East Village Criterium 2010

The 2010 edition of the East Village Criterium was held Sunday, August 22nd, on a very hot day with heat indexes around 102 degrees.  I entered the 'main event'... the pro/1/2 race.  About 25 competitors lined up to race 70 minutes for 15 paying spots on a challenging course that is directly in front of our state's capitol building.  There actually was a pro rider who entered the race...hometown hero Nick Frey.  If you follow the link, you will see that he is the real deal. 

The East Village Crit course is a bit like a roller coaster... here the group is coming down off the descent at around 34mph.

This race started out intense and never let up.  There is a two block uphill gradient that really ended up making a big difference, as riders were falling off the pace from time to time, not quite able to hang on.  Of course, the heat made the task of staying with the group just that much more of a challenge.

I really do like races that have hills and lots of heat... I guess I can't say that I "like" them, so much as I have better results in races that capitalize on my strengths while minimizing exposure of my weaknesses.  The course and the weather conditions really suited me. 

I was very active and found myself in the front of the group quite often.  In fact, I ended up winning three primes... This is especially noteworthy because I didn't sprint for any of them, I was just coincidently leading the group often enough that it worked out that way.  Again, the challenges of the course and the weather combined with the strength of the field really kept riders in check.  Sprinting for a prime could have been a death sentence, I don't think anyone wanted to take too many risks. 

I took it upon myself to follow some moves, bring back a break or two, and of course, I sat in quite often as well. Though there really isn't anywhere to hide on this course, so riding within the draft wasn't that big of an advantage.

There were quite a few dangerous moves that got up the road.  It seemed like there was an attack of some sort during almost every lap, especially on the uphill section, as we were basically recovering over the rest of the course... sort of bracing ourselves for the next time up the climb.

Above: Riders hammering it up the steep part of the course led by Brian West and Jared Osterloh.

Somewhere past the halfway point of the race, I noted that there were only about 12 people still in our lead group.  Considering that the race paid back 15 spots, I was starting to get excited about my odds of finishing this race with a successful outcome.  I am still a rookie Cat 2 racer, so I really was thrilled to be competitive against this field.

It became apparent that Nick Frey was a very respected participant in our race.  It seemed like you were in good company if you could stay in his group.  He brought back a couple of breaks and raced very confidently.

Above:  Pro 1/2 participants as they race through Des Moine's East Village.

Toward the latter part of the race, Nick made his move.  His attack was timed to perfection, in such a way that no one could answer.  He didn't get too far ahead, at first, but he inched up his gap lap by lap.  Once Nick was out of sight, a group of two that included Jared Osterloh of Team Zealous attacked and formed their own gap.  I looked back to see a bunch of guys wearing blue (ICCC and Zealous).  This meant that those two were going to be gone unless either Brian West or myself chased them down... nope not going to happen.

So Nick Frey held on for the win with 2nd and 3rd crossing the line shortly after.  Fourth place, however was still up for grabs within the remnants of the field.  I hit the hammer at the bottom of the hill and was pleased with the response from my legs.  I came around the last corner to the short finishing stretch in about the first position.  Two guys were able to come around me, as I believe I passed someone as well.  This gave me the 6th position... not too bad.

Team Janis Sutter Home Pro Nick Frey - Winner of the 2010 East Village Criterium

This was an epic battle fitting to be the last stand of the 2010 Iowa Road Racing season.  Congrats to all that faced up to the challenge and even greater props to those who held on to the end.

Category 1/2 Men (25 Starters)

1 Nick Frey, Jamis-Sutter Home
2 Jared Osterloh, Zealous Racing
3 Jeff Barnes, ICCC
4 Shadd Smith, Mercy Elite Cycling
5 Ryan Nenninger, ICCC
6 Chad Bishop, Harper’s Cycling and Fitness
7 Michael Sencenbaug, Zealous Racing
8 Brian West, Colorbiotics
9 Matias Perret, ICCC
10 Jerome Rewarts, Zealous Racing
11 Adam Price, ICCC
12 Greg Harper, Melon City Bike Club
13 A.J. Turner, Colorbiotics
14 Chris Eastburn, ICCC
15 Derek Cassaday, Workld of Bikes/Bikes to You
16 Tracy Smith, Mesa Cyclers
17 Steve Robinson, Zealous Racing
18 Finn Kolsrud, Colavita Racing
DNF Lane “No Free Lap” Anderson, Zealous Racing

2010 Big Creek Road Race

This 2nd annual event was held just north of Des Moines at the Big Creek State Park.  There were several race divisions that all started a couple minutes apart beginning with the 57.5 mile Cat 1,2,3 race that I entered.  It got a bit confusing as we began passing other races, but also sort of fun to watch other groups compete as we passed by.  The first lap was fast and I noted that we were averaging 27mph. I also was relieved to notice that there were quite a few solo riders taking up the duty of chasing down attacks by Team Zealous and Mercy-Specialized, as both teams were well-represented.

After I watched several attacks get brought back in, and felt that the field had softened up a bit, I started looking up the road for a break to bridge up to.  I saw a guy from Zealous (new guy on team named Michael) and Brian West (Colorbiotics) and thought that seemed promising, so I went for it.  Several riders bridged up and a break started to form.  This was a critical part of the race as everyone was trying to get up to the break or defend their teammates move.  Iowa City got a guy up eventually (Ryan Nenninger), as Brian West swapped with his teammate Austin Turner.  Derek Cassady of Bikes2You made several attempts to join the break, but was unsuccessful, leaving B2U unrepresented. 

The Cat 1/2/3 breakaway group, as it works together trying to create a gap.

A closer look at the Chase group led by Kevin Temple of Bikes2You.

I was very motivated to make this break stick, but became a bit discouraged when it ended up having 9 people in it... that is a bit large for a race that only pays back 7, but none-the-less, things were looking good.  Iowa City and Zealous both had 2 guys in this lead group so the pack was probably struggling to find enough riders to work the chase.

The leading group of 8 (soon to be nine once Jeff Barnes joined), rotating through attempting to create a definitive gap.

I will have to admit that I wasn't really in sync with the group intially.  I was scolded for pulling through too hard but eventually settled in to their rhythm.  Towards the final laps of this 10 lap course, we knew our break would stick, so our pace slowed down a bit, as riders were starting to cramp and/or fatigue.  It didn't seem that hot at the start of the race, but it got hot quick, and two bottles just wasn't enough.

Towards the very end of the race our break still had 8 riders,  as Mike (Team Zealous) and Ryan Nenninger (ICCC) got a gap... Unfortunately, the other two solo riders weren't helping bring this back and Clark Priebe launched himself off into the gap.  So I was in a very confusing race situation... as Jared Osterloh (Team Zealous) and Jeff Barnes (ICCC) were doing a great job of defending their teammate's moves (checkmate?).

I tried to get up the road  by creating a gap instead of pulling everyone, but the five riders were stuck to me like glue.  I slowed way down a couple of times but no one came around me.  And then, rather predictably, with about 500 meters to go, the riders behind me attacked, and I blew up.  My tentative 'chasing' didn't work out well for Clark either, as I kept the group just close enough that they caught him before the line. 

So, I really did have an enjoyable experience despite finishing one spot out of the money in 8th.  Sure, I would have faired  better if a smaller lead group had formed but being in the winning break is a thrilling experience and much better than chasing one down.  The organizers stepped things up a notch from last year's debut, and it was really appreciated, thanks for all who put this race together.

2010 Iowa State Time Trial Champion!!

I am pleased to announce that I won the 2010 Iowa State Time Trial Championships, taking home the Gold Medal in the Cat 1,2 division.  It has been a goal of mine for several years to someday accomplish this result, and it feels very rewarding to have achieved success.

---Link to 2010 results---
1st - Chad Bishop - 51:47:51  (28.8mph)
2nd - Paul Deninger - 52:48:60  (28.2mph)
3rd - Jeff Barnes - 53:00:82  (28.1mph)

I really did put a lot of focus on training for the Iowa State Road Race this year, and wasn't sure how that might effect my Time Trialing performance.  Things didn't really go according to plan at the road race, so I was sort of bummed out afterwards (maybe just late season burnout).

Here is a picture of me at the awards ceremony.

Apparently, all of the pain and suffering was worth it, as I couldn't have asked for a better result at the TT.  The time spent training for the State Road Race ended up creating a nice late season fitness peak.  I felt strong and focused the entire race.  

Maybe a good time for some history:
---2009 Iowa State TT Top 3---
1st - Paul Deninger - 52:34
2nd - Jeff Barnes - 52:38
3rd - Chad Bishop - 53:35
---2008 Iowa State TT Top 3---
1st - Jeff Barnes - 52:53
2nd - Chad Bishop - 53:28
3rd - Sean Walker - 53:57
---2007 Iowa State TT Top 3---
1st - Paul Deninger - 54:05
2nd - Sean Walker - 54:30
3rd - Nathan Moenck - 55:01
(13th - Chad Bishop - 58:23)
Congratulations to all who showed up to "race against the clock".  

Heading up to Des Moines this weekend to sort of wrap up the 2010 Road Racing season at the Big Creek Road Race and East Village Criterium.  Then things get a little funky as I have two duathlons on my race calendar and maybe even some cyclocross. Below are two videos of the 2009 East Village Event to get you all fired up:

Thanks for reading and happy rides.

2010 Iowa State Road Race... The Wrath of ZEUS!

Zeus (the greek sky god, who controls the weather, especially rain and lightning) really had his sights set on West Branch this year...

I had trained for the worse case scenario, as I looked forward to the 2010 edition of the Iowa State Road Championships.  I was anticipating hot and oppressively humid conditions, and spent a lot of time riding in the midst of the summer heat.  I was determined to have a stronger finish then in the previous two attempts, which were plagued with cramping and de-hydration...
 
Ok, I guess I did accomplish this goal... however, it wasn't as much a result of my focused training regimine... it had more to do with the fact that it rained most of the race, creating rather 'pleasant' riding conditions with respect to the physical demands.  Sort of disappointing, because I was actually looking forward to suffering.
 
Yes, we did suffer a little due to the reduced visibility from the rain spatter... but really, it was a nice, cool day, and the rain allowed for a comfortable riding situation with respect to hydration and body core temperatures.  For example, unlike last year, the hand-ups weren't as crucial. In fact, I ended up with more bottles than I needed, and even saw guys tossing out full bottles toward the end.  We just weren't sweating that much, nor riding that hard, which neutralized the importance of the feed zone.
 
EUROPEAN STYLE RACING... the 'natural break'
 
Always nice to get some culture, as I experienced some 'european style racing'....
ok, what I mean is  "Hey! U R PEEING"... 
There sure was a lot of urinating going on... Brian Abbott confirmed this suspicion, as he was the follow vehicle.  A very simple explanation... a lot of us were hydrating as if the rain would stop and the heat would pick up, but it never happened.  Thus, lots of fluids needed to be evacuated.  In fact, a few of the guys who held it the entire race could later be seen  'watering' the flower bushes in front of resident's homes... not able to hold it any longer.  I suppose the 'adult diaper' approach, and/or the 'jealous female astronaut tactic'  was also being employed throughout the race, as the rain could potentially mask any fluid's that might be surreptitiously streaming from rider's pedals.  Such a difference from years past, as our bodies were holding onto every precious drop of moisture... not the case this year.
 
ZEUS... I FORSAKE THEE!!!
Did I pee?  You bet... it was a sort of  'pee protest'... as I protested to the great gods of rain for denying me the pain and suffering I had been anticipating all year long.  "Zeus!  I smite thee, alas receive my golden damnation!"
------------
Really?  Am I going to write an entire race report that  features a recap of how often we peed?  Well,  you know, sorry, but I think that is going to be all I got this year... This race is awesome, even with the rain, and I will mark it as a goal event next year... but there really aren't many highlights.  We basically just rolled around for about 4.5 hours and then had a field sprint at the end.  A few guys might have gotten dropped, but most of the people that fell off the pace had some sort of technical issue.  It should also be mentioned that quite a few of the Cat 1 strongmen weren't present this year, which also contributed to the lethargic tone of this race.  108 miles is a long distance for the typical Cat 2 or Cat 3 rider... without some of the 'big guns' there to stir things up... well, things didn't get stirred up much.
 
Having said that, I am very happy to have gotten 8th in the Cat 1/2 field that paid back 10 places.  My training for this race did pay off, just not in the way I envisioned it.  I am already thinking about next year... hopefully Zeus has  heard my outcry and accepted my sacriledge with the disdain I intended.. I demand that he show mercy on us next year by allowing for the summer heat to destroy the field... praise the sun god Helios... may her wrath forsake us in 2011...

Men Pro/1/2 - Iowa State Road Race (108 Miles)

1. Jeff Barnes, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (IOWA CITY, IA) [Gold]
2. Lee Venteicher, Bikes To You / World of Bikes - (WAUKON, IA) [Silver]
3. Ryan French, Team Emu - Zealous Racing (DES MOINES, IA) [Bronze]
4. Brian West, Central Iowa Cycling Club - Colorbiotics (CEDAR FALLS, IA)
5. Adam Koble, Speedfix Racing p/b Zubaz - (EAU CLAIRE, WI)
6. Robert Chorost, RIDECLEAN - (TUCSON, AZ)
7. Jerome Rewerts, Team Emu - Zealous Racing (NEVADA, IA)
8. Chad Bishop, Melon City Bike Club Inc. - Harper's Cycling & Fitness (MUSCATINE, IA)
9. Steven Robinson, Team Emu - Zealous Racing (DES MOINES, IA)
10. Carson Christen, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA)
11. Gregory Springborn, Peoria Bicycle Club - Proctor Cycling Team (PEKIN, IL)
12. Michael Sencenbaugh, University of Arizona - (CARROLL, IA)
13. David Paquette, Team Wisconsin - Team Wisconsin / MC2 (DECORAH, IA)
14. Jonathan Nelson, POWERADE - INDEPENDENT FABRICATION (SIOUX CITY, IA)
15. William Greenwood, Bikes To You / World of Bikes - (IOWA CITY, IA)
16. Brandon Krawczyk, Speedfix Racing p/b Zubaz - (WAUKESHA, WI)
17. Finn Kolsrud, Colavita Racing Inc. - Colavita Racing (IOWA CITY, IA)
18. Matias Perret, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (IOWACITY, IA)
19. Adam Price, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (DURANT, IA)
20. Robert Brokaw, Team Mack Racing Assoc. LTD - Team Mack Racing Assn (ROCHESTER, IL)
DNF. Ryan Nenninger, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (IOWA CITY, IA)
DNF. Clark Priebe, POWERADE - INDEPENDENT FABRICATION (SIOUX CITY, IA)
DNF. Garrett McAllister, Team Wisconsin - Team Wisconsin / MC2 (DECORAH, IA)
DNF. David Lippold, Team Emu - Zealous Racing (WEST DES MOINES, IA)
DNF. John Olney, Iowa City Cycling Club - Mercy-Specialized (IOWA CITY, IA)

River Nymph Sightings while training for the IA State Road Race

How do you prepare for a 108 mile Cat 1/2 road race?  I don't have a clear-cut answer, but it seems obvious that putting in lots and lots of mileage couldn't hurt.

To that end, I decided to head to West Branch on Sunday to pre-ride the Iowa State Road Race course. 
Man, I gotta say, that sure was boring...  The course is great for the race, but hard to endure as a solo training ride.  I decided that this had a lot to do with the fact the roads are somewhat straight and wide open... right after you crest one gradient, the next one presents itself, so you sort of end up anticipating the next climb, even though it is way up the road... very mind numbing.

I almost started wishing some bike-hating motorists would heckle me, just to give my mind something to process.  Whatever happened to the art of 'mooning'.   It would have been somewhat entertaining to have someone's ass streaking by me at 55mph.  I suppose if I could hand-pick the method of interaction that I was 'exposed' to, I would have to request some sort of drive-by female 'flashing' scenario.  That would have kept my mind off of the various aches and pains that were occupying my thoughts as I endured mile after mile, under the hot summer sun.

Thankfully, I was rewarded with some heat-related delusions toward the latter part of the training ride that helped get me through the effort...  This race course crosses the Cedar River twice per lap.  I began to envision myself jumping in, enjoying how refreshing it would be.  Some of the cheerleaders that had flashed me earlier, just happened to be sunbathing along the bank... and offered me some ice-cold Cytomax and a six-pack of GU.  They then grabbed some of the sponges that they had been using at their fund-raising car wash earlier that day, and trickled ice cold water across my forehead and on the soles of my burning feet.  As I prepared to leave, they asked if I wanted a lift back to West Branch, but I heroically declined their offer, and rode off into the sunset as they gasped in awe.

The delusions continued and got a little bit odd as I crossed the Cedar River for the last time, at about mile 95.  I looked over the bridge and was delighted to see three River Nymphs... some sort of a flashback from the movie 'Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"...

What a welcoming sight, as the three of them approached me and began to pour a delicious brew of mysterious fluid down my dry throat.  I wasn't sure what exactly to make of the jug's label...'XXX', but I could definately say that it wasn't filled with Gatorade. 

Ahh, how refreshingly intoxicating... but then reality set in, as I came to my senses and realized I still had several miles of riding left.

It seemed important to finish the training distance, so I completed all 109 miles.  I basically felt good, just mentally bored (aside from the delusions)... Putting in a fair amount of milage year after year seems to be having a cumulative effect on my strength as an endurance athlete and should put me in good form for this Saturday's State Champ RR.

Well, getting there is half the fun, so I won't have any regrets, regardless of the outcome, I can't wait to ride the course with the company of some of the state's finest athletes on race day.  I would suggest not following my wheel during the river crossings, however, as you never know when the urge to search for those river nymphs and their triple X brew might cause me to launch off the bridge.