Kent Park 2012: Operation Anti-Fluffer

This picture sums up my race... Bret Bohanan and me rolling up the start/finish trying to create a break-away.

I had a very enjoyable race experience at the Annual Kent Park Spring Classic.  I was hoping to cap off a great week of training with a hard race experience against some strong Iowa Cat 1,2 racers, and that mission was accomplished.

About 20 competitors lined up in the Cat 1,2 field to complete 6 laps of a 24 mile circuit that includes lots of rolling hills and a very steep start/finish  hill.

I was representing half of our American Equity Team, accompanied by teammate Paul Deninger.  Paul wasn't feeling that he had good legs that day, so he offered to help me get into a break... hence OPERATION ANTI-FLUFFER was born.

The plan was for Paul to "soften up the field" at a very strategic point during the circuit...  Once I felt the group was soft enough, I would attack up a subsequent hill, get a gap, wait for company, then roll out a break-away group.  I don't really get too excited about the concept of field sprints, so a breakaway was my best shot at success.

Heading up the Start/Finish at Kent Park.

The name for our plan is based on the fact that a "Fluffer" is a slang term used in the pornographic industry to describe a person in charge of keeping the male actors "Hard" between takes.  So, Paul was doing the opposite of that (Anti-fluffing the field = Softening up the field)... A similar effect happens when one thinks about baseball, or dead kittens while engaging in intimate relations... this is supposed to extend the experience for those who might have endurance issues.

The operation was executed to perfection on the second attempt, towards the end of the race... I was joined by a Dogfish guy named Brett, who had proved that he was in excellent shape... unfortunately, the Zealous teammate (Lane Anderson) that joined us wasn't quite able to contribute to the effort initially (spent from the effort to make the bridge), and there were still several teams unrepresented in the break... namely Bikes2You.  Derek Cassady (Bikes2You) attempted to bridge up.  Had he made it, this would probably be an entirely different report, as I would have finished no worse than 4th.  However, he didn't make it, and the field brought as back within couple of miles. There were just too many teams still able to chase...they weren't "Soft" enough.

Dang, that was about all she wrote for me...  After we were caught I had some free time to come up with the "Anti-fluffer" blog concept.  I pre-write most of my reports during the race itself.  In this case, I sort of lost interest in the event when it was apparent that this was going to be a field sprint finale, so decided to start working on my report.

Coming around to the second part of the last lap, the field sprint was looming.  I heard someone say they were backing off to avoid the chaos about to unfold (probably from another field, as most of the Cat 1,2's don't back down from a sprint).  I took one last shot at getting a gap when Ryan French (Zealous Racing) attacked prior to the last downhill section.  I couldn't quite catch him and wasted myself trying. This race only really acknowledges the first place finisher, which didn't seem likely for me in this situation. So,  I dialed it back and decided to get a good view of the final two turns as I was pretty sure someone was going to wipe out.  Sure enough Kurt Hantleman (Thrive Racing) went down as he reacted to some braking/wheel slippage.  (He was alright, thankfully, just some road rash and torn shorts). With that out of the way, I navigated to the last uphill and tried to maintain my placing.

I really did enjoy the race.  I am not sure if I am supposed to have so much fun when I don't technically attain "Success", but I do... and I can't see any reason to try and make the experience a negative one.  My definition of winning might be different than others, and it is evolving as I mature.  The guys who showed up were in great shape and very skilled racers.  I am happy that I was able to be competitive amongst such a talented field of Midwest athletes:

RESULTS - Cat 1,2 - Kent Park, - March 25th, 2012

1) Kevin Temple - Bikes to You

2) Mariusz Czarnomski - ICCC

3) Bret Bohanan - Dogfish Racing

4)Jim Cochran - Atlas

5)Lane Anderson - Zealous Racing

6) Steven Robinson - Zealous Racing

7) Derek Cassaday - Bikes to You

8) Paul Deninger - American Equity Racing

9) Daniel Galles - ICCC

10) Joe Hetrick - ICCC

11) Chad Bishop - American Equity Racing

12) Bryan Moritz - World of Bikes

13) Jared Osterlon - Thrive

14) Ryan French - Zealous Racing

15) Jerome Rewerts - Zealous Racing

16) Kurt Hantlemann - Thrive

17) Lee Venteicher 1- Bikes to You

18) Chad Vandelune  - Thrive

19) Will Greenwood  - Bikes to You

Question: How many bikes does a roadie need to have?

Answer:  One more than he/she currently has. 
That seems to be about right.  I think I may be close to having enough bikes.  It took about 6 years, but I may be content with owning 7 bikes... each with a very specific purpose... I need each one.

My garage is set-up nicely to house my collection of two-wheeled vehicles.

1) Commuter Bike - this is an old 1988 Trek 1000... I put a saddle with flames on it, and cheesy yellow tires in hopes of making it less theft-prone...  the down-tube shifting is ridiculous... really a single speed because I don't like shifting old-school, too much grinding... the gears were weird back then... cyclists must have been stronger, because I ride in the small ring, the big ring is too large, I guess...  I think it is a 6-speed... I need to commute more...

2) Mountain Bike - Nothing fancy... Marin hard-tail with front shocks... had it about 10 years... still works fine... I take it up to sugar bottom about twice per year, and also haul my son with it...

3) Cyclo-cross  Bike - I bought a Giant CX bike about 5 years ago for $600... still in excellent condition and I use it for gravel training and the occasional race or gravel brevet...

4) Training Bike (Indoors) - My first race bike (Trek Madone 5.0)  has been demoted over the years, and has now been relegated to its final resting place in my basement.  I ride it all the time, as I am sort of a fan of indoor training.

5) Time Trial Bike - My Trek Equinox is getting a bit outdated, and was mid-level when I bought it, but still does the trick... I have a good areo-wheel/handlebar set-up to compensate for the shimano 105 components that came with it...  I like the fact that it isn't the 'latest/greatest' because then I can blame my equipment if I don't do well in a TT or prologue.

6) Training Bike (Outdoors) - Ok, this is my previous racing bike... I didn't even think about selling it, as it comes in handy for solo training rides,  rainy group training rides and/or recreational rides that don't imply my 'race bike'.

My new bike is still awaiting its 'maiden voyage'...

7) Racing Bike - My new Trek Madone is for racing and group race-simulation training rides.  I haven't ridden it yet... 

Along these lines, I have a three car garage, and only one-car... that seems like more than enough... I like the idea of having 2/3 of my garage dedicated to my bikes.

So, I am sort of at 'critical mass'... in that if I get another bike, it will be to upgrade one of my existing bikes, and I will have to finally part ways with a bike.  Hmm, I suppose if I get a girlfriend/wife, I might need to get a tandem... that seems like a hassle.. I will stick with the current plan which is "to nut-up and die alone".

So, the answer to the question, in my opinion is 'SEVEN'.

Iowa Spring Classic Report

I enjoyed an excellent day of racing and training on Saturday at the Iowa Spring Classic near Iowa City.  It was very windy but warm.  My old race bike is out of commission this year, so I had no choice but to bring my cyclocross bike with 38mm wide tires.  I knew this wasn't going to be the right equipment, especially when I saw that the gravel was very dry and firm... almost like pavement.  At first, I wasn't worried because I saw a few guys with cross bikes/tires... then as I started seeing the aero-wheels... crap.  So much for this being a light-hearted training race... I reluctantly took off my flat pack (can't have that extra weight) and pumped my tires up to their max... 80 psi.

Ok, a nice field of about 20 guys lined up to race 7 laps of the 44 mile course.  Of note was the 'entrance' the Iowa City Club made.  They all road out to the race, so a large field of around 25 blue-clad cyclists could be seen as they arrived... very impressive organization, and a little intimidating.  Most of my teammates were at training camps, so I was riding solo.  Unfortunately for me, there were team tactics from the gun, as Zealous, Bikes2You/WOB, Mercy-Specialized, Rasmmusen's, and Atlas had multiple riders.  The Zealous guys had just got back from a training camp in Arkansas, so they were definitely 'prepared'.

My main objective was to get in some  outdoor race-specific miles, but I didn't want to get shelled from the start, which would defeat the purpose.  My fitness seems great, and this notion was reinforced as the race progressed.  After some hard hitting attacks/tempos, the field had dwindled down to about 14 after the first lap.  I stayed true to my mission of not leaving anything behind, and worked to pull back the solo breakaway during the second lap.  I nearly lost touch with the group when there was a counter attack followed by the dreaded gutter-ball/cross-wind section, so I decided to chill out after that (once bitten twice shy).  After the second lap we were down to 10, with Bikes2You/WOB having established a two man break up the road (Kevin Tempel/AJ Turner).

Jerome Rewerts (Zealous) led a vicious chase that had most of us on the ropes during about the 3rd or 4th lap.  The gravel section was a series of rollers,  that culminated in this odd 'vortex of pain', in which the combination of head wind and gradient totally put my legs at their limit.   Oddly, after I rebounded from that corner, I seemed to have wings and was able to catch back on to the group.   My 38 mm cross tires could be heard 'whizzing' with power as I really was able to turn over a solid tempo once we hit the pavement.

At the start of our 4th or 5th lap we hit the rollers section, but also came across the other fields.  Things got really confusing.  Someone in our field was stringing things out at this exact same time... I pedalled at my limit, having no idea what was specifically going on.  After everything shook out, there was a group of 4 up the road with about 6 of us chasing.  I took up the cause for awhile, but then decided to look behind me to see why no one was helping...  crap, they all had teammates up the road.  No worries, I love chasing (life), and this fit my agenda.

Two of the Iowa City guys dropped off (Jeff Barnes and Ryan Nenninger, I believe), as  their teammate Mario eventually got dropped from the lead group.  I noted he had a cross bike, as well.  He wasn't able to help chase, so I pulled him along with Steve Robinson (Zealous) and Lee Venteicher (Bikes2You/WOB).  Jerome Rewerts (Zealous), Kevin Tempel (Bikes2You/WOB), and Nate Kullborn (Atlas) were up the road, but within my sights.

The race paid back three spots, which I considered as I plodded along.  A predictable outcome transpired as we neared the conclusion of the race.  Not quite being able to catch the break, the three guys behind me came around me just before the last corner, and sprinted about 200 yards to take up the 4th, 5th, and 6th positions.  If the race had paid back 5 spots, I probably would have played the tactics, to try and get in the money. Luckily, it didn't, which meant I didn't have to think a whole lot during the last part of the race... just pedal hard, and enjoy a great competition.

Afterwards, my chase group companions thanked me accordingly, and noted that I had some good form.  It is nice for my self-efficacy, to get some verbal feedback from my peers.  Congratulations to Bikes2You/WOB, who seemed to control most of the race, and can boast having won this race for the third year in a row.

I felt like crap after the race, and couldn't function for a few hours...  that is one of the most rewarding feelings.   Thanks to the promoters for giving us Iowans some great early-season racing opportunities.  They only placed the guys who finished, which ended up being 10 of us:

Men P123,  - 44 miles
1 - Kevin Tempel
2 - Jerome Rewarts
3 - Nate Kullboom
4 - Lee Venteicher
5 - Steven Robinson
6 - Mario Czarnomski
7 - Chad Bishop
8 - Drew Wilson
9 - Matt Nagel
10 - Matt Gumm

The 1st Annual Quad Cities Road Race

Though the details are FAR from being finalized, we are committed to the date (July 14th), and pretty sure about the name of  American Equity Racing's 2012 road race...

The Quad Cities already has a well-known criterium... now they are going to have a Road Race...
Check our website out in a few weeks for details once we start to get things finalized...  We are putting a lot of effort into presenting a solid racing experience for midwest cyclists.  Road races are few and far between, yet many racers seem to enjoy participating in them, so we decided early on to produce an event within this discipline.

RACE PROMOTION
Ok, my eyes have been opened to all that goes in to promoting a race, now that I am actively engaged in the process.  I am very surprised with how complicated things can get.  I have raced in tons of events, but never really paid attention to all the minor details, just enjoyed participating. I always made a point of not complaining, though as I knew the promoters were doing all they could to make the event run smoothly.

My biggest delusion was that you could actually make money by putting on a race...  Well, by the time you pay for the referees, the USAC surcharge, traffic enforcement, facility rental, signage, porta-potties, race forms/numbers, IBRA/ICA fees,  registration, pay-outs, etc.   there really isn't any chance of having any surplus revenue.  I can say I will never question the cost of an entry fee again, as I now realize that promoters are just charging what they need to, in hopes of not losing too much money.  Racing clubs put on events for the simple principle of contributing to the sport that they love, and should be applauded for their efforts... a lot goes into organizing racing events, especially if they are permitted with pay-outs and large fields. 

IOWA SPRING CLASSIC
I am planning on getting a nice training race under my belt this weekend in Iowa City at the first Iowa Spring Classic.  This event is a gravel/road race.  I am just going to ride my cyclocross bike this year, regardless of the road conditions, as I am simply focused on grinding out a solid effort.  I had some success in this event last year, getting in the winning  break with Andrew Fagersten (Bikes2You/World of Bikes) and Jerome Rewerts(Zealous Racing).  I came in second overall, and  had a blast slogging it up and around the Iowa City back roads.  Not sure what to expect this year, but again, results are secondary to 'not leaving anything behind' ... which means my tactic will most likely be to not race with any tactic...  confused?  I sure hope I will be... check back to see how  (or if) things panned out.

Marching to the Beat of a Different Drummer

That title made me giggle...  not sure I can follow it up with an actual post. 

Blogging is sort of a joke sometimes.  I often wonder why some people are prone to write blogs and others are not.  Do we need the attention?  Narcissists?  Extremely bored?  Disposable time? Seeking a creative outlet? etc.

Maybe I didn't get enough attention as a child and I am constantly seeking approval.  Not sure, but I do know that one therapy I studied at WIU was called Narrative Therapy.  It basically suggests that having an audience can provide therapeutic relief for certain maladies... I can attest to this. However, I would still blog even if no one else read it.  In fact, sometimes it is wierd that people read my blog.  I often run across people at races who seem to know me, but I don't know them.  Initially, I feel bad, like I forgot meeting them, then I realize that they probably just follow my blog from time to time.

Some people simply enjoy reading blogs,  while others seem to have a major issue with the whole concept.  I know that archiving my cycling lifestyle is very rewarding for me.  I find it enjoyable to reflect on my experiences, as this is a great way to relive the experience while attempting to extend the educational potential. 

I decided that I am going to write pre-reports for some of my races.  I think it is noteworthy to compare my thoughts prior to a race to the ones I have afterward.  I also think it will provide readers an opportunity to look forward to the result.  Did I write a check my butt couldn't cash, for example.

SELF-EFFICACY
Essentially, if you believe in your ability to accomplish a certain ambition, you are more likely to succeed.  Several things contribute to self-efficacy including VICARIOUS EXPERIENCE (observing someone similiar to yourself participating successfully), VERBAL PERSUASION (encouraging feedback from peers), and PAST PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE (having succeeded at it before).

Past performance is the most influential... think about how much more confident you are the second time you attempt something that you have already been exposed to. Looking ahead to my race calendar, I will be aspiring towards self-efficacy in all of my races.  I do regret, however, that I didn't race the Cat 1,2 Old Cap Crit last year.  I won't have the specific past performance confidence that I would have, had I lined up in 2011.  Unfortunately, I have also witnessed many of my Cat 2 peers become discouraged when they were unable to finish the race, so I can't specifically call on vicarious experience to increase my self-efficacy for this event.  Maybe someone can give me some verbal persuasion as the race gets nearer to help get my psyche in check.

I also have a low self-efficacy regarding flat 6/8 corner crits.  I really struggle with those things, especially if it is a large field. 2012 is a new year, so I am not planning on revisiting any of these doubts...  I just had to get this off of my chest (ah, catharsis, another reason I write a blog).

It is all about self-efficacy from here on out... I have raced a ton, and have a full year as a Cat 2 under my belt... not to mention the fact that I have my training down to a science (literally)... so I am not going to let self-doubt be a limiting factor this year... sports psychology 101:  positive imagery and self-confidence... the beat of this year's drum is going to be... well different than last year.