[UPDATE] Nowak Report: State CX Championships

You did what?

Yes I did!!! I made it over to Montrose Harbor today for the IL State Cyclocross Champs! I was quite a bit apprehensive about going as I was not feeling all too well when I woke up on Sun. morning; headache, scratchy throat, tired, but my goal of staying in the top 10 of the 40+ was in jeopardy if I didn't go, so what the heck.

Let me first say that Chris Dimmick and the Turin crew did an OUTSTANDING job of putting together today's race. I talked to Chris after the race and found out that he and a few other people were out at the race site SHOVELING and SNOWBLOWING for the past 3 days! Outside of a few areas, there was at the minimum of a one lane path to ride in, but 75-80% of the course was wide enough to pass.

Overall the course threw everything at us, fast gravel and pavement sections, slick technical turns (and LOTS of them), slippery uphills, two LOOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGG

GGGG runups, sketchy snowfilled downhills, and lots of slop (just like any other 'crosser would like!).

As I was doing a last recon of the course and coming by the start/finish area, I noticed that people were lined up and the official was counting bodies. I made a bee-line for the start and snuck into the first row. I peeled off my extra clothing and was ready to go. I got a pretty good start, around 10 to 12 back. We made it thru the first technical section without any wipeouts (I think), and then it was to the runup. I shouldered the bike and went hard passing a few people. At the top, I got on and hit the downhill hard. The unshoveled snow was like sand on top of ice. At the bottom of the downhill was a 180 turn with 2 barriers and then another runup. I hit the runup hard again and dislodged a few of the guys that I was trailing in the overall. In front was two Turin guys (Dimmick and Steel). In and out of technical sections and slop, I kept them in view. At the beginning of the second lap, both slid out in a corner with Steel dropping his chain. I caught him and we then continued to open space on the people behind us for the next 5 laps. With two laps to go, I was leading Steel thru a corner when my back wheel slid out and I went down. He gapped me and then I was caught by one other guy. I was determined to not let him pass me and keep him at bay.

On the last lap, we were really going well and in the last technical section I looked up and Steel was just getting up and putting his chain back on. I gunned it to go past him only to be shut down by the tightness of the course. I tried to sprint past him in the final straight, but these old legs can't do that anymore.

I figured I did pretty well, but had no clue on placing. As it turned out I was initially 28th (WRONG!!!) and after talking to the officials, I got my proper placing of 7th, one of the best results of the year.

Also in the 40+ was Mr. Scotty Boyd who I believe was in the top 15 if not even the top 10. Ed Bartley was also out there and I believe he may have been in the top 15 also.

I know Gina Kenny and Sue S. where in the women's race, but I didn't get a chance to watch it as I was dealing with getting my placing right.

Not sure if anyone else was out there, but it was a great day for 'cross, and for me personally a great way to end the season.

Well, I just got my skis back from being stoneground so now it is time to wax and to switch to x-country skiing.

So I'll either see you on the white stuff, or in the spring.

Thanks for reading!
Jim

Gina Kenny Adds:

I know Tim Keeley and Jay Corgiat (sorry, if I spelled your names wrong) were there. Jay raced the 4A's. I think he said he got mid-pack. Tim appeared to be doing well in the 4B's. Sue got 4th!!! in the Women's 4's. Way to go! I did my first Women's 1/2/3 race and learned that I need to practice sprinting up hills and running, as that appears to be a weak point for me. I'll just say it was a learning experience and a humbling experience.

Hopefully some of the other ABD-er's that were out there can give us a report as well.

-Gina

Kenny & Bartley Report: Wisconsin CX Championship

This was the first true cross race of the year. I actually drove up on Saturday and rode the course. It started snowing while I was there making my preride nothing like the actual race.

The course had probably about an inch of snow and was a mushy, and in places, muddy mess. Turning became sketchy with me having to place a foot down from time to time and going down in the small sand pit. Between the Women's Cat. 4 race and the Men's and Women's Cat. 3 race
there was a small break to pre-ride the course. It started raining during this -- not drizzling but raining. I did wear rain gear for the warm up/preride but I was absolutely drenched by the time my race was over. Remarkably, I was not really cold during the race except for my feet.

I was hoping to do well in my first Cat. 3 race but, with the weather, most of the girls opted to stay home. There were six of us. Scanning the group, I knew my hopes of not being DFL in the race might be dashed. I ended up sixth, DFL. I had a bad start and had some "rider error" -- first, it was only my second time racing cross in the snow and I think I need more practice to feel comfortable going harder and practice actually mounting in wet, slippery conditions. Secondly, I listened to some advice on a cycloss forum about wearing two pairs of shorts to keep my butt warm. My butt was warm but the second pair of shorts slid down and kept getting caught
on my seat.

Eddie Bartley competed in the Masters 40+. His race was a little after mine. It had stopped raining and I'm not sure if the coursewould have been in better or worse shape by that time. I cheered him on for part of his race but I was freezing and my 16-month-old was bouncing off the walls in our CRV so I didn't stick around to see how he did. Hopefully, he'll give us a race report of his own.

We are supposed to have much better weather for the last Chicago series race. The forecast is for 40's. It'll seem balmy!
-Gina

Eddie adds:

I had a great time today with all the mud and what felt like ice water in my shoes the whole race.I got knocked off my bike in the first turn from the start .Boy you loose momentum in that stuff and its hard to get going again.And the running.Stuff that I would normally ride I had to run so today I had to learn to shoulder the bike.I know I lost places on the runups.Did I say run, YOu had to run completely to the top where the hill leveled off before you could get back on your bike and get going again.I don't think I made it to 4th gear today.All in all it was alot of fun and I learned how to shoulder my bike in a proper manner.I was in the red at the top of those runups.

I can't think of a better way to spend a cold rainy day.This was the complete package.Rain snow mud and Ice water.I've been Baptized into cyclocross today.Oh Gina my feet were frozen.I think neapreame sock would have been the order of the day.Dangit and I have a pair too.Oh yea I finished 7th in the 50+.There were about 12 of us mixed in with the 40+.Last chance to suffer next Sunday at Montrose harbor!!

Eddie Bartley

Nowak Report: Chicago Cross Cup #5- Lansing/SCW

It's been awhile since I put in a report, and for some reason I can't sleep so what better time...

I'm sure most of you saw Gina's report for the Women's race. Sue was on fire today! Great Job. Also congrats to Gina on her upgrade. Careful what you ask for.

Lately I have been racing two races and today was not different. In the 40+, Ed Bartley, Ken Krebs, and I lined up with 36 of our best 'cross friends. The typical players were there, and it would be again another Verdigris House of Pain. Personally my race could be summed up in one sentence. Bad start with a good middle to a terrible end.

For some reason, today I couldn't get off the line, and found my self WAY back in the field. I worked hard in the first lap to make my way to the front, but there was too much congestion, and the lead group was already gapped. So it was settle down and ride with the group. I ended up riding with a few guys and through the sand pit (which was the difference maker today) some guys would get a gap, others would loose out. I mostly rode the pit, but sand would get in your eyes, hair, mouth, etc. I think I'm still picking it out of my ears.

I maintained contact with a group for most of the race and then with 2 laps to go Mike Jones (who did the 30+ just prior), ratcheted the pace up and dropped me and Hank Saha. I tried to drop Hank as he was not having the best day a few time, but he always seemed to claw his way back. On the last lap, I really messed up the sand pit, and he got a gap on me to finish just ahead in 11th and I in 12th. Hopefully good enough to keep a top 10 placing.

After the 40+ I was pretty frustrated as I thought I would go better, but just never seemed to get the engine going. I was thinking of heading home and blowing off the Cat3 race, but I changed my mind and decided to stay. It was a good decision on two parts, 1. I was able to watch Sue and Gina race. and 2. I somewhat redeemed myself.

I got a much better start in the Cat3 race and was near the front for most of the first lap. Small little gaps began to open between riders and I continued to close and/or pass people. I was riding in a small group that was probably about 8th to 11th and feeling pretty good. However that sand pit again gave me fits as I almost endo'ed going thru and lost contact with the group. I chased for almost a lap, but couldn't get back on. At this point it was damage control, and the efforts from the 40+ were beginning to take effect. There was a group coming up one me, but they split apart and only one made it up to me and passed me with 1 lap to go. I ended up 14th, so not a bad race.

Well 1 more to go. Also, for those of you interested, it looks like there may be a bandit next weekend. I'll let you know when I get more info.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope to see some of you on Thurs.

Jim

Gina Kenny Report: 3 is the Magic Number for the Day

Lansing Cyclocross race report

ABD had a pretty good showing today. Jim Nowak raced both the 40+ and the Cat. 3. Eddie Bartley and Ken Krebs also did the 40+ race. Sue Semaszczuk and I did the Women's Cat. 4. I believe Jim did well. I, unfortunately, am not sure how anyone else did besides Sue and I.

The course was extremely flat. There was one barrier and one set of three barriers. There were some turns but nothing really technical except for one large sand pit. So, probably a good course for the rest of our team but not good for me. One of the usual fast girls wasn't there which was good for us standings-wise. After the first half-lap, I was fourth and Sue was fifth. Sue caught up to me and said we should try to catch Imelda March, a Team Kenda girl. We worked together and reached her. Imelda bobbled on her mount after the sand pit and Sue sprinted past her. I went to do the same to the right and she swerved right, next to a tree, so I backed off. We traded spots a few times, but I may have gone too hard to catch her and am just not as fast on the flats as she is. Sue, on the other hand, was faster than Imelda. Imelda started catching up but Sue held her off and beat her by less than a bike length taking THIRD!!!! The best she's done at cross and the best either of us have done at the Chicago series. I came in after Imelda, taking fifth.

I talked to one of the officials after the race about upgrading and I am now a Cat. 3 cyclocross racer! Yea for me! I plan on racing at the Wisconsin state championships in Hales Corners on Dec. 2. They have a separate women's cat. 3 race and I don't expect to do good but I don't expect to do horribly bad either -- well, I hope not anyway. Then, I'll do the Women's Cat. 1/2/3 race (where most of them have been Cat. 2's) at the last Chicago cyclocross race on Dec. 9 where I will get annihilated and wonder why exactly I upgraded. -Gina Kenny

Nowak Report: Busted At The Bandit Cross

Busted by the Police is a bit of an overstatement, more like a security guard. The "course" that was laid out was actually pretty nice, but not feeling my best that day I knew it would be a long day at the "Boundy and Lombardo House of Pain". I rode to Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates (who can tell these days were these town start and end) from home which took about 40 minutes. The last week was a rest week for me and Sat. was the first day in the new cycle. Anyhow, back to the action... I was able to hang with the lead group until about the end of the first lap (or was it the second?!?). There was a nice mix of pavement and grass with a baseball field crossing as well as a frosty little hill climb. I slowly kept loosing ground to the leaders but the others that were unlatched were also coming back to me. After 30 minutes, I came to the start area and there were a few people talking to a security guard. Apparently, someone called the park district and complained of people riding their bikes in the park (really!!!). He came out and was actually pretty cool about the whole thing. He really didn't have a problem with us there. So after a brief conversation, we all gathered for a 1 lap run off. Needless to say Krebs got me at the line!

Overall, it has been a good 'cross season so far for myself personally. I have been trying to double up on race weekends doing the 40+ and then mixing in either the 30+ or Cat 3. This year I'm really trying to focus on States and would like to get top 5 which is possible if I have a good day. The Bandit 'cross stuff has been really fun. The interesting thing is the except for probably 2 guys in the Cup series, most everyone that has come out to the Bandit stuff are 40+'s.

Jim

Gina Kenny Report: Flying Viking Cross

I did the Women's 3/4 Flying Viking Cross Race in Stoughton, WI on Sunday. I was very excited about this race as I want to upgrade to Cat. 3. This race had a Women's Cat. 4 race and a Women's 3/4 race. So, I had decided to skip the Cat. 4 and race the Cat. 3. Then, last Monday evening I felt a cold coming on. It hit me full force Friday and is easing up but, unfortunately, I still wasn't quite fully back. Decided, what the hell, I'll race anyway. Turns out there were only 6 of us and I was the only Cat. 4 so I figured it would give me a pretty good idea how I would do.

The course was somewhat long -- about 1.7 miles -- flat with us riding through a "sand pit" that was actually a small beach that they sent us across once, turned around in the grass and then went through it again. The rest of the course had a lot of tight turns, a few pavement sections and two sets of barriers.

I started out pretty well. I was 4th and stayed that way until about the last lap. I felt okay although I noticed I was more jogging through the sets of barriers as opposed to running and I was still pretty congested. The last lap, or maybe with two to go, sixth place dropped out (which I found out after the race). Last lap, I knew I had to ride the first part of the sand pit cleanly as a girl was right behind me and I usually gained some time here. But, I ended up putting a foot down after trying to save it, then started running as she passed me. I started catching up during the second part of the sand pit but she started pulling away and beat me by probably about 30 seconds. So, it was kind of disappointing. No one actually showed up at the Women's 4 race -- I could have won a shiny medal. = )

BANDIT CROSS??? Someone posted on her blog "AND, on a sadder note, I hear the underground cross series race yesterday got busted by the police." I'm hoping that Jim and/or Sue were there and can please tell me this wasn't the Bandit Cross race.

-Gina

Keith B's Marathon Report

I know it's a bit late, but last Sunday 10/28, I ran the Grand Rapids Marathon to try and redeem myself from what happened at the Chicago Marathon a few weeks prior. I have spoke with some of you about my results, but others I mentioned that I would post something. So here I go...

It was a clear cold 32 degree morning the day of race. Frost on the grass, but the daytime high was in the upper 50's, low 60's. Like the recent we've been having here. Well I felt just great from the start. What a difference running in the cooler temps. It was a much different run than Chicago as in the scenery around. Most of the run was out in nature along the river and such. Well I'll get to the point. At the beginning I started the race with like 6:40 mile then realized I must slower down. So I settled in a very comfortable 7:10 pace. So there runners were passing me up, but I knew I would see them later at mile 20 or so. Which was the case. At mile 20 I felt strong and passed some of the people that I saw earlier. I finished running a fast pace arms in the air. For I knew that I was going to Boston. I qualified with a 3:06. That's a 7:07mile/pace.

I praise God for the strength he gives me. The days that followed, I was honestly not that sore. Obviously, some soreness, but not over-whelming like in the past.
See ya Boot Camp...
God Bless,
Keith Borkowicz

Gina Kenny Cross Report: Campton Park & Estabrook

Saturday Sue Semaszczuk, Jim Nowak, Brad Dash and myself raced at the cross race in St. Charles. Sue & I scored free socks, as did all the women racers, which was a nice perk. The course was similar to previous years although the start was a short straight area to some tight turns, to a set of barriers, a ditch-like drop and another set of barriers. I started out fifth and stayed there the whole race. I kept with the lead group 'til after the second set of barriers where there is a short incline on grass to an asphalt climb. Speed not being my strong point, the leaders pulled away at that point and I never recaught them. After the climb, we rode around a baseball diamond with a off cambr part, a very short steep incline, another asphalt area, through a very small sand pit, some dirt to a sharp left turn, a gravel road with wood planks to prevent erosion, some grass and then the last set of barriers before the lap finish. As I mentioned, I took fifth with Sue taking 6th in the Women's 4's. Jim took 8th in the Masters 40+ and then took 9th in the Cat. 3. Very impressive. Brad finished right behind Jim at 10th in the Cat. 3.

On Sunday, I trekked up to Milwaukee for the Estabrook cross race. I got there with more than enough time for my husband & I to get ready when we forgot to set the clocks back an hour. This course was also similar to last year's but with more turns and more barriers -- yea! They have all of the women and juniors start at the same time in one mass start. I had a crappy start as the officials gave no warning and all of sudden just said go. An asphalt section led to a right turn and the first set of barriers and then a bunch of tight turns. A bunch of juniors got ahead of me on the pavement which I then had to get around some of on the barriers and turns. After the tight turns, there were more tight turns then a second set of barriers, immediate tight turn and soon thereafter a third set of barriers. That followed with a long pavement stretch to some singletrack, a big log with a hill runup, a downhill tight turn, out of the singletrack to some more tight turns and another pavement stretch before the lap/finish.

This race was different for me in that I actually rode with three girls the entire race. We traded positions the entire time with them being quicker on the pavement, the one woman being a little faster on the run-up and me being quicker on the turns, singletrack and a little quicker on the barriers. The one girl, who ended up being a junior, just disappeared near the start of the last lap. She later said she was tired and just gave up. That left me and another Cat. 4 woman. I passed her on the second set of barriers and kept her behind me a short period until the long pavement stretch where she sped past me. I passed her in the singletrack and gunned it 'til the log and run up. I could hear her catching up on the run up and I gunned it again for the last bit of singletrack and turns knowing I had to get enough space between her and I so she couldn't sprint for the win. And, I actually managed to do it and got third out of 6, with one DNF. = ) Of course, I should have probably did that sooner and tried to catch the second place girl which I would see occasionally, but I'm new to this whole racing with other people. I'm usually in no man's land out there. I also actually got some compliments on my dismounts and mounts which was quite nice. = )

I had wanted to also do the Men's Masters 30+ for more practice but it was colder today than yesterday and my 15-month-old was getting pretty cold and cranky so I called it a day. (Wow. Long race report. Sorry about that.)

FYI -- They announced at the Estabrook race that there will be a race in Stoughton, WI on Nov. 11. Flyer:
https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2007-2676 I plan on racing the Women's 3/4 race to see how I'd fare since I plan to upgrade to Cat. 3 at the end of the season.
[UPDATE]
I am sorry to say that I neglected to mention that Eddie Bartley also raced in the 40+ race last Saturday. He placed 18th and would have been the second guy if they had a 50+ division.

There are at least four separate cross events taking place this weekend. There are races in Moline, IL and Stoughton, WI on Sunday. There is also a Bandit Cross on Saturday morning and a winner-take-all cross event going on in Milwaukee on Sunday. I'll be racing the Women's 3/4 race on Sunday in Stoughton.
-Gina Kenny

Marshall Report: 20076 Union Colorfest Biathlon

Fellow ABD'rs;

Here is my final race report for the 2007 season. Two weeks ago, my old EIU college roomate, Joe Sheeran and I competed in the 2007 13th annual Union County Colorfest Biathlon.

Joe Sheeran, now 49 (50 in November), resides in Ellynsburg, Washington. He was a 3-time DivIII All-American in Cross-Country and Track, following college, he posted some impressive road races, such as a 2:15:11 marathon, as well as a very fast 28:57 10k.

Anyhow, after a 20yr layoff from running, he is back again, now with ABD Multisport division. After only 6 months of training, he ran his first race, a 5k on a very hot 98 degree July day in 18:30.

Ok, now on with the race report!

Saturday, October 13th in Anna, IL (about 22 miles south of Carbondale), was a sunny crisp fall day. After a good warmup, Joe ran an excellent hilly 5k in 17:38, tagged off, and I went thru transition, and was out on my Trek TT bike.

The first 3 miles are mostly on very good pavement, of old Hwy. Rt 51 shoulder, with 3 big rollers, passed up 1st place about 2 miles out, and was in good shape for the tough part comming up.

Turned right off Rt. 51 onto some pretty rough roads (kind of like Garden Prairie's old TT course mid-section). Right away, two back-to-back hills, first one roughy 4-5% grade, maybe only 200 meters, but immediately down it, and up the second, about 300 meters, almost as steep as the, St.Charles, Al Capone's Hideaway's hill.

Turned around no one in sight, except two very mean dogs comming right at my feet...no rest, sprint! The next 4-5 miles was, up-down, up down hills, mostly shorter hills anywhere from 150 - 300 meters. Somewhere around, 12 mile mark, I turned around and saw someone gaining on me.

Around 14 miles, he caught me half-way up a steeper hill, as I had problems shifting from BIG ring, onto smaller 42 to climb! Back onto Hwy 51, only 3.5 miles to go!

I never really reeled him back, and as he finishes in a PR 1:06:59....I come across in 1:07:20 (4 minutes ahead of the field), and felt great, except for my left hip that is!!|

Andrew Otto, the winner, lives and trains in Greenville, SC, even occasionally spots, George Hincappie training around "Paris Mtn".

Glad the season is over, finally taking 3-4 weeks off MUCH NEEDED REST!

Only problem is that I'm always having to go up-and down ladders all day. For some of you ABDr's, whom don't know me, I'm a Painting Contractor!

See ya soon;

Bob Marshall

Gina Kenny Report: Carpentersville Cross

Sue and I raced in the Women's 4's at the cyclocross race on Sunday.
The course was more technical than Jackson Park -- which means it
was more to my liking. There were two barriers before a run up, two
places where there was a barrier and then a ditch type thing that
you had to jump over, a kind of ditch/very small ravine thing with
a rutted line and a big sand pit that if you tried to just roll
into you would fly over your handlebars (which I kind of did during
a pre- ride). I actually started out very well and, while I couldn't
keep up with the top girls, I I did well overall and was fourth or
fifth at the end.

The initial results had me listed as 5th and Sue listed as 6th.
There was a problem with one girl's results and I ended up with 4th
and Sue was 5th. We both won jerseys and, Sue, I'll bring yours to
the ABD race.

Speaking of the ABD race -- It's this Sunday, Oct. 28, in Bartlett.
Please come out and either race or cheer us on! And, Jim, please let
me know what you need me to do for volunteering.

Jessi also did the Women's 1/2/3 race. Even though it was at the
same time, I have no idea how it went for her so I'll have to let
her give you a report. Jim raced 30+ and 40+ and there was an ABD
guy that raced the Cat. 4's but I'm not sure who it was since I was
busy trying to keep Christopher from going down the slide head
first. -- Gina Kenny

Women's 4's from Carpentersville

Sue and I raced in the Women's 4's at the cyclocross race on Sunday.
The course was more technical than Jackson Park -- which means it was
more to my liking. There were two barriers before a run up, two
places where there was a barrier and then a ditch type thing that you
had to jump over, a kind of ditch/very small ravine thing with a
rutted line and a big sand pit that if you tried to just roll into
you would fly over your handlebars (which I kind of did during a pre-
ride). I actually started out very well and, while I couldn't keep up
with the top girls, I I did well overall and was fourth or fifth at
the end.

The initial results had me listed as 5th and Sue listed as 6th. There
was a problem with one girl's results and I ended up with 4th and Sue
was 5th. We both won jerseys and, Sue, I'll bring yours to the ABD
race.

Speaking of the ABD race -- It's this Sunday, Oct. 28, in Bartlett.
Please come out and either race or cheer us on!


Jessi also did the Women's 1/2/3 race. Even though it was at the same
time, I have no idea how it went for her so I'll have to let her give
you a report. Jim raced 30+ and 40+ and there was an ABD guy that
raced the Cat. 4's but I'm not sure who it was since I was busy
trying to keep Christopher from going down the slide head first.

-- Gina Kenny

Cooper Report: Fall Fling

Hello,

I tell you the Fall Fling was great.  Putting points into a series of races gives it a whole different perspective.  I wanted to give a brief recap of the races for my final race report. 

 

 In retrospect the TT was a TT and knowing what I know now (only a week or so later) it was just a TT because even though I had a plan which I thought was decent there is a whole other level to get to, to make it piercingly fast.  My plan for this was to treat it like the last leg of a regular TT and just pace your self on an all out stretch.  

 

The 1st critierum played out just like the one the week prior in Kenosha.  Play it cool and work up to the front, hold it, catch a wheel and on the last quarter of the race let them lead you out till you pounce off for the win...well that is if there is no one 30sec off the front.

 

The Road Race.  This is what changed my perception a bit.  On the first lap I found Alex , the winner from the crit last week, and we talked a bit.  I noticed he was in the front just waiting to prey on an attack.  Soon enough it went off up hill in between turn 1 and 2.  XXX Turin ABD(me) went off.  After my pull there was no xxx but a CU rider.  I took another pull there was Bike shop Unattached and Turin.  One last pull and it was Alex, Brian, Me and the rider from CU.  The pace was awesome!  All out just flying in a rotating pace line.  As we flew past the start finish I was concerned that inefficiency would ruin our groove and we would get roped in so we went to 30sec pulls and ride fast.  One lap of this and we needed to give it another kick to make sure we secure our lead so we went to 15 sec pulls.  That is till after turn 3 where Alex attacks!  I mean were flying and this dude just hops off us like we we sitting still....I get him back and let him sit out in front till he does it again!  I mean either he really likes pain or he is extremely daring or I guess a combination of the two. This time I let Brian get him and then I spring off the two of them.  Now we are half way to the start finish after turn 4 and Alex catches me, attacks, and just keeps it.  I looked back and saw we dropped Brian with these cat and mouse games and Alex just kept getting farther and farther taking the win

 

Last crit Watching for Alex I was going to attack off the first prime and see what develops.  I didn't but eventually something started to go down off the front.  I was itching to get in it.  Soon enough I saw Alex and Brian and the dude from CU and it was looking the the day prior.  What ever we had got caught and there was another attempt in less than a minute.  Now I am not sure what happened here but I was hoping it would be the one but some how a few people were in it this time with some weak pulls and we found ourselves not really doing much but having fun playing a game of bike lasso.  Well the time elapses and on the last lap I catch a wheel that fizzles to fast and I give a nice lead out to the 12 guys who finish before me.

 

So I looked back and noticed that the 1 hour break was about as fast as my 10mile TT.  Being able to attack off a pace like that is freakin awesome and kind of sick and just forgetting about the outcome and just racing fast, well that is so much fun!  I would have to say that last crit was the fasted paced cat4 crit I ever did and certainly the most enjoyable.

 

I have nothing but good things to say about ABD but I am moving on to a more local team.  I learned a lot this year and it was fun doing it on such a good team.  Thanks for an awesome year!-Ryan 

 

Oh by the way what I learned this time is that there is no better feeling than being way out front blowing your brians out.  Now I have to stop being such a wussy and do it a lot more often! 

Keith B: Marathon Report

Hello Everyone,
Well let me just say that I have never written any type of report before. I had a very disappointing run yesterday. Yesterday was the hottest Chicago Marathon ever reaching 88 degrees. They actually cancelled the race later in the day because of the heat. I heard that about 35,000 started the race and about 24,000 finished. One person died, and about 300 were taked to the hosptial. I was not the only one with with a dissappointing run, numerous people I talked with afterwards said how difficult it was running in the heat. Anyways....
I settled in at
very comfortable 6:52 pace for the first 13.1 miles @ 1:31. Felt good. I was trying to run negative splits yesterday, but that changed after mile 18. During my training I ran 5(20mile) runs without any signs of muscle cramps. I have never really had muscle cramps before. Well that wasn't the case yesterday. I had the most severe cramps in both of my calfs, ever!! Calfs were on fire!! So basically, the sub-three was out of the question, now I just wanted to try and qualify for Boston. That didn't happen either. The last 5 miles were the hardest miles I have ever run. Very painful, just wanted to finish at that point. I did finish but with a 3:23 time. I am very disappoionted in my performance,to say the least, because I trained extremely HARD the entire summer for this. I am thankful that God gave the strength to finish the race and compete like I do. I know there will be other opportunities. Not sure yet but, I'm considering running the Detroit Marathon in two weeks to try and qualify for Boston in the Spring. (Only marathon that crosses international border twice)
On another note, I wanted to say I had a great time racing and helping out at the Fall Fling this year. It was nice getting know everyone better. Thanks ABD for all your support. I had a great season!! I look forward to Boot Camp. See everyone soon. God Bless,
Keith B.

Glinka Report: Apple Cider Century

Wind !
What wind !!!!

So Big Tom, James, Sandy, Dave and Graham Clark, Rosemary Blau and I did the ACC for 2007.

The hardest part of the whole ride was the 10 mile road that headed straight south against the wind (average wind was 15 to 20 mph, Gusting to 35 mph), of course this was after doing 70+ miles already ! Did I forget we climbed just over 2500 ft. for the whole ride :-)

GREAT TIMES !!!

Ken,Sandy & Joseph Glinka
ABD Cycling Team

http://web.mac.com/kglinka/
or
http://gallery.mac.com/kglinka#gallery

Gina Kenny's Cross Report: Delafield

Being bit by the 'cross bug, I decided to head up to Wisconsin on Sunday for a cyclocross race (Sat. was a two-part time trial but I skipped that). The weather was gorgeous -- not what one typically gets for cyclocross races so it was even nicer. The course was an approximate two mile loop--mountain bike double track with some deep ruts in some areas, a few sharp turns and one steep climb with a barrier on top. There were 10 Cat. 4 women that registered, 9 that started and 8 that finished. I ended up 5th, about a minute out from 4th. I had a good race, being much smoother and making fewer stupid mistakes than last week in Jackson Park. But, I ended up leaving my gloves in Christopher's stroller and now have blisters on both thumbs and had some problems feeling like my hands were going to slip off the hoods.

The Cat. 4 mens' race was huge, as always, with 60 finishers. What's interesting is that they had the Women's cat. 3 go with the men's cat 3 as opposed to Women's categories 1, 2 & 3 racing together in the Chicago series. I watched part of the Cat. 3 race which had a large group of males and 8 women. I didn't stick around too long because Christopher was getting cranky. I didn't see any other ABD-ers as I'm guessing everyone was at the fling.

Hopefully, I'll see a huge ABD group at the next Chicago Cross race Oct. 21 in Carpentersville.
Gina

Nowak Report: Cross Cup Round #1 @ Jackson Park

Hi everyone, back for another exciting season of 'cross!

Yesterday was the first race in the Chicagoland Cyclocross Cup series at Jackson Park on Lake Michigan. Now for most people, it was a perfect day for riding your bike, but for most cyclocrossers, it was anything but perfect. The sun was shinning, the temp. was above 60, and not a cloud in the sky...

Ken Krebs and I drove down to Jackson Park and when we arrived at 8:30, the course was still being setup. Due to the Chicago Park Dist. putting in curbs on an access road, the area that the course was going to be run would be a bit different. Many of the typical areas from previous years would be used, but the long asphalt section and short run-up was gone. The course was almost pan flat, with two very short run-ups, several long bumpy grass sections, q few short pavement sections, and an interesting "run-down". Overall, the course was more technical than in past years and required exceptional bike handling skills with big efforts out of 180 degree and 90 degree turns to get back up to speed.

The most impressive aspect of the race was the large fields that came out. The first races were the 30+ Masters, 40+ Masters, and Women's Open. There was a total of 94 racers in those 1st 3 races alone. The 30+ started, and once they were out of the start chute the 40+ started. ABD did not have a presence in the 30+ race, but there was me, Ken, Scott Boyd, and Ed Bartley in the 40+. Before the first lap was even halfway done, we were already integrating with the backend of the 30+ which made for some difficult riding. I had my typical good start and was with the leaders, but after 2 laps the efforts of closing gaps due to the technicality and slower 30+ riders began to wear on me. I lost contact, and started to be passed by some guys, but slowly recovered and continued to increase the pace. I ended up 11th, Ken was 15th, Scott 21st, and Ed 25th.

Other ABD'ers was Sue Semaszczuk in 5th and Gina Kenny 7th in Women Cat 4. I didn't see anyone else, but also was gone before the Cat 3, Cat 1/2, and Cat 4 races started.

Right now there are 6 races total in the series (up from 4 last year). Check out www.chicrosscup.com for details.

ABD is hosting one of the races on Oct. 28th. We have secured a park in Bartlett for our venue, and this is the first "shout-out" for volunteers. We will need registration folks, and course setup and tear-down. Also, we could possibly use a few people to hang by the barriers to make sure that there are no issues with them. I'm sure Ebert will be sending something out also.

Next week is another "Bandit" 'cross in Buffalo Grove (see www.harperride.net for info).

There may be a 'cross practice the weekend of Oct. 6th depending upon a few things. I may also try to do something on a Wed. also. This would be low key and the focus would be on technique (similar to Ebert's bumper bike). I'll let you know. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading,
Jim

Marshall Report: Kenosha Crit

Hi;

I competed in last weekends crit race in Kenosha. It was my second crit race ever, having done my first in Lombard earlier this summer.

Anyhow, after cycling 66 miles the day before, I wasn't sure just how I would do, but after a fairly good warmup, I went to the start line for the Masters 50+ race.

Being behind schedule they decided to shorten race from 45 min. + 2 laps, to 30 min. + 2 laps.

Were off...took it right to the back, and settled into a relaxed mode. After about 10 minutes, a couple guys attacked, stayed on, mostly in or near the back. Somewhere around 25 minutes things started to get crazy.

Again, survived the attacks, and on back stretch somewhere around 27 minutes, Richard Adamczyk turned head to look back, and in doing so, touched Andy Kerrs wheel, and went down, pretty hard too (I was behind and witnessed his crash).

Ok, now were around the 3rd corner, and I make a very subtle sweeping move to the front, right around the start line, and clock is showing 28 minutes. I clear turn one, and continue around to turn two, with group right on my tail.

Then on back stretch, into the wind, I start to build a small gap. I stayed very relaxed, focused (per Mike Eberts advice)and came around to see clock out, and were onto the final +2 laps.

I continued pressing onward, working pretty hard, still relatively relaxed, mostly pushing hardest on the windy back stretch. Ok, now around turn four and hear bell lap...and wow, I'm about 150 meters or more ahead of the attacking field.

I pass start line and onto final lap, thought maybe I can hold this lead, so worked pretty hard on stretch one and two (with wind & cross wind sections), but slowed on windy stretch into a resting high cadence rythem....BIG MISTAKE OF THE DAY!|

Not knowing it, Richard Adamczyk got a FREE LAP (JUST BARELY BEFORE 3 LAP RULE)...and guess what he is charging hard, around final turn he catches me. I try to come back on him, but it's too late, as I'm was probably in to big a gear to get a sprint even going. I do close on him, but he wins by a little over a wheel!

So...I get second, in my second crit ever, and was still happy, as my original plan was to finish somewhere in the pack.

ONLY MISTAKE, BUT A VERY BIG ONE, WAS THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOT RESTED ON WINDY STRETCH, BUT RATHER PRESSED HARD....

CHALK IT UP TO A ROOKIE MISTAKE!!

My second race was the Cat 4 Race....was pretty tired, didn't quit though....jus a 22 mph workout off the back! Sorry guys...no energy left to help...BIG THANKS TO BEN DEMONG, FOR WARNING ME AROUND TURN 3 THAT THEIR COMMING ON ME FAST....WENT WIDE TO LET THEM THRU!

P.S. - Received 22 ROTY points, however, I'm now a marked man...for upcomming Fall Fling Crits!

Bob Marshall/
ABD Multisport

Keeley Report: Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic

I travelled to Grand Rapids last weekend to race in the priority Health Grand Cycling Classic crit on Saturday. My bro-in-law (that got me into cycling) lives up there and it is always nice to see different riders and courses. It was the innaugural event and was held in downtown. The course was 1.2k and consisted of a few block- long rough cobble sections that were quite bumpy and was mostly flat. The payouts were quite nice with lots of primes ($200 to the cat 4/5 winner), so perhaps a good race for abders to check out next year. I was hoping for a large chunk of that prize list, but was only able to muster 13th place and a $25 prime. After racing 7 of the last 8 weeks, I think my body was a little worn out. In the race, I was pinched against a barrier on the outside of a pileup with 6 to go and had to chase back into the group. I was not in great position before the hold-up, so not sure if I would have finished better, but a guy can dream. Other than that, the pace was pretty high, as there was a prime almost every other lap and pretty safe (2 wrecks which I mostly avoided). Stuck around and watched the pro race, which was a bit thin but VERY entertaining. The "Stars and Bars" were there on the back of hometown here Kirk O'bee, but he faded in the last lap, probbaly working to position Karl Menzies, who took the victory in a field sprint. I watched it all from the terrace of some italian restaurant with a cocktail in each hand. Again, what a cool event...

Bertucco Report: Blueberries and Red Lions

Hello Racing Fans,

Did you know that Hammonton, New Jersey is "The Blueberry Capital of the World?"

Yeah...me neither. But there it was...a very official looking road sign in big letters along today's flat, fast and windy road race course. It would have been nice to see some actual cartons of blueberries at a roadside fruit stand, or at least some picked over blueberry bushes, but no such luck. I did see some juicy slices of blueberry pie at the local Red Lion diner (a diner that came complete with full-sized red-stone lion statue in the parking lot---c'mon, gotta love Jersey style!).

I've since decided that inspite of the lack of evidence, I will still believe that boastful sign. Mostly because once I heard this story on National Public Radio about how there are only a few states in this country that can grow cranberries and, yes, New Jersey is one of them. I know, cranberries have nothing to do with blueberries, but in my mind I've made some kind of bizarre berry connection.

Anyway, back to the racing action. The following is a list of reasons why I (and you) shouldn't care about my 4th place finish Sunday in the category 1/2/3 Blueberry Bicicletta Road Race:

Despite the cancellation of the nearby and extremely popular Bear Mountain road race, the Blueberry cat 1/2/3 start list grew to only 15 racers.
The advertised 63-mile, 4-lap race was cut to down to 47 miles.
The promoter, after asking if everyone had health insurance, informed us that the race would technically not be licensed by USA Cycling until the following Monday and gave us the option of not racing. Sketchy, right?
As the 4th place finisher, I am the winner of some apparently very expensive clothing items from the "$750 in merchandise" prize list. There is the 2005 Tour de France hat, a size XXL t-shirt that says "speed bump" on it, and a size small 2005 Tour de France t-shirt. I'm still undecided on whether I should gain or lose a tremendous amount of weight this winter.
So why I am still pretty happy to have placed 4th?
Because I've been racing long enough (downtube shifters anyone?) to know that for most of us, placing in a race comes few and far between.
Because smaller fields means fewer places to hide from the wind.
Because there were at least 5 guys (including myself) that wanted a slug-fest of a race making it impossible to remember all of the attacks and counter-attacks.
Because bike racing is hard. Period.
Because my brand new fiance (Sarah said yes Labor Day weekend in Vermont at the Green Mountain Stage Race) is proud of me. And that's what really matters.
Sometimes I think us racers are too critical, too quick to look for the negative, too quick to discount the value of small moments that don't matter to anyone but you and your biggest fans. Or maybe that's just me. But if not, the next time you do something good, head on over to the Red Lion diner and celebrate with a piece of blueberry pie.

-Marc Bertucco

Oehmen Report: Tuesday Night Crits

ast night i did the tues night criterium in Matteson. It takes place every tuesday and there are 3 races every time usually a 10 lap, 30 lap then another 10 lap at 1 K per lap. There are two group that race.. group a which are cat 1,2,3 and group B cat 4, 5 (boys & girls together) . They are on the course at the same time split up. The group a does the full amount of laps and we do less depending on how many times they pass us and we go with 2 laps to go and the A's sprint at 1 lap to go. It a more relaxed race because if the group passes you, you can hop back in.

http://www.southchicagowheelmen.com/tuesday.html

Anyways i did this race a lot last year but this is my second time this year. Yesterday for the first race of 10 laps was the first time i stayed with the group the entire race and finished in the middle of the pack. I was so proud of myself. For the second race i was hoping to do the same but i was still out of breath from the first race and got thrown of the back in the first two laps. I wasn't able to recover from the first race to catch back on when they passed until 10 laps to go... then i was able to hang on.

I was also surprised that i did well because that morning i was still sore from doing the bike phycos ride on that Sunday.Thanks to my massage therapist for getting my legs back into shape.

So anyways there are 4 more left till it is over for the season and it is time for the fall fling.

Liz Oehmen

Keeley Report: Glencoe Criterium

It was nice to finally race on dry roads....on Sunday at least. I believe that Mr. Cogiat pretty well covered the report on Sherman Park. It was a nice trip, save the desperate search for an ATM in what was apparently the only 1 square mile of chicagoland without an atm. Oh well, the course was nice, XXX did an amazing job of keeping the course clear of water and the rain stopped right before our race.

On Sunday, my wife, two dogs, ABD tent, ABD med kit, ABD nutrition stash and all my various race-day supplies piled into the Beetle convertible and headed to Glencoe. Got the tent setup and headed to register. It was not open, so I changed and got my gear ready. By the time i got back to the registraion, there was a line of about 30 riders and it did not seem to be moving. It was now 25 mins. to race time and I had only ridden the block to registration. So, Oz and I stood there pretending not to be nervous and trading small talk. I did eventually get my numbers and got about 3 laps to warm up before it was time to line up.

During the spin I had a chance to chat Gary Rulo up while we spun the course (can there be a nicer guy out there?). We both noted how nice the course was, with some iffy roadway between turns 3 and 4. As for the turns, 1 and 3 were very easy and wide, turn 2 was a 90, but quite narrow. Turn 4 was quite acute and narrow. In fact, there was a bed sheet behind the hay bales naming it "Amen Corner," it was sponsored by the church on the corner. That was the last time i read that sign, I do not need another reason to fear the turn.

At the line I snagged a spot on the front row and took a glance over my shoulder. To my surprise, there were about 80 other riders in the race. 8am Sunday North Shore, who knew? I spotted Jason Addante of Team Endure-iT!/ABD Naperville branch as well as two of the three usual suspects from Spin Drs (Scott and Paul). Got a glimpse of Brian Hildreth and THE SARGE in the lineup and felt pretty good about our numbers.

The race began fairly quick. I took 2nd wheel around the course the first lap and tried to take turn 4 cleanly, it was nice and i decided that I would have to do whatever it took to stay top 10 to avoid the yo-yo effect as well as any potential danger. I did what I wanted to, won a mid race prime for chicago fire tix (club level, no less) and took 2nd just shy of Matt Smith's (Big Shark) front wheel.
Had a huge gap between races, so had a chance to catch other ABD'ers in action. Witnessed Sue Semaszczuk wailing on the womens 4 field, she would go on to take 3rd and Sead Duranovich sit in a great spot during the 5's only to be wiped out by another rider in turn 2 of the final lap (he was quoted later as saying "Man these 5's are gonna kill me!").

Dogs, wife and self went and hung at the park near the beach during the big wheel races and returned to the tent to realize that we had been ousted by none other than THE Erik Zabel! Well, it was a 3 YO kid in a full Milram kit (yes, bib shorts down to his ankles), sporting a brand new 3rd place medal he had won in the kids race. I think James Sneddon got a couple of good shots of it. Oh yeah, second race was the cat 4 race, we only had 36 or so in the field. Sneddon, Ben DeMong and Theo were all present for the affair. I am pretty sure that someone put something in Ben's Wheaties that morning, the guy was all over the road. In lap 2, he was off the front solo with a NICE gap. I moved to the front to do my duty and try to give him a chance. Unfortunately, they called a prime on the next lap....Ben held through the prime but was soon swallowed up. I ended up taking a later prime (case of vitamin water, donated to ben due to lack of space in the car). A break formed with Ricardo Otero from SSW and Matt Smith. It seemed pretty dangerous, but I was about 10 deep when they went off, so I was kida caught out. Next time through the start/finish I hear the familiar voice of Ben getting closer instructing me to hop on his wheel. I did so, just as he was flying up the left side of the road. I got up to speed, sat on his wheel for a few seconds and then headed to the break. Ben got back on the front and worked with a Turin guy to try to keep the pack at bay. I got to the brak about 1/2 lap later and was completely gassed. Ricardo was coming off a pull and I opened a gap for him so I could skip a pull (I am not sure he knew I was there yet, so my laziness may have gone unnoticed). With about 1 to go I took my final pull and got gapped, chased, latched on before turn 4 and then witnessed the eventual race winner (a guy from UIC that had won an earlier prime) scream by for the win. I took 5th right in front of DeMong in 6th and Sneddon in 14th. It was cool for a cat 4 break to actually stay away so long and to be part of it...Zabel helped me fold chairs and we headed home, a few more points in the bin and ready for cat 3 (...i hope).

-Tim Keeley

[UPDATED] Corgiat Report: Sherman Park's Mayor Speedy

While Keeley continues to amaze me with his ability to propel himself forward quickly on a bike, his prose need work. So I thought I would beat him to the punch on the race report for Sherman Park.

In typical Keeley/Corgiat fashion, we planned an early departure – 5:45 AM – to make the 8:00 AM Masters 30+ 4,5 (Turns out the race didn’t start till 8:45 AM - My bad – Tim tried to call me off the early departure time but I was in bed when he rang). Both of us are nervous as cats on race day and we both like to be there early to “warm up” and “scout the course”, but what I typically do is wander about aimlessly while Mayor Speedy meets and greets his many constituents. When I picked up Tim, it was raining. It rained the whole way down there. It rained while I wandered and Tim schmoozed. It stopped raining about an hour before the race(!).

The xXx boys don’t lie; Sherman Park is a great race venue, especially for new racers. The course is about a one mile oval with relatively good pavement and is plenty wide to accommodate the size of the fields that were racing. The only real hazard was some large and deep looking puddles that the xXx boys were working feverishly to shrink with a well-organized bucket brigade. The neighborhood looked a bit sketchy but everyone was very nice and I was comfortable the whole time. The biggest danger was glass on the roads surrounding the course – I saw at least two people puncture warming up and Tim ended up picking glass out of his tire at the end of the race. If you or a friend are ever thinking about racing for the first time, this is the course to cut your teeth on.

At the start line, there were about 30 racers. The Sarge was present and accounted for (you know all will be alright when you see the Sarge roll up) and Jason Parra, our stealth ABD rider, but otherwise ABD was light. Our three favorite Spin Drs, Scott, Paul, and Mike, were there as was Chris from WDT, and Matt from Big Shark. It seemed like the rest were sporting the white jerseys of xXx racing although I know there were others (I am sure Tim knows them).

The race whistle blew and I clipped in on the first try which is a small miracle based on my most recent races (it’s so nice not to have people swearing at you right from the start). The xXx boys went right to the front and drilled it. And this is pretty much how the whole race went. Like any good race, there was plenty of in-ride drama with a few breakaways, some near misses but no wrecks, hotly contested sprints for primes, and even some hotly contested sprints for primes when there were no primes (for the record, Scott V won that non-prime with a well-timed attack). When the end came, Mayor Speedy continued his recent unbeaten streak with Matt from Big Shark taking second and Chris from WDT taking third. I got sixth and won a prime. More importantly, I continued my unabated winning streak in the Men’s 40-44, Unincorporated Wheaton, Full Time Job, Three Kids, Hairy Legs, and a Beat Up Ridley Division, the only category that truly counts.

After the race, while waiting for Tim’s podium appearance (his hair was perfect!), we learned that the field was split with separate prizes for the 30+ and 40+. I thought I had heard an in-race announcement to that effect, but just attributed to the many voices I hear when I am in the throws of a lactic-acid induced haze. So, lo and behold, I got a check for a second place finish. Also caught out by the surprise split, Spin Doctor Paul was hanging out at his car while they were calling his name for the podium (Bueller…Bueller…….Bueller).

With regard to Mayor Speedy, he has been racing brilliantly. While he has always been fast, he is now racing-fit, more experienced, and, most importantly, confident. He knows he belongs at the front and he knows he can win the sprint. He follows wheels like a shadow and now has the experience and patience to sprint when it is time to sprint. CAT 3 racers, you have been warned.

Aside from the Mayor’s continued winning streak, the highlight of the day was meeting Luke, the webmaster for CBR, and catching up with Jeff Kao, celebrity cyclocross racer and mass media star. Great guys both, representing what is righteous and good about amateur bike racing. Their message is inclusive and fun, which is what bike racing and riding should be all about.

[Apparently, I had not yet cleared all the lactic acid when I wrote my race report. Mayor Speedy kindly phoned and corrected my ABD roll call. I somehow forgot John Stoltzfus, who lined up directly behind me at the start. John forgot his extra race wheels and flatted about four laps in. Then, to add insult to injury, he got left off my race report. The younger Stoltzfus (Justin) was able to restore the family’s good name with a win in the Juniors (I’ll bet he had extra race wheels in the pit…).
I also mixed up my Jasons, which is actually easy to do as both are really great guys. Jason Para rides for 2CC and is a cyclocross buddy. Jason Addante is our stealth ABD rider who works at Endure It Sports in Naperville.
A waste is a terrible thing to mind…]

Jay Corgiat

Cooper Report: Downers Grove

Last year was my first time at Downers and I was really looking foward to racing this fun course again. I got there early and set up and watched the rain clouds roll in. Ending my warm up while watching the womens race I decided (due to the rain) to not race my good wheels incase I get caught up in some carnage. I slapped my back ups on and rolled out to get a good position. We soon were off (unexpectdaly) and I clipped in, shoved down on the pedals and my chain was flying all over the rear cassette.... My good position was washed away in the rain as every one flew by while I tried and hoped the chain would catch a cog. I spent almost an entire lap riding like this till I found a cog and left it in. By this time I was in the rear with the gear and frustrated as I looked up to see a long stran of riders. I thought, man what luck, should I even contiue? Yeah I decided just don't shift. So I held on weaving in and out, following riders up and passing while riders started up the hill. When people would soft pedal down the hill catching their breath I was still hard charging, sprinting out of every turn. Soon enough I found my self in the top five with a few laps to go. With 2 to go I saw a guy take a flyer and not knowing there was a guy way out front I chased the flyer down thinking it was the decisive break. When it was my turn to pull going up hill I pedaled like I was stuck in the mud and not thinking I shifted. There goes all the mess again. The chain was flying all over the cassette. I sat up and fouind my self in 20th or so. I caught a cog and just left it weaved in and out again and when it came down to the wire I sprinted acrross the line in the top 10-15. I found out later that I misplaced a spacer when I changed the cassette the day before putting it in the wrong spot of the cog set leaving my 15+16t cog pressed together and throwing everything out of wack. If you are still reading this and you know how to get a hold of the people that made the results can you point me to them. I am no where in the results..... I emailed USCF in Libertyville but that is all I really know to do.

Talk to you later-Ryan

Keeley Report: Downer's Grove

So I have not written a race report since I was asked at the Winfield
registration "Hey, aren't you the guy that writes all of the long
reports?"
But, I realize that it is just as easy to delete this muck if you do
not want to read it. Plus, I have always been interested in other's
race stories, so here goes:

DG Race Highlights:
First of all, ABD tent and ABD group: Way cool, good to see so many
clubbers out for the race!

Cat 3/4 Race: I am bad at estimating a field size, but know that we
did not have all of the 100 that signed up for the race at the line.
It was dry up until about 20 mins. before the race began, then came
the rains. I let some air out of my tires and lined up for the race.
I was chatting up a xxx rider in about the 5th row when we noticed
the race was beginning (no whistle and many others were not aware of
the start). I took about 3 attempts to clip in, which I am usually
good at. I finally got chugging and found myself mid-pack. I took it
pretty conservative for the first 2 laps, sizing up the field and more
importantly, the slick turns. I was beginning to make up some spots
and would say I was probably about 20-30 deep when a wreck occurred in
turn 1. I was thinking of laying it down to take the free lap, as I
practically had to stop to avoid the carnage, but thought better and
weaved my way through. It took about a lap and a half, but I did
rejoin the field. by then I was good and cooked and was just happy to
finish the race off with a bit of a sprint, but was not really
contesting much and took 26th. I felt good about it though, as I am
never good at holding a hard pace for long and that is what I had to
do to catch back on.

Cat 4/5 30+: I had told my wife earlier in the week that if she had
to pick a race to watch, this would be it. After the debacle in Elk
Grove, I had little confidence that I could navigate my way with the
3/4 field. I had discussed with Jay Corgiat about leading him out
into a flyer on the stretch between turns 2 and 3 about 15 mins. into
the race and then hoping for some help on the blocking front, beyond
that I was looking to stay up front out of trouble and look for
openings in the field sprint. I started right on the line in a large
field, but again not quite the 100 that signed up. I luckily had
brought 2 full kits so I was somewhat dry at the onset of the race
(except my shoes had about 3 gallons of water in them still). I again
had issues with the clip-in, oh well. By turn 2 I was back at the
front and I led over the hill at turn 3 and through the rest of the
first lap. I actually had a small gap coming out of turn 8 and
decided to give a few kicks to see if the gap may grow. It did not,
but I did get my name announced as I crossed first (if only Busteed
and his smooth vocals were doing the race...). The next 6 or so laps
saw a couple of breaks form, but nothing too special and I kept myself
in the top 5 the whole time, which was nice, as we took the turns
smooth and quick. Jay had moved into the top 8 riders and I asked him
a few times if he was ready, he kept saying "not yet." I guess on the
next lap he said "let's go now," but i was getting a drink and gave
him a "deer in the headlights" look. So, we did our fancy little move
on the next lap. i jumped too hard, backed off, jay latched on, we
went again and I pull aside right before the hill on turn 3. Jay got
about 30 meters and held it for 1/2 a lap and then a massive chase
began on both sides of me. All i could do was jump with them and
watch as Jay pulled back into about 8th wheel. Almost immediately xxx
did the same thing that Jay and I did, but most of the folks up front
were either too tired or not concerned enough to chase. The one guy
got off and built close to a 10 second lead on us with 2 to go. Jay
marched back to the front, I sat on his wheel and he pulled all of us
right back to the breaker. It was nice to have someone with the
stones to throw his finish chances in the trash for the sake of
brining the field back. Once I saw that, I knew I had to play my
cards right and make sure his work was not in vain. With one to go,
he was swarmed and we both dropped back a bit. I was able to regain
position and was top 5 by the top of the hill on the back stretch.
Coming out of turn 6, Voytek from WDT came charging up the inside from
about 10th position, I latched on and we were able to take the front
prior to turn 7. We took a wide, fast line through the last two turns
and had a nice 10 meter gap as we entered the finishing straight.
When I saw the gap, I knew I had a chance, especially since I had done
0 work to get there. I stood up and gave 3 strong cranks, each
resulting in a wild fishtail of my rear wheel. I then settled down
and slowly ramped it up, moving around him with about 100 meters to go
and finished about 2-3 bikes up. Had it been dry, i may have raised
my arms, but I opted for a few fist pumps and a smile...never before
has 65 and rainy felt so good. I won some money and a medal and the
even interviewed me on the podium. I am not sure anyone really cares
what the cat 4/5 30+ under 6 ft. tall crit champ has to say, but it
was cool nonetheless. Till next time...

Keeley Report: Elk Grove Village

I have not posted a race report in a while, so I may lack the style and grace which the likes of a Jessi may write, but here goes:

OUCH!
(no, i did not improperly cut and paste this report, that is all I can say about the race).

Oh, and kudos to Joel Crouch, 10th place in a field of 130+ mostly frothing at the mouth 3/4's, are you kidding me!?!!?? The dude has a nose for the front of the pack.

Tim K.

Prinner Report: Superweek

Hey all,

There is nothing that fulfills a bike racer’s dream more than two weeks of nonstop racing on the most flat, hilly, dangerous, fast, tricky and exciting courses you might ever find in the U.S. against fiercest competitors and most torrential weather to contend with. One can just simply wake up in the morning and have the strongest urge to hurt themselves and decide to head on down the road to the race-of-the- day and find themselves in a whole world of pain beyond any masochist’s wildest dream. Welcome to Superweek.

The person who decided to call it Superweek is a horrible liar. It’s not as if one week of muscle-grinding, lung-wrenching pain is enough to send any cyclist off into Crazy World. Oh no, the title Superweek is beyond cruel in that it is actually over two weeks long, enough to drive a cyclist so insane they’re nearly three times as likely to be found singing their bicycles to sleep with lullabies or reading to it a happy little storybook. Not that I don’t do that already…

Anyway, my first race of the “week” started in Evanston, with the women’s Pro, cat. 1,2,3 race. To say that the race was “pretty fast” would be an understatement, because in truth it was so blazing fast that scorch marks could be seen on the road after our race. Or maybe that’s just how I viewed it. There were definitely some blazing fast women there, though, and even a squad of Australian women with names like Skye-Lee Armstrong and She-Man (or at least that’s what she should have been named). I clawed on for dear life but soon found myself at the back growing more and more cross-eyed with each lap, panting with dismay as I glanced at the speed-machine bl inking 27mph-29mph- 28mph with each lap. Hey, there’s a reason I don’t look at my own speedometer during a race. With two laps to go I pulled out as the pack disappeared in the far distance, waving my fist at the sky and swearing to be back next year.

Two days later I was hammering up a hill in the women’s 3/4 crit in Cedarburg. It was at this race that I finally trashed my old nickname of Crashzalot and earned a new one—the Attackanator. Of all the attacks that occurred in this race, I accounted for roughly half of them. After about the fifth or sixth attack my competitors were starting to comment in a bored tone, “ *sigh* There she goes again ladies”. By the end my competitors were calling me “That Crazy Girl”, but I prefer The Attackanator. It just seems to have a certain malicious ring to it, wouldn’t you agree? ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas- microsoft- com:office: office" />

In the end, none of my 184 attacks had prevailed, so it came down to a sprint where I took fourth place.

Another two days after that I was sitting on the line of the flat Kenosha course, or more commonly known as Fast Food Folks and Spokes. The race started at 48 laps. Would anybody like to guess when I attacked? That’s right! 45 laps to go! Now would anybody like to guess how many laps I was off the front with a small breakaway group? That’s right again! 45 laps! The next time I attack with 45 laps to go would somebody do me a huge favor and perhaps stick a metal rod in my spokes?

Anyway, it was roughly 15 laps to go that a chase group of two caught our break of three, making a breakaway of five in total. As it came down to the final laps of the race, the peloton came into view, and everyone in the break agreed not to catch the field because it would surely be extremely squirrelly one the last lap. There were two super strong sprinters in the break with me, so felt a daring move would be necessary for the win, and with 1.5 laps to go I attacked and gapped the four other riders. Victory was just in sight—one lap to go, half a lap to go

…I wish I could stop here where I sound like an absolute superstar, but I’ll make the ending as quick as possible…

but the group caught me and I got fifth. Better luck next time.

The next day I lined up for the Heritage square crit in Milwalkee, ambitious to succeed this time. So I’m racing along and bump handlebars with another lady; no problem, right? Wrong. She panicked and took us both down. So much for The Attackanator.

I’m not disappointed, though, it’s been a good week of racing, and now I’m on lucky helmet number seven (whoohoo!).

And this weekend I look forward to Greyslake and Elgin crits!

-Crashzalot

Oehmen Report: Paceline Approved by Dogs

OK so last year was a bad year for me and dogs. Which some of you may remember from my emails for help and Farrell may remember me giving him a call on the verge of tears ready to quit cycling.... stupid dogs. One thing i read or maybe i was told was that some dogs like the German Shepard that chased are herding dogs which is why he wasn't behind me but next to me on the other side of the rode.

Anyways there have been no incidents this year ... knock on wood! But yesterday at the melon century i grabbed onto a very large group of riders of about 16. Most were from a club with red shirts a bottle cap on the back of the shirts. Sorry i don't remember the name of the club or the riders. Anyways we had a pace line going and at one time we were all single file. Then i hear everyone yell back dog.... And i look over and see 2 dogs. One a golden medium size but plump dog and the other a beagle, both with collars. The golden dog is in the middle of the intersection slowly walking towards us while the beagle is laying in the grass.

He didn't chase us. Just watched us go by with a grin on his face. And some may argue that he might have been too tired from chasing riders already past or maybe he was way too much out of shape to chase a cyclist. I looked in his eyes while he looked at us and i say he was thinking that everything looked in order with us and nobody needed to be herded back into line. We had a real good pace line going.

It is a good thing that they didn't meet up with us later because a few guys decided we weren't going fast enough once they got to the front and completely blew the pace line apart into a zillion different pieces. But that is a whole other story. Well that was ok. I did 50 miles with them and did the other half at a nice easy pace by myself.

Liz Oehmen

Ryan Baumann Checks in From Europe

ABD rider Ryan Baumann is currently racing with the US National Team in Europe and just finished a stage race in Liege.

Read his latest Blog entry, "Liege'n" at http://racewithryanbaumann.blogspot.com/

Sarah Tillotson's Giro Femminile Report

The rain is falling with a soaking determination up here in the Adirondacks today. I'm sitting in my friends' living room a block away from the Ironman Lake Placid registration tent watching through the front window as Sunday's competitors park and walk to pick up their race packets. I have also just finished watching today's Tour de France stage with all of the glorified Versus commercials for the station's ongoing Tour coverage. Between the Tour montages and parade of Ironmen, I am feeling by turns inspired and slothful on my couch. But wait, I think, did I not just fly in from Italy less than 48 hours ago after completing the longest women's stage race in the world? Oh, but how quickly I forget the racing induced pain and suffering that my body just endured for a record 9 straight days of racing. If anything I guess it can be said that I am in good company amongst these athletes-televised and otherwise. Through the jet-lag that is beginning to taper off perhaps I can convey some of the lasting impressions from the Giro Ciclistico Femminile Internazionale (the Giro for girls) that my Colavita/Sutter Home team has just competed in.

Was I excited for the Giro was a frequently asked question before the trip over. Truthfully, I was nervous-afraid really. This was new territory for me as a racer. Nine days of Euro racing with women who raced like pro men. These feelings weren't unfounded: we averaged 42-45 kph for 3-4.5 hours a day. This includes frequent braking caused by any type of bend or corner in the course. I never thought I would say this but I long for a a tight, technical crit course raced by North American girls who have been raised on a steady diet of criterium racing and know how to take a turn with a fair amount of speed. That is the ONLY arena I can claim superiority for my country's racing over Europeans, other than that, those girls are incredible. Aside from the personal challenges I would face, I knew that our team's staff was going into unchartered territory; though very competent people in their own country with their own language, I was truly apprehensive about the ability of my director to guide us through the rigmarole of two weeks of racing with no English cues. Races starts, accommodations, race radio information, manager's meetings, communiqués-there are so many critical facets of the race that were going to have an enormous bearing on the riders, that he was going to have to fudge his way through. I would have to have an extraordinary amount of faith in his ability to figure these things out because we were totally at his mercy. Our mechanic had never been to Europe where the race on bikes is only half the story. Racing to the hotel to get the hook-ups for the hose to wash the bikes and run the washing machines in the team trucks was a whole new form of competition. Our soigneur in her first year of doing the job, had a whole new set of challenges facing her in trying to feed and massage us in this foreign land. The chaos of trying to sheppard all these people through all of the day's logistic challenges while dealing with the constant barrage of glitches that are sure to crop up along the way was a gigantic undertaking. Kudos to our director Jim Williams who somehow pulled it off, his strength and competency, patience and flexibility were admirable and made for a successful and crisis free trip.

I would be hard pressed to recall the outcome of every day we spent racing. So much happened, a lifetime of activity, but at the same time so little occurred. It took a gigantic effort to compete but the result on paper amounted to nothing of any note. Because of this, I have a hard time defining the success of the race and tend to recall it now for it's remarkable moments; the snapshots in my memory that make it a significant experience. For that alone, I can personally appreciate it but is that enough for a sponsor? I crested the top of a climb into an ancient Italian village and happened, for a split second, to look up and see a 30-foot tall bronze statue of a saint with his arms outspread as if to welcome the charging field into the village and gasped in surprise and wonderment. That image will remain forever in my head but I don't think that that is what my director, or the national team coach, or the CEO of Colavita really care about. That is to say, Italy was beautiful, participating in the Giro was fun but from a competitive standpoint, even though I don't think it was realistic to just show up in Europe and expect stage wins and a top 10 GC placing, I should feel disappointed for letting our sponsors down and not living up to our team goals. It's a tough place to be. It doesn't seem quite right to detail out the highlights of the trip in a way that make it sound as if it was nothing but a cycling vacation, yet at the same time, what else can I really take away from it and share?

Perhaps I should have waited to write when the jet lag was truly gone and the rain had ceased. I would have been more disposed to discribe our villa in Tuscany outside the walled city of Lucca, the fields of sunflowers we rode past just like Graham Watson's Tour pictures, my TT up a 10km climb in Buti where a very young Italian boy rode with me to the top in silent encouragement, and the countless other characters and landscapes we encountered along the way.

It really was a great trip and I hope that the racing there will make me stronger and faster for our next big race in Altoona, Pennsylvania which starts next week. It's seven days and actually longer in mileage then the Giro. Most likely we will be going at a pace that is more condusive to sight seeing, but hopefully my race report from it will include podiums, stage wins and high GC placings.

Take care!
Sarah

Oehmen's Superweek Soigneur Report

If you are hoping that this email will spill all the deep dark secrets shared on the table by the elite team. Don't bother reading any further. i will never share any stories... through email :)

But i have gone with the team to racers for three events now. Quad city, nature valley and a couple days in superweek. I have learned a few things but i know i still  have a long way to go.

Notes from the feed zone.

0 - 2 bottles .... boring
5 - 10 bottles ..... fun
25 plus bottles.... funner
feeding guys from a few different teams ...... priceless

I have learned that me being over prepared and taking home extra water bottles that are still full is so much better than running out of water.

I have learned that when they say they don't need coke after a race, not to listen to them because they will have changed their minds at the end of the race.

I have learned that having a good radio is important so the guys can actually hear you and will be warned if their will be a feed bag next lap.

i have learned that sunblock and bug spray should always be worn in the feed zone. Stupid bugs and sun!

Other things i have learned about myself:

I would rather have too much to do than sitting around waiting for the guys  to race.

i need around 5 hours of sleep or i get irritable.

The most important thing is that i really enjoy the job and i think I am a good fit for it.

* i know there is more i just can't remember what it is. I might have blocked a few things out!

Liz Oehmen
ABD soigneur

Cooper Report: Dice 40k TT

While a lot of my friends were out racing at superweek venues I chose to hone my skills at time trialing. I met up with Rob, on time, and we headed out to what Nebraska or something, no Cordova. We got there at a decent time and had breakfast at a farmers diner. Rob is the sausage, eggs, hash brown kind of guy and I was the pancake with blueberry sauce dude. You know it was nice not to rush. I set my bike up, still don't have the TT bike so I used my geeky clip ons, and got a nice warm up. I vowed to my self to ride this "out of the book." Try not to go out too hard and settle in and constantly ramp it up towards the end. This is what I did. I went out not too hard for 5 min then I moved it up a notch. I tried to keep aero the whole way but I had some head bobs going on. At the 1/2 way point I saw Rob was gaining on me so I kicked it up a notch higher. I felt good and I thought I was farther into it than I was, and drove it up only to come back a bit a little later. With about 10 min left I increased the torque and in the last 2k I tried to ride out of my skin. After the final s bend and the finish line in sight I wanted to maintain and I looked down at my polar for a little motivation. I cruised through the finish at 58:33 with a 2nd place finish. I accomplished 2 goals, 1 to stick to the plan, and 2 get under an hour. It was odd though there was no real wind...are you sure we were in the Midwest?
-Ryan

Jr Track Nationals

As soon as we pulled up to Colorado Springs’ 7-Eleven velodrome with all five bikes, seven extra wheels, and about 3 tons of equipment and clothes piled in the back of our van, I knew I was in for quite a ride (literally and figuratively).

After having settled into the atmosphere of the Northbrook and Kenosha velodromes, this track nearly scared the living daylights out of me. The infield was concrete with a permanent wall all the way around except for two openings allowing riders onto the inner track followed by a gully that ran all the way around which was covered in certain places by rotting boards to ride over. After making it past all these obstacles, you were finally on the apron of the actual track. Just by looking at the banking I knew it was much steeper than Kenosha, and the track even contained an enclosed two-story tower/building from which the officials could watch the race in comfy sofas and chairs. Despite all of that, though, I was truly blown away by the underground tunnel that transported riders from the infield to the spectator stands. That’s when I knew this track meant business. I think we need to make some serious modifications to Northbrook.

I entered the track for the very first time full of anticipation and excitement…until, of course, I got to the first turn and nearly had a heart attack when I looked down and saw how steep the banking was. The turns were so steep that I doubted I could climb up to the top of one on just hands and feet.

For all of my races I camped out in two tents staked out by the “Chicagoians” which consisted of teams like XXX, Smartcycling, Northbrook veloclub and several other teams I recognized from Northbrook. I must admit that even though cyclists are usually good, caring people, they get a little aggressive on the infield when it comes to tent territories and possession of benches and bike stands. People became so intent on robbing each other of their benches that it became a heated competition all in itself. Some went so far as to cut off the zip-ties that we used to attach the bench to our tent with.

Anyway, when the first day of competition came I wish I could say I was full of confidence and zeal, but instead I was really nervous and only wanted to crawl under one of the benches we stole. It was the 500 meter TT, and by the time it was my turn to go I was shaking bad enough to make anyone believe there was an earthquake happening. Let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than sitting alone at the line with only a clockface counting down the seconds (50…40…30…20) until the buzzer signals the start of a race where everything has to be performed perfectly from the time you’re let go to the moment you’re racing down to the finish line hammering with everything you’ve got. I finished in 41.5 seconds. SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> That was good enough for 11th place, and first place was just four seconds away. I’ve decided that I hate 500m TTs.

The next day I showed up again on the line along with 19 other girls, staring each other down for the victory of the 6k Scratch race (a scratch race is just like a crit, just in a velodrome). Actually, everyone already knew who was going to win the scratch race, it would be a girl named Coryn who had only lost a Junior National Track race when she was 10. She’d won gold for every single other race, and she’d won the 500m with a time of 37 sec. It would only be a question of when she would make her winning move. As the race started I sat at the back twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the real race to begin.

Coryn set the fuse with a fake attack near the start. She was caught easily, and her plan rolled exactly how she had calculated: a counter attack went off, and the field chased it down within a lap. Then Coryn made her real move with an attack that made a 20 ft. gap and held for about two laps before the strung-out field finally caught it. Coryn swung up and the exhausted field did so as well which left a perfect clear path at the bottom, and which shoved the most perfect opportunity right in my face. I wasted no time before diving down the banking straight to the bottom, underneath all the riders and right off the front before anyone could even shout, “Ho ly Guacamole Batman!”. I whizzed so close past the faces of the coaches on the apron (screaming “Attack! Attack!”) that I could have reached out and punched one in the face. I flew past the cameraman flashing the light for his photo, and sped by the lap counter that read 12 laps to go…wait a second! 12 laps to go?!?! What in the Holy Toast’s name was I thinking?!?! Who in their right mind attacks with 12 laps to go?!?! Jessi Prinner does, that’s who.

The adrenaline was pumping through me at 10 laps to go; at six laps to go I couldn’t feel my legs anymore and Coryn was leading the field in a desperate chase to catch me; at four laps to go my lungs felt as if they were going to explode and Coryn was begging the field in a panic to help her chase me down; at three laps remaining my vision was getting blurry, I could practically hear the lactic acid sloshing around in my legs, and I just wanted someone to shoot me; at two to go I wanted to punch the lap counter official for not making it one to go; and at one to go all I could think about was, “DON’T CRASH DON’T CRASH”, because knowing me I would probably crash into one of the coaches on the apron. Thankfully, though, I managed to cross the lin e in one piece, taking the gold scratch race medal, and leaving Coryn in a huff at her loss.

The next day I had to wake up extra early (at 8:00 am!) to warm up for my final event: the points race (a 30 lap race in which riders sprint for points every 5 laps and 1st place gets 5 points, second gets 3, third gets two and fourth gets one. The bell signals the points lap). It was a hot day, and even though I drank roughly 68 gallons of water, I still somehow managed to obtain what is called “cotton mouth” ( no not the snake, but just as deadly) where it feels as though someone stuck a wad of cotton in your mouth and it becomes agonizingly dry. From the beginning it was slow and bunched up; everyone was just ambling around in circles waiting for the first points. Just two or three laps into the race a sudden clashing and scraping sound erupted from behind of a five girl pile-up and the race was instantly neutralized. About five or six laps of riding slowly around the apron later, we all started off again with all the crashed girls back in the pack (gosh I feel safe). During the ten hours it took to finally scrape all the bodies off the ground, my mouth kept becoming more and more painfully dry. As we rode around I kept trying to summon up all the saliva from the pores in my mouth, but it was bone dry in the cave. The bell lap finally came, and the field exploded with jumps and girls fighting for position. I was flung back into the far reaches of the pack, far out of contention for points. It remained like chaos for the rest of the race, and for the first four points laps I didn’t earn any. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, I attacked and rode away with Coryn, getting second place points and eventually passing her in the end to earn first, miraculously putting me in third place for the race.

Not only did I earn a third and a first place, though, but I also placed second for the omnium (the overall ranking).

I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get a jersey for winning the scratch race, but I did leave with the bling, so all is good.

Until next nationals…oh, wait, that’s tomarrow…

-Jessi

The Cooper Report: Wolfgang Freitag TTT

Last weekend' s two man time trial was an enjoyable experience for me and I am sure for my partner, Rob, too. It is a good feeling to walk away from a race and feel pretty satisfied with your, or in this case our efforts, despite all the little mishaps. Really, though, what would a race seriously be like with out something to blame the little shortcomings on. From the gate Rob and I worked together. We had great communication and really looked out for one another. Rob was in charge of pull times and pace, I just got to ride. We had the opportunity to pass back and forth a water bottle, since Rob's abandoned ship 15 min in to the race. And Rob had the pleasure of a swivel arm rest on his TT bars, due to his massive forearm busting the screw out. We made sure to watch wind position and not to pull off too hard. All in all we tried to keep it as streamlined as possible, for a couple cat 4's that is.

I would have to say that last back straight was nice! Smooth as can be, the wind at your back, and the finish line in sight. Rob and I saved enough energy to really lay it out coming home. There was a little traffic and may have cost us some time but really it wouldn't have mattered. One more pull each and we came across the line with 1.16 and change (results are a little off I would say) Still it was good enough to rake in a 1st place finish for cat 4 on a nice sunny day. Being my first 2 man I would say it was fun and I am looking forward to another one.

-Ryan

Marshall Report: Wolgang Freitag TTT

I thought I would share this race report...it's exactly what not to do for a 2-man TTT!

It all starts with the Pre-Race prep a couple days before, or Friday, July 6th. Got up at 5:15am, and ran an 11 miler at about 7:20 per mile pace, with my running group.

Big mistake number one, DO NOT PUT IN A LONG TEMPO RUN TWO DAYS BEFORE COMPETITION...especially on sore legs (left hip flexor/ham problem).

Ok, on to the day before stuff...did almost all the right things, took in fluids, electrolytes, carbs, easy soft-pedal 14 miler, etc. However, got to bed little to late, got about 5-1/2 hours sleep.

Race Day...here's where the problems begin.

Steve Gage & I got there late, set-up trainer, and put in about 8 minute warmup, never got HR into "AT" range at all. Really needed a minimum of 25-30 minutes, primarily because of my left flexor/hamstring problem.

3-minutes to start....

grabbed my TT helmet, and noticed that the back plastic strap was broken...my partner, tried to fix it, and couldn't...

now it's over to start line...we pull up and offical tells us we have 34 seconds to start. Now where both worried, as I handed my helmet to the race official's son, who tried to fix it...we miss our start time.

Race official tells my partner to go ahead, and I'll catch up...as there still working on my helmet...my partner goes up the road about 25 yards, and waits there...as I grab my helmet back from the kid, I hear the words...5-4-3-2-1 the next group just left.

Lost 55 seconds, not to mention the momentum, and stress we both went thru!

Were finally off...Richard Kreutzfeldt had to take double pulls, to let me warmup. I didn't get into a rythem until about 8 miles or so.

Finally, second lap goes better...we finish in 1:20:42 about 3 minutes slower than we expected.

I apoligize to my partner, whom, by the way is almost dead even with me in overall Matts Series (with the two throw-outs, I'm 2 points ahead of Richard, in 4th place).

P.S. - I'm staying overnight in Genneseo, next Saturday, so I'm closer to Cordova...the Dice 40k TT on Sunday! Maybe, I'll start checking my equipment too!

Bob Marshall/
ABD Multisport

Oehmen Report: Riding With Cicadas & Character Building

Riding with Cicadas
So last month my riding partner says to me on Saturday lets go to the Orland park forest preserve tomorrow. (Which is a lovely ten mile loop in the south suburbs) Then i ask have you been there in the last couple weeks because the cicadas are really bad by my house right now. She assured me she only saw a handful and they were fine. So I set out at 7am to go biking in circles while she sleeps in. She meets up with me after 40 miles. I say to her on the phone as she calling me to say she is here, "You haven't been here in the last couple weeks.... the cicadas are pretty bad." Then she admits she hasn't been. So a handful of cicadas landed on me and another handful flew into my wheels (which was gross because cicada juice got on my legs) Then there was the occasional sprinkling of "rain" which my friend and i suspect was a birds eating a cicada overhead. Then there was constant dodging of them flying overhead. Around lunch time cicadas get really loud. All the males are looking for mates and they just go crazy. I guess if you only get to do it once before you die, everyone would be very desperate. So one landed on Pam and i took a picture, then told here about it.

Character building
Whenever i have to do something i don't like i consider it character building. A couple weeks ago i went on an easy mountain biking trail but i am really bad at that kind of stuff so i considered it character building. Then i got lost on the trails and rode longer than i had intended. Ooops! Then there was that 80 mile ride where we got rained on for over 10 miles. Which i would take any day over yesterday. Yesterday i did the heatstroke 100. Pam didn't come with. I don't know why she didn't want to drive over an hour to bike 100 miles in 100 degree weather. My bad hydration habits often lead me to dehydration and then in hot weather i start to get heat exhaustion. It already happened this year and lead me to cut my last century 20 miles short. So i was upset about that and i said it would happen this time. So here i was thinking that i needed to be sure i drank lots of water and sprayed myself with it all the time. I started the ride feeling ok but i have been nursing a cold and a sore throat all week. It cause me to only ride 40 miles last week and the 4th of July ride was very slow. Plus i somehow sprained my ankle last month but i am ignoring that. (Stupid ankle) So I am by myself knowing that if i latch myself onto a group i would push myself too hard and forget to drink. Around 30 miles into the ride the was a curve ball. A train was stopped on the tracks and a guy was trying to fix something. A lady in a car next to us asked how long it would be. He suggested that she turn around. Then we ask, can we go through the empty flat. He says i wish you wouldn't and i wish the other riders didn't. And i am thinking well why would you tell me someone else already did and he probably doesn't want to get in trouble by saying we can. The lady in the car was all like , "you guys have some real balls" in a i hate all cyclist way. So i say to her, then can you help us find our next stop because we don't know our way around here. She suggested we turn around then turn left then ask a business how to get there. Haha i found that very funny in a it's bad enough that i am doing 100 miles... i am not also going to get lost! So there was a group of five of us and we team worked it to get the bikes across. I stood on the train and I passed the bikes over to someone on the other side. I wish i remembered to take a picture. Before the other three people came across but all the bike were on the other side. The train guy warned us that the train was moving. So i hoped off and i am thinking great we did all this work an the train is moving again. No worries it only moved around 20 feet then stopped again. We were on our way. The story at the rest stop seemed to be that half of the cyclist were going around and the other half were going through the train.
So anyways the character building part. So around 60 miles the heat is sucking but i am doing good with my water. I actually have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the ride which never happens to me. Can anyone explain to me why an 80 mile ride is easy but once you go over that it gets hard? So anyways around 80 miles my thermometer say 102 and this is where i cracked last time. But this time i refuse and i keep going. I keep telling myself that i am character building. I think it is even harder when you are by yourself. No one to help push each other. I feel great today. And i can't wait to do another next week. I get a great amount of pride every time i finish one. It must be all that character building i do!

Ok thanks for reading my very long rambling. I don't write stories to the club often!
Liz Oehmen