The Gloucester Grand Prix: Take Me To The Beer Tent!

As I explained to Cathy Rowell, half seriously, half jokingly...I am beginning to come to terms with why I suck at cx. My level of aggression, on a 10 point scale, is like a 2..."would you like to go ahead? Oh, by all means, please do"...to me, this weekend more closely resembled chinese downhill rather than a cx race...apparently you need to be prepared to ride around, over, and sometimes through your opponents....and etiquette?...there is no etiquette...it's a smash and grab...bull in a china shop...type of affair....I guess I was just a little dismayed by the level of aggression and amount of full-contact...I guess surfing the pavement a few too many times this year has taken it's toll...I am just a little more cautious...a little more hesitant...and you just can't race cross like that. It has to be, as my teammates would say, "racks to the max."

Ok, so preface aside...here's the Saturday race report:

With a grand total of exactly (drum roll please)...zero UCI points, I lined up in the third row. Got a decent start as we sprinted up the hill. As we transitioned to the first winding grass section little did I know the chinese downhill was about to begin - complete with full contact. Apparently I have been taking this cross stuff entirely too lightly. The thought had occurred to me "maybe a pre-race meal of raw meat would be better than a gu?" In any case, 3/4th of the way through the first lap a certain rider in a plaid kit would go down in front of me. I basically rode over her (unintentionally). That is, until our bikes became entangled (which I am sure amused the many spectators sitting high above on the big rock.) I then watched (perhaps too calmly) as she helter skelter gasping for breath tried to literally rip our bikes apart! As she hastily remounted (at this point, practically hyperventilating) she nearly took us out AGAIN!

Concerned with my bike and annoyed with the unnecessary roughness I was of the mindset "you wanna go...by all means, please GO!...just get away from me!" Mentally that was pretty much the end of my race as I eventually DNF'd. The highlight of my day was riding the sand pit...which I later realized would have been smarter (and faster) to run (doh)!

Sunday I enjoyed spectating from the beer tent! (Special thanks to Sal and the fine service of Tami!) But not nearly in as much style as Cathy Rowell!!! Check out the Lederhosen!

Calgone Take Me Away!

This was an email sent to a close friend, but I thought it was worth posting since it's an accurate account of the state of things at the moment.

Calgone take me away...
What's happening to me...?
As Gloucester approaches the inevitable seems to be happening all over again...
I think I have developed an allergy to cross...one minute everything is fine and the next I've had it...ready to hang up the bike...why, why, why...? Like clockwork it's happening again...same week, different year.

Arggghhh...I couldn't have been less interested in cx practice tonight...
I'm tired all the time...(I sit all day, how can this be?)
And, worse...I am hungry all the time...
What is wrong with me.....???

PS I submitted an offer on a condo in my bldg - there was a higher offer...I think the universe is trying to tell me something...but it seems to be in some type of code I can't decipher...

Green Mountain CX - Verge Series 1 & 2

Sue Fred, "the Major", and I

Looks peaceful (looks can be deceiving.)

Up and over the whoop-dee-doo!


Running the barriers or catapulting over!

Leaping over the barrier in a single bound (in theory anyways!)
Ok, not exactly faster than a speeding bullet either...but hey...I'm working on it.

Portsmouth Crit

I suppose it was fitting to end this road season crashing in the last corner of the last crit!

Amesbury Cross - 6th!

Much to my surprise I had a good start. I figured if you can’t be in the first row the next best alternative is to be behind Mo, Rebecca, or Amy – and fortunately I was behind Amy, who of course, bolted off the line! Unfortunately good starts are only that if you can’t maintain your position! Usually the middle of the race is where I become unraveled, but in this case, I was able to focus on maintaining an effort without exploding and just riding as smoothly as possible, minimizing mistakes – and only two riders passed me. So that’s progress!

But this race definitely reinforced two things – (1) look where you want the bike to go and (2) think thoughts where you want the bike to go - not where you don’t want the bike to go! The first time I approached the off camber section (after the fence) I was going entirely too fast and nearly wound up getting wrapped up in the tape. All I could think was “oh my God, don’t roll down the hill, don’t get caught in the tape…” (ok, there was no mention of God, just an expletive)…but my point is, if you’re into mental narration, better to say something along the lines of “take the corner smoothly, stay to the right, follow the high line”…and chances are much higher that disaster will be averted and friends with cameras (ie Geoff Martin) won’t have an opportunity to capture a Kodak moment! :-)

Mo

Amy

Rebecca

The Black Mail Photos

Ah yes, but whose plate is that next to mine?

I am not the only one eating badly. (Oh Andrew...)

Gate City Crit

Jeff, Dave and a Few Sheep!

Dave before he graciously allowed me to lead over Smuggler's Notch

Jeff & Dave at Manhattan Pizza downtown Burlington Saturday night.

Beautiful house, beautiful view (lots of grass to mow!)

Would you believe - Merino wool sweaters?

Baby merino wool sweater!

"C" is for Concussion

Today's blog entry is brought to you by the letter "C". It was a toss up though...the letter "V" almost won - V is for vicodin, which I do not recommend.

OK, so the weekend's dizziness and nausea has passed...but my head still feels like it's been used on a cheese grater. I just can't shake the headaches. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since the crash. Sorry Bruce, I still can't recite the alphabet backwards, nor do I know the words to "Mary Had a Little Lamb"... :-) Ask me another question!

This afternoon I am off to see one of our sponsors - Robert Yauckoes at the Natural Wellness Clinic, for my first acupuncture treatment. I am not exactly sure how it works, but if it alleviates some of the pain...it's worth a try.

"C" is also for cookie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhUFxaauNTE&feature=related

PEI Stage 5: Charlottetown Crit

"Frankenbike"

zip ties, cardboard, and some epoxy

According to the local shop there is no Campy on the island.

Is this an episode of McGyver or a bike race?

PEI Stage 4: Dalvay to Stratford (120 km)

Mary and I at the start. (I'm smiling because I still have all my skin.)

This is what happens when you follow the Chinese! Before you know it, someone locks up their brakes and you're on the ground.

I'm not sure what is more dangerous in a UCI race - going fast or going slow. The crash was completely ridiculous. We were packed in like sardines - just before the feedzone...this would be the second day I did not get a bottle in the feedzone...only this time because I was too busy CHASING like a madwoman, trying to surf the caravan to get back into the main field. (Kori Seehafer, the race leader would also go down in this crash.)

As soon as I hit the ground I was thinking about getting right back up...but as I picked up my bike I would soon realize my left shifter was turned completely upright - like a Campagnolo bullhorn - terrific! So off I go...no front brake...I knew I would be in trouble if I had to do the rest of the race in the big ring, but fortunately the shifting mechanism could still be pushed over. So mechanical issues on the left side...and on the right side...I somehow managed to fall awkwardly on my right hand. Turns out I ended up bruising my right thumb (right where the hoods hit the meat of your thumb) and my pinky...making index shifting a wee bit painful. Little did I know I also managed to do something to my neck and head...the marbles are still rolling around my head (it's now 4 days later and I still have a headache - off to the doctor's tomorrow.)

Basically when you fall in a race like this, there is no option of not finishing - you have to or else you can't race the next day...and given the length of the stage, there is great incentive to use as much adrenaline to chase back on...'cause you don't want to ride the rest of the race by yourself! So this was day two of surfing the caravan to get back in! The first day was cool...the second day...not so much!

Eventually with less than 20 km to go the main field would break apart as another crash occured and we entered a particularly windy stretch. At this point I was out of water but couldn't call up the team car from the caravan (you can't feed once you're within certain proximity to the finish)...and the wind would get the best of me...after a short chase I would catch back up with Natalie (or more accurately "Nat-a-lee Du-mon" as french speakers would say) and Reem of Chapstick Advil. The three of us would ride in together.

Considering all that happened I was feeling very lucky to finish the race. Although looking at results alone it wasn't a great finish, but...I was proud of the work I had done to chase back on...it took presence of mind and tenacity to not only pick myself up off the ground and overcome mechanical issues, but to also chase...not once but twice. To me this was progress in developing greater mental toughness. Let's hope further improvement in that department doesn't involve losing anymore skin...or damage to my bike (replacing Campy record is expensive!)

Geesh, and I was concerned about scars from mountain biking...let's just say, I won't be wearing a bathing suit anytime soon!

PEI Stage 3: Kensington to North Rustico (120 km)

Day one was about nerves, day two (the TT) was to be survived...but day three, that's when I thought we would begin to settle in and really race. And that may have actually been the case had an attack not been launched in the feedzone...by none other than our guest rider Leda! By the end of the day CycleLoft had certainly made a name for itself! Let's just say other teams were not too thrilled with her by dinner. She's lucky they didn't drag her out to the parking lot and throw a few punches!


In any case, the attack certainly caught people off guard - and all hell broke loose from there. Of course, the feedzone was conveniently located on a hill...so the field basically splintered from there. Depending upon where you were coming in...would determine where you would end up in the chase. For a while I had to surf through the caravan (kinda cool) and eventually caught up to a group which ended up with 10 riders. Fortunately Rebecca and Sally were also in this group.



I would have to say there wasn't much more one could do. Circumstances neutralized the "real racing" that I had anticipated. We worked as a group, keeping a decent pace...but I never really knew where we were in relation to the lead group or other chase groups. As we neared the finish an Ontario rider decided to sprint early, with a Cascade rider following (which was ridiculous considering how far back we were) - these efforts would fade and Rebecca, Sally and I would be the first three of our group of ten.

Although there is a generally acknowledged unwritten rule not to attack in the feedzone I guess the lesson is...in UCI races, all bets are off! You can never let your guard down. I didn't feel I was riding badly at all that day, but who knows what may have been different had I not gone for a bottle - had we all skipped trying to get a bottle??? Just another lesson in keeping your head up and making split second decisions that can make or break your race.

PEI Stage 2: The Confederation Bridge Time Trial

I'll grant you - the bridge is beautiful, a feat of civil engineering genius, a source of PEI pride...but in my opinion...something best to be enjoyed and appreciated IN THE CAR and not on the bike!!! (Is the race director listening???!!!) These were the windiest, most awful conditions I had ever ridden a TT in (of course, did I mention I avoid TTs like the plague?) The only thing preventing me from stopping, was the fact that I so badly wanted off that bridge! At 107 lbs those winds were attrocious. Not that it would have made that much of a difference in my case, but I'm told the winds picked up for those with later start times. While I was thoroughly humiliated and disgusted by my performance (latern rouge - isn't there a jersey for that?) both Sally and Rebecca would have fantastic results - Sally was 3rd!!! And Rebecca 7th!!! We all very proudly watched as Sally stood aside the Menikini riders on the podium!!!

PEI Stage 1: Summerside Circuit Race

As excited as I was to start my first UCI race I have to admit there was nothing I wanted more than for it to be over! Because the race was scheduled to start at 3:30 in front of race headquaters (the Loyalist Hotel), just down the street from our hotel - we decided we would ride over as a team and pre-ride the course.

Although far from home, the condition of the pavement made me feel very much at home - lots of cracks and filled in potholes. Half way around the course there was an S curve which would prove to be an interesting test of the group's cornering ability and a back straight that was open and windy. Then around another right hand corner with cones marking the inside, which the Cuban riders would later completely disregard and not only dive into, but cut through - and then back into town, with a fast 1 km leading into a narrow chute of barriers bringing you to the start finish. Little did I know that this would become the most dangerous part of the course.

The entire race would be about position. Constantly moving up, trying to gain ground in every corner (not to mention escape death) and get a feel for the various riding styles in the field. I think by the end of the day we each had strong opinions about the bike handling of various teams.

About half way through the race, I'm not sure if it was a sprint lap, but coming across the start finish one of the motorcycles would go down. Although I narrowly escaped it caused a huge crash behind. That was when you begin to realize the potential danger of the course and the particular way the barriers were narrowly set up to guide the riders through the finish. I am usually not one to spend too much time worrying about safety but given the speed, level of aggression, and size of the field, I was definitely mindful of the potential dangers. Unfortunately Rebecca would go down in the crash, but was also able to get right back up and chase back on. One of the Stevens riders' was not quite so lucky and would end up with bruises and road rash beneath her eye and on her chin. ("Does my Blue Cross Blue Shield plan cover plastic surgery?" I began to wonder. Yikes!)

Approximately 3/4 of the way through it started to rain, not hard per se but enough to make it messy. By the time we got to the last lap I still wasn't sure whether to be conservative or really try to take part in the sprint. Fortunately or unfortunately the wind would pick up on the last lap. As we came up the incline before the S curve the last time people were clearly fighting for position. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Mary riding through someone's front lawn! Not by choice of course, but because she got forced out. "Surfing the gutter" can be good in that it gives you the ability to move up and/or bail out, but it's also dangerous in that you've got to hold your position and not allow anyone to push you out. But it was sort of strange - the entire week you would see things happen in the peloton that were "interesting" and under any other circumstances you might comment to teammates or chuckle, but then you'd realize you better pay attention to what you're doing and save the "did you see that? for later! (For example, Natalie getting punched by one of the Cubans.)

So after making it through the last corner, I half felt as though time passed in slow motion. You knew the sprint was coming but when would it take off? For me I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't on the far right or left as we entered the barriers - and not knowing the field you really didn't know which wheel to be on (granted Rochelle Gilmore's would have been good!) With one km to go, the sprint was on. I basically just wanted to maintain the speed of those around me, hoping everyone would hold their line. Fortunately everyone would cross the line and safely roll through. Phew! What a relief!

The entire race you needed to have eyes in the back of your head - total awareness of what was happening around you. I was sort of thinking it would be a long race (60 miles), but in the end it didn't really feel that way because you really needed to stay focused the entire time. I was very happy to get the first day over and done with! Onto the dreaded TT!

Preparation for The Tour of PEI

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

The Kanc: Lincoln to Bartlett

We set out from the Loon parking lot to do 4 hours, nothing more, nothing less! (Both Jen and Andrew will be quite pleased we do in fact listen...on occasion!)

On our way back Special thanks to James for his help with my derailluer!

Tour of Somerville

To steal a quote from Andy Jacques-Maynes "my goal was to stay off the ground!" (BTW there's a great article about Andy in the latest Velonews - check it out.) After the crash at the Kelly Cup/Bike Jam ("jam" being the operative word) I decided not to race the RFK crit on Sunday. Although the road rash looked bad it was really my neck and shoulders that bothered me most that Sunday morning. So I thought it was best to be a bit conservative and give my body (and my bike) a day to recover.

That being said Monday at Somerville ended up being a great day. I was a little apprehensive about getting back in the mix. I never worried before about crashing, but after Saturday I realized sometimes you don't have any control over what happens. No one wants to be dangerous or cause a crash but at the same time we are all competitive and want to ride aggressively. In any case - all went smoothly.

I was very happy to have the chance to line up behind Tina Pic. I thought to myself, "ok, she has two legs two arms...seems human...but what makes her so fast???!!!" Inquiring minds want to know!!!!

While I did see some sketchy moves and a few crashes, I thankfully stayed out of the fray. On the last lap I followed Brooke around the last corner (near the front), and was in great position...and then the sprint began...well, this is progress...and also a work in progress. I had great position, but now I've got to work on developing a sprint. The good news is - there's room for a lot of improvement!!! Eventually Rebecca and I would roll in together, along with my friend with Nashville roots, Robin Farina. All in all it was a great race and maybe more importantly I managed "to stay off the ground!"

Kelly Bike Jam

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

Last corner, 500 meters to the finsh, riding a great race...and bam, done. Someone decides to force their way into a space that was far too small and before you know it, you're on the pavement! I am usually confident of my bike handling skills but this weekend made me realize...sometimes it is out of your control. That's racing for you.

Wilmington Grand Prix: Everyone Has A "First Time"

Heading down to the Wilmington Grand Prix I was both excited and cautiously optimistic. This being my first NRC race I wasn’t sure what to expect. Lots of friends and teammates offered their advice and support, reflecting on their own “first time.” In most cases this involved a description of how many laps they were able to stay in…not exactly what I wanted to hear…but…some perspective I would come to later appreciate.

Despite the advice and counsel my goal was to be in the main field. I didn’t think this was so unreasonable, then again…who really believes their expectations are unreasonable…? Although I felt I was riding well, I got caught in the wind like many others and would end up getting dropped from the main field and unfortunately lapped …by my coach nonetheless!!! (Talk about the student getting schooled by the teacher!) Fortunately the officials allowed us to continue – not the results I was hoping for but I was pleased in that I didn’t give up. My teammates Rebecca and Brooke would both have great days, finishing 6th and 9th respectively.

Here are a few of the lessons I learned:
Lesson #1: Staging – If you’ve ever flown on Southwest, you have some idea of what it is like to try to get on the start line of an NRC race. My new favorite bad joke is – “what does the start of an NRC race and the Southwest Airlines boarding process have in common?” Both are very similar to a cattle call! If you ain’t being “called up” better sharpen those elbows! And much to my dismay, they do not welcome new comers – instead you get a seat at the proverbial “back of the bus” – welcome to the back of the field!

Lesson #2: Distractions – Although fantastic from a spectators’ perspective, every block of the race offers a new distraction and every corner, a different set of photographers. While I wanted to “take in the experience,” this was also a huge opportunity to recognize the importance of staying focused on the race.

Lesson #3: Announcers - Whatever you do, never listen to the announcer – chances are he is trying to stir up drama (and in the process possibly give you a heart attack). Hearing “oh, and there’s trouble…the field is splintering…” and you’re left to wonder where this so-called “trouble” is brewing – are you safe or is everyone dangling behind you…but of course you can’t look back because you’re pedaling as hard as you can to stay in!!!!

Lesson #4: Moving up – You have got to concentrate on every single lap. If you are not moving forward in the field, you are moving backward. Someone else is always looking to get around you or in front of you. NEVER be content to sit on the wheel of the person in front of you (unless of course you’re in a break with the likes of Jen McRae or Laura Van Gilder.) Always look for the next opportunity to move up.

Now that I have a better idea of what to expect, we’ll see if I can take some of my own advice next weekend at the Kelly Cup, RFK and the Tour of Sommerville.

Mother's Day: To "Pack" and Back

OK, I will start this entry by saying or rather blaming my mother for the events to follow. Yes, that’s right mom, it’s your fault. (I can only get away with writing this because my mom doesn’t read my blog!) Had my mom allowed me to take her out for breakfast on Mother’s Day as I had offered none of this would have happened!

So, after my mom explained she had already eaten and was not interested in going out for breakfast, I called up my friend and former housemate Dave. I had explained (or at least I thought I had explained) that I needed a 3 hr ride – let me emphasize T-H-R-E-E, as in one, two, …three – just like the theme to Giligan’s Island “three hour tour”. And yet, somehow the two of us agreed to head for Pack Monadnock. Let’s just say…we left the parking lot at 12:15 and returned at 6:30. (Sorry Jen – did I say I did a 5 hr ride…it was more like 6.)

It had been awhile since either Dave or I had done this ride and somehow we both obviously had forgotten just how long it is. That combined with the fact that Dave admitted to me (after the fact), that we may have taken a wrong turn at some point (gee, ya think?) But at least he had the good sense not to tell me at the time!

Everything was fine for the first 3.5 hrs…and then the reality began to set in…we are in the middle of nowhere New Hampshire! I wasn’t so much afraid of not getting home as I was concerned about (a) how would I explain this to Jen – (I began to wonder can a coach fire a client?) and (b) how long would it take to recover from this little escapade? (my first NRC race is next weekend – how badly am I sabotaging myself?)

By the time we got back to Townsend (finally a town I was vaguely familiar with) I asked Dave how close we were – maybe 45 minutes? Whether he was being optimistic or just wasn’t sure, he said yes – 45 minutes maybe less. Ha ha ha! Not! (Clearly he was delusional, as we both must have been at this point!) By the time we hit the rotary in Ayer and then rte 111 headed to Harvard I think we were both on the verge of silent exasperation! But at this point, it was a matter of pride – we were so close. On the other hand, with every pedal stroke all I could think was “I’m going to pay for this…!!!”

Somehow we did in fact make it back without calling for a ride (ok, that was Dave's male pride - me, I would have called! Unfortunately I didn't have my phone.) Next time I need to do a long ride, I think I will do it on the trainer in the safety of my living room!

Sterling: Strategy and Darwinian Natural Selection

After a week to marinate on (and as I often do, over analyze) Jiminy Peak I was looking forward to racing closer to home and more importantly, at a much more civilized start time. The course is 6 laps of an 8 mile circuit, with a neutral start over the finishing climb – so 7 opportunities to become acquainted with the climb. Having done this race before I knew it wasn’t necessarily the climb over the finish that would pose the greatest challenge but the gradual uphill that follows and takes you under the overpass – that’s typically where the break occurs.

With a start time of 1:15, the team agreed to meet at 11:45 and discuss strategy. Of course, whenever there is a climb involved there is a certain Darwinian “natural selection” process that occurs (trumping even the best plans), but despite that it was agreed we would launch attacks early on and see who had good legs and who would respond from the field. On the 4th lap Mary and Rebecca were to attack on the top of the climb and see if a break could be established. Whether a result of luck or perfect execution (we’ll go with “perfect execution”) that is essentially how the race unfolded!

But as anyone who has raced knows, there are some things that are discussed and planned ahead of time and there are some things that are decided on the fly. Well, on the start of the 4th lap Brooke comes over to me and says the next time we are on route 12 I want you to attack the field – with the intent of stringing out the field and setting up the attack over the climb. So as we rounded the corner onto route 12 off I went…and like white on rice, so too went Sara Bresnick! I just turned around to see who was there…and there was Sara smiling…yelling up “no chance” – as in, there’s no chance she was going to swap pulls with me! Gee thanks Sara! Drat! An escape artist I am not – despite my hugely powerful surges (note: sarcasm).

So we get to the corner of route 12 and make the right turn to begin the climb…Debony Diehl would be on my right and my teammate Nat was on my left. As we rounded the corner Debony would drift left, forcing me to also drift left – jostling a little with Nat. Nothing major but enough that Nat I would lose a few positions as the climb began. And as luck would have it – just before Mary and Rebecca would attack going over the top. Fortunately the strategy would work, however Nat and I would be in the wrong place at the wrong time and did not make the break.

With the break up the road the field would have to regroup. With the field not sure how to handle the situation Cathy Rowell decided she would stretch her legs and drift off the front. Well, after being out there for quite some time and no one chasing, Cathy decided to take the opportunity to put to use those spectacular time trial skills of hers!

At the end of the day, apparently after much debate between Rebecca and Mary over who was going to win, it was Rebecca who would cross the line first, followed by Sara Bresnick, and Mary for 3rd. Cathy Rowell would soon follow, soloing in for 6th – and the field would roll in to follow. A great day all around for the NEBC women! And on the eve of Cathy’s birthday!!!!

Jiminy Peak: From Fantastic to Craptastic

First, the good news from earlier in the week – my upgrade was approved!!!! Although I thought it would be close I wasn’t really expecting it to be approved so soon – the plan was actually to shoot for Memorial Day (in time for the Kelly Cup, RFK, and Tour of Sommerville). So this was very much a pleasant surprise and one that came at just the right time (after a very long day of interviews). Now I can look forward to traveling with the team to NRC races – and the pressure is off!

As for Jiminy…I was really hoping to continue the momentum and good results from last week but unfortunately my body conspired against me. I guess it goes to show you can’t have great legs every weekend. This weekend my head was ready to race but my legs went on strike. I had nothing. I was completely on empty. Rebecca had warned me to be on or near the front of the climb on the first lap. But in retrospect maybe what would have been more helpful was to realize just how long and gradual route 7 is as you approach the climb. Let’s just say, on the first lap I didn’t have much of an opportunity to fully appreciate route 7…but after getting dropped on the climb and riding the second lap with a small group I began to understand why the climb was so tough. Oh well, it was not the performance I was hoping for but I’m not going to dwell on it. It’s early in the season, I got my upgrade…there’s lots of racing to look forward to!

Palmer Library Road Race: Do You Believe In Good Luck Charms?

What happened Sunday is completely beyond me. After Saturday I was beat. I drove straight back to Erik’s and basically explained I would be going to bed…it was maybe 1:30 in the afternoon! And it was there I would stay for the rest of the day…and night…getting up for dinner ( a trough of pasta) and to put in a DVD.

At some point in the evening I would speak to Brooke. Of course I didn’t mention the extent to which I was feeling the dreaded “T” word. Unaware of how I was really feeling, Brooke instructed me in a very straight forward fashion to simply shoot for a top 3 finish. Oh, yeah…no problem…I thought (note: sarcasm). Ha, little did she know that at that point I was feeling more like I would be lucky if I didn’t get dropped on the first lap – probably going downhill! Despite how I felt I decided I was going one way or the other. Afterall, I had already pre-registered.

So Sunday, after a pep talk from my teammate Susanne (thanks Sus!) I pull into the lot and who is there but my Green Mtn. good luck charm! Part of me was happy to see him, but part of me couldn’t believe he had driven all that way – I wasn’t even thrilled about the drive and I was the one racing! While I could use the support, I wasn’t convinced even my Green Mtn. good luck charm could help me at this point. I tried not to let on too much, but my warm up (if you can call it that) was poor at best.

By the time the race would start I wasn’t even concerned about the course – much less the whereabouts of the finish. I was more concerned that the good luck charm had my keys (all five lbs of them)…and what would I do if I got dropped and couldn’t get back into the car? (Important practical considerations.)

Well, one lap in it seemed I was not the only one with tired legs. And despite the tired legs, they seemed to wake up a bit once actually in motion. By the second lap I began to realize my legs might just be alright.

As we approached town on 97N, a deceptively gradual incline, I began to think about the finish (better late than never right?) I did something I never do – I actually made a plan. I decided (ha! ha! ha!) I wanted to be second going up the hill and with 200 meters would try to go for the win. (Go for the win??? Not thoughts I usually have. I even chuckled to myself – ok, Sam, whatever.) But…as we came into town and began the climb towards the line…it was if we were all watching each other…no one was leading anyone out…there was no train to catch on to…as the 200 meter mark approached…someone would have to go…although I was getting itchy to go, I didn’t want to go too soon and get passed at the line (being the hugely powerful sprinter that I am!)…finally out of the corner of my eye I could see Kim (the eventual winner) go…she was on the other side of the field…and then I went…with all had...not quick enough to catch her, but enough to get 2nd.

I was really surprised – especially given how the day had started. But placing aside, I was very happy to have given everything to the line. If you have the time, you can train your body…but I am beginning to appreciate training your mind is actually much tougher!

Sturbridge Road Race: 200 Meters Is A Long Way

In keeping with my new tradition of electrolyte overload (given the cramp episode at Turtle Pond) – preparation for Saturday’s race began with a trip to CVS for my Friday pre-race Pedialyte cocktail. I highly recommend grape (…if you’re feeling adventurous maybe add some red bull and vodka…there’s an idea!). After a liter of that and you can imagine how I felt (a pint of beer – good, a liter of pedialyte…not quite so good.) Well, anyways….several trips to the bathroom and I was good to go – ready to load up my rolling trash compactor (the Jetta) and hit the road! Next stop - the fabulous and talented, Guy Bedau – massage therapist extraordinaire. For weeks I had been meaning to get a massage (since the quad incident at Turtle Pond), but just couldn’t fit it into the schedule (or the budget) …but then Friday I realized I would be passing through Harvard (where Guy’s office is located) on my way to my friend Erik’s (who graciously allowed me to free load this weekend) – and as luck would have it, Guy was able to fit me into his schedule (thanks!!!)

Despite staying with Erik in Holden, I was still about an hour away from the race. With an 8:40 start time that still meant an early wake up call – 5:50 to be exact. Erik must have thought I was insane – I made him check the alarm clock no fewer than 5 times before going to bed Friday night. Are you sure it’s set right??? (Paranoid are we? As if I’m actually going to sleep!) Fortunately, Erik did in fact set the alarm correctly(!!!) and I managed to get out the door in plenty of time to pick up my number and warm up.

I must admit I can never really tell how I am going to ride based on how my legs feel when I wake up. I don’t usually feel good first thing in the morning. But on this particular morning I was definitely shaky. Although that being said, sometimes shaky walking doesn’t translate to shaky on the bike…we would have to wait and see…then of course all you can think about is all the things you shouldn’t have done during the week (ie: one too many hills with Brooke on Wednesday.)

So the race finally starts – we are instructed there will be a neutral start for the first 4 miles – essentially up the first climb. Wanting to get a good look at the climb and the finish line which would be at the top I decided to take advantage of the neutral start and sit on the front, get a good warm up. Well, let’s just say the first time up the hill it didn’t seem so bad. Two laps later was another story!

Throughout the race I’d have to say the women of Capital Velo did a nice job of launching attacks and counter attacks. Fortunately nothing stuck. At one point I got a little impatient with the women who would later win the race – she refused to chase anything, saying “they’re not going anywhere.” Well, that the hope anyways…fortunately her energy conservation strategy worked!

As we came into town on the last lap, Amy (the eventual winner of the race) decided to attack. With a 4 mile climb ahead I think the rest of us were basically like – “good luck” but the chances of you holding your lead is highly unlikely. Be that as it may – she did just that! To her credit, she rode a very smart race and not only took a big chance, but she pulled it off! Given my propensity to go too hard too soon, I decided to sit tight in the field and not over react. In the meantime, another woman (who was eventually 2nd) would take off in pursuit – another smart move. OK for those counting - I now missed not one, but two big moves.

So with those two off the front, the question was how would the field respond? Basically it came down to a fight all the way up to the line. There were probably 4 or 5 of us elbow to elbow, doing our best to maintain the pace in between gasps for air. It is usually at critical junctures like this that I mentally crack. This time, this weekend, I swore it would be different (ok, Bruce made me swear it had to be different! Thanks Bruce!) This weekend I was determined to stay mentally focused. After a little jostling, the third place rider (Julie of IBC) would surge…just enough that I couldn’t get out of traffic in time to catch her. And fight as I may to the line…200 meters can really seem like an eternity…I had to settle for 4th.

I say “settle” but honestly I was very happy with that result. Although I missed the two critical moves that would account for 1st and 2nd, my mental focus was much improved this week – I fought to the line. Julie had a nice surge to the line for 3rd. Woulda, coulda, shoulda…on this day 4th was actually very satisfying.

Though the mystery remains (and the debate continues) - had I not ridden the power tap wheel, would I have had a better result???

Battenkill-Roubaix: Got dirt?

Thanks to the hospitality of Bill and Pat Edwards, the team enjoyed a fantastic meal and a good night’s sleep prior to the race. Unfortunately the morning was not without some trials and tribulatons. First, as we headed out to pack the cars, we noticed Rebecca’s car, affectionately known as “the roller skate,” appeared to have a slow leak in the front tire. Not wasting any time, Rebecca pulled out the floor pump and went to work – hoping we could at least get to the race! Nothing like a little pre-race stress to help that heart rate!

Once we finally arrived (after a short detour following the course route), I realized there was a problem with the skewer and drop out on my rear race wheel. Running late already and not being very mechanically inclined, I decided to just go with my Power Tap wheel. So while everyone else was at registration and warming up, I was futzing with wheels. After a spectacular 15 minute warm up (!) we all managed to make our way to the start area. Needless to say this was not the relaxed state I had envisioned!

OK, so…with a dose of pre-race drama complete, it was time to see if this race lived up to all the hype! In nervous anticipation of the first climb – non dirt that is, I rode up to Mary to ask exactly how long is this? Armed with data from last year, her reply – 3 mins. It was probably a good thing I was at the front – it gave me the chance to float back a little and recover, given my less than ideal warm up!

With the warm up portion over, it was time to face the first dirt climb - for me this set the mental stage for the rest of the race. Suddenly I was reminded of why I have not been quite so successful with cross – I get on dirt and for some reason I automatically slow down – it’s an involuntary response that I can’t explain. Complicating matters further, we ended up sharing the road with another field…so you’re riding at or above threshold, trying to keep your momentum while staying seated (or risk losing traction)…there are riders everywhere and cars honking trying to follow their respective fields…and in the midst of what seems like pandemonium you’re trying to concentrate and most importantly breathe! As I approached the top there was so much congestion and chaos I was forced to hop off my bike. Fortunately I was able to remount on the top and catch back on…

While the second dirt climb was marginally better… by the third climb I had lost the concentration/desire to fight through the dirt. Rather than redline, explode, and rapidly descend backwards I decided to go at my own pace. Fortunately I would regroup with 3 other riders. Eventually we got a nice rotation going – soon the four dwindled to three and by the line it was an Advil-Chapstick rider and I. She of course sprinted at the line! Although I must admit I didn’t see the point at the time, I realize the importance of racing until the end and mentally finishing the race – an important lesson.

In retrospect, while the promoter may have recommended a 39-25 – I would say, break out the compact cranks and/or bring your 27. Afterall Anna Milkowski, the winner of the race, had a 34-50 compact with an 11-26.

Turtle Pond: aka "Operation Pork Chop!"

After team pictures Saturday the NEBC women had the chance to enjoy a meal together and talk about tactics for Sunday's first race - Turtle Pond. Over the course of dinner our team director, Brooke, introduced the concept of what she calls "tenderizing the field"! We, of course, did not miss the opportunity to have some fun with this concept. Somehow we got from "tenderize the field" to an association with meat, to what we would affectionately refer to as "Operation Pork Chop." Every great strategy has to start somewhere, right?

Well, Operation Pork Chop essentially involved a series of attacks (hence, pork chop 1, pork chop 2, pork chop 3...etc. - anyone listening to our post race meeting would have died laughing.) Sally had the distinction and honor of launching the first "pork chop"! (All that training with the back pack and fireman's outfit has certainly paid off!) And once the field caught her she had the legs to do it again! (If I am not mistaken, she asked for permission to attack again, just for training!) Rebecca would soon follow, countering with a strong pork chop of her own - which nearly stuck. But on the final climb it was Mary who took it to the line for the first win of the season!!!

Next stop: Battenkill-Roubaix!

Sam's Lil' Blue Merckx