Jorge took 3rd from a small group in the CAT 5 race.

Jeff finished in between the first group and the second group, probably around 15…

1 lap into the 3s William and Rene are sitting in the main group.

1 lap into the 4s Wojciech and Ryan are pushing the pace up the 1st climb. Joe flatted and chasing. Owens off the back looking pro as shit.

In case you get the impression I got dropped and am updating from the finish, consider I could also be so far off the front solo I can comfortably operate a mobile phone while riding.

Mike

I am going to do this, anyone else? Nice to have our own field.

i'm in

don't laugh at me, but i've (kind of) stopped drinking and cut down my chocolate intake in preparation for the june/july road races

hoping to lose a pound or three

i got inspired by this article about Chris Horner

http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/chris-horner-says-diet-his-biggest-concern-heading-into-tour-de-france_176735

not doing anything nearly as extreme, but i'd love to get a good result and this might help

I may very well be in.

Eric WDC Mike, who is going to do both Housatonic and Harlem?

i'm in

William when did this diet start? Last time I saw you you were getting loaded under the Manhattan bridge, and we ate 3 candy bars together.

I am going to pull out of Harlem most likely

Posted By: josephmuellerEric WDC Mike, who is going to do both Housatonic and Harlem?

I'm just doing Housatonic. I think after Thursday @ FBF, Sat in Prospect Park, and Sunday in Connecticut my legs won't hold up for a points race in Harlem.

The real question is, when is this Joseph Mueller guy going to get an upgrade so he can join us at Housatonic, Pawling, etc.?

monster Mike...

Posted By: Ryan JWilliam when did this diet start? Last time I saw you you were getting loaded under the Manhattan bridge, and we ate 3 candy bars together.

lol

yes

that was my OFF night for the week

or ON night, depending how you think of it

That sounds like a weird night.

Posted By: mperlberg

Posted By: josephmuellerEric WDC Mike, who is going to do both Housatonic and Harlem?

I'm just doing Housatonic. I think after Thursday @ FBF, Sat in Prospect Park, and Sunday in Connecticut my legs won't hold up for a points race in Harlem.

The real question is, when is this Joseph Mueller guy going to get an upgrade so he can join us at Housatonic, Pawling, etc.?

Mike I will be putting in for my upgrade after Housatonic, we will see how it goes over. I got called a sandbagger last weekend, but pretty sure it was in jest... pretty sure.

Hey everyone, if you're doing this race, pre-reg ends Tuesday at 7pm
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=12478

I'm in!

Is anyone driving up to Southbury that I could possibly catch a ride with since my original ride most likely fell through? I'll be doing the 4's at 9:20 so you wouldn't have to change any plans, I could meet you where ever would be easiest + pay for shit

Thanks

Want to wish everyone doing Housatonic luck this coming weekend. And post this friendly reminder. The climbs are tough, but what makes them especially tough are the false flats/rollers that happen immediately after the climb proper. Remember, after your max wattage effort on the climb, you are still going to need VO2 type watts for a few minutes after you crest the climb and the strong guys keep the power on the pedals. Maybe that's going to be you? If so, this is where you will burn off the weaker riders.

power wars...

CAT 3/4/5's :

I'm headed up to Bethel via metro north on Saturday afternoon and staying at a days inn, will probably pre-ride a part of the course as well. If you want to come along or stay the night for free (3 person maximum occupancy) feel free to contact me.

wojciechplata@aol.com

I have room to drive someone up to the race, but will be coming to Long Island right after. So, if you want to ride back from Queens (Cross Island and LIE, or the Triangle - LIE and little Neck Parkway), then you can come back with me too and you're all set.

I'm seeing Andrew A, Todd M, Joe, Jeff O, Wojciech, Norm, and me.

Based on what I've seen riding with you cats, that's a damn strong squad. We've got a whole bunch of guys capable of top 10 on Sunday.

So, thoughts, aspirations, ideas?

If you don't know the course, there are two major hills with a bunch of short, punchy stuff throughout.

My instinct is that we try to use our strength to make the race damn hard at the start of lap two up the big hill, thereby shredding the field and leaving us, hopefully, with great numbers in the selection. Things will probably thin out again over the final KOM climb, but some numbers would be huge on that final fast flat to the finish, with the tricky double right turn before the sprint.

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!

I've been planing on Housatonic for weeks and just realized that I NEVER REGISTERED! I really thought I did so weeks ago. I even have a hotel reservation in Southbury 'cause my wife and kids were coming up for father's day! I am so LAME!

Guess I am racing Harlem. Not so bad.

Have a great time up there!

Patrick

Ah, Patrick, that sucks. Is it worth going up and trying to get in? There are always no-shows, and we'd love to add you to the roster!

Hot tip for strong teams at HH. Have guys ready to keep it going full gas after the climb, where it rolls, false flat style. It's where you can really shed the fakers who make it up the climb proper. I should know, this is where I usually get dropped.

I feel a Kissena can win this race. My vote is we stay together, stay out of the wind, stay at the front, and look after one another. I'm cool with attacking on lap two but would be interested to see how together the field is then anyhow. Bummer to hear about the slip up Pat, I'm sure you would of torn it up.

Happy fathers day, patrick (and all the other dads)!

I will implode halfway through the race in your honor. I think if we protect Joe, Wojciech, Todd, and Ryan for as long as possible, they have an excellent shot at forming a nice selection during lap 2, especially up the KOM, which is a looooooooong drag if you're big like me.

Hopefully, the guy at the top with the vuvuzela will not blow it in my ear and taunt me with a cold beer that the leaders are "right there!", when they're really like 10 minutes up the road already. I'm having horrible flashbacks of the worst dehydration I've ever suffered that caused even my face to cramp.

Why did I sign up again? It says "hills" right there in the title...This is gonna be great!

My loss is your gain:

I have a reservation at the Southbury Crowne Plaza Hotel Saturday night that I cannot cancel (they charge me for the night's stay either way). It is a room with two double beds (they have an indoor pool and take pets). Since it does not look like I will be going to Housatonic I don't want it to go to waste.

Do any of you want to stay up there? It is the same town as the race. Perfect for a group of sweaty racers.

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/CP/1/en/hotel/hvnsb?cm_mmc=DCE-_-TX-resCP-_-en-_-MAINHOTEL

I paid $123 plus tax for the room but would be willing to accept whatever you guys come up with: some $$, used bike parts, Housatonic swag, dirty Kissena socks.... okay, maybe not the socks - I have some of those.

Of course this is open to NON Cat 4 Kissena folks also.

email or call me at 516-987-6404 if you want to discuss it

Patrick

I've got Patricks' room! Muahahaha.

If anyone else wants to join me on the other bed (so I don't get lonely at night) gimme a call at (718)984-1758

I'd be more then happy to share it with someone or a group of you guys

The title of the thread is incorrect. It should read "Housatonic Hills Cat. 4 (39 and younger). James Nelson and I are registered in the 40+. I would have enjoyed being with you guys during the neutralized start. Since we're starting 10' later, I hope I won't see you again before the finish (even you Jeff after your implosion). Since most of you can hope to place, for those who don't know the finish, don't try to pull too big a gear, this faux-plat is deceiving (check it before the start).
As we say in French, merde!

Hey everyone racing Hurt-a-tonic tomorrow. Crush 'em. I've ridden with all of you it seems by now and I know that you are strong and fierce. Go in with confidence and you will succeed.

ooooh, this is more exciting to read than the cyclingnews live updates from Switzerland!