - my ability to handle the explosive, high-wattage efforts needed to cover attacks in these park races is finally coming around after 1.5 years of racing with the 1,2,3's.

nearing tavern on the green, i decided i needed one more effort in the race. i followed someones attack and when we were caught, i went to the front and (i think) strung the field out until the top of the downhill before cat's paw, at which point i sat up and watched all of the geniuses sprint for non-money bearing positions.

i was proud of JP - such a smart, consistent rider.

i was damn proud of marc and myles - these dudes really laid it out there for us. as you all know, these sort of selfless efforts are incredibly important in our sport.

also, super excited for our cat 5 and cat 4 squads - that is a hot wakeup call to everybody.

looking forward to Grant's Tomb.

so psyched racing has begun again!

Great racing with you all and much appreciate the props and look forward to doing it again next week! I don't have a lot to add to Andrew's breakdown, we had a little attack/counter attack practice; most the of the team maintained position near the front (which really was a much easier and safer place to be when people were all jittery in the slick conditions). Good one John Saunderson for taking a dig. Thanks Andrew for sacrificing yourself in the last mile trying to pull back the guy soloing (dude was strong!).

Last lap: I found myself clear after the sweeper before Harlem and so tempo'd a bit, which wasn't smart as I was on the front on the hill and got gapped when those two guys attacked and was left jumping from wheel to wheel to get back on. Regained the front group on the straightaway and just sat and managed to recover a little and work my way to the front for the sprint. I have to admit I wasn't aware that we hadn't pulled back all of the break or I would have gone to the front. The finish was nasty, I was about fifth position just before the little kick up to the finish and suddenly everyone went backwards and there was just me and a lot of empty road and so it was hammer down from the bottom. Died a thousand deaths in the last 20m. McKay came flying past on fire, literally!

Thanks heaps to Marc for taking time out from his own race to talk pre-race strategy. With that headwind down the West side of the park it was indeed a good day to breakaway on Harlem—and that was the winning move. My thoughts for next week are lead-out train for McKay, he's got some Watts there. In the meantime I'll work on dropping some of the podge and improving my European accent yah.

Cheers!

Had a great time, and congrats to the John and McKay for the fantastic finish! I was able to get a reasonably long pull at the very front up the east side, hanging on till around the big descent, and was mid-pack coming off the climb but got dropped on the rollers - just couldn't hold the last wheel. Made one big effort to catch back on, but couldn't quite manage it. Not entirely unexpected as it's pretty much how my first race played out last season, and I haven't really gotten much interval training in this winter. I solo'd home and still finished ahead of about 9-10 guys by my count. Hopefully I'll stay with the pack next Sunday and be in the mix at the end!

I'll be riding in Prospect Park tonight if anyone's interested...probably around 7:30-8 o'clock.

Cheers,
David

Killer shot. Guess you're only allowed to sprint in that race if you have a black bike ...

Congrats all the racers on a fine showing on this 1st racing weekend.

And for next weekend... let us all endeavor to cultivate such a fine and fierce sprint grimmace as Mattie exhibits above.

I too want congratulate McKay and John (two design professionals with a connection to Pratt Institute [a conspiracy perhaps?]) on their terrific results.


P.S.-I was in Bethel Connecticut yesterday getting hammered and drenched in the quick Masters I-IV Field. I will be heading up there to race again on April 20th in case anyone's interested in ride.
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=12513

FYI, if you're planning on racing this wknd, spots in 5s are going fast. Only 15 remain

Marc, thank you for the the coaching and support! John M, Andrew et al, that was a lot of work you guys did! and thank you very much for the comments... This was the first race i have been in where i felt part of any sort of tactics, so that was very interesting.

It is getting kind of hazyto remember now, but i was basically terrified of crashing, so was trying to get up front with John M right from the beginning. i stayed to the right on the steep hill down, went very slowly to stay safe, and was promptly passed by 10 or 15 riders coming out of that corner who were on the left. i was unable to get back in the line, so had to work up the line on the right side on my own to get up the hill. i was too blown just keeping up on harlem hill and couldnt imagine attacking where Marc had suggested. I saw John M attack off the front near the end of the rollers, and i put in a kind of lame counter attack on a slight decline, really just a pull at the front, right after we caught up to him. I fell back in the pack going into horseshit ally. i managed to get near the front of the pack near the beginning of the second lap, and saw John M again doing a big pull in the front. what a beast! Again, i stayed right going down the steep hill and lost a lot of ground going too slowly. Again, i got closed out on the left, and had a hard time getting back into the line going up Harlem hill. I saw the two guys attack half way up for their breakaway, and began to fall back through the pack again, not able to keep the pace on the hill. I saw the chase group ahead in the rollers, found myself i guess near the front of the next chase group? now here, i wasnt sure what to do, as i could see there was at least one kissena guy in the group ahead, but they didn't seem to be making too much ground. bridge up? block and let them get away? i didnt want to slow down too much and lose momentum, so i basically just rode tempo, and wore myself out . (At this point, i think i decided that this was way more suffering than i had anticipated, and was getting a bit panicked.) A rider i know who works at endurancewerx, Kevin, came by soon after and said "get on". He had been a 4, nearly a 3 i guess in 2009, so i figured he knew what he was doing, so i stuck tight on his wheel. He was solid, and by the time we got to about 500m from the finish, i think we were basically at the back of the chase group. being heavy, i gathered too much momentum going down the hill, and had to dodge to the left on the outside and go around him. At this point, i sort of had quite a bit of momentum, so had to go around another rider. here was another problem, as i here have to admit that i rode over one of the two double lines on the left. i did not go into the runners lane, but i remember thinking that maybe i did a bad thing there. the guy i had to go around wobbled a bit, but if i had given him more room, i would have been over the second line. at this point, it is just past the base of the hill to the finish, and i am not sure how far away the finish line is. i know i can do max 30 pedal strokes at about 90pct effort out of the saddle, so i started counting and dug in. i looked to the right and it seemed like everyone was standing still. closing in on the guy in front, i kept thinking i could catch him with another 20 yards, but i hit my limit (30 strokes) just at the line. funny thing is i never actually hit top speed, so it didnt feel like a sprint, it was just a long grind, and the finish was the most painful one i have had yet.

I guess i would say that had if I not been right on Kevin the last 1/4 of the 2nd loop, i probably would not have had such a good position, as he was pretty steady in working up the pack. i think what i want to do next week is glue myself to the back of somebodys wheel for the whole last lap. I think based on the hill length i could also maybe do a decent leadout for John M, who has much more experience than I. Also, i would like to see if we could pop couple of lighter guys, like Josh, John S, and Andrew, away off the front at harlem hill, like those two guys did on the second lap. that was a well organized attack, and nobody in the lineup had an answer for them there. it really hurt psychologically to seem them pull away like that. we should be doing the mental damage there :)

I appreciate any comment or suggestions on strategy, tactics, and sprinting, as i feel it was way more luck than good management that i did anything at all, and i feel like most of the race was barely surviving. i spent the rest of the day feeling somewhat shaken, like i had been in a minor car accident.

Thanks Andrew, just signed up.

Adam

That was a well-timed attack up Harlem hill by those two. However, the reason their attack worked wasn’t because they got away up Harlem hill, (they only had maybe 15-20m over the top), but they were able to push hard up the first roller and gain a sizable gap. Like Marc was saying last week, that first roller is a good place to attack. The pace was hard up HH so when they pushed it up that first roller, many people were tired from HH and had no energy to chase.

I think we can benefit from using a similar strategy this Sunday, and it looks like we already have a good turn out, so we should be able to try some things. If we push a hard pace up HH on the second lap, we put the hurt on and wear guys out. Then, when we get to the first roller we send someone on the attack and let other riders chase while Kissena follows wheels and recovers. If that attack doesn’t work, we counter right away and again let them chase. If two attacks don’t work by the time we get to Tavern, the chance of a third is unlikely and then we position ourselves for the sprint. Those attacks should be successful in burning people up so our guys have the best chance in the sprint.

The first lap, we ride near the front and conserve energy. If there are any attacks that look dangerous before we get to HH the second time, we should have enough guys to chase it down fairly easily. Sunday was the first time I’ve seen a break succeed in the 5s so it probably gives us our best chance to get a break to stick. Anyway, just a thought. What do you guys think???

Posted By: AndrewAThat was a well-timed attack up Harlem hill by those two. However, the reason their attack worked wasn’t because they got away up Harlem hill, (they only had maybe 15-20m over the top), but they were able to push hard up the first roller and gain a sizable gap. Like Marc was saying last week, that first roller is a good place to attack. The pace was hard up HH so when they pushed it up that first roller, many people were tired from HH and had no energy to chase.

I think we can benefit from using a similar strategy this Sunday, and it looks like we already have a good turn out, so we should be able to try some things. If we push a hard pace up HH on the second lap, we put the hurt on and wear guys out. Then, when we get to the first roller we send someone on the attack and let other riders chase while Kissena follows wheels and recovers. If that attack doesn’t work, we counter right away and again let them chase. If two attacks don’t work by the time we get to Tavern, the chance of a third is unlikely and then we position ourselves for the sprint. Those attacks should be successful in burning people up so our guys have the best chance in the sprint.

The first lap, we ride near the front and conserve energy. If there are any attacks that look dangerous before we get to HH the second time, we should have enough guys to chase it down fairly easily. Sunday was the first time I’ve seen a break succeed in the 5s so it probably gives us our best chance to get a break to stick. Anyway, just a thought. What do you guys think???

Interloping here, but one thing I took away from the tactics talk is that (sorry if I'm misconstruing your advice JP and Marc) when the field is ready for something... such as a break after Harlem Hill, it is unlikely to happen. 50 people saw it work last week so maybe 20 people are planning on trying it this week...

So yes, maybe try like you've talked about above, or try something totally different, but be ready for the sprint because the odds the race comes down to it are high with a full field. Seems like you guys did well in the sprint last week so maybe save some ammo for that.

I dunno, just some thoughts, Marc will advise you better.

Mike

Yes, definitely agree that we should not attack up Harlem hill. That is where they attacked last week and people will be looking for it this week, and thinking of it themselves. I was just suggesting keeping the pace high up HH, which in actuality, may already happen since people will be looking for attacks or attacking themselves. I was suggesting an attack up the first roller since that is where they gained the most time last week. And, because their initial attack came on Harlem hill, riders will be looking for the attack there and not up the first roller.

That being said, I guess it’s not something that's really all that different from last week with the close proximity between HH and the first roller, and therefore won’t be effective in catching people off guard. Not sure where else would be a good place for an attack and for sure we have to save ammo for the sprint. Maybe the effort to try to get a guy free isn’t worth the risk of losing the sprint???

So gentlemen,

I am going to be out of town this weekend trying to go up hills in Tucson AZ. We'll see how that goes, since I climb like a wounded water buffalo.

We have a rider in one of the top placement of the points for the spring series. Joe Mueller is now our protected Cat 4 rider. We now have to get him into the Leader's jersey. I doubt we can make another 3 1/2 lap 2 man break stick again this weekend. People will be looking for it. So it requires us to do two things. Get Joe in another break (later in the race), and make sure we isolate Steve. I unfortunatly will not be there to be the mouthy dictator in the pack, telling you all what to do. Anybody else want to take a crack at being the road captain in the race this Sunday?

Who's in for this weekend's Spring Series Cat 4?

Hey all. Just a heads up that Cat 5's are already full up for this Sunday. Looks like there's 8 Kissenas registered: Jorge, Andy, Dan, Brian, McKay, John M., Adam, and myself.

Also, as the tactics talk continues - just wanted to also flag that there seems to be a discrepancy between the event flier (pdf I downloaded from the event website) and the sign-up page on bikereg. The flier says 2 laps, the sign-up page on bikereg says 3 laps.

are you doing the Cycling House in Tuscon?

I am doing the visit my folks and bring a bike along thing.

My father and stepmother have been living in Tucson for a couple years, and I am taking a chance to combine family time with riding time. You suckers can stay here and ride in 40 degree weather, i am going to be exposing my white pasty legs to sunlight, and blinding the natives on the slopes of Mt Lemmon Friday, and on the Shootout ride Saturday.

I'm in.

Make that 9! Mitch Sonies is a confirmed rider and debuting (hasn't got Kissena next to his name but is a member and riding for us).
I've been riding computrainer with Mitch and he is much stronger than me in a TT so he could be a good guy to put out there for a solo/chase bait for all those eight CRCA/Asphalt Green guys. You guys were saying Jorge has some numbers too. Good stuff!

The registration officials at the park told me it's 3 laps for Cat 5 this Sunday. Forecast right now 13mph winds WNW late 30's early 40's temp. In terms of tactics I agree with Mike, the wind might weed a few out, but bigger field=bunch sprint. I'd expect a lot of copycat attacks on lap 3 Harlem. We should definitely be thinking about marking those guys in the white jerseys (team?) who won last week. One observation I'd make is from my experience many riders in Cat 5 are pretty keen to prove their metal and chase down attacks and breaks. My gut is we could just hang in the front 15 for the first two and not be concerned about breaks and then really lay it down post hill.

John M

Happy to see that you've already started the discussion for the upcoming 3 lap smack-down in Central Park on March 13. Let's continue it here in it's own thread. For week 2, I'll again be there to help guide and focus the pre-race meeting and post-race debrief as well. (for Week 3, we'll talk after the race about having one of you guys take over the captain responsibility)

With eight or nine racers, you guys can certainly have a lot of fun. Assuming there have been no dramatic changes in fitness between now and then, I think it would be rewarding to try and get and keep the separate cat 5 leaders on our shoulders. But ultimately, that's up to you as a team. What does this mean?

1. God bless Anthony Van Dunk for organizing a spring series, but the guy is TERRIBLE about posting results. So one of you, please track down official results/points/standings. Post a message here saying you've taken on the responsibility, then post the results here too.

2. Once you know who the players are, then it's time to paint some mental targets on their backs. Now you've earned 2nd and 3rd place points, but with series pre-registration bonus points on the line, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be in 2nd and 3rd overall. You are going to have to not only race with Kissena in mind, but keep an eye on competitors who are sniffing around the top spots too. Don't let those guys get too far.

3. Decide to ride or sit? Start thinking about this dynamic, with a few new reported hammerheads joining the fun this coming weekend, it's very possible that someone other than our week one top finishers, will get in a move and have the legs to keep a breakaway going. Especially, if you have 6 or so teammates, blocking and covering moves back in the field. So here's what you have to decide. Does the guy in the break, sit on or soft pedal through the rotation, so that his well placed teammates back in the field have a chance to repeat their performances from week 1? Or does he ride hard, happy to have any Kissena place regardless of their overall ranking in the series?

4. Better in-race communication. The downside to having more guys racing, is that it can be harder to keep track of where people are. It's going to be critical for you guys to have good communication throughout the race. Don't worry about being sly and secretive. If you know you've got some guys up in the move, tell each other. This way, you know whether to chase, or sit in/block, or whatever strategy is appropriate for your end goal.

5. End game planning. If it comes down to a bunch sprint, I want Kissena to be in total control starting from Tavern on the Green on the West Side, through Horse Shit Alley, and up Cat's Paw Hill where you will deliver blue and orange to victory.

okay, lots to think about, lots to do. Looking forward to Sunday already!

Me too. I offer to shadow Steve. Even if he's a sandbagger, I can leech with the best. Wheelsucking is my specialty. Just point out what he looks like.

Hey all....I just tracked down AVD's e-mail online and sent him a note requesting official results/points/standings. Will post if/when I get a reply.

Good luck, think your the first? Read the www.nyvelocity.com run down on results. We are blessed to have Charlie and Alan as promoters because they are tireless in getting the results made available. Sometimes too quickly and get snark for that. Not sure what the obligation is in terms of time frame but this is only Tuesday and usually has them at the next race.

Yup....I saw the NY Velocity post: "Spring Series Cat 5 was won by Joe Jacobs of Real Estate Rescue, afer forming a break with his brother Patrick over Harlem Hill on lap 2. Pat went on to finish 6th in a sprint amongst the chasers. 2 kissena guys go 2-3, Organic athlete in 4th, and Palo Alto in 5th." But...would be good to know the overall points standings (i.e., who reflecting anyone who registered for the entire series)....

Steve Marmo, Asphalt Green kit, and either a bushy beard or a newly shaven face that bears the coloration of somebody who's been wearing a bushy beard all winter long.

Posted By: Dan ReinersI am doing the visit my folks and bring a bike along thing.

My father and stepmother have been living in Tucson for a couple years, and I am taking a chance to combine family time with riding time. You suckers can stay here and ride in 40 degree weather, i am going to be exposing my white pasty legs to sunlight, and blinding the natives on the slopes of Mt Lemmon Friday, and on the Shootout ride Saturday.

that's awesome

climbing and descending mt. lemon is one of the best things i've ever done on a bike

Like Dan, I'll be in Arizona (Phoenix, not Tucson for me) this weekend, so will miss out on the GT crit fun and CP too.

Anyone have suggestions for rides ner Scottsdale? I haven't had time to research the local's recommended rides, so if any of you have any info... I'd appreciate it.

Dan... remember Le Buzz Cafe for your start point up Mt. Lemmon. They have most excellent pastries and savory foods too, good coffee. And cyclists congregate there for rides in the area. Also, once up on Summit... dive down into Summerhaven and go to the Cookie Cabin to dose-up on carbs. Sadly, the old pie shop in Summerhaven is closed... such good pies. But cookies at the Cookie Cabin are super tasty in their own right.

-Norm

I'm in. Looks like we are shaping up some roles.

Joe - as protected rider, is the situation that Dan described (late break) the best way to get you points?

Jeff - as Steve Marmo's new best friend I think we can pretty much guarantee that Steve is not breaking away and if he does try you will be dragging the pack back to him.

Me and Tito - One of us should probably attack late-ish in the race so that when we are caught Joe can counter. Depending how I feel post Grant's Tomb I am happy to do this.

Steve marmo is still a cat 4????

Here is a photo of the enemy:

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/nyregion/1-in-8-million/index.html#/steven_marmo

Norm,

There is some fair riding in the Scottsdale area including a big group ride. It's been too many years since I stayed/raced down that way to give you more specifics, but I would recommend checking in with local bike shops--someone there has to know.

That's more than a photo. That was a vignette of extremeness!!! I could've done without the topless photo showing all the tats he purports to regret. Anyway, a good friend of mine is an iron worker, so I'll make nice while I'm annoying him.