Investment Biker Blog

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2009-11-15T17:16:00.003-05:00

With the nice weather and kids spending some time at their grandparent's house I was able to get out for long rides both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I rode to Kent for the BA Cross race via the Hike n Bike trail. What a glorius day. It took me over three hours to get there 'cause I made a couple wrong turns in Kent trying to find the race venue. Once I finally found it, I did a couple laps of the course...it was awesome! I could not stick around to race as I had to head home. I took anohter wrong turn coming out of Kent, but manged to make it to Macedonia (271 & SR 82). I called ahead and had my wife meet me there. For the day I managed 5.5 hours and probably over 85 miles (no computer).

Sunday, I left house my 7:45 and met Ross in Bedford where we rode some secret singletrack. I split off from him at about 9:30 and headed to Aurora to meet up with my friend Bill to check out some new singletrack. After doing a loop with him I headed back to Cleveland Heights by way of Geauga Lake, Bainbridge and Chagrin Falls. For the day I ended up with 4.5 hours and no idea how many miles .

Hope to start commuting at least once a week until the weather gets really bad.

Later,

BRD

One month..

2009-11-12T12:34:00.004-05:00

...since the last blog post. Since that time, I promoted a two day cyclocross race on October 31 and November 1. We had a nice turnout both days. I need to thank Gary Burkholder, Bob Rodgers and Tom Keller for their help and to my parents for letting us use their place.

This past weekend was Iceman. Depsite the best intentions, I did no do much training or bike riding leading up to the race. As such, I was unsure what kind of results to expect. We drove up Friday afternoon and after dinner and a few beers I decided it would be a good idea to go to the casino. So to add to the undertraining, I was now short on sleep.

My wave of 150+ in the 40-44 age group rocketed from the line at 9:15am on Saturday to clear skies and temps around 50. I got a good start and was about 5th wheel going into the trail. I stayed with the lead groups for about 4 miles and then a group of 6-8 went off the front. I chased with a few others and was feeling good until we got the IceStation Zebra at about the halfway point where I started to feel some legs cramps. Not good! I hung on for as long as I could, but got passed by what seemed like a thousand people in the last 3 miles. At the end, I finished 5oth in my AG in 1:57. About 8 mins slower than last year.

Afterward they had a great party and I hung with the Soupcan boys along with Dave, Tom, Ron, Matt and their lovely wives. Had a great time.

My season is officially over. Maybe I'll go for a run?

Later,

BRD

Quick Update....550 miles

2009-10-12T16:06:00.007-05:00

Leroy Cross (10/3) - Kevin K. and CRC did a nice job with the course. It was muddy and I had nothing....except tired legs and lots of lung flem. Nearly DFL in the A group but no worries as there is always another race.

Java Johnny's Lionheart Cross (10/10) - Watched the Friday race and decided to sit it out after arriving 15 minutes before start. That plus all the mud and rain. Pros are fast. Saved my energy for the Cat 4 cross race on Saturday. Dry course with some nice features including pavement, grass, sand and some short hills. Third row start turned into top 5 start where I managed to stay for 5th overall and 1st in 35+ AG. Planned to leave directly after the race but they has some sweet awards (see below). Unfortunately, it took them nearly 3 hours to sort out the results so I hung around later than anticipated to collect my hardware.

After the race I drove 90 miles to New Bremen to make a presentation to Ohio Bike Federation regarding the progress of our indoor velodrome project. I made a quick 10 minute presentation along with some Q&A and then took 15 mins to check out the Bicycle Museum of America. Cool!

Left New Bremen at about 4:30pm and headed towards Loudonville for OMBC cross country race on the 25 miles Mohican SP loop. Arrived in time to set up camp and enjoy some pasta and brews at the local sports bar. Enjoyed a nice campfire and retired for the night at around 11pm.

OMBC Mohican SP (10/11) - Slept in until 8:30 and then enjoyed a campside breakfast of coffee, eggs and bacon. After mounting some new rubber and changing rear brake pads I toed the line for the 1pm start with about 15 or so in the Vet Expert Class (35+). The start was fast through the campground and then turned left up a very steep climb. I nearly slammed the twig and berries when my chain fell off the big ring at the start (twice). We joined the 25 mile SP loop at the beginning and I forgot how hard the first 1-2 miles are. I eventually got into a groove and passed 4-5 people. I caught Rodgers and we went back and forth until the climb along the ridge when my chain broke. After a clumsy and lengthy repair I was back on trail. I managed to pass a few of the Sports that had passed me along with a few experts. I rolled in at 2:21 which was way behind Garth at 2:02 and Lorson (2:09) who took the third and final paying spot. Rogers finished at around 2:14 if memory serves me.

In an exciting finish, Twining beat Walker in a sprint finish at 1:51 (wtf?) with Ross back in 4th at just over 2 hours. Afterwards I enjoyed a few beers with my Solon teammates along with the Soupcan boys. Overall a great weekend.

Later,

BRD

10 Years of Racing

2009-09-28T17:16:00.006-05:00

With about 6 weeks until Iceman, I have been looking back at my 8 years worth of training journals to try to make the best use of the training time that I do have. I like graphs. The one below shows my annual cycling hours, average weight on a weekly basis and number of races.

What does this stuff mean? Maybe that during this time, I have never had body fat percentage of an elite cyclist? Maybe that my hours have been consistent with no big blocks taken off due to illness, burnout or overtraining? Maybe, I would like to think I can continue to get faster? I do know that I truly enjoy all aspects of cycling (wrenching, riding, racing, equipment, comraderie and competition) and that love all types of cycling (road, mtb, cross and now track).

In going back over my training journals, I did realize that 2009 is my 10th year of bike racing (I did not keep training records in 2000 and 2001). My first race was back in 2000 at Alpine Valley and I finished DFL in the Beginner Class. It was agonizing and I'll never forget it.

Upon some reflection, I think that my ten year racing anniversary is deserving of something of note, something special. A big party? No, nothing new there. Only another month or two left in the year. Maybe go 100% towards a big result at Iceman (Expert 40-45 AG)? Now that sounds interesting.

More later.

BRD

4th Annual Chagrin River Cyclocross - Race Flyer has Been Posted

2009-09-28T15:03:00.003-05:00

Check it out here. Course has been cleared and is smoking fast (for now). Same as last year although we will switch it up the second day. We'll start doing some practice sessions next week on Wednesday from 6pm to dark. All are welcome.

Later,
BRD

Weekend

2009-09-28T11:45:00.002-05:00

Due to some family commitments on Saturday, I skipped BA Cross #2 at KSU Stark campus and instead raced OMBC at West Branch SP. Due to some overnight rain the 9.0 mile course was slick, expecially the roots. There were 6 or 7 Vet Experts (over 35) including Rudy, Chris Skinner, Rusty from CAMBA and a few others I did not recognize.

I got a good start and stayed on Rudy's wheel as he worked his way to the front through the XC Ski trails. I let Skinner and another guy pass just before the single track and regretted it as Skinner and Rudy initially struggled in the rocks. The Dirty Hairy's rider who led into the rocks eventually ended up winning.

About three miles before the end the second lap (of three) I suddenly forgot how to ride my bike. I was sliding out, falling off bridges and hitting trees with my shoulder. It may have been due to a little bonk. As I started my third lap I ate an energy bar and that seemed to help. As I was trying to get my shit together, Rudy came flying by me on the XC Ski trail like I was standing still. I tried to ride smooth on the thrid lap which was aided by the rapidly drying course.

I eventually ended up in 6th place about 9 mins behind Skinner who ended up 3rd, 3 minutes down Rusty in 4th place and 2 mins behind Rudy. After nearly coming apart for 10 mins, I was pleased that I was able to regroup and ride reasonably well thereafter. Glad I had that eneregy bar.

Next week is Leroy Cross race. Anyone want to ride there for a little warm up?

09/28/2009 Route
Find more Bike Rides in University Heights, Ohio

Later,

BRD

Reagan Park TT

2009-09-21T10:07:00.002-05:00

After missing the first two rounds of the NEO Power Series, I was able to attend the third and final round held Sunday at Reagan Park in Medina, Ohio. Kevin and the boys do a great job and I hated to miss the races at Manitoc and Vultures Knob but family commitments trumped bike racing.

I was able to get down to Reagan Park for a little pre-ride on Tuesday. I ran into the Mirandas and rode with them for a bit. I then did a very hard 20 minute effort. The course was dry and very fast, except for the 9 million turns. I had a decent week of riding and was confident going into the race on Sunday.

I was the 20th person to start and had Auggie, Brian Lennon and John Proppe (among others) ahead of me with Rodgers and Wilhelm behind me. I could see that I was gaining on a few people when Wilhelm caught me. I planned to try to stay with him, but had my only crash immediately after he went past me. Eventually I caught back up to Auggie and stayed behind him until we came to a clearing. I then caught Lennon and later Proppe when he fell in the woods. I rode behind John for a while as he seemed to be keeping a pretty good pace. When we reached the next clearing, he let me by. From that point I was by myself. I tried to push the pace as best I could. Eventually, I rolled in at 45:11 about 3 mins down on Walker and Twining and about 90 seconds behind Wenger and Cochran.

Next weekend is BA Cross #2 down near Canton on Saturday and OMBC at West Branch SP on Sunday. Decisions, decisions! Trying to gain some fitness for Iceman on November 7th.

Cyclocross - BA Series #1

2009-09-14T13:08:00.003-05:00

Big turnout of around 150 racers on Sunday for the first race of the Bike Authority Cyclocross Series. Weather was perfect and the course was excellent with grass, dirt, sand, asphalt and gravel to contend with. The A field was large at over 40 riders and fast with many of the top local riders in attendance. I got a good start and was right in the top 10. I was feeling good coming through the start/finish on the first lap when I dropped my chain. I tried to re-install it while riding, but was forced to stop. I lost probably 10 spots and about 20 seconds.

After remounting, I started passing people. After chasing for a couple laps, I finally caught Ehrlinger and Steiner. I got by Steiner when he dropped his chain and later caught Erhlinger. I got a nice gap on them and seemed to be catching the next Spin rider, when with 2 laps to go I caught a pedal while rounding a turn and partially rolled my front Tufo tubular clincher. It was rubbing on the brake and I had to take it ez on the corners. I should have probably grabbed a new wheel but decided to ride it out.

Erhlinger and Steiner eventually caught me and I was unable to keep up with them. Then to add insult I dropped my chain after the barriers and Chip Meek caught and passed me. Anyway, I had a good day and felt strong. I was only 2 mins out of the top 10 after 60 mins of racing. Last year I was nearly 8 mins behind the winner and this year I was around 5 mins, so not too bad.

Thanks to Robert Sroka for the pictures.

Later,

BRD

Big Valley Race Weekend

2009-08-27T06:25:00.002-05:00

The other night I had the chance to preview the mountain bike loop at Camp Manitoc in Peninsula. Kevin Daum and the boys have done a great job with the course. There are some very nice new sections and a few re-routes. The course is about 9.7 miles and features approximatley 850 feet of climbing. The course is in awesome shape, perfect actually.

Kevin and his band of volunteers work their ass off, so please support this race. This race weekend gets bigger and better every year and now features kids races, bike demos from Specialized and Jamis, and a velo swap meet. This is our once a year opportunity to ride in the forbidden CVNP. Don't miss out on all the fun and activities.

For all you roadies and aspiring cyclocross racer here is a piece of advice.....go to Peninsula this weekend and hone your off road skills. There is no better preparation for 45/60 minute cross race, than a 1 to 2 hour lung searing, leg burning mountain bike race.

I did two laps on Tuesday and three more yesterday. I rode steady at about 85% and managed a 48 minute lap. Assuming the conditions remain the same, I would expect the fastest experts to clock lap times in the low 40 second range or maybe lower, those frickers are fast.

Later,
BRD

Political Thought for the Day

2009-08-18T12:10:00.003-05:00

If car insurance were treated the same way as the proposed universal health care, here is what it would look like:

Mandated covered oil changes every 4000 miles (do you think price of oil changes would go up if Uncle Sam was paying?)

Mandated covered tune-ups annually.

Mandated covered wiper blades annually.

Burnt out bulb? Covered.

Your insurance would have to pay to fix pre-existing dents.

Nationalized AUTOCARE would only pay ‘providers’ 40% of the actual cost of changing the oil or fixing dents, driving up the cost for those with private insurance, or forcing many car clinics out of business.

Makes sense:)

Later,
BRD

Back to Back

2009-08-17T15:51:00.005-05:00

Last weekend ended up doing solo 75 miles on Saturday and then Orville Milk Race on Sunday. At Orville I did not make the final 8-10 man split and chased with Thom Humphrey for a lap and a half. It was hot and hard. I considered quitting but did not. I think we ended up around the top ten out of 25 or so Masters racers.

Then in the name of sporadic riding, I took most of the week off the bike, then did the big bike ride to Cinci. Left just before 12noon on Thursday in the prime time heat....brilliant!

We had a nice tailwind for the first few hours and with the moto to draft behind, I delusionally though I could average 25 mph....wrong! I did manage to cook myself, however. From my house, we ended up taking Riverview to Everett to State Road (SR 94) into Wooster and then SR 83 south through Millersburg and many other quaint Ohio towns. We ended up traveling on SR 36 (a very nice road) and I decided to call it a day in Warsaw, OH. I climbed off the bike after 6 hours and 110 miles.

We then McGivered the bike onto the moto and headed across SR 36 towards Columbus. After enjoying a cool sunset, we got to Delaware around 8:00pm.

After a delicious dinner at Bob Evans we retired for the evening at our accomodations at Quality Inn. I got up in the morning at around 5am and after breakfast and attending to work email and ebay auctions, was out the door by 6:45am. The section of US Route 42 south of Delaware is FLAT as a pancake. Friday was another beautiful day and my legs felt much better this day than the prior one. My dad slept in a bit so I was on my own much of the day. His big BMW 1200 is not geared for 20-25 mph riding and my legs are not geared for 30-35 mph riding. The 100 mile stretch between Delaware and Mason featured smooth and flat roads, minimal traffic and courteous drivers. With light winds I was able to knock out the first 100 miles in total time of 5:15 which included a quick flat change. For the day ended up with 135 miles in 7:30 hours. I only stopped to fill the bottles twice and to change a flat in Xenia.

Spent the next two days poolside with beer in hand. Getting ready for my 40th birthday this weekend and hopefully some good form for the Big Valley race on August 30th.

Thanks for reading.

Later,

BRD

Biking

2009-08-06T07:32:00.004-05:00

The weekend of July 24th ad 25th John Bodell and I went up to the velodrome in Rochester Hills Michigan just north of Detroit. After a 3 hour drive, we were able to ride the track for a couple hours on friday evening and afterwards were able to watch the exciting Madison Racing Friday night under the lights. The track is 200 meters with 40 degree banking...wow was it fun! In addition to riding, John and I were able to meet with the management team of the track along with its builder, Dale Hughes. It was very valuable experience for both of us. We are super motivated to get a comparable track built in Cleveland area.

There was a little rain in Saturday morning, but once it stopped and the track dried I was able to do the Track Cycling 101 course. I got another 3 hours of riding in and left for home around 4pm on Saturday. The next day I did the Sweet Corn Challenge with Ross, Ray, Bob and Ken. I ended up with 4 hours and about 70 miles for the day. I took the next three days off and went to the Lakewood Spin group ride on Wednesday. It was fast with a few short hard climbs and I felt really good during the ride.

I then proceeded to take the next 6 days off (WTF?) and did not get back on the bike again until this past Tuesday at Westlake. The A group did 19 laps. Since I had not ridden in a while, the plan was to sit in for the day. The other reason to sit in, is that my big chain ring is worn and the chain wants to slip off when I really crank on the power. Not good. After the winning break formed, I was content to sit comfortably in the chase group. We averaged about 26.5 mph according to Keller, so not a bad workout.

Planning 80 to 100 miles on Saturday with the Shaker Group and either Orville Milk Race or 3-4 hour group ride on Sunday.

Also, I just listed on Ebay my 2009 S Works Carbon Hardtail frame. It is a medium and has never been ridden. Here is the link.

That's all for now.

Later,

BRD

Political Thought for the Day

2009-07-30T14:38:00.001-05:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson said:

The louder he spoke of his honor, the faster we counted the silverware.

Seems on topic, somehow given the current political landscape.

It's All About Maintaining A Healthy Diet

2009-07-20T13:35:00.004-05:00

In preparation for "total cycling enlightenment", I am hittin the spam and red wine. Hard!

Gotta get ready for upcoming guantlet of all things bike racing. Specifically, in the next 3 weeks I will be doing some track racing, crit racing, and road racing followed by a two day 260 mile "rolling training camp" and then later in Septemeber and October some mountain bike racing and finally some cyclocross racing. Should be fun, if not tiring!

Later,
BRD

The Next BIG Thing

2009-07-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

07/15/2009 Route
Find more Bike Rides in Cleveland, Ohio

100K on the Fixie

2009-07-03T14:18:00.003-05:00

Roads were wet this morning so I got out the Raleigh One Way. Left the house at 8am with plans for a 2 hour ride with Shaker Cycling group (Scott, Brian, Orv and Chris). 70 miles and 4+ hours later, I rolled back to the house. Ouch, legs are a little sore from pushing the 42x15 fixed gear.

Despite the wet roads, we did not get rained on, which was nice. We took Brainard to the Metro Parkway through Bedford, to Tinkers to Canal then south on Riverview past Peninsula to the Szalzy(sp) Farmers Market where we turned around and headed back to Peninsula. Climbed 303 east and took the hike n bike back to Alexander then back through Bedford metro park.

Thinking of riding down to Medina tomorrow for the Twin Sizzler. Hope I can find someone to give me a ride home.

Later,

BRD

The Wayne Ultra Hard...

2009-06-29T11:10:00.003-05:00

...is what this race should be called. Went down Saturday and stayed at the very nice Leith Run Campground which is located along the Ohio River in the only National Forest in Ohio...Wayne National Forest. After I put the kids to bed on Saturday night, I hung out with Bill Braum and some of the RVMBA members who promoted the race and built much of the trail. They gave me the 411 on the course and let me sample half dozen or so glasses of yummy mico-brew from their keg. Somehow I always find the keg....just lucky I guess.

I opted for the 45 mile XXC over the 22 mile XC. The 45 miler had over 5,200 feet of climbing which I was by no means prepared for. The race started at just after 11am and the rain held off for the entire day, which was nice. I rode pretty strong for the first 25 miles then got a case of the "tireds" and kind of lost interest and put it into "damage control" mode after that. Got to ride with Brian Lennon for a while, which was fun, until he dropped me. After aid station 4 with about 10 miles to go, there was a brutal single track climb which ended with the hardest hike a bike I have ever had the displeasure of walking up.

In the end, I managed not to injure myself and rolled in just inside the top 20 overall. See results here. Northeast Ohio rocked the 22 miler with the Spisaks, Mike Fletcher and Darren Spence filling out the top 10.

The Marietta area has some great trails that I would like to ride again sometime. Lots of climbing!

Later,

BRD

June Fun!

2009-06-16T07:42:00.005-05:00

Since Mohican I have been busy at work and still trying to do some bike riding. After a little recovery, I did a nice block of riding totaling 14 hours in six days that included (on day four) a big 5 hour sufferfest on June 7th. The ride totaled 85 miles and included a 58 mile version of the CVNP Death Ride. Rodgers, Rusty, Mike Fletcher and I managed to average over 18 mph for this 58 mile very hilly route. Mike (rides for CAMBA) is a total stud and climbs, literally, like few others I have seen in person.

I followed that up a hard 1 hour of hill repeats on Monday June 8th and then 2.5 hours of hard riding at Vultures Knob on Tuesday. I took a few days off and raced this past Saturday at Groovy Series #3 at Vultures Knob. Pictures courtesy of Ryan Knopf.

I took the RV, the wife, kids and two dogs and we camped out. Kids bike race, daddy's bike race, beer brats, smores, single speed race and fireworks highlighted the evening. Results are here.

Rodgers won the single speed challenge and a sweet trophy. Twining got second in under 35 Expert and I gritted out a 3rd in the over 35 expert. Ross raced the Stupid 50 in PA and scored a top 20 amongst a loaded field.

Next race is the Wayne Ultra on June 28th. I am going to focus on climbing for the next 7-9 days and then take some time off before the race.

Later,

BRD

Bike Frame Raffle and Party!

2009-06-08T11:24:00.003-05:00

As you may know, I am a volunteer board member for Fast Track Cycling, Inc. Our group's mission is to construct an indoor velodrome in Northeast Ohio. We are at a very exciting time for the project - that is we are about the kick off our fundraising efforts!

Dan Polito, the owner of Cicli Polito (http://www.ciclipolito.com/), is donating one custom built track frame and fork to the winner of the raffle. This locally handcrafted track bike frame is valued at over $2,000. Mr. Polito won “Best in Show” at the 2009 Handmade Bicycle Show held in Indianapolis, IN.

In conjunction with the raffle, there will be a short (15 minute) presentation by board members (me) of Fast Track Cycling to provide an update to the cycling community about the status of the very exciting Indoor Velodrome Project.

Tickets: Raffle tickets are $20 per ticket or 6 for $100;

When: Raffle will be held Wednesday June 24th at 7:00pm;

Where: Join us at Brothers Lounge at 11609 Detroit Ave (W. 117th & Detroit) from 4:00pm to 8:00pm; complimentary food and a cash bar. It’s a party!

The proceeds of the raffle will benefit Fast Track Cycling, Inc. (http://fasttrackcycling.org/) and their efforts to construct an indoor velodrome in the greater Cleveland area.

For tickets or questions, please drop me a line at bdavisatironwood-devdotcom.

Hope you can make it.

Later,

BRD

Mohican Adventures - Indeed!

2009-06-01T10:42:00.005-05:00

As of Friday morning, I had not pre-registered for the Mohican 100 so it was still undecided whether I would do the 100 mile or 100k (65 miles). I have competed (and finished) the 100 mile version three times with some good results and some not so good. All of these 100 milers involve some degree of pain and suffering. Within days of completing one of these events, the memories of the 8 to 10 hours of suffering fade but the experience is burned into your brain luring you back year after year.

Ultimately, as the race was to be part of a family camping trip, I decided to do the 100k so I would not be MIA all fricken day (plus I am getting soft and 100k seemed much more sensible/rational).

We loaded up my parent’s motorhome and were on the road by 6pm or so on Friday evening. We arrived around 7:30pm at the new for this year venue at Mohican Adventures on SR 3 by Wally Road. We rented a camp spot for two nights and started getting set up. Got the EZ Up set up just in time for a little rain sprinkle.

Once we got set up, I went to register, but unfortunately they were gone for the night. So I had to add “register” to my list of things to do the next morning before the 7am start time. So I went back to camp, started a fire and we made the kids some smores.

Under the cover of darkness (aided by light) I then proceeded to swap out my rear derailleur, cable and shifter which was busted up from the race last weekend at The Knob. Without too much trouble, I finished that up and spun around the campground for 1 minute shakedown. Good to go!

We put the kids to bed around 10pm and the wife and I sat by the fire and enjoyed a glass of wine. We crashed at 11:30 to the sounds of rain on the RV rooftop.

Got up in the morning and walked down to the convenient store for some coffee and greasy breakfast sandwiches. Got dressed and rode the 1 mile to downtown Loudonville for the start. I found a spot near the front and at 7am sharp we were off. The weather and trails were perfect. Could not have been any better! Low humidity, 70s, light breeze, clear skies, lots of buff single track!

I went semi-hard on the initial climb to stay near the front. Other than that the first 4-5 miles were done at a moderate to high pace. Once we got to the 25 mile State Park loop, I was riding with 3-4 other riders. Then Wes Jones caught and passed me sporting his rigid single speed. I latched onto him and benefited from his pace for the next 15 or so miles. We were together all the way to where we exited the loop for the hike a bike at mile 22 or so (same place many people turned right instead up left up the big hill). Thanks Wes!

After some horse trails we got out onto the dirt roads and a couple steep punchy climbs. I was with several 100 mile riders who where riding pretty conservative pace. I pulled though a couple times and looked back and had a gap; I guess they were conserving for the 100 miles. So I sat up and joined the paceline (at their pace) until we eventually caught and passed Mike Gorman and later John Lorson. I rode with Lorson and the others until just before the Mohican Wilderness section that takes you to the Aid Station which serves as the split for the 100 mile and 100k.

It felt AWESOME knowing I only had 20 miles to go versus 60 miles (in past years when I raced the 100 miler)! Lorson and I left the aid station together and proceeded down Wally Road at a moderate pace. The big gravel road climb to the left lay ahead. Lorson cleaned the whole thing on his single speed. That climb is much easier with 40 miles in your legs versus 80, go figure:) I middle ringed the climb (could not get into the granny). Rode the big rollers with John and I surged at the right turn at the top that leads to the big grassy field.

From that point I rode by myself and did not see anyone until the end. The last 6 miles seemed longer than 6 miles and the sections near the finish were cruel. At the end of the day I finished in 5:38 or so in 7th place overall for the 100k. I felt fresh at the end, so I took the kids fishing and we slayed it catching a few bass in one of the lakes on site.

We stuck around for the evening festivities which included kegs of Sierra Nevada and my favorite..Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold! Got to spend some time with the boys from SoupCan Racing and Bruce from Pisgah Works, among others.

After a night of revelry, we got up early on Sunday morning and I made camp breakfast of eggs and bacon for the kids. After breakfast and a swim in the pool and hottub, we loaded up the RV and did a 6 mile canoe ride with clear skies and perfect weather.

Thanks to Ryan K. for the Mohican Valley canoe referral. All in all a great family weekend with a little bike riding time for Brett thrown in for good measure.

Later,
BRD

Vultures Knob – Groovy Series #2

2009-06-01T10:37:00.002-05:00

Raced last Saturday (May 23rd) at Groovy Cycleworks race series #2 at Vultures Knob. Thanks to Kevin Daum and the boys for putting on a great show. There were about 10 Vet Open Experts among the 30 or so experts that took the line for the 5pm start. I pre-rode the prologue and decided the stay near the front to avoid any crashes (there were a couple). At the start, Gary Fisher 29er rider Travis Sealer took off never to be seen again. For much of the prologue I was in second place, then GT Ride Kerry Wenger and some others came by just before the end of the prologue. I could not (would not) hold their wheel and they were gone. Midway through the second lap, I saw Wes Jones coming up, so I sped up a little and he was gone (he crashed). later in that lap, he caught back up again and passed me as I was having some mechanical issues. Soon thereafter Lorson came flying by relegating me to 5th place. I was taking it easy trying to nurse my ailing rear derailleur. It felt good to slow down! I finished up a few minutes behind Wes and John in 5th place. Stayed around for the party and had a great time. I like the Knob!

Later,

BRD

Bike Riding

2009-05-19T10:49:00.003-05:00

Have been doing a little bikin' here and there. Did first Westlake race on 5/5. I got into an early break with Dick, Batke and Riccardi. We stayed away for 2 laps (I think). We got caught and Batke and Bob Martin took off. A few more joined them later, then Paul Martin took a few more to form the final move with what appeared to be at least 10 strong. The rest of us would ride steady and would not get a glimpse of the lead group again. I broke a spoke with 5 to go. Stopped to have a look and unhooked the rear brake so the wheel would spin. Jumped back in and rode in with the group.

Then on Thursday 5/7, I did a hard ride with Shaker Group that included Derek and some others. Lots of accelerations and hard efforts.

Last week I got out Wednesday and Thursday. Then on Saturday I did 4 hours on the mountain bike with 5 laps on the O&E Camba trail. On Sunday, I got in just under 3 hours Zone 2 and Zone 3 riding on the road bike. Yesterday I managed 3 laps at the Knob (2 with Twining). Tonight, the plan is to race at Westlake tonight for some speed and hard efforts.

Trying to race Saturday at the Knob and considering doing the 100k at Mohican.

Later,
BRD

Weekend Update

2009-05-05T13:08:00.003-05:00

After Cohutta, I took the week off the bike. Rode ez Saturday for 2 hours in the afternoon. Sunday rode down to Covered Bridge Circuit Race (or whatever they are calling it these days). Rode mostly Zone 2 with some Zone 3 and rolled the 28 miles in just under 1:30. Thanks to Carbon Racing, RGF and Snakebite for resurrecting this race series.

After some deliberation, I decided to race the Masters Race (B Group). We had at least 35+ or so in the field. I tried to stay near the front to avoid any crashes (there weren't any) and was active with a few attacks, albeit halfhearted. Just pass the railroad tracks on the last lap, a Stark Velo attacked and barely held on for the victory. I kind of got boxed in going by the school and was pretty far back, but made up some ground "surfin" wheels and managed to finish around 5th or 6th place (just out of the money). For the day ended up with a good solid 60 miles.

I am now focused on my preparation for Mohican 100 on May 30th. I have changed up my eating and diet and know that dropping some weight will help on the climbs. For some strange reason, 195+ lbs does not feel so good over 10k-12k feet of climbing and 100 miles. My better results have occurred when I was between 180-185 (see above).

Westlake starts tonight and I will be there for my weekly thrashing in the A Group.

Later,

BRD

Cohutta 100

2009-04-28T06:57:00.005-05:00

My cousin Marc and I departed Cleveland about 7am on Friday morning and headed south via I-71 and I-75. Our destination was the southeastern TN mountains and the Cohutta 100, the first stop of the NUE 100 mile series. I was registered for the 100 mile version which featured 12k feet of climbing over 30 miles of single track and the balance being service roads traversing crazy steep mountains. Elevation profile here.

A short 615 miles later we arrived to stunning mountains streams and 90+ temperatures. I love it when a plan comes together.

We stayed at Thunder Rock Campground, a National Forest Campground located along the Ocoee River about 1 mile from the race start/finish. Premium camp spot. We set up camp and I kitted up for a pre-ride of the first 15 miles of the course. The course started with a 3 mile paved climb then some fast smooth and flat singletrack. It was beautiful. The course start finish was at the Ocoee White Water Center.

Ocoee White Water Center

After some dinner, I retired for the night, and slept soundly knowing that saturday would bring all sorts of fun bike racing! Got up around 6am for the 7am start. In short order, I was ready to go (bike, check, bottles, check) and made the short 1 mile spin over to the start area. I started about 1/3 back of the 200+ person 100 mile group. This kept me from the lead pack, a blessing in disguise. I rode strongly for about 25 miles then we hit the 65 mile section of Forest Road. It was tough and then some. Once the heat came (85 degrees+), I kept it conservative (re: slow). Took my time and finished in just over 10 hours. No disasters, crashes, or major leg cramps, just lots of slowish, uphill riding. The official race report and results from CyclingNews are here.

Next up is some local road racing, then the Mohican 100.

Later,

BRD

More of the Same

2009-04-20T09:15:00.005-05:00

After 3 pretty hard weeks of training, I took a few days off from riding this week. I rode Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Legs are feeling pretty good. Cohutta 100 is this Saturday. I am pretty sure the climbing is going to be brutal as I don't have my climbing legs yet (re: I am fat)!

On Sunday, I got the hardtail tuned up and put some new rubber on.

My son's 6th birthday was Saturday and my neice had her first communion on Sunday, so my rides this weekend were short, intense and done in the early morning hours.

Busy week at work this week. Lot's of exciting things going on. Fast Track Cycling (Indoor Velodrome) board meeting tommorrow.

Later,

BRD