Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Cherry Valley TT
On Sunday I decided to pull out the time trial bike from the moth balls and head to Cherry Valley, just outside of Rockford, for their 20k. Fortunately the stormy weather that hit Hillsboro on Saturday missed us on Sunday, but what Sunday lacked in rain was made up for with wind! Since the race was only 20k, I decided to race twice; one in Cat 4/5 and in 30-34.
I could tell almost immediately that it had been quite some time since I had been on the TT bike. I could feel my tris and shoulders from holding the aero position about five minutes into warming up... I'll probably be sore tomorrow.
About 15 minutes before my scheduled start I began riding the roughly 3 miles from registration to the start line. About half way there I see a freight train on the horizon crossing the road. Now I'm at the tracks with a growing number of riders waiting for the train to pass, maybe 5 minutes from my start time, and still nearly a mile away. As the trains clears the road I push it to the start line and luckily made it with about two minutes to spare.
At the start the wind was cutting from the right side. A few minutes in I could see cones ahead signaling a right turn. Once I rounded the turn the "fun" began... 5 miles of 20-25 mph headwind! I played with a few different gears and cadences trying to find the one that made the wind stop and/or got me over 17-18 mph. After that failed I just kept my head down with my eyes glued to the distance counter on my Cateye watching it slowing tick toward 10k. Somewhere during this stretch I had made up my mind that there was no way I was putting myself through this again... once was enough for today. Finally the turn-around came and along with it the tailwind. 17-18 mph was replaced with 32-33 mph! I clicked down for my highest gear but nothing happened... probably another reason I should have taken it for a test spin before today! I did my best to keep up my cadence and speed with the tailwind, but really could've used that last gear. Before too long the finish line came. My time of 31:00 and change was disappointingly slow. I'm not sure how much of that can be blamed on the windy conditions or if this is an accurate measure of where I am...
After I had a few minutes to recover, I decided to at least get a good workout from the day and race again, even if my results were less than expected. I was up again about 10 minutes later, not leaving enough time to get my other number, I was instructed by the official to "just yell out your number at the finish line". Good enough... The second go around was just as fun as the first one, and only a minute slower!
I wasn't sure if I wanted to check the results, but I eventually did. I finished 3rd in both categories, so maybe it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. Some of the times, especially of the 1/2/3 riders, were really impressive considering the wind! After comparing times and some reflection I can set better defined, challenging, yet realistic goals for this season. Less wind next time would help too...
Mike
I could tell almost immediately that it had been quite some time since I had been on the TT bike. I could feel my tris and shoulders from holding the aero position about five minutes into warming up... I'll probably be sore tomorrow.
About 15 minutes before my scheduled start I began riding the roughly 3 miles from registration to the start line. About half way there I see a freight train on the horizon crossing the road. Now I'm at the tracks with a growing number of riders waiting for the train to pass, maybe 5 minutes from my start time, and still nearly a mile away. As the trains clears the road I push it to the start line and luckily made it with about two minutes to spare.
At the start the wind was cutting from the right side. A few minutes in I could see cones ahead signaling a right turn. Once I rounded the turn the "fun" began... 5 miles of 20-25 mph headwind! I played with a few different gears and cadences trying to find the one that made the wind stop and/or got me over 17-18 mph. After that failed I just kept my head down with my eyes glued to the distance counter on my Cateye watching it slowing tick toward 10k. Somewhere during this stretch I had made up my mind that there was no way I was putting myself through this again... once was enough for today. Finally the turn-around came and along with it the tailwind. 17-18 mph was replaced with 32-33 mph! I clicked down for my highest gear but nothing happened... probably another reason I should have taken it for a test spin before today! I did my best to keep up my cadence and speed with the tailwind, but really could've used that last gear. Before too long the finish line came. My time of 31:00 and change was disappointingly slow. I'm not sure how much of that can be blamed on the windy conditions or if this is an accurate measure of where I am...
After I had a few minutes to recover, I decided to at least get a good workout from the day and race again, even if my results were less than expected. I was up again about 10 minutes later, not leaving enough time to get my other number, I was instructed by the official to "just yell out your number at the finish line". Good enough... The second go around was just as fun as the first one, and only a minute slower!
I wasn't sure if I wanted to check the results, but I eventually did. I finished 3rd in both categories, so maybe it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. Some of the times, especially of the 1/2/3 riders, were really impressive considering the wind! After comparing times and some reflection I can set better defined, challenging, yet realistic goals for this season. Less wind next time would help too...
Mike
Monday, April 16, 2012
Hillsboro 2012 Edition
Just a little background. This was our first race as a formal team in 2007. I have tried to make it down there ever since.
I went down there with Mike Seguin and a Bryce from xXx. We started our trek at 4:30 in the morning. Luckily they allowed me to sleep a little on the way down. Once down there we were greeted by the rain that put a chill in the bones. Registration has always gone smooth at this event. We got our gear on and went for a spin as this was Bryce's first time down. I'm glad we did the in town loop as it seems the transition from the downhill pavement to pacers has deteriorated a bit. I was a little concerned about how to dress but once you are soaked to the bone it really doesn't matter.
The field was a whole lot smaller than the registered 75 in our Masters 40+ field. We had 47 at the line. Off we went. I finally was wet through about 4 miles in with my glasses fogging up; so off they went. I made my way up to the top 15 before the downhill right/left at about mile 6. This is where I was told the field split as that section of road was the first true test of braking and turning on the rainy roads. I even felt my rear wheel slide just a tad.
At about mile 8 I see Mike and about 5 other guys go off the front. Two of the big teams had people up there so I moved to the front to tell their teams to start controlling the front. They weren't listening very well and Mike's group was caught soon after. Needless to say the counter attack by two riders stuck for the remainder of the race.
The first lap was pretty tame after that. Up the hill going back into town I shifted down to my small chainring before the climb. I was happy staying with the pack up but did get stuck behind a slower rider. Seeing as how I was spinning it didn't affect me too much. At the top of the hill is an odd left hand off camber turn with a drop off to the outside. It was nice to see they placed hay bales there. Needless to say I took the turn wide and rolled onto pea gravel that I rode through until I hit grass versus trying to turn and get back on the pavement. There were also two other riders who went off at the same spot. So now I'm off the back. I bomb the hill rattling my teeth and holding on for dear life on the rough transition. I was able to reconnect at the rough left hand turn on the pacers.
The second lap was met by attack after attack. I was happy I was able to predict when they would occur and covered them fairly well jumping from wheel to wheel. On one acceleration I was glued to the guy's wheel in front of me as he and the I slammed into a hole. This particular hole I remember on the first lap as having many water viroids around it. On this lap it claimed both of mine. Now I'm without water for about 15 miles. Of course after that incident the pack started calling out road hazards. More attacks with a guy from Mack and another guy doing an unbelievable amount of the attacks.
As we headed into town the pace slowed considerably. I thankfully went down to the small chainring and sat and spun as many stood with a slower cadence. Up the hill in town I felt good as I sat in about a third of the pack back on the cone side. I made sure I wasn't directly behind the guy in front of me. When a guy locked up his real wheel and endoed to my right I made my move to fill his hole. This momentum carried me up the hill. At the top I was sitting about 6 back. Now my mind started to race. How do I play out the last 3 turns? Well, it didn't matter as I took the same damn turn bad and went off the road again. No catching up to the pack this time. I came in 14th.
After the race I found out Mike got a flat 10 miles in. He still did well on his own for 50 miles coming in 27th.
Another memorable Hillsboro in the history books.
Tony
I went down there with Mike Seguin and a Bryce from xXx. We started our trek at 4:30 in the morning. Luckily they allowed me to sleep a little on the way down. Once down there we were greeted by the rain that put a chill in the bones. Registration has always gone smooth at this event. We got our gear on and went for a spin as this was Bryce's first time down. I'm glad we did the in town loop as it seems the transition from the downhill pavement to pacers has deteriorated a bit. I was a little concerned about how to dress but once you are soaked to the bone it really doesn't matter.
The field was a whole lot smaller than the registered 75 in our Masters 40+ field. We had 47 at the line. Off we went. I finally was wet through about 4 miles in with my glasses fogging up; so off they went. I made my way up to the top 15 before the downhill right/left at about mile 6. This is where I was told the field split as that section of road was the first true test of braking and turning on the rainy roads. I even felt my rear wheel slide just a tad.
At about mile 8 I see Mike and about 5 other guys go off the front. Two of the big teams had people up there so I moved to the front to tell their teams to start controlling the front. They weren't listening very well and Mike's group was caught soon after. Needless to say the counter attack by two riders stuck for the remainder of the race.
The first lap was pretty tame after that. Up the hill going back into town I shifted down to my small chainring before the climb. I was happy staying with the pack up but did get stuck behind a slower rider. Seeing as how I was spinning it didn't affect me too much. At the top of the hill is an odd left hand off camber turn with a drop off to the outside. It was nice to see they placed hay bales there. Needless to say I took the turn wide and rolled onto pea gravel that I rode through until I hit grass versus trying to turn and get back on the pavement. There were also two other riders who went off at the same spot. So now I'm off the back. I bomb the hill rattling my teeth and holding on for dear life on the rough transition. I was able to reconnect at the rough left hand turn on the pacers.
The second lap was met by attack after attack. I was happy I was able to predict when they would occur and covered them fairly well jumping from wheel to wheel. On one acceleration I was glued to the guy's wheel in front of me as he and the I slammed into a hole. This particular hole I remember on the first lap as having many water viroids around it. On this lap it claimed both of mine. Now I'm without water for about 15 miles. Of course after that incident the pack started calling out road hazards. More attacks with a guy from Mack and another guy doing an unbelievable amount of the attacks.
As we headed into town the pace slowed considerably. I thankfully went down to the small chainring and sat and spun as many stood with a slower cadence. Up the hill in town I felt good as I sat in about a third of the pack back on the cone side. I made sure I wasn't directly behind the guy in front of me. When a guy locked up his real wheel and endoed to my right I made my move to fill his hole. This momentum carried me up the hill. At the top I was sitting about 6 back. Now my mind started to race. How do I play out the last 3 turns? Well, it didn't matter as I took the same damn turn bad and went off the road again. No catching up to the pack this time. I came in 14th.
After the race I found out Mike got a flat 10 miles in. He still did well on his own for 50 miles coming in 27th.
Another memorable Hillsboro in the history books.
Tony
Friday, April 13, 2012
Dusted off the track bike
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Trying to Shaking the Cobwebs Out!!
Last Saturday I headed up to South Beloit, Il to do my first couple of races for the year. The Burnham Boys have always put on a great race with the Spring Super Crit. And Blackhawk Farms Raceway is a great venue to start the season with and shake out the cobwebs from the winter. I will say that I was a bit nervous going out there. I had taken a lot of the bike this winter and did not feel like I was in the shape I needed to be in for racing. I am also riding for a new team this year as I just joined Beverly Bike - Vee Pak Racing Team. I am very excited to be racing for them and getting some good results for the team, because of the outstanding support I have already received this year from the shop, sponsors and teammates. And lastly, it is the first race of the season.
So I set up simple goals for myself in the three races that I was competing in? Race #1 - 30 + Cat 1,2,3,4 - Use it as a warm up and shake the cobwebs. Race #2 - 40 + Cat 1,2,3,4 - Top Ten finish. Race #3 - Cat 1,2,3 - Use it as added training for the day but do not get dropped from the pack.
It was great to line up again at the start of the race and see all the racers and friends that I have met over the years. We get our instructions, the whistle blows and we are off. The pace was fast and I felt sluggish. So I told myself it was for a warm up and to just stay with the pack. As time past, I was getting into the swing of things and made my way to the front. I did pull at the front but did not last long and went to the back again. Then a break formed but it did not seem all that aggressive or strong willed, but enough teams were involved to make it work. I could not get out of position so I watched it slowly pull away. After a lap or so I started to worry that it might stick, which is no good for a sprinter like myself. The team mates in the pack really did some good work to keep others off the front to avoid chasing down the break even though the break seemed a bit lazy. So I went to the front and finally three or four of us continued to rotate and go around the blocking teammates in the pack. After two laps we had them down to about 60yds with two laps to go. Time for me to fade back and recover for the sprint at the end because I thought there was no way that the break would stay away now. The teammates of those in the break took over at the front again and the break succeeded. Oh well it is just a warm up race for me anyways, but still tough to handle. As we came to the final turns I practiced moving up to the front and was in great position for a sprint but decided to stick to the plan. Save it for the 40+.
As everyone started to line up for the next race, I could see many were doing the same as me and competing in both master races. I got the feeling that another break might not work here as there was a bit of frustration by letting the last one get away. The pace was just as fast and there were a number of breaks that went off but none got away. When it got down to three laps to go I started to get that feeling and the focus began setting in. That feeling is hard to explain. You do not feel pain. You become hyper sensitive to everything that is going on around you. Your mind starts calculating every little action of every rider around you and how it might affect your position in the field. I guess I am going into battle and survival mode has kicked in. I start to think about the previous race and getting into the same position for the finish, but this time no holding back. And then one of those funny or crazy things happen as they always do in bicycle racing and you see your race going down the tubes. Going into the final turn I am sitting about tenth spot which is a good position for this long drawn out sprint, but I find myself getting pushed out on the turn and then I realize I am not going to make the complete turn. I have but two choices. One, slow down, get boxed in, lose momentum, and lose any chance of a good finish. Choice number two, ride off course, over the rumble strips ( two sets), into the rocks and rough asphalt, then try and get back in. For those that know me, this split second decision is an easy one.
I continue to pedal but steer straight and go over the rumble strips, make the turn on the rough and bumpy asphalt, put in a small sprint while merging to get back into position that I had lost from the incident. From here it is about four hundred meters and time to sit and recover but only briefly. I continue to power up the straight away holding my position and waiting for the right time to put it all out and up to the line. I stay protected from the wind. I stand and start my sprint going up the outside and passing rider quicker than expected. This is a long sprint if you start from the corner, and guys are fading quickly. I see that a podium is now possible and continue to push all the way through. As we cross the line, I am thrilled with a third place finish after being so doubtful and nervous for the first set of races for the year. A podium for Beverly Bike - Vee Pak and me. Great way to start the season.
Final race of the day is the Cat 1,2,3 and of course the toughest. Just stick with the goal; stay with the pack, good training for racing myself into shape. I have to be honest and say I was definitely struggling for most of this race. There were attacks right from the get go and they did not stop until a group got away. Then it seemed like everyone was struggling as we tried to chase them down, the pack thinned out and another separation opened up. Now the chase group was getting away too. I did not have much in the tank but I said, "What the hell, it is for training". And I jumped from about ten back and sprinted around the outside to catch up to the second group. Halfway there my legs are screaming why are we doing this? Pressing on I make the first chase group of seven and hope that as a group of 8 we can catch the front 6. The confidence is building in my head with all that has gone on today and a group of 8 should definitely be able to pull these guys in. I can not do a pull right away and call ‘Fill’ twice, still tired from making the junction. But then I make my way to the front through the rotation and take my turn. Then my mind can not longer overpower my legs and I start to fall apart but so is everyone in this group and we are soon caught.
I am able to hang on in the back of the pack and stick to my goal. And this is where the fun begins and the cobwebs come back. I start to feel strong again and although we will not catch the break I start to gear up for the field sprint. And with three laps to go the focus sets in but is clouded by cobwebs. Down to the last lap and I continue to move up for a good sprinting position and am ready to give it one last effort. We approach the last turn and feeling confident yet comfortable with what is about to happen. And as I come out of the last turn I move up some more and then sprint like never before? Soon I am at the front and shocked that I am there. I start to feel the fatigue sent in and still do not sense anyone around me. So I give the small peek to the sides. No One? Keep Sprinting. Why is no one coming around me? Why is no one near me? I give the full over the shoulder look and sure enough I have a big gap!!?? Something is wrong. Then I realize that a small bell is ringing and that I went one lap too early for the sprint. I laughed as the cobwebs and fatigue had clouded my thinking. I could not latch on to the back of the pack as they came screaming by me for their final lap. My legs were toast and I coasted the final lap and enjoy it and every minute of the day.
What a fun day of racing and a good feeling to get the first race day under my belt. I would like to thank Burnham Racing for putting on another outstanding event this year at Blackhawk Farms. What a great course for racing! Also thanks to all the officials for their hard work and professionalism to make these races possible. Nice work even if there is a problem with the lap counter, ha ha. And lastly I would like to thank Beverly Bike Shop, Vee-Pak Inc., and the entire team for all their support and the opportunity to ride with the team this year. It has been a more than surprising experience and I only hope to provide more success for the Team.
Mike Seguin
Seegs
So I set up simple goals for myself in the three races that I was competing in? Race #1 - 30 + Cat 1,2,3,4 - Use it as a warm up and shake the cobwebs. Race #2 - 40 + Cat 1,2,3,4 - Top Ten finish. Race #3 - Cat 1,2,3 - Use it as added training for the day but do not get dropped from the pack.
It was great to line up again at the start of the race and see all the racers and friends that I have met over the years. We get our instructions, the whistle blows and we are off. The pace was fast and I felt sluggish. So I told myself it was for a warm up and to just stay with the pack. As time past, I was getting into the swing of things and made my way to the front. I did pull at the front but did not last long and went to the back again. Then a break formed but it did not seem all that aggressive or strong willed, but enough teams were involved to make it work. I could not get out of position so I watched it slowly pull away. After a lap or so I started to worry that it might stick, which is no good for a sprinter like myself. The team mates in the pack really did some good work to keep others off the front to avoid chasing down the break even though the break seemed a bit lazy. So I went to the front and finally three or four of us continued to rotate and go around the blocking teammates in the pack. After two laps we had them down to about 60yds with two laps to go. Time for me to fade back and recover for the sprint at the end because I thought there was no way that the break would stay away now. The teammates of those in the break took over at the front again and the break succeeded. Oh well it is just a warm up race for me anyways, but still tough to handle. As we came to the final turns I practiced moving up to the front and was in great position for a sprint but decided to stick to the plan. Save it for the 40+.
As everyone started to line up for the next race, I could see many were doing the same as me and competing in both master races. I got the feeling that another break might not work here as there was a bit of frustration by letting the last one get away. The pace was just as fast and there were a number of breaks that went off but none got away. When it got down to three laps to go I started to get that feeling and the focus began setting in. That feeling is hard to explain. You do not feel pain. You become hyper sensitive to everything that is going on around you. Your mind starts calculating every little action of every rider around you and how it might affect your position in the field. I guess I am going into battle and survival mode has kicked in. I start to think about the previous race and getting into the same position for the finish, but this time no holding back. And then one of those funny or crazy things happen as they always do in bicycle racing and you see your race going down the tubes. Going into the final turn I am sitting about tenth spot which is a good position for this long drawn out sprint, but I find myself getting pushed out on the turn and then I realize I am not going to make the complete turn. I have but two choices. One, slow down, get boxed in, lose momentum, and lose any chance of a good finish. Choice number two, ride off course, over the rumble strips ( two sets), into the rocks and rough asphalt, then try and get back in. For those that know me, this split second decision is an easy one.
I continue to pedal but steer straight and go over the rumble strips, make the turn on the rough and bumpy asphalt, put in a small sprint while merging to get back into position that I had lost from the incident. From here it is about four hundred meters and time to sit and recover but only briefly. I continue to power up the straight away holding my position and waiting for the right time to put it all out and up to the line. I stay protected from the wind. I stand and start my sprint going up the outside and passing rider quicker than expected. This is a long sprint if you start from the corner, and guys are fading quickly. I see that a podium is now possible and continue to push all the way through. As we cross the line, I am thrilled with a third place finish after being so doubtful and nervous for the first set of races for the year. A podium for Beverly Bike - Vee Pak and me. Great way to start the season.
Final race of the day is the Cat 1,2,3 and of course the toughest. Just stick with the goal; stay with the pack, good training for racing myself into shape. I have to be honest and say I was definitely struggling for most of this race. There were attacks right from the get go and they did not stop until a group got away. Then it seemed like everyone was struggling as we tried to chase them down, the pack thinned out and another separation opened up. Now the chase group was getting away too. I did not have much in the tank but I said, "What the hell, it is for training". And I jumped from about ten back and sprinted around the outside to catch up to the second group. Halfway there my legs are screaming why are we doing this? Pressing on I make the first chase group of seven and hope that as a group of 8 we can catch the front 6. The confidence is building in my head with all that has gone on today and a group of 8 should definitely be able to pull these guys in. I can not do a pull right away and call ‘Fill’ twice, still tired from making the junction. But then I make my way to the front through the rotation and take my turn. Then my mind can not longer overpower my legs and I start to fall apart but so is everyone in this group and we are soon caught.
I am able to hang on in the back of the pack and stick to my goal. And this is where the fun begins and the cobwebs come back. I start to feel strong again and although we will not catch the break I start to gear up for the field sprint. And with three laps to go the focus sets in but is clouded by cobwebs. Down to the last lap and I continue to move up for a good sprinting position and am ready to give it one last effort. We approach the last turn and feeling confident yet comfortable with what is about to happen. And as I come out of the last turn I move up some more and then sprint like never before? Soon I am at the front and shocked that I am there. I start to feel the fatigue sent in and still do not sense anyone around me. So I give the small peek to the sides. No One? Keep Sprinting. Why is no one coming around me? Why is no one near me? I give the full over the shoulder look and sure enough I have a big gap!!?? Something is wrong. Then I realize that a small bell is ringing and that I went one lap too early for the sprint. I laughed as the cobwebs and fatigue had clouded my thinking. I could not latch on to the back of the pack as they came screaming by me for their final lap. My legs were toast and I coasted the final lap and enjoy it and every minute of the day.
What a fun day of racing and a good feeling to get the first race day under my belt. I would like to thank Burnham Racing for putting on another outstanding event this year at Blackhawk Farms. What a great course for racing! Also thanks to all the officials for their hard work and professionalism to make these races possible. Nice work even if there is a problem with the lap counter, ha ha. And lastly I would like to thank Beverly Bike Shop, Vee-Pak Inc., and the entire team for all their support and the opportunity to ride with the team this year. It has been a more than surprising experience and I only hope to provide more success for the Team.
Mike Seguin
Seegs
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