Hello Everyone,
Just got back from the Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa City, IA.
If you race Cross you will have to put this on you calander for next year.
The race was held on the local fair grounds and the couses ran thru (yes, thru not around) two buildings. The course was fast with a lot of twists and turns with deep sand in one of the buildings with one smaller rideable hill and one large run up called Mount Krumpit. (Large for this report is 100ft high and a running distance of about 75yards, felt like 1/2 a mile.)
Large crowds of screeming bell wielding fans were on hand in the uncross like weather of sun and 65 degrees.
From the top of the run-up you could see the whole course and with music blasting on the top of the hill it was a great place to watch the race
The one thing they did there was there version of a Cyclocross crowd prime. On the run up the screeming crowd would place dollars on the ground and wait for racers to just pick them during the race.
I raced the SingleSpeed Class placing 12th.
I didn't see any other ABDers there, but I only race Sunday of the 2 day race.
Mike Wakeley
11/30/2006
Chi Cross Cup #2: Jim Nowak
Finally got a spare minute to put together a race report.
Again ABD really showed up in strength last Sat. at the second of four races in the Chicagoland 'Cross Cup. This time we were right in our backyard at Compton Park on the west side of St. Charles (or Wasco?). This races was sponsored by some of the guys who do the Colonial/Cafe/St. Charles ride; Brian Conant, Rob Kelley, etc.
The day was a perfect day for 'cross; grey, windy, cool, and even a bit of rain. The course that was laid out was similar to last year, but new wrinkles were thrown in this year. Removed was a single track section through some woods, and in its place was more off-camber sections as well as some 180 degree turns at the bottom or top of hills. For the most part the course was dry, but several sections were sloppy, and this added to the fun.
For me personally, I had a great start, but with fighting some congestion and/or bug, it is tough to be competitive in these type of races. I was with the front group for the first of 12 laps, but slowly faded to the middle of the field of 32 at the finish.
In the 45+ race, Tom Knoebl had another great race to finish 9th, and maintain his overall standing in the top 10.
Irene Pang battled the Women's 1/2/3 race on her mtn. bike, where she was at a clear disadvantage as this was a true speed course.
The Cat 3 race consisted of many of the same guys; Jon, Eric, Angelo, and Brad. Looking at the results, it appears as though Eric was in two places at the same time or cloned himself as he was both 14th and 17th in the results.
The top ABD result of the day goes to Jason Sneffner who again was in the money with a great 5th place in another HUGE Cat 4 field. Joining him in the top 20 were Michael Wakeley and Jay Corgiat.
Finally in the Women's Cat 4 Jessi came out on a 'cross bike and seemed to enjoy her effort.
I'm sure there are others who were out there, but again it was great to see the large number of ABD'ers racing.
******************************************************************************
In other news: There are several "bandit" races being put together in the coming weeks. These are non-sanctioned races (more like training rides) with not entry fee, no prizes, and only 1 race. So everyone will race together at the same time.
For info on the next one check out http://www.harperride.net Look for Bandit Cross on the home page and follow the links.
Enjoy,
Jim
Again ABD really showed up in strength last Sat. at the second of four races in the Chicagoland 'Cross Cup. This time we were right in our backyard at Compton Park on the west side of St. Charles (or Wasco?). This races was sponsored by some of the guys who do the Colonial/Cafe/St. Charles ride; Brian Conant, Rob Kelley, etc.
The day was a perfect day for 'cross; grey, windy, cool, and even a bit of rain. The course that was laid out was similar to last year, but new wrinkles were thrown in this year. Removed was a single track section through some woods, and in its place was more off-camber sections as well as some 180 degree turns at the bottom or top of hills. For the most part the course was dry, but several sections were sloppy, and this added to the fun.
For me personally, I had a great start, but with fighting some congestion and/or bug, it is tough to be competitive in these type of races. I was with the front group for the first of 12 laps, but slowly faded to the middle of the field of 32 at the finish.
In the 45+ race, Tom Knoebl had another great race to finish 9th, and maintain his overall standing in the top 10.
Irene Pang battled the Women's 1/2/3 race on her mtn. bike, where she was at a clear disadvantage as this was a true speed course.
The Cat 3 race consisted of many of the same guys; Jon, Eric, Angelo, and Brad. Looking at the results, it appears as though Eric was in two places at the same time or cloned himself as he was both 14th and 17th in the results.
The top ABD result of the day goes to Jason Sneffner who again was in the money with a great 5th place in another HUGE Cat 4 field. Joining him in the top 20 were Michael Wakeley and Jay Corgiat.
Finally in the Women's Cat 4 Jessi came out on a 'cross bike and seemed to enjoy her effort.
I'm sure there are others who were out there, but again it was great to see the large number of ABD'ers racing.
******************************************************************************
In other news: There are several "bandit" races being put together in the coming weeks. These are non-sanctioned races (more like training rides) with not entry fee, no prizes, and only 1 race. So everyone will race together at the same time.
For info on the next one check out http://www.harperride.net Look for Bandit Cross on the home page and follow the links.
Enjoy,
Jim
Good as Gold (as the Kiwis Say): S.T.
Hi Everyone,
As you may or may not be aware just last week I left for a three month stay in New Zealand. When weighing out the winter training options (I have signed with Colavita once again) a warm place to ride my bike in the southern hemisphere was irresistible. A teammate of mine from last season offered an invitiation to stay with her and her boyfriend in a little town called Cambridge about an hour and a half southeast of Auckland. Though quiet, it has turned into an unlikely hotspot for athletes of all varieties. For years the area was known as an equestrian center but now it also boasts itself as home base for the National rowing team and many top cyclists including New Zealand's national hero, Sarah Ulmer. Sarah holds speed records on the track, won a gold medal or two, and has countless international wins. She has her own line of bikes and sport clothing and amongst many, many public campaigns is the face of McDonalds down here. It bodes well that this country should have a female cyclist as one of their biggest celebrities. Though really, it's hard to point to one aspect of New Zealand that is not to be loved.
This last week I have been busy settling in and getting myself orientated with the town and its surroundings so that when it is time to start the real training I will be ready. I have found a gym and a good offering of yoga classes. In addition to that, I spent the weekend road tripping with my new roommates to the very southern tip of the North Island. They had business to attend to down there and I tagged along happy to have an opportunity to see more of the country. In 6 hours the landscape never stayed the same for more than 20 minutes. We drove past green valleys full of sheep and cattle, through tropical forests, past snow capped volcanoes and arid desert plains. Nearer our destination in a town outside Wellington, the island looked very much like Northern California without all of the development.
Jeff and Meshy, my hosts here, were making the trip to visit family friends who have a 21 year-old son with testicular cancer which has spread to the liver and lymph nodes. While they were visiting with Luke and his parents I was going to stay in a hostel and do my own thing. Unfortunately the hostel was closed down when we arrived and there was no other option but to go with them to their friends' home. It was awkward at first because I had no desire to impose on a family who was in the midst of such a difficult situation and the family, I don't think, felt like entertaining some American when their son was about to come home from the hospital after his first round of chemotherapy. I was having some serious doubts about my situation, wishing that instead of traveling I was at home where it was safe from the discomfort of such situations when Luke walked in the door. At 19 Luke earned his way onto a Division 1 pro team in France. I was told that he was always quite thin which helped make him the phenomenal climber he was but when I met him he was as skeletal as I think a human can get and still be able to stand up and walk around. Shortly after coming home he showed me a poster of himself from one of those criteriums that the pros go to just after they have finished the Tour de France (I forget the name) and there Luke is with Thor Hushold fighting for his wheel and George Hincapie elbow to elbow with him. It was pretty amazing. That night we had a lovely meal with the family where everyone suspended their worries and concerns for a few hours. I had the honor of representing every last citizen of the United States and took a thorough beating for every stupid American thing that any of them had ever witnessed. I was happy to be a diversion and even more glad to have a second day and night with them before heading back up to Cambridge. The morning we left everyone woke up at 4:30am to watch the All Blacks, New Zealand's professional rugby team, play England. I guess it is tradition in NZ to wake up at whatever time their beloved rugby team is playing wherever they are in the world and listen to the game on the radio or watch it on tv. The early wake up wasn't so bad because I've been waking up at least that early since I arrived and the continous play of the game with only one commercial break at half time kept it exciting. The fact that some of the players do things like model underwear in their spare time made it a bit more captivating as well.
It's quite possible that within a week or two Meshy and I will do a fun ride around here. Evidently races like we are accustomed to in the states are rare. Instead, everything is promoted as a fun ride with a huge entry fee and no prize money. Despite that lots of pros and elite cyclists show up and have a full on race of their own. Afterwards there tend to be raffles or spot prizes that anyone who entered the ride is eligible to win. I hope to spend the first part of December touring around the country by bike. I'm working on my itinerary now so if anyone has been to New Zealand I would welcome suggestions for places that are not to be missed. Hope all is well and take care!
Sarah
As you may or may not be aware just last week I left for a three month stay in New Zealand. When weighing out the winter training options (I have signed with Colavita once again) a warm place to ride my bike in the southern hemisphere was irresistible. A teammate of mine from last season offered an invitiation to stay with her and her boyfriend in a little town called Cambridge about an hour and a half southeast of Auckland. Though quiet, it has turned into an unlikely hotspot for athletes of all varieties. For years the area was known as an equestrian center but now it also boasts itself as home base for the National rowing team and many top cyclists including New Zealand's national hero, Sarah Ulmer. Sarah holds speed records on the track, won a gold medal or two, and has countless international wins. She has her own line of bikes and sport clothing and amongst many, many public campaigns is the face of McDonalds down here. It bodes well that this country should have a female cyclist as one of their biggest celebrities. Though really, it's hard to point to one aspect of New Zealand that is not to be loved.
This last week I have been busy settling in and getting myself orientated with the town and its surroundings so that when it is time to start the real training I will be ready. I have found a gym and a good offering of yoga classes. In addition to that, I spent the weekend road tripping with my new roommates to the very southern tip of the North Island. They had business to attend to down there and I tagged along happy to have an opportunity to see more of the country. In 6 hours the landscape never stayed the same for more than 20 minutes. We drove past green valleys full of sheep and cattle, through tropical forests, past snow capped volcanoes and arid desert plains. Nearer our destination in a town outside Wellington, the island looked very much like Northern California without all of the development.
Jeff and Meshy, my hosts here, were making the trip to visit family friends who have a 21 year-old son with testicular cancer which has spread to the liver and lymph nodes. While they were visiting with Luke and his parents I was going to stay in a hostel and do my own thing. Unfortunately the hostel was closed down when we arrived and there was no other option but to go with them to their friends' home. It was awkward at first because I had no desire to impose on a family who was in the midst of such a difficult situation and the family, I don't think, felt like entertaining some American when their son was about to come home from the hospital after his first round of chemotherapy. I was having some serious doubts about my situation, wishing that instead of traveling I was at home where it was safe from the discomfort of such situations when Luke walked in the door. At 19 Luke earned his way onto a Division 1 pro team in France. I was told that he was always quite thin which helped make him the phenomenal climber he was but when I met him he was as skeletal as I think a human can get and still be able to stand up and walk around. Shortly after coming home he showed me a poster of himself from one of those criteriums that the pros go to just after they have finished the Tour de France (I forget the name) and there Luke is with Thor Hushold fighting for his wheel and George Hincapie elbow to elbow with him. It was pretty amazing. That night we had a lovely meal with the family where everyone suspended their worries and concerns for a few hours. I had the honor of representing every last citizen of the United States and took a thorough beating for every stupid American thing that any of them had ever witnessed. I was happy to be a diversion and even more glad to have a second day and night with them before heading back up to Cambridge. The morning we left everyone woke up at 4:30am to watch the All Blacks, New Zealand's professional rugby team, play England. I guess it is tradition in NZ to wake up at whatever time their beloved rugby team is playing wherever they are in the world and listen to the game on the radio or watch it on tv. The early wake up wasn't so bad because I've been waking up at least that early since I arrived and the continous play of the game with only one commercial break at half time kept it exciting. The fact that some of the players do things like model underwear in their spare time made it a bit more captivating as well.
It's quite possible that within a week or two Meshy and I will do a fun ride around here. Evidently races like we are accustomed to in the states are rare. Instead, everything is promoted as a fun ride with a huge entry fee and no prize money. Despite that lots of pros and elite cyclists show up and have a full on race of their own. Afterwards there tend to be raffles or spot prizes that anyone who entered the ride is eligible to win. I hope to spend the first part of December touring around the country by bike. I'm working on my itinerary now so if anyone has been to New Zealand I would welcome suggestions for places that are not to be missed. Hope all is well and take care!
Sarah
Crashzalot Does Cross: Jessi Prinner
Hello ABDers,
Saturday, as some of you know, was a big leap for me in the cyclocross world. It was my first cyclocross race on a cyclocross bike, and my second overall. Now, that may sound as if I were super brave risking my health and sanity (or maybe even my LIFE) out racing on a crazy-technical-muddy course on a cloudy day (not to mention 60 degrees below zero), but the fact was I was a wimp. I got out of bed that morning and took one look outside and felt exhausted. And I would have sat on the couch all day eating leftover Halloween candy and playing solitaire if it weren't for my coach who got me off my butt and made me race (for that's what coaches do). So anyway we arrived at the race so late that I didn't even have time to ride the course (and it's important to tour a cyclocross course beforehand because otherwise you're likely to ride off a cliff you didn't know was there or perhaps even completely lose track of the course altogether and end up somewhere in Wisconsin). There were thirteen women cat 4s at the line (yes, I put on my Scared and Inexperienced face and they let me join the cat 4s) and we also got to race with a bunch of cute little juniors who had wee little bikes that they could barely lift over the barricades. The race started and I sat at the back to view the course the first lap. Several times I had to get off to run the hairy-scary looking parts, but eventually after two or three laps I was riding the whole course except for the barricades. There was one section where I had to ride down a very steep down hill and then make an immediate 180degree hairpin turn at the bottom, and climb the hill again, then make another hairpin turn that was OVER 180degrees(not to mention all all that loose gravel the mud that had accumulated after so many tires had tread it over the previous races). It was very tricky and a lot of women crashed there at one time or another. I, being Crashzalot, had to crash there twice. My first crash I overshot the second 180degree turn and ran right into one of the sticks that marks the course and launched into a complete superman over my handlebars (later, my mother commented that it was very funny to watch). My second one was just a not-very-exciting slide-out (more like fall-over) as I was trying to make it up the hill at about .0000001 mph. I was challenged by the course very much, but throughout the race as I became more comfortable, I started passing women. Overall, I finished 6th. I think I did pretty good considering that it was my first time on a cyclocross bike, and the scariest course I've ever ridden. I want congratulate Gina and Allison for being brave enough to be out there, and I want to thank Mary Lee for being brave enough to lend me her cyclocross bike.
Next week I may just be back for more...
-Crashzalot
Saturday, as some of you know, was a big leap for me in the cyclocross world. It was my first cyclocross race on a cyclocross bike, and my second overall. Now, that may sound as if I were super brave risking my health and sanity (or maybe even my LIFE) out racing on a crazy-technical-muddy course on a cloudy day (not to mention 60 degrees below zero), but the fact was I was a wimp. I got out of bed that morning and took one look outside and felt exhausted. And I would have sat on the couch all day eating leftover Halloween candy and playing solitaire if it weren't for my coach who got me off my butt and made me race (for that's what coaches do). So anyway we arrived at the race so late that I didn't even have time to ride the course (and it's important to tour a cyclocross course beforehand because otherwise you're likely to ride off a cliff you didn't know was there or perhaps even completely lose track of the course altogether and end up somewhere in Wisconsin). There were thirteen women cat 4s at the line (yes, I put on my Scared and Inexperienced face and they let me join the cat 4s) and we also got to race with a bunch of cute little juniors who had wee little bikes that they could barely lift over the barricades. The race started and I sat at the back to view the course the first lap. Several times I had to get off to run the hairy-scary looking parts, but eventually after two or three laps I was riding the whole course except for the barricades. There was one section where I had to ride down a very steep down hill and then make an immediate 180degree hairpin turn at the bottom, and climb the hill again, then make another hairpin turn that was OVER 180degrees(not to mention all all that loose gravel the mud that had accumulated after so many tires had tread it over the previous races). It was very tricky and a lot of women crashed there at one time or another. I, being Crashzalot, had to crash there twice. My first crash I overshot the second 180degree turn and ran right into one of the sticks that marks the course and launched into a complete superman over my handlebars (later, my mother commented that it was very funny to watch). My second one was just a not-very-exciting slide-out (more like fall-over) as I was trying to make it up the hill at about .0000001 mph. I was challenged by the course very much, but throughout the race as I became more comfortable, I started passing women. Overall, I finished 6th. I think I did pretty good considering that it was my first time on a cyclocross bike, and the scariest course I've ever ridden. I want congratulate Gina and Allison for being brave enough to be out there, and I want to thank Mary Lee for being brave enough to lend me her cyclocross bike.
Next week I may just be back for more...
-Crashzalot
Union County Colorfest Biathlon: Bob Marshall
Hi ABD'ers;
Here are results for my final season Duathlon (this one was actually a Biathlon)..
Race: Union Colorfest 2006 Biathlon [5k road run / 17.5 mile road bike] Location: Anna, Illinois (south of SIU,Carbondale) Date: Saturday, October 14th
Got up at 6:00am...temperature outside 35 degrees Drove the bike course(very hilly, with 10 hills total over 17.5 miles...most not too bad, 300-400yds or so, only 3 really were tough double-hill climbs)! The middle 10 miles of road was pretty rough, with asphalt patches all over the place, making for a tough time, having to "watch your line" on the fast descents.
Got back over to starting area...put my bike into transition area..and the warmed up (about 10 minutes on Cyclopps...AGAIN, NOT ENOUGH WARMUP,NO RUNNING EITHER....HOW STUPID!!)
Race started 8:30 sharp...still cold ~ 45 degrees at start of 5k run...went thru 5k in about 10th-11th place or so in slowish 19:51...then out bike transition at about 20:50 (about 1 minute...should have been closer to 45 seconds, but ok, very controlled).
The first 4 miles of the bike roads were good (Rt 51), with new pavement, long gradual grades, etc. Then off the main state highway, onto the side roads for next 10 miles. Again, middle section of bike corse had extremely poor pavement, patch work all over the place...first two major climbs had to use smaller 42 chainring...rest of race large 54 chainring...muscled my way, off-seat over the tops, and finally getting fairly aggresive on the quick descents (having to "eagle-eye" the rouch pavement patchwork).
Then, back onto good highway again, for last 3.5 miles to finish.
Total time: 1:11:34 4th place overall (1st 50-54) (10 seconds out of 2nd place..1:11:24)
Approx. 185 competitors which did include some team competition. Final results to be posted in couple days at....
www.geocities.com/southern_illinois_cycling/
P.S. - I beat 3 college kids from Team Mack (2 on a team and 1 solo)!
See ya, at boot camp!
Bob Marshall
Here are results for my final season Duathlon (this one was actually a Biathlon)..
Race: Union Colorfest 2006 Biathlon [5k road run / 17.5 mile road bike] Location: Anna, Illinois (south of SIU,Carbondale) Date: Saturday, October 14th
Got up at 6:00am...temperature outside 35 degrees Drove the bike course(very hilly, with 10 hills total over 17.5 miles...most not too bad, 300-400yds or so, only 3 really were tough double-hill climbs)! The middle 10 miles of road was pretty rough, with asphalt patches all over the place, making for a tough time, having to "watch your line" on the fast descents.
Got back over to starting area...put my bike into transition area..and the warmed up (about 10 minutes on Cyclopps...AGAIN, NOT ENOUGH WARMUP,NO RUNNING EITHER....HOW STUPID!!)
Race started 8:30 sharp...still cold ~ 45 degrees at start of 5k run...went thru 5k in about 10th-11th place or so in slowish 19:51...then out bike transition at about 20:50 (about 1 minute...should have been closer to 45 seconds, but ok, very controlled).
The first 4 miles of the bike roads were good (Rt 51), with new pavement, long gradual grades, etc. Then off the main state highway, onto the side roads for next 10 miles. Again, middle section of bike corse had extremely poor pavement, patch work all over the place...first two major climbs had to use smaller 42 chainring...rest of race large 54 chainring...muscled my way, off-seat over the tops, and finally getting fairly aggresive on the quick descents (having to "eagle-eye" the rouch pavement patchwork).
Then, back onto good highway again, for last 3.5 miles to finish.
Total time: 1:11:34 4th place overall (1st 50-54) (10 seconds out of 2nd place..1:11:24)
Approx. 185 competitors which did include some team competition. Final results to be posted in couple days at....
www.geocities.com/southern_illinois_cycling/
P.S. - I beat 3 college kids from Team Mack (2 on a team and 1 solo)!
See ya, at boot camp!
Bob Marshall
Chicagoland Cross Cup #1: Jim Nowak
Sun. Oct. 15th started as a sunny but cold, frosty day with temps @ 7am right around the freezing mark. Temps were to warm up to high 50's with clouds forming and a hint of rain in the forecast.
Perfect 'cross weather.
The race was located at Carpenter's Park in Carpentersville the same place as last year's first race when it was MUCH warmer with temps in the 70's
With USA Cycling creating a 'cross category this year, it was going to create changes in the fields, with many who have raced in the B's category either going down to the Cat 4 race, or moving into their age group (35+ or 45+) fields respectively, and some of those in the A race finding a different race to do.
The course was almost exactly the same as last year, the only changes being that a section of pavement was added after the 1st 500 meters and a 30 meter sand pit about 500 meters from the finish.
This year I decided to race in the 35+ field, and was joined by fellow ABD'er and Cat 3, Uwe Krueger. I got a spot right on the start line and looking over the field there was an impressive mix of 'crossers that included many of the old stand-bys; Tim Boundy, Randy Warren, Pete Rolowiecz, John Gatto, and the speedster Brian Conant with a total of about 25 starters. The unknown variable was Robbie Ventura (Yep, Floyd's "coach"). You knew that he would be strong, but the big question was his 'cross skills.
Well, didn't get much of a chance to see Robbie's skills as he and Conant burst from the start, and set a high pace. I tried to go with them, only to blowup, have about 8 guys pass me, while I recovered from that effort for a lap. Once I got my senses back, it was time to start picking off a few guys. The most interesting section of the course was the sand pit. It was long enough that you really needed to decide if you were going to ride it or run it. I would say that it was 50-50, where the people running made it through at a steady pace, and those riding would fly through on the 1st half only to slow and struggle through the 2nd half. I ended up catching a few guys but ran out of time and ended with a respectable 8th. Uwe "enjoyed" his ride and ended up 22nd.
Besides the 35+ race, every field was large:
45+ 20 starters: Tom Knoebl 8th
Women's Cat 1/2/3: 10(?) starters Corie Berrigan 2nd and Jessi Prinner 6th
Men's Cat 3: 40(?) starters: Brad "The Hole Shot" Dash 14th, Eric Wiecek 17th, Angelo DiGiovine 20th, and Jon Tenney suffered admirably to finish, bad back and all.
Men's Cat 4: 70 starters (this was INSANE!): Jason Senffner 5th, Jay Corgiat 11th, Michael Wakely 19th
Women's Cat 4: 10+ starters: Gina Kenney 10th (only 10 or so weeks after having a baby!)
Juniors: 10 starters: Alexandra Corgiat 5th
I think I got everyone from ABD here. If not I appologize, but I'm working off of my memory and the results sheet that is not complete.
I was very encouraging to see an ABD'er in every category except the Cat 1/2. Obviously there is a nice 'cross culture in the club.
Thanks for reading;
Jim
Perfect 'cross weather.
The race was located at Carpenter's Park in Carpentersville the same place as last year's first race when it was MUCH warmer with temps in the 70's
With USA Cycling creating a 'cross category this year, it was going to create changes in the fields, with many who have raced in the B's category either going down to the Cat 4 race, or moving into their age group (35+ or 45+) fields respectively, and some of those in the A race finding a different race to do.
The course was almost exactly the same as last year, the only changes being that a section of pavement was added after the 1st 500 meters and a 30 meter sand pit about 500 meters from the finish.
This year I decided to race in the 35+ field, and was joined by fellow ABD'er and Cat 3, Uwe Krueger. I got a spot right on the start line and looking over the field there was an impressive mix of 'crossers that included many of the old stand-bys; Tim Boundy, Randy Warren, Pete Rolowiecz, John Gatto, and the speedster Brian Conant with a total of about 25 starters. The unknown variable was Robbie Ventura (Yep, Floyd's "coach"). You knew that he would be strong, but the big question was his 'cross skills.
Well, didn't get much of a chance to see Robbie's skills as he and Conant burst from the start, and set a high pace. I tried to go with them, only to blowup, have about 8 guys pass me, while I recovered from that effort for a lap. Once I got my senses back, it was time to start picking off a few guys. The most interesting section of the course was the sand pit. It was long enough that you really needed to decide if you were going to ride it or run it. I would say that it was 50-50, where the people running made it through at a steady pace, and those riding would fly through on the 1st half only to slow and struggle through the 2nd half. I ended up catching a few guys but ran out of time and ended with a respectable 8th. Uwe "enjoyed" his ride and ended up 22nd.
Besides the 35+ race, every field was large:
45+ 20 starters: Tom Knoebl 8th
Women's Cat 1/2/3: 10(?) starters Corie Berrigan 2nd and Jessi Prinner 6th
Men's Cat 3: 40(?) starters: Brad "The Hole Shot" Dash 14th, Eric Wiecek 17th, Angelo DiGiovine 20th, and Jon Tenney suffered admirably to finish, bad back and all.
Men's Cat 4: 70 starters (this was INSANE!): Jason Senffner 5th, Jay Corgiat 11th, Michael Wakely 19th
Women's Cat 4: 10+ starters: Gina Kenney 10th (only 10 or so weeks after having a baby!)
Juniors: 10 starters: Alexandra Corgiat 5th
I think I got everyone from ABD here. If not I appologize, but I'm working off of my memory and the results sheet that is not complete.
I was very encouraging to see an ABD'er in every category except the Cat 1/2. Obviously there is a nice 'cross culture in the club.
Thanks for reading;
Jim
Season Finale' Duathlon: Bob Marshall
Hey ABD'ers;
I doubt anyone is interested, but I'm doing my final season Duathlon this weekend.
After my originally planned, "Dodge the Leaves Duathlon" in Michigan was cancelled, I checked around for other possible races.
Not many choices, either go to Louisville, and compete in Sundays, KHS Series Finale, Value Market Duathlon, consisting of 10k run/40k bike/5k run, all relatively hilly!
Or, go down to Anna, Illinois (south of Carbondale, and do a very hilly 5k run/17.5 mile bike (no second run). Race director said there are 10 hills, on the bike course, with the longest about 400 yds or so he says (he didn't know percent grades, but guessing that 10 hills spread out over 17.5 miles means nothing really big...I HOPE).
So here it goes, looks like rain on Sunday in Louisville, and pleasant skies on Saturday for southern Illinois. Therfor, I'm opting for the race in Anna, Illinois!
Anyone interested in comming down to help support, the ABD' colors, and also go on a ride after my race is over...in southern Illinois beautiful rolling countryside, your welcome to come. (I'm leaving Friday late morning and staying local in a Super 8 in Anna....sorry not staying in that local college town Carbondale..SIU).
Let me know if your interested...cell# 630-445-3935 ...be back Saturday evening!
P.S. -Rob, pulled off my small 45 chainring and installed a 42
Bob Marshall/
TT guy
I doubt anyone is interested, but I'm doing my final season Duathlon this weekend.
After my originally planned, "Dodge the Leaves Duathlon" in Michigan was cancelled, I checked around for other possible races.
Not many choices, either go to Louisville, and compete in Sundays, KHS Series Finale, Value Market Duathlon, consisting of 10k run/40k bike/5k run, all relatively hilly!
Or, go down to Anna, Illinois (south of Carbondale, and do a very hilly 5k run/17.5 mile bike (no second run). Race director said there are 10 hills, on the bike course, with the longest about 400 yds or so he says (he didn't know percent grades, but guessing that 10 hills spread out over 17.5 miles means nothing really big...I HOPE).
So here it goes, looks like rain on Sunday in Louisville, and pleasant skies on Saturday for southern Illinois. Therfor, I'm opting for the race in Anna, Illinois!
Anyone interested in comming down to help support, the ABD' colors, and also go on a ride after my race is over...in southern Illinois beautiful rolling countryside, your welcome to come. (I'm leaving Friday late morning and staying local in a Super 8 in Anna....sorry not staying in that local college town Carbondale..SIU).
Let me know if your interested...cell# 630-445-3935 ...be back Saturday evening!
P.S. -Rob, pulled off my small 45 chainring and installed a 42
Bob Marshall/
TT guy
Tying the Knot on the 2006 Season
From Jessi Prinner.
Hello ABDers,
I'm sad to say it's time to hang up the expensive Zipp racing wheels (I wish) and crawl back into the dark, gloomy caverns to our awaiting trainers. But before I scare you all away with the "T" word, I'll focus on the last savory reminder of racing--the Fall Fling. Starting off the series was the 7-mile TT course, which I placed 2nd in just three seconds behind the leader with a time of 20:11. The next day was the true excitement, though: I got to race with the old men! Let me tell you, the old men may be…uh…old, but they are some FAST folks. In fact with all that "medication" they get, I thought they'd be much faster. Anyway, they were fun to ride with, and not too hard to draft or keep up with. About halfway through the race, some guy attacked and got a good gap on the field, so another guy named Mike Farrell decided to attack also, and bridged up to the guy. Then, several laps later, a mass surge of about five old men leapt from the field, and I jumped with them. Tom Doughty (who was a particularly strong old man) attacked from the small mass with Ben App on his wheel and dropped all the other guys, but I sprinted the gap and bridged up to Ben's wheel. Then, Ben and I, being the lazy vegetables we are, just sat on Tom's wheel and let him chase Mike and Mystery Man up the road. Actually, we didn't want to help Tom catch Mighty Mike, so we just sat on and watched poor Tom suffer in the wind. By the last lap, Mike and Mystery Man were not far ahead in sight, but it was too late, because before we knew it we were all sprinting to the finish, Tom, then Ben, then me not far apart from one another. If I were a 50-year-old man I would have gotten 5th, but since I was just a little 14-year-old girl, I got 1st in the 1,2,3 women's.
The next week I lined up again with the 50+'ers at the road race awaiting the 32 long miles to come. Corie was there, too, so all I could hope for was second. Right from the gun an attack issued. And who was the dumb radish that responded? Me! So after pounding my way pointlessly to catch the break, ol' Radish brains got caught anyway along with the break. And after much thinking I have decided that my excuse for this harebrained chase was that I needed a good warm-up (so nobody better go tellin' my coach about my stupid move `cause then he'll call me a turkey…then I'll officially be "Turkey Radish Brains") Anyway, it was only two laps in the race that I got dropped and lost all hope as I battled uselessly with the wind, alone. Then, miraculously, Bob TT man, came to my rescue and saved me from the treacherous wind…and not once did he want me to pull! Nearing the end of our final lap, we caught a XXX lady who was one of my competitors, and she jumped on my wheel for a free ride, until I out-sprinted her at the finish line. So I got 2nd place behind Corie.
The final crit. arrived all too soon for me. I knew it would prove a very tough race, so I hoped that I might weaken the 50+'ers concentration by stripping on the front line, but it was to no avail, for as soon as the race got underway the old men were faster than ever. A few vicious attacks came, and a breakaway of Tom Doughty and Mike and a bunch of other strong guys got away. One time I hopped on that polish guy's wheel and he almost led me up to the break, but fell short by only several yards. So I resumed to just sit in at the fast pace and sprint I the end to a 1st place in the crit., and a 1st place overall.
Now, there are absolutely way too many ABDers to congratulate in this report, but I will focus on some of the highlights. Two juniors performing very well during the Fling were Mike Redlich jr. fearlessly attempting the citizen men category and Theo Quednau, who was the second highest placing ABDer in the cat 4s! Also: Pat Murphy pulled off a victory in his own 70+ category along with Bryce Mead winning the cat.1,2,3s! Irene Pang and Sherri Richards did awesome as well, sweeping the women's cat.1,2,3s with a 2nd and 3rd. And Mike Farrell did super as always beating up on his old men peers. Great job to ALL ABDers who came and thanks to Ebert & co. for making such an awesome race possible!
`Till next year,
-Turkey-Radish-Brains
Hello ABDers,
I'm sad to say it's time to hang up the expensive Zipp racing wheels (I wish) and crawl back into the dark, gloomy caverns to our awaiting trainers. But before I scare you all away with the "T" word, I'll focus on the last savory reminder of racing--the Fall Fling. Starting off the series was the 7-mile TT course, which I placed 2nd in just three seconds behind the leader with a time of 20:11. The next day was the true excitement, though: I got to race with the old men! Let me tell you, the old men may be…uh…old, but they are some FAST folks. In fact with all that "medication" they get, I thought they'd be much faster. Anyway, they were fun to ride with, and not too hard to draft or keep up with. About halfway through the race, some guy attacked and got a good gap on the field, so another guy named Mike Farrell decided to attack also, and bridged up to the guy. Then, several laps later, a mass surge of about five old men leapt from the field, and I jumped with them. Tom Doughty (who was a particularly strong old man) attacked from the small mass with Ben App on his wheel and dropped all the other guys, but I sprinted the gap and bridged up to Ben's wheel. Then, Ben and I, being the lazy vegetables we are, just sat on Tom's wheel and let him chase Mike and Mystery Man up the road. Actually, we didn't want to help Tom catch Mighty Mike, so we just sat on and watched poor Tom suffer in the wind. By the last lap, Mike and Mystery Man were not far ahead in sight, but it was too late, because before we knew it we were all sprinting to the finish, Tom, then Ben, then me not far apart from one another. If I were a 50-year-old man I would have gotten 5th, but since I was just a little 14-year-old girl, I got 1st in the 1,2,3 women's.
The next week I lined up again with the 50+'ers at the road race awaiting the 32 long miles to come. Corie was there, too, so all I could hope for was second. Right from the gun an attack issued. And who was the dumb radish that responded? Me! So after pounding my way pointlessly to catch the break, ol' Radish brains got caught anyway along with the break. And after much thinking I have decided that my excuse for this harebrained chase was that I needed a good warm-up (so nobody better go tellin' my coach about my stupid move `cause then he'll call me a turkey…then I'll officially be "Turkey Radish Brains") Anyway, it was only two laps in the race that I got dropped and lost all hope as I battled uselessly with the wind, alone. Then, miraculously, Bob TT man, came to my rescue and saved me from the treacherous wind…and not once did he want me to pull! Nearing the end of our final lap, we caught a XXX lady who was one of my competitors, and she jumped on my wheel for a free ride, until I out-sprinted her at the finish line. So I got 2nd place behind Corie.
The final crit. arrived all too soon for me. I knew it would prove a very tough race, so I hoped that I might weaken the 50+'ers concentration by stripping on the front line, but it was to no avail, for as soon as the race got underway the old men were faster than ever. A few vicious attacks came, and a breakaway of Tom Doughty and Mike and a bunch of other strong guys got away. One time I hopped on that polish guy's wheel and he almost led me up to the break, but fell short by only several yards. So I resumed to just sit in at the fast pace and sprint I the end to a 1st place in the crit., and a 1st place overall.
Now, there are absolutely way too many ABDers to congratulate in this report, but I will focus on some of the highlights. Two juniors performing very well during the Fling were Mike Redlich jr. fearlessly attempting the citizen men category and Theo Quednau, who was the second highest placing ABDer in the cat 4s! Also: Pat Murphy pulled off a victory in his own 70+ category along with Bryce Mead winning the cat.1,2,3s! Irene Pang and Sherri Richards did awesome as well, sweeping the women's cat.1,2,3s with a 2nd and 3rd. And Mike Farrell did super as always beating up on his old men peers. Great job to ALL ABDers who came and thanks to Ebert & co. for making such an awesome race possible!
`Till next year,
-Turkey-Radish-Brains
Florida Points Series - Jackie Kurth
October 7 – 8, 2006
This race in Ocala, Florida was the last official Florida Points Series race for the season. After a disappointing 7th place finish and a few points lost at Cyclefest last weekend I really had the pressure on myself to perform on Saturday. I was still currently in the lead for points but only by the minuscule margarine of four points followed by Rebecca Larson. Coming into this race I wanted to come in first place but knew I could come in only one or two places behind Larson or I would not win the women's 1-3 Florida Points Series. This would be a difficult challenge to face since Larson is a professional racer and wins about every race she enters in Florida.
I had never raced this course before, but I really enjoyed it. It was a rectangle with a slight incline to the finish and on the opposite side was a slight downhill. I approached the line with about twelve women 1-3 and four category four women usual racers in the category 1-4 women's race. The race seemed like a game of cat and mouse, I was watching Rebecca and other riders were watching each other waiting for attacks. Some attacks were made and stayed out for a few laps but none were persistent. It came down to a field sprint. Through the last two turns I was on Larson's wheel. She started to sprint and I responded staying with her and gapping the field. I came around and tried to pass her but not quite. I came in second place for the race. However I won first overall for the Florida Points Series by only three points! That night was a banquet and awards ceremony which about three hundred racers attended. That night I was presented with a trophy for the Florida Points Series and I also received third place for the Florida Cup in women's 1-3. The cup is determined by six specific races that are awarded points. I participated in twenty nine out of thirty two races for Florida Points. The next day I participated in a thirty mile road race through the beautiful equine countryside outside of Ocala on the chilly morning. My legs were very sore and I got a very short warm before my women's 1-4 race. About three laps in to the five lap race I got in a break of four women. However another attack occurred within the break and I got caught behind another rider and could not bridge up. Then I got swallowed up by the field while a two person breakaway rode out of sight. On the last lap I got into another breakaway with five riders that stayed until the finish. With the fast downhill sprint I was in third position behind a Ford and BBC rider. The Ford rider started to sprint with the BBC and me on her wheel. With the finish line in sight we both came around her and were in a neck and neck sprint. I kept gaining speed and crossed the finish line for a photo finish. Unfortunately she beat me by only about two inches. I came in fourth place.I had an excellent weekend; superb year and I can't wait till next year.
Later,
Jackie
This race in Ocala, Florida was the last official Florida Points Series race for the season. After a disappointing 7th place finish and a few points lost at Cyclefest last weekend I really had the pressure on myself to perform on Saturday. I was still currently in the lead for points but only by the minuscule margarine of four points followed by Rebecca Larson. Coming into this race I wanted to come in first place but knew I could come in only one or two places behind Larson or I would not win the women's 1-3 Florida Points Series. This would be a difficult challenge to face since Larson is a professional racer and wins about every race she enters in Florida.
I had never raced this course before, but I really enjoyed it. It was a rectangle with a slight incline to the finish and on the opposite side was a slight downhill. I approached the line with about twelve women 1-3 and four category four women usual racers in the category 1-4 women's race. The race seemed like a game of cat and mouse, I was watching Rebecca and other riders were watching each other waiting for attacks. Some attacks were made and stayed out for a few laps but none were persistent. It came down to a field sprint. Through the last two turns I was on Larson's wheel. She started to sprint and I responded staying with her and gapping the field. I came around and tried to pass her but not quite. I came in second place for the race. However I won first overall for the Florida Points Series by only three points! That night was a banquet and awards ceremony which about three hundred racers attended. That night I was presented with a trophy for the Florida Points Series and I also received third place for the Florida Cup in women's 1-3. The cup is determined by six specific races that are awarded points. I participated in twenty nine out of thirty two races for Florida Points. The next day I participated in a thirty mile road race through the beautiful equine countryside outside of Ocala on the chilly morning. My legs were very sore and I got a very short warm before my women's 1-4 race. About three laps in to the five lap race I got in a break of four women. However another attack occurred within the break and I got caught behind another rider and could not bridge up. Then I got swallowed up by the field while a two person breakaway rode out of sight. On the last lap I got into another breakaway with five riders that stayed until the finish. With the fast downhill sprint I was in third position behind a Ford and BBC rider. The Ford rider started to sprint with the BBC and me on her wheel. With the finish line in sight we both came around her and were in a neck and neck sprint. I kept gaining speed and crossed the finish line for a photo finish. Unfortunately she beat me by only about two inches. I came in fourth place.I had an excellent weekend; superb year and I can't wait till next year.
Later,
Jackie
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