Melon City Criterium... When Life Gives You Melons...

...SQUEEZE THEM.

hmm... these melons seem a bit suggestive,
but still worth squeezing.

Ok, I will admit to being nervous about lining up for the 2011 Pro 1,2 Melon City Criterium.   110 guys, including loads of well accomplished Cat 1's and such.  Why do I do this to myself?

Easy answer, I can't stand backing down from a challenge... and this one was a challenge.  Problem for me this year, is that I am searching for a goal... without one my training is lacking.  I didn't include Memorial Day Weekend as a goal because I wasn't very confident in my abilities, rather just hoping to line up against some of the best Cat 1's in the region.  So what race am I going to target?  I really don't have an answer to that one.  I will do some soul searching and find something specific to work towards.

This race was indeed fast.  I was nervous as hell going down the hill towards the speed bump the first time, but by the third time I launched over it, I had things under control. 

Now time to deal with the uphill.  It was fast but I was managing. About 10 laps in, I did find myself towards the back of the pack, but was able to keep attached by accelerating on the down hill and taking back a few places at strategic places. 

Guys were starting to get popped, and I started to feel good about my chances of being there at the finish, which was my main goal... to finish with the group.  Honestly, I can't even say what happened next, my legs just gave out after about 20 laps, and the field slipped away.  I have seen this happen to many of my Iowa racing peers in  past editions of the race, so now I know what happened.

I have missed tons of workouts this month, so can't say I am too surprised.  But I do have to give credit to the field as well... my inability to finish  had a lot to do with the strength of the teams who were competing, not just my half-assed training regimine.

I thought I would be demoralized if I got dropped from this race... but actually, now that I have raced it at this level and know what needs to happen, I think I will enter it again next year.  I might even make it a goal event, to help insure I don't get dropped.  So, instead of sucking on sour grapes, I am enjoying some fresh squeezed melon juice.  mmm, tasty...

I think I can get things back on  track before the season ends... I will enjoy the journey regardless.

Burlington Racing

Racing the 2011 Snake Alley Criterium Master's 30+

BURLINGTON ROAD RACE

I entered the 102 mile Pro 1,2 road race on Friday along with 5 other teammates from American Equity. I had no idea what to expect, but was really relaxed about the whole thing because I didn't set any goal for myself other than to finish with the group.  The race was basically flat, and historically ends up being all about the sprint at the end.  I was just excited to be lining up in this event, and happy to be about to enjoy a new experience.

We decided to work towards getting Jeff Bradley to the line as fresh as possible.  The race rolled out casual and I quickly began to enjoy the situation.  Two words... ROLLING ENCLOSURE.  Wow, this was an awesome race amenity.  We had the whole road to ourselves, much like the Pro Tour races I watch on TV.  The races I have done with the center line rule in place are so much more tense, whereas with this situation you could ride basically wherever you wanted at any time.

Ok, since I could go anywhere I wanted... I did. I didn't have anything to lose, so actually went on the attack several times.  It was fun to be ahead of the field and get a time gap from the motoref. You never know, maybe this would be the break that the field 'lets go'.  I got in a break that seemed promising at one point... about 8 guys.  Must not have been the right 8 guys, as the field eventually caught up.  I was oddly exhilarated by the fact that a good portion of this race was occuring on roads I do with the Tuesday night group from Muscatine... sort of a home court advantage.  Of course, things feel a lot differently in a field of 80+ Cat 1,2's.

I decided to chill out for a bit.  It was raining most of the event. Then Jeff Bradley's hand went in the air... oh crap is he flatting?  Nope...it was time to go to work.  TJ Tollakson let me know the situation, and I rushed to the front to rotate through with the ISCorp guys and the rest of our team.  This was  such welcomed news... I finally had something to do. 

We got a good tempo going as the gap started to come down.   After awhile, other teams got in the rotation and/or began attacking.  This ultimately caused the two-team chase to dissolve.  Unfotunately, there were a few points when the field was all panned out, waiting for someone else to do the work.  If we would have stayed the course, we would have caught the 4 man break, which ended up being only 30 seconds ahead of us by the finish.

Jeff was in good position to attest the field sprint, and he delivered a great effort.  The team felt good about the day, and earned some respect from the field.  My efforts to get in a break and then rotate through at the front did leave my legs a bit wasted, so I merely rolled through at the end, trying to stay out of the way and trouble.

Why enter a race you aren't really expecting to get favorable personal result at?  Why not?  I could have went to the movies, a party, out to dinner, read a book,  etc... You don't win anything by spending your time that way either... It is all about chosing positive ways to spend your time, and I can say that I spent my Friday afternoon in a very rewarding fashion. 

SNAKE ALLEY SLIPPIN

The rain drops held off as I did a couple of warm-up laps of the course.  I noted that my legs were a little more sore than I would have hoped and that I was being more sketchy on the downhill corners than desirable... Oh well, it will be fine.

The rain started as I lined up for the Masters 30+ event with about 23 other guys.. really?  I didn't think much of it because I felt good about my abilities on this course based on my success last year.  I darted off with an agressive start... well, unfortunately Brian Eppen had lined up, and he was totally sprinting out of the gates to get the 'hole shot' up the snake.  This shook me up a bit.

As we started up the snake I stood up to unleash the power within:).   My back wheel slipped from the wet conditions.   Ok, I sat down and then tried again a few pedal strokes later.  Oh no... am I going to have to sit the whole time to keep the weight/traction on my back tire?

By the time I got up the snake I looked down the road to see Brian Eppen almost around the first corner.  Very demoralizing... the race was split apart and we have only been racing about 2 minutes.  It got worse for me (and others like me). Steve Tilford describes the descent as 'fast and technical', so I don't mind suggesting that you can lose time on the downhill part of the course if you aren't willing to take some chances and/or have great technical confidence.  Well, the wet conditions made things even more 'technical'.

I kept trying to stand each time up the snake, but would slip out each time.  I knew that if ever lost my balance, I would have to run up the snake so I just tried to keep it together.  Man was I going slow.  Usually I am gasping for air by the time I reach the top of the course... not is year, the slippery cobbles were robbing all my effort.  

With about 4 laps in I lost my interest in the event.  Without the ability to use the uphill climb as a way to gain time on the field, I was severely handicapped.  Really?  8 more laps of this.  I had family cheering me on, so I persevered, but I was becoming embarrassed, maybe that was the wrong feeling, but I was still feeling it.

Somehow I ended up in 10th place... as bad as I felt I was performing, I guess others were having a similar experience..  I couldn't find any motivation to pedal hard, a very odd feeling.  I nearly got lapped by Eppen, yet was able to lap a couple of other guys.  Everybody simply had a different approach to how handling a wet 'snake alley' course. 

I finished feeling like this would be a sort of rest day.  I guess it was good to have been able to save my legs for Sunday, but I didn't do this intentionally.

Memorial Day Weekend Preview



The 2011 banner I created for the Muscatine Criterium Website.  I was thrilled to have won the Cat 3 race in 2010.

This should be an interesting weekend of racing.  I was still at Cat 3 at this time last year, so I will be facing a whole new racing situation. Considering the strength and talent of the Cat 1,2 field that participates in the Memorial Day Weekend races,  I have sort of cherry picked the races that I will participate in.

On Friday I will do the 102 mile Pro 1,2  Burlington road race.  The course almost makes it up to my hometown of Muscatine, turning around in Grandview.  This means my mom can give me a hand-up and get to see the race for about 30 seconds.  I am mostly doing this event for the experience, as it seems suited toward the sprinter types.  I suppose their might be a couple of splits in the field since 102 miles is a substantial distance.  Teammate Jeff Bradley is feeling good about this race, so I might get a chance to be of assistance.

For the Snake Alley Criterium on Saturday, I opted to pass on the Cat 1,2 event, and try my luck against the Master's 30+ field.   I did well in the Cat 3 event last year, but just not feeling the love for the Cat 1,2 race.  I believe Carson and TJ Tollakson are racing the Cat 1,2 event, so American Equity will have great representation.

On Sunday, I will enter the the Pro 1,2 race at the Melon City Criterium.  40 laps around Muscatine's Weed park does seem a little daunting, not to mention the fact that I am thinking the Pro 1,2 field will be completely ripping it down the hill and back up the loop.  Regardless, I want to see what it is like to race with this elite field in my hometown.

Not sure about the Rock Island Criterium.  I haven't registered and will play it by ear.  As far is courses go, this one quite simply doesn't suit me.  I have always done poorly, but will admit that the atmosphere at the district is awesome, and the event is very top-notch and well organized.

LAST CHANCE WORKOUT
Like many Iowans, I was hoping to get in a killer workout today, as final preparations for the 3-4 day race weekend. I was up in Davenport so decided to try one of the infamous hill workouts that Jeff Bradley organizes from the Trek Store.  I got in a 25 mile pre-ride, and anxiously watched the skies begin to cloud cover as I finished up.  Sure enough, the rain rolled in right about the time the Wilkes Hill Repeats would have started.  No one seemed to be showing up, so I headed back to Muscatine at 6pm.

Very disappointing... However, as I headed back to town, the skies began to clear.  Alas, this murky weather is the perfect time to ride the Melon City Criterium course, as it deters park goers from interfering with my reps. 

So, I put on my rain jacket and started doing laps of the course.  The ducks kept getting in my way, so I hardly ever could hold my momentum after the speed bump.  If the ducks weren't hissing at me, there was usually a car inching its way over the speed bump, prohibiting me from training at speed.  In other words, it really isn't that practical to do hill repeats on this course. 

I did start to get in a rhythm, and did 40 laps of the lower loop (the part with the hill and descent).  I varied my speed bump launches, to get a feel for where some good lines were... they all pretty much suck... just something we have to endure as part of the course.

Well wishes to all the competitors and fans who will be enjoying Midwest bike racing at its finest this weekend.

Iowa Big 4 Cycling Conference... State Fair Crit

This week, I can finally say that I put together a nice training/racing block.  Despite my best efforts, it is next to impossible to be in peak form all season long.  After hitting it so hard for the first part of the season, I lost a bit of motivation, due to a touch of mental/physical burnout.  I feel that I am finally starting the journey back up the ladder... just in time for the second half of the season.

Iowa State Fair Criterium
Though I was disappointed with how things went for me at the 2011Zealous Road Race, I performed accordingly the next day at the Iowa State Fair Criterium.I finished 4th overall (results), losing out only to some of the strongest cyclist in Iowa this year..Mike Sencenbaugh (Zealous), Mattias Perret(Mercy-Specialized), and Brian West(World of Bikes/Bikes2You).  These guys are emerging as the team leaders for their respective organizations. 
 
The State Fair Crit started fast and stayed fast.  The hill on this course was steep, and probably about .25 miles. So we were probably climbing for about 5 or 6 miles all together, just not all at once... still about the closest thing to a mountain stage we can get here in Iowa. Therefore, this race was suited a bit more for the climber types.


Mike S.(Zealous) was seeking revenge for getting caught out the day before and set a blistering tempo around the course early on.  This guy races/trains in Arizona all winter then comes up to Iowa in the Summer.  I have raced with him for two years now, and watched him get better each race. He has some impressive results this year, and more to come... I put a great big mark on his back everytime I see that he is in a race with me.   He is a cat 1 now, and rightly so.

His first move didn't stick, as the 'Iowa Big 4' teams (Mercy, Zealous, World of Bikes, and of course American Equity) countered attacks and/or closed gaps as needed.  Teammates Lou and Paul were riding really strong in this race. Unfortunately, I can't really say that I ever felt 'strong', so I never attacked the group, though I did seem to have a faster approach to descent. I just hung on for the ride, and what a roller coaster it turned out to be.

There was always something going on during this race, so it went extremely fast.  Before I knew it, we were approaching the end of the event.    Mike Sencenbaugh made his final move, after quite a few other attacks had been countered and brought back throughout the race.  This move seemed to have staying power.  I felt that if I tried to catch him, I might blow up, and then get passed by the aggressive field, so decided to play it safe.  Mattias and Brian got up the road a bit, trying to chase him down.  Since Mike was so far up the road, the rest of the field, including Zealous, were still hoping to catch Mattias and Brian, so there was plenty of help trying to bring them back. 

The final lap I was behind Jerome Rewerts and Jared Osterloh (Zealous).  Jerome put in one last dig up the hill to sort of launch Jared. Jared didn't seem to have much left so I made my move about half way up the hill.  I focused on hitting it as hard as I could on the descent as well.  I came around the final corner, and up and over the smaller hill with Mattias and Brian in my sights, but too far to catch.  I had a sizeable gap on the rider behind me, so I rolled accross the line in 4th. 

The American Equity team got 3 guys in the top ten, and is enjoying their current lead of the Iowa Cup Team Competition (yeah, I know, alphabetical advantage, but this has been a team consideration from the beginning... we had a sponsorship offer from Zenith Equity, but turned it down for just this reason).

2011 Iowa Cup - Elite Team Competition
American Equity 46pts.
Iowa City Cycling Club 46pts.
Zealous Racing 44pts.
World of Bike/Bikes2You 22pts.
Colorbiotics 1pts.
Atlas Cycling 1pts.

Max Muscle Recovery
I really do feel good this season.  I have quite simply stepped up to the next level, as I endeavor to be competive against Cat 1,2 fields.  My diet is an area that needs some improvment.  First of all, I live alone, so my refrigerator has that bachelor look to it (mostly fluids).  The freezer section is where I select my meal for the evening.  I get most excited about frozen burrito night, which occurs 2 or 3 times per week.  Secondly, I really crave sweets.  I can put down some pretty large quantities of Twizzlers and Cupcakes. 

So, in an effort to try and counter this situation, I supplement my diet with good choices that will compensate within the areas my meals are lacking.  I have found a winning combination with Max Muscle's ARM for recovery, and EnduroMax for training.  The key to improving fitness for me, is to be able to recover as quickly as possible, and these two products seem to be doing the trick.

Time Trialing is a Pain in the Rear
I have been having trouble getting motivated to TT this year... My initial tests have been miserable, and I am not going to enter a race until I get some positive reinforcement from my training.  Basically, my gluteous muscles are a huge limiting factor, as they become sore and feel weak.  I actually think my new position may need some tweaking, as I just dont seem to have as much power on my TT bike as I did last year. So, my TT bike is getting pretty dusty, and I might not get out the dust remover til later in the year... we shall see.  But for now, I will keep focused on my Road Race goals.

Zealous Road Race - Operation Gutter Ball

I enjoyed a great weekend of racing that began with the 80 mile Zealous Road Race road race on Saturday, near Des Moines, IA. My weekend actually started by enjoying great accomodations provided by Lou and Wendy Waugaman.  They treated me way better than I treat myself, so thanks for their support of bike racing, and for giving me a break from my reluctant frozen burrito bachelor lifestyle.

The weather Saturday was miserable... worst case scenario for me. Team Zealous made the best however, going so far as to actually fill in some of the pot holes by purchasing cold-patch... they put on a great weekend of racing.

American Equity brought a solid squad which included Jeff Bradley, Lou Waugaman, Paul Deninger, JJ Bailey, and myself.  Noting the massive winds, we constructed a covert operation I nicknamed Operation Gutterball.  We agreed to let the race shake out for the first lap and then create a restrictive echelon just before the start/finish area (at the church) during the second lap.

The race started in a crosswind section, so it wasn't particularly easy to stay connected.  Then things slowed down when we turned right into the headwind.  The next turn was the gutterball section, but no worries, because we were going to wait til the second lap to officially execute our tactic, so I didn't feel any sense of urgency.  I felt uncomfortable... the wind was blowing my bike at angle, my mind and body were simply cold. More figuratively, then literally, as I had a lot of gear on. 

Alas, I looked up the road and saw my teammates executing Operation Gutterball a lap earlier then anticipated.  Jeff was signaling for me to get up there but with the massive cross wind, and the echelon already started I was locked out of the move.    They briefly contemplated waiting, but then made the decision to leave me behind.  Sort of like being on a battle field, but instead of "No Man Left Behind", they had to do the opposite, for the sake of winning the battle.

Much like a wounded soldier, I helplessly gazed up the road watching the operation work to perfection.  I couldn't give chase because this would only serve to potentially help bring up the other 8 guys who eventually formed the 2nd group.  With 75 more miles left to race... this was going to be a long, long day.

Actually, there isn't much else to report... as Lou mentioned in his report, the race was over for everyone except for the 8 guys who made the break.  I was already in trouble for not being at the front when the break formed, so didn't want to compound things by doing something selfish.  I will say it is a new experience to be in a chase group, but not helping the cause.  We had three strong guys up the road however, so things were working out well for the team.

I decided to participate in the chase group sprint to finish 10th overall.  The race turned out to be a real highlight for the American Equity squad, as Lou won with Jeff and Paul finishing 3rd and 6th respectively (full results).  I attempted to be happy for the team, but that sentiment wasn't initially welcomed as Lou informed me that I was going to get chewed out for not being up front.  I think everyone ultimately realized, however, that I didn't need any additional punishment above and beyond what I was already giving myself.

It is exciting to be on a team that will hold me accountable for my mistakes.  I have raced so many events by myself, it is nice to take a break from that isolating experience, and have an opportunity to take a team approach to success.

Stay tuned for the State Fair Crit Report.  Results from weekend.

Squaw Creek Crit Report

One of the early laps, as the Cat 1,2 field crosses the start/finish area.

 A fantastic day of racing was enjoyed by cyclists who participated in the 2011 Squaw Creek Criterium, near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I woke up early that day, not being able to sleep thinking about how I seem to be using a higher cadence this year... so at around 5am, I woke and went internet shopping for a 12-25tooth cassette (yeah, road cyclists are a strange breed). 

MASTER'S 30+

My early awakening also allowed me the opportunity to particpate in the Master's 30+ race that started at 9am.  I wasn't completely sure it was a good idea to enter this race, wanting to be my best for the Cat 1,2 race later that day, but had a good feeling that I could get one of the three payouts. 

I felt extremely confident about my chances in this race... my legs felt good and the field seemed vulerable to my game plan.  I was going to take it easy the first couple of laps of this 8 lap event that included a noteworthy hill up to the start/finish.  Unfortunately, Lee Venteicher's blue/white striped socks clashed so severely with his orange shoe covers and yellow jersey that my adrenaline started to boil over.  I couldn't stand the thought of enduring this visual assault, so changed up my agenda as he launched off the front from the start.

The first lap up the hill I found myself rocketing up the hill... I looked behind and was surprised to see a huge gap.  I felt great so kept rolling it up and over the crest.  I was soon joined by Chris Eastburn.  He was racing the 50+ event, so this was a nice situation, potentially.  So, with basically the entire race left to go, it was up to me and Chris to see if we can fend off the field for the rest of the race.

I rode hard, and Chris wasn't really helping much, except on the downhill, but he was much more confident in our gap.  I just wanted to make sure to get 'out of sight, out of mind'.  Not so much to psychologically deter the chasing field, but so that I didn't have to glance across the course to see Lee's orange shoe covers clashing with his blue and white striped  knee highs.

Towards the end of the race I let up, and started thinking about the main event.  I won the race and was happy that I decided to make the trip up early.

I am rolling up the hill, staying attentive as one of my
 teammates was up the road.

CAT 1,2 RACE

JJ Bailey and Lou Waugaman joined me for the 18 Lap Cat 1,2 event.  Team Zealous out of Des Moines brought a large team, with 6 guys in the Cat 1,2 race and a few more in the cat 3.  Our team vowed to make sure we were represented in any breaks, and  I promised myself that I would tear myself inside out to chase down anything that didn't include our American Equity squad.

Brandon Krawczyk made the trip from Minnesota.  He is a great racer who has a track racing  background, and can totally rip it up at races such as the BBQ Blue Crit in Clear Lake.    It became apparent that he was here to win, as he followed every move.  Lou launched off first as a sort of tester attack.  I countered this move once it was brought back, then I believe Lou went again, forming yet another nice group.  Brandon and Team Zealous were in each of these moves, but it was a bit early for the field to let anything stick.  Then JJ went up the road and got in a break with Jared Osterloh (Zealous) and Brandon K.  Ok, this might be the winning break.  Lou and I were able to relax a bit (sort of), and let that move develop.  Lane Anderson (Zealous) bridged up during the next lap on the hill.  His effort was explosive and no one else tried to catch his wheel.

Unfortunately, as we went up the hill on a subsequent lap, the field saw JJ get popped from the break.  I didn't even blink, rather launched up the road, not interested in chasing Jared and Brandon down.  This ended up being a critical point in the race.  When things settled, Jerome Rewerts (Zealous) had marked my wheel and a 5 man break emerged.

The 5 man break (left to right).. Lane Anderson, Brandon Krawcyzk, Jared Osterloh, Chad Bishop, Jerome Rewerts.

As you can see, Zealous Racing had three guys in the move so this presented some tactical decision making opportunities.  Brandon committed early on to not working, and assertively suggested that I do the same, mentioning that they would 'work me over'.  Perhaps, but I really didn't want the rest of the field to join us, so I eventually worked into the rotation.  I didn't have to get too frantic about it, because I knew Lou and JJ were in the field, and felt specifically confident that Lou would be able to win this race if they slowed down enough to let the field catch up.  Brandon ended up rotating through a bit, but seemed to be saving his legs.  I had a pretty good feeling that he was going to win this thing.  For a lot of reasons, he was in a good situation.  He earned it, however, by following every single move early in the race to be in this position.

Lou attempting to bridge up the the break.

I scaled back my efforts as the laps ticked away and the field seemed to be long forgotten.  Our pace slowed each lap.   Very strategically, Lou Waugaman had launched a solo attack with about 6 laps to go, hoping to bridge up.  A great move, because it didn't bring any other guys up, and would have given us even better opportunities in the finishing sprint.

During the last lap, I was expecting Zealous to use their numerical advantage to set up the win for one of their teammates.  Nothing seemed to be transpiring as I heard someone shout something at Jerome who seemed to be incorrectly executing their last lap intended tactic. 

Brandon winning the sprint, with me and Jared right behind.

Jerome kept the pace brisk coming into the last corner leading up to the finish area hill.  Perhaps I should have been a little more patient, but I attacked the group as soon as I straightened up from the corner.  I had no idea how this move would pan out.  Brandon and Jared got on my wheel and were able to pass me prior to the finish line. Congratulations to Brandon for doing what needed to be done to win, not to mention Team Zealous for getting three guys in the break.

I looked over my shoulder earlier in the move to verify that Lane and Jerome weren't able to contest my position.  I eased up a bit and ended up on the podium, with my third place finish.

Finishing the 2011 Squaw Creek Cat 1,2 Criterium.

Lou finished close behind our group.  If we would have had another lap or two, he would have made it up to the break... that would have been a complete shock to the Zealous guys, and made for an even better result for American Equity. 

JJ Bailey beat out the rest of the Cat 1,2 field to finish 7th overall.

Another picture of the break away working its way past the start finish area.

This was a great race put on by HBA Racing.  I think everyone will admit, that they enjoyed competing here. 

Results - Senior Pro/1/2
1 Brandon Krawczyk WAUKESHA WI GrandStay Hotels
2 Jared Osterloh DES MOINES IA Zealous Racing
3 Chad Bishop MUSCATINE IA American Equity Racng Team
4 Lane Anderson ALTOONA IA Team Emu
5 Jerome Rewerts NEVADA IA Zealous Racing
6 Louis Waugaman WAUKEE IA Velosport Iowa /American Equity
7 J Bailey DES MOINES IA American Equity Racng Team
8 Brendan Kealey IOWA CITY IA Mercy-Specialized
9 Christopher Eastburn CEDAR RAPIDS IA Mercy-Specialized
10 Lee Venteicher WAUKON IA Bikes To You / World of Bikes
11 Ryan French DES MOINES IA Zealous Racing
12 Finn Kolsrvd Iowa City IA
13 David Lippold WEST DES MOINES IA Zealous Racing
14 Steven Robinson DES MOINES IA Zealous Racing

I am now looking forward to the Zealous Race Weekend in Des Moines.

Iowa City Race Weekend

ROAD RACE - The VAN of DOOM

Over 50 Cat 1,2's lined up for this 52 mile event. The winds were around 20mph at times, which meant the wheels were turning for elite racers planning their tactics.  American Equity had a solid team showing (Lou, Paul, Jeff, Carson, and myself).

The race started off innocently enough, but right after we turned into a cross wind section all hell broke loose... I nearly lost it at that point... and everyone was all strung out... not sure when, but soon after, this happened again... someone was drilling it and not letting up... hmm, who could it be?

The VAN of DOOM:  Steve Tilford (race report), apparently after some deliberation, decided to make the journey up to Iowa City... he brought a van full of heavy hitters.  In fact all four of the guys in the van ended up in the top 5 of this race : 1. Jensen, Brian, - 2. Stolte, William , - 3. Bergman, Adam 4.Coil, Nicholas, - 5. Tilford, Stephen.  Only Adam Bergman wasn't in the Van, but maybe he can car pool with them next year and they can do a top 5 sweep.  Better yet, maybe I can drive down to Kansas and hitch a ride back up with them in hopes of soaking up some of their greatness.  Needless to say, this report would have read much differently had they not made the trip.

So as far as how the race went, two other guys Matias Perret(Iowa City) and Zach Reed (Dogfish) ended up in a 7 man break with the 'guys from the van' that ended up holding on til the end. 

I remember looking up just after the first lap and counting 5 clusters of echelons across the road.  Everyone was forming groups of riders trying to stay as close the leaders as possible.  Eventually, there was a pretty nice chase group of around 20 guys.  All of the American Equity guys were in this group... sweet!  Oh, everyone except for me... crap... This is not where I wanted to be... the group I was in was somewhat demoralized...'working on our tans' as one rider pointed out... my efforts to chase were only frustrating those in the rotation so I eventually resigned the effort.  I would have loved to have been in the chase group, I had plenty of 'chase' in me, but no way of unleashing it.  Sounds like I could have worked with teammates to try and 'save the day'.  Dang.

TIME TRIAL - The Scarlet Letter

No, I didn't have an 'A' sewn into my jersey, rather the letter 'L' was tattooed across my expression... yes, unfortunately, I sort of felt like a loser at this point.  They say that having the Yellow Jersey in the Tour De France gives riders that extra motivation to push their body beyond it's limits to hold onto their lead... well my  bright red 'L' was having the opposite effect.  I very reluctantly lined up to do a 13 mile timed lap.

There really wasn't much of a point in entering the time trial, as I was way too far down in the results to have a chance at the omnium that paid back 5 places.  However, I had already registered and I was really curious just how I would stack up against this field.  This was a 'No Aero Gear' TT... making it as even of a playing field as you get... just pedal your bike as fast as you can for one lap around the course... I couldn't resist finding out the 'truth', whatever that may be... 

Well, I ended up 11 out of 30... not too bad, considering the strength of this field.  Brian Jensen showed us why he was able to gutter the field so effectively during the road race...  he won the TT with a time of 29:14 using his yellow jersey to crush the course... very impressive.  It might make sense to have the TT prior to the Road Race next year, so it is more of a prologue... not sure.

Here are results from the weekend.

CRITERIUM
I really was still down in the dumps Saturday night, but by Sunday morning I had talked myself back up, and was preparing to go to the criterium...  Unfortunately, I backed my self into a corner trying to adjust my rear derailleur and ended up ruining it.  No shifting at all.  I frantically called a team mate for help, but it was too late.  So, I didn't end up racing at the crit, and took my bike to the shop the next day.