Quad Cities Crit...Bon Jovi Greatest Hits

Having never raced in the rain before Saturday's Snake Alley event, I was a bit surprised and annoyed that I once again was going to get some real time experience. Of course, it didn't rain BEFORE our Cat 3 race, allowing time to make equipment adjustments, it rained right as we started. I had on a nice and speedy 19mm wide TT tire and 60 mm aero front wheel. Not sure on the tire pressure, but wishing I could put on my regular wheel set.

The announcer spent several minutes chatting about how oil can surface on roads when it rains, and the slickness of painted road markings. Well, I didn't think much about it as I got a great start.

-"SLIPPERY WHEN WET"-
I was setting a great pace coming into turn 7 of the very first lap as my wheel slid out from under me and I began sliding across the pavement. Thankfully, I was far enough ahead of everyone that the others had time to stir around me.

I hopped back on my bike and easily got back into the pack, that I believe was now abit sketchy having seen my wipeout. My bike seemed functional, but as I started to see my sock turn from white to pink with blood, I started to wonder if I should keep racing. I had skin abrasions on my calf, hip, forearm, shoulder and knuckles.

My nerves were pretty shot, as I caught up with and even passed some riders. The field was completely shattering into many groups, as everyone had a different level of confidence with respect to cornering in the rain. The announcer noticed this, realizing people weren't getting dropped because of lack of fitness, but because of inability to corner as fast as the group.

Several others dumped their bikes throughout the race. Somehow, I finished 52nd out of 75 riders. Amazing, considering I only really rode about 7 laps. So 22 riders were out very early on. The refs continued to pull people. Towards the end of the race I have to guess there were only about 30 people still in a race that paid back 20 spots. How sweet it would have been to be one of those guys.

Knowing that I had signed up for the Masters 1,2,3 race that started right after this one, I decided to pull off at the first aid tent. They attended to my injuries, then I went over to get my more rain friendly wheelset and prepped for race number two.

Sure, I wasn't really positive that I should race again. My bike was battered, as was I, and my nerves were a factor. However, it was starting to dry up and I felt better about riding tires that were wider and that I could lower to 100 psi for extra grip. Most importantly, I would have been severely 'beaten down' had I not given the next race a try. I didn't want the weekend to end on this down note.

Below are the pictures from that race. You can see the bandages on my calf and arm.

I thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was smoother and ultimately got into a controlled rhythm and was actually able to 'race' with this experienced field. The rain on the road was drying up lap by lap, as well.

My only goal was to finish this race without crashing or getting dropped (which seemed likely to my shattered state of mind), so coming in 18th out of over 40 riders in this very competitive field was a bonus.

I gained a lot of new knowledge as a result of this weekend. Unfortunately, if I replaced all of the damaged parts and clothing/shoes the crash caused, these will be very expensive lessons.

I am a little out of it right now, but sure that I will be ready to roll by the next criterium I race in a few weeks from now.

Melon City Criterium 2009

My third of 5 races of the weekend occured on Sunday in my hometown of Muscatine, IA. 75 Cat 3 racers were lined up for the 18 mile/lap race around weed park. This is always an intense day, as I have to split my focus on a very important work contract throughout the day, as well as this great race. It is a complete blast to have Weed Park taken over by the cycling community.

I spent most of the time at front of this race, but usually behind a wheel...

I helped bring back several attacks including this one...
I never could find the rhythym up the hill like I did last year, so decided to see what happens if you are near the front up the hill on the last lap. I knew that wasn't a move that would result in a victory, but thinking perhaps only a handful of people would shoot past me.

---I WAS THE SHAKE... NOT THE BAKE---

Unfortunately, the momentum up that hill caused by the draft and immense speeds from the descent create a 'sling-shot' effect. Riders that park themselves strategically can launch around the inside riders as they sprint up the hill trying to get to the switchback in the lead position.

As soon as fifteen people passed me, I let up the gas (this race paid back 15 spots). Several crashes then began to occur as I made my way casually over the finish line 29th out of 75.

I wished this race was a ride at an amusement park, because my immediate reaction after the finish was that I wanted to ride this roller coaster again right away. It was a fun and relaxing race that I was sad to see come to an end so soon. Of course, I would have adjusted my last lap positioning just a notch on the second time around.

A couple of Pics from Snake Alley I just recieved....

The Quad Cities Criterium turned out to be an epic battle of inner will and determination for me. I will post about that in a day or two.

Snake Alley 2009 - Moist Cobbles

Over 70 Cat 3 racers lined up Saturday afternoon to tackle 15 laps of the infamous Snake Alley Criterium. It was a warm day as me and Carson C. watched the other races. I ended up in the third row, and was pleasantly calm and ready to roll, though suspicious that I wouldn't be able to get a good placing up the hill of the first lap due to how many people were ahead of me.

The sprinkling began and I could hear riders letting air out of their tires... good call. This race is one great big attack for every lap, especially from the start. I wasn't thrilled to be rolling up the snake mid-pack, but was excited when I made it up the hill without getting mixed up in any crashes. This was especially noteworthy because rear wheels were sliding out from under riders all over the place due to the moist cobbles.

Enjoying my accomplishment I then looked down the road and heard a very loud explicative come out of my mouth. The leaders were already around the first corner. Are you kidding me? It felt like I was already out of the race and it hadn't really even started yet.

Well the rain didn't help matters much as far as descending goes. I am sure I was losing a little ground there compared to some, but for the most part, playing it safe insured that I would finish in one piece.

Speaking of that, only 37 finished, and the referees weren't pulling people this year so some of those were lapped riders. That should give you an idea of the chaos that many participants experienced.

Several spectators were great about cheering me on and letting me know that I was still in the money. Each lap they encouraged me and told me my place. That really helped.

I bounced around from 15th to 23rd towards the middle to ending parts of the race. Each time up the snake was a new challenge as riders were still dumping their bikes from time to time, mainly due to the loss of traction. You have to maintain your focus until the very end.

On the last lap two riders attacked my position. Luckily, the last part of the race suited my strengths and I actually pulled off an out of the saddle sprint to regain my position which turned out to be 19th and within the payout parameters.

This is a truly unique race in which you have to be a good climber, brave descender, skilled bike handler, aggressive attacker, powerful on the straights and able to race well under pressure. You also need a little luck and a great start. Hmm, a little bit of everything. If you have a weak area, it will show in the results

Congratulations to Carson Christensen for his win at the Cat three level. It was also cool to have a 1st place snake alley brick spend the night at my house and hear his tales of glory. The top guys were from Iowa and five of us made the top 20 despite the extremely competitive regional field.

Memorial Day Weekend (Fri/Sat) Racing Preview

Wapello To Burlington - Cat 3/4, Friday...
39 rider are currently on the startlist, but this race will most likely swell to around 60, 70 or more. There are no hills or corners on the is 33 mile course. Historically, no one is willing to sacrifice any energy, so the pace is very slow and jerky. Lots of braking and even more bickering.
In the past, I spent the whole race trying to work my way up to the front, but the pace was so slow, and riders were so bunched together on the right side of the centerline, that it wasn't possible. The ref is in your face if you go over the line to try and move up. Some pretty strong riders can end up finishing in the rear of this race, mainly because it can be too annoying trying to get to the front to launch attacks. Also, the finish is usually very very sketchy (always a crash or two), as all 70 or so racers will have been essentially riding 32.5 miles, simply waiting for the final sprint. Just not worth the risk for some, as they look forward to 3 more days of racing.

If this were a race on the tour, it would be called 'a day for the sprinters'. Of course, breakaway specialists could possibly foil that result, if the right combination of riders join forces. Even if I am not in the break, I would much prefer that situation, than what we have had in the past. It is so frustrating for everyone, if this race becomes a waiting game.

I always swear this race off, as it never seems to have a rewarding finish (I finished 25th two year ago), but I am a different rider, and this is a different field, so maybe, just maybe this will be a noteworthy race.

--Snake Alley Criterium --
The start list indicates a large field of talented riders from accross the midwest. I decided last year to pre-register as soon as possible, as a bad starting position in the race can severely impair your likelihood of success. Unfortunately, I still ended up a few rows back, but much better than last year.

Ok, so I have never ridden this race with the field, as a guy crashed right in front of me last year at the foot of the 'snake'. I had to run up some of the hill, and deal with a crooked seat. My race was over right then and there, but even more specifically when I got pulled 6 laps later. I was very irritated.

I was a new Cat 3 then, and nervous about the race. Not so this year. I hope to actually get to compete this time. There is no way that I am the strongest hill climber in the group, but I should be able to have a respectable finish if I can successfully execute good tactics, bike handling, etc. I had very bad luck last year, so this may be my year to get some good luck. I am hoping to at least get listed as a finisher this year, so not too much pressure. I would like to maybe get a point or two towards the Iowa Cup however. 17 Iowa riders have pre-registered.

This is an aggressive race regardless of the field because the snake alley is a very steep and challenging multiple switchback incline. Great crowds and venue. The Cat 1/2 race is always a major spectacle as about 100 or so riders squeeze up the narrow inclines then race down a sharp descent. This will be a great day for bike racing enthusiasts.

FYI, for anyone interested, here are the official results from the DICE 20k TT I recently competed in.

Carson Christen is camping out at my house, as I live real close to the Melon City Crit. I suppose if there is anyone else that feels they know me well enough, feel free to inquire, as I don't mind hosting fellow racers.

DICE 20k Time Trial

I drove accross the river to compete in the 9th annual DICE 20k TT on Sunday. I have done this race for several years now, and was looking forward to it. It was about 36 degrees when I awoke, but warmed up to near perfect conditions by the race start.

I hadn't checked the start list, but assumed I would be starting somewhere in the middle, plenty of time to get ready, as I was registering with about 20 minutes to the first rider. Ooops, I am the first rider. Also, of note, Bryce Mead, last year's winner and Team Jelly Belly rider had pre-registered at the last minute and was on the start list... crap.

Well, I do like wearing the number '1', so I just did one of the most efficient TT warm-up sequences I have ever executed, and lined up at 9:00:59 for the 9:01:00 start. I just barely had time to pin up my number using Floyd Landis's secret pyramid energy source number folding method.
I was focused on bettering my last year's time of 26:16. I knew how fast I had to average to get that done and was happy to be, for the most part, staying in my target zone.

My official finishing time ended up being 25:55, so I achieved my pre-race goals. As an added bonus that time was the fastest of the day, so I won the 1st place overall award.

I didn't recognize most of the names on the start list, as this is an American Bicycle Racing event, however, a couple of fellow USAC racers like Cat 3 phenom Derek Cassady and Adam Price were there. They both had strong rides, just missing the top 3, but placing well in the categories they entered. Dan Shaffer of Iowa City finished 3rd overall, and a young rider from Chicago area came in second about a minute or so back from me. (last year's winner didn't end up showing)

Memorial Day weekend bike racing is up next! A chance to race against the best in the midwest without the hassles of long drives and overnight accomodations. In fact the Melon City Crit is practically in my backyard.

I am signed up for 4 Cat 3 races, one on each day, including the infamously annoying Wapello-Burlington Road Race on Friday night. I will probably post a preview later in the week, as the startlists are filling up. Needless to say, this will be one of the more noteable weekends of my 2009 season.

USA Cycling Rankings & Tubular PSI

Pictured Above: Old Cap Category 3 racers cresting the hill, as Chad Bishop gives DC 'the look' (click to zoom, and notice this look isn't quite as confident as the one Lance gave Ulrich)

Well, since I didn't get any Iowa Cup points at Finchford, I decided to check my status amongst all the Cat 3 Licensed riders in the nation. Cool, I am ranked 6th. Most Iowa race directors are now automatically submitting almost every race, so check back throughout the season to see how you compare against the rest of the country. I sorted the results for Iowa Cat 3 riders and here is where it stands:

Mens Cat 3 (Aged 1-99) Road Race Rankings in IOWA
1 Chad Bishop (34pts - 6th in US)
2 Shawn Loomis (21pts - 23rd in US)
3 Jerome Rewerts (16pts - 49th in US)
4 Derek Cassaday (10pts - 86th in US)
5 Richard Wince (9pts - 114th in US)
6 Carson Christen (7pts - 177th in US)
7 Brian West (6pts)
8 Daniel Galles (5pts)
9 Christopher Reed (4pts)
10 Steven Robinson (3pts)
11 Nick Martin (2pts)
12Ryan Jacobsen (1pt)

Thanks to the officials who are submitting results to USA Cycling. I don't believe the Iowa City Weekend, nor Eagle Point Crit were submitted, but perhaps they will be soon. FYI, I believe state championship races yield the most points, regardless of which state they are, so put some extra mustard on your hot dog for those events.
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Ok, I spent some time researching proper PSI's for tubular tires and thought I would share the information, so readers of this blog can learn (what they probably already know) from my mistakes. For a Zipp Tangente, for example...

*Not to exceed 145 psi/10 bar
The above tire inflation pressures are recommended for optimal rolling resistance and grip. These pressures are for room temperature tires and rims. Tire pressures may increase as much as 25psi due to high rim temperatures caused by prolonged braking or as much as 5psi from high ambient or road surface temperatures.

---
So, I weighed about 159 lbs Sunday at Finchford. Based on this chart I needed to adjust my tire pressure for my weight and the rough roads.

For a 200 psi Max Bontrager XXX Pro Tubular I believe I should have had the front tire at 155psi and the rear tire at 165psi. (85% of the max for the rear tire minus 5psi for the rough road conditions and 80% of the max for the front tire minus 5psi for the rough road conditions).

If anyone has experience with tubulars and would like to offer feedback on my new tire pressure plan I would appreciate it. I was bouncing all over the road at the IC crit as well, but am now encouraged to think that I have new knowledge that will give me the optimal rolling resistance and grip for future races.

Finchford Poopday

My race went like crap... so that is the theme of today's race report.
Upon arriving in Finchford's City Park I proceeded to locate and occupy the restroom structure. I was taken aback by the noxious fumes that were eminating from the men's side, as the facility didn't have plumbing, rather just a hole with a toilet on top. There has got to be a better way to handle human digestive evacuations in public settings.

- 81% of the 72,000 licensed racers in the US are college graduates.

I had some free time while I was directing my stream, and noticed what looked like a banana floating amidst the fecal matter, seems like a waste. I guess it just wasn't meant to be for that poor yellow bastard.

- 89% of licensed riders are male, while 11% are female.

So, about an hour later, I decided to make one last visit to the outhouse. This time, it was proposed that I go ahead and use the women's side, especially considering the above statistic.
Hmm, that is an interesting scenario... I really was hoping to preserve my image of the female species as creatures incapable of producing some of the vile droppings that were present on the male's side of the stroom.

- 35% of Licensed Bike Racers are Married.

Curiosity got the best of me, along with the desire to get to the starting line quickly, so I entered the sacred world that is the female restroom. Much to my relief, their side was devoid of the pungent odors and solid matter that we had on the guys side. Hmm... are females somehow reluctant to drop a deuce in public pooh holes?

-The Median Houselhold income for Licensed Racers is $75,000.

That is one gender difference that I am glad exists. I have only been witness to two female gas expulsions in my lifetime, and they were very traumatizing.

- Cycling is the number 1 fitness activity for doctors/lawyers over 40

Ok, the race began, and turn two was a sharp right that you go into at about 30+mph. Chris Reed and Brendan Keely took it wide and went into the ditch on the first lap (sucks to be them, they DNF'd). Uh, fast forward to the next lap, I busted my first attack on the same curve and ended up even further into the ditch. My rear tire was bouncing all over the place and just tapping the brake was locking it up.

- 45-49 year old licensed racers average an income of ($95,940)

Ok, I chalked that up to maybe putting to much air in my tires (200psi). I hadn't ran into this situation in the first three races I used them, because there wasn't any need to use the brakes, as there was in this turn. I hopped back on as the group passed, and busted the nut sack that I carry with me to feed squirrels along the race route to catch back on. Just as I was back on, I ran over the road and into the ditch of turn 3. What the 'crap' is going on? I have been racing for 4 years, I really was finding it hard to believe that I just don't have the bike handling skills necessary to make a basic 90 degree turn at speed.

- 27% of Licensed Racers have Post-Graduate degrees

Ah hah, the answer became clear a I got a flat...so it wasn't so much the over-inflated rear tire, as it was the front tire that was losing pressure each lap. In fact, by lap 6, I was riding on the rim and had to ride into the parking lot, to get my spare tire, just to finish and avoid the dreaded DNF. Ok, so an over-inflated rear tire and extremely soft front tire would explain why I was having so much trouble on those two corners each lap.

- The median age of Licensed racers is 34

Overall, I have been dissappointed with my new front tubular tire, so I opted to try and flush the entire front wheel in the toilet, in an effort to further this 'crap' themed blog...


While I am flushing things down the toilet, I will add the Shimano 105, 11x25 ten-speed cassete that I was too lazy to swap out. It was missing all the middle gears that would have allowed me dial in the right gear, as I basically rode 7 solo laps in brutal winds.

Though I was bummed out during my 'drive of shame' home from this event, I am not going to throw the rest of my season down the toilet. I can address these equipment related issues, and come back ready to rock and roll at the next Iowa Cup showdown.

Sorry this post was odd, but I had some crap that I needed to get out of my system. I train hard, and it is disappointing not to have gotten a chance to race with the rest of the field.

The 2009 Iowa Cup

I am happy that the Iowa Cup is being organized again this year. I feel that linking local races together as a series can only help but increase the attendance and competition. You can check out the race schedule and current standings at the official Iowa Cup Blog Spot.

I am not sure what you win this year, but I most enjoy watching riders progress up and down the standings throughout the year.

In the Cat 3 division, there is a 3 way tie for first and second, so really too early to make any predictions. Not all of the contenders are listed just yet, either, as the series has just begun. Ryan Jacobsen was the most consistent at the first two IC events and Derek Cassaday had the most impressive win.

Sean Walker won last year's Cat 1/2 division, but Jared Osterloh and Ryan Nenninger seemed poised to prevent a repeat victory.

FINCHFORD ROUBAIX
The third race in the Iowa Cup series is this Saturday. This is a great race, well organized with decent payouts. I will be racing in the 50 mile Cat 3 event.

I imagine after the results are posted for this race, the future Iowa Cup winners will be listed somewhere amongst the leader boards of their respective divisions, as it would be difficult to win the series missing the first three races. Upgrades, absenses, late season dominations, etc, make this a very interesting race series, usually not officially decided until the last one or two races. Check back to see how this Saturday's race affected the placings.

Time Trial Racing Begins - Iowa City TT Series

Ok, what does it take to be successful at Iowa Time Trials? I obviously can't divulge my secrets, but can reward your readership by summarizing what I did the day before...
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I literally dusted off my Time Trial bike Saturday to get ready for Sunday's 20 mile Time Trial race near Iowa City, Iowa. I rode it about a mile total until I got a flat tire. It took about an hour for me to get the tire off of my disc. I kept punching myself in the face with the tire levers as my fist snapped back. I couldn't get 120 pounds of air in the wheel either. The 90 degree pump adapter kept slipping off. I tried using my rib cage for leverage, and finally got it up to about 115psi,but not before bruising my chest and my soul . I made two trips to Walgreens to get batteries for the speedometer. Not kidding, I was exhausted, and felt that I had gotten in a pretty good workout, so headed to my sauna to sweat out the toxins from the cleaning chemicals I had been using earlier to wax my car and bike. Later I ordered and consumed an entire medium deep dish Happy Joe's Taco pizza and side salad. I also watched the Little 500 and decided to maybe try one of the Tuesday night track races in Cedar Rapids.
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I was excited as I arrived Sunday to see so many cars along the roadway. Being the first TT of the season, I didn't really know what to expect from myself or others, so that sort of took the pressure off. I knew that I felt good (except for my black eyes and bruised ribs) and hoped my time would reinforce the fitness I felt that I had achieved.

Unlike pro races, we have no idea how fast the competition is going, so really is just a race against yourself. Of course, the pay-off is hoping your time stacks up well against fellow cyclists. Well, I had the fastest time of the day overall and within the Cat 1,2,3 division that I am competing in for the 4 part series.

That was very rewarding, and sets a good foundation for creating TT goals for 2009.

Results - Iowa City Time Trial
May 3, 2009 - 20 miles
38 startersOverall

01. 42:57.34 - Chad Bishop (3)
02. 43:29.18 - Paul Deninger (1/2)
03. 44:41.46 - Dan Shaffer (50+)
04. 44:58.35 - Greg Duethman (40+)
05. 47:01.94 - Mark Sorenson (50+)
06. 47:17.51 - Dan Reasoner (40+)
07. 47:24.75 - Kendall Jackson (5)
08. 47:34.93 - Ryan Jacobsen (3)
09. 47:37.45 - Rob McKillip (5)
10. 47:40.45 - Dan Galles (3)
11. 47:57.93 - Weslie Anderson (5)
12. 48:23.81 - Chris Martin/Monika (Tandem)
13. 48:43.88 - Julie Foertsch (W1)
14. 49:06.18 - Connie Inks (W3)
15. 49:30.70 - Dan Swenson (5)
16. 49:58.31 - Geoff Perrill (3)
17. 50:19.24 - Jamie Shea (4)
18. 50:40.19 - Barry Carter (50+)
19. 50:43.67 - Eric Hamm (4)
20. 51:01.27 - Erin Anderson (W4)
21. 51:44.24 - Jonathan Poling (5)
22. 52:19.39 - Kevin McConnell (4)
23. 52:27.63 - Daneila Williams (W4)
24. 53:06.82 - Sean McKay (5)
25. 53:32.45 - Jeremy Schwertfeger (5)
26. 53:49.60 - Brian Abbott (4)
27. 54:37.45 - Dustin Salter (5)
28. 54:46.90 - Cara Hamann (W4)
29. 54:51.39 - Matt Hartman (3)
30. 55:58.61 - Kevin Westman (40+)
31. 56:10.19 - Dan Rustan (5)
32. 56:11.03 - Jeff Dullard (4)
33. 57:13.90 - Damon Salter (5)
34. 58:28.03 - Joshua Gettings (5)
35. 59:00.16 - Vernon Rotert (60+)
36. 59:26.37 - Landon Beachy (50+)
37. 61:0278 - Peter Kaboli (5)
38. 63:53.57 - Aaron Christy (5)