P.S. - Burn this Letter

Southern Vermont ride

2009-06-16T14:39:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday two of my HUP buddies, Jeff & Robert along with Lodrina (FOHU) joined me up in southern Vermont for a road ride. We donned the blanco and got after some scenic Vermont as well as climbs. The ride took us through Andover, Londonderry, Weston, Ludlow, Tyson Road,Reading, Chester and some other villages. We saw a lot of moose crossing signs but no moose (we would have settled on moose knuckle too, but that evaded us as well). In all we did about 67 miles of riding with 7000 feet of elevation gained. The final stretch back to the house included a 19% wall that put an exclamation mark on the ride.

After we got cleaned up we had a few beers, and a good meal. Here are some of the pics...

Jeff, Robert, Tom and Lodrina on Hilltop Road in Andover, VT

This punchy kicker was about 1 mile into the ride.

Robert snacking out of his Bento box, we made him take off his clip on tri bars.

JBrams enjoying the VT roads.

Robert got an eyeful of Jeff's rear all day.

Jeff's hardman look

Blanco Bulge brothers

My awesome watch & glove tan

Blanco HupCakes were consumed

Lodrina and Jeff relaxing after the ride.

Johan Museeuw digs Hupcakes

Rapha Gentleman's Race in New Paltz NY

2009-05-28T10:12:00.007-04:00

"I wanted to get this post up sooner than later but the mental fatigue and a busy work week have been reminiscent of the resistance going up the sustained 10% grades last Sunday." - Tom 3 weeks ago.

That was the first week's excuse, not sure why I've been slacking in writing this post for so long. It certainly deserved a write up, but like the ride, there's a lot to cover. Instead here are some images from the ride.

This was a joy to climb, as it came early and the views were spectacular.

Rosey used the old dollar bill trick on a sliced sidewall. It held out for the rest of the 100+ miles.

The Squadra refuels : Meg, Mark, Steve, Jeff and Scott. A solid group of friends to ride, suffer, and rejoice with.

Throw some BBQ sauce on these legs, cooked well done

Sterling Road Race

2009-05-11T08:59:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday morning I met up with Mark Bernard and Darrin O. and we headed to the Sterling Road Race. We would be racing in the Cat 4/5 35+ group and had a leisurely 11:20 am start. That worked out great as I got dropped off at Mark's and we were able to get in a good 15 mile warm up to Sterling.

The course consisted of an 8 mile loop. Our group only had to do 3 laps, compared to 40 and 56 of the 4s and 3/4s. Though the finish was up a punchy hill, I had heard reports that it often ends in a sprint. And with only 3 laps there wasn't likely enough separation to occur. The hill didn't look to bad, it was comparable to a few in my 'hood. This gave me confidence as I always win the hilltop finish on my commute home from work.

The race had a neutral start for a few miles and then up the finish hill, down some windy side streets, back up a main road (I can remember the route #), and then a right hand turn followed by another right and up the hill to the finish.

Laps 1 & 2 were quite boring. I had serious thoughts that maybe road racing just wasn't for me. Even though Battenkill was tons of fun, this was probably more akin to what road races are like. At the 4/5 level of cycling there aren't a lot teams save NEBC & Minuteman, and there weren't any breaks. One guy got off the front for a little bit but didn't seem to be getting much of a gap. I sat in the whole time (why it was boring in retrospect) and tried to stay upright. It certainly was a bit nerve-wracking with 75 other beginner bike racers riding together with the yellow line rule. I figured this race was all about positioning for the final climb, and it gave me a shallow glimpse to what it must be like for the experienced racers working to either position there sprinter or themselves.

When the bell lap came around there were a few hard efforts after cresting the hill as the race pace picked up and guys got anxious to test themselves after cruising around the previous 2 laps. I was able to get up front, probably in 10th position. This was much more my taste, more room to maneuver in and less chance of crossing wheels. I didn't get a chance to look back and see if we had a real break. In the last 2-3 miles it felt like we slowed up a bit as others were able to join back on. In hindsight, I should have tried my luck at a flyer here, maybe someone would've gone with me, but the n00b in me told me not to chance it, so I sat in (like that wheelsucker Reilhan).

I saw a guy in a solid white jersey go as we rounded the corner into Sterling center, so I jumped out of the saddle and tried to go with the others. I think I was a bit too far back though as it looked insurmountable... so much for positioning. I guess my hesitance was caused by not wasting effort only to pull others along with me and get schooled in the sprint. So anyway we came into the corner leading up to the hill finish and I jumped out of the saddle again. I honestly thought I'd be able to stay out of the saddle and sprint to the top, but was sadly mistaken.I not only misjudged the length of the hill, but also grossly exaggerated my own climbing prowess. Here I was thinking I'd take another commute home hilltop victory or storm the Muur de Gramont a al Stijn Devolder and still snag a top 5 result.

Stijn Devolder executes the winning move up the Muur in the '09 Ronde
photo courtesy www.Sirotta.it

Alas, it was not to be. That self-image fantasy was completely shattered as the lactic build up my legs forced me to sit. I tried to grind it out but now others were coming around me. One more feeble attempt to get out of the saddle and go was immediately thwarted and covered by the lactic lockdown in my legs. Beyond humbled, I managed to get one place back and ultimately came in 11th. I could barely climb the rest of the hill to get out of the way of finishing riders.

Lactic Lockdown up the hill finish
photo courtesy Pete Banach

Sterling '09 was my 2nd road race (mucho differento than Battenkill) and I definitely learned some things about positioning, and pacing. That final climb was exponentially more difficult than I imagined because I had exerted too much energy too far out. I think I have a couple more road races in me this year. I may or may not be able to do Sunapee this weekend, but I am a definite go for the Rapha Gentleman's Race on Memorial Day weekend in New Paltz, NY. Cheers and Thanks for reading.

Battenkill by the numbers

2009-04-21T21:11:00.008-04:00

The general consensus seems to be that posting power and training data is a faux-pas (especially from a cat 5 roadie!). Here they are anyway from this 190 lb Battenkill'd victim... Maybe a coach or cycling guru will want to make me there special project.

Entire workout (235 watts):
Duration: 3:05:11 (3:06:05)
Work: 2610 kJ
TSS: 318.8 (intensity factor 1.017)
Norm Power: 290
VI: 1.23
Pw:HR: 3.02%
Pa:HR: 5.43%
Distance: 62.23 mi
........Min Max Avg
Power: 0 892 235 watts
Heart Rate: 76 194 157 bpm
Cadence: 31 156 85 rpm
Speed: 0 45.8 20.2 mph
Pace 1:19 0:00 2:58 min/mi

Some interesting obsrevations (to me at least!)...
Peak 5 minute power came on the first climbs slightly before mile 10.
Peak 10 minute power came on the last climb on Stage Rd.
Peak 20 minute power came after the first climbs when the break was formed & escaped.

Here's how a pro does it at twice the distance.

Battenkill Report

2009-04-20T08:41:00.008-04:00

Long Story Short: First road race ever, 5th place in the 35+ Cat 5, a great weekend!

I took the full day off on Friday to pack up, ~~make drastic changes to my bike~~ and catch a ride up with my good friends Ronnie Steers and Mark Bernard. We grabbed the GPS and set off towards Cambridge, NY. Three hours of chit chat later we arrived at a wonderful farmhouse that would server as HUP basecamp for the weekend.

After marveling at the gorgeous property and feeding the horses, we set off to get pick up our numbers and get a short pre-ride in. Of course there were some shenanigans. No less than 2 miles down the road Mark 'Jens Voight' Bernard rode us off his wheel. I looked down at my power meter to check the output and it was bouncing right around 400 watts. He claimed he was opening up. Anyway, we got our numbers, made it on to the local TV broadcast and then headed out for a partial preview. We went through the covered bridge and then checked out the turn on to the first dirt section. It was a suitable place to turn around and get the obligatory covered bridge photos.

The race would wind through the backside of this bridge and hang a hard right

M.Bernard, D.Loszewski, R.Hale, C.Baker and T.Needham

M.Bernard contemplates the irony of a scenic covered bridge in America's Hell of the North

After our warm up ride we arrived back at the farmhouse and were treated to a great dinner mostly prepared by Robert and Chip. Risotto, pasta, garlic bread, and a few brews were consumed. We relaxed by the fireplace talking of our life's ambitions and then called it an evening.

Race morning came and we then rolled a short 3 miles into town where we would lineup. There were 5 of us in the Cat 5 35+ race. Myself, Chip, Robert, Jim and Mark. Ronnie being the youngster of the 30+ guys was all alone, but that didn't matter in the end as he had a super good race coming in 5th place in the Cat 5 under 35.

We promptly started at 10:30 am and I was glad to see that nobody went for the hole shot. There were only 50 of us in this category which was small compared to the 3s and 4s which each had to be split into two separate groups. A few miles into the race, Chip came to the front of the group and pulled me along because he knew I wanted to be in a good spot should mass chaos unfold in the covered bridge or onto the right turn onto the course's first dirt section. The Cat 5s seemed to be riding smoothly despite the horror stories I had heard... "Get your 10 races done and upgrade to Cat 4 ASAP!"

Bert, T, and Chip NOIR it up for BKill

I will not fib or embellish here, I don't recall much of the race. Most of it is a blur except for a few moments of success and failure. At the first climb of the day I worked hard to stay up front to the leaders, not too too many watts but enough that when a small group of about 9 formed we were able to get a gap and then move out on the 2nd climb. There were 2 guys from CRCA/NY Velocity that looked like they raced for Acqua-Sapone, they both had pimped Cervelos and look Euro PRO. How was I supposed to hang with these guys? I remembered "It's Not about the Bike (it's about the wheels)". Unfortunately they both had deep dish carbon wheels too, Hed and Edge respectively, hmmmph. I would trust my faithful Roubaix and its relaxed geometry.

So these guys started barking out orders to the 9 man break. "Double paceline! Echelon right!" and "Short Pulls, DON'T ACCELERATE!" I had recollections of the summer of '93, the parade deck at Parris Island. "To the winds...MARCH"! The voice inside my head was all "WTF?!" as I am one who rarely rides in a group, I felt like a real n00b. It turns out these guys did a great job in getting us organized and away!

Soon we lost two riders who were unable to keep up with our squad. Down to 7 riders with about 45 miles of racing left. After the first dozen rotations I began to relax and get the hang of road racing. One of the guys in the break, Bill, had just ridden the course the previous weekend and was very helpful in letting us know what lie ahead. But I also had the Schema di Attacco that Jeff had us affix to our top tubes, very cool.

J.Bramhall's HUP United Super Corsa Schema di Attacco!

The guys in the group were all pretty cool, even the capos from NY Velocity/CRCA. There were no shenanigans and everyone seemed to shared the work. At the half way point I thought it unlikely that the chase group would actually catch us since we were looking like Garmin-Slipstream in last years Giro team time trial (slight embellishment). My biggest problem at this point was that I had gotten some gel, Espresso Gu to be specific, on my left glove and it was sticking to my hood. Gha!

I had one slight scare on a descent that curved sharply to the left when I was out in front. A sequence of myself overcooking the turn, flipping over the bars into a ditch scared me from taking the lead on descents from there on out. I'm not sure following was much better as I had to scrub my speed to stop from passing others or cross the yellow line.

I would occasionally glance down at my computer and the Schema di Attacco to see what was coming up. I was pleasantly surprised at mile 40 to see the feed zone coming up and that meant just a little over an hour of racing left. I remember thinking that I would be screwed if I got dropped. I was tiring a bit, I think a lot of it was my wheel sucking sucked. As soon as the guy said "last" to me and I pulled in behind, there would be a small gap that I had to close. I chalk it up to fatigue and poor timing.

Coming into the feed zone I had no idea what to expect as I have never grabbed a bottle on the move before (just brownies, cupcakes and dollars). HUP was fortunate enough to have J.Bramhall's wonderful woman Lodrina handing out bottles and musette bags. I had a 16oz bottle of Accelerade that she was going to pass me. Well, with all the grace and coordination of Lewis Skolnick attempting a high five, I slapped the bottle out of Lodrina's hand. I think I was the only person who failed her on the day. Luckily, I had about 10 ounces of Accelerade and a few gels left with 20 miles to go. I will now practice bottle feeds like I they are as important as high speed 'cross dismounts in the fall!

The next significant event I remember was that one of the guys in our break flatted after one of the many dirt sections, I think this was around mile 50. So now we were down to six and my chances of a top 5 were looking good. This is about the point where a lot of riders from several different categories were scattered around the road.

I kept guessing that one of the CRCA dudes would make a break soon, but it did not happen just yet. Finally Stage road and the last climb of the day entered the picture. It was tough enough at mile 55, and that it was dirt with some marbles AND it stair stepped made it all the more challenging. Up the climb I noticed that one of the bigger guys in the break had been dropped. And soon it would be my turn, as this is where my race for the podium ended. I faded on Stage Rd, thinking that I would be able to catch them on the descent. But in reality I was on fumes, letting gaps form, getting annoyed with all the other category riders in "my" line. I still had Bill, the knowledgable course rider in his solid golden jersey in my sights.

At the crest of Stage Road, I could no longer see the leaders which disheartened me. The pavement and fast descent provided a welcome respite along with the thought that I should finish top 5. Still, Golden Bill was in my sights and I time trialed the hell out of my super-relax Roubaix and got all aero in hopes of chasing him down for 4th. Slowly he would fade from my picture, so I started looking behind. The coast was clear. I told myself to keep up the WATTS in case those guys flatted or crashed. Well I kept the watts up and crossed the line in 5th place, looking around to see any familiar faces. I found Ronnie and then watched as my buddies came in. Whaddya know, the CRCA/NY Velocity guys finished 1 & 2. Damn them and their better equipment (including lungs, heart & legs) :-b

I am really happy with the way my race went. I made sure I was in the right position when the break formed after the 2nd climb. I worked hard for the break, but didn't over exert myself. I probably wasn't stronger than the top 4 on Saturday so I cannot complain with 5th. I think my time was around 3:05-ish. If I could change one thing it would be to know the last climb and finish more thoroughly. Also going on fast group rides (like the last 15 miles of le Ronde de Blackstone Valley) would help me a great deal.

After the race we jumped in Chip's van and Eli escorted us back to the farmhouse where I enjoyed some Ovaltine, bagel w/ Nutella & banana, and many other goodies. Thanks so much to all the HUP crew, FOHUs and Mike (who was so ridiculously hospitable). Thanks for reading!

See you in 2010 Battenkill!

HUP's southern NH Battenkill sim 1.0 ride

2009-03-23T09:17:00.004-04:00

On Saturday about 11 HUPs and friends went out to tackle some southern New Hampshire territory in hopes to get some training simulation for next months Tour of the Battenkill.

We rolled out of Mine Falls in Nashua and did about 60 miles through some dirt roads and scenic hill sections around Hollis, Brookline, Milford and Wilton NH. Some of the features of the ride were the dirt road climb up Federal Hill, the tough pavement pitch on McGettigan Road, the nice view atop Pead Hill, the steady climb of 31 south followed by the fast swooping descents on Merrian Hill and Valley Road (route 123).

On top of Pead Hill in Wilton NH. More KOM points here for J.Bramhall.

Recovering and relaxing at the Peddler's Daughter in Nashua

The great thing about the ride was that we had zero mechanicals/flats. I was impressed by J.Bramhall and M.Bernard, they looked in great form and should do well at Battenkill. I should mention that Chip has a nice write up of it here, and Yash has posted on the HUP blog too. Thanks all for making the drive up, I had a fantastic day. Let's do another one sometime soon.

2009 Cyclocross Schedule for New England (tentative)

2009-02-04T08:49:00.006-05:00

There are lots of dates filled in now for the 2009 Cross Schedule on

NEBRA's site ...

Sun, 23 Aug Blunt Park Cyclocross Springfield, MA

Sat, 29 Aug Palmer Cross Palmer, MA

Sun, 13 Sep Quad Cross Bedford, MA

Sun, 20 Sep Sucker Brook Cross

Sat, 26 Sep Vermont UCI Cross Williston, VT ~VERGE~
Sun, 27 Sep Robinson Park Cross Springfield,MA
Sun, 27 Sep Vermont UCI Cross Williston, VT ~VERGE~

Sat, 03 Oct Gloucester UCI Cross Gloucester, MA ~VERGE~
Sun, 04 Oct Gloucester UCI Cross Gloucester, MA ~VERGE~

Sat, 10 Oct UCI Cross Rhode Island ~VERGE~
Sun, 11 Oct UCI Cross Rhode Island ~VERGE~

Sat, 17 Oct Mansfield Hollow Mansfield, CT
Sun, 18 Oct Amesbury Cross Amesbury, MA

Sat, 24 Oct Downeast Maine UCI Cross New Gloucester, ME ~VERGE~
Sun, 25 Oct Downeast Maine UCI Cross New Gloucester, ME ~VERGE~
Mon, 26 Oct MRC Cross - TENTATIVE DATE Wrentham, MA

Sat, 31 Oct Canton Cup Corss Canton, MA
Sat, 31 Oct Vermont Psycho Cross Brownsville, VT
Sun, 01 Nov West Hill Shop Cross Putney, VT

Sat, 07 Nov Northampton UCI Cross Northampton, MA ~VERGE~
Sun, 08 Nov Northampton UCI Cross Northampton, MA ~VERGE~

Sat, 14 Nov Plymouth North Cross Pllymouth, MA
Sun, 15 Nov Plymouth South Cross Plymouth, MA

Sat, 21 Nov Shedd Park Cross Lowell, MA
Sun, 22 Nov Spooky Bikes Cross Easthampton, MA

Sat, 28 Nov Baystate UCI Cross Sterling, MA ~VERGE~
Sun, 29 Nov Batstate UCI Cross Sterling, MA ~VERGE~

Sat, 05 Dec NBX UCI Cross Warwick, RI ~VERGE~
Sun, 06 Dec NBX UCI Cross Warwick, RI ~VERGE~

It's early, but what d'ya think? It works for me with the one exception being that Canton Cup and Putney are on the same weekend. The last two years I have done Psycho Cross at Ascutney which is the day before Putney, but now conflicts with Canton.

The Psycho Cross course is unique and brutal, it had small turnout both times I've raced it. That and Mansfield Hollow are the two most underrated (under attended) courses in New England. Ascutney was easy to pair up with Putney to make a weekend out of it. So now it conflicts with Canton, which is like the premier non-Verge race in New England, which is kind of a bummer. But overall I am psyched for the '09 cross schedule, though I don't mind waiting another 7 months because there is lots that needs to be done (engine overhaul). Cheers.

Climbing up Ascutney at the 2008 edition of Vermont Psycho Cross
Photo courtesy of Paul Weiss

NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross pics

2008-12-09T13:51:00.003-05:00

A couple of nice photos from Day 1 at Goddard Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. That is Greenwich Bay in the background. A beautiful place for a cross race.

The longer of the beach runs, this one took a sharp right and went uphill .

Here is the second beach run, it had a tricky entry and a small run up for the exit.

Both photos courtesy of Todd Prekaski

NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross

2008-12-08T07:17:00.006-05:00

or
"I only blog when I win"

It's been a while, there are about a half dozen incomplete race reports that I never got around to finishing. Pretty lame when you can't update the blog once a week, I know.

Well, I managed to find some late season form this weekend and win the 3/4 Masters races at the NBX Grand Prix in Warwick RI. It was definitely beyond my expectations to win both. Realistically I wanted to contend for the win, but would have been happy with Top 5s. It was a great way to cap off the season, and see the results from those cold early morning commutes pay off.

Day One: This course was more power friendly, longer lanes provided ample opportunity to open it up. The two beach sections gave the "runners" the best occasion of the season to stride it out . I had a 2nd row start that went ok, and I made up some more places on the first beach run. C.Todd and I did some work together and were able to get some distance. I kept my pace up high to chase down what turned out to be phantom riders. I incorrectly assumed there were one or two more guys ahead. With the 55+ race starting a minute before it can be a bit confusing. This turned out to be the "move". I went through the first lap in the lead and heard on the PA that I had a good gap.

I was able to extend the gap a bit on the 2nd lap, out to about 25 seconds at one point. I did have some thoughts pop up like "slow up, you've gone out too hard, you're going to blow". Fortunately that awful feeling of being well over your lactic threshold never overcame me. Instead I felt, maybe, just maybe, this getaway car will get away!

My excitiement built on lap 3, and I thought that if I keep upright and do not have any mechanicals, I could win. That's a pretty big IF. A recent string of bad decisions combined with a front tire wash out at Sterling kept me from contending with the Top 5. The week before at Easthampton in the 3/4 race, I had busted my ass from a 5th row start to get to the front and into the Top 10, only to then breaking a chain. Other recent woes included busting a pedal the day before Sterling, and then snapping my left STI lever while warming up for Sterling.

With a lap and a half to go I knew it was my race to lose. I felt dialed into this course... running it out in the sand, sticking the right lines, sprinting out of corners, and powering on the pavement. It was actually fun during the race (opposed to reflecting on the fun afterwards when I've recovered). I am not a gambling man, but I guess that is how one feels when they get hot at a craps table or blackjack. I was playing with the house's money!

The gap had come down a bit and I saw Eric Marro was still leading the chasers. I played the last lap conservatively but drilled the straights and the beach runs. Lucky for me I didn't pull a hammy either day, I'm pretty frickin' sore today! Finally... onto the pavement and down the slight hill to the finish I sat up and saw Robert and Mark up on the bridge cheering me on. I was hesitant to throw my arms up in victory because I mean, like what if there was one more lap? And I got caught, then I would be a joke of the New England cross scene. Coaches and Dads would be admonish their racers not to "pull a Needham", AKA "Pre-Mature Self Congratulations".

I came through the finish and locked eyes with the officials and confirmed that it was indeed over and I had won. I threw up my hands in victory. Of course my buddy Robert corrected me afterward that you are supposed to throw your hands up before you cross the line!

I had really wanted to win a 3/4 Master race at some point, and this being a Verge race made it all the more sweet. Very cool to have the cheers and support of teammates and friends. And so nice to hear the excitement in Gretchen's voice when I told her over the phone I had won. My own excitement in retelling the race caused me to miss the exit for 495N, so I stayed on 95N, and then jumped off 128 in Needham/Newton to grab a celebratory burrito at Fresh City. It was no Bueno y Sano but it was tasty nonetheless. Day 2 to follow (at some point). Thanks for reading.

All photos courtesy Dave Loszewski
aka CyclingObsessions.com

Gloucester Day Two Report

2008-10-22T09:59:00.001-04:00

Long Story Short: 6th place of 109 in the 3/4 Masters

Lowdown: Drove back to Gloucester w/ Gretchen and Esme. Beulah once again gets the shaft and had to lump out on the couch at home so we could get the stroller into the car.

I was glad to get some riding in on the course because it had changed in a few areas, most notably, the new run up, and then the turns before the sandpit too. When I got to the start, they called the 55+ Masters to the front, previously they started behind.

I was back a row from the previous day's start. I had Rich line up next to me and he kindly introduced himself. I'm glad he did, being that I had only known him as "Ass Man" ( shouted by of one of his fans at Bedford). It is nice to line up with friendly racers, and not some dudes giving you the Lance to Ulrich "look".

I didn't have as good of a jump on the start as I did Saturday, probably 10th onto the grass. Riding along the sea wall prior to the run up I had bad thoughts because I was further back than I wanted to be. The first lap run-up was the expected mosh pit of bodies and bikes banging for position. Not until after the barriers did it really sort out.

I can remember going down to the freshly imported dirt at the base of the run up on lap 3 because I did not unclip in time, which was caused by trying to gather some speed and coast up the run up a bit...Fail. Two riders passed me there, but I got back on and would make up some time on the long straight aways.. It was difficult to figure out what place I was in because the 55+ guys were out there ahead of us. Doug Aspinwall from Joe's Garage was ahead of me, and he posts some solid results.

By the fifth and final lap I had crept up to where I might have a shot at getting Doug. He would open up small gaps on the corners and I would try to close them on the power sections. Lucky for me I had that big stretch of flat on the seawall to make something happen. Around the corner by the big rock, I put her into the big ring and tried my "darndest" to make what is considered a move or an attack.

This is my 3rd season of cross, and I 've often a bit puzzled when reading race reports where they describe how so and so made his race winning move after the barriers, or Boom dropped the hammer and rode away, or Johnson attacked when they hit the hill, etc. Granted I'm using examples from some pro-racers.... but I when I am racing, by lap 3 after it has thinned out and positions start to be established, I usually feel that I'm riding a time trial on a cross course, making a pass here and there. I never feel like that I have that extra reserve to make an "attack", or a "move" since I'm usually past my threshold and in maintenance mode. I've got a lot to learn about pacing, and holding wheels (I'm often the dude soloing).

Despite the lack of "attacking" experience and that extra reserve (maybe it is there, and I'm not digging deep enough to get it), I did know that I had to make my move strategically on that long flat. I slowly built up speed and hit my top end to pass Doug about 2/3rds of the way through that stretch. Through the sand pit, and the last few technical sections I was able to hold my position, but now noticed another rider within striking distance. Coming out down the last stretch on the ball field I caught up to a MBRC/Bicycle Link rider and we hit the pavement together. Despite 30 cross races, I have only ended up in a sprint finish twice and I lost them both. I let the MBRC guy go and was able to hold his wheel for the first third of the uphill finish and then get to the outside and pass him by to grab 6th. The finish felt like it took forever, and I was all ready to fall off my bike and gather myself on the pavement. I managed to get onto the grass and get some oxygen. It was nice to get a "nice attack" compliment from Doug as he rode by.

I was happy with my result, and felt like I had redeemed myself after yesterday's disappointing placing caused by my mechanical. And despite my desire to be more of a "technical" rider, this "roadie" Gloucester course suits my abilities better. BUT... I still was off the podium by 3 spots and like 2 minutes! Those dudes were way ahead of me!

Post-Race Beer: I cracked open the St. Bernardus ABT 12, it was excellent.

On Tap: Mansfield Hollow, CT

Gloucester Day 2 vids

2008-10-15T08:00:00.005-04:00

The Run Up at Gloucester

The finish on Day 2
(Thanks to R.Hale for catching these clips)

Gloucester Day 1 or " You are the Weakest Link, Goodbye!"

2008-10-13T09:32:00.015-04:00

Long Story Short: 33rd in the Masters 3/4 race. I broke my chain half way through the last lap while in the top 10. Bummer.

Lowdown: I drove east to Gloucester early Saturday morning w/ my personal soigneur Ronnie Steers. Ron was in the middle of a intensive training block, prepping for a late CX season run, so he did not race. I was glad to have his company on the hour plus ride out from Pepperell.

We arrived and I got my 2 pre-laps in. Having raced last year, I had a good feel for the course since it was nearly identical. For my tires, I decided to run the Grifo tubie up front and the Grifo XS (file tread) open tubular in the back since it was fast and dry course. I didn't get a chance last year to run this setup because the cat 4 race in the morning seemed to be too slick at 9am with dew or frost. Now with a B Master race an hour later it makes sense. Sucker Brook, being for the most part similar in terms of surfaces and speed with Gloucester, was my first go w/ this combo and it worked well for me there.

I had a prime front row spot for this race, as my entry was successful despite the Great Bikereg Gloucester Pre-Reg SNAFUBAR of 2008. I was about 5th wheel up the pavement and onto the grass. I was able to keep the leaders in sight for most of that first lap. They did not run the rototiller through the sandpit, so it was rideable provided the rider ahead didn't go down. We did 5 laps, and I was able to ride it 3 of the 5 times, I think it helped a bit, not a lot though.

Through the barriers (photo courtesy of Dave Loszewski)

The part of the course that I always find a bit challenging is the chicane near the ball field. You come out of a grassy straightaway to a short uphill followed by an easy left turn that leads to a short but choppy descent, followed by a sharp right turn and bumpy climb uphill. Lots of squeaky brakes, fork chattering and sometimes broken course tape can be found at this section. I made sure to take my time with it as a slip-up would be costly.

As the race progressed, friends yelled to me "8th", and "top ten", and I began to feel pretty good about my ride (as good as you can when you're redlining your heart, lungs, and legs for 40 minutes). I had a good race on day 1 of last year, but pinch flatted on day 2 back on the stone dust trail along the sea wall. When I got bell for one to go I was feeling secure in my placing at 8th. The immediate rider behind me was a good deal back and there didn't seem to be anyway I could catch up to the guy ahead of me. I thought to myself, " ride it clean / might as well save some legs for tomorrow / do NOT pinch flat on the sea wall". I came through clean on the sea wall, and up the broken pavement and rocky little uphill. I felt my legs spinning too easy, figured I must've dropped the chain, but when I looked down I saw my chain broken and dragging behind me.

For Reals? Like Sarah Palin could be our president, -- reals? No, really dude, seriously, right now w/ half a lap to go, that's it? SRAM 10 speed chain just gonna give in right then and say its had enough of this cyclocross crap? Oh well. It gave me a whole 6 races worth of hot 'cross action. Maybe 300 miles all in all. Weak IMO. Anne Robinson says to me "You ARE the Weakest Link, Goodbye" ... solid result at Gloucester.

I managed to make it to the pit and was hoping I could borrow a bike with Crank Bros. Candy or Egg beater pedals. I was all thinking I'd just drive-thru and order a #4 Extra Value Meal, w/ a 575 mm top tube, but what I got was a Happy Meal with no toy inside. The mechanic in the pit hooked me up with a small Cannondale w/ toe straps (I was truly grateful) and I was on my way to salvage what I could. All I could think about was how awful my CrossResults point total would be if I DNF'd. What followed was a comedy of errors between my lack of experience with SRAM, and the goofy toe straps interfering with my goofy toe spikes that have been in since Great Glen. I think I "rode" the rest of the race in 46x11. I figured that nifty double tap thing out after the race. Had I a pit bike I think I may have only lost 1 spot. Oh well, I'll get 'em tomorrow ... after I complain about my misfortune 17 times first. Also, I did not find my chain, but if I had I would've gave that little rascal the Godfather Don Corleone talking to [shouts] You can act like a man! [ slaps chain] ...

Circus comes to town / You play the lead clown - Metallica
Struggling to finish on the pit bike (photo courtesy Robert Hale)

Woulda Shoulda Coulda: see above

One to Grow On: "That's how SRAM doubletap works!"

Post-Race: I hung out for the rest of the day with friends, watched some good racing, got a lot of sun, and had a couple of beers, Long Trail IPA, and a St.Bernardus Tripel.

Big props to Bob Tyzsko for hooking me up w/ a brand new chain (I'll get you back at Canton), and the guys at the Mavic tent for putting it on my bike.

I got home and Gretchen had homemade meatballs, sauce and pasta all ready for me. Sweet. Just get a good nice sleep and give'r a go tomorrow...

Eco-Cross '08 Images

2008-10-08T18:50:00.010-04:00

A few pics of Robert and myself (and our youngins) at the Eco-Cross in Falmouth.

Eco-Cross at Coonamessett Farms, Falmouth MA

2008-10-08T11:41:00.005-04:00

Still waiting on results from this race, and work is busy this week, so this will be a shorter report. I did the Masters 1-3 race and am guessing I finished in the back third or hind quarter(s).

This race turned into another mud challenge, but nothing like the previous week in Bedford. It rained lightly most of the morning and after 2 or 3 races some of the sections started getting muddy, that greasy type where you need to get some weight back or the back wheel spins free, and on the tight 180 corners where you need to put some weight on the front tire to avoid it washing out.

One must have a strong starting position because there were limited areas to pass on this course. I took my place about 5th row from the start, though veteral superstar Frank McCormack was only one row ahead of me. He seemed like a laid back guy, just out there having some fun while brother Mark and the other Master Blasters like Jonny Bold, and Kevin Hines lined up in front.

Readers will be happy to know that there were no "F-Bombs" or "Bull in a China Shop" comments leveled my way. Earlier last week I did watch this VeloNews.tv clip where Brandon Dwight answers some questions about "Cross Etiquete".

I did have one fall in the back of the course on the singletrack between a tree and the fence. I wasn't able to get around the tree trunk in time and went down on my left side with my shoe still clipped in. Took a while to get myself out of that mess all wedged up on the course holding a racer up whom I had just worked hard to pass. Reminded me of that commercial "I've fallen and I can't get up". I mentally checked out for the next half a lap, telling myself just to get a solid workout in for Gloucester. But as soon as I came to the winding downhill before the pavillon and barriers I was racing again. Can't look like a total chump in front of the wife, baby girl and friends.

I do recall getting lapped by Mark McCormack, he said "perfect" when I gave him the line as he passed by me. That was my proudest moment of that race. I crossed the line thinking I still had one more lap to go, but I didn't, that's what happens when you get lapped. I didn't feel bad, I was still blushing from Mark's praise for getting out of his way.

On Tap: Gloustahh in the Master Bs. Last year I finished 9th and 21st (pinch flatted on that one) in the Cat 4s.

Bull in a China Shop

2008-09-29T09:59:00.007-04:00

Long Story Short: 8th out of 45 or so in the 35+ 3/4 race.

Lowdown: This race was a bona-fide mud fest. It was in the 60s and still drizzling Sunday morning, the mosquitoes were also out in full force. My Mad Alchemy warm weather embrocation did not double as a repellent (note to self, suggest a new and improved seasonal version "Now with Deet!"). The 3/4 Masters were the 3rd race of the day, and now the course would really turn into a slopfest. This one rivaled the other really muddy race I had done in 2006, the UNH Campus Cross where it was 70 and sunny.

I was able to get a nice spot in the front row. My HUP teammate Chip "Shake 'n" Baker got the hole shot. I was probably somewhere between 12 and 15 as we went past the pits. The first lap of this one was tight with racers, moreso than normal, and it was difficult to pass.

One of my peers said to me as we remounted over the first set of barriers that were slightly uphill, "You're like a bull in a China shop". For the rest of the race this comment confounded me. But was he saying I was like Richard Moll aka Bull from '80s TV show Night Court, geesh I hope not? And since when does a cyclocross race become a metaphor for a China Shop? Were all my peers delicate tea cups and saucers that I was destroying (cool)? Or was it the course that was the China shop? It did get wrecked, but that destruction was not from this lone bull.

Ok, I admit I did go through the barriers a bit too aggressive, meaning i squeezed through two riders while running. I will be more considerate on future barriers but he should get the mud out of his thong and race! :-b

Shake and Bake!

One of the highlights was on the 2nd lap where I was able to get into the lead after the long and windy run up. I felt a sense of pride in my long legs, and excitement in my "move" but it quickly wore off after my heart rate spiked and I got dropped halfway through that next lap. The next 30 minutes or so was tough, mud in the eyes, ghost shifting, staying upright, the slight but gradual climb right by the pits was spirit crushing, and the single barrier slash run-up hurt so bad with two to go.

Woulda,Shoulda,Coulda: Going into the last lap I was 7th position. It looked like 6th was a ways ahead, so I told myself, "okay just try to ride everything clean now and don't lose your place". On the first muddy turn, my front tire washed out and I went down. That relegated me back to 8th, where I ended up finishing. Maybe I would've been caught anyway. There were only about 27 other places where I could have potentially stacked it. Focus was in the right place, the execution was way off. Chalk it up to fatigue I guess.

One to Grow On: If there was ever a time to throw on the gnarliest mud treads yesterday was one of them. I put my green Michelin Mud on in the back but decided to leave my Grifo tubular on in the front. Had I the chance to make the decision 100 times over, I would've gone with the Mich.mud in the front by a land(mud)slide.

Bull, S.Robbins, and R.Hale

Post-Race: Hosed my bike and self off, tried to clean up a bit. Snacked on some pastry that Chip kindly shared with us. Stuck around and watched Justin C. and Zoo in the B race. CCC had another solid race, he overcame some mechanicals and reclaimed a bunch of spots to finish in 2nd.

I did not have any celebratory brews after this race. I made up for it the night before at the The Publick House and their accompanying BBQ joint, the Roadhouse in Brookline. A good friend was visiting from LA so we all met up for some good brews and some BBQ. Beers I enjoyed: La Chouffe, Smutty Pumpkin, Ommegang Rouge, and a Lagunitas IPA. Not the ideal race prep, but a real good time.

On Tap: Eco-Cross at Coonamesset Farms, Cape Cod

Backside to Mudslide

Back in the Saddle

2008-09-22T08:17:00.016-04:00

The Long story Short: 7th place in the Masters 3/4

Lowdown: I kicked off my 'cross season this past weekend. I'll start with yesterday's Sucker Brook race since it is fresher, I have pics and had a much better result.

I had most of my gear ready to go because I had done the Londonderry VeloCross race the day before. However, Gretchen and I had to pack up our little girl Esmé, it would be her first 'cross race at the expense of our older girl and 'cross veteran Beulah dane. Needless to say, we were running late, which meant less pre-laps /warm up. At least I had done SBCX previously , and it looked pretty much the same on the flyer as it had last year. I was able to get my number and a 1 lap pre-ride in. On my way around for another pre-lap I saw that the B masters had already started lining up a good 15-20 minutes before the start. I got myself into the 2nd row and chatted with the rest of the guys.

The start was sketchy as a rider next to me went down on the first turn of the race. There was some shoulder and wheel contact but I managed to get onto the gravel/rocky section and then the grass where the race unfolded. I had a very fun time racing with my Hup teammate Chip Baker, as well as one of the nicest guys I've met in 'cross, Steven Robbins.

Smiling for the camera on the first lap

There were 2 sections that I had some trouble with the first being the little ride-up before the barriers. My left cleat kept popping out of my pedal when I got out of the saddle to power up the hill. It is time to put on a new Crank Bros. cleat, that one is just too worn down.

The other section was the 180 after the mini-sandpit. It is a quick 180 but you need to get up hill. I just never felt like I did that section clean. I did bobble once and got F Bombed twice by the rider behind me who I got in the way of in our B Master race for a top 15 place. I then pointed to the graveyard up the hill to our left... at that moment he understood that I would go Kimbo Slice on him during this psychocross deathrace if he wasn't careful. He did not F-bomb me a third time. Chip told me that he was actually a good guy after the race so I stopped looking for him and crossed him off my people to 'get' list. I'm not sure how many laps we did, but I felt pretty good overall with the exception of my lower back which was a bit sore/fatigued. Held on to my spot for the last lap, which was uneventful. Overall, I was satisfied with my result.

Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda: Get to that start line earlier, the race before the race!

One to Grow On: Hmmm, how about not wearing a long sleeved Black skinsuit when it is sunny and 70+ out! I look like Saturday Night fever with my skinny zipped down mid chest, though not a total Travolta as I just had my chest waxed (I kid, I'm just not that manly). Also, not dismounting too early when approaching the stairs (duh). Sometimes I have a tendency to clip out too early and take a couple extra steps. The few times I was able to cruise right up to them (less traffic helped) I really shortened up the gaps in front of me.

Where'd that smile go on lap 5?

Shout Outs: It was great to see the New England 'cross crew back at it. I watched the B race and cheered on friends. Originally I had pre-reg'd for this one, but I just wasn't feeling a 3rd 'cross race in 24 hours. Always seems like a good idea when you're at home in front of the computer, but when it is two to go it is so easily dismissed. eyeBob Tyzsko was able to do it though, but why can't he take pictures and race too?
Back after riding cross-country, Rosey had a top 10, and Yash got in the top 15. Ronnie wasn't feeling it from some a late night plus singlespeeding it on that dragstrip. Cort looked very strong and took the win. Mat Simpson set up the Hup base camp, which was great. Unfortunately he injured his shoulder and finger early on in the B race, but hopefully he'll be back soon. Always good to see Meg, and Chris Milliman and RAAM man Mark Soups too!

Post-Race: At home I cooked up a pulled pork sandwich with some baby dills and popped a St. Bernardus Pater 6 (dubbel) that my in-laws had gotten me for my birthday.

On Tap: Bedford Springs pb Quad Cycles. Last year's result was 7th in Cat 4s.

First CX weekend in the books

Esmé Anne Needham

2008-01-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

On January 20th, 2008 at 3:33am Esmé Anne Needham was born. She tipped the scales at 6 pounds and 3 ounces, and is 19 and a half inches. New mom and baby are doing well.

The baby was due on February 15th originally. We had birthing class all day on Saturday at Emerson Hospital in Concord (just in time). Gretchen had a few irregular contractions in the afternoon during the class. And we guessed that she probably would be having a January baby instead of a February baby.

We got home around 5pm and Gretchen settled in for a nap, I went out to walk Beulah dane. When we returned Gretchen was resting in the bedroom, and only 1 minute later she told me her water had just broke. Fortunately Gretchen had packed ahead of time, and we loaded into the car and headed back to Emerson which is about 30 minutes from our home. The contractions were much more intense since the water had broken and were about 3 minutes apart. We made it to the hospital without any really big scares other than the 10 or so contractions she dealt with during the ride. So it was right back into the labor room we had visited just a few hours ago. Ironically the nurse who taught our class was still there and was surprised to see us again so soon.

I'll spare the details, but will say that watching my wife deal with contractions for six hours, and push for 3 plus hours was so impressive and inspirational. And to first lay eyes on our little baby girl was incredibly emotional for me. I am so proud of them. It was without a doubt the highlight of my life thus far. I'll post more later, thanks for reading.

Some favorite tunes from '07

2008-01-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

I'll start with these three...

Here is Tall Firs with "The Woods". I love the simple and clean guitar lick with the slightly chaotic percussion.

Bat for Lashes here with"Trophy". A nice groove that mesmerizes my ears. And the singer Natasha Kahn is easy on the eyes.

The Good The Bad and The Queen play "Nature Springs". I first saw these guys on IFC's Rollins Show. Great bass line.

Obligatory New Years Post

2008-01-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Been a while....

Happy Baby New Years everybody.

What have I have I been up to in the last month or so?

Finished out the cross season w/ two days of racing in Rhode Island. My first 2/3 races which were super fun even though I got smoked.

Up the shrubbery to the Cupcake feed zone

I went cross-country skiing a couple of times at Windblown in New Ipswich, NH. It was great to take advantage of all this snow we have been getting up in north-central Mass and southern NH. Windblown is pretty cool too, family owned, lodge built from lumber off their land, and quite scenic. I did downhill skiing for a couple of years in my early teens before switching to snowboarding. I thought I would have been better at the downhill but I was all Bambi-like. The 2nd day I was a good deal improved, and I started to get into a good rhythm with the diagonal stride. But damn, the next morning it felt like Chuck Lidell punched me square in the front of both thighs.

We spent the holidays in Buffalo with my in-laws. I ate lots of Christmas cookies and drank some great beers like Fantome Hiver, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, and plenty of Ommegang Dubbels. There's no hiding the evidence w/ my waistline. We went to the movies and saw Juno one day. I thought it was good and solid flick , though the title character was much too witty for a 16 year old girl (it was a good performance nonetheless). All in all it was terrific to see family, eat well and enjoy the holidays.

Christmas Eve

In the fall I started clearing some of the downed trees and loose rocks in the woods behind our house so that I could make some trails for mountain biking shenanigans. So lately I've been snowshoeing out there with my dog Beulah. She loves to bound around in the snow, her long legs have no problem keeping her out of the 2'+ of packed powder while she pretends she's a bloodhound and sniffs out the deer tracks.

And we are also about 6 weeks away from the baby due date. It has really just started to sink in that I am going to be a Dad soon !?! I am really looking forward to this whole experience.

I know my sports/activities will be a bit limited going forward but I still hope to do some solid bike riding and get back to jiu-jitsu. I signed up for the Battenkil-Roubaix race in April and would like to do a few MTB races just to have a few events to keep me somewhat in shape.

Out for now.

Cat 3 Cyclocross card swipe = You're Approved!

2007-11-14T14:38:00.000-05:00

I got my Cyclocross upgrade to a 3 approved last night. Hopefully I won't get stung too bad by the B's. I was a bit hesitant to register for the Stedman 2/3 Verge race this morning (and opt for the 3/4 masters instead), but figured it will provide a good measuring stick for next year as well as extra motivation in the off season.

It will be pretty cool to have so many Hup riders potentially in the same race, the Belgie Blue train...

PVB
Zank
Rosey
Josh
Yash
Justin
the caboose ... me

Vermont: family, friends, food and cross

2007-11-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

This weekend we will drive up to Vermont and hangout with some friends, visit my sister's family and my new baby nephew Jack. Oh and to do some cross too. This will be my last weekend racing the 4s. The UNH and Lowell races will be my first as a 3.

Part of the fun of racing each weekend for me is to checking out the local establishments after the race. That's part of the reward for the training and the carrot to chase in the race. Whether it be beers @ The Moan and Dove and burritos from Bueno y Sano after Northampton or the fisherman's plate @ Woodman's after Gloucester, it makes the weekend that much more fun.

I remember in Gloucester either Rosey or Pierre telling me about Curtis' BBQ in Putney. Apparently it's BBQ School Bus off of I-91 in Putney that has been around for quite a while. I was looking forward to checking it out but unfortunately he's closed for the season. But near where we'll be staying in Chester, his daughter's runs a BBQ restaurant that I think we'll check out.

Looks like there's a chance for some snow at Putney, at the very least it will be chilly. I am looking forward to riding that course, specifically the downhill descent which I fell on twice last year. One crash was in practice, there's nothing like showing up to the start slicked in mud, proof of your technical prowess on the course. Also I recall the natural barrier (log / step up) being tough to get through smoove. I think I'll screw in the spikes for the run up this year.

Chainbiter and Northampton - Verge 3 & 4

2007-11-05T17:38:00.000-05:00

I didn't have the motivation to write a descriptive race report yesterday or today, here's what I managed...

This was certainly a full weekend of driving and racing in the Verge series. I think about 6 and half hours of driving and 80 minutes of racing in total. I am doing better now, but still considerably spent.

Five AM came way too early on Saturday. Fortunately, Ron hooked me up with a ride to Farmington, and it certainly made the long trek from North Central Mass to CT feel a lot shorter. I had a good race there and managed 6th place. That gradual dirt climb was tough, and the grass sections were fast and fun. I stuck around and watched Ron, Zank, PVB, Rosey, Josh and Colin race. Then we headed back north while the weather turned south.

On the way home from Chainbiter I felt like I hit the wall ... with the "nothing but cross" mindset of the last several weeks, my level of motivation had been sapped... It reminded me of a D&D campaign I was on sophomore year in high school, where my half elven ranger Cyn'tal T'anarhal was level leeched while battling undead minions (ghouls and wraiths) in some ruins near Zhentil Keep. In the end I made my saving throws against disease but was down to about 4 hit points before getting some healing, I digress... It wasn't the racing I was loathing, but everything else packaged with it. The getting up early, packing, driving, combined with a that feeling of burning the candle from both ends. I needed to get some rest, some solace, and find some motivation for the Northampton race. That motivation came with setting the clocks back, affording me an extra hour of slumber.

The 95 minute ride out west on route 2 was uneventful. It was a beautiful autumn day in New England.

Quick mouse clicks got me a front row start, and I took my first holeshot.

I had a fairly good race @ Northampton which included the hole shot and the lead for a half lap. I noticed that I much prefer following someone else's line for the first lap. The elite cat 4s soon took control and opened up a chasm, or maybe a gorge (not sure which is bigger). But like Ted Danson said of his days with Whoopi Goldberg, "like throwing a hotdog down a tunnel, it was big-g-g-g." Those cats came across the line 2' faster than me. Luckily the race ended after 5 laps because I was fading. I held on for 7th.

Getting ready for the "rollercoaster" descent

I had some of the more challenging mental battles in that race that I've waged all season long. I remember transitioning from the pavement to the grass,right before the run-up, having feelings of doubt and despair creep into my consciousness. A scene of myself pulling off the course flickered suggestively. "Dude you just have 2 more laps to go, and then you can end the hurt, grab some comfort food and relax (until next week)."

Going into this weekend I knew it was going to be one of the more challenging ones because of the travel times, self-imposed expectations and bigger Verge fields. I do feel content with my performances and the results. One thing I forgot to mention is that I thought both courses were super, had a lot of fun riding them. Anyway, right now I really feel the need to rest and recharge the batteries. I want to finish out the season strong and get that feeling of excitement back.

Fall in New England & Cross, despite my b!tching, it don't get better than this.

Canton Cup 2007

2007-10-29T08:12:00.000-04:00

Long story short: I came in 10th in the Men's cat 4 cyclocross race in Canton on Sunday after flatting the front tire on last lap and losing 5 spots.

The Lowdown: I was without a ride to the race but luckily New Hampshire's coolest Optometrist Bob Tyzsko showed up at zero dark thirty to hook me up with a ride to Canton. We got there nice and early and had plenty of time to pre-ride the course, use the facilities and tune the bikes. The race to the starting line was important because there were 90+ riders in this race and no call-ups by reg. date or Nebra Leaders ;-) I lined up next to Bob and ECV'r and all around good guy Cory Johannessen.

When the whistle blew I was around 4th going into the fields. In the first 3 and a half laps we did I floated from 3rd to 5th. I can't recall any major events in the race other than the feeling of front wheel beginning to slide out in turns on the last lap. Overall I was happy with my handling and did not screw up any turns or barriers. In fact I felt faster in my cornering as the race went on. On the other hand I could see Cory decreasing the gap between us.

So yea, on the last half of the final lap, my front tire started washing out in the turns. I could feel that it was slowly losing air. I made it past the 2nd set of barriers and past the stables when my front wheel washed out completely and I went down. Cory passed me but not before asking if I was okay. Hey if somebody is going to pass me, I'm glad it was him, he's a helluva nice guy and fun to race against. Besides, I'm not sure if I could have held him off.

I made it around the next turn alright, but then slid out again once I tried taking a corner with a bit of speed. Four more racers passed me. I whacked my shifter back into place and proceeded to gingerly maneuver myself around the course and hang on for 10th.

Woulda Shoulda Coulda: Pinch flats, dropped chains, other mechanicals happen, and they happen to everyone. But this now is my 3rd flat in a big New England race this year and it is frustrating. I flatted the front tire at Sucker Brook when nailing a rock in the woods, pinch flatted the rear tire along the sea wal lon day 2 in Gloucester, and now the front tire gets a little puncture at Canton. Looking at the tube afterwards it was not a pinch flat, just a small hole, maybe a thorn? Oi vey! I'm hoping this is the last of my tire troubles. I've been running 45 in the front and 50 psi in the rear which seems like plenty, but maybe at 184 lbs is too much to (love) handle(s)??? Tubulars next year for sure, maybe sooner...

Oh yea, I wish I tried hopping the 2nd set of barriers. Next year!

One to Grow On: I'm guessing that when you're riding with a slowly leaking front tire that you should not weight down on it to give it more traction when turning, thus causing it to lose pressure even faster. In retrospect I don't know if I could've protected a few spots but I probably should have been un-clipping to dab out on those corners instead.

Post Race: Hung out for a bit afterwards chatting it up with the Hup crew. It was unfortunate to see Yash on the sidelines but it was very good talking with him. We discussed our various cross racing arch nemesis' as well as bike purchasing strategies with a baby on the way. Bob and I caught the Masters and a bit of the 2/3 race before heading home. Once I got home, I enjoyed a Duvel and the Patriots trouncing of the Redskins. As I lay on the couch from 4:30pm to about 1am, I may have developed couch sores, a small price to pay whilst enjoying the Sox winning the Series again. It took me a while to fall asleep after all the excitement. Instead of counting sheep I fantasized of supple casings, not flatting and what tread would do best at Northampton ... Grifos, FMBs or Rhinos?

On Tap Next: Verge New England series # 3 & 4, Chainbiter in Farmington CT, and Cycle-Smart in Northampton, MA

Until the Snow Ends: What's the deal with NEBRA?

2007-10-26T17:41:00.000-04:00

Until the Snow Ends: What's the deal with NEBRA?

I care! Apparently I am the Category 4 Men's leader in NEBRA thus far (13 races)

NEBRA staff be warned, heads will roll in Canton on Sunday if do not get my front row call up.

And if I don't get my call up then the rest of the cat 4 field best not b!tch when I back into my front row starting position.... "Do you know who I am ? The fracking cat 4 leader, that's who!"
[/Tongue firmly in cheek for the sarcasm impaired]

Goldilocks and the 3 categories

2007-10-24T09:09:00.000-04:00

So this morning pre-registration opened for the Sterling / Verge #5 race. I had a decision to make that was complicated by being a CX cat 4, on the verge of a cat 3 upgrade. The race is over a month out and hopefully I will score enough upgrade points in the several races before that time. I don't want to choke like Cleveland or the '04 Yankees.

I felt like Goldilocks as my options were:

I chose the Masters 3/4 race. I think this will be a good fit for a Verge race and provide a little more gradual step up in competition than jumping in with the 2/3s. When the upgrade is earned I plan on racing the Open 3 aka Killer B race for most of the year as there are a bunch of Hupsters in that race and the later start time is cool by me. Maybe I can help block when the leaders are about to lap me, give PVB, Rosey and Zank some help if they need it ;-)

Being a master cat 3 cyclocrosser in New England gives one so many options...

Master 3/4
Master 1/2/3
B Men 3/4 or 2/3
and even some A men 1/2/3

Sleep in and race with the Killer B's ? Or get it done early w/ the Masters and enjoy the rest of the day--or do both!

I think it will be a good idea to test the 2/3 field at my last race(s) of the year in Rhode Island. This will give me a good watermark for next year, as well as a whole lot of motivation to get faster.