Aug 15, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Cycledrome Criterium - 8/19
Aug 15, 2012 at 08:25 PM
Aug 15, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Fun course across from the velodrome
Aug 20, 2012 at 06:41 PM
Trexlertown rules! The place is an incredible gift to cyclists. It's well worth the ninety minute drive out there.
The 123 race was much more interesting than the Cat 3 race, so I'll focus on that.
I lined up in this incredibly verdant yet surprisingly critter free park. The pavement was super smooth. No cracks. No holes. No uneven spots. The turns wound about, although nothing remotely techinical, and there was a small bump that you could feel, but Prospect races made it feel irrelevant.
The field was about 50 deep. The loop is 1 mile long. We were doing 35 laps. The whistle blows and we're off. 27+ mph average with some sections screaming at 35+. Strung out madness for the whole race. I really like hauling ass like this. It's the best. Leg speed baby.
Thanks to Mr. Ellis, I was racing on some 65 mm tubulars. Leaning into turns at those speeds requires a little more, shall we say, finesse. What a great way to learn.
More than any other race I've done so far, this was the most dynamic in terms of positioning. Despite being strung out and stupid fast, my position in the group was constantly changing. It seemed like every second of the entire race was about getting the best position possible. This was the first time I was forced to be aware of it to this extreme extent. No lapses. Too much going on in my immediate area to lose sight. It wasn't about getting dropped, it was more about where I was and what I (and everybody else) was doing to grab that wheel and get that gap. One hour and fifteen minutes of it.
Bobby Lea, one week back from London, was in this race. He got off the front with a small group early on and wound up lapping us with two to go. One of coolest things to witness, for me in this stage of my racing career, is someone from the break flying past me and slotting in a wheel or two ahead of me as we negotiate the coming corner/turn. Seeing their focus, speed, and competitive fire that late into a race is impressive, especially while you're trying to do your thing and get the most out of your race. Racing with an Olympian is pretty cool too.
I finished 37th, but I don't care. The experience far supersedes the placing. Out of town races are worth the time.
I need to get faster.
The 123 race was much more interesting than the Cat 3 race, so I'll focus on that.
I lined up in this incredibly verdant yet surprisingly critter free park. The pavement was super smooth. No cracks. No holes. No uneven spots. The turns wound about, although nothing remotely techinical, and there was a small bump that you could feel, but Prospect races made it feel irrelevant.
The field was about 50 deep. The loop is 1 mile long. We were doing 35 laps. The whistle blows and we're off. 27+ mph average with some sections screaming at 35+. Strung out madness for the whole race. I really like hauling ass like this. It's the best. Leg speed baby.
Thanks to Mr. Ellis, I was racing on some 65 mm tubulars. Leaning into turns at those speeds requires a little more, shall we say, finesse. What a great way to learn.
More than any other race I've done so far, this was the most dynamic in terms of positioning. Despite being strung out and stupid fast, my position in the group was constantly changing. It seemed like every second of the entire race was about getting the best position possible. This was the first time I was forced to be aware of it to this extreme extent. No lapses. Too much going on in my immediate area to lose sight. It wasn't about getting dropped, it was more about where I was and what I (and everybody else) was doing to grab that wheel and get that gap. One hour and fifteen minutes of it.
Bobby Lea, one week back from London, was in this race. He got off the front with a small group early on and wound up lapping us with two to go. One of coolest things to witness, for me in this stage of my racing career, is someone from the break flying past me and slotting in a wheel or two ahead of me as we negotiate the coming corner/turn. Seeing their focus, speed, and competitive fire that late into a race is impressive, especially while you're trying to do your thing and get the most out of your race. Racing with an Olympian is pretty cool too.
I finished 37th, but I don't care. The experience far supersedes the placing. Out of town races are worth the time.
I need to get faster.
