Bicycle Races Are Coming Your Way

Moab Day 3: Sovereign

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:10:00 +0000

After a day of swooping around on Mars, I was curious to see what else the guides would throw our way.   Turns out we were to visit Venus on the third day of our journey through the myriad worlds of Moab.


Like slick rock, the Sovereign trail is but a few miles from town, but that’s where the similarities end.   The trail winds up, down, and across a huge mesa.   Unlike its red-faced sandstone cousins, this gargantuan land peninsula is tinted with an oxidized green, like a giant molten blob of patina'd bronze.   I didn't know what to make of the green soil- I had never seen anything like it.   This oddly colored rock is just another example of how varied and diverse the life and land of this place is.   Every ride is a geology lesson and a ultra-high def episode of a discovery channel documentary all rolled into one. Then again, falling on a Juniper tree after wiping out on some crazy rocks is as close-up as you can get.

Our guide today was a hard man known as Steve. Steve had ridden these trails for quite a while, and while he was slow to warm up, could rip through downhill singletrack with far more finesse than I could. As we drove to the trailhead he told us about life around Moab and how he came to call it home;   not many people here were born and raised in Moab-   each person we’ve met here has their own story- with Moab being the current stop of their journeys. I guess we all have that in common at the moment.

I’ll be honest:   riding up that mesa was a bit of a chore.   Three days into our trip, we were still getting acclimated to the altitude and terrain.   The sovereign trail was a world apart from slick rock: generally tight singletrack littered with loose rocks and technical uphill sections.   It definitely left its mark on yours truly…


After toiling uphill across loose rocks left by dirt bikes (the lazy' man’s mountain bike…),   we would be rewarded by tight, steep singletrack that switched back across the mesa. The surface was much looser than slick rock, and I may have been guilty of riding the breaks down it, as I was really not in the mood to fly off the side of a cliff.

After an hour and a half of ups and downs we reached the top of the mesa: a cliff face with the gorgeous La Sal mountains in the background.   The are the ultimate compliment to the varied Moab Terrain. You’re in the middle of an arid desert canyon land, and off in the distance are snowcapped mountains, gracefully kissing a sky so blue that it would give Bob Ross a wet dream.

As we made our way down the Mesa, Steve corralled us through a dried up, rocky half-pipe of a riverbed (I believe if was called Terry’s Tunnel). This riverbed was full of ledges and rocky outcrops that you had to traverse. The techie bits were fun to try and figure out: correct gearing, a good line, and some fast twitch muscle fibers got you over the rocks and ledges, but any misstep and you had the chance of a one night stand with the ground…

As we stepped off of the green mesa we were met with sandy red singletrack and a few flat wash sections. For the record, deep, loose sand is a royal pain on a mountain bike- I reassured myself that riding in sand would come in handy at the next cx race.

One of the last sections we traversed was a giant, wide open stretch of sandstone. i was told it used to be a seabed, and it’s pretty apparent. it stretched far out- a vast, dehydrated sea bed, littered with junipers and small desert flora.

we finished up our ride on some non-technical jeep roads, riding back to the van and cooling down. We had another great day of unforgettable riding under our belts. As I sat there devouring a sandwich in the shade, the La Sal Mountains sat on the horizon. This trip was the mountain bike equivalent of a seven-course tasting menu at Le Bernardin- I had no idea what the next course would be- couldn’t wait to find out.

Moab: Day 2- Martian Roller Coaster

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Before I left for my trip, my friend David had recommended that I read “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey. I’m about halfway through it and can strongly suggest it to my literate friends. Edward Abbey was one of the founding fathers of environmentalism. In the book, he recounts his time spent as a Park Ranger in Arches National Park in Moab. He spent 3 seasons there taking in the varied and natural beauty of this ridiculous place.



Event though its right in the Desert, I’ve seen what Abbey is talking about. The terrain and life is rugged and dramatic. It’s a stark contrast from the manufactured, manicured, and frenzied beauty of NYC.

On day 1 we were met with beautiful desert singletrack and some stunning geological formations. Today was completely different. Even though we were maybe 10 miles away from where we rode yesterday, we might as well have been on a different planet.


More specifically, Mars.
Today we rode the slickrock trail,   which is known for its, well, slickrock.   I was pumped as hell to give it a try. The slickrock landscape looks like something the Mars rover must have set eyes upon while on its death march.   Swooping, rolling dunes of solid rock litter the landscape. The only giveaway that you’re on earth is the beautiful desert life that’s peppered across the land.

Our guide today was Heidi.   Heidi’s an avid athlete who’s keeps busy by kickin’ ass at trail running when she’s not taking fat, spoiled New York cyclists out for pity rides.   Needless to say, Heidi put us through our paces for the next 4 hours of Mars rovin’.

So how does it ride??   Like a Martian rollercoaster.

Riding slickrock is quite a departure from the singletrack that you’re probably used to.   The biggest difference is grip. It’s Grippy. Super grippy. Grippier than my hands are around a Bacon cheeseburger.   While the name “slickrock” may seem to imply differently, it earned its name because it is quite slippery when we’re talking about horses and cows. Horseshoes and slickrock= bovines sliding around like your mother in a Jell-O wrestling match.

So what does that mean? It means you can ride slick rock at ridiculous angles- up, down, sideways, off-camber, and probably upside-down. You can ride straight across a 50-degree off-camber that would make a cx-racer weep.

The Best part of slickrock is the swoopy stuff. You come to the crest of a slope,   fly down 50 feet and slam right up the incline of the next.    You’ve gotta have the granny gear on hand to get up these inclines.   each of those climbs is a 20-30 second V02MAX effort that forces you to sit so far forward that you’re practically straddling the steerer tube like a stripper pole and spinning your legs around in your 32X22 (the 32 is in the rear, roadies). I may have earned a new nickname due to my overzealous spinning while going up these things…

Each of these aggressive efforts is like a little interval that you end up repeating about 30-50 times.   We have essentially signed up for a week a daily 4-hour long anaerobic interval workouts. Coach roger would be so proud…

Understandably, some of those rises were too steep for us and we ended up dumping out a few times and walking. This leads me to a very important tip for all of you northeasterners coming to ride slick rock up here: TAKE OUT YOUR TOE SPIKES BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK OF RIDING SLICKROCK. Sure, toe spikes are great when you’re knee-deep in mud at Granogue or tap-dancing on a street corner, but on a steep slickrock incline they are about as useful as a Bacon AT-AT in a synagogue.

Around the midpoint of the ride we came across a bit of a playground- it was akin to the empty pools skateboarders do tricks in, but naturally formed. it was a blast to swoop in and out and take some banked turns.   Naturally this was the perfect time for a far superior rider named Kyle to show up and demonstrate how terrible we actually are…

The whole slickrock trail is situated high above Moab. Depending on where you were you could overlook the whole town or the mighty Colorado River.   What better place to sit down and enjoy the view then on the edge of a sheer 1000 ft cliff face.

I can say without hesitation that romping around on this Martian terrain was one of the best bike experiences I’ve had in my life. Who knows what planet we’ll end up on tomorrow?

To Moab

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:07:00 +0000

I’m sitting in a cheap motel in the middle of Utah. I couldn’t be happier.   I’m not sure that the words "Utah,” “Motel,” and “Happy” are used in conjunction that often, but it absolutely rings true here.

Two weeks ago I ended my career in the world of Finance.   No longer happy with taking part in the rat race for mediocrity, I enthusiastically gave up the life of a middle office trade support excel monkey.   I won’t get into any details but suffice to say reconciling other people’s cash and confirming other people’s trades is something that is definitively not for me. Instead, I’ll be jumping into the world of social media and digital marketing.

Leaving my job and switching careers gave me a reason to come out here. I believe that whenever one has a big life change, he/she should get away for a few days and take it all in. A sort of intermission between acts of a play. Maybe it’s more like a half-time show?

I needed to get out of the city for a few days. We’re so over-stimulated in our daily lives that we become numb. What we see and experience can stop affecting us. All day we sit at computers and process information in all its forms.   It gets a bit old after a while.

What better place for a reset than Moab.   Fresh off of the hilariously brutal pain train known as Battenkill, my teammate Steve and I hopped a plane to Denver, jumped on a comically bouncy turboprop that dropped us into Grand Junction, and from there we drove 2 hours to Moab. Here we’ll spend 7 days mountain biking over and around some of the most beautiful, dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape around.

Yesterday was day 1. After a fantastic breakfast we were met by our guide for the day- Joe.   Joe was a pretty awesome dude who had 3 seasons of MTB touring under his belt, and was a rock climber in the off season. He drove us over to the trailhead where our ride would begin.

Our Steeds would be Kona Dawg Deluxes. These dual suspension monsters have 6 inches of travel and will run over just about anything without much of a fuss. I can tell you that I love riding dual-ies much much more than hardtails. It’s just more fun to barrel over the mountain and not have to worry about your junk getting pounded into a pulp.

Today Joe introduced us to a couple of trails that are all linked together.   First we hit up Klondike Bluffs, and rode up half of Baby Steps. These trails featured quite a wide range of terrain. There was a good deal of slick rock to ride over, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. It’s grippy, easy to climb up, and fun as hell to bomb down.

The other facet of these trails included more technical single track on loose dirt.   The singletrack would weave and snake around the land, sometimes incorporating rock formations. it did get pretty technical at times, and I was at my best when i decided to dump out and take a quick dirt nap right on top of a juniper bush.

You’re sort of conflicted when riding parts of this trail. Some of the views are so spectacular that its easy to not pay as much attention to where you’re riding. We made sure to stop a view times and take it all in so that we wouldn’t be distracted when we were actually riding.

By lunch time we had ridden right up to the edge of Arches National Park. That’s home to all of the picturesque geological formations that Moab is known for. As it’s a national park, we had to leave our bikes at the border. We hiked on to the edge of a cliff and stopped for lunch. For the record, Mountain bike shoes with toe spikes may in fact be the worst shoes around when it comes to scrambling around on rocks. not recommended…

After shoving a delicious wad of roast beef down my gullet we plodded back to the bikes and kept going.   We hit some more technical singletrack which resulted in me dumping out a few times. The weather was partly cloudy, which in the desert means that the temps drop 20 degrees whenever cloudy block the sun from doing its job.   At one point Steve got a flat and i briefly saw snow flurries.

After bombing down some more singletrack and slick rock,   we rolled through a fire road imprinted with 4X4 tracks. As we road by Joe found a baby cow on the side of the road takin’ a nap.   Probably tired from a day of running around the desert, the little dude was calm and didn't freak out when we approached him. “You’ll make a fine osso bucco someday,” I said to him.

Not a bad experience for day one.   The trails that Joe took us on were a great way to get acclimated to the Moab experience, which would prove to be a huge departure from the wooded trails of the northeast.

After the ride we sat in a little Mexican restaurant and pounded fish tacos and cervezas.   And to think, at this very moment I could be sitting at a desk staring at 32 excel spreadsheets.   This round to me.

Rouge Roubaix Redux (again)

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:38:00 +0000

Cycling bloggers say it again and again every year, but it's true: I can't believe the road season is back again. It seems like just yesterday that I was running all over Staten Island so that people could jump over barriers and run along the beach with their bikes on their backs. Since then there's been a whole off-season full of behavior that would make my coach cringe (Sorry, Roger) A few pigs worth of pork had been consumed, and I've lined the pockets of far too many Trappist monks this season.

When I speak to my fellow cyclists it seems that many of them have had a bit of a hard time kicking off training this year. Should we blame the weather? Sure- let's do that. The 12+inch dumps (I'm talking snow here) kill weekend rides, which are the bread and butter of base training. A winter full of wine, food, and regrettable decisions is hard to give up, but as the scale tips farther and farther away from your ideal and delusional race weight, reality must rear its ugly head. Before you know it, its time to give up your Friday nights in hopes of 6 am central park cycling glory. So how does one prepare for a return to the life of a spandex-clad monk?

For me, two words: Rouge Roubaix. For the past three years, I've made the hilariously stupid decision of having the hardest race of the season be the first race of the season. My teammate Tim and I can't stay away from this hidden gem of a Spring Classic: 101 miles, 30 of which feature offensive, minefield-like unpaved sections that make Battenkill's "un-pave" feel like a track velodrome. Oh, and by the way, even though this race is in Louisiana, it's quite hilly. Myriad short, punchy, unpaved climbs result in almost 4,000 feet of climbing. And what's not to love about an obscenely unpaved 18% grade at mile 85?

We got in two days before the race and stayed with a mutual friend in Baton Rouge. The most eventful part of the flight was realizing that I paid more to get to the airport and get my bike on the plane than i did for my ticket. Even though JetBlue's $50 bike box fee is relatively reasonable, I'm still infuriated by the fact that I'm charged for a sub-50 lb piece of luggage just because it's a bicycle. However, on the way back I discovered a fantastic way to bypass paying to get your bike on the plane: Simply say that your bike box is a massage table. There you go. Maybe I’ll have business cards made: “CJ’s love-you-long-time massage service. Where every ending is happy.”

We got suited up in our brand-spankin-new kits and went for a spin by the Mississippi Levee. It had been so long since i had ridden in warm weather- I couldn't have been happier. As we sprinted for telephone poles, a pressing questions was mulling around in the back of my head; Am I actually going to survive this race again?

Last year's Rouge Roubaix completely tore me up. Every part of my body was shredded, and I (like many) had been bonking by the end of the ride. I managed 18th place last year, but that was also with a week of Roger's Tucson cycling camp under my belt.

This time around I didn't have much confidence in my training up until 2 weeks before the race. Sure, I did a few reluctant 2+hr sessions on the trainer and got out for longer rides when I could, but I wasn't hungry for it like I was hungry for any number of delicacies I had been consuming all winter. I'd say my biggest obstacle as a bike racer is my torrid love affair with pork and foie gras products.

The night of the race we had two dinners. Sushi at 4PM and Pasta before bed. A small ocean's worth of water was consumed, and we slammed some endurolytes in preparation for the upcoming pain fest. A laid out the buffet spread for the race. I decided to bring an extra bottle of water, 'cuz bonking at a Roubaix is about as fun as carnal relations with This.

We woke up early and zoomed over to St. Francisville in our rock racing-esque SUV. We got to the hotel and registered. right by the registration tables was a course map with a lovely elevation profile that resembled tiger woods taking a lie detector test about his business trips.

The air was a bit cold and clammy and we spent about an hour debating wardrobe selection. I decided to be a little cold at the start and go short sleeves. it would later warm up to the mid-60's range, so it was a good call. After pinning on the number and slathering on a metric ton of Sportique, we were ready to go.

the first twenty miles of the race are relatively tame. our pack of about 60 cat 4's rode in a rather un-excited fashion. My biggest priority of the first 25 miles of the race was to initiate a tinkle-stop before the first dirt section. It's long been speculated that i have the bladder of a newborn infant, and I didn't want that to be an issue later on in the race. Tim and I informed the field we should take a pee break, and a few along with us pulled off to whizz. the rest of the field, though, kept going. after about 5 minutes of riding at threshold, I finally caught back on. Hilariously enough, that's when THE REST OF THE @#$!% FIELD DECIDED TO STOP FOR A BREAK. not being one to waste energy (lazy) I was a bit riled up. Tim calmed me down and we kept going.

photo by Allen Richard

The first unpaved section was around mile 25 and is an 8 mile-long, sandy, pebbly mess. it's also where a violent acceleration happens, and the entire field gets strung out and eventually disintegrates. I would say about 10-15 people rode away from where I was in that dirt section.

I was able to organize a chase group with about 5 or so other riders and we quickly started chasing upon exiting the dirt section. We had 20 mi or so till the next dirt section, and everyone worked together quite nicely. short, sweet pulls were the name of the game.

Mile 65 would mark the start of the really nasty stuff- a short, 15% unpaved climb known as “Big Bertha” awaited us- some members of the group got dropped in the 2nd dirt section, and most were forced to dismount due to a lovely sand pit right in the middle of one of the climbs.

Between the 2nd and 3rd dirt section is a stretch of rolling asphalt- probably about 20 miles long. Last year this was the stretch where i started to hurt. I don’t think i was drinking enough or being disciplined enough about eating. I know- of all people, how could forget when you eat? This year i refilled all my bottles at every feed zone, stuffing water bottles down my jersey like a cuckolded domestique. I also brought along Nuun tablets and made sure to eat something every half hour. up until the last 5 miles of the race i felt great and had no problems staying smooth.

the 3rd and final dirt section comes around mile 80-something and goes on for about 5 miles or so. within that final hilariously bad stretch of road, you’re greeted with short punchy climbs between 10-18% and descents that should be reserved for MTB’ers and CX’ers. Many a dude wiped out or had their tires go pop. This definitely wasn't a good race for tubulars or carbon wheels. I stuck with my Campy Eurus wheels and the never disappointing Vittoria Pave Clincher. Those tires are bulletproof and are without a doubt the best tires for any unpaved road race.

the worst part of the race is most certainly the last road section up to the finish. You’ve just gone through the last unpaved stretch and you and your taint are hoping for a little solace. No way, Jose- while the last 10 miles are technically “paved,” the road is mostly chip seal and littered with potholes that make you wonder if you’re riding through a minefield. At this point all but 3 people in the chase group were actually taking pulls. Myself, a kid from Arkansas, and a dude from Natchez who looked like a bumblebee. I couldn’t tell if the rest of the group was pulling the douche move of waiting to attack at the last bit or if they were truly shattered.

The final stretch to the finish line is quite ugly: about a 500 meter uphill with a dip in the middle. as we turned into the final stretch, Arkansas gave me a nice little leadout and I sprinted my fat ass uphill for half a kilometer. I got a nice gap between me and the other guys who decided to sprint, and churned to the finish line as my legs filled to the brim with lactic acid. Note to self- never sprint for 500 meters uphill ever again. I was about to vomit when I crossed the finish line, but had a good 5 bike lengths from the rest of the guys.

The minute I crossed the line I rolled over to the curb and collapsed on a patch of grass. I started hallucinating and could have sworn I saw an ethereal Phil Collins telling me to head towards the light.

I had no idea what place I came in, and frankly I didn't care. I had finished in about 5 hrs and 13 minutes, and Tim had come in about 3 minutes ahead of me. We drove back to the start and shoved food and beer down our gullets. Everyone had a glazed look in their eyes and they all moved with a drawl that would make a normal Southerner seem like a coked-out NYC I-banker.

once we got the results, I was pretty happy: Tim came in 12th and I nabbed 15th. the first year I raced Rouge I came in 20th. Last year I got 18th. As long as I beat myself year over year I’m happy.

The next day we drove over to New Orleans to reward myself and undo all the good I did by riding 100 miles. Giant gulf oysters and Po’ Boys. Hoo-rah.

Call me a masochist, but there’s no better way to kick off the road season. Once the hardest race is behind you, everything else is a relative cakewalk. This race has also brought back my desire to train. Hell, maybe I’ll try and upgrade to 3 sometime this season. Sometimes, though, It’s just fun being an excitable cat 4.

See you guys in the park.

2010 Tour of Flanders course review

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:18:00 +0000

Well folks, it’s that time of year again. You know; the one where neurotic bike racers, pro and amateur alike, are training maniacally in hopes of spandex-glad glory in the coming months. Hours upon hours are being logged on sweat-stained trainers and freezing, wet roads. Quite a few top pros have their sights set on the incomparable Tour of Flanders on Sunday, April 4^th. This monster of a classic has been going on for 94 years and is one of the most brutal and entertaining races of the season. It’s SUCH a great race to watch that I’m already planning this year’s Tour of Flanders viewing party (details TBA).

To get you all hot and bothered for the upcoming race, my friend Peter Easton of Velo Classic Tours has written up a review of this year’s new course. Details of the course were released this evening in Ghent, so this is hot off the presses.

For those of you who are dying to see the race up close, check out Velo Classic Tours. Their Spring Classic cycling vacations follow the races up close and allow you to experience the cobbles and ‘burgs for yourself. Those going on the Flanders trip can experience the cobbles first hand when they ride in the cyclo-sportif the day before the race. And on race day you’re in for a special treat: VIP access at the start as well as on the infamous Muur climb (see below).

This year’s race promises to have all of the drama and excitement of prior years, which makes me excited as ever for April 4^th to come around. You can be sure that BXL will be packed full of rowdy, 10.5% beer-fueled cycling fans that Sunday!

A Winter Cold Leads to Spring Classics Fever

By Peter Easton

As a dedicated follower of the Spring Classics, each December every effort is made to wade through the constant deluge of meaningless newsflashes to find something, however minute it may be, to catch my attention. Pure speculation does not make for worthwhile reading. Fortunately, amidst the mind-numbing reality of facing a cold New York winter, I didn’t have to search far for something to grasp onto.

While the heavy rain slashed against my window for a second consecutive day, I received an email from my friend at the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad with details on the 2010 Tour of Flanders and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (formerly and still known to me as Het Volk). The course map looked like a first graders art project-complete with numbered and colored triangles. I spent a few minutes staring at the scribble, before the intricacies of the courses rose from the page. For me, the Tour of Flandersis the most beautiful of the Classics. It is the most celebrated of all the Flemish festivals, and no other event creates such an atmosphere, such a popular fervor. Flemish riders say to win, you need heart. If you feel Flanders in your blood, you feel the pain less in your legs.

Every year, while I expect the inclusion of the Koppenberg and the Muur van Geraardsbergen, my excitement is actually muted by this expectation. It is the secrets that lay in the fields, draped across the hillsides, and hidden in village corners that I am connected to, and the decidedly unexpected that makes for excitement. The 94^th Tour of Flanders is 255 kilometers and includes 15 climbs, 9 of which are cobbled and an additional 13.6 kilometers of kasseien- Flemish for cobbles. In 2009, the race was 260.7 kilometers and included 16 climbs (9 cobbled) and covered 21.6 kilometers of cobbles. Sure, less pave is disappointing, but unlike Roubaix, Flanders is not won on the pave, victory comes on the hills, and the ability to conquer them in rapid succession.

This year the race action begins after the Dorp van De Ronde in Desselgem, the ceremonial village of the race that is awarded to a different village each year. First comes the 1800 meter cobbles of Huisepontweg, and the climb of the Den Ast, before heading to Zingem, and then towards Oudenaarde. But this is where the race takes a different twist. Instead of its usual route to the Molenberg, which is sometimes preceded by the Lippenhoevenstraat, Paddestraat and Kerkgate cobbles and then the Wolvenberg, this year’s route skips this processional and heads far to the southwest across the 2000 meter Varentstraat cobbles to the edge of Flanders and Wallonia and the Kluisberg and Knokteberg climbs. It then reconnects to the familiar route from the Oude Kwaremont to the Eikenberg. This includes the Paterberg, Koppenberg, Mariaborrestraat, Steenbeekdries and Taaienberg, and is as beautiful a stretch of road as exists in bike racing. Traditionally, the race will next climb the Boigneberg or Varentberg, before the Haeghoek cobbles, which leads to the Leberg. Sometimes the Steenberg and Foreest climbs are included here, but not since 2005. Instead, following the Eikenberg, the race will head onto the Holleweg cobbles (which is typically ridden at the end of the Kerkgate cobbles, which typically comes after the Molenberg and before the Wolvenberg- got all that?)

From here, the race will follow the narrow undulating roads that criss cross the Flemish Ardennes on the way to the village of Mater, where the riders will cover the first half of the Kerkgate cobbles in the reverse, and slightly downhill direction, enroute to the Molenberg.

The Molenberg traditionally causes a panic in the peloton. The sharp turn to enter the narrow cobble track benefits those who get there first, and penalizes those who don’t. At this point in the race-208 kilometers- it will be even more important to stay at the front, and any correction that is made over the Molenberg may cause a permanent split. At the top of the Molenberg, the race goes right instead of left, twists and climbs past Peter Van Petegem’s house, and enters the Haeghoek cobbles. This is the same approach as the Middelkerke-Zottegem stage of the 3 Days of De Panne.

The village of Brakel is the fourth in a series of important centers that links the race, following Bruges, Desselgem and Oudenaarde, and preceding Geraardsbergen. The Valkenberg was reintroduced in 2005 after an eight year hiatus, sandwiched between the Berendries/Tenbosse duo, which has been paired since 1997. This year, the course will bypass the Valkenberg and the Eikenmolen, which has played into the strengths of Stijn Devolder each of the past two years. This has been replaced with the traditional route through Parike on the way to Geraardsbergen and the Muur, the Bosberg and the final 10 kilometers to Meerbeke.

So what does all this mean? The inclusion of the Kluisberg and Knokteberg before the Oude Kwaremont will loosen the legs before the succession of cobbled climbs. The twist after the Eikenberg is interesting, as it places more significance on the Molenberg, and a faster execution across the Holleweg/Kerkgate cobbles. A flat or mechanical on either of these two sections and it could be too difficult to reconnect. The other major change is the exclusion of the Valkenberg and the Eikenmolen. The combination of climbs provides just the right amount of tricky terrain to keep the pace high and the race interesting. Too many climbs and the middle ones are neutralized. Too few, and the race isn’t hard enough for the top riders to show their strength and force a selection. The finale now places more weight on the Tenbosse, the scene of Johan Museeuw’s blistering attack in 1998. By eliminating the Eikenmolen it places more attention on the race’s centerpiece, the Muur. My guess is we will see a dozen riders enter Geraardsbergen together, and half that will regroup by the Bosberg. Perhaps an attack on the run in to Meerbeke, ala Tafi in 2002 or Boonen in 2005, or we may be treated to a 3-up sprint, like 1999 with Museeuw, Van Petegem and Vandenbroucke.

Thinking about the noise that builds in the village of Geraardsbergen, the crazed excitement of the fans as the first riders appear and the ensuing cheers for any Belgian rider, all helps to motivate me through the following months. As for the promoter’s intention, and the possibilities that it presents, for me, this is speculation well worth thinking about. Next up, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

The Climbs of the 2010 Tour of Flanders

Climb Length Avg. Max Surface

1. Den Ast 450 meters 5% 11% paved

2. Kluisberg 925 meters 7% 14% paved

3. Knokteberg 1260 meters 7% 13% paved

4. Oude Kwaremont 2500 meters 3% 11% cobbles

5. Paterberg 361 meters 12% 20% cobbles

6. Koppenberg 682 meters 9% 22% cobbles

7. Steenbeekdries 700 meters 5% 9% cobbles

8. Taaienberg 530 meters 6% 15% cobbles

9. Eikenberg 1252 meters 5% 9% cobbles

10. Molenberg 462 meters 7% 14% cobbles

11. Leberg 1130 meters 3% 13% paved

12. Berendries 936 meters 7% 12% paved

13. Tenbosse 453 meters 6% 8% paved

14. Muur van Geraardsbergen 1075 meters 9% 20% cobbles

15. Bosberg 986 meters 5% 10% cobbles

Peter Easton has attended the Spring Classics every year since 2003. Catch up with him on the road with Velo Classic Tours and one of his ten itineraries to the Classics www.veloclassic.com

Sachs frameset and CXaraoke this weekend at Southampton

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I'm helping my buddy Myles in promoting his race at Southampton this weekend- if this doesnt give you enough reason to go, then you're braindamaged and dont enjoy fun:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 18, 2009

Excitement is building for this weekend's upcoming Double-header in Southampton on November 21-22. The Whitmore's Landscaping Super 'Cross Cup weekend promises to combine awesome amateur and pro-level racing with a great venue. Who will come and win the final race in the chase for the NACT Trophy? Which amateurs will walk away with the MAC trophy and braggin' rights?

Organizers have also put together a few suprises for the racers this weekend. Among those suprises include a raffle with a highly sought-after grand prize. Artisan frame builder and CX padre Richard Sachs is offering a custom CX team frameset to the winner of the raffle this weekend. Sachs frames are THE drool-inducing, sought-after objects of lust and desire on the east coast. Rightfully so, what with the 8 year long wait list and no new orders being taken. But worry not! buy some raffle tickets and get a chance to mount and dismount in style as your slovenly brethren muck around on department store bikes. and don't worry, you wont have to wait 8 years to get the bike if you win (but no whining about how long its taking- if you know anything about these frames you know they're worth the wait).

In other news, the race will be the first race ever to feature CX-araoke! That's right, Karaoke while the race is going on. It's a pretty rad idea, and they know it. You'll get to hear your friends do horrible renditions of whatever ironic Journey/Bon Bovi/Britney Spears/Phil Collins songs that strikes their fancy. To spice things up- anyone that participates in CX-araoke gets an extra raffle ticket in the Sachs drawing!

If you're worried about what to eat while at the race, then relax! Famed Waffle Master Thomas Degeest (owner of the Wafels & Dinges waffle truck) will be there supplying plenty of delicious waffles and Belgian street 'cred. These things are like legalized crack- especially the bacon waffles.

We also figured you might thirsty while you're doing all of that racin' and spectatin', so we invited both Red Bull and Honest Tea to take care of you with free samples everywhere. Oh, and all racers who are pre-reg'd get a free beer. There, we said the magic word- Free beer! that's what's happening here- everyone who signs up for the Super cross cup gets a free beer courtesy of the Southampton Publick house. Featuring fantastic beer brewed on-site, this Pub is going to be home of the after parties. the restaurant will also have a delicious $25 prix fixe menu for all racers.

pre-reg closes today at 6pm: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9385

For more information on the race, email promoter Myles Romanow at ilovetoracecross@gmail.com.

For more information on the above sponsors and vendors, check out their websites below:

http://www.richardsachs.com/
http://www.redbull.com
http://www.honestea
http://www.publick.com/
http://www.wafelsanddinges.com

Time to glue the tubulars...

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Ah, the hump of the cross season- with a little over a month to go, this season has already been full of epic races and 45 minute stints in the pain cave. After races like Granogue and Gloucester, I can tell you that racing tubulars this season has been a huge plus. And from my observations, its also been full of opportunities for people to roll their tubular tires due to shoddy gluing technique!

Gluing a Tubular CX tire is a bit more involved than gluing a road tire. The tire itself is put under higher tortional stress, and sharp turns with pressures as low as 25 psi practically beg the tubie to let go of its wheel.

I figured this would be a great opportunity to educate people who are interested in gluing CX Tubies the right way. However, since the only experience i have with glue is the huffing i did in high school, I reached out to Gabe Lloyd, co-founder of Echappe Equipment. and look at that, Echappe also happens to be one of our proud sponsors for Staten CX! Consider it a pre-emptive gift (now go pre-reg, already!)

: Stretch the tires for at least a day. To do this: Get the cotton tape on the tire wet. Then install the tire on the wheel. Inflate to max pressure and let set overnight. and check out those SWEET wheels from our sponsor Revolution Wheelworks!

: Prep the rim for the first time: Clean the rim with Goof-Off or another grease/goo cutter. Some rims also require a light sand (440 or 880 grit). Then apply one coat of Mastik One. Let dry for at least one day.

: Once the glue on the rim has dried, install the “Belgian tape”. Start at the valve hole and cover the entire rim, back to the valve hole. Use your thumb to squeegee the tape to the rim bed to make sure it has fully adhered. Let sit for at least an hour to make sure it holds.

: Apply at least two coats of Vittoria Mastik One

: Inflate the tire to 40psi. Hold it like so, or in a figure 8 to apply glue.

: You’ve already applied the tape to the rim at this point. Now remove it.

: After you have removed the wax paper from the tape, apply a thin coat of glue to the tape.

: Immediately after applying glue to the rim tape, install the tubular. ram that sucker in there Peter North Style!

: Insert the valve (huh huh…) and push very hard.

: Keeping about 10spi in the tire, use both hands to push the tire evenly around the rim.

: Using the clean floor as a block, push until you get to this 6 inch point.

: Now lift the wheel into your hips. This allows you to push the tire onto the rim with full force while not using the ground as a block. (Note: Flip-flops are not required for this step)

: If you have properly stretched the tire and have pushed hard enough before getting to the 6 inch point, you should be able to grab the tire and pop it

: Once installed, inflate to about 30-40psi.

: Check to make sure the tire is seated evenly on both sides of the rim.

: Spin the wheel in your hands to double check the evenness. The tire may never be 100% even, but you should get it pretty close.

: Once the tire has sat for 24-36 hrs, check to make sure the tire is adhered edge to edge all the way around the rim. If it is, you’re ready to ride! Hooray!

: Eventually you’ll want to get the tire off. You’ll probably need to use a knife to gently cut the edge of the glue portion. After that, have fun pulling at the damn thing for 20 minutes. ah, the joys of bicycle maintenance…

The Perfect CXtorm

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:46:00 +0000

I'm hangin' out in the motel room with Marco right now- after a long, muddy, awesome Day 1 at the Gloucester Gran Prix. We loaded up the Toga! Van yesterday afternoon and headed up to MA. So far the race has been the complete opposite of last year. 2208 was a sunny, gorgeous day with nice, dry conditions. Today was a muddy slopfest that would bring a tear to any Belgian's eye. Being the smartypants that i am, I had forgotten my rain jacket at home. We all ended up going to a fisherman's store where i bought a rainsuit that made me look like the Gordon's Fisherman...

Racing as a cat 3 at Gloucester is an interesting experience; 120+ people were registered, and callups to the front line are by order of registration. Needless to say, pre-reg is a furiously fast endeavor for those who take the race seriously. most of the field fills up in the first 20 minutes. I was a bit lackadaisical in signing up (by 2 hours) and ended up in the 94th spot...

That automatically removes the pressure of the race. You're out to beat your friends and humiliate them by passing then in the mud and on the straight sections. I'm very happy for all of my friends who managed to do that to me. PS-guys, go f*ck yourselves!

Photos by Marco Quezada

The weather for the day was in the 50's and raining. i made sure to bring all of my embrocations, and ended up going with mad alchemy, and tons of it. That stuff is orange, and putting it on makes you look like you just got out of the fake'n'bake booth. that being said, its delightfully greasy and warm, and water beads right off of it. hoooray for spicy grease!

Photos by Marco Quezada

We got to watch the Masters 35+ Men's race right before ours. Watching Roger, Johnny Bold, and the Gotham Guys duke it out on the muddy battlefield is a fun sight. Here's a most excellent shot of a midair collision between Chris Long and some farthead who doesn't know how to handle his bike:

Photos by Marco Quezada

As i lined up in the 20th row back, i knew what to expect; all 125 of us were going to hit the first half of the lap together, including the horrifically steep and muddy run-up. those who had shoes without toespikes were going to hate themselves. This has been my first season running tubulars and i couldn't have been happier with that. i rocked some challenge grifo's with about 35 psi for this race and they were pretty dialed-in. I think i'm going to switch to a Challenge Fango in the back though, as the rear tubular is a bit old and i could always use more traction on the backside...

It's days like today that i love my team's white kits: nothing says "euro," "i'm and idiot," or "i have a great cleaning lady" like wearing a bright white kit o the muddiest of days.

Photos by Marco Quezada

So it goes without saying- the slop was thick, but mostly rideable. I went back and forth trading blows with my friends and crossresults.net nemesises. for ONCE i didn't wipe out! I would also love to take this moment to state that putting those barriers on an uphill incline is a total pain in the ass for those of us who have short hobbit legs.

These muddy races completely sap your energy around the half-way mark; especially when you don't have a clean pit bike to hop on. the mud accumulates and bogs you down (as if i needed to be any heavier)- your back tire frequently slips out when pedaling up inclines, and you're forced to trudge up muddy rises that would otherwise be a piece of cake. Every muscle in your body hurts. you start to lose your finesse as your arms and lower back get fatigued from all the pounding (save your jokes). Somehow, though, it's still some of the most fun you'll have on a bike...

I got pulled a lap early but wasn't lapped- I spent the next few minutes wandering around like an out-of-breath hobo before heading off to get hosed off like the muddy swine the i resemble.

after getting cleaned up and donning the rain gear, i made a b-line to the beer tent. My purpose was two-fold: drink awesome beer and contribute to CX Magazine's live coverage of the Elite Men's race. I was twitterin' so hard i think Lance may have noticed. If you didn't follow the coverage, all you have to know is that Jonathan Page tore everyone a new poopyhole (Lolz). The Kona Mafia (Trebon, Wicks) weren't Present, so Jamie Driscoll, Tim Johnson, and Chris Jones were the only guys even remotely close to him. By remotely close, i mean 1:30 back...

It was also great too see our very own Andrew Crooks hold his own in the elite race. I really think this race benefitted his MTB background- awesome job Andrew! And it goes without saying, but Thanks to Marco for all the awesome shots!

Time for sleep. Day 2 tomorrow! and before you go, here's a photo of Jason Parkin mounting his bike as if it were some crazy-assed sex toy (DAYUM!)

For Those about to 'Cross, We Salute You!

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:52:00 +0000

Has the long road season made you weary? are you looking to get muddy and put a little more fun between your legs? If so, then you're in luck! The 2009 cyclocross season is just around the corner! After GMSR and Bear mountain pass, you've got 2 choices: Go into hibernation and start your monk-like training for the 2010 Road season (boring), OR you could come out and give Cyclocross racing a try! Cyclocross racing is experiencing Double-digit growth year over year, with more and more new racers trying it out every season. If you're curious about the sport and what you need to get into it, now is the perfect time to have your questions answered!

For those unfamiliar with the Cyclocross, Check out the the Wikipedia entry, and this video :

So why race 'cross? There's a whole slew of reasons! 'Cross lets you simultaneously extend your racing season and have some fun at the same time. The "scene" at CX races in the northeast is much more mellow than the road races around here, and once you're done with your race you typically grab a few beers and cheer (and sometimes hurl beer) on your friends racing in other categories.

Don't get me wrong- Cyclocross is HARD. You're going as hard as you can for 40 minutes; riding, jumping, running, slogging, tripping, gasping, and trudging all over the place. Rain does NOT cancel a CX race, and many of the most epic races of the season (like a certain race in Staten Island) were in terrible weather conditions.

So what do you need to get into Cyclocross? It's Pretty simple:

A Cyclocross Bike! Major CX Brands include Kona, Ridley, Salsa, Felt, Bianchi, Independent Fabrications, Van Dessel, and Scott, to name a few...
Mountain Bike shoes- you're gonna be doing some runnin' and those Sidi Ergo's with speedplays aren't going to cut it. Sidi Dominators are a pretty popular choice here.
Mountain Bike Pedals- you're going to want a pedal that's easy to get in/out of, and sheds mud well. Popular pedals include Time ATAC and Crank Bros. Eggbeaters.
Embrocation: Gotta keep those legs warm in the colder months! Some Brands include: Mad Alchemy, SportsBalm, Sportque, Agu, and Greyhound Juice
Belgian Beer- for Post Race Recovery, Duh...
a Cowbell: you've just gotta have more cowbell!

There are Cyclocross races Every weekend this fall, from Mid-september all the way through to December. The "Scene" at cyclocross races is a bit less serious than most road races- the northeastern cyclocross scene has a fantastic sense of camaraderie, with racers drinking beer and cheering on their friends that are racing in other categories.

Ok, so- once you get your bike, shoes, and pedals together, you're going to need to know how to ride the thing! Luck for you, our weekly Cyclocross practices will be starting every Tuesday Evening from 6-8PM on Randalls Island, Starting Sept 8. Think of it as your FBF Substitute. At the weekly practices we'll work on skills by doing drills and simulating race conditions. There are always veteran CX'ers at the practices, and they're the best guys to learn from!

If you're wondering what the best races of the season are, Have no fear- I've done all of the Work for you! Follow the link below for a Google Calendar showcasing the best CX races in he Northeast! To make it even easier for you, every race on the calendar has a link to the Bikereg page- just double click on the race and you'll see the link.

CJ's 2009 CX RACE CALENDAR

CYCLOCROSS SEASON KICKOFF PARTY

In order to get everyone excited about the upcoming cross season I've Teamed up with the guys at NYC Velo to put on the first annual 2009 NYC CX Season kickoff party!

WHEN: September 12th from 9:00AM-11:00AM

WHERE: NYC Velo - 64 2nd Avenue (between 3rd and 4th streets)

We’ll be featuring the Wafels and Dinges truck outside the shop, free espresso inside, and a monster sale – 15% off ALL CX related items, including bikes!! Gee, what a perfect time to pick up that bike you're gonna need!

We will also be playing the ‘09 World CX Championships on the big screen, and we’ll have a couple of laptops handy to get you signed up for upcoming races, as well as a sampling of the hottest embrocations around. There will be NYC ‘cross veterans in attendance (Maybe even a National CX Champion), so come and get your questions answered!

Shake and Bake

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Here we are, boys and girls- It's already mid August, and the road season is almost over. This year's season ran a bit long in the tooth and by July I felt about as burnt out as a stoner at Burning Man... I guess going full-bore starting with training camp in Feb until now takes its toll (and i don't think I'm the only one...) The ennui of late summer bike racing was taking its toll, but now three things have happened that have set the fire in my loins once again:

Cyclocross season's around the corner!!!! If I have any hope of finishing in the middle of the pack as a newly minted cat 3 in CX, I better start training more...
The team has been absolutely kicking ASS lately. 2 wins in the park by Zak, Alvin winning Tokeneke (and finally getting his cat 3 upgrade), and the little stunt Zak and I pulled at Lou Maltese (more on that below)
For some god-forsaken reason, I'm pre-reg'ed to do the Green Mountain Stage race. After last year's spectacle* you think i would have learned my lesson, but no.

So in order to not embarrass myself too much at GMSR or in the 09 CX season, I've ramped up my training again. I know, coach roger must be so proud. It's easy to let yourself go for a few weeks after racing pretty much nonstop since march, but I've toned down my normal diet (not really) and started putting some real miles in again.

So onto Last Sunday:

I'd never actually raced Lou Maltese before, but it's widely known as the Ultimate-mega-Excitable-cat-4-world-championships. Needless to say, this race was in our sights. The race started out in a similar fashion to CRCA races, with the addition of some non-CRCA jokers from Bklyn and Queens (Kissena, etc). It was pretty much guaranteed that it was going to be a sprint finish, what with the entire excitable cat 4's in the bunch. There were numerous half-assed attempts at breaks, but the field never let anything stick for more than 1/3rd of a lap. I played my usual be-lazy-and-don’t-do-any-work,-you-fat-sprinter card. The rest of our team did a few leg openers, with Zak, Beckerman, Tim, and Chad attacking a few times. Nothing special. The non-sprinters did a good job of helping to rein in whatever did go.

Coming into the last lap, Reggie and Zak stuck near the front. I waited till the west side/tavern to get into position- looking for my leadout of destiny- AKA TIM ROGERS.

Tim's surgical precision in the leadout is remarkable- he’s steady, finds great lines, and guides you to victory with perfect timing. I stuck onto Tim’s wheel like Britney Spears at an all-you-can-eat-buffet. Zak was on my wheel, waiting to do his thing. I had been anticipating giant leadout trains from Setanta and NYVelocity, but nothing came around. I kept an eye on "Union" Steve Marmo, who I had been talking sh!t to all week. I was praying he wouldn't whip out a tire iron and take a swipe at me mid sprint (kidding!)- he's been racing strong and i made sure i knew where he was. With 1 or 2 K to go, Beckerman goes off on a flyer. The field freaks out, knowing he's a TT monster, and the whole pack sped up and got strung out trying to chase him. I think this was extremely beneficial to our finish, as we had a great position when it got strung out.

As we got to the boathouse, Tim was chugging along. The Sprinter on Organic tried to go early and we followed. Tim rammed us about 1/3rd of the way up

Cats paw and then Zak and I went. Zak came around me and I started to sprint. Our timing was perfect and no one was getting around us. It's a great feeling when you know you're golden before you cross the line- it’s almost surreal; it goes in slow motion. I vaguely remember hearing Steve curse my name.

The minute we crossed the line 1-and-2, we did a Guido Fistpump and screamed in victory. We showed up to the Cat 4 World series and dominated on our home turf. Everyone played their part- we won because everyone raced well and for the team. Reggie, Chad, Tim, Zak- I'm so glad that we get to race together! my "oh" face even made an appearance:

This month has by far been the best month for the team so far. We're finally coming into our own, and done with the growing pains of a new team. Everyone’s racing their strengths, and we're taking advantage of those strengths with our solid, selfless teamwork. I'm so proud of our guys!

I didn't remember this right away, but before the race i had called that we would finish 1st and 2nd. As Andy Shen was photographing that day, and apparently I made sure to remind him of my prediction mid-race:

If you think that's a shocker symbol I'm throwing up, well then you don't know me very well. I'm a polite, meek person who isn't fond of the spotlight at all. I'm also 6 feet tall and have a full head of hair. Ladies?

This latest result puts me within earshot of a cat 3 upgrade. No, really- stop laughing. that wasn't supposed to be a joke!

Note- due to the lack of an actual "podium" for the podium shot, it looks like I came in 3rd if you go by height order. next time I'll wear risers in my Sidis.

*Last year's GMSR incident involved a hilarious road race stage, where i took a wrong turn, did 15 extra miles, bonked, got severe GI distress and had to poop my brains out at a pizzeria at 11:30 AM right before hitting the final climb. I proceeded to get passed by Evie Stevens, who had probably started about 1 hr after me.

Tour de France Viewing Party- Sunday, July 12 @ BXL!

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Hello, my legions of fans- i've been neglectful of my blogging as of late, but it's not for lack of trying! too much bacon eating and (subsequently) squeezing into skinsuits that are wayyy too tight...)

here's a heads up on another Viewing party I'm putting on this sunday, July 12th. Stage 9 is gonnna be a good one- the race is going to be decided in the mountains! Will Contador Spank Lancey-pants and make him get bottles with Levi? We'll have to see!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jed Kornbluh

Christophe Jammet

NYCX

newyorkcross@gmail.com

Stage 9 @ BXL to Benefit the CRCA Junior Development Program, presented by CJ & Jed

NEW YORK, NY July 6, 2009– Mussels! Schleck! Frites! Berto! Beer! Bottle! Lance! Who? On Sunday, July 12th at 7PM, come out to support the CRCA Junior Development Program and enjoy the company of fellow members of the NYC cycling community as we watch Stage 9 of the tour de France, featuring the classic climb up to Col de Tourmalet, at BXL Café on west 43rd (b/t 6th and Broadway). Belgian beer will flow, prizes will be raffled, and great TdF racing will be on the TV as CJ and Jed bring you another great party for a worthy cause.

The event begins at 7PM, with coverage on Versus beginning at 8PM, and will run until the end of the broadcast at 11PM. Offers for the night will include drink specials, courtesy of BXL and other event sponsors, a steady steam of prize raffles, as well as pre-recorded extended coverage of Stage 9. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 throughout the event and all money raised will go directly to the CRCA Junior Development Program.

Raffle prize sponsors for this event include:

CRCA

Sportique Body Care

Univest Grand Prix Cyclosportif 100k

NYC Velo

Finkraft Coaching

New Jersey State Fair SpectaCross

David Jordan Coaching

Uvex Helmets

D'artagnan

OrthoChick

Velo Classic Tours

Wafels & Dinges

BXL Cafe

Gage DeSoto Tees

AND MORE!

For additional information, contact:

newyorkcross@gmail.com

3-UP

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:49:00 +0000

If i was any more lacksadaisical about updating, I'd be the Terry Schiavo of the blogosphere....

The racing season's is here in full force, and there was no easing into it- When your first race of the season is a 103 mile death march in the middle of nowhere, Louisiana- your racing season gets a swift kick-in-the-pants hello.

Rouge Roubaix

Photo courtesy of Tim Mueller

I could go into long, long explicit detail about this race, but i'll keep it short: It was the hardest race I've ever done, and probably one of the hardest races a cat four (and definitely a cat 5) can do. 103 miles, 3 dirt sections (mile 20, 60, 84, respectively) totaling 30 miles, with multiple 10-15% grade unpaved climbs in the later sections. aside from the un-pave, there's also 30 miles of really bad chip-seal to contend with. Not a course for Zipp 404's by any means. I slapped on a pair of Vittoria Open Corsa tires to keep from flatting like last year. Tim and i rode pretty well- Tim took 11th, which was a great result for him. I ended up coming in 18th- two spots better than last year. I had hoped to do better than that but the remnants of a stomach bug had killed my appetite the morning of the race, and i was bonking by the end. I've never been so happy to finish a race before. every part of me was cooked- my arms and hands could barely hold onto the bars after being accosted with over 5 hrs of shitty gravel and chip seal. anyone who's interested in learning more about this race should check out the excellent article in the times two weeks ago . Sure, its a bit odd for a mediocre cat 4 to be mentioned in the new york times twice in 6 months (and lets not forget the bicycling magazine spread), but my publicist says its perfectly natural. Once I'm done with my book tour things should calm down...

Photo Courtesy of Tim Mueller

Grant's Tomb

to be honest, i almost didn't do this race. on paper, cold, early season cat 4 crits are generally a bigger disaster than a Sham Wow encounter with a hooker (zing!). Peer pressure got the best of me, however, and I signed up for the 4 race. I'm glad i did! i was able to get my first podium in an open cat 4 race! aside from a gym workout that wrecked my legs, i hadn't done much that prior week- as i was recovering from the roubaix. I made sure to embrocate everything (even the naughty bits) and warm up for a good, long time. As our kits hadn't arrived yet and I didn't want to confuse any NYVelocity team members, I donned the oldschool CRCA logo and raced incognito.

when i did this race last year, I remember being in pain. it was early in the season and I hadn't done much intensity. I struggled in the middle of the pack, and accelerations made me want to have a good cry. This year, all the volume from Arizona and the roubaix seemed to pay off- my legs felt good, and i could stay near the front without much problem. sure, my HR was in the 190's for most of the race, but the legs felt good.

The race had its sketchy moments (As all cat 4 crits/nascar races do) i dodged a few crashes and survived someone bumping into me (unlike your mom, i don't go down that easily- DAMN!). As we got to the final lap, i positioned myself somewhere in the top 15. we zoomed through the sweeping 180 and into the final stretch. the final leg of the course is deceptively long. many people sprint too early, and they become other people's leadouts. i waited long enough and was able to accelerate past a good deal of people. i looked to my right and was sprinting against an NYVC member- i threw my bike and barely cinched 3rd. ahead of me was an MIT rider and a Rutgers guy.

After my heart rate came back down from 204, i took my victory lap, kissed a baby, signed some autographs, grabbed my hefty 3rd place race winnings ($40! i could buy TWO sham-wows and a slap chop with that!) and headed to Dinosaur BBQ for some celebratory pork. again, I'm a master at undo-ing any benefits i reap from training.

CRCA Race

Yesterday's CRCA race was like the first day of high school- everyone's got their new outfits and wants to show off what they'd been doing since last year. Our kits had come in the week before, and they look FREAKING AWESOME.

Whats nice about being the guy who places the kit order is that you get the kit delivered to your place. all 150 Lbs of spandex. Me= Kid in a candy store.

David really did an awesome job at designing these, and the folks at Hincapie did an awesome job making them and getting the order through with a minimum of fuss (Thanks Angela!) I definitely recommend them if you're looking for new kits for your team. I also made sure to check for sizing discrepancies before handing them out- I personally tried on EVERY single pair of Bibs to make sure they were true to size (Alvin, sorry if i stretched yours out a bit). Sometimes I wonder if being this good a teammate goes unnoticed...

That being said, our very awesome, very white kits got broken in really really quickly after yesterdays Belgian shitfest of a race. My legs felt good, but when a break developed with two of our guys in it, we let it go. a few more people bridged up to the break and it became a bit unwieldy, but the weather seemed to deter people from chasing. at that point i wanted our guys in the break to have a chance of doing something so i sat back and twiddled my figurative thumbs. i didn't even realized we were in the final sprint when it happened. Note to teammates: please let me know when we're on our final lap- I'm not very good with numbers...

So the race was was wet, grimy, cold, and awesome. We all finished the race in drenched spandex, and looking like we just finished filming a German porno.

Next week is the CRCA Points race. I'm pumped. hopefully we can pull something off- it's going to take teamwork and some cojones.

Also- on Sunday Jed and i are throwing a little party. Maybe you've heard of it? The Tour of Flanders Viewing party is Happening on Sunday, April 5th- 5PM @ BXL Cafe on 43rd between 6th and b-way. We've got beer money (you can thank sponsors Visitflanders.us and rapha for that), and an awesome raffle with tons of prizes. all of the money from the raffle goes to the CRCA junior dev program, so come drink beer and (potentially) win some awesome prizes such as a Schwinn fastback CX bike, delicious Sportique Chamois Cream, Wafel Gift certificates from Wafels & Dinges, Schwag from NYC Velo, and Many more! plus, we have a pretty freakin' sweet flyer. how can you say no??

Till then, its training, and being miserable at work for yours truly. It's good to be back.

Tucson Training Camp- Day 4 and 5

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Welcome to the finale of "CJ's Desert Porno Training Camp!"

Coach Roger has definitely been trying to make us all cry, and you'd think that after a hard ride up Mt Lemmon we would be due for a light day. Hells-freakin-no!

the very next day, we loaded up his car with MORE BIKES THAN I'VE EVER SEEN ON ONE CAR (9). it was pretty pro.

Being as there were 12 of us and two cars, we decided to adopt the "when in Rome" philosophy and a few of us got shoved into the trunk of an SUV like a couple of illegals for the drive out. During the drive, i listened to music and though to myself "I though i would at least make it to 30 before being stuffed in the trunk of a car while listening to Phil Collins..."

We drove out to Benson and parked our cars at the Walmart. our ride had two destinations- one the way out we would go through Tombstone, and then ride out to Bisby, which was about 50 miles out from Benson, then back through Tombstone to Benson.

to get there, we traversed across some beautiful grassland. Everyone kept it steady, and we got some great volume in.

We briefly rolled into Tombstone on the way out to Brisby- as if we were a bunch of modern day cowboys (rendered only marginally gayer by substituting spandex for chaps). The town looks like you would picture it- an old-time cowboy town, with saloons, burlesque dancers, smoke shops, gun shops, and the whole shebang.

We stopped to talk to one of the paid actors- turns out he was in "Raising Arizona"- he was 85 and still acting- he said it was better than being stuck in a nursing home comparing what blood pressure medicine each person was on...

the ride from Tombston to bisby was chock full of false flats and a not-so-fun 4 mile climb in 90+ degree heat. The descent was a 50+mph divebomb down into town. you zoom by an old mineral mine, and swoop under an overpass to get to Bisby- a tiny little hippie town tucked in a valley. The town's full of potheads and artists, but in a charming way. we stopped by a cafe, and outside some musicians jammed along to Neil Young and Billy Joel Songs.

We stopped back into Tombstone on the way back to sip on some fine Sarsparilla and to snap more embarassing photos of cowboys and dudes in spandex. We walked in on the actors re-creating the O.K. Corral Gunfight, but left before all the PEW PEWing started.

the rest of the 98 mile march was chock full of headwinds. Everyone stuck together and churned through it. We also had to go through a border patrol checkpoint, who wanted to make sure we weren't smuggling any illegals in our bibs...

As the days have gone on, the sheer volume of the rides has started taking its toll on some of the riders- a couple of the guys have been experiencing acute tendonitis from all the riding. My ankle and its newly healed tendonitis has been holding up. Riding hard, back-to-back days like this really makes you appreciate how important proper recovery is. The combination of cold pool/sauna/and massage really helped a whole lot. maybe i should have a sauna installed in my apartment...

The last day of riding for me consisted of a local group ride known as the "Pistol" ride. We met up with a group of locals right next to the University of Arizona and followed them. eventually we were led to this little state park that had a beautiful 9 mile loop in it. since you had to pay to get in, there were barely any cars. The roads were beautifully paved, and with the exception of a minor 3/4 mi climb, the whole loop consisted of coaster-like-rollers and tight, swoopy turns. it was so much fun to ride because you could keep your momentum up when coming over the rollers and really hit the little turns perfectly. the only problem was the local wildlife- tons of Jackrabbits and jackalopes were hopping across the roads- i almost had to bunny hop one or two of them...

after a loop in the park we kept going, and traded off 25-30mph pulls until we hit about 60 mi. we then stopped at a gas station for a few mexican cokes before heading back home, finishing the ride at about 75 mi. If you're not familiar with mexican coke- its made with real sugar instead of corn syrup, and tastes so much better. they also still come in glass bottles, in case you get in a bar fight at the local Chuck-e-Cheese.

If you're wondering what I did for fun when i wasn't riding, don't wonder too hard- we were all too tired to do anything other than eat, sleep, and sit in the sauna. I did make one exception, however. I just LOVE reading high quality pieces of cycling-related journalism! especially when they have such good looking models...

Well, that concludes me three-part-tale of rubbing in the fact that i enjoyed a week full of awesome weather and riding- I'm sure that won't result in me getting put into the curb at the next park race...

If it's any consolation (and to exhibit the sense of humor karma has), I left my wallet on the plane while flying back, got a lovely little stomach bug, had my bike delivered to my teammate's address, and was greeted with 14 hrs/day of work since i've been back. It's so hard being this awesome!

On Thursday I'm packing up and heading to New Orleans with my teammate Tim Rogers to once again tackle the Rouge Roubaix. I went to training camp to build up for this race, and as long as my digestive system stops trying to recreate a German Porno in the toilet bowl, I'm hoping to kill it there. Next stop, crawfish and Roubaix!

Tucson Training Camp- Day 2 & 3

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:59:00 +0000

In an effort to futher piss everyone off, i will now continue my chronicle of Training camp in Tucson!

Day 2 of the Finkkraft Training camp quickly shifted from "recreational" to "no f#@king joke."

Yesterday's ride ended up being a 96 mile march across Tucson, Over Gate's pass, towards the mexican border, and back over Gate's Pass again. We've got a motley crew of twelve riders, including mark, the owner of westwood Velo, Troy Kimball, and a former soigneur of the Navigators pro team- Erik Carlson.

the group is mostly made up of cat 3's and 4's, and everyone is able to stick together in a group for most of the ride. Of course, the minute a real hill hits it breaks apart, but the climbs here are usually longer ones, and everyone waits at the top to regroup. another way for me to say this is everyone waits for ME at the top of hills.

this huge increase in volume has definitely been a shock to the system. 5 hrs in the saddle daily is just what i need, and it feels great to do it in great weather. the combination of miserable winter training and stress at work had definitely started to take it's toll on me, and I'm so happy i was able to get away.

In taint-related news, my "dingleberry wonderland" (thanks schmalz) has been holding up well, thanks to the gobs and gobs of Sportique i've been spackling on there.

Today's ride was shorter but harder. We rode straight up Mount Lemmon, which is a laughably long climb. just for some context, the longest climb this chubby sprinter had ever done was probably at Green mountain. I wasn't able to fully grasp what it means to climb for 30 straight miles. it means you're climbing for about 3 hours. frankly, i'd rather compete in naked ice luge-ing.

that being said, it was probably the best workout i've gotten in a while. it just NEVER ends. every time you make a turn, you hope that the climb is somehow magically over. but lo and behold, just look up, and there's the road you need to get to. the climb takes you up to almost 9,000 feet, and at about 7,000 feet you're above the snowline. just two hours ago you you were riding in 90 degree weather and now you're in a winter wonderland. I couldve make a perverted snowman if i wanted to!

The views are unreal from the top of the mountain. the slopes of the mountain are uncomfortably steep, and the carcasses of previous car crashes can be seen down below in ravines.

Naturally, the group splintered at the beginning, with me near the back at the beginning of the cllimb. I had no problem with that- i wanted to keep my heart rate around the upper tempo/lower sub threshold zone, and had no desire to make my heart explode by trying to keep up with Roger & Co. our mini group kept it steady for most of the ride, and once we got a botle refill about halfway up, i started to feel a little better. Once your body settles down into rhythm, the climb isn't that bad. the distance of the climb is daunting, and your mind starts to play tricks on you, but I've never been so happy or satisfied with finishing a climb like that.

the reward for the 3 hour long climb is supposed to be two-fold. Apparently there's a GREAT pie shop at the top of the mountain. much to our chagrin, they're only open form Fri-sun. we settled for some fantastic Fudge instead. the other reward is the longest descent I've ever had the pleasure of zooming down.

Due to my cannonball-like physiology, i love going down hills. The way down the mountain is full of swoopy turns and incredible vistas. the road surface was fantastic the whole way down, so most of the 45 minute long descent was in the 40 mph range. its a buttload of fun to go that fast for that long, but after a while your arms and neck start to hurt from being in a tuck for so long. We did stop to take some group photos and also point out some geological formations.

a few of us hit the downhill as hard as we could- three of us were trading pulls at 40-45 mph for the last 10 miles. we all met at the bottom of the mountain and limped back home.

Erik, who was the soigneur for the Navigator's team, has been offfering his massage services after rides. I've taken him up on it for the last two days, and i can telll you that he's got magic hands. he's a master of Myofascial release.

Equipment:

the folks at Finkraft have given us the opportunity to try out some new equipment while we're here at camp. yesterday i had the chance to try out the new Uvex FP1 Helmet. it's the same one that the folks on Team Highroad are using:

i love this helmet. its super light, has great venting, fits well, and doens't create any pressure points on your head. I think a helmet is at its best when you can barely tell that you're wearing one. I almost forget that i had it on a few times yesterday. i give this helmet 4/5 bacon strips.

Tomorrow We're riding out to Tombstone, about a 100 mi ride. hopefully we'll see some cowboys and some PEW PEW gunfights!

Tucson Training camp- Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:13:00 +0000

After two hours of sleep and 6 hours of flying, Shaw and I made it to Tucson. We flew to Tucson through phoenix, had the last bit of junk food we would have for a long time, (burger king at 11:30 am- why not?), and were greeted by Coach Roger at the airport.

Tucson is beautiful. 80 and sunny, and not a spec of rain cloud anywhere in sight. Countless Cacti stand erect all over the countryside, like huge desert boners (ha). and to think, at 6 am this morning I was shivering my nuts off in 29 degree weather. the miserable Northest winter almost erase any memories you had of being warm and happy!

As we drive to the house, I can see Mt. Lemmon in the distance. my chubby ass would soon become very, very acquainted with its 9,000 feet of elevation gain in 30 miles. That's what I'm here for, right? I'm predicting alot of crying, and maybe a few mid-ride tantrums for good measure (remember, I'm now a celebrity and can get away with psychotic, self absorbed behavior!

The house is exactly what i expected: a huge, ostentateous porn palace! this house is huge- overlooking Mt. Lemmon and is festooned with shag carpeting throughout the house. I wonder if i've seen this house in one of the many artistic films i've been known to watch . it'll be our hilarious base of operations for the next week. Roger and his staff have worked tirelessly to make this experience fun, and we're also getting tons of schwag to try out from their potential sponsors. I'll be trying out some new Swiss nutrition supplements, and i'll be reviewing them in a few days. Also, the folks at Honest Tea are so awesome that they've delivered us about 10 cases of refreshing ice teas and thirst quenchers. I'm a big fan of their stuff, and everyone here has already been chugging it down and enjoying it.

Once we put our bikes together, Shaw and i got a quick 2 hr spin in. we rode to the foothills of Mt Lemmon and went about 5 miles up it. It's a super long climb for sure, but its a steady one. i can see how you can find a rhythm to a climb like that and just pedal away for hours. I'm sure i'll have a different opinion on it after we climb all 30 miles of it tomorrow. More to come.

Bring on the pain

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:55:00 +0000

In five hours i'll be on a plane to Tucson for 5 days of getting my ass kicked by my Finnish Coach. We're supposed to run into some pro's while we're there (as if me climbing up Mt Lemmon on my own wasn't hilarious enough). The bike's been shipped, and I, as per usual, overpacked like a girl. I'm looking forward to getting out of 25 degree weather and the everyday work grind, and hope to come out of this slightly less fat, slightly more fit, and very much in a better mindset. To the Desert!

O' Bacon, Where art thou?

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:44:00 +0000

One of my new year's resolutions was to make sure I blog more- you'd think i wouldn't have a problem talking about myself for hours on end (ask any of my friends). But considering that my first blog of 2009 comes to you in mid February speaks volumes about how good i am at keeping resolutions...

I hadn't really taken the time to reflect on the end of 2008. To say the least, it was a blast. Somehow we banded together and put on an awesome race that made NYCX'ers proud. not even DFLing and getting hypothermia could quell the awesome time i had putting that race on.

And here we are, firmly entrenched in 2009. I have to admit, I'm pumped. We put together an awesome new team full of awesome guys that know how to race well and have fun, We're training with a dreamy Finnish coach who happens to be this year's National Masters CX Champ, our kits are fabulous, and there's tons of awesome races to get ready for!

I've also been dealing with the double-sided sword that is fame. ever since i was featured on the back page of a certain cycling publication this month...

Don't worry- being a fat kid in grammar school more than prepared my for the amount of anonymous hate and mockery this photo is going to get me. And while you people may THINK its fun to get accosted by attractive females every time i leave the G-damn house, it actually gets kind of old... wait, no it doesn't...

Now i know what you're dying to ask: How is the most famous mediocre cat 4 in the country going to train for a grueling season of "holja line" park races as well as hilly out of town races that he'll probably get dropped on?

Aside from a few rocky-style training montages, I've been hitting the trainer and the gym quite a bit when it's been below freezing. as riding the trainer is a miserable, lonely affair, I've been inviting friends over for "trainer dates," also known as "indoor trainer gang bangs." Everyone's favorite cat 3 sandbagger Colin Prensky joined me a few times, which i guess mean's we're going steady (he likes to spoon afterward)

Also, after suffering through 10 months of a baconless existence last year, I've decided that i will ESPECIALLY eat bacon this year! i just found out that bacon has Omega 6's in it- those are twice as good as omega 3's right?! they should invent more things that are delicious AND good for you.

The next few weeks are going to be full of training, and my first big race, the Rouge Roubaix, is only 21 days away. I did this 100 mile bastard of a race last year. Think Battenkill x 2, with rougher roads and shorter, steeper climbs, and then put the entire thing on in the middle of deliverance country in Louisiana and Mississippi. you get the idea. It's an insanely epic race that's laughably early in the season. It's also one of the best races I've competed in. Last year i came in 20th, including a flat tire and a pee break (i have the bladder of a 4 year old). This year, I'm racing with a vengeance. Roubaix tires have been purchased, and I have no qualms about going boom-boom or wee-wee in my bibs this time (bike shorts are pretty much just spandex diapers anyway, right?)

in order to get ready for the upcoming season, and to get out of the city, I'm flying out to Tucson, AZ to take part in our coach's training camp. i'll be out there riding for 5 days, up and down Mount Lemmon, crying and whining about how much i hate hills. hopefully this will transform my racing form from mediocre to a little better than mediocre. we're staying in a huge mansion in Tucson that Roger rented, complete with pool, hot tub, and sauna. Bonus- Apparently this house has also been used to film some movies that I've probably already seen on redtube, so you know it's got character! I'm just going to have to check the room with a blacklight before i go to sleep...

Tomorrow morning I'm celebrating president's day by making my way to Westwood Velo at the buttcrack of dawn to have a fitting session and Lactate Balance point test with Roger. Then it'll be TOC time. Just you wait and see- Big George is going to win a stage this week, and then dedicate it to me, his biggest fanboy (stalker).

photo by Ken Conley- kwc.org

FGX Racing Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 07:36:00 +0000

FGX Racing Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2009- We are pleased to announce the formation of a new sub-team within the CRCA. FGX Racing will be making its presence known in the Cat 3 and 4 fields next year (as if the club needed another cat 4 squad! Sorry!) The initial 17 man roster, made up of 5 cat 3’s and 12 cat 4’s, will compete in a variety of disciplines on the 2009 season.

The team’s main sponsor, First Global Xpress, Is one of the best air couriers in New York City for international specialty shipping. Their business model for shipping puts less carbon dioxide into the environment, creates less waste, and uses fewer resources than shipping with FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Ship Greener, Ship Direct with First Global Xpress!

The team’s shop sponsor is NYC Velo, one of the city’s coolest and most environmentally friendly bike shops. Located on the Lower east side of Manhattan, NYC Velo caters to all types of cyclists, including roadies, mountain bikers, fixed gear freestylers, and cyclocrossers. They also have a sweet messenger bag selection. True Story.

The Team’s official chamois cream and embrocation sponsor is none other than Sportique Active Body and Skincare products. When asked to comment about the generous chamois cream sponsorship, Cat 4 team member Christophe Jammet openly wept, saying “I’ve never been so happy in my life! Our whole team will never again have to deal with the nightmare of a saddle sores!”

Team kits are being supplied by Hincapie Sportswear, and they look just plain fabulous.

FGX Racing is also pleased to announce the addition of Team Coach, Roger Aspholm from Finkraft Coaching. Roger is one of the best Elite level Masters racers in the country, has won many of the big races in the Northeast, and just recently became a National Cyclocross champion. The team is extremely excited to be working with him, both on an individual level and as a team.

Both the cat 3 and cat 4 squads plans on racing aggressively and will actively race in park races, larger out of town races, Time Trials, and Cyclocross races. Each Teammate brings something unique to the table and the entire team aims to exemplify the balance between racing hard, training hard, working selflessly as a team, being environmentally responsible, and having fun!

We’ll see you at the start line in March!

Team Roster:

“Super-Duper” Cat 3 Squad:

Justin Brown

Steve Brownlie

Adam Duncan

Andreas Gipp

Chris Shaw

“Wham-Bam-Thankya-M’am” Cat 4 Squad

Zak Abdullah

Mike Beckerman

Chad Casselman

Tim Rogers

Christophe Jammet

Alvin Poblacion

Rob Haber

Patrick Littlefield

David Trumpf

Reggie Rasch

Andrew Lawrence

Clay Thurmond

Team Website coming soon!

Please visit our sponsors below:

http://www.fgxusa.com

http://www.nycvelo.com

http://www.sportique.net

http://www.finkraftcoaching.com

http://www.hincapiesports.com

Team Contact: Christophe Jammet - cjammet@gmail.com

Staten CX- the best DFL

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:35:00 +0000

It's taken a good long while, but i think i needed some time to reflect on the race.

Staten CX ripped through NYC on November 30th. Jed, myself, and John put everything into this race and it paid off. I've never been prouder to be part of something like this. This whole event speaks volumes about the New York 'Cross scene, my friends, and the people that came together to make this race the awesome new nyc tradition that it will surely become.

I'm wary of taking too much credit for putting this race on (and that's rare coming from me,) but this race happened because of my friends and the greater cycling community here. this race was everyone's baby. We had incredible sponsors, fantastic press coverage, amazing volunteers (i owe you all big time...), fantastic music, great food, a killer course, awesome photos, and great racers all come together for a good cause.

putting this race on made me realize that if you really like what you're doing, you can do great things. it doesn't feel like work. you want to do it. we did so much work for this, but it didnt feel like a chore. Weeks after the race, i'm left with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, and i want to do it again (and we will).

I'm going to pull a move usually reserved by hip-hop grammy winners- time for long winded thank you's (its' a long list)

Jed

jed got the idea of putting on a cross race. we've been partners in this through and through. putting this race on together also made us close friends. i'm totally pumped to put more races on with him next year.

John Cutler

the lone ranger in the full CRCA kit and (kind of) matching 14-year-old-girl rollerblade helmet, john jumped in to help the cause out of nowhere. he's was responsible for getting us a ton of sponsors, including the FREE belgian wafels (more on that later), and also getting the race course equipment to staten island.

The Sponsors

Honest Tea showed up and supplied their great beverages.

Schaller & Weber Provided sustenance in the form of amazing sausages.

Wellshire Farms accosted us with 25 lbs of delicious, dry-rubbed bacon (drool).

Thomas Degeest, owner of Wafels & Dinges, sent some waffle men over to give out free waffles.

The waffles were free thanks two two great sponsors: Visitflanders.us (thanks Elke!), and Velo Classic tours (visit belgium! ride the cobbles!). Visitflanders and Velo classic also came to the race and added some belgian culture to our race village.

Chef Matt Sigel made sure the brats and bacon were nice and hot.

Kendra dropped furious beats and put on a euro-trash techno party in between races.

Cadence sent their team of crack mechanics (complete with Fu-manchu mustachio) to make sure the bikes survived the epic course conditions. they also came with 6 BMC demo bikes, which allowed for a ton of people (like Lisa Force!) to try out cross for the first time.

thanks to their bikes, a ton of people are going to buy a bike next season and race cross!

Claudette Lajam from orthochick.net made sure the ladies were taken care of and put in for Ladies-only primes. Robert Dvorin was another great sponsor and put in for additional Food and i believe some primes.

Jan from Sportique sent me a ton of great chamois cream and embrocation to give out as prizes.

Andrew crooks from NYC Velo donated a ton of great schwag to the prize list, as did Tandems east and Toga! john's friend Gus was a huge help and brought over Myles' Step ins and barriers all the way from Southampton. Myles did us a big favor by lending us his cross course equipment- a buttload of step ins and a pair of barriers.

Friends

The best thing i took away from this race was the affirmation that i've got the best friends in the world. they all helped in so many ways- whether it was gathering Step-ins in wet 35 degree rain after the race, getting the word out about the race, bringing in bacon sponsors, etc. So, i owe a beer and one (1) lewd act to each of the following people:

Kendra- DJ extrardinaire/Trophy assistant/podium girl

Kyle Peepo- He's Prussian, you know
Evie - sandbagging step-in-gatherer
Patrick littlefield- announcer/wino
Jason Gay- bacon intermediary- also did the write up for velo news
Rich bravo, Hott sam, Beth Renaud, Tony Slokar, Jed's Parents, brian gatens- (course setup)

Austin Horse, Evan Chalfin, Bret Vaughan- HUGE. course breakdown
Heidi Reijm- registration ALL STAR.
Lindsay Paluska and corinne Karmiel- podium girls, etc
Alan Atwood- officiating and facilitating USA cycling permit stuff. also helped with course logistics
Patrick wilder- PDX transplant! helped design the course- added some PDX flava'
Josh Creem- donated a sweet cyclosportif winner's jersey (which roger aspholm now owns- obviously)
the paparazzi: Maria Q (sweet video!), Anthony Skorochod, Liam Quigley, Kevin Dillard, david Chomowicz, Claudette Lajam, Jerry Kapkow, Eloy Anzola, and Harry Zernike
Colin Prensky- sandbagger extraordinaire
Lauren Zucker- for lending me her crazy Yellow Pickup Truck
The CRCA (notably Mike Green, Ken Harris, "Evil" Matt Howard)- for backing the event- this race was as much a CRCA event as it was an NYC event!

I want to thank the racers that showed up- we had over DOUBLE the pre-reg of any race that day in the north-east- 119 pre-reg'ed and a bunch more same-day. you guys braved the elements and came out to race in perfect, miserable Belgian weather. you made the race fun and duked it out on the course. Nice job to everyone- Especially to those who tried 'cross for the first time- what a day to try it! you experienced 'cross at its best and worst: the mud, the wind, the rain, the cold, the people cheering, the food, the music, and the attitude. The whole scene is what its all about. As Barry Wicks said- anyone can put on a 'cross race. But for it to be fun, you've got to embrace the right atmosphere. We had just that on November 30th, and it was thanks to all of the people i mentioned above

and a BIG thank you to the NYC Parks department- Sarah Frazier, Sandra Fernandez, Vincent, and Laurie. the parks department was a HUGE help, and this race could not have happened without their support. their willingness to help and their level of accommodation was astounding. From the entire new york cyclocross community- THANK YOU!

As for my race, well there's not way to sugar coat it: i came in DFL in my own race! DFL! I know. apparently 2 hrs of sleep has an effect on my performance. instead of coming in 3rd to last, i came in dead last. and of course colin prensky had to win the damn thing.... Next time i'm putting that guy into the tape...

By the way, i love how different his blogging is from my own. He reports from the front of the pack, I report from the middle/back. He waxes poetic on the spirit of competition and winning, i make fart/bacon/poop jokes. i think it's awfully complimentary...

Putting this race on was a great experience through and through- i made some great contacts, new friends in the cycling scene, and i was able to spend time in a borough that i had barely visited! Staten Island is a mythical, elusive, and funny place. it was the perfect setting for our race, and hopefully will be for years to come.

As for next year, watch out. We've got big plans. cool stuff is on the way. i think you're goin to like it...

Oh god it's everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:35:00 +0000

On a whole, the north east cycling scene has had it pretty easy when it comes to inclement weather. hell, the first really rainy, horrible, muddy, wet, disgusting race of the season for me happened last week at beacon 'cross. it was kind of a blessing.

Since I missed dressing up for a Halloween CX race this year, i decided to do it a week late and blame daylight savings! Tony, Kyle, and I drove to Beacon last week with my Mario suit expecting a total shit show, and I for one can say that I wasn't disappointed. The Beacon race was one of the harder races of the season. Maybe it was a combination of the rain, mud, huge steps, and sand traps, but i was completely thrashed after that race. I practically needed a step ladder to get up those amphitheater steps! for some reason I'm guessing that the stairs in Ryan Trebon's house are about that size. Good for him, not so good for Baldy McShorty over here...

My performance at HPCX the next day was a joke. my new goal in CX racing has gone from trying to place to trying to not let Andrew Crooks lap me...

I'm a big fan of technical clothing- spandex/roubaix/dryfit is awesome. Denim, while tough, is also a great fabric to wear in the rain... In oppositeland. The rain inundated my Mario overalls with so much water that i felt like a bloated pregnant woman. i was carrying at least 15 lbs of extra water weight, and was craving rocky road ice cream with pickles... The denim also stuck to my legs and made it quite hard to pedal. That being said- dressing up as Mario for a cross race when its not even Halloween is plain awesome.

Fast forward to this weekend- the USGP at Mercer. last year this was a pretty fun course, with a huge pit and a fly-over. the race was wide, sweeping, and fast. The weather was generally agreeable and it was a great time. This year it was a completely different race. it was like we were racing in Portland.

I've been saying all year that i wanted to race in horrifically muddy conditions, and I got what i asked for. The best way I can describe the last two days of racing is by using the term "Mud Bukkake." I mean, it was everywhere. EVERYWHERE. I mean, look at Jed- Someone get him a moist towelette or something...

photo by Anthony Skorochod

Day 1

photo by Anthony Skorochod

After a late start due to me getting rides from hungover people (cough, cough Slokar), we just barely made it in time. As we pulled up to the park, the C race had started. I noticed people running on flat sections. It was that muddy. People were completely covered in mud, and it was windy and rainy, but not that cold. I quickly slapped on my skinsuit and ran to staging. i got there just as they called my name- 3rd row, not to shabby! I looked around and saw the normal cast of characters that had made this season so fun. This was the calm before the slop-storm.

The whistle went off, and it was the usual mad dash for the start line. I had an ok position going into the hole shot. once we entered the course, the mud started right away. Last year the fly-over and the long sand pits were the challenging parts of the course. This year, they were the easiest parts. (note the "oh shit" face)

photo by Anthony Skorochod

Every other part of the course was inundated with mud. You had to plant your ass as far back as you could and just slog along.

I ended up DNFing thanks to ex-C field sandbagger Sam Fiorno... i crossed the line and the official indicated that i had 1 lap to go. Sam was just ahead of me. as we rode into the course again he said that they pulled him from the race and that we were done- I was as eager to do an extra lap as i was to get intimate with Star Jones, so I didn't argue. Lo and behold, we both got DNF'ed. that's too bad, because i was in contention for 40th place... This is serious, man!

The aftermath of the race was hilarious- we all looked as though we went spulunking in a septic tank. i had to hose my bike off twice just to get it clean.

I was so muddy from slopping through the mud like a pig that my chamois was covered in it when i peeled off my skinsuit (kind of like taking the skin off of a weisswurst).

And yes, I'm like 80% sure it was mud. shut up.

after cleaning off, we ran to a fantastic NJ Diner where i tried scrapple for the first time. The best way i can describe Scrapple is that it's the Foie Gras of New Jersey. It somehow manages to be both delicious and horrific at the same time...

After our trashy, delicious feast, we made a beer stop and rushed back to the race. We had some 'drinkin to do, people to heckle, and, oh yeah, Fliers to hand out for the Kick-ass CX race that's happening on Nov 30th!

when the Elite men came on, we were 2 six packs into some Belgian-style Tripels. For some reason our buddy Phil bought a UCI license... He stepped it up and played with the big boys in one of the hardest races of the season. I think that warrants a beer hand-up...

Sure, Shaking the can of Bud for 5 minutes and then opening it in his face as he rode by may have been a bit douchey- but you know what? That Phil Riggio is a CHAMP. he grabs the can from me, pours the rest on his head, CRUSHES the can on his helmet, and rides away. That, my friends, is Pro as shit (.dk)

Day 2

I didnt think it was possible, but somehow day 2 was worse. it was 40 degrees with 30 mph winds, and there had been ANOTHER torrential downpour on sat night. The ground was even more inundated with mud. it was so bad that the race organizers cut the course in half because it was "unrideable." What was considered "rideable" was pretty comical...

But first, I'd like to point out how important it is to properly embrocate before cold races. it's an important ritual that ever CX'er should hold sacred. the rub-down of embro on one's pale legs is essential to any decent CX experience. And if you're Croatian like Tony, you probably like embrocating your eyeballs and gums.

By the way, This week's Embrocation and Chamois cream was brought to you by SportsBalm (review to come).

As we waited in staging, 35 mph winds whipped around us and made the whole B field shiver. We knew what was to come. this was going to be miserable. why were we all still here? We could have just gone to brunch! But no- we were all standing there in spandex skinsuits, freezing and waiting for a whistle to blow so that we could bike and run through a giant pig pen wrapped in caution tape. Why?

The crux of this sport is suffering. Not just suffering due to self-imposed exertion, but rather suffering through pitting yourself to a tough environment as well as other people. You're not just racing other people- you're fighting your surroundings. Mud swallows your wheels and bogs down your bike. Barriers and run-ups block your way and make your life all the more difficult. But everyone in that field is pushing themselves as hard as they can- not just to try and best their peers, but to overcome the course itself. A good number of people didn't finish on Sunday. But everyone who did finish pushed themselves to their limits, and I think that's where the satisfaction lies in this sport. I think its easy to be complacent in a road race if one wants. It's alot harder to do so in a 'Cross race.

racing on Sunday at Mercer was akin to biking and running through a mile-long turd-covered slip'n'slide. Every part of this course was grueling and treacherous. it was slow and painful, and full of slop. It was the hardest 'cross race i've ever done. It was also the most satisfying.

After Tony had had enough of racing throug the slop, he decided he'd have more fun by throwing beer at me and heckling me for losing to a triathlete...

I guess i really wanted a muddy sh*tshow for the very novelty of it. the after-shots of muddy races are fantastic, and it just adds to the difficulty and drama of 'cross. that being said, slogging through mud makes a race exponentially harder. It's completely saps your energy. you grind through slop at 3 miles per hour, pedaling at 35 rpm. A friend of mine who was watching yesterday said it was the slowest cross race he had ever seen. the mud was so thick on most of the flat sections that you had to run them.

As we drove back from a mud, beer, and scrapple filled weekend, I became a little sad that the cross season is nearly over. This year has been more fun than I've had yet, and it wasn't just because of the racing: it was because of the friends that I've been racing with for the past two months. Everyone has been having fun and riding their bikes without pretense or elitism, but competing. I can only hope people carry over some of that attitude into the 2009 road season, because it'll make it that much better.

By the way, for all you NYCX'ers- I'm organizing a CX practice on Wed, Nov 19 @ 530 AM- meet at the entrance to the park on 72nd and 5th. we'll do a warm up lap and then do drills on the northwest side of the park near Harlem hill. You know you want to. Anyway- Balki will be there- how can you say no??

Making the race- Staten 'Cross

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:01:00 +0000

It's totally my fault, but i forgot to mention on my blog that I'm organizing a cyclocross race! Between racing, work, and organizing the damn thing, i never got around to posting it on here! Well, here it goes.

There had been a ton of talking within NYCX community about putting our own race on. everyone was into the idea, but actually following through is a completely different story. there were just so many variables to consider. Where would we have it? would we get permission from the Parks department? was there enough interest? was there a date left in the 'cross season that didn't conflict with a big, established race?

Little by little, it started falling into our lap. Jamie Bogner from NYCMTB had found a small gem of a park in Staten Island. He went to check out Wolfe's Pond Park and thought it was a great spot. Now all we needed to do was get permission from the parks department. I really was prepared for that to be a total waste our time. From what i had heard in the past and with CRCA races in central park, the parks department was pretty strict and extremely sensitive about their lawns. Obviously they would have no problem at all with letting hundreds of cross bikes tear up park land! We decided to give it a shot anyway and reached out a new acquaintance i had made in the Parks Department (Thanks Michael and Marjory!) Although i was prepared to deal with a bureaucratic nightmare, i was instantly proved wrong. Getting a permit for the even was easier than i ever thought it could be.

We drove over the the park last thursday to meet with the Park's Manager and the event coordinator. The manager was a Staten Island native named "Vincent" who had a pristine S.I. Accent and had worked in the park's department for years. we started to carefully explain that bikes would be ridden on the grass, but that we would make every effort to not damage it and use well-traveled parts of the lawn. Vinny Smiled and said "There is nothing you could do on those bikes that would mess up my lawn."

oh, it's like that. That's a Challenge.

Moral of the story: Vinny is awesome. The Parks People were so accomodating that we were a bit taken aback. where was the bureaucracy? where was the hard time? They have pretty much given us carte Blanche to put on an awesome race!

The Park itself is perfect for a 'cross race: TWO Parking lots, Bathrooms, Hoses, Electricity, Grass, Mountain Bike trails, and a Beach. this course is going to have it all, and its going to bring it.

Here's the deal on the race:

Date: Sunday, November 30th

The race is on Staten Island- a mysterious and magical place, easily accessible from New Jersey, Long Island, and the rest of the Metro area.

The race is on November 30th- the weekend right after Thanksgiving, and the Day after the New Jersey 'Cross Championships. This will be one of the last race weekends you can double up on before nationals come around!

Why come to our race?

* Come and support the growing 'cross scene in the NYC area. Every year, more and more people get into cyclocross, making it more popular than ever. NYC has been without a cross race for far too long, so be a part of something historic!

* Come for the awesome course we put together. With the help of some Portland CX expertise, the course we've designed promises to be challenging- we've got something for everyone: A 100 Meter Beach run (the course is right on the water), a Circle of Death, barriers, a rooty-rutted-leaf covered run up, and some good old-fashioned tree-slaloms. Here's the Map:

* Come for the Prizes- Awesome trophies, Cash for Elite men/women/masters, and great merchandise from NYC Velo, Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers, Sportique Skincare, and Honest Tea, as well as some "Staten Island ONLY" Premes.

* Killer jams by DJ Kendra, who will be dropping beats all day.

* The Park is easily accessible by car or public Transportation- Take the Ferry to Staten Island then take the Staten Island Rail to the Prince's Bay Stop. The Ferry allows bikes, and you should be good to go on the Staten Island Rail.

* Any profits from the race will be donated to Ichallengemyself (http://ichallengemyself.org/) - a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood obesity and getting disadvantaged youths on bikes.

* Come work off the marathon binge eating session you will have just gone through after T-day. We know we'll need to…

All info can be found on BikeReg.com:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7298

REGISTER!! Do it for BACON! Do it for GLORY!

Big Thanks to the CRCA, Alan Atwood, The NYC Parks Department (thanks Vinny and Sarah!), Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers, NYC Velo, Sportique, and Honest Tea. This race would not be happening had it not been for the support of these people and sponsors. buy their stuff if they sell it!

Whirlybird and DCCX- Get to zee Choppa!

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:08:00 +0000

photo by Anthony Skorochod

This weekend presented a bit of a Lull in terms of Big 'cross races to go to, so we decided to double up on smaller races. Whirlybird was on Saturday, and DCCX was on Sunday.

I didn't really know what to expect with Whirlybird- All i knew from the bikereg site was that that the town the race is held in is the site of where the original whirlybird took off (didn't any of you see the Pippy Longstocking movie??). That, and the race was on Bryn Athyn College's campus, and there was no alcohol aloud- dry campus. Dry campus? at a cross race? what?! I was beside myself.

Turned out that you didn't really need alcohol to have fun at this race. We got there and it was about 45 and rainy. FINALLY- perfect 'cross conditions! The course looked like fun- we couldn't see most of it, but noticed some off-cambers, and they had set up a "circle of death" just like at Wissahickon. we got there a bit late, and by the time we embrocated and got our numbers pinned on, there wasn't much time for a warm up. so we just lined up and went for it.

Doing a 'cross race without pre-riding it is alot like a rest-stop glory hole- You don't know what's on the the other side of the hole (shot)... This course was a roller coaster ride- lots of turns, off cambers, and wet stuff. Frankly, going through it at race pace without having scoped it out was a bit scary and fun at the same time- my bike went through a ton of abuse in the first lap- slamming my wheel into holes and roots that i hadn't initially noticed.... For the record, my Campy Eurus wheels have been rock solid- these wheels have become great 'cross wheels- They spin up really well, are light, and only go out of true if you crash and snap some spokes. highly recommended.

There has also been a good bit of friendly competition amongst the NYCXers. Kyle, Myself, Ethan, Jed, and Tony, are out to best one another in the world of barriers, mud and off cambers. I think crossresults.net has made if even more concrete as it keeps score. Colin Doesn't count as he's in bagger of sand category, and frankly, me beating him in a cross race is a hilarious prospect, even though he's only done 5 (and won 2).

Going into lap 2, Colin was ahead, bagging sand or whatever it is you do when you're at the front of a race (I wouldn't know). He was followed by Jed, myself, Ethan, and Peepo. Ethan and I were battling it out in the first two laps. but Ethan has been trying out a new riding style called "falling down"- i don't know if he read too many Chris Charmichael articles or something, but hey- whatever works for him. at one point he gets in front of me and decides its the perfect time to make out with the lawn. sorry dude! the "HaHa!" sound effect from the bully on the Simpsons. and now its time for karma to kick in!

As i approach this wet downhill switchback before the barriers, i slide out. i hear a loud CRUNCH.

did i break my arm? mmmm nope. i keep going- i shoulder the bike and go over the barriers- as i get ready to jump back on, i realized what had happened- another set of broken carbon bars!

Su-weet.

I feel like the folks at cadence would give me more shit about this if it didn't mean i kept going over there and spending money. So far this season I've trashed two pairs of carbon bars, two sets of brakes, and one campy shifter... God, I'm like the ideal customer! every time I call cadence, Mark Purdy picks up and says "what did you break now?"

Taking a break from talking about myself for 2 minutes, Big props to Colin for ripping everyone's legs off and winning the B race, and big ups to Jed for snagging 6th place. That sixth place finish was a big one for Jed, and he was so overwhelmed with joy that he tried to hug his bicycle:

photo by Anthony Skorochod

He's a sweet kid.

The race promoters also had a small Helicopter brought it to do fly-by's of the race while it was going on. the helicopter was maybe 10-15 feet above the racers- i'm sure it made a couple of people poop themselves. all i could think of was "Get to zee Choppa!"

As i had to race in DC the next day, I drove to cadence in Philly and had the bars replaced with some great Aluminum 3T bars- shallow drops, traditional bend. i really like them so far. If i snap these I'm going to use a solid steel pipe as my next handlebars.

After putting on my 3rd set of handlebars this season, I headed over to DC with Caroline and Union Steve. The venue for the race was a huge, beautiful Veteran's Retirement property- There was a ton of space, and the organizers definitely made good use of it. The weather had done a complete 180 from the prior day at Whirlybird- sunny and 70 degrees. It was going to be another beautiful, dry, painful course

This had to be one of the longest cross courses i'd seen yet. At over 3.8 km, the laps were going to drag on. The race organizer did a pretty good job of mixing up the course- there was a good amount of variable elevation and terrain- long, slightly uphill stretches (My speciality!) tight, swoopy turns, short, rideable steep sections, 2 sets of barriers (one natural, one man made), and a few off-cambers. that being said, the course wasn't too technical, and the barriers were the only parts of the course that required a dismount.

photo by John Cutler

As per usual, I was met with a crappy starting position at staging. something like 10 rows back. I'm really starting to resent call ups that are done by pre-reg order. Union Steve and I weren't too Happy...

It was Great racing with Steve and Caroline this weekend- Both of them are going through their first season of 'Cross and loving it. I love having cool, new people get in on the 'cross scene, and its great to have more friends at the races with you, racing, ringing cowbells, drinking beer, wearing spandex, and pinning each other (sometimes all at once)

Much like every cross race, this race was just plain hard. I was riding the pain train from start to finish, trying to pick people off one by one. I somehow managed to get through the ENTIRE race without crashing once! I was so proud of myself! I had actually purchased an extra set of handlebars at Cadence just in case!

As i got to the last lap, i had a guy on my wheel- we approached the finish line together, and like a good bunch of cat 4's , sprinted for 38th place. I think i took him at the line... take that, 39th place loser! ha.

while it's lame to sprint for 40th in a cat 4 road race, it's expected in a 'cross race. people cheer and scream for you to do it. I guess it's more in line with the idea that in cross you're going all out the entire time, till the very end. If you're pack fodder and there's no chance you'll win the race, you don't stop trying. Everyone in that race is going as hard as they can, whether they can win it or not. I think there's somethign to be said about that. Some might call it an exercise in futility, but then again, isn't all bike racing?

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you all know that I have broken my Bacon fast. "How could this be?" you ask? Well, i justify it in the following ways

1) bacon is too delicious not to eat
2) like, really delicious
3) My finishing time in the "B" Race on sunday was faster than the winner of the "C" race. therefore, by proxy, I WIN!

In case you're wondering, I broke the bacon fast with Bacon wrapped dates that were stuffed with Blue Cheese. I could tell you how delicous it was, but every time i think of bacon i get a Lardon.

George Hincapie Interview

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:11:00 +0000

This past weekend George Hincapie and his brother Rich flew up to New York to take part in a fund raising weekend for I Challenge Myself. I Challenge Myself (ICM) challenges and supports youth from under-served communities of New York City to become physically active healthy adults and skilled active citizens and leaders. ICM gets these kids on Bikes and gives them an opportunity to experience a positive and healthy activity which builds confidence and a more promising future for them.
Alex had the great idea of creating a charity ride where people would pay to ride with George, with the proceeds going to ICM. There was also a fantastic reception at Cadence, which attracted an eclectic crew eager to meet George. Both events turned out to be a great success- fun was had all around and money was raised for a great cause!

Well, Someone had to pick up the Hincapie brothers from the Airport on Friday, and Alex couldn't think of anyone better than myself and Cadence manager Jed Kornbluh.

As I'm a bit of a fanboy, I jumped at the chance to spend some time with George and ask him a few questions while driving back from the airport. For anyone who's expecting the standard questions one asks a pro cyclist, go here. Everyone else should know I've got the journalistic integrity of Girls Gone Wild...

CJ: How was your past season? What were some highlights for you and were there any frustrating or disappointing parts?

GH: There was a bit of everything. A highlight was winning the last stage of the Tour of Cali. I crashed pretty bad in the first stage. I had a concussion, so for the first three stages I wasn't feeling great at all. It took me 'till the last stage to feel normal and I won that stage, which was good.

And the Classics were good- I was fifth in the Tour of Flanders, and then obviously Roubaix was a huge disappointment; I flatted right at a crucial time in the race, so that was a bit of a disappointment. The Tour was good- the team was really successful; we won more stages than any other team there, so we were really happy with the way it went. I would have loved to have won that stage were i was in a breakaway, but i really misjudged the descent and lost my chance there.

CJ: How have you liked riding with Team Columbia? Is the culture and dynamic a departure from prior teams and if so, how?

GH: Well I've only been on one (pro) team my whole life- but sure, there are alot of younger riders from Columbia- when i first went on the team i would almost say they weren't very serious just the way their attitude was. But as i got to know them I realized that they're really serious, they just like to have alot of fun. They always joking around and playing so to speak. It's fun to be around them especially before the race and after the race- whether we win or lose there's always someone joking around and everybody's always laughing.

CJ: How has it been racing with someone like Cavendish who's turned out to be quite a star at the finish line in terms of field sprints? How does the team play off of both his strengths and yours?

GH: He's awesome- he's one of the best cyclists I've ever seen. He's a huge, huge engine. He's a great guy and we're really good friends. I think we work together really well and you can always rely on Cavendish. I remember at the Tour of Missouri he lost the last stage; it was almost like it was a bit of a shock to him- he didn't know what happened. He was really apologetic, but you can't win every stage. He really has come through this year for us.

CJ: In terms of One-day Classics- you're known as a strong contender. Those seem to be your favorite races but at the same time, as epic as they are, they seem to be pretty frustrating given how much crap can go on. Is Paris-Roubaix still your top race for the upcoming season and how do you prep for it?

GH: It's definitely still my top race- probably more than ever, since I've only got a couple shots left. It's a huge goal of mine and really training is the same- it starts right about now: I start riding my bike and do alot of mountain biking. Doing alot of long distance rides until december and january roll around. It's hard to training for cobble stones; you can't really do any of that here, or even if you had them i don't know if I would do them since they're so rough on your body. It's just something you either like or you don't like

CJ: I would guess that it's also pretty rough on the equipment...

GH: Yeah, definitely

CJ: So on the days leading up to a big one day race, is the carbo loading insane?

GH: I would say the day before, not really the days before. The day before you just eat tons of pasta or rice, and also the morning of as well.

CJ: Do you eat bacon?

GH: Now I do, yeah. Not during the season, though.

CJ: What was a bigger accomplishment for you: getting the Yellow Jersey in the Tour for those couple of days or placing 2nd at Paris-Roubaix?

GH: I would say getting second at Roubaix just because the Roubaix is the hardest race out there, in my opinion. I probably received alot more exposure from getting the yellow jersey, but personally i would say 2nd at the Roubaix.

CJ: Do they let you keep the Yellow Jersey?

GH: Yeah...

CJ: Do you wear it around the house or ever wear it on rides and then people say "look at the fred, where did he buy that from?"

GH: Ha, no- i've never worn it since. I've got it framed back at my house.

CJ: So you got your start by bike racing in New York City and I think alot of New York City bike racers can identify with that. How was your progression starting out? How did it lead to something on the pro level?

GH: It was pretty simple- i would just race Central Park and Prospect park on the weekends. When I was twelve years old I would only ride with the older guys. New york has a huge cycling community- People who aren't from here don't understand how many cyclists there are and how much cycling experience there is. People from all different countries who grew up racing their bikes and know all about it, and we were always fortunate to have people around us who knew alot about the sport and they were always willing to help you.

CJ: What was your favorite local race growing up here?

GH: I would say Bear Mountain

CJ: Did you win it?

GH: Yeah.

CJ: Definitely NOT one of my favorite races... Ok- here's one of my two lance questions: What do you think about his come back? Is it going to be odd to be racing against him for once?

GH: I was suprised about his comeback- I knew pretty early on as he was talking to me during the Tour de France. I was suprised but then he explained the reasons and I understand it alot more now. It's going to be tough- i mean, I've never raced against him, so It's going to be really awkward racing against him

Jed Kornbluh: You guys have been together since the US National team right?

GH: Yeah, since '91.

CJ: So a few weeks ago he tried cyclocross in Vegas. Have you ever tried 'cross? How many pros do you know that race 'cross?

GH: I don't know that many pros on the road that race 'cross. I've tried cross as a junior. Growing up here there was of course the Kissena Velodrome 'cross race- we used to do that every year. Then I got 4th at Nationals as a Junior in Massachussetts.

CJ: Because We're going to a race on Sunday if you want to come- you can borrow my bike: it's a 49cm, but we could put a longer stem on it no problem.

[George Snickers and shakes his head]

CJ: Do you use embrocation?

GH: Nope

CJ: Did you read that article that Dave Z wrote about Chamois cream? he wrote an article going into graphic detail about what sort of stuff he uses to prevent and take care of saddle sores...

GH: Did he tell you what he wanted to call the Women's Version of DZ Nuts? DZ Lips!

[pre-pubescent laughter erupts from the car]

CJ: Ha! I like it. That would sell... What do you use?

GH: I don't...

CJ: you don't use ANY chamois cream? That's a taint of steel, right there...

GH: I'll use it occasionally like in a long time trial or a race like roubaix or if i feel like i'm getting torn up down there. But normally i don't use anything. I think if you have the proper chamois- Dave probably won't like me saying this- but you probably dont need it that much.

CJ: What was it like racing with him? I'm sure you have some funny stories about him:

GH: He's awesome. We were actually making fun of him at the Olympics because he didn't want to go back to Europe to race - he's racing right now- he didnt' race all year. We were talking about your site (VCN) and it came up how he would end up being a guest writer for you guys, that way he didnt have to race...

CJ: I guess it would pay the bills, except not at all...

CJ: Ok, Lightning round...

CJ: Favorite Band?

GH: Guns N' Roses.

CJ: NICE. Favorite food?

GH: Italian.

CJ: Favorite Pork-based Product?

GH: Bacon.

CJ: Sweeet. Favorite Beer?

GH: Yuengling.

CJ: Ding Ding! Favorite TV Show?

GH: 24

CJ: Obama or McCain?

GH: Obama

CJ: Campy/Shimano/Sram? i guess that just depends on who's paying you to use it...

GH: Shimano.

CJ: Did you like Dave Zabriskie's mustache?

GH: Hated it.

CJ: Would you grow a mustache?

GH: Never!

Another Big Thanks to George and Rich for coming out and spending the weekend with their fans in NYC! We hope you guys can come back next year!

'Cross Time- gloucester Recap

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 02:52:00 +0000

photo by Ocean Li

I've come to a conclusion about the reasons I like to race . Sure, it's easy to say that its for the love of the bike, the feeling of competition, improving yourself, yada yada. That's all fine and good, but really- the main reason we all bike race is simple: so that you have a new facebook profile picture.

photo by Ocean Li

Ok, so maybe that doesn't apply to the master's 45+ crowd, but for almost everyone else, it's not a race to the finish, it's a race to the photographer! How many of you get to the front every time you're about to pass Andy Shen/ Marco/ any other photographer? That's what I thought.

For 'cross, there's two other reasons we race:

an excuse to go to a diner after a race:

an excuse to drink beer

I love how riding for 40 minutes justifies eating 2500 calories worth of Pastrami Reubens and Ommegang. Somehow, I end up gaining weight after a long 'cross race weekend. I wonder why...

If any weekend was a shining example of that, it was the weekend I just spent at Gloucester last weekend- two days of racing cross in a beautiful new england town, coupled with two days of chugging clam chowder and Belgian beer along with inhaling lobster rolls.

I'm not one for playing into stereotypes, but I know i'm not the only one in nyc that bike races and works in finance. After past two week's festivities, I was more than happy to get the hell out of dodge for a long weekend. Turn those machines back on!

The drive up was pretty brutal- we left at 6:30 on friday and got in at 2AM. The race was at 9. My current strategy of doing C races until I win is getting a bit old. I think it's time to upgrade to cat 3 in cross just so I can get up later and do the B races (Generally, the order of races is predicated in talent order- worst to best- or something like that). Of course, if I was nearly as good at the art of bagging sand as Colin Prensky is, I wouldn't be having this problem...

Saturday's course was a wide, sweeping course. Very fast and full of long straight sections. The turns weren't too technical, there was no run up, and the only spots you had to dismount were a twisty sand pit and a set of barriers. I was hoping for crappy weather to provide some messy racing, but the weather turned out to be beautiiful. It was the perfect temperature when we went off, but the temps rose significantly throughout the day, turning the dewey course into a dustbowl. The beer tent was strategically placed by the barriers, and you could easily see most of the course from the main area. I think the promoters did a great job at organizing this race. That being said, I praise any promoter that puts a beer tent up.

Boiko and I got to the course with tiime to spare, and we got a few warm up laps in. this race was going to be all about picking smooth lines and powering through the straight sections. Not quite my course of choice, but I was pumped to try it out.

We thought we'd be smart and try to secure a decent spot at staging about a half-hour before the race. There were over 100 people signed up for the C race, and As we all know, a good starting position is one of the most important parts of 'cross racing. We stood there along for about 10 minutes, with a smug sense of satisfaction, thinking we were soooo smart for getting to staging super early so that we would get a good spot. Unfortunately, a man eventually came up to us and informed us that starting order was determined by the order in which you registered. Good for you, bike-reg geeks...

Boiko and I ended up being in the 7^th row, or about 70 spots back. It was going to be one of those pack fodder sort of days! When your'e relegated to that fact, all you can do is concentrate on picking people off once by one once the race strings out. Everyone's riding as hard as they can, and all the while you're hoping for two things

that you dont get passed due to taking a bad line, get a mechanical, or wiping out.
That the guy in front of you Does have one of those things happen to him.

I'm half kidding. However, it's so easy to be a victim of circumstance that you're more mindful of all of the bad stuff that can happen. You're subjecting your equipment and your body to higher stresses and impacts that one is normally used to In a road race. I for one know that my equipment gets wailed on like Tina turner after Ike's had a few too many...

this race had a long, uphill sprint to the hole shot, and it was a much longer sprint than the last few races. It allowed for me to take a few spots, but I was also aware that it was going to be the part of the course that added insult to injury. The start was just like a cat 4 prospect park field sprint, except no one crashed and nobody told me to "holja line." I always try and hit the first lap pretty agressively, and then try and find a rhythm once everyone's strung out. Aside from one tiny wipeout, I didn't embarrass myself too much. Gloucester most resembles Belgian 'cross races from what i've seen on youtube- the crowd is going nuts by the barriers, and the beer is flowing. It's funny how time slows down in the 'cross race- every time I do it, it's the longest 40 minutes of my life...

I could hear fellow NYCX'ers cheering me on and screaming at me and my friends, and that's part of what made the race so fun. I finished the race about 20 spots ahead from where I started, so I was satisfied with the race. On to the beer!

I;m a big fan of beer tent antics. What better place to drink some great local beer, abuse a cowbell, throw beer at your friends that are racing, and be a bit obnoxious?

I've determined that flinging beer at your friends while they race is one of the only ways you can do it without getting beaten up- I guess it's big in Belgium and Portland ,so it's cool to do here. Sure, it may have been a waste of Ommegang, but I wanted to be authentic. Every time Prensky, Slokar, or Jed came around in the B race, they got beer flung at their persons until I ran out. Once I ran out of beer, I resorted to clumps of dirt and grass. I felt like an irate monkey. Douchey? A bit. Funny? Yes!

I'll be the first to admit i'm not a fan of american spectator sports. As it stands, I'm a bit of a pariah in my office because I don't do fantasy sports, think baseball is boring and that most of those atheletes are overpaid, not in great shape, and probably doping (oh snap, I went there!) same goes for football- but hey, it's all about preference. That being said, I think 'cross races are some of the most entertaining sporting events to watch. You can see all the action, it's nonstop from start to finish, the crowd is right there screaming in the faces of the athletes, and everyone's drinking beer. It's like going to spectate at the Tour de France- except instead of having the peloton pass you in just once instant- you have an hour of riders passing you, hopping barriers, and riding the pain train. There's a bit of a NASCAR aspect to it when you're by the barriers,, except the beer's better and the mullets are more euro. The minute somone wipes out on the barriers, the crowd goes nuts. People fling beer, throw money, shout, and ring cowbells. Christopher Walken would be proud.

As for the pro race, it was a ton of fun to watch. I won't go into detail, as velonews probably already did and i'm just plain lazy. Needless to say, Ryan Trebon did his customary "rip the legs off of everyone in the last lap" strategy. seems to work for him. for the record, his legs are longer than my whole body. Kind of like this:

Day two at Gloucester was much of the same, but the course was much more fun. a few turns had been changed, and a decently steep run-up have been incorporated. Hitting the run up with the entire cat 4 field on the first lap was like a stampede. I almost got taken out when someone in front of me couldn't remount his bicycle. The addition of the run up made the course a little harder, and broke up the long, flat parts of the course. I'm a big fan of run ups, even though i kind of suck at them- the steeper, the better. word to the wise, always keep toe spikes in your mtb shoes- you'll thank me later.

I managed to stay upright on day two, and felt good about how i had raced- i moved ahead about 30 spots form where i started- still middle of the pack, but the course and the crowd made it a ton of fun. I would say that Gloucester is probably the most picturesque 'cross course out there.

Even though i managed to stay upright for the race, I ended up falling on top of Adam Duncan in the parking lot after the race. What a pro.

My buddy Bill the paparazzo was there to document a ton of the race- it's dangerous having a friend show up with a good camera. It sometimes leads to bouts of unfathomable Narcissism...

Short of what happened to me in the bathroom at the George Michael Concert, I'd say this is the most homoerotic thing i've ever done. not that there's anything wrong with that... As for Colin Presnky, well, I can't speak on his behalf.

Aside from the Playgirl photo shoot, the rest of the day was spent drinking beer, eating some fantastic loster rolls, and cheering on the Higher cat races. Another weekend of fun. Another weekend of pain. Another weekend of cowbell , friends, and regrettable photos of me in a skinsuit. does it get any better?

'Cross Dressin

noreply@blogger.com (alliwannadoisbicycle) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:12:00 +0000

I'm not one to embarass myself publicly, but there's something about cyclocross that just makes you want to don a skinsuit (whether you should or not is another question entirely).

Dressing properly for a 'cross race is important. since racing is in the fall, you're subject to extreme temperatures and elements; ranging from rain, mud, sleet, sand, snow,hail, dead cats, baby vomit, peanut butter, packing peanuts, and broken beer bottles. All the while, you're running through different environs, sometimes with your bike on your shoulder. You don't want to wear anything loose, and you need to stay warm.

So what's the answer, CJ?

I'm glad you asked!

Skin. Suits.

Sure, they may leave little/nothing to the imagination, but it really is the best thing to wear. Most 'cross racers are perfectly content with the standard jersey and bibs/knickers, but that's not very "pro" now is it? you don't see Erwin Vervecken wearing a two-piece, do you?

Once just the fancy of TT geeks and Cher, Skinsuits are ideal because you can't get them caught on anything- branches, your bike, a spectator, etc. A "time trial" skinsuit will work just fine, but some clothing manufacturers (Champsys is coming to mind) make cyclocross-specific skinsuits. they're made of "roubaix" material and are long-sleeved. that's about as pro as you can get in a cross race...

And don't let anyone tell you that wearing a skinsuit in the company of other men is "embarassing" or "makes you a Kylie Minogue fan." They're just upset that they can see your junk, that's all.

and don't worry, they make them for women, too!

Saturday was the Westwood Velo's Annual 'cross race. It's a pretty small local race, but its fun, and the guys at Westwood Velo put on a great event. It was held at Campgaw Park's ski slope in Mahwah, NJ. It's about an hour by car from Manhattan, which in cyclocross terms isn't far at all. I've been known to drive 4 hrs in one each way for a 30 minute race. smart? not really. fun? you betcha!

Tony Slokar, Colin Prensky and I drove over to Mahwah to get our 'cross on. the Westwood race had been my very first race two season ago, and it hold a special place in the cockles of my heart. The course is pretty compact- at under 2km- and is as technical as they could have made it given the terrain. The course is riddled with turns, and there's never really an opportunity to let loose on a long, straight section with too much speed. A course like that would favor people with big engines and poor handling. The course at Westwood made sure that picking a good line was what would set you apart from the field.

all three of us signed up for the C race. As I said before, the "C" field was the Sandbaggiest field I have ever seen at a cross race. a ton of cat 3's on the road, along with a cat 1 or 2. nobody seemed to mind, and everyone was ready to have some fun (you can be sure that that wouldn't fly in a road race- just imagine a cat 1 trying to jump in on a cat 4 race...)

Usually the start of a cross race has a fairly significant flat section leading into the "hole shot". The hole shot is extremely strategic in a 'cross race- it's the section of the course that gets narrow right after the starting sprint. The entire field sprints from the get go to snatch the 1st position into the hole shot. It's a huge advantage to not have to try and pass someone in front of you in a cross race, and grabbing the hole shot is a great way to do just that. The key to getting the hole shot is to have a good starting position, clip in quickly, and sprint as hard as you can.

That's one reason why cross is so hard- You shock your cardiovascular system right from the start, and don't let up for 40 minutes. I remember seeing someone vomit right after a race and though "that's romantic."

Westwood's hole shot was a pretty short distance from the start, so it wasn't a very hard or long sprint. the field funneled into the course, and we were off. i had a decent top 20 position going into the first lap, and concentrated on picking people off one by one. with a course this full of tight turns, i was going to concentrate on finding the best lines and always accelerating hard out of the turns.

The course had two sets of double barriers- one set wast right after a pair of short, sharp 180 degree turns, so it was impossible to hit it with speed. The second set was a more standard set up, and it allowed for you to hit them with a good bit of velocity.

By the way, I'd like to mention that 'cross barriers are harder to hit when you've got short legs. me and my treestumps have to full-on leap over the barriers. I'm going to demand lower barriers for short people. or taller barriers for taller people. whichever is funnier.

The hardest and most painful part of the course had to be the two sections of washboard terrain. the ground was so bumpy and divoted that there was no way to pedal through it- you just had to let your body take a pounding (make your jokes), and it definitely wore people out as the race went on. The run up was a section of tall log steps that ended on a slight incline, which made re-mounting the bike a bit more challenging.

As the race went on, i started picking people off here and there. I ended up in a small three man gruppo with Tony and my friend Sam. They kept screaming at me to catch up to them, and i eventually did.

It's a bit of a departure from road racing to have people on other teams encouraging you to catch up with them and race well. all around me people are cheering for one another and pushing them to keep going. It's a positive atmosphere that's devoid of the insularity, elitism, and negativity that can sometimes afflict the amateur road racing scene. The first few times i raced cross i was caught off guard by it. maybe it's because the 'cross scene is more similar to mountain biking. people are more laid back and more centered around having fun. People don't freak out when they have a mechanical and start screaming about how they were "peaking for this race" and that it's the most important thing they've ever trained for. at the end of the day, we're all paying to play and have some fun. it's so easy for some people to take amateur racing too seriously, and sometimes it kills the fun.

Aside from a quick dropped chain, my race was thankfully devoid of mechanicals. I didn't slide out, didn't make out with gravel, and didn't have to buy a new pair of carbon bars. Any race that doesn't necessitate me buying tegaderm can effectively be labelled as a success!

I ended up finishing 11th out of about 56 starters, and was pretty happy with it. This year I'm actually starting to train for cross- incorporating running, plyometrics, and some light interval work. I think it'll give me a better chance to do well in races without getting burnt out on overtraining in the fall.

Once the race was over i learned that my friend Colin had won the race. Did I mention it was his first 'cross race ever? I know it's cliche to make "sandbagger!" jokes, but it's too easy with this guy. Colin Prensky is such a sandbagger that FEMA should hire him the next time a hurricane rolls into New Orleans. Zing!

kidding aside, he rode a great race and had a ton of fun with it. He was also wearing a skinsuit. coincidence? i think not. He also has a mean victory dance.

Tony and I had signed up to do the "B" race as well, but after having having our bodies battered by the washboard sections in the course, we opted for a less painful alternative:

Drinking!

There's really nothing more satisfying than drinking some kick-ass beer in your skinsuit after having ridden your bike so hard that you can't see straight or do simple math anymore. We spent the rest of the day cheering on the other fields and hanging out with friends we had made from prior 'cross seasons.

One of my favorite parts of 'cross racing is that you're forced to leave the city every weekend if you want to race. it lets you decompress and take in some new scenery. I'm definitely happy to do that given what's been going on at work in the past few weeks. Apparently every NYC bike racer is a "wall street type" so I'm sure you can relate....

Next Weekend is the Erdinger Gran Prix of Gloucester in Massachussetts. It's a two-day cross race, and one of the biggest in the northeast. I've never done it before, but I heard that its a fast, fast course with lots of long, flat sections. This'll be a complete departure from Westwood, and will probably favor guys with big engines. I'm just looking forward to getting up there and eating lobster rolls until i look like I'm pregnant.

Rumor also has it that Lancey Pants is racing Gloucester. I think it's great that he's trying it out, but it also looks like he's going to get housed by Trebon and Wicks. anyone want to place some bets?