Just a quick note about the Johnny Cake race in Coxsackie yesterday (Saturday)



Jeff Owen, Ian Ellis and I lined up for a 42 mile flat but windy race across a 7 mile loop of farm roads in upstate new york. Jeff and I went for a warm up and got to the start about a minute before the roll out. whew - we almost missed it! It would suck to drive 3 hours and miss the start! There were a few riders from Foundation, Westwood, Finkraft, and other local teams but mostly riders from teams like Pawling, Bethel, NCC and other upstate, CT, and MA teams.



There was a field of 85 with a yellow line rule so positioning was key. All three of us "surfed" the front 15 spots or so - going with breaks. Jeff channeled his inner Jens Voigt - often motoring out front. The field was not giving breaks any leash - including an effort by Jeff and I.



My favorite moment in the race was watching Ian make a solo break from the field into the headwind with two miles to go. A lot of riders (including the eventual winner) rode conservatively - staying out of the wind - but Ian's move took guts and forced the field to chase. Unfortunately he got caught with a mile to go. One day his last minute attack will stick.



I entered the finishing straight (500m) in about 10th place and came up on the (slightly) sheltered side. This was a blessing and a curse as it provided me with a little shelter as I wound up my sprint but also forced me to back off so as not to be pushed into the grass by other riders being blown across the road. I managed 5th place overall. I was pleased.



Now I am the proud owner of a gift certificate for a bike shop... in Albany. I enjoyed racing with you guys.



Patrick

Last year I went up to the "Trooper Brinkerhoff Memorial Spring Series" (also known as Johnny Cake - no relation to the Sopranos "eposode"). It's a great race - flat, fast,on country roads with the yellow line rule. Everyone says it's good prep for Battenkill.

I am driving to the first race of the series this Saturday and am willing to give someone a ride if we can figure out a way to meet up. I like company and splitting gas money. It is about 2 hours north of the city but the race start time is 11am.

Last year I rode up with Wai Fong who pre-registered but has decided not to race at all this year. The promoter is not refunding him (field is still open), but will allow him to transfer his registration to another rider. Contact Wai directly or email me I'll put him in contact with you.

Here is the link on bikereg:
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=12256

This will be my first race of the season - I'm looking forward to it!

Patrick

oh Albany . . .

that sounds like some good work, dudes

looking forward to seeing you on the road soon

Bravo guys... and a good finish Patrick!

That's great, Patrick, congrats! And to Ian and Jeff for racing aggressively.

Awesome Patrick. Great job Kissenas, riding strong, animating races, and placing in virtually every race the Blue and Orange lined up for.