Kermesses and My Porcelain Pillow
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life, Racing, Training, USA Cycling Development Team
For the most part, the last few weeks of craziness that is Belgian Kermesse racing has been good to me. I wouldn’t go so far as to say the results and performances have been outstanding, but going full distance in several events, while posting a handful of top 20’s has at least provided a little confidence and success to pad the so often brutal punishment that many riders associate with kermesse racing. Especially coming from America, these races were absolutely foreign to me. With the attacks going from the gun, it seems that the pace/effort could never remain so high all the way to the finish some 2.5 or 3 hours later. And yet some how it always does. As a rider who prefers to see the road tip up, fighting for position while racing down gutters has always been an area of weakness for me. Which is exactly why I am still here throwing elbows and fighting to hold my spot in the gutter. My ability to climb is worthless if I struggle through crosswinds and long flat stretches of road before ever reaching the climbs. Luckily, my pack prowess has been coming around, the these seemingly endless kilometers of suffering through kermesses has taught me a great deal about riding in the wind, or rather out of it, and holding better pack position. Now I just need to find some long climbs to exploit my strengths…
Last weekend, I fell victim what seems to be a variation of the “stomach bug” that has been going around the European peleton. While I don’t even put myself in similar to company to that of Andy Schleck, or Tom Danielson, I did find it interesting to note that they both fell victim to a stomach bug. I think our only similarities beyond a love for the bike, came in the form of some of our symptoms. Friday afternoon I noticed that my stomach didn’t feel good. I chalked it up to nerves, or some other random affliction which would soon pass. While I was out riding and warming up for a criterium that evening, I noticed that I was most “comfortable” on the bike when I was working hard. Every time my heartrate came down below like 155 my stomach would start to turn itself in knots as it worked out a bug. Simple enough I thought, I just have to make sure I ride really hard, and smart, in the criterium tonight, and I will have no problem. I suppose the theory was at least mildly beneficial, considering I pulled a top 25 after going in several breaks over the course of the 70km race. What followed that evening, was four days of laying in my bed, scarcely able to eat.
I spent saturday evening hugging a porcelain pillow as my body worked viciously to rid itself of an unwanted infection in my stomach. No such luck – just lots of time curled up over the toilet. After several days of forcing myself to eat small amounts of rice and other simple carbs, the writing was on the wall. Whatever sickness I had was going to take more than just rest and not eating to be expelled from my body. I went to the doctor on Tuesday morning, and was diagnosed with a stomach infection and given some medicine which will hopefully clear up the infection, and allow my to resume normal eating and training habits. So far so good. I have been able to slowly re-introduce more complex foods and meats into my diet, and the normallness is coming back on the bike too. Today was the first time in nearly a week that I have felt good on the bike, and I am looking forward to a weekend of kermesse racing to conclude my trip here in Belgium.
As soon as I get home, it will be back on the road as I head with my team to Las Vegas for the Interbike show and the Cross-Vegas race. I don’t know exactly how the legs will hold up to 2 days of steady travel before the race, but I had a blast being there last year, and I am excited to get in some racing under the lights this year. Its going to be a busy next 7 days, and I am excited for all that fills those days. See you in Vegas.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Riding First Class
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life, Racing, USA Cycling Development Team
Since finishing the Vuelta A Ciclista Palencia on high note, with Daniel Holoway taking the final stage win, I have been riding in First Class on the recovery bus. You might say, “Rollin’ like a big shot…” on the recovery bus. Halfway through Palencia, the UCI sent some vampires to suck 2 vials of blood from each of the riders in the race. While the primary objective was testing for any signs of doping, the UCI also took time to check on everyone’s blood and mineral levels. Turns out I was probably one of the more tired riders in the race, with my hematocrit down 18% from normal rested levels. By the end of the race, I was maybe another one or two percentage points lower.
Wednesday was a day of traveling and sleeping for me. After getting up early, we drove 4 hours to the airport, where I enjoyed a 2 hour nap, er, I mean flight. Arriving in Belgium, we all enjoyed a small bit of ice-cream before jumping into a bus for the drive back to our house in Izegem. No sooner than I climbed in the bus, did I pass out, only to wake up as we took the exit ramp from the freeway into Izegem. After dinner, I got caught up on a few e-mails and tweets before spending a few hours at the square (towne center) with Cole House and Chris Butler. Coming off a big block of racing, it was nice to get out and relax for a bit. We all enjoyed a little Belgian brew before returning to the house to pass out.
A team of 7 riders plus staff, pac along A LOT of gear. After the vehicles returned from Spain and unloaded, this is what our Service Course looked like. Lots to unpack and put away.
From Thursday through today, the days have been pretty relaxed for me. With double-digit hours of sleep coming almost daily, along with a few short rides, and a daily napping session, my batteries are finally starting to feel recharged. When not sleeping away nearly half of the day, I spent a good deal of time in my bed or on the couch with my computer. I always laugh at how many quality hours us cyclists can kill with a computer (or phone) and a good internet connection. While most people back home have a hard time comprehending the laziness of a cyclist, we all embrace the world of technology, for its great ability to kill vast amounts of time. David Millar recetnly wrote a great blog about killing time. As a cyclist it was funny to read about someone else, who’s daily routine was so familiar to me, yet one that many cannot fathom. One of my recent time-killing discoveries has been the world of literature. Surprisingly enough, I generally love to exercise my gift of gab, yet find in painfully difficult to finish a book. Recently, I have found Out of The Silent Plant, the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy, to be an oasis from my electronic world.
Several rides this past week involved stopping at the coffee shop. While the coffee tends to not be as volumous as what I have become accustomed to back home, they definitely know how to make a good cup of coffee. All the extra's are a nice complimentary touch too.
When not behind the glow of my computer screen, or reading, I found another great way to pass time. Some will understand what is happening with this deck of cards. Others will wonder. I still need a lot of practice...
This afternoon I get back into the swing of racing with a 110km kermesse. The next three weeks will be packed full of kermesse races, internet, and my electronics before I fly home to kick off my off season, er, rather cyclo-cross season.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
How ‘Bout That
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life, Racing, USA Cycling Development Team
Today was the first Stage in La Vuelta A Palencia. Tonight, and for several to come, we are staying in the Hotel Valentin.
For a bit of irony, I attended Valentine Elementary School from Kindergarden through 3rd Grade. As my mom was dropping me off for my first day of Kindergarden, I turned to her and said, “Mom, college is nice. I am glad you went. But I am not going.” No joke, this shit really happened.
Now, 14 years later, I am traveling and racing in Europe with the USA Cycling U23 National Development Team pursuing my life’s dream of becoming a professional cyclist, and racing in the Pro-Tour. How cool is that?!?
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Gone Fishing
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing, USA Cycling Development Team
Despite what the title of this post might lead you to believe, I am gearing up for my second European stage race in as many weeks. After last week’s hectic arrival into Belgium, and briefly getting settled into the USA Cycling National Development Team’s House located in Izegem, Belgium, I am back on the road. Once again, living out of my duffle bag and messenger bag.
Prior to last week’s Ronde Van Antwerpen 4.6km Prologue, one of the team’s assistants made a great observation; with all the fish-netting that wrapped and covered the abrassions left from my crash during the National Road Championships, perhaps I should go fishing in the local canal. With fishnets holding gauze and Tegaderm over my ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip, and elbow, I was quite sight on the TT bike. Several of the locals were presumably making inquiry and comments over my plethora of bandages, but not understanding the local language meant that I simply smiled and rolled along. Luckily, after the last week of vigilant care, covering, and washing, most of my skin has begun to grow back, and my bandages have been reduced to just enough to cover the deep abrasion on my right ankle.
Here is a shot of the bandaging on my knee. I took this while riding, so it doesn't quite do justice, but you get the idea. Multiply this times 4, and cover my right side. That is what I was rocking for the first week of my time here.
For me, the Ronde Van Antwerpen was a good immersion into European racing. The team rode together as a unit, and for the first few days, we were high in the GC. Over the final few stages, we did fade a bit, but we all pulled through to take away many positives and many lessons learned. With my “baptism” to European racing complete, I have traveled south with the team to Spain where the Vuelta Zamora begins this evening with a 5km prologue. During the race, the team has many cards to play with a good mix of experienced riders, fast finishers, and some fresh young talent. For me, I am here to learn and progress as a cyclist. My goals and job for the race will be to look after the older riders who will be high in the GC, and to help the team achieve its goals over the next 5 days. Along the way, I hope to have a go in the early break, and if I can help the team to a high finish on Sunday, this week will be a success.
After breakfast this morning, the team got out for a bit on our TT bikes. Along the way, we passed this castle/fortress thing with these statues out front. Couldn't resist getting a picture - looking like a TT Knight? Not sure, but I will fight hard in tonight's prologue.
So far, the team is riding on high moral, and everyone is working well together. For the fast finishes we have Cole House, Daniel Holloway, and Austin Carroll. Chris Butler will likely lead our charge in the mountains, and then Larry Warbasse, myself, and Travis Burandt will be there to fill in the gaps.
This song and music video has swept over the team like a plague. It is good for a laugh, and the beat is certainly a bit catchy. There is also a good chance you could hear anyone of us singing the lyrics on the bike, in our rooms, or even at the dinner table. Wonder what the locals make of our singing…?
Our pre-race meal will be served shortly, and I have a bit of laundry to sort out. Better get to that before tackling tonight’s trip through the pain-cave.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Getting Baked
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing
These last couple weeks in Bend have been HOT. With the temperatures regularly reaching into the upper 30’s (Celsius) and nary a cloud in the sky, everyone has been fighting the heat in their own way. From soaking in the river, to ice-baths, and everything else imaginable, the hottest summer weeks have been filled with racing action on the roads in and around Bend.
Last week’s Cascade Cycling Classic was rough on the team, but we all pulled through and put in some good solid efforts. Coming off of Cascade, I was hoping that the 6 days of hard racing over the courses to be used during the 2009 USAC U23 Road National Championships would be the perfect preparation for a good run at the National Championships before flying over to Belgium for a month of racing with the USAC U23 National Development Team. Unfortunately, my Cascade Classic had a premature ending when I lost several spokes out of my front wheel, and came to an abrupt stop – before getting hit from behind. I rolled home to bandage up the few wounds, and put some ice-packs on the areas of deep bruising and swelling.
This is the spoke that came out of my front wheel and brought my Cascade Classic to an abrupt stop.
During yesterday’s U23 National Road Race Championships, I was feeling g-ed up and ready to go. Unfortunately, my teammate Bobby and I lost out in the numbers game, and the dominance of the Holowesko Partners/Felt U23 and Trek-LiveSTRONG development teams was just more than we could match. Ironically enough, Bobby and I ended our races in the same round-about on consecutive laps – only we managed to use two very different exit strategies. Bobby had his line through the corner “chopped” by another rider, and he ended up going straight into the median which is well planted. The local florae made for a rather soft, and otherwise gentle ending to what was a very hot and hard day of racing.
My race ended in slightly more dramatic fashion. Much like Joseba Beloki found during the 2003 Tour de France, the high sun and searing temperatures had melted the tar in the local roads. As I made my way around the round-about (where Bobby had just crashed a lap earlier) I lost my front wheel as it slid out from under me on the melted tarmac. I came down hard and slid across several meters of melted tarmac before a wall of hay-bales stopped me in a mangled heap of body and bike. After the volunteer medics and corner marshals had my bike rolling again, I peeled myself off the road, before riding my bike 1200 meters back to the finish line where i had my wounds thoroughly cleaned and dressed.
Lots of Tegaderm and gauze needed to cover the wounds. Luckily I had lots on hand. Probably looked real good on my ride home from the race too - rolling along nearly half naked...
After being dismissed from the medical tent, I pedaled a leisurely pace 6 kilometers back to my home before calling it a day. The short easy ride home was a slow roll, but it felt good to move my legs a little bit, and to flush some of the toxins from my legs. Finally, out my torn kit, I endured a painful shower before eating some dinner. After dinner, I did a round of laundry and settled into my bed for a painful night of tossing and turning in my bed.
I awoke this morning, stiff, sore, and still eager to ride my bike – always a good sign. Not even 2 crashes in 4 days can stall my love for the bike, and I am working to make a speedy recovery before getting back into racing action within the next week.
The Tegaderm and gauze dressing have started to leak again, so after getting those changed, I will enjoy a dinner of Steelhead before another night of tossing and turning in my sheets.
Keep the Rubber Side Down (I will try to do the same),
C-
Baking, Boise, Bend, & Belgium
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life, Racing, Training
After last weekend’s Tour de Delta, the team returned to Portland for a few days of training and making the final preparations for the last part of the season. For many of us, our time is Portland and Vancouver was winding down this week. My week in Portland was all about recovering from the hard racing and training that I have done so far, getting the batteries recharged, and preparing for a final push through the end of my season.
Monday and Tuesday saw me spending quality time on the couch with my phone and computer, while managing to squeeze in the odd short easy ride to the coffee shop and even a bit of baking as well. In the last year, I have really picked up on a new hobby, cooking/baking. With the craziness of traveling, racing, and big training blocks, it has been a while since I had the opportunity to spend some extra time in the kitchen. Tuesday finally brought me just what I was needing; a day off the bike, just spending time stretching and relaxing. Also, a perfect day to whip up some tasty eats.
After breakfast, I settled into my favorite reclining chair with a steaming cup of coffee to watch the second of the day’s Tour stage. With the stage completed, I returned to the kitchen. The ever reliable Bob’s Red Mill came through for me again. Guided by one of their many recipes, I set about making up a batch of millet bars. My original intent was that the creation would turn out to be similar to a muesli or cereal bar. What I wound up with was more of a dessert/pastry style bar. Not what I expected, but not bad either. Judging from the speed with which the pan was emptied, it seems safe to say that what I feared was a “flop,” turned out to be a “hit.”
The pan of Millet Pastry Bars comes out of the oven. Not what I was expecting, but not a flop either.
In the evening, several of the guys rolled down to PIR for a little weeknight racing action. The races at PIR have quickly become a popular weeknight sufferfest for many in the Portland area. With an easy day on my schedule, racing was out of the question. However a second round of baking was a sure possibility. Inspired by the delectable peanut butter granola which my host family served up in Vancouver, British Columbia, I set out to create my own version. After consulting a few different recipes and suggestions, I was armed with several great ideas, and a plan to whip up some mighty tasty cereal. The results proved to be immensely satisfying, and after a day of relaxing and baking, it was back to getting the systems sharpened up for the coming races.
Wednesday’s ride was along a route which I can only assume has become Bobby’s favourite loop when he wants to put everyone else in the hurt box. Several hours of climbing, sectors of gravel, and rolling farm roads was just the ticket to get me going again. Since Wednesday, the training has been rock solid. With some specific work on the TT bike, and a few efforts to get opened up for tonight’s Boise Twilight Crit, things are coming along nicely.
Next up on my program is one of my favourite stage races in North America, the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic. I am stoked on the week of racing on familiar roads in and around the area that has spawned my love and passion for bicycle racing. After Cascade, Bobby and I will remain in Bend to contest the USA Cycling U23 National Road Championships before I make my way across the pond for several weeks of racing and training in Europe as a part of the USAC U23 Development Team.
So far, things have been coming along according to plan, and I am looking forward to final push in the second half of this road season. Boise is coming up in a few hours, so now would be the ideal time to top of the fuel tank before getting the bike prepped for some racing downtown tonight.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Home Run
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Life, Racing, Training
It has been a while since the last time I made it to home-base. And so this last week, as well as the one ahead, have been nothing short of amazing. From my winter training grounds in Southern California, I went straight into the first half of the season.
From the middle of March through the middle of June, the team has had a fairly full schedule. Despite this being our first year as a DIII Professional Mens Cycling Team, and our more modest budget, everyone has worked hard to make the season a full and successful one. The result of this hard work, has been more traveling and NRC racing for the other team-members, as well as for myself – something that I certainly would never complain about. From our team’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon to my home in Bend is approximately a 3 hour drive depending on weather and traffic, and the result is that after returning from a long week (or more) of traveling and racing, the last thing on my mind is driving for another day to get home, before almost immediately turning around for the next trip, race, or team event.
Luckily for me, upon returning from the Nature Valley Grand Prix, there was a bit of a hole in our schedule. Back from Nature Valley, my teammate Roman VanUden and I spent a few days in Forest Grove as part of a USA Cycling Junior Development Camp. Working and riding with younger riders is something that I have always enjoyed, and I was more than happy to spend a few days training with some promising young guys and gals that are coming up through the ranks of cycling within the Pacific Northwest.
From Forest Grove, I returned to Vancouver for a few minutes where Bobby, Logan, and I loaded our bikes and gear into the Land Rover for a weekend of racing in Baker City. The Elkhorn Classic Stage Race has been on the Oregon Calendar for almost as long as I can remember and it always turns out to be a great race. This time around, the 3 of us were doing it old school, with no directors, no support, no feeders, or anything. We were simply 3 dudes racing our bikes together, and trying to make the most out of the race. All in all, the weekend was a blast. We came back with some great stories, some good results, and several memories that will last for years.
With Elkhorn finished, I finally had a few weeks with no obligations – racing, travel, team, or otherwise. It was time to come home, and get back to square one. Bobby came along for the first week, in order to preview some of the courses that will be used in the upcoming Cascade Cycling Classic as well as the USA Cycling National Championships.
Coming home after being gone so long was almost like going on vacation to heaven. Except that I live here, and can come whenever I want/need to (pending of course, my parents welcoming me back into the house). It doesn’t seem like the city has really changed too much. The roads are still the same, the best local hangouts seem to be busy, and the mountains certainly haven’t moved – save for maybe the bulge on South Sister, where geologists report that magma is pushing towards the surface. And even though almost nothing actually changed, it all seemed to new and exciting to me. After arriving last Tuesday evening, I spent a great deal of time walking around the house marveling at the views, the weather, and fresh mountain air. Even on my rides with Bobby this last week, the views and the mountains have seemed better than I remembered them.
Over the last week or so, Bobby and I have managed to punctuate our training with several extra-curricular activities. Highlighting these activities was Bobby’s first attempt at tackling the Boswell Challenge, which is served up at the Taco Stand. By the way, the Taco Stand is THE place to go in town for good, wholesome, and filling Mexican food without having to break the bank. Despite a first attempt failure, described by Bobby as an “Epic Failure,” he vows to prepare and return in order to conquer the 3.5 pound burrito which must be eaten in under 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Also sitting high on the list of non-cycling activities was our trip into downtown for a dip in the Deschutes River. While we were out riding on Sunday, I commented on how awesome it would be to sit/swim/soak in the river after returning from our ride. So after we returned from training, took showers, and made some lunch, we rolled down to the First Street Park for a quick swim/dip/soak. As Bobby quickly discovered, rivers fed by melting glaciers are a bit colder than those found in Florida. With neither of us wanting to go all in and freeze, we found some rocks to sit on while soaking our legs after a week of hard training. Along with eating copious amounts of food, and sitting in ice cold rivers, we made a few trips to the super market and spent several quality hours with our computers.
With one week down, and one more to go, I am looking forward to another week spent in here in heaven. The next races on the calendar are Tour of Delta and the Boise Twilight Criterium, after which I return home for Cascade and Nationals. The next month is shaping up to be a great one; time with the team, time traveling, a good amount of time spent at home with my family, and some great races which I have high ambitions for. See you between here and there.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Nature Valley Grand Prix – A Grand Finale
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing, Team Events
Today’s stage unfolded in spectacular fashion. Straight out of the blocks, and all 140+ starters were sprinting up Chilkoot Hill, trying to make up positions, after being stuck on the starting grid for what seemed to be an eternity. I think that the first trip up the hill, was also the last time we were all together. While the group seems to usually maintain a fairly low rate of attrition for the first half of a criterium, today was an exception.
No where was the magnitude of the day’s extreme demand more obvious than in the race officials generous time-cut; requiring that riders only complete 25% of the 20 lap race. Yes, after only 5 laps of racing, riders were eligible for a pro-rated time. What a deal! Although I had no intention of using such a generous time cut, it turns out that I benefited from such generosity.
Before the race started, I knew that I would be facing up to one of the hardest criteriums in the country. The Stillwater crit is something of a legend in the domestic peleton, as everyone knows of and about, the Chilkoot Hill. At 250 meters with an average gradient of 18%, and ramps as steep as 20%, each lap would be a brutal test of mental and physical strength. With my warm-up completed, and the legs feeling ready for one last fight, I picked up a fresh ice cold bottle of Hammer Heed before making my way onto the starting grid. Seems the entire field, except for a few of us, believed that a good start position would be worth more than a good warm-up. Huh. Interesting idea, and I am not sure which ended up prevailing, as the truth is that we always end up sitting around for a good number of minutes before the race gets started.
I was going to be in the last row no matter what. With everyone else ahead of me, I had to accept this. My teammate Jim Camut, also found himself in a similar situation. We decided that if we were going to be last, we might as well keep the legs moving. Rather than sitting on the line with one foot down, Jim and I rode our bikes in slow and lazy circles behind the nervous peleton. A few others joined, making for an almost comical looking side show. Inside of 10 seconds to go, and Jim and I were executing track-stands right behind the field; ready to explode into the race, with both of our feel already clipped into the pedals.
The first time racing up the hill was brutal. Imagine sitting in your car, simply idling at a stop sign, and in one instant, you stomp on the accelerator, and drop the clutch. Yeah, a real shock to the system. From a comfortable track-stand with my heart-rate hovering around 80-90 beats per minute, I exploded into the race. Over the top of the hill, and I couldn’t pump enough blood through my body.
Over the next few laps, I began to feel settled in the race. The rhythm of each lap was starting to flow, and I knew what points on the course were my strongest and weakest. As I began to work my way forward through the field, I was feeling better with each passing lap. Those first few laps, as I got into the race, I was ready for a battle right up to the end. Ready to fight hard, and to suffer. Coming over the top of the course on my second or third lap, (I don’t remember the exact one) I came across a group of riders who had gone down. Ordinarily, I would have ridden straight passed. In this situation, I found my teammate, and potential U23, winner Bobby Sweeting picking himself up with his bike.
Before I even came up to them, I had already gone into “autopilot.” I had shifted my bike all the way to the hardest gear, 53×11, to ease the changing of wheels should that become necessary. A quick exchange of words with Bobby, and I knew he was good. As he wheeled off to the pits for his free-lap while sorting out any un-noticed mechanicals, I was being harassed by an official. All he seemed to see was that I had stopped despite not crashing. After listing to repeated yells along the lines of, “Number 113, you did not crash! You will not receive a free lap. You must contine…” I rolled off. Of course I knew I didn’t crash, and I wasn’t looking for a free lap. I was looking after my teammate who stood to win, or lose, more than I did.
A few more laps of riding, and the hard charging field was coming up behind me. After just 5 laps, I was pulled from the course. Although it was the least of my worries, it turns out that the unusually low time-cut worked in my favor today. Of course, I wasn’t really worried about how I finished, but it is nice to at least know what I made it, technically. If I had ridden all the way, who knows how things would have turned out.
In the end, my teammate Bobby Sweeting won the U23 competition, and Mike Northey followed yesterday’s strong ride with another big performance today. By limiting his losses, Mike finishes the week 3rd on the U23 race. This last week has been a fantastic week of racing and experiencing Minnesota. For many of us, this year was our first time racing in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The racing has proven to be some of the best, and I will look forward to coming back for more racing in the years to come.
Thanks for reading and thanks for following along with me this week.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Nature Valley Rocks Mankato
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing, Team Events
Another stage down, and things are getting better. The last four days of racing have been filled with aggression, tactics, and battles fought down to the final meters of each stage, and today was no different.
Following a gross mis-calculation of the time it would take to drive into Mankato, we pulled into the venue parking lot with no more than 25 minutes before the race was scheduled to start. What followed was mostly-organized chaos that bordered on madness. Somehow, we all managed to get our bikes ready, dressed, and pockets filled with food, all before racing over to the sign-in table via the porta-johns. As the type of person who much prefers to meticulously measure, place, and prepare everything, this test of rapid preparation was perhaps the most stressful part of my whole day.
The race started with a short neutral section as we worked our way out of town, and onto the rolling farm roads that surround Mankato. Those few minutes of easy pedaling were a blessing, as they afforded me the opportunity to get the legs moving, and some blood flow going, all before the racing got up to speed.
Rolling up onto the plateau that surrounds Mankato, and the racing was full throttle. For fifty minutes, the racing was aggressive as riders worked to establish the day’s main breakaway, which was almost certain to go. Along with my teammates, we all took turns covering breaks, initiating moves, and hoping that today would be “our day.” In the end, it was my team-mate Mike Northey’s day. Mike made the key selection with thirteen other riders who would hammer themselves over the course of the next two-and-a-half hours before finishing their efforts on the closing circuits around the streets of Mankato.
For the rest of us in the field, things slowed down. Way down. With no riders or teams taking up the chase, the break quickly built up and almost astronomical advantage of 8 minutes. Finally, the Ciclismo Racing Team took up the pace making, sensing that they had “missed out,” and that no other teams were in a position of needing to chase. Coming back into town, the peleton began to gain some impotence, as teams worked to get themselves sorted out for the four finishing circuits around downtown Mankato.
The first time we came through, and the 3 riders who remained from the original group of 14 held just over a three minute advantage on the peleton. As the top GC riders and contenders began taking turns attacking each other, the 3 leaders quickly saw their advantage disintegrate with each climb up the Main St Hill. With 3.5 kilometers remaining, they held just a slim margin of 34 seconds over a select chase group of riders who were being driven by the Bissell Pro Cycling Team, as they worked to protect Tom Zirbel’s race lead. At the line, and that advantage had been cut in half.
After a terrific and sensible day of racing off the front, Mike put in some stellar efforts on those closing laps to take 3rd place on the stage, while also taking over the lead in the APC Best Young Rider competition. For all my wanting, trying, and hoping that I would make it into today’s break, I am even happier for my teammate Mike and the success that he found on the roads today. Clearly his legs were better than most, and I will look forward to working with my team tomorrow as we work to protect his lead in the APC Best Young Rider competition during th challenging 20 lap race in downtown Stillwater, MN.
With the laundry started, and my eyes drooping, I think we will have to shut down Guitar Hero as I get ready to rest up for one final day of racing here in Minnesota.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you all in Stillwater tomorrow afternoon.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Flying Through Nature Valley
Posted by cgmride | Filed under Racing, Team Events
Another pleasant and relaxing day here in Minnesota culminated in a blur. With the Nature Valley having been comprised of late afternoon and evening races until now, the riders and teams have begun to settle into a daily routine.
After sleeping in, probably later than normal for most, we awake to our coffee pots which have been pre-programmed to turn on. The coffee is complimented by breakfast and time spent in front of the TV and computer. Some riders check the news, others update their Twitter pages, and the rest of us fill our time with e-mails and phone conversations back to our homes and family.
With breakfast and the first cup of coffee consumed, some riders will head out for an easy one or two hour spin, and the rest of us choose to keep our reclined position on the couch until the last possible moment; only leaving the couch for a massage or to refill the bottle from which we have been drinking out of. As the riders return from their morning rides, they get their turn on the massage table before returning to the couch.
Lunch and a brief nap come next, before we depart for the day’s race. Many riders climb into the team vehicle with some snacks and a steaming hot cup of coffee for the drive. Upon arriving at the race, it is go time. With the vehicles staged for the race, riders begin their pre-race routine. Different riders will have a different way of preparing for each day’s race, depending on their job for the day, and their style of riding.
This week I have been focusing on trying to find my way to the front end of the race, making and following moves that look to have promise. When I am not covering moves, I have done my best to look after our protected riders, ensuring that they have plenty of food and drinks to get them through the day’s stage.
Tonight’s criterium was run around downtown Minneapolis on a very fast and fun challenging circuit. With fans lining the entire length of the course, and the battle for the overall General Classification becoming tighter, it was sure to be fast – from the gun. And it was. After spending what seemed like an eternity on the start line, I could feel my heart rate slow, and my legs bristled with goose-bumps. Not exactly what I want to feel. Sitting there with my heart beating only 60 times per minute, I knew that my world was about to be rocked. Out of the blocks, and I was summoning every ounce of strength I had, trying to push the pedals faster and more forcefully.
Twenty minutes passed before I was finally feeling comfortable on my bike, and on the course. The remainder of the evening was a blur as the peleton raced around the course. Near the 1-hour mark, and with 10 laps remaining in the race, several crashes took place. With some riders starting to feel fatigue, while other teams were setting up lead-out trains, the tight corners became chaotic, and I found myself caught out on two separate occasions.
Initially I gave chase, hoping that I would be able to regain contact with the peleton, but realized my efforts were in vain after several laps of riding flat out, only to maintain the same gap between myself and the field. With the writing on the wall, I sat up and rolled across the line. My day ended a little bit early, but I knew that there was no point in wasting energy that will be valuable over the final 2 stages.
With tonight’s race behind us, we have returned to our host house for showers and dinner. Tomorrow’s stage will be a change of pace as we again hit the open roads of Mankato, MN for nearly 150 kilometers of racing in the middle of the day. Between now and then, I have some serious resting and recovery. Hopefully I can find some freshness in the legs tomorrow, and with that, I might find my way back to the sharp end of the racing.
Thanks for reading. See you all in Mankato tomorrow afternoon.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
