Mar 01, 2014 at 04:03 PM
Konrad. Why didn't you win? Jka. Story please...
Branchbrook NJ Spring Series
Mar 01, 2014 at 04:14 PM
Did this feat of athletic excellence occur aboard a Spooky bicycle?
Mar 01, 2014 at 04:16 PM
In addition to the awesome stories I can't wait to read, I think it might be useful to include how you guys dressed before and during the race. Everyone has their own comfort zones, but I think it might be helpful for the many newer riders on the club who just aren't sure how to dress for such cold days.
Mar 01, 2014 at 04:55 PM
Konrad 2nd, Me 5th, Yang 6th and I think there may have been 1 or 2 more top 10s.
High points - good teamwork
Low points - numb fingers after 5 mins, a fred crashing in the first lap and my garmin crapping out because of the cold
Mar 01, 2014 at 05:00 PM
2nd, 5th, 6th at least? You guys are awesome! Track your results, note how many starters, keep it in a document so Ragot doesn't give you a hard time when you ask for your upgrades!
Mar 01, 2014 at 05:02 PM
I rolled in 13th after bridging back on because of a crash in the last lap. Felt good.
Mar 01, 2014 at 05:33 PM
I'll chime in on the outfit..I had a base layer, long sleeves and a cashmere sweater under a Kissena wind breaker. It was great. The problem was for me, my hands and feet. The digits were tingly the whole time. I had an insert under a pair of thick fleece gloves and thick wool socks with a shoe booty. It wasn't enough for me. And neck gaiter for sure at least.. Cheeks and nose were hurting when I was warming up. It was really cold out this morning.
Mar 01, 2014 at 05:49 PM
Pre race I was shivering like a hairless chihuahua. After the first lap I was more or less warmed up, extremities included. By lap 7 or 8 my core was getting a bit hot. I barely sweated (might be an indication of how hard I raced - yeah blocking). My only problem with the cold was my throat closed up when Wes and I stopped blocking and went for the sprint.
Rundown of what I wore:
- Uniqlo heat tech long sleeve shirt and tights
- Old thin merino wool sweater with moth holes
- Summer weight short sleeve jersey
- ChampSys pro-tech whatever jacket (with the "difficult" pocket)
- Fleece bib shorts
- Fleece leg warmers
- Thick cotton/poly socks
- Fleece shoe covers
- Cheap dollar store knit gloves
- ChampSys winter gloves
- Rapha thin neck gaiter (pink)
- Mid weight merino wool knitted skull cap
- Oakley sunglasses
- Rudy Helmet w/o the net liner
I can't wait to race in:
- Bibs
- Jersey
- Gloves
- Socks
- Shoes
Mar 01, 2014 at 06:33 PM
Did this feat of athletic excellence occur aboard a Spooky bicycle?CAAD10 baby!
Mar 01, 2014 at 07:13 PM
A chill (ha) race. Neutral first lap so that we could see where the ice patch was which they blocked off with cones. I heard there was a crash at the ONE turn this course has on the NEUTRAL lap. Luckily I was cruising the front for the first few laps chasing down the random break attempts. After 3 or 4, Nelson jumped on the western side and took a few people with him but it was reeled in around the start line. Wes took a flyer at almost the same spot but that was brought back pretty quickly too. A lap later I took a flyer right from the front of the pack at the turn, thinking the group would be slowing down and only a few people would come with. Guess no one else thought it was a good idea because I was all alone so sat up. Mostly the same unorganized attempts until 2 laps to go. Konrad unleashed the effing fury and established a 3 or 4 man break. Jeff A and I went to the front and started blocking until people caught on and started riding around us. One dude flew by and I realized it was Mark Inaba (not in Kissena kit yet) so I started yelling at him to stop chasing. He knew exactly what he was doing and when I caught up at the front he was already blocking beautifully! Kissenas continued rotating blocking duties. On the bell lap a few random dudes attempted to bridge since the break wasn't too far up the road. Wes and I were up front and let them go since they sort of just fell back into the group after a few seconds. Unfortunately the one guy strong enough to bridge took 1st. Sorry Konrad! Wes and I did a half assed sprint to the line for 5th and 6th.
I think it would have been nice if Konrad had another Kissena in the break, but let's face it, homeboy is strong enough to podium by himself.
All in all a nice easy race to start the year off with. Really liked the course and look forward to racing it again soon.
Mar 01, 2014 at 07:57 PM
Wowoweewow that was a fun race. It was fairly easy to spot the squirrely riders, who seemed to swarm to the front together all at once, so I made sure to let them ride up, get tired, and drift back. It was nice that they gravitated toward one another because that meant the race was fairly safe. Wes had a close encounter with a CRCA Development kid who literally turned right at the one left turn in the race, but kept himself upright with style and grace.
Speaking of Wes, I gotta say thank you so much. He rode next to me at one point, asked how I was feeling, and then asked if he should throw a flyer to see what happened. Then he did it and, he did it damn well. Committed to it and stirred the pack up a bit. All of you guys who went off the front and everyone who held back and locked shit down - great work. It really felt like we were controlling that race and seeing how well everyone was working with each other and for each other gave me confidence in launching that attack. Honestly, each of you did an awesome job today. Thank you so much.
As for the move, I was planning on going at 25 minutes into the race with hopes that I could finish off with a 20 minute interval - 3 or 4 laps. I don't know what happened, but at 25 minutes they called 2 to go and I figured it was now or never. I stayed in the saddle and launched just after the start/finish and got a little gap into the parking lot, at which point my buddy Billy from Pink Rhino motored around and yelled "STAY ON MY WHEEL". Between the two of us, we had a small gap. We kept going and used our own strengths and played off one another - he's got a good sprint and I'm a little better with maintaining slightly longer efforts, so he would sprint for 20 seconds, I would pull for a minute to let him recover, and then we'd surge forward. We knew we only needed to go for 2 laps so we just kept chugging.
At some point the orange t-shirt caught up, and it was nice because he offered to pull and help out. Mr. Hatchcap did nothing and would soft pedal at the front. So much, to the point where we could see we were losing time. Billy was popped and OTS wasn't too strong, so I got to the front and pulled for the last leg knowing I was going to get axed. Of course Hatchcap came around me in the sprint. Nice way to pull a cheeky move in a training race and not make friends, but you know - today was about training. I'm super stoked that I could launch a move that stuck, even if it was just for two laps.
And Marc, I didn't know podium photos were being done since a podium was never done before at these races. I changed and was going to get some food and wanted to check out Andy's race and, while walking by the trailer was yoinked atop of the steps. Sorry. As for what I wore during the race:
-Long sleeve jersey
-Short sleeve jersey
-Under Armour ColdGear long sleeve baselayer
-Outlier Merino Ribbed Baselayer
-Outlier Merino Socks
-Cannondale Blaze gloves with a heatpack inside
-Castelli booties with heatpacks inside
-Balaclava
I was freezing at the start and overheating at the end. So hard to get that balance right.
Thanks again to Wes, Yang, Jeff, Nelson, Aaron, Phil, and Mark. You're the best and I can't wait to see you all again soon!! It's awesome that we also took 1st and 2nd in the sprint. Wild stuff!! KCC CRUSHIN CREW!
Mar 01, 2014 at 08:33 PM
I felt totally fine once we get got moving. Granted my race was a hour later.
- under armer winter base
- short sleeve jersey
- long sleeve jersey
- wool cycling hat with ear covers
- fleece champ system tights
- and fleece ski tights
- neoprene booties
- ski gloves and hand warmers
Having fresh clothing/sold to into was crucial.
Konrad crushed all in his path.
- under armer winter base
- short sleeve jersey
- long sleeve jersey
- wool cycling hat with ear covers
- fleece champ system tights
- and fleece ski tights
- neoprene booties
- ski gloves and hand warmers
Having fresh clothing/sold to into was crucial.
Konrad crushed all in his path.
Mar 01, 2014 at 10:36 PM
Fantastic job guys - such an awesome way to crack open the season!
Muffin Rain!!!
Mar 01, 2014 at 11:27 PM
Kudos to the team and big kudos to Konrad. Now that was a lot of fun. Kicked off the season with the first race of the morning with the 45+ masters. Small group of about 20 riders. Basically the race went like this: attack, attack, bridge, attack, bridge, attack, attack, bridge, bridge. Ok you get the picture. I probably spent too much time trying to chase down the breakaway but great interval training if anyone wants to join me next time.
2nd race with the cat4 team. Much larger group and the plan for me was to stay firmly near the front and help where I can if a break occurs. With 2 laps to go BAM the lights go on, Konrad is in the break pace pick ups riders are getting shelled off the back, general mayhem. With half a lap to go the chasers are gaining on Konrad and I realize, I gotta get to the front and help the break. At this point I hear Dave yelling (EEnahBah). Mad props to you Dave for pronouncing my last name correctly. Dave and I hit the sharp left turn at the bottom of the course together, toss out the anchor and proceed to have cocktails. Ok no one wants to join us so it's back to work. At this point my tank is on "E" and I'm starting to get cross eyed. Basically roll in behind Dave and Wes. Great job guys!!! Again I am really happy to be with this squad and you all have been super cool.
Here are some of my essentials for sub 20 weather:
Balaclava
Neck fleece
Surgical gloves
Lobster claw gloves
Mad Alchemy; rub on legs feet and back
Hand and foot warmers
Cabela wool socks
Road shoes 1 size larger
For training a camelback under my jacket and threaded through my balaclava. Insures the tube doesn't freeze.
Konrad, Dave, Aaron, Wes, Nelson, Jeff, and Phil great job and thanks for being part of my first race with the team. Next stop Grants tomb...
2nd race with the cat4 team. Much larger group and the plan for me was to stay firmly near the front and help where I can if a break occurs. With 2 laps to go BAM the lights go on, Konrad is in the break pace pick ups riders are getting shelled off the back, general mayhem. With half a lap to go the chasers are gaining on Konrad and I realize, I gotta get to the front and help the break. At this point I hear Dave yelling (EEnahBah). Mad props to you Dave for pronouncing my last name correctly. Dave and I hit the sharp left turn at the bottom of the course together, toss out the anchor and proceed to have cocktails. Ok no one wants to join us so it's back to work. At this point my tank is on "E" and I'm starting to get cross eyed. Basically roll in behind Dave and Wes. Great job guys!!! Again I am really happy to be with this squad and you all have been super cool.
Here are some of my essentials for sub 20 weather:
Balaclava
Neck fleece
Surgical gloves
Lobster claw gloves
Mad Alchemy; rub on legs feet and back
Hand and foot warmers
Cabela wool socks
Road shoes 1 size larger
For training a camelback under my jacket and threaded through my balaclava. Insures the tube doesn't freeze.
Konrad, Dave, Aaron, Wes, Nelson, Jeff, and Phil great job and thanks for being part of my first race with the team. Next stop Grants tomb...
Mar 02, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Mar 02, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Mar 02, 2014 at 06:59 PM
Mar 04, 2014 at 05:17 AM
You guys see Everhard sticking to Savory's wheel in the field sprint? Not an easy task, especially considering how hard Scott's been training. Something tells me that we'll be seeing a lot more of the new Mengoni.
Mar 04, 2014 at 09:04 PM
Anyone planning on racing this on Saturday or is everyone at Grant's?
Mar 04, 2014 at 09:21 PM
The real men and women of the club will be racing Grant's. Just kidding. Kind of...Jeff Condon said:Anyone planning on racing this on Saturday or is everyone at Grant's?
Remember, if you are on the fence, remember Grant's Tomb is but ONCE a YEAR!
Mar 04, 2014 at 09:24 PM
As an older, more fragile rider, I've found Branchbrook to be the perfect early season race venue. Jeff, I would recommend you race there in lieu of Grants. I love Grants but it can get dodgy as hell
Mar 04, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Ill be at Branch Brook. There is a leaders jersey... and I finished 13th last week. And I suspect many people will be at Grants.
Mar 04, 2014 at 10:35 PM
I'll be at Branchbrook -- it'll be my first race as a Kissena!
Mar 04, 2014 at 10:40 PM
I've raced Grant's the last two years and I've never experienced any dodgyness. I actually like it, I just feel like skipping it this year and opening with Branchbrook. Sorry Marc, though I've never claimed to be a real man anyway.
Mar 04, 2014 at 10:42 PM
A whole bunch of folks are doing Branchbrook this weekend. I am on the fence between that and Grant's.
Mar 04, 2014 at 11:10 PM
A whole bunch of folks with a legit chance of winning/placing in their categories at Grant's Tomb — a high profile race with a $7000 purse, in the city, vs a race around a park/public toilet in NJ where you win Beanie Babies. No comprende.
Mar 04, 2014 at 11:10 PM
I also frown upon waiting around for an hour while cars are towed off the Grants course...the reason for the lack of dodgyness at Grants lately is because I haven't been there.
Mar 04, 2014 at 11:22 PM
A whole bunch of folks with a legit chance of winning/placing in their categories at Grant's Tomb — a high profile race with a $7000 purse, in the city, vs a race around a park/public toilet in NJ where you win Beanie Babies. No comprende.Says the dude who rode away from the field a couple years ago and who has already been on a podium this year and who loves Grants!
We're not all Hulks!
Mar 05, 2014 at 12:03 AM
JP not Hulk. Bertucco not Hulk. Hulk smash not way most win. Hulk not love Grant's, it make Hulk angry.
Mar 05, 2014 at 12:04 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBGtj2JA3A4