Kissena Forum Archive

R&A Cycling Series

735 comments · 8321 views
Oh sad trombones !!!!  Gonna miss you Vlad...enjoy the year round weather down there.
Yacks
mugwump said:
I heard Ashley jumped into a Sommerville ride on 9W recently. He is a very similar rider to Ragot; maybe stronger in terms of sheer watts.
Similar?  How?  both pale males who ride bikes.  other than that...I think Ashley is shorter and bulkier, probably can churn out power on the flats (at least on a training ride), and can't sprint.  
I would like to correct myself. Ashley Bernes is actually quite a bit stronger than Eric Ragot.
mugwump said:
I heard Ashley jumped into a Sommerville ride on 9W recently. He is a very similar rider to Ragot; maybe stronger in terms of sheer watts.
Similar?  How?  both pale males who ride bikes.  other than that...I think Ashley is shorter and bulkier, probably can churn out power on the flats (at least on a training ride), and can't sprint.  
I would like to correct myself. Ashley Bernes is actually quite a bit stronger than Eric Ragot.
le sigh. (glad you came around)
Will be doing the R&A Race Aug 8, 1st one, yay! Cat 5
Even in the gloaming of pre-race morning, the following still applies:

Please don't put riders ability to use Prospect Park in jeopardy by either riding in the pedestrian lanes or by riding backwards.

Similarly please don't do violate park rules while WEARING CLUB KIT 

Thank you,

Jules
Kissena Cycling President
Snap...for a moment there I thought u were announcing a return to racing this Saturday...if u change your mind, I'll keep the wood chipper warm for u
Will be doing the R&A Race Aug 8, 1st one, yay! Cat 5

Welcome Scott! It's been lonely in the Cat 5's lately. See you Saturday.
I'll be volunteering at registration for the first time at this Saturday's race. Anyone else want to join? Veterans, please let me know if any pointers.

My only question -how early do I show up?
Christopher - the reg table opens around 5:15 am, so ideally one or two of us should be around by then. 
I know I've written better descriptions somewhere in the race threads, but this is one from last year.  But if Phillip is there he'll guide you!

http://kissenacycling.vanillaforums.com/discussion/comment/61329/#Comment_61329

The tables and books are usually already out by 5:15 and you will be signing people in, checking licenses, handing out numbers, etc.  I like grabbing my number first thing and pinning up early before it gets too busy.  If you get crushed with a lot of people that's where the additional volunteers help since you can have someone take over your spot while you pin/warm up.


@Scott Kuhlke - Is this your first bicycle race of any discipline?  You're going to have a great time!  I don't think you will have any worries about fitness, but there are a ton of little quirks about racing - before, during, and after - that you'll learn and adapt to.

Here is a good primer doc that the club has put together for new racers, highly recommended!

http://www.kissenacycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/How-to-race-your-bike-v10.pdf


Also I am by no means a veteran or even a good racer, but here are a few basic tips that I like share that aren't related to fitness or actual race skills...

  • Get to the race at least 30 minutes before the start time, but I suggest 45mins to 1hr.  You'll want plenty of time to check in/register, pin on your number (in Prospect Park, the number goes on your right side - check how others are pinning on if unsure), and take a warm up spin if you have time.
  • Strip your bike of unnecessary crap - including lights, pumps, saddle bags, etc. Do it the night, heck, even the week before, and while you're at it, make sure your bike is in good mechanical order: brakes, gears, etc.  If you are trying to troubleshoot that stuff at 5am you will be late and miss the race.
  • For a prospect park race, esp in the 5s with fewer laps, you basically only need one bottle so keep the extra one in your bag back at the start/finish along with some post race snackage.
  • Eat what you normally eat before your morning rides.  Don't over eat thinking you'll need massive amounts of calories, and don't under eat because you're nervous and forget.
Scott - Also, to piggy back on Dave's comment above, please don't ride on the joggers lane before, during, or after the race. And don't ride against the flow of "traffic" in the park. Automatic DQ on both, and against park rules.
Who amongst the oldsters is up for this weekend?
I will be there. Also, starting to think this is kinda of important: Planning on volunteering and helping with Registration.

I think chris is planning on helping with registration too, please join us.
Out. Long ride Saturday and Floyd on Sunday for me.

Out. Racing Iron Hill (see other threads for why you should too) on Saturday, then Tokeneke on Sunday.
I think I'm in
I am on the fence, but I don't want to be the only Kissena represented in the 40+ race

I guess I better renew my license if I am going to do this.

I guess I better renew my license if I am going to do this.
Can't wait to see the next post once you read about the $70 all-in license fee...
I'll race...just to save Lt. Dan the indignity of being spit out the back on the hill on the 3rd lap...cause if you ain't raced all year, that's exactly what's gonna happen cha cha...

I could always sign up to save Lt Dan such a fate, as I would be spat out on the first lap.

But actually no, I am not going to as I have developed a deep an meaningful relationship with my duvet this year and I cannot leave it before 10am at the weekend.

I am in, I renewed my license. I am not bothered by the $70 all-in, I just wonder why the $175 International BMX doesn't come with a VHS copy of Rad.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/13478473

I guess this is how you know I am ready for Master's racing, I can reference movies from 30 years ago.
I'm racing!  First race ever, any advice is appreciated!
Jill, I think these videos cover most of the bases:
http://bit.ly/1P8t9kY
Obvs some of the skills you can only acquire by doing. During the race focus on asking yourself what am I doing, where should I be, why am I doing it.

Jill,

I recommend watching the 1986 blockbuster film Rad to get to learn all the skills for racing you need. Also for excellent tips on how to feather your hair.

John is right, be asking yourself, "what am I doing" "what is my goal for doing this" if you're moving up, what is the point? if you're pulling the pack along, are you bringing back a break (and why are you doing that)? This is easier said than done when you are tired and trying to find a way to breathe through your ears, but is critical when you're racing.

 
Jill Sink said:
I'm racing!  First race ever, any advice is appreciated!
Big question. So many answers. I'll start with...

1) strongest rider usually doesn't win the race.
2) if you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards.
Love that the responses have been measured and smart. Here are my 2 cents:
  • #1: Rubber side down. (if a rider feels sketchy, try to get ahead of them)
  • #2: Have fun!!!!! 
  • #3: Conserve -- which is, as suggested, if you are making an effort, or hitting the wind, you are asking and know why.
  • #4: This sounds totally obvious, but in Prospect Park the hill is the hardest part. Expect it, embrace it, be ready to go hard up it every lap. Know that it'll be even harder on the last lap. Hit it.
It is gonna be awesome.


What Eloy said. Regardless of the race, my top goals are always keep the rubber down and have fun. Sure, I want to win and whatever, but as long as I've accomplished those two things then it's been a good day. 
Jill Sink said:
I'm racing!  First race ever, any advice is appreciated!
Make sure your bike is good to to today. Get a good night's sleep tonight.  

Tomorrow night, get out all your clothes.  

Morning of race, do not depart from your typical breakfast.  Pin on your own number--I think you can pick it up Friday at R&A.  And then have a friend fix it up to get it perfect.

Start in your big ring and second-biggest cog.  Start your computer.   If someone looks dangerous to you, don't ride behind them.  

If you get dropped, chase and chase and chase until you get pulled.  The field often sits up after a hard effort, so you can catch back on.

Once your nerves have settled down and you've climbed the hill for the first time, assess whether or not you can attack.

Goal for the first race is: stay upright and finish with the group.  If you can attack, if you think you've got the legs to do more, awesome.   If you've got a computer that uploads into your main box, do so and impress yourself with the speed. If you're on Strava, you can set up "flybys" and see how others did relative to you.
Jill there are ONLY three acceptable reasons to be on the front:

A) You are crossing the finish line on the final lap
ii) You are working for a teammate providing a leadout
3) You are passing by the photographer and its early enough in the race where you can maintain a sufferface that doesn't look like you're passing a kidney stone while trying to sing Bohemian Rhapsody.


A)
httpwwwoneimagingphotographycomCyclingLucarelliCupRace77Cat-4-Lucarelli77i-htCHQGh1L8O2T1370-copy-Ljpg

ii)
httpwwwoneimagingphotographycomCyclingLucarelliCupRace77Cat-4-Lucarelli77i-37B2fH41L8O2T1125-copy-Ljpg

I don't have one for 3