I think the smart play is to maintain radio silence on NYVelocity chats. Gather information, don't disseminate.

^ what they said

plus:

I was impressed by Ryan's power (I don't have a sense for numbers, he just looked good out there for a lighter rider)

It's unfortunate his Rapha move failed because I watched him time it perfectly and I knew he needed the points

After the split we were all fighting merely to not get dropped...we tried to work together to catch the front group as a gruppetto.

Near the end of the race about 6-7 riders (including Lance) fell off the front group and were picked up by us. the resulting group sprinted for the finish. I was the first Kissena over the line, but didn't contend for the sprint (or save myself for it as I took a few hard pulls in the gruppetto) since I thought it was useless (a true best of the rest would have placed me out of the top 10, so I thought). Only to learn after the race that the placings were split by field. Damn! (Lance took 5th in the 3/4, but probably 20th overall). In all honesty to myself, probably wouldn't have made a difference had I known or not.

Anyway, it was a good learning experience to ride with the 123 field. I was excited when they combined the fields. I wrote before "made me realize I train like a bitch" because riding with the 123's made plain I simply don't hurt myself enough in training. Adjustments needed!

It really was an awkward middle between 123 and 3/4 though. Faster, but not nearly as much attacking as one would expect in a usual 123 race. I had been in a 1234 that was mostly 123 and had a ton of attacking going on. This race wasn't like that. The split was frustrating because it meant 2-3 guys just gave up following the stronger wheels, screwing everyone else behind them in the process.

Yeah, take the high road - let others do the disabusing. Or the abusing.

And I'll be there tonight.

Thinking about breaking my 2012 FBF cherry tonight. But kinda looks like rain. Race go off if it's raining, but not flooded with no lightning? I'll probably wimp out and do tabata at the park...

I want to race this evening too, but yeah its looking bad.

The worst is going all the way out there only to have it be cancelled and have to turn around and ride back in the rain or lightening.

Really?

On my bike tour I had to ride in rain and lightning regardless, as there was nowhere to turn back to; nor did i have a shower and loved ones waiting for me at the end of the day. Some deep reflective moments happened during that time...

Get on out there and kick some ass!

^AMEN^

I don't see anything on NY Velocity about today being cancelled - take a chance! I'm schlepping from Washington Heights, for God's sake!

That said, we should keep checking for updates.

I don't know guys, 30% of 'few' showers at 8pm...

I'll see you out there

Problem with rain on Flatbush is that it's hard to see broken glass when the whole road is shiny and under a layer of water. Not a big concern on tough touring tires, but our little 23/25 mm tires can't stand up to much.

the clouds outside my window a few hours ago looked a lot more serious than the forecast.

5:50 meet up?

Well, I also enjoyed a couple of hours in the rain on Sunday over the GWB. However, those hours waiting at FBF and then riding back down Flatbush in the dark while it's raining are not so contemplation-inducing.

But I should get out there eventually, so tonight you may be LUCKY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_3TlrZLpQ0

Posted By: vlad

quote

I don't know guys, 30% of 'few' showers at 8pm...

Anyone who follows weather.com knows that 30% as posted on their graphics, means 100% chance it will rain.

Posted By: tito

I don't see anything on NY Velocity about today being cancelled - take a chance! I'm schlepping from Washington Heights, for God's sake!

Dear Herr Schlepping, I'd love to do some racing with you at Rockleigh this year. I'll let you know the next time I plan to make it out there.

Posted By: Ryan JI want to race this evening too, but yeah its looking bad.

The worst is going all the way out there only to have it be cancelled and have to turn around and ride back in the rain or lightening.

Yes, especially if you drive 95 miles round trip. Yes.

I'll try to make GAP by 5.50 but might be 6pm.

I'm going down there early to help w/ reg.

have fun out there guys.

Be sure to look for Venus as it moves in front of the sun sometime after 6pm. It is your last chance this century.

Nice! Will it go in front of the moon this century?

God that was fun!!!

(Be prepared for an onslaught of Victor Chan pics)

Holy fuck that was fun! Felt like an early start to CX season mixed with being a 10 yr old in a mud puddle again. I think Patrick got some nice pics.

3/4's was surprisingly non-sketchy and John took 5th.

Got to meet Alan, which was good b/c he's tall and I can actually get a draft off him. Tried to get in some breaks but well, I suck too much to be able to tow most of them around for very long.

Oh, and you guys were right: when Tito and I went to block for Patrick up the course, a couple of guys (maybe major Taylor, but I think it was someone else with red or orange) were saying "Good job buddy, chase down your teammates, go ahead buddy, good going. Go on and chase" in a really arrogant smart ass way. Ummmmm, dumbshits, we're going less than 25 mph. Does this feel like a chase to you? Of course, those guys did NOTHING the entire race. I just smiled and shook my head at them. It's really amazing how such newbie amateurs try to act like they know so much. I guess it's insecurity.

Oh, and the series leader is insane. Shouting a few times and at one point with two to go, taking both of his hands of the bars and beating his chest. WTF?

Anyway, nice to be back at Floyd for the first time in almost a year. 3-4 hard efforts (Dino's guy knew how to rotate) have me beat! Fun hanging out with the gang too.

Race report:

Lots of shit in my eyes.

Good job John.




PS - Will do better getting myself in position for the field sprint next time.

Muffin Rain! (Kiwi style)

Fun yes! I just spent 40 minutes in the shower trying to contain the BP oil spill that was my kit. Almost wiped out, luckily I had my helmet on. Jesus.

Oh and Owens was an OX! Having swags of Kissena's up the road made my race mellow. Thanks Tito, Aly, Ryan... who am I missing!

and Patrick who flatted w/ 5 to go, I think I flatted half a lap before him.

who took that pic w/ their iphone at the end, Id really like to see it...cyclist covered in mud usually make for a good impression! For example, the roubaix pics are some of favorite in cycling.

Super fun. I had one promising break attempt, when I bridged up to a BH guy who was solo off the front. We got away and had the field out of view for a good 1/2 lap, but he was pretty gassed and after a lap we were caught. In retrospect I should've guessed that he wouldn't really be good to go after going solo for so long, and I should've waited for somebody fresher to get into a break with.

I brushed my teeth twice last night and still tasted grit in my teeth this morning. I also discovered a painful rash on "the boys" last night in the shower, and had a moment of panic that I had contracted something from the water at Floyd.

TIS THE BLACK PLAGUE ARRRGGHH

The black TAINT plague!

FUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

NNNNNNNN