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Cyclocross!

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mugwump
Nov 01, 2022 at 02:57 PM
Went to Croton for Day 2.  

*Loved the late start--not having to leave home until 11:40 gave me plenty of time to sleep in. 

*One mile from home to the Metro-North station.  Express train to Croton.  One mile to the course.

*There was no race between 12:50 and 2:40, so plenty of time to pre-ride the course.

*It was, apparently, a reverse of Saturday's, so the steep single track descent was now a climb--run, ride, run.

*They had a hot laps competition during the open course period.  The timing guy, Jim, yelled at me to do it when I went by the finish line.  I said 'nah'.  He started me anyways.  Which meant the announcer had plenty to work with.  I took it easy on the first half, but tried to ride the second half fast.  I was briefly in third place.  

*warm start.   Short sleeves, no base layer.

*Small field.  Combined 45+/55+  Front row call up.  I blew it because, somehow, my rear wheel was doing something funky at the start.  Rolled tire?  Broken spoke?  Loose Cassette?  Something stuck in the wheel?  I tried to diagnose while riding.  Didn't work.  Stopped.  My rear quick release was loose!  Lost 45+ seconds doing that.

*Caught a few people.  I think one of them dropped out.  Looking at my lap times, I was slow.

*6th place

*I get to the finish, look for my jersey.  And it's gone.  Ask around to see if any friends snagged it for me.  Nope.  It's the Donut jersey, irreplaceable, and it has my phone in it.  Can't believe anyone would steal either.  And if they did, it would be the first time this ever happened at a race for me.  I borrow someone's  phone to call my own.  Nothing.  Tell the promoter, it goes out over the PA system.  A few minutes later, a woman runs up apologetic; she (somehow) thought it was her husband's.  

*Trip back was easy.  Express train.  There are five bikes along with mine in the car I rode; only one from the race.  Standing the whole way back.  

eloy
Nov 01, 2022 at 04:15 PM
Thierry! sorry to hear about your crash, glad you are feeling better already, please take good care.

Sweet report JP!

Awesome to see so many kissenistas racing: Remy, Dave, James, Thierry, JP, Thomas

Croton Cross Results:

Day 1:
  • 30some Cat 3 starters for my race, including Rob, Rod Millot, Matt Vandidort, Cullen MacDonald, Bertucco, a few heavy hitters, and some crazy fast juniors
  • Course has all the off-camber corners in the world
  • It includes a pretty cool climb, and then a soft ground technicalish side of the hill mega drop, emoting the best NOHO and Providence courses. Bring it!
  • My start is ok. Even seems like I am taking the corners better than most...
  • Until I slip, slide and crash in front of every one. This is why everyone was being more cautious. DUH!
  • Trying to repair the damage, I'll crash two more times in lap one
  • Guess this is now my new 2022 tradition: Crash all the races
  • Eventually settle one or two spots behind Rob and ahead of Cullen and Bertucco
  • Able to ride the Belgian stairs, my last lap is my 2nd fastest lap, that drop is fun fun fun
  • A bit frustrated I keep crashing, but overall, actually had a whole ton of fun!
  • Love love love but also omg so many minutes, the Cat 3 race is scheduled to be 50 minutes!
  • Official keep me out there for 60 minutes 08 seconds, bring it TSS!!
  • Training peaks lets me know it is my highest 60 minutes HR of 2022, also DUH
Day 2:
  • Smaller Cat 3 field, I think about 18 starters or so
  • Really awesome to see Dave racing earlier in the cat 4
  • Goal is to have a clean race, let's break traditions!
  • Feels colder than yesterday
  • The track rides better than Saturday, feels much more flowly
  • Dave suggests maybe this was the original direction and Saturday's was the reversed
  • As JP states, yesterday's drop is now a run up: run, jump back ride for a corner and run the last few meters
  • I do everything right at the start, but almost immediately I'm struggling to hold wheels that I'm usually ahead
  • I kinda knew I might paying for yesterday's effort, and frankly, the crashes -- ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • At some point early I pass Cullen, and keep on keeping on to make sure he stays behind
  • Eventually settled a turn or two behind Rob and Ben Millsten (King Kog) exactly like yesterday
  • I then see Cullen completely cleaned up and dressed up cheering for me on the sidelines
  • Um..., I might actually be in last place
  • I say this to someone cheering in one of the climbs, they respond with something encouraging
  • 53 minutes today
  • Results confirm: DFL 
  • oh well, it still felt good, hard, beautiful park on a gorgs day
  • Get additional consolation from Dave and others who say we were super fast, finally a clean race, and later the Pleasantville Diner
This race was so much fun, I would have totally raced Monday had they offered a 3rd day!

Let's go race bikes!

(Photos of me by Dave, the rest by me)



eloy
Nov 01, 2022 at 06:01 PM
So Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced Koppenberg cross today, first race for Ineos Grenadiers. One of the bikes was Pidcok's. The gear was a basic disaster, with her first bike dropping the chain, took forever to put back, then changing bikes and then that 2nd bike chain getting stuck between the frame and the 11th -- also the pit mechanics appeared inexperienced, standing on the wrong side of the pit, not moving up, etc... kinda weird and disappointing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Qo-IrE148&t=84s
mugwump
Nov 01, 2022 at 07:19 PM
eloy said:
So Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced Koppenberg cross today, first race for Ineos Grenadiers. One of the bikes was Pidcok's. The gear was a basic disaster, with her first bike dropping the chain, took forever to put back, then changing bikes and then that 2nd bike chain getting stuck between the frame and the 11th -- also the pit mechanics appeared inexperienced, standing on the wrong side of the pit, not moving up, etc... kinda weird and disappointing...

Imagine what it would have been like if Ineos Grenadiers wasn't the biggest budget team in cycling.
Mark Taylor
Nov 01, 2022 at 07:51 PM
Her rear skewer was probably loose 
Mark Taylor
Nov 03, 2022 at 11:54 AM
Last lap of Koppenburg cross men's race was fantastic 
mugwump
Nov 03, 2022 at 01:07 PM
Maybe this is why Roger Aspholm hasn't been seen at races lately:

https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/eurocross-academy-riding-with-the-best-at-koppenbergcross/
eloy
Nov 03, 2022 at 11:54 PM
I believe Roger also coaches AJ who WON the Junior's Koppenbergcross
https://www.velonews.com/news/cyclocross/american-teenager-andrew-august-wins-mens-junior-race-at-koppenbergcross/
Mark Taylor
Nov 04, 2022 at 07:19 PM
I see Pidcock is scheduled to start his season on the 19th , I'm assuming its a Rainy 
eloy
Nov 04, 2022 at 08:37 PM
Rainey world cup!
Mark Taylor
Nov 07, 2022 at 01:01 PM
The Namur coarse was so good
4 great races
James Reeder
Nov 07, 2022 at 03:24 PM
Really Rad Festival of Cyclocross... 

I got there after the Pan-Am races on Friday, pre-rode in the late afternoon, featured as an extra in Caroline Mani's course intro. I had been feeling really good coming off a taper after a solid block of training, and felt great out on the course, but could feel a scratch in my throat and something was off. Woke up Saturday it was still there, raced, did not do as well as I expected, heart rate not recovering like normal after the big efforts. Sunday woke up not well, did not race, went home really :'( 

The course was very fast and rewarded figuring out those corners, preride focusing on lines vs. obstacles was crucial here. Slightly damp in the morning, great conditions for intermediate treads. Many of the elites ran file treads because it dried out quite a bit in the afternoon. The sand pit was coarse, damp, and heavy, ridable but not a huge penalty for running it, same with the set of shallow steps. Wouldn't have minded more elevation. 

...put this one on your list for next year.
PatrickGrehan
Nov 08, 2022 at 12:53 AM
For those of you looking to register for Rainey Park (and didn't get the email which I assume went to people on prior registration lists), here is why the registration page keeps getting delayed. Hope Keith can get this ironed out this week. Anyone have an in with the NYC parks Dept.?

You may have noticed registration for Rainey Park Cyclocross 2022 has been pushed back several times. As of now, we have yet to receive a finalized permit from NYC Parks. While this isn’t out of the ordinary (I received the permit the Monday before the race last year), there has been some changeover among the NYC Parks staff that has approved the event in the past. One of the issues we are encountering is a rule in the NYC Parks Rules and Regulations that states nothing can be staked into the ground - which as you know, is pretty essential to setting up a cyclocross course quickly and easily. I am exploring other options for course setup that may work and have a site walkthrough scheduled with NYC Parks later this week.
At this point, I do not have enough confidence in receiving timely approval and having the permit costs fit within a sustainable budget to open registration just yet. I know folks are eager to plan their race schedule and travel, so I just want to try to be as transparent as possible. 
I appreciate your patience and understanding and will provide a final update by the end of the week.
Keith Garrison
Event Director
Rainey Park Cyclocross


PatrickGrehan
Nov 08, 2022 at 01:00 AM
There are several great CX races this weekend. 

NoHo in Northampton Mass., is one of my favorites for the pro-level course, great vibe, cool surrounding area, and is put together by Adam Myerson and Al Donahue. Totally worth the trip for a weekend of quality racing - power sections, technical sections, its got it all. I know that Eloy was considering it but likely is looking for someone to go with him. I would be there if I could

I raced SlyFox in PA for the first time last year. It was a an insane muddy mess. It is sponsored by a brewery and takes place on the back end of a corporate park. So some great single track mixed in with fields and tarmac. Great beer and quality merchandise as well.

SCCX has been a longstanding Jersey race although they moved the venue last year and I haven't been to new one. It's closer than the other two races and is typically well attended and has that fun NJCX vibe. 

Go out there and have fun! I am so jealous
James Reeder
Nov 08, 2022 at 04:47 PM

Coming up:

Nov 13 SCCX   it's a flat power track with a short rooty mtb section, not the most exciting course but good local vibe like the other NJ races. tacked on end of last season with low attendance, looks like the same low numbers this year.

Nov 19 Rainey Park (or Nov 20 Falkorburg Cross near Baltimore if no Rainey Park)

Nov 26 Crossburg (or Nov 27 Tacchino CX in MD if i'm down there for thanksgiving)

Dec 3 Ice Weasels and/or Dec 4 Governors Guard Rodeo 

Dec 9 CX Nats  


Alternate:

Nov 13 Sly Fox  

Dec 4 Capitol Cross Classic   amazing fun flowy hilly course outside of DC area.

Nov 12-13 Noho


Exciting season so far: racing every weekend with the NYC contingent; muddy start to the season; on track with season goals despite a couple of hiccups.

But slightly disappointing: fewer races in the region overall; not many with big elevation; not a lot of racers.

Matt Budofsky
Nov 08, 2022 at 07:45 PM
I'm in for SCCX (cat 5s are at 2:45). Just watched some videos of last years race and the course looks like a grass crit.

Edit: just checked and I'm the only cat 5 registered -_-
eloy
Nov 08, 2022 at 09:52 PM
Teammates pull me, but right now gravitating towards NoHo Cat 3 races, specially seeing all the content coming out from really rad. Second choice is Sly Fox 3/4, last choice, but still possible is SCCX -- those fields are looking slim tho.
mugwump
Nov 10, 2022 at 01:39 PM
Sorry for my radio silence on SCCX.  

I"d love to go, but family life has made it trickier.  My wife and son won't be around on the weekend, so unless I can find something for my daughter to do at a friends place, I can't go.  Been trying to arrange something, but my daughter is not going along so far.
Mark Taylor
Nov 10, 2022 at 06:29 PM
I was always able to get my kids to come along and watch , because the first time they came " waffles & dinges" was there.
Just lie  :)

mugwump
Nov 10, 2022 at 08:31 PM
Mark Taylor said:
I was always able to get my kids to come along and watch , because the first time they came " waffles & dinges" was there.
Just lie  :)

My son has, thankfully, mostly outgrown his motion sickness issues.  My daughter isn't quite there yet.  It makes just about every car trip a negotiation and then entails careful planning.  
PatrickGrehan
Nov 11, 2022 at 05:33 PM
No less than THREE Kissenas are battling it out for podium spots on the NJCX cup this weekend at SCCX! Pretty awesome.

Perennial podium challenger Jim Feehan is 23 points out of third place in the 60+ field 

Club president Matt Budofsky is 2 points out of third and 17 points our of 2nd place in the Cat5 field


James Reeder will be battling off all pretenders to his throne by defending his 25 point lead in the 40+ 4/5 field  


I raise my glass of Belgian ale to you all: May the cyclocross gods grant your mud tires and toe spikes extra traction in your muddy quest for grassroots glory in that far off fabled land called Jersey
mugwump
Nov 11, 2022 at 07:14 PM
Looking ahead to Nationals.

Are Eloy and I the only Kissena's going?
eloy
Nov 11, 2022 at 08:02 PM
Life conspired against NoHo, but will race Sunday. I am leaning towards Sly Fox, as I raced it before..., but Patrick's post and just the fact all you teammates will be there is making consider SCCX...

Anyone that raced SCCX last year @Remy Forgues or @James Reeder care to offer a description of the course?

re: JP's Nationals ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 
James Reeder
Nov 11, 2022 at 08:13 PM
i'll be at nationals just haven't registered yet.
James Reeder
Nov 11, 2022 at 08:16 PM
rainey park CX is dead long live rainey park world cup.

come do Falkorburg on the 20th with me. those MD courses are some of the best. it's just outside of Baltimore



James Reeder
Nov 11, 2022 at 08:20 PM
SCCX flat power track with a short rooty mtb section. barriers and some grassy turns at one end, short rooty mtb section at the other, long grassy/gravely sections linking the two ends together. too much pavement last year but there's supposed to be less of that this year.
eloy
Nov 11, 2022 at 08:25 PM
James Reeder said:
rainey park CX is dead long live rainey park world cup.

come do Falkorburg on the 20th with me. those MD courses are some of the best. it's just outside of Baltimore
I am honestly heartbroken about Rainey Park. #raineyparkworldcup forever 🖤

I am in for Falkorburg. Let's coordinate during the week. 
mugwump
Nov 11, 2022 at 11:32 PM
@James Reeder

I need more CX racing.  I don't think I want to drive that far.
PatrickGrehan
Nov 11, 2022 at 11:41 PM
Secret Squirrel in Rayham MA is closer

mugwump said:
@James Reeder

I need more CX racing.  I don't think I want to drive that far.

eloy
Nov 11, 2022 at 11:55 PM
mugwump said:
@James Reeder

I need more CX racing.  I don't think I want to drive that far.
But JP what choice is not far?

Secret Squirrel is Sat Nov 19 in Rayham MA (between Providence and Boston)
or 
Falkorburg north of Baltimore on Sunday Nov 20

I guess it depends from where you start, both are similar drives from my place, Falkorburg is a slightly easier route, and has the advantage of being able to drive out Saturday, spend the night and race Sunday.