Mar 02, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Question: I recall hearing something about Quabbin being a good race. However, I noted on the reg page that it's a non USA Cycling event... which would seem to suggest that Kissenas should avoid it. Any advice on this?
Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race
Mar 02, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Quabbin is one of my favorite all-time races
did it last year on my birthday and i loved it
very well organized, beautiful course, safely marshaled
the race has a fair number of long, steady climbs, and an awesome 3 miles climb (not very steep) through a state park to an uphill finish
i'm kicking myself that i didn't win it last year - i put my head down and attacked hard with a mile to go, but did not look where i was going, and rode off the road! EEEDIOT! (came in 6th)
from a racing perspective, it's a great experience, and i'm much more interested in awesome cycling adventures than upgrade point
normanzo: let's do this thing!
did it last year on my birthday and i loved it
very well organized, beautiful course, safely marshaled
the race has a fair number of long, steady climbs, and an awesome 3 miles climb (not very steep) through a state park to an uphill finish
i'm kicking myself that i didn't win it last year - i put my head down and attacked hard with a mile to go, but did not look where i was going, and rode off the road! EEEDIOT! (came in 6th)
from a racing perspective, it's a great experience, and i'm much more interested in awesome cycling adventures than upgrade point
normanzo: let's do this thing!
Mar 02, 2011 at 04:05 PM
I had a hellish time on that race last year - stomach bug that kept me from fueling before the race, extremely wet and cold neutral start descent that had me shivering me timbers, and a massive bonk with about 8 to go. Came in pulling up the rear. Still, it was a great course and if I can manage it I'll do it again!
But where will we lay our heads without Mattio's generosity??!??
But where will we lay our heads without Mattio's generosity??!??
Mar 02, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Sounds like a good fun-to-pain ratio... since there's a precedent to Kissena riders racing this, I'll plan on signing-up and working on a plan for transportation and lodging.
Mar 02, 2011 at 06:41 PM
It's a really beautiful course. Rolling hills, few steep climbs, but since we were either going uphill in the big ring or going down it, the pace was pretty high.
One of the funnest races I did last year, because about 30mi in, me, Greg, Ryan, and some other NY racers tried to blow the wheels off the race, and it was 10mi of constant attacking... which was pretty damn exhausting, but fun as hell. Unfortunately a lot of people raced it like a big park race and kept everything together: oh well.
Hardest climb is at the end.
One of the funnest races I did last year, because about 30mi in, me, Greg, Ryan, and some other NY racers tried to blow the wheels off the race, and it was 10mi of constant attacking... which was pretty damn exhausting, but fun as hell. Unfortunately a lot of people raced it like a big park race and kept everything together: oh well.
Hardest climb is at the end.
Mar 02, 2011 at 08:30 PM
As the others said, if you can, do that race. Strange race for me, because I was in the decisive break but got dropped and rode more than 20 miles with a guy at least 25 pounds lighter than me (when I saw that mosquito getting dropped, I thought, it's time for me to let it go), he could not stay on my wheel on the flats and descents, I could not keep up with him on the climbs.... but I remember very well how serious William was while explaining right after the finish, "I put my head down and attacked hard with a mile to go, but did not look where i was going, and rode off the road! ".
Mar 02, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Coming from a region where we had two separate organizing bodies (USA Cycling and American Bicycle Racing), I don't think an events lack of USA Cycling accreditation should be a deciding factor on whether or not to attend.
I wanted to quickly note that this race conflicts with one of the Charlie I. promoted, Kissena-branded, L&C events in Central Park. I'm not saying this means I think you should or shouldn't do one or the other. I'm just pointing out the date conflict.
I wanted to quickly note that this race conflicts with one of the Charlie I. promoted, Kissena-branded, L&C events in Central Park. I'm not saying this means I think you should or shouldn't do one or the other. I'm just pointing out the date conflict.
Mar 03, 2011 at 03:14 AM
This race is rad...a great early season conditioner too, for many of us it will be the longest race we can get all year. I remember last year starting in the rain and shivering like hell down the neutral start descent, but the weather improved after about 10-20 miles.
And its gorgeous out there.
I'm out of town til May but I'd definitely be there if not.
And its gorgeous out there.
I'm out of town til May but I'd definitely be there if not.
Apr 06, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Only Norman and I are registered for Quabbin on April 23rd. According to the racing calendar, there is a Lucarelli & Castaldi PP race the same day. Any 55+ interested in Quabbin? (the two of us would make a team).
Apr 08, 2011 at 06:20 PM
I would like to do this race since I missed out last year. Need ride/room or that sort of thing. Any details contact me offline.
Keith
Keith
Apr 14, 2011 at 06:26 PM
If someone would like to do Quabbin (registration closes Wednesday night) but won't because of the financial burden, you can share my motel's room near Quabbin reservoir and I have room inside my Mini for a bike and a small bag. Send me an e-mail.
Apr 19, 2011 at 02:02 PM
If someone would like to do Quabbin (registration closes Wednesday night) but won't because of the financial burden, you can share my motel's room near Quabbin reservoir and I have room inside my Mini for a bike and a small bag. Send me an e-mail.
Apr 24, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Hey Everyone... just back home after the weekend up racing Tour of the Quabbin. I got 5th place in the cat 4 race, really enjoyed the race and even the "miserable" weather.
*** PART I ***
I traveled up to the race with William and former Kissena Al Barough, starting out early from Millbrook on our way through drizzle that became a wintry mix that revealed a thick crust of icy snow on the ground, rain steady on, and temperature in the mid-30s at the Quabbin start. It seems a bit absurd to be starting a 65-mile bike in those conditions. William said he had done enough of that sort of thing and --instead of racing-- would act as team car for Al (in the cat 3 race) and I (in the cat 4 race). William was awesome getting our bikes, food and drink perfectly prepared as Al and I pinned our numbers, applied our helmet timing chips, rubbed-up in embro, lotions, and creams of all varieties and --most importantly-- coated ourselves in the sort of psychological resolve required undertake such an endeavor. Not sure my brain was actually participating in this, as its participation would likely have resulted in my bowing out. But, my spirits which so enjoy the rain were hoping that I could get them through the early portions of the race --to one good hill, where energies would bring warmth. To further boost my confidence, Stéphane offered to follow also, right behind my race, as William went ahead and followed Al's race.
And that's how it happened. Across the start line, it was a chilled and quickish 4-mile descent, after which the race got on --but the racing was even-tempered, slow, punctuated by a most unfortunate occurrence. Just coming into the first of 3 towns the race passed through, the pace moto missed a turn and guided some number of trusting riders to the end of their race. Most of those fellows saw what had happened and crossed through a gas station to rejoin the race almost instantly. Those who didn't see or didn't believe their misfortune, invested themselves in riding in full-on Belgian weather just for kicks, for 4 miles. Back on the race course, the race soft-pedaled for a bit since we had no pace vehicle. Someone rolled back and told the SAG vehicle what had happened and that vehicle promptly moved up and became our surrogate pacer. Terrible for those racers who rode on behind "Quasi" moto, surely the may fool of Quabbin.
The race had a few attacks early on, but the big guns of New England cat 4 were just rolling near the front, unconcerned with other toying with ideas of grandeur. The pace was subtly increased on the upside of the rollers, the dropped contingent would reattach, then become drop back again, then reattach. Subtle, subtle speed. I believe it was on the 3rd or 4th significant climb, the dropped remained that way and a group of 15-20 riders slowed a touch, then rolled on, up and down, up and down, the rain seeming to intensify and adjust with our efforts over and along the course.
For the middle part of the race, nothing happened other than everyone signing-on to the unspoken agreement that all would be fought and won and lost on the last climb, the 3-mile undulating not-to-steep, but a best-to-be-a-climber hill nonetheless.
I was marking Misters Van Winkle and Maizlan of the Hudson team. It was the latter who broke the agreement with an attack 15 miles from the finish --obviously a ploy to bring other riders our so Mr. Van Winkle could move into position for a winning move. Maizlan stayed out for about 5 or 6 or 7 miles perhaps. He was caught going up the first of two rollers going through the town of Ware --just a couple miles before the re-entrance into the Quabbin park where the last climb begins. As Maizlin came back, Van Winkle and an unattached rider of such finely chiseled lean musculature (obvious as he was the only man riding bare-legged) and smooth rhythmic motion --oh, I'm digressing... anyhow, these 2 guys began their separation. I moved around a couple of riders and set to make-up the distance, only 3-4 bike lengths, but I couldn't catch them. At the top of that roller, I was still chasing the 2 leaders and had a 15-20 second gap on the other 10 or so guys who were left of the original separation group. My energy went near flat-line on the next roller and about 7 guys came around me quickly. I struggled up to them and stayed there as we entered the Quabbin park to start the last hill.
***continued in next post***
*** PART I ***
I traveled up to the race with William and former Kissena Al Barough, starting out early from Millbrook on our way through drizzle that became a wintry mix that revealed a thick crust of icy snow on the ground, rain steady on, and temperature in the mid-30s at the Quabbin start. It seems a bit absurd to be starting a 65-mile bike in those conditions. William said he had done enough of that sort of thing and --instead of racing-- would act as team car for Al (in the cat 3 race) and I (in the cat 4 race). William was awesome getting our bikes, food and drink perfectly prepared as Al and I pinned our numbers, applied our helmet timing chips, rubbed-up in embro, lotions, and creams of all varieties and --most importantly-- coated ourselves in the sort of psychological resolve required undertake such an endeavor. Not sure my brain was actually participating in this, as its participation would likely have resulted in my bowing out. But, my spirits which so enjoy the rain were hoping that I could get them through the early portions of the race --to one good hill, where energies would bring warmth. To further boost my confidence, Stéphane offered to follow also, right behind my race, as William went ahead and followed Al's race.
And that's how it happened. Across the start line, it was a chilled and quickish 4-mile descent, after which the race got on --but the racing was even-tempered, slow, punctuated by a most unfortunate occurrence. Just coming into the first of 3 towns the race passed through, the pace moto missed a turn and guided some number of trusting riders to the end of their race. Most of those fellows saw what had happened and crossed through a gas station to rejoin the race almost instantly. Those who didn't see or didn't believe their misfortune, invested themselves in riding in full-on Belgian weather just for kicks, for 4 miles. Back on the race course, the race soft-pedaled for a bit since we had no pace vehicle. Someone rolled back and told the SAG vehicle what had happened and that vehicle promptly moved up and became our surrogate pacer. Terrible for those racers who rode on behind "Quasi" moto, surely the may fool of Quabbin.
The race had a few attacks early on, but the big guns of New England cat 4 were just rolling near the front, unconcerned with other toying with ideas of grandeur. The pace was subtly increased on the upside of the rollers, the dropped contingent would reattach, then become drop back again, then reattach. Subtle, subtle speed. I believe it was on the 3rd or 4th significant climb, the dropped remained that way and a group of 15-20 riders slowed a touch, then rolled on, up and down, up and down, the rain seeming to intensify and adjust with our efforts over and along the course.
For the middle part of the race, nothing happened other than everyone signing-on to the unspoken agreement that all would be fought and won and lost on the last climb, the 3-mile undulating not-to-steep, but a best-to-be-a-climber hill nonetheless.
I was marking Misters Van Winkle and Maizlan of the Hudson team. It was the latter who broke the agreement with an attack 15 miles from the finish --obviously a ploy to bring other riders our so Mr. Van Winkle could move into position for a winning move. Maizlan stayed out for about 5 or 6 or 7 miles perhaps. He was caught going up the first of two rollers going through the town of Ware --just a couple miles before the re-entrance into the Quabbin park where the last climb begins. As Maizlin came back, Van Winkle and an unattached rider of such finely chiseled lean musculature (obvious as he was the only man riding bare-legged) and smooth rhythmic motion --oh, I'm digressing... anyhow, these 2 guys began their separation. I moved around a couple of riders and set to make-up the distance, only 3-4 bike lengths, but I couldn't catch them. At the top of that roller, I was still chasing the 2 leaders and had a 15-20 second gap on the other 10 or so guys who were left of the original separation group. My energy went near flat-line on the next roller and about 7 guys came around me quickly. I struggled up to them and stayed there as we entered the Quabbin park to start the last hill.
***continued in next post***
Apr 24, 2011 at 04:32 PM
*** PART II ***
Last hill to the finish: I felt my energy too far spent to do much attacking, but the 7 I was with were waiting around for someone to do something so I slid over to the far right of the wide-wide road, spun-up the pace to a nice clip and felt everyone follow onto my wheel single-file. I see the 5k mark and I stomp it. They are hanging with me, I feel it, but I want to wear them down. My legs start to crack so ease-up a little but not too much, a micro-recovery, then I'm stomping again, trying to tear myself loose. I feel terrible but wonderful. The pitch angles up and I try to keep my pace... the legs aren't there, just sponges full of sizzling toxins.
It was then, about 2k or less, the two more burly fellows in the group, rush around me on the right. I have no response, just keep turning the pedals. 3 others come around left, passing me, but I work to catch-on to them. The 2 spirited attackers are gone. I ride at the heals of the 3 for less than a minute. I lift-off the saddle, sling off the acid-bath, and stomp clear of the 3. I sit down to keep my speed steady over the pedals. One of the stronger attackers is slowing down up ahead, but I can see the finish up ahead... not much time. I think I can bring him back to nab 4th place.
Then I see William and Al driving down the left lane yelling at me... "Go Norm! You got Top-10 Norm! Put it in the Big Ring and Get out of saddle... go Norm!"
The made me feel incredible. It was just so much fun to get that treatment. I pushed hard got my speed-up enough to slide into the big ring and stand-up for 10 quickening strokes. I get closer, but the finish it to far to stay off the saddle... I resume spinning. I'm still gaining on the man ahead... I even see the 2 leaders crossing the finish line ahead, I see the 3rd finisher (such a strong attacker!) cross the finish... uh, then I see the 4th finisher... Damn! I was supposed to be by him by then!
So, 5th place it was. It was fun.
Thanks again to William and Al. William was especially wonderful for being such a great host and team director, mechanic, and soigneur.
Last hill to the finish: I felt my energy too far spent to do much attacking, but the 7 I was with were waiting around for someone to do something so I slid over to the far right of the wide-wide road, spun-up the pace to a nice clip and felt everyone follow onto my wheel single-file. I see the 5k mark and I stomp it. They are hanging with me, I feel it, but I want to wear them down. My legs start to crack so ease-up a little but not too much, a micro-recovery, then I'm stomping again, trying to tear myself loose. I feel terrible but wonderful. The pitch angles up and I try to keep my pace... the legs aren't there, just sponges full of sizzling toxins.
It was then, about 2k or less, the two more burly fellows in the group, rush around me on the right. I have no response, just keep turning the pedals. 3 others come around left, passing me, but I work to catch-on to them. The 2 spirited attackers are gone. I ride at the heals of the 3 for less than a minute. I lift-off the saddle, sling off the acid-bath, and stomp clear of the 3. I sit down to keep my speed steady over the pedals. One of the stronger attackers is slowing down up ahead, but I can see the finish up ahead... not much time. I think I can bring him back to nab 4th place.
Then I see William and Al driving down the left lane yelling at me... "Go Norm! You got Top-10 Norm! Put it in the Big Ring and Get out of saddle... go Norm!"
The made me feel incredible. It was just so much fun to get that treatment. I pushed hard got my speed-up enough to slide into the big ring and stand-up for 10 quickening strokes. I get closer, but the finish it to far to stay off the saddle... I resume spinning. I'm still gaining on the man ahead... I even see the 2 leaders crossing the finish line ahead, I see the 3rd finisher (such a strong attacker!) cross the finish... uh, then I see the 4th finisher... Damn! I was supposed to be by him by then!
So, 5th place it was. It was fun.
Thanks again to William and Al. William was especially wonderful for being such a great host and team director, mechanic, and soigneur.
Apr 24, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Congratulations Norm!!
Thanks for the awesome story, epic ride...
Thanks for the awesome story, epic ride...
Apr 24, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Congrats Norm! Two comments you made I want to address a bit.
The first is the "unspoken agreement" to let your race be decided on the final climb. I guess, if you are a good climber and you can get other people to go along with this idea, then it's a good plan. But if I'm in a race with, say Al or Dan Chabanov or some other 130lb super climbing twiggy looking racer, you can be sure that I'm going to do my best to ride make them work like a muhtha-f-er on the flats so at least their legs are a little tenderoni going into the final climb. Hypothermia, spray in their face from my rear wheel as I ride the gutter giving them no shelter. These are my allies.
The second is your comment about spending far too much energy to do much attacking, and yet, you did. Good for you! I feel like this advice is oft given, yet not frequently followed. Namely, when you are tired and hurting, so is everyone else, so it's a good time to attack. Aggressive riding has really paid off for many Kissena's this year (Mike Perlberg anyone? That guy is like a breakaway magnet...but I digress), and I'm happy to encourage my teammates to leave the conservative racing style to old, fat and tired guys like myself.
The first is the "unspoken agreement" to let your race be decided on the final climb. I guess, if you are a good climber and you can get other people to go along with this idea, then it's a good plan. But if I'm in a race with, say Al or Dan Chabanov or some other 130lb super climbing twiggy looking racer, you can be sure that I'm going to do my best to ride make them work like a muhtha-f-er on the flats so at least their legs are a little tenderoni going into the final climb. Hypothermia, spray in their face from my rear wheel as I ride the gutter giving them no shelter. These are my allies.
The second is your comment about spending far too much energy to do much attacking, and yet, you did. Good for you! I feel like this advice is oft given, yet not frequently followed. Namely, when you are tired and hurting, so is everyone else, so it's a good time to attack. Aggressive riding has really paid off for many Kissena's this year (Mike Perlberg anyone? That guy is like a breakaway magnet...but I digress), and I'm happy to encourage my teammates to leave the conservative racing style to old, fat and tired guys like myself.
Apr 24, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Congrats Norm, that's an awesome result in a tough race.
(and we all thought the weather was bad last year...damn!)
(and we all thought the weather was bad last year...damn!)
Apr 24, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Thanks Marc.
on the agreement: Mr. Van Winckle is pretty thin and tall indeed, but he's very good all-round. The other dude looked like Phillipe Gilbert, Tsavo-class lion haunches twitching to spring onto any prey with incredible force and velocity, grab it by the throat and lick its bloody limbs while casually carries the carcass in his teeth up the next climb (in 53x17). Not that looks can't be deceiving, of course. Moreover, I wanted to race those dudes up the climb, so their game was my game (I'm just more akin to a relentless squirrel jumping onto my opponents and nibbling at their heels). Duly noted though --I will try running the lions in future races. I promise.
on the agreement: Mr. Van Winckle is pretty thin and tall indeed, but he's very good all-round. The other dude looked like Phillipe Gilbert, Tsavo-class lion haunches twitching to spring onto any prey with incredible force and velocity, grab it by the throat and lick its bloody limbs while casually carries the carcass in his teeth up the next climb (in 53x17). Not that looks can't be deceiving, of course. Moreover, I wanted to race those dudes up the climb, so their game was my game (I'm just more akin to a relentless squirrel jumping onto my opponents and nibbling at their heels). Duly noted though --I will try running the lions in future races. I promise.
Apr 24, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Congratulations Norm!
Apr 24, 2011 at 09:53 PM
At Quabbin, my frozen body and my (almost frozen) brain had a little exchange, my body won, convinced my brain (not sure about that, the main factor was that it was one 64 mile loop, no bailout), and instead of signing up I went to talk to Norm and William. Following the 4s, I noticed some were taking the wrong road, I was blocked by a policeman and his car, then by cars that were behind the racers, I was able to tell a couple guys they had missed the turn but could not see where Norm was. I could not believe that the guy on the motorcycle took those racers to Amherst! I did not see Norm there and was relieved. The conditions at the start reminded me of CX races...
Here is a shot of Norm before the start. Yes, he is smiling...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5651130475_320d268b2f_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5651702120_ba14ba23f5_z.jpg
Here is a shot of Norm before the start. Yes, he is smiling...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5651130475_320d268b2f_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5651702120_ba14ba23f5_z.jpg
Apr 24, 2011 at 09:58 PM
norm and al were SERIOUS champs
the conditions were so miserable
driving behind the SRAM car was actually pretty awesome. i spent the day amusing myself by drafting dropped riders back into the field.
however, my favorite part of the race was definitely the last kilometer when we were driving next to or behind norm and screaming our heads off at him.
he was obviously in MUCH pain but he was also periodically cracking up as we threatened to send him off to belgian boarding school unless he caught the rider in front.
CHAPEAU, Norman!
the conditions were so miserable
driving behind the SRAM car was actually pretty awesome. i spent the day amusing myself by drafting dropped riders back into the field.
however, my favorite part of the race was definitely the last kilometer when we were driving next to or behind norm and screaming our heads off at him.
he was obviously in MUCH pain but he was also periodically cracking up as we threatened to send him off to belgian boarding school unless he caught the rider in front.
CHAPEAU, Norman!
Apr 24, 2011 at 10:48 PM
@WDC: The way Norm tells that story is hilarious!
Apr 25, 2011 at 08:50 AM
NIce ride Norm and a brilliant read. Congrats.
Apr 25, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Great ride and report Norm. Saturday was brutal in the park, I can only imagine how shitty it must have been 10 degrees colder. Did soigneur William give you one of his famous post race rub downs? Those are the best...
Apr 25, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Mike --I think it's I who owes William a massage!
Apr 25, 2011 at 06:39 PM
@Norm: Pix plz!
Apr 26, 2011 at 09:44 AM
A hard-fought and well-deserved result Norm. Great read, too!
Apr 26, 2011 at 12:13 PM
NOOOORM! Awesome! You are an inspiration.
And I can attest that William is a sublime post-race soigneur.
And I can attest that William is a sublime post-race soigneur.
Apr 26, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Norm is hard as nails! So no more "my hand get cold" next year. Sorry, you will never live that down! (I didn't go out either, but I came up with a much better excuse....pancakes. ;-)
Apr 23, 2012 at 01:14 PM
Hey 3s and 4s --this is a late reminder, but wanted to holler anyhow --Quabbin Road Race is this Saturday, April 28th --up in Ware, Mass. It's a great race... rolling course favoring not just the climbers but the smart strong man racer. I'm signed-up for the 3/4 race and I encourage you to sign-up too!
https://www.bikereg.com/Net/14436
Apr 23, 2012 at 02:58 PM
Wish I could join you.
Can't wait for the race report in which you crush the field paleo-norm style!
Can't wait for the race report in which you crush the field paleo-norm style!