The End is Near... Roller Race Series Finale

The end is near, the last race of the winter season will be held March 1st, in Cedar Falls Iowa. I was sitting in first place to win the Gold Medal in the Cat 3 division, but Shawn Loomis busted out his season best last weekend by posting a 5:13.7 result.

After 7 of 8 races:
1) Shawn Loomis - 5:14.5
2) Chad Bishop - 5:18.2
3) Chris Reed - 6:34

Hmm, considering Mr. Loomis will most likely opt to attend this last race and improve his average of 3 best races, winning the Gold is not looking to be probable.

That doesn't mean that the day will be devoid of intensity. I may still be able to win the Cat 1,2,3 event (winning the battle, if not the war), or perhaps just have fun leap frogging over Tracy Thompson's current Cat 2 Series average of 5:17.9, or maybe even just strive to set a new PR (which is currently 5:17.5).

Optionally, I could end up realizing my roller fitness 'peaked' in January, and post a time that doesn't even improve my current series average.

Well, that is my world at the moment...I will post the results of that series, maybe a podium photo as a way to officially mark the end of winter blogging and the beginning of the 2009 spring racing season.

IOWA STATE CRIT CHAMPS
Speaking of 2009 racing, I just found the details of this year's State Crit:
http://hba-racing-team.blogspot.com/
Wow! $7500 prize list, this is going to be a huge event compared to the version in Pella.

Time Trial Check

Watching the Tour of California Time Trial stage inspired me to dust off my TT bike and see if I could do any aero-position modifications. No, unfortunately I don't have access to a wind tunnel, so all I can really do is take photos for analysis purposes...

I moved the seat up a bit from last year as high as it will go and still allow me adequate leg reach, and the handle bars are as low as they will go. I was noticing that the ToC Time Trialers all seemed to have their arms at a 90 degree angle to the bike, so I believe I have accomplished this. Also, my knees are tucked nicely behind my elbows, nearly making contact. I have some room to slide the aero bars and/or seat forward/backward, but this seems to be the best fit I can accomplish with this particular bike set-up. If there are any TT/aero types reading this, any positive or constructive comments would be helpful.

I need a skinsuit of some sort. The one pictured is cheap, and seems to cause some friction issues. This 'skinsuit situation' has been troubling me since I bought the bike. Not being in a large enough team to have a teamkit skinsuit option, I have scoured the internet to find a non-team specific skinsuit... I haven't had any luck. Any advice would be appreciated.

At this point, I am thinking about joining the Century Bike Club, which is a bike club that rides in New York's Central park, just because I like the color scheme of their skinsuit (blue, white with a bit of yellow). I wonder if I can join a more regional team just as a TT/Cyclocross rider (blue color scheme preferred).

Stimulating my economy...

The stars aligned perfectly to motivate the purchase of the latest acquistion to my bicycle collection.... the RACE BIKE...

I am excited to have a top of the line Trek Madone 6.5 Pro that features a 'Red' Carbon Frame and Botrager/Shimano Components. I was immediately interested in the 2009 Project One line up when I noticed they had this stock color scheme that perfectly matched my racing kit.

Also exciting is that my old Madone 5.0 now takes on it's newest role as a Training/Rain/Winter bike. I believe with this acquisition (should arrive in a few weeks) I will now have every necessary bike:

1. Road Racing Bike
2. Road Training/Rain Bike
3. Cyclocross Bike
4. Mountain Bike
5. Time Trial Bike
6. Recreational/Bar Bike

I can only imagine someone will probably try and steal it, just like what happened to Lance's Time Trial bike at the Tour of California... Maybe I will have to store it in my basement vault for awhile, until it cools off a bit.

It took several years and thousands of dollars, but the collection will be complete. Now all I need to acquire is a LIFE. Still chasing...

update just for the sake of updating

Give me a break, it is winter in Iowa... I am struggling to think about what to write, however, I would like to keep this blog alive, as I believe it can be the Hub of Iowa/Illinois Cat 3 racing this year, since I plan to be wherever the action is at, race-wise most of the season.

So, I will put up this update that is basically about nothing... you might want to refrain from reading any more, as this will be time spent that you can never get back.

KENT PARK... Ok, registration is officially open. That sort of gives a bit of a spark to the training. I am glad that I get to start just that much sooner in the order of dismissal, jumping up to the Cat 3 group, having raced Cat 4 last year. I may even be able to catch the Cat 1/2 group before they get to the first hill, assuming I unleash everything I have from the start.

ROLLER RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS...With just 2 more races left, I am still in first place for the cat 3 series. That would be a great way to start 2009. I will most likely have to bust out something miraculous at the final race to secure the Gold, because the second place competitor, Shawn Loomis, is 'looming' right behind and most likely plans on doing everything possible to win the series.

DIRTY ROAD SERIES... I find myself thinking about my cross bike from time to time. I usually don't ride it until September, but it is going to earn it's keep in my garage earlier this year, as I plan on doing at least one of these gravel/road 50 mile races. I wonder who will show up... Is this the new series of early season 'tune-up' races to get everyone ready for the unofficial spring opener at Kent Park?

'Riding Dirty'

Ok... reality is setting in... I am getting way to anxious trying to figure out a way to be in good race shape by the time the spring racing season begins if I don't do a handful of 'training races' in March.

In my desperation, I have officially decided to do at least one of the upcoming 'Dirty Road Races' in Mitchellville, IA. This is a 3 race series (march 7th, 14th, 21st) that is 50 miles in total length, with 30 of those miles on gravel, and 20 miles on the road. I believe, then, that my trusty $600 cyclocross bike is going to get to see some pre-season action, in addition to it's post-season duties.

Now I realize how lucky I had it back in the glory days of DICE cycling and Two Bee Racing, as I could race in eastern Iowa beginning February through March. On the other hand, despite the 2 hour drive, this cyclingupdate.com road race series seems pretty challenging and a perfect training opportunity.

Also of note, I am now a tester for Trek Bicycles. (I have signed an agreement that states I won't disclose details about the products I am testing, so this part of the blog will self-delete in 5 seconds...) My cousin engineers bontrager components, so I get some cool gear from time to time. This also explains why none of my wheels have stickers on them... they are straight from the engineering dept. He has a cool job... when he says he is going for a ride with Steve and Keith... he actually means Steve HED and Keith BONTRAGER. Anyway, it is good motivation to get some outdoor miles in, because he wants me to report back by march 1st.

I am having fun building bikes on TREK's Project One web site... Below is a picture of my 'dream machine' that perfectly matches my team's race kit...

February... Time for race training?

Well, as we made it through the dead month of January, we are now just that little bit closer to the first race of 2009. In celebration of this fact, I motivated myself to go on a group ride February 1st and got in a 2.5 hour ride... good solid mileage that will be used to set up a base for my fitness building. Later in the day I had a superbowl party at my house, so I easily replaced the calories with chicken wings and cheese dip.

Unfortunately, the first race for me this year isn't until KENT PARK, march 29th. Two Bee Racing and DICE cycling used to offer 3 or four races in late february and march (Prairie Rude Days, Scott County Park, etc.) Yeah, it was cold, but what better way to train for a race than by racing. For various reasons those great pre-season races are no longer available.

Kent Park is a good race, but it is goofy, at best. It is a mass start, but each category starts about 15-20 seconds after the previous. So a 'greyhound' type start. The Cat 3's will sprint to the group of cat 1/2's, the cat 4's and Masters will sprint as well.

You don't really win anything (pie or beer) within your race category, so everyone is basically trying to finish as high as possible overall. If you think about it, the Cat 1/2's, who start first, are actually given a sort of 'handicap' because they can start much slower, having been given a substantial head start on the rest of the field that has to unload an all out sprint for the first mile or two to catch up (if they can). Maybe, I could be so bold as to suggest we all start at the same time? No worries, I like the race either way, as it is the unofficial 'spring opener' in Iowa.

I am still in roller training for one last race March 1st, but hope to get outside from time to time. Right now things are still on track for another great year, but way too early to tell.

Time to for the next challenge...

I am adding a little more challenge to my 2009 racing calendar by becoming a grad student. Initially, I thought I would have to cut back on my racing, or at least start sandbagging more by reminding everyone that I can't train as much with all of my homework... but after getting a handle on my first syllabus, no worries. Western Illinois is my chosen school.. they were excited to have me...Now back to my regularly scheduled blogging...

-BIKES 2 U ROLLER RACE - JAN. 25TH, 2009-

Well, not too much to say about this one... I went up, rode hard and then went home. I enjoyed seeing the B2U headquarters, and socializing with various Iowa racers.

For my race I didn't do as well as in my first three races, but did manage to score the second fastest time of the day at 5:21.1. There were a total of 9 competitors in the senior 1,2,3 category, including Tracy Thompson who split the day by winning the Cat 1,2,3 event but then conceding victory to Shawn Loomis by less than a second in the Master's race.

Results: http://www.muscatinecycling.com/ResultsArchive.html

All of the Bikes 2 U team is now a Cat 1 or 2. Just a note for any fellow midwest racers, because this should be another great year from them. Team mentor Sean Walker explained that the team was already building some serious base miles and expects the newly upgraded Cat 2's to have a great early season start.

For me personally, completing this race marks the transition that now begins as my roller season is basically over. To acknowledge this, I am vowing to refrain from my monday night 9-10 mile treadmill routine, and opt instead to do some sort of cycling specific workout. Even though I may be 4 or 5 weeks from even thinking about riding outside, the spring racing season is just around the corner.

I will most likely race the last roller race of the year, but that isn't until march 1st in Cedar Falls. I won't be as specifically 'training' for it, but hope to keep my form and maybe even nudge my PR up a bit. Barring any late roller phenoms emerging, I should have the silver medal in the Iowa Cat 3 roller championship locked up based on my first three times. However, currently I am 'the leader on the road' with an average of about 5:18, with the next Cat 3, Shawn Loomis, currently averaging about 5:22.5.

Maybe I can start off my first racing endeavor of 2009 with a Gold Medal? Check back later to find out if I pulled off the 'miracle', in the meantime I will struggle to find something interesting to write about during the next few weeks of 'off-season' workouts.

Rollin the Rapids - Review

The roller race held on Sunday, Jan. 18th, in Cedar Rapids Iowa at the Gold Pointe Fitness Center, had a great turnout (a total of 35). More importantly, there were 9 competitors in my Cat 1,2,3 field. It seemed that the 2009 Roller Race Series competition was finally going to take form, as most of the contenders were present.

Namely of note, Bikes2U was in almost full force, most likely to get a little roller time before their race Jan. 25th in Grinnel Iowa. All of the various clubs formed little warm-up camps, through out the exercise room of the event.

As the day played out, the room became more and more stinky. I began regretting my late arrival, because I was realizing the relative heat and humidity was increasing minute by minute, which would cause my heart rate to rise more rapidly.

I had a general idea that I could get a time under 5:20, so I kept an eye on the competitors to see who was challenging. All of the Cat 1,2, 3's were posting good times, but it wasn't until shawn loomis put down a 5:21.9 that I began to feel some pressure. Tracy Thomson then really turned up the heat by posting a 5:16.8. This time was a possibility for me, but just out of my comfort range, so I proceeded to prepare for a very painful endeavor.

As the beings in the room continued to suck all of the oxygen out of the room, I began taking 'pulls' from the outside air supply, made available due to a slightly opened window. Next up, I began clearing my head of negativity and reminded myself of all the reasons I should be able to get a great time today.

All right, I hopped up and began the race. Actually, everything was going according to plan throughout the effort, in that my legs, heart rate, etc. were all performing as usual. I found a fortunate advantage halfway through the race...

Because the race was at a fitness center, there was a glass window we could look out and observe the machine weight/cardio room and it's inhabitants. As you may be able to understand, when trying to get through a painful event, it can be helpful to shift the focus off of the pain, and onto something more pleasant... Bingo, there just happened to be a good looking girl out in the weight room doing some presses/pulls, etc, what a perfect focal point.

Unfortunately, my body wasn't up for any happy thoughts, so that little mental shifting to the left side of my brain was short lived, as the right side quickly regained control, and insisted on making my effort grueling. I painfully hammered out a 5:17.5. This was actually a new PR by .4 of a second, however just shy of Tracy's time. Later in the day, Loomis spoiled the party even more by getting the fastest time of the day at 5:14.5. For three people to finish within three seconds, however, did make for a close battle.

Third place is still 'in the money', and good considering the talent and strength of all in attendance. Expect much of the same next week in Grinnel as I plan to compete there as well, before a four week break from competing in february to transition to spring training in March.

Muscatine Roller Race

Well, as the snow began to fall Saturday morning, I realized the turnout at the Rollerhead Killer 2 Mile Race would be affected. None-the-less, it is always nice to be able to attend a cycling event that occurs right within your hometown.

Sure enough, the attendance was extremely poor. Thankfully, Chris Reed of the Hawkeye Bike Racing Team (Cedar Rapids) showed up, or I would have gotten first and last place in the Cat 1,2,3 division. Below Vern and Chris warmed the rollers up by racing first...

Of course, the Iowa Roller Racing Championships are composed of a series of results. So, basically we are all competing over the course of 7 events, with the top 3 being averaged to yield our actual State Time submission. With that in mind, it was still important to put out a solid effort. And, though the payout is modest, it still is fun to get paid to race...

Greg Harper celebrated his 50 year B-day, by providing cake for all in attendance. Below he is pictured partaking in a peice of cake while coaching team mate Bill Ford...

These races are great training for the upcoming outdoor Road Racing season in Iowa/Illinois. Bascially, they serve as weekly fitness assessments, that help guide my pre-season preparations. Additionally, they give me something (sort of) to post on this blog. Unfortunately, it is still winter in Iowa, so forgive me for the lack of exciting/interesting entries over the next couple of months.

I guess the comment sections of this blog are sort of interesting. I believe this is one of the few midwest cycling blogs that allows anonymous comments. I can see why bloggers would opt not to allow anonymous comments, as they can tend to be a bit obscene, sort of insulting, a tad ridiculous, etc. However, I get a kick out of reading some of the entries and have even found myself chuckling from time to time, even though some of the comments really make little sense and have nothing to do with what I posted.

I write this blog to stay motivated within the sport and lifestyle of competitive amateur cycling. I appreciate the readership over this blog's first 12 months (about 10,000 hits) and can say 2009 is going to be an even bigger and better season for me, so stay tuned.

2009 Racing Begins... Valley West Wipeout

Yes, it was one year ago, that I started this blog, and one of the first entries was 'First Race/First Win'. I am happy to announce that I can report that 2009 has started even better than 2008, as I won 1st place overall at the Valley West Wipeout Roller Race held in Des Moines, IA, Jan. 4th.

This race took place in a mall... which made the experience sort of 'wierd'...

I quickly hit up the GNC, that was upstairs for some 'secret' nutrional supplements to help powercharge my efforts. Although, there were countless temptations including chocolate shops & pubs that I needed to avoid. Something I couldn't avoid was the color 'orange' as the DMOS team was there in full force hosting and participating in the race...

One consideration for the warm-up, it is important to keep balanced on the rollers, which was sometimes difficult considering the wide array of visual stimulation that was parading around the mall atrium. As evident, Jon Sulzberger put on his sunglasses to conceal his 'wandering eyes'...

I entered the Senior 1,2,3 division of the race. This was my first time Roller Racing as a Cat 3, and I felt a sense of accomplishment, seeing my name listed in this elite category. Initially, however, I was the only one who entered that race, as most of the entrants were from the DMOS team, and cat 5's, women or Masters.

Then, I spotted the competition... two members of Bikes 2 U made the trek to Des Moines, to spin it up... Tracy Thompson and Bryan Moritz. Tracy is notoriously invincible on the rollers, and has been breaking hearts in the discipline for many years. I was definately the underdog.

I stepped up to race with teammate Greg Harper...

I pedalled up to 100rpm and was surpised how easy it felt, so I held it. My 'spotter' indicated that I was at a 4 minute 50 second pace. That would have been huge, however, I always start fast, so not really an indication of much. At .5 miles in, however I was still pacing a sub 5 minute race...

Slowly, the lactic acid built up, and the RPM's dropped and I was able to post a 5:17:7 time. This was actually my PR, as I had gotten a 5:18 last year in Cedar Falls.

It would be quite awhile before the T-man stepped up to the rollers. From past races, I now that he usually just marks the 'time to beat' and then paces himself to beat that time, no more, no less.

I peaked over his shoulder from time to time as he raced, as he hovered initially at around 5:15,then dropped to around 5:20 toward the second half.

Well, you know how this ends, he ended up with a time around 5:20, meaning I got the first place in the cat 1,2,3 race as well as fastest time of the day. Tracy was disappointed and already planning to ride at home later that night, most likely in hopes of winning 1st overall in future races.

The other teammates faired well... Greg Harper got third in the Master's 40+ race and Jon Sulzberger got 4th in the Cat 5 race.

This week, we have the home court advantage, as the race is in Muscatine. This should be a good race, as the quest for gold in the IA Roller Race Championship Series heats up in all divisions.

Here is a listing of the top 10 (all categories) from last years series and their average from three races in 2008:

1) 05:09.133331 Shawn Loomis

2) 05:11.06668 Tracy Thompson

3) 05:23.70001 Chad Bishop

4) 05:30.56668 Lee Venteicher

5) 05:32.93335 Andrew Lear

6) 05:38.03333 Bill Ford

7) 05:40.43335 Joshua Madsen

8) 05:42.76666 Steve Lauber

9) 05:46.70001 Greg Harper

10) 05:47.33334 John Baldwin

As you can see, Tracy and Shawn were top contenders last year. I anticipate much of the same for 2009.

Where the 'Magic' happens

Ok, now that I have got the http://www.muscatinecycling.com/ website up & running, I can get back to my blogging... and just in time, as the roller racing season is about to get into full swing. Yes, I am ready... and I know you all are interested in seeing where all the 'magic' happens... so here it is...


My bedroom for the 2009 Winter Training season is where I train, eat, sleep, watch tv, read books and entertain the ladies.

Ok, 'entertaining the ladies' is a bit of a stretch, unless perhaps I have some sort of female stalker peaking through my window from the bike path a live adjacent too.

My bathroom is connected to this room as well, so I really have no reason to leave this area of my house except to go to Roller Races in Iowa this year and kick everyone's butt.

Speaking of that, the first race is this Sunday in West Des Moines. I bit of a long drive for a 2 mile Time Trial, but I honestly have nothing better to do. Yes, that is sort of pathetic, but is the dead of winter in Iowa and school hasn't started yet, gimme a break. Below is a picture from last year's event...

The race is actually in a mall, so get out your Teen Beat magazines, because Tiffany will be there singing 'I think we're alone now', along with about 40 or 50 sweaty cyclists freaking out the passing mall shoppers.

Hopefully all of my bedside sweating sessions will pay off as I hope to earn one of the three paying 'podium' positions in the Cat 1,2,3 division.

New Website for Muscatine Cycling

As president and communications director of the local bike club, I charged myself with creating a new website that would represent a variety of Muscatine Cycling groups and activities. Though it is in a sort of 'beta' version, it is up and running so go check it out and update your links accordingly.

http://www.muscatinecycling.com/.

I will have my hands full updating that site and my blog, but I should be able to manage. Actually, the racing team's race reports will all be housed on this site, so I won't have to double up.

In other news, I am preparing to do a few roller races in 2009 by training with some local muscatine riders at the bike shop. Below is a picture of Joe Mann, and his son riding behind him as they warm up for the 2 mile Time Trial, during our Friday night training workouts.

Excuse Me, Mr. President

I have recently been elected to serve as the 2009 President of the bike club here in Muscatine. Ah yeah, time to shake some things up!

In addition, I was appointed to the new 'Communications Director' postion, and will be creating a brand new web site for the group... (muscatinecycling.org). It should be up and ready early in 2009 and be a great resource for Iowa/Illinois recreational and competitive cyclists.

I start grad school next winter as well, so I will definately be busy. I am making sure, however, to leave enough free time for my training, as I feel a great season is in the making.

Well, off to the 'Friday Night Fights'... that is sort of my nickname for the racing team's weekly roller Time Trials. Should be some good pain.

'What are you looking at? Wanna fight?"

I stumbled upon a new way to 'cross train' this winter, that will provide multiple benefits... FITNESS BOXING.

I received an Everlast heavy bag and gloves for my birthday and am excited to begin weekly boxing workouts that will help develop my core, cardio, strength, and self-esteem. I am learning all of the various boxing moves (uppercut, jab, knee to the groin, etc.) as well as boxing fitness routines that include jump rope, push-ups, squats, etc.
As an added bonus, I am also planning on learning how to street fight. Yes, I am getting tired of getting my ass kicked walking down the dark alleys of Downtown Muscatine on my way home from ballet rehearsal. Being able to defend yourself is definately not a bad thing.
Perhaps my new 'street fighting' capabilities can help me to intimidate USCF referees into seeing things my way, whenever I need to contest the results. I suppose if I do poorly at a crit, I can blame another racer for bumping my wheel, or not keeping his line. Then challenge him to a post-race smackdown.

I will post some pictures, maybe video, of my training as it progresses. Currently, I am recovering from a sprained wrist, as I didn't wrap my hand properly during Saturday Night's 1am 'demo' class that I held in my basement.

I did get OUTSIDE both saturday and sunday on the bike for good workouts. I definately feel very confident about my winter fitness plan. I will enter a few Roller Races to confirm my form and motivate my training. I am hoping to medal in the Cat 1,2,3 Iowa State Roller Championships. I was a silver medalist as a Cat 4, so I will have my work cut out for me to acheive success at this next level.

'Ain't Going Out Like That'... 2008 Year In Review

Ok,the end of the 2008 racing season was sort of anti-climactic, so I decided to post my top 8 highlights of the year, in an attempt to gear up for 2009... appreciating my successes, and repressing my failures. Below they are listed in chronological order.

#1 - Silver Medal - Iowa State Roller Champs - Feb. 24th

I set my sights on upgrading to Cat 3, early in 2008, which fueled my winter training to unprecedented heights. The result, a PR on the 2 mile Roller TT of 5min. 18sec. and a Cat 4 Silver medal, conceding only to Shawn Loomis (who nearly went sub 5min).

#2 1st Place in Cat 3 Debut at Finchord Roubaix - April 13th

I scored points in each of my first 4 road races of 2008, which gave me enough total to upgrade to Cat 3 for the race in Finchford, Iowa. I was both nervous and excited to be racing against this more experienced and skilled Cat 3 field. After a couple laps of attacks by other teams, I launched my own with another rider. He fell off my wheel eventually, and I basically pulled off a lengthy solo breakaway to win the day. What a great start to my Cat 3 racing career.

#3 - 2nd Place - QCBC 20k TT Championships - May 18th

I had just gotten my first TT bike earlier in the month, but felt sharp and ready to go for this race. I noted that the course record was 26min 13 seconds, and decided to use that as my goal. Sure, that is a lofty ambition, but I was on a roll, having just come in 2nd overall at the Cinco DU Mayo Duathlon in Davenport, Ia, with the fastest bike split. I crossed the line at 26:16, just missing the course record. I was stoked. Oops, Bryce Mead, a professional TT specialist from Team Jelly Belly entered this race and bettered my time by approxiamately one minute.

#4 - 7th Place - Melon City Crit - May 25th

This is my hometeam race, so always a sort of 'goal event'. 81 racers from all over the region lined up for the Cat 3 race, and I was happy to have executed a very 'smart' race. I used my fitness strategically and fought my way to the front during the final sprint.

#5 - Silver Medal - Iowa State Cat 3 Road Championships - Aug. 2nd

Lining up against 45 Cat 1,2,3's for a 108 mile road race was truly a memorable experience. There were 21 Cat 3's aiming for the three available medals, in a race that was quite simply much too long for our capabilities. I was one of the last cat 3 men standing and won the chase group 'sprint' to get this Medal.

#6 Gold Medal - Iowa State Cat 3 TT Championships - Aug. 10th

I pulled off a great demonstration of my TT fitness at this event. I surpassed my expectations with a time of 53min. 27seconds (27.9mph ave). This easily gave me the Cat 3 gold, not to mention 2nd overall.

#7 - 2nd Overall - Du State Duathlon - Aug. 17th

Hoping to capitalize on my Bike Strength, I subjected myself to the horrors of a duathlon, knowing my running was weak. I clawed my way up to first place as the third transition (run) began, and only conceded one place to come in 2nd overall. Sweet!

#8 - 3rd Overall - DICE Cyclocross Series - Nov. 23rd.

I can't lie, my cyclocross season sucked. However, by competing in seven cyclocross races this year, I have successfully maintained my fitness, creating a great foundation for this winter and spring. Coming in third in the DICE series is still a highlight, because placing top 3 in this series was my main goal from the start of the fall season, and, I nearly blew it, but I didn't.

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Ok, I do feel a bit better now. That will help set the tone for 2009. More on that in future blogs.