The field was way too strong and eager looking. Didn't everybody stay up late? Below is a picture of me realizing I should have stayed in bed. I believe we are about 4 seconds into the start of the race....
So, how did I get to that point? Let's now go back to the beginning.---- Psychlofest Cyclocross, Bettendorf, IA, Saturday ---
Headed up to the race with Nick Campbell, and was feeling pretty good. It was bitterly cold out, which may have affected the turn-out a bit. The course was fast and featured several areas of pavement and hard-packed dirt, so I had a feeling I could do well.
I was focused on placing as high as possible, as I was currently in 2nd place in the DICE 4 race series, meaning I would win additional cash if I could hold a top 3 finish in the series. I looked around to see who was and/or wasn't there, and it looked like Bryan Abbot and Kyle Williams were going to be the main threats to my ranking in the series points.
Tracy Thompson of Bikes2U lined up in the Cat 3/4 race next to me. Hmm? He has got to be fast (I believe he is a Cat 1 on the road, maybe 2), though I was surprised he in wasn't in the more prestigious Open Race. Looked like about 17 or so in the race... and we were off.
I stuck a good pace as me and 3 other racers began to create a gap, Abbott, Williams and Thompson (aka Tater). Teammates Abbott and Williams were setting the pace early as me and Tracy were sort of 'hanging on' at first. After a lap or two Abbott began to slip away.
My strengths were on the hard pavement and dirt sections, but I was markedly slower on the uphill riding and running sections. The Tatenator was able to seemingly rocket up the hill, leaving me in the dust. He definately had a little extra grease in his frying pan when it came to that hill. Later, though on the run-up, his french was a little fried, whereas Abbott and Williams were always able to gain a little ground on us.
With Abbott eventually out of sight up ahead, I was trying to keep Tracy and Kyle in my sights, as they were sort of pulling away. I began to smell a respectable 4th place finish coming on, but I wasn't giving up yet.
Awesome, Tracy and Kyle had a technical 'incident' on one of the corners, and were running their bikes up. This allowed me to catch up, and advance ahead of them. This didn't last long, as Tracy used his uphill power to disappear from view towards the last couple of laps.
Me and Kyle, however were still side by side. He was nailing me on the most painful 'phil's hill' run-up, whereas I was always able to gain ground on the flats. We traded spots a couple of times as the last lap was underway. I knew my only shot at beating him, was to get to the run-up before him, because if he got there first he would easily win, because the finish was just 100 yards past the run-up.
I gave it everything I had, but he had just a bit more, as he got to the run-up just ahead of me, and pulled away to get third. Dang, that run-up was one of the most leg burning obstacles of the season.
Ok, I won some cash, and maintain my 2nd place position in the series with 90 points. 10 points behind Abbott, but 6 points ahead of Adam Price and 9 points ahead of Kyle Williams.
----Hawkeyes Vs. Minnesota----
Ooops, I was hosting a sort of football party that night. Hmm? Maybe I don't need to race Sunday, it is just money, and I did get a great workout in at Psychlofest. No, don't be a wimp.
Wait, what is that sound, was that a beer can being opened? Yes, it was, wait, no, there is a cold filtered, wide mouthed silver bullet heading toward my mouth. Must stop it... ahh no, the brewed substance had made it's way into my mouth and down my throat.
No worries, I can have a beer or two and still have a great race.... Crap, those beers keep launching themselves into my digestive system. Man, the hawks are doing great! Forget about it, there is no way I can go to the race tomorrow, so I decided to just sort of 'relax' the rest of the night. This decision seemed my only option as the clock was claiming it was 2:30 am as I was devouring Taco Bell Burritos like 'there was no tommorrow'.
---8:15am--- Ah, man, I had my first RAGBRAI flashback. I felt like crap with a full day of bike riding ahead of me. Oh, but alas I was not on RAGBRAI, and starting to feel extremely guilty and foolish for not being able to race today at 100%. Oh well, back to sleep, to hide from the shame of not racing.
8:20am--- Well, I can't sleep. Did I eat sandpaper last night? My mouth felt like it. I headed to the store and got a mega sized 'Rock Star' energy drink, maybe that will help. Ok, now I felt really energized and tired at the same time. That will have to do, because I knew that If I merely finished the race I should be able to get 3rd in the series and win $50.
I brought my sister and brother-in-law for support and off we went.
THE RACE-
Much improved weather, great for the spectators. Can't wait to be a spectator and get this race over with. I know that is a horrible attitude, but, hey I have about 43 races under my belt this year, give me a break.
I lined up inadvertantly in the front row. The field was much larger and much stronger than saturday's race. Moritz told me my brake was rubbing as we waited... man this is going to be a long race. I took off as strong as I could and quickly, very quickly slipped back to the middle of the pack. I hit the first set off barriers so fast I almost lost the handle. Unfortunately I didn't, so I had to keep racing.
The course was 'soggy' which really slowed it down and made even the flat sections painful. The run-up was mild compared to yesterday, that was a plus. Midway through the first lap I counted back and realized I had already fallen back into 14th place.
One lap down, 6 to go. I just kept telling myself I had to finish, that's it just finish. Still not sure if this was possible. About half way through the race I actually started to feel better. I had found some good lines, and was gaining ground on some racers ahead. Cool, I was going to finish, get in a great work-out and most likely win some cash.
Wait, there is Kyle Williams just up ahead. If I can stay close to him, I will get 2nd Place in the series instead of third. Dang it, I couldn't do it, as he eventually slipped up ahead out of sight.
I did pull back a few people, which is nice. My fitness is still strong (all things considered) so as endurance became more of a factor, I began to show strength.
That crafty Williams couple, Kyle was out of view, but his wife Robin, just happened to be right ahead of me. I couldn't help but to notice that Robin was a woman. Well, technically she wasn't even racing against me, but it is always nice not to get beat by a girl, so I caught up with her.
My plan was to drop the hammer on sections that I seemed to be strongest at, get a gap and try to hold on to it. Due to my poor pre-race nutritional decisions Satruday night, my only strength today was the down hill section. That is sad, I know, basically just using gravity to do what my legs couldn't.
As the last lap approached she was still on my wheel. I wished she would quit following me, as I needed some RAGBRAI 'alone time' as the race was very exhausting. Nope she seemed interested in making my last lap just as painful as the first 6.
Wait... then it dawned on me, I was in position to accept my first beer hand-up of my racing career. I figured I earned this reward, since I really was in no contention for glory, and sort of celebrating the fact that it looked like I was going to finish this race, amazing. Actually, it was even more amazing that I started this race, but I digress.
I had my bike over my right shoulder and my left hand outreached, in anticipation of the Coors silver bullet saving my day. I grabbed the beer, chugged down some large gulps as I continued to make forward progress. I then threw the beer so that it would splash all over the spectators watching (sorry bout that), and remounted my bike. Man, that tasted like crap, but what great delights await me, as this nightmare is about to be over.
Oh yeah, Robin is still back there. Please, let me finish ahead of you. I am a nice guy, my intentions are good and I am not sure my ego can handle you out-racing me. With just the long straight finish section left, I punched it with what meager bit of strength I had.
And, then, playing me like a fool, she emerged from my wheel and schooled me in front of all those watching at the finish line.
I quickly went over to the cooler and began to drown my sorrows. Wait, I am not actually sad, because 'mission accomplished', I most certainly came in third in the series, so I had $50 waiting for me on the podium after the Open race.
During the Open Race, some of the B2U team was on the hill pounding down Bud Lights and heckling the field. It was fun to join in as a fan, watching the others suffer over the same course we had just got done breaking in for them.
Then, Brian Abbott busted out a trombone to encourage the racers. It was then that I decided to race the 'A' Race next year. Not because I am planning on being a stronger rider, but because the quality of the heckling was so much better than the cat 3/4 race's. Oh, how I could have used a trombone blast to keep my mind off of the pain.
I really should have just picked one or the other races to do, but ultimately it did work out. I sort of regret not being able to 'race' Sunday, at least not with my health in tact, but I am, on the other hand, proud that I showed up.
I am planning on hitting it hard tuesday and wednesday for training, then a sort of a two day taper before Jingle Cross Rock. I am only racing on Saturday, so no worries about a repeat retardance by racing Sunday. This way, I can cheer on Mt. Krumpit with the others Saturday after my race and watch the awesome UCI field of pros and Cat 1 amateurs battle it out.
Headed up to the race with Nick Campbell, and was feeling pretty good. It was bitterly cold out, which may have affected the turn-out a bit. The course was fast and featured several areas of pavement and hard-packed dirt, so I had a feeling I could do well.
I was focused on placing as high as possible, as I was currently in 2nd place in the DICE 4 race series, meaning I would win additional cash if I could hold a top 3 finish in the series. I looked around to see who was and/or wasn't there, and it looked like Bryan Abbot and Kyle Williams were going to be the main threats to my ranking in the series points.
Tracy Thompson of Bikes2U lined up in the Cat 3/4 race next to me. Hmm? He has got to be fast (I believe he is a Cat 1 on the road, maybe 2), though I was surprised he in wasn't in the more prestigious Open Race. Looked like about 17 or so in the race... and we were off.
I stuck a good pace as me and 3 other racers began to create a gap, Abbott, Williams and Thompson (aka Tater). Teammates Abbott and Williams were setting the pace early as me and Tracy were sort of 'hanging on' at first. After a lap or two Abbott began to slip away.
My strengths were on the hard pavement and dirt sections, but I was markedly slower on the uphill riding and running sections. The Tatenator was able to seemingly rocket up the hill, leaving me in the dust. He definately had a little extra grease in his frying pan when it came to that hill. Later, though on the run-up, his french was a little fried, whereas Abbott and Williams were always able to gain a little ground on us.
With Abbott eventually out of sight up ahead, I was trying to keep Tracy and Kyle in my sights, as they were sort of pulling away. I began to smell a respectable 4th place finish coming on, but I wasn't giving up yet.
Awesome, Tracy and Kyle had a technical 'incident' on one of the corners, and were running their bikes up. This allowed me to catch up, and advance ahead of them. This didn't last long, as Tracy used his uphill power to disappear from view towards the last couple of laps.
Me and Kyle, however were still side by side. He was nailing me on the most painful 'phil's hill' run-up, whereas I was always able to gain ground on the flats. We traded spots a couple of times as the last lap was underway. I knew my only shot at beating him, was to get to the run-up before him, because if he got there first he would easily win, because the finish was just 100 yards past the run-up.
I gave it everything I had, but he had just a bit more, as he got to the run-up just ahead of me, and pulled away to get third. Dang, that run-up was one of the most leg burning obstacles of the season.
Ok, I won some cash, and maintain my 2nd place position in the series with 90 points. 10 points behind Abbott, but 6 points ahead of Adam Price and 9 points ahead of Kyle Williams.
----Hawkeyes Vs. Minnesota----
Ooops, I was hosting a sort of football party that night. Hmm? Maybe I don't need to race Sunday, it is just money, and I did get a great workout in at Psychlofest. No, don't be a wimp.
Wait, what is that sound, was that a beer can being opened? Yes, it was, wait, no, there is a cold filtered, wide mouthed silver bullet heading toward my mouth. Must stop it... ahh no, the brewed substance had made it's way into my mouth and down my throat.
No worries, I can have a beer or two and still have a great race.... Crap, those beers keep launching themselves into my digestive system. Man, the hawks are doing great! Forget about it, there is no way I can go to the race tomorrow, so I decided to just sort of 'relax' the rest of the night. This decision seemed my only option as the clock was claiming it was 2:30 am as I was devouring Taco Bell Burritos like 'there was no tommorrow'.
---8:15am--- Ah, man, I had my first RAGBRAI flashback. I felt like crap with a full day of bike riding ahead of me. Oh, but alas I was not on RAGBRAI, and starting to feel extremely guilty and foolish for not being able to race today at 100%. Oh well, back to sleep, to hide from the shame of not racing.
8:20am--- Well, I can't sleep. Did I eat sandpaper last night? My mouth felt like it. I headed to the store and got a mega sized 'Rock Star' energy drink, maybe that will help. Ok, now I felt really energized and tired at the same time. That will have to do, because I knew that If I merely finished the race I should be able to get 3rd in the series and win $50.
I brought my sister and brother-in-law for support and off we went.
THE RACE-
Much improved weather, great for the spectators. Can't wait to be a spectator and get this race over with. I know that is a horrible attitude, but, hey I have about 43 races under my belt this year, give me a break.
I lined up inadvertantly in the front row. The field was much larger and much stronger than saturday's race. Moritz told me my brake was rubbing as we waited... man this is going to be a long race. I took off as strong as I could and quickly, very quickly slipped back to the middle of the pack. I hit the first set off barriers so fast I almost lost the handle. Unfortunately I didn't, so I had to keep racing.
The course was 'soggy' which really slowed it down and made even the flat sections painful. The run-up was mild compared to yesterday, that was a plus. Midway through the first lap I counted back and realized I had already fallen back into 14th place.
One lap down, 6 to go. I just kept telling myself I had to finish, that's it just finish. Still not sure if this was possible. About half way through the race I actually started to feel better. I had found some good lines, and was gaining ground on some racers ahead. Cool, I was going to finish, get in a great work-out and most likely win some cash.
Wait, there is Kyle Williams just up ahead. If I can stay close to him, I will get 2nd Place in the series instead of third. Dang it, I couldn't do it, as he eventually slipped up ahead out of sight.
I did pull back a few people, which is nice. My fitness is still strong (all things considered) so as endurance became more of a factor, I began to show strength.
That crafty Williams couple, Kyle was out of view, but his wife Robin, just happened to be right ahead of me. I couldn't help but to notice that Robin was a woman. Well, technically she wasn't even racing against me, but it is always nice not to get beat by a girl, so I caught up with her.
My plan was to drop the hammer on sections that I seemed to be strongest at, get a gap and try to hold on to it. Due to my poor pre-race nutritional decisions Satruday night, my only strength today was the down hill section. That is sad, I know, basically just using gravity to do what my legs couldn't.
As the last lap approached she was still on my wheel. I wished she would quit following me, as I needed some RAGBRAI 'alone time' as the race was very exhausting. Nope she seemed interested in making my last lap just as painful as the first 6.
Wait... then it dawned on me, I was in position to accept my first beer hand-up of my racing career. I figured I earned this reward, since I really was in no contention for glory, and sort of celebrating the fact that it looked like I was going to finish this race, amazing. Actually, it was even more amazing that I started this race, but I digress.
I had my bike over my right shoulder and my left hand outreached, in anticipation of the Coors silver bullet saving my day. I grabbed the beer, chugged down some large gulps as I continued to make forward progress. I then threw the beer so that it would splash all over the spectators watching (sorry bout that), and remounted my bike. Man, that tasted like crap, but what great delights await me, as this nightmare is about to be over.
Oh yeah, Robin is still back there. Please, let me finish ahead of you. I am a nice guy, my intentions are good and I am not sure my ego can handle you out-racing me. With just the long straight finish section left, I punched it with what meager bit of strength I had.
And, then, playing me like a fool, she emerged from my wheel and schooled me in front of all those watching at the finish line.
I quickly went over to the cooler and began to drown my sorrows. Wait, I am not actually sad, because 'mission accomplished', I most certainly came in third in the series, so I had $50 waiting for me on the podium after the Open race.
During the Open Race, some of the B2U team was on the hill pounding down Bud Lights and heckling the field. It was fun to join in as a fan, watching the others suffer over the same course we had just got done breaking in for them.
Then, Brian Abbott busted out a trombone to encourage the racers. It was then that I decided to race the 'A' Race next year. Not because I am planning on being a stronger rider, but because the quality of the heckling was so much better than the cat 3/4 race's. Oh, how I could have used a trombone blast to keep my mind off of the pain.
I really should have just picked one or the other races to do, but ultimately it did work out. I sort of regret not being able to 'race' Sunday, at least not with my health in tact, but I am, on the other hand, proud that I showed up.
I am planning on hitting it hard tuesday and wednesday for training, then a sort of a two day taper before Jingle Cross Rock. I am only racing on Saturday, so no worries about a repeat retardance by racing Sunday. This way, I can cheer on Mt. Krumpit with the others Saturday after my race and watch the awesome UCI field of pros and Cat 1 amateurs battle it out.
(Photos by Dad of Moritz)
2 comments:
I wont make fun of you getting beat by 2 girls if you dont make fun of my running.
Love,
tater
Tater,
You got a deal with that.
Oh, and thanks for drawing attention to the fact that Amanda was also up ahead of me, I was hoping that wouldn't come up in conversation.
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