Attendees: Vince, Noah, Adrian and Kevin (Noah's buddy)
Vince's Strava stats (with 26 achievements!) http://app.strava.com/rides/1210301
The original plan was to do a ride through some hills in Malibu where Mapmyride showed 9000+ feet of elevation gain in 82 miles. Due to availability or interest, we decided to do a local run instead. We were suppose to do a ride through SART, but after having eaten an actual peanut butter, jelly, and bacon burger at Slaters 50/50 in Anaheim yesterday, I opted to keep the spirit of "big ride" and changed the route to do a lot of the local hills to burn some of it off. Participation dropped last minute, but 5 of us still made it out to play.
It was good that Vince came out today even after running 6 miles yesterday. He actually even showed up early thinking that the departure time was a half hour earlier than what I indicated rather than his usual fashionably late self. I think we need to do that to him more often.
Noah brought his buddy, Kevin, who we've ridden with up Baldy before and on a crit. Both of them met up with us on Jamboree/Portola and were out attacking the hills with the rest of us. Adrian also came out (finally), and was just as game as the others to do some hill charging.
We added a few new hills (N. Cannon front and back side, Chapman and Ridgeline near Cooks) and definitely need to do both more often. The rest of the hills were Cannon, Nohl Ranch, Chapman, Silverado, Modjeska, Santa Marguerita, Jamboree (both sides) and the canyons (both directions). All of this equated to 6300 feet of climbing today. Not too shabby.
Noah was not feeling too great today, so he wasn't attacking the hills the way we're accustomed to. Plus, he was on his Look bike, which is not his climbing bike, so it will be scary when he gets his new bike. From how he felt going up Nohl, I think he's decided that he'll be putting a compact crank on his R5. That's going to be scary. He and Kevin ended up calling it early because of how he felt and skipped out before Silverado. The local route definitely was a better choice for today.
In his place, Vince was definitely on attack mode on the hills. He was not only attacking it with us, he was also defending the jersey when others would challenge us up hills like Silverado and back through the canyon. I sure am glad he was out to do so, as each time, I just didn't have enough. This was a great outing for Vince, and I think if he was worried about having lost ground after his crit crash, he shouldn't worry any more.
Vince did offer to tempo ride after we finished Ridgeline, and even I have to admit I fell for it. Adrian was starting to feel the hills when we took the break at Cooks, so the plan was to soften the pace some so we can keep going through the entire route. Going up Live Oak, however, I thought I had a good pace to keep us all together. The next thing you know, Vince took off again despite dominating most of the previous hills we did earlier. BAM!
Despite being a trooper and doing all the hills, Adrian had enough by the time we went up Santa Margarita and Marguerite. He was going back via Irvine Blvd, but Vince and I ended up going back through the canyons. We did skip Glen Ranch and Saddleback so that Adrian doesn't end up waiting too long for us...thank God! My legs started cramping after Cooks and then really popped midway through the canyons after we started mixing it up with a guy on a BH bike. If the BH bike guy didn't have a flat going up Dump hill, I would never have seen him and Vince again.
Damn good ride today, and I think all of our legs are feeling it (still as of this writing). Thanks to those who made it out and keeping the training up. We'll have to do this same route again soon...when it's not as hot.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Friday Lunch Ride - Strava Challenge #1 plus NPC Pelican PCH BB Loop
The challenge segment: http://app.strava.com/segments/676086
The ride: http://app.strava.com/rides/1210301
Noah issued the first Strava challenge for the team where the goal was to complete the California to Bison segment under 2 minutes. For this Friday ride, THAT was the mission. Although I thought I made that clear to those I invited to come out, I guess Todd didn't get the memo. Nevertheless, the guy is a trooper, so it didn't take much convincing.
Mike Z. also came out today and being the nice guy he is, he offered to ensure that the light on CA was green where it couldn't impact out Strava attempt.
On our way to CA, we saw Jaffe and Hiroshi heading the opposite way on the bike trail since I guess we left early and they went to look for us. They turned around to join us and also offered to go ahead of Todd and me, so they can let Mike Z. know we were coming. They would also serve as targets to shoot for as they too took a stab at the challenge. All together, BAM teamwork at its finest!
When Todd and I took off, he wasn't able to clip in right away, so I took off given that we weren't suppose to work together for this challenge. This was ensured by Noah, who actually came out to watch to make sure we played by the rules. Funny guy.
I ended up making my way past Hiroshi and Jaffe st some point, but I think my tempo was too high where I ended up sitting sooner than I expected. I tried to spin faster after sitting, but this was not ideal evident with Todd passing me about 2/3 of the way up. Ultimately, he was able to bang out the "true" KOM for the segment with me behind him, but both of us failed to make it under 2 minutes.
Ideally, this challenge is probably better to attempt in the morning with less wind. Also, might I suggest a real warm up? We were so cold when we took off up the hill that our legs and lungs were on fire at the top. HA HA
We still did an NPC PCH BB loop after this ride, and some standout moments were when Hiroshi and Jaffe broke off up NPC, Hiroshi staying up front for 3/4 of the way up NPC, and Mike Z.'s bombing down Pelican like a mad man. No howls though.
Todd and I eventually broke off and pushed each other on NPC. We did decide to drop it down a notch on BB since we were both feeling pretty worked. This meant a respectable 23-25 mph pace. We did finish off going up California, but nothing like we did earlier.
Overall, it was a good trainer for a Friday. Thanks to all those who came out and helped.
The ride: http://app.strava.com/rides/1210301
Noah issued the first Strava challenge for the team where the goal was to complete the California to Bison segment under 2 minutes. For this Friday ride, THAT was the mission. Although I thought I made that clear to those I invited to come out, I guess Todd didn't get the memo. Nevertheless, the guy is a trooper, so it didn't take much convincing.
Mike Z. also came out today and being the nice guy he is, he offered to ensure that the light on CA was green where it couldn't impact out Strava attempt.
On our way to CA, we saw Jaffe and Hiroshi heading the opposite way on the bike trail since I guess we left early and they went to look for us. They turned around to join us and also offered to go ahead of Todd and me, so they can let Mike Z. know we were coming. They would also serve as targets to shoot for as they too took a stab at the challenge. All together, BAM teamwork at its finest!
When Todd and I took off, he wasn't able to clip in right away, so I took off given that we weren't suppose to work together for this challenge. This was ensured by Noah, who actually came out to watch to make sure we played by the rules. Funny guy.
I ended up making my way past Hiroshi and Jaffe st some point, but I think my tempo was too high where I ended up sitting sooner than I expected. I tried to spin faster after sitting, but this was not ideal evident with Todd passing me about 2/3 of the way up. Ultimately, he was able to bang out the "true" KOM for the segment with me behind him, but both of us failed to make it under 2 minutes.
Ideally, this challenge is probably better to attempt in the morning with less wind. Also, might I suggest a real warm up? We were so cold when we took off up the hill that our legs and lungs were on fire at the top. HA HA
We still did an NPC PCH BB loop after this ride, and some standout moments were when Hiroshi and Jaffe broke off up NPC, Hiroshi staying up front for 3/4 of the way up NPC, and Mike Z.'s bombing down Pelican like a mad man. No howls though.
Todd and I eventually broke off and pushed each other on NPC. We did decide to drop it down a notch on BB since we were both feeling pretty worked. This meant a respectable 23-25 mph pace. We did finish off going up California, but nothing like we did earlier.
Overall, it was a good trainer for a Friday. Thanks to all those who came out and helped.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday Lunch Ride - BB San Joaquin Ridge Park Vista NPC and Back with Jamboree Finish
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1198067
Attendees: Todd, Adrian, Vince, Hiroshi, Jaffe, Jeremy, Seon, Vin, Joseph, Yong and Peter
A dozen cyclists made it out today with a couple new faces: Welcome Joseph and Yong(?). Considering yesterday's tragedy, I wasn't sure anyone was coming out. I'm glad everyone made it out despite.
Todd, despite not being 100%, still proved to be one of the group's workhorse. He led everyone all the way to Back Bay, and had Vince not jumped to the front, we all probably would have been content to sit in his draft the whole time. I did go up with Vince to help and also convinced Adrian to do so as well.
When we got to the San Joaquin kicker hill, Hiroshi decided to assert himself and attacked the hill with Vin just behind him. Nice attack! I think the consensus by the others was that there was still a lot of climbing to go.
On San Joaquin, we all pretty much stayed together until the last light before the climb. Vince, Todd and I broke away for a little bit but others weren't too far behind where after pausing at one intersection, others were back in the draft shortly thereafter.
On Ridge Park, we all managed to cross the intersection together. Vince led us up the hill originally, and I jumped ahead sometime after. Both Adrian and Jaffe passed me for a short period of time, but slowly fell back after. I led for a bit, but Todd and Vince made their way past me. I tried to hold their wheel, but it became futile after a while on the 39/26. Looks like Vince broke off of Todd's wheel near the top and kept the pace up earning him a Strava KOM to the top. Nice! I was struggling but looking back, I saw Hiroshi making his way up behind me. He was definitely starting to reel me in, so I kicked it up just enough to get to the top. He ended up just behind me when we got to the meet up point at the stop sign after the extra credit.
After regrouping, the descent down Vista was pretty fast paced. Vince and Adrian led the charge, and it took some work just to make up some ground from the back. If it wasn't for a truck getting in the way, it might have been impossible.
The charging on San Joaquin continued up through the first rise and down the descent. Have I mentioned how I love descending? What a rush! Vin even got in the mix at one point. Ah...to be young.
We ultimately made our way to Back Bay and upon the turn from San Joaquin, Vince decided to work the group and break away for a bit. Others lined up behind Todd to let this workhorse reel him back in, which he did eventually. Adrian took a turn up front to keep the pace up, which is always "fun." Some time after, I decided to take a rotation and tried to keep the pace up. When I started running out of gas, Vince launched an attack where I looked back hoping others would help defend. When I tried to close the gap, I tried to do so on a less than preferred bigger gear and blew up shortly after. Todd and Adrian came around so I jumped on their draft to the end. Vince had broken away and made it to the top first followed by the rest of us.
On Jamboree, Todd had gotten up with Vince and started to lead him away with a good gap ahead of me. All I could do at that point was just watch them as they kept pulling away. When they got on Bison, that was pretty much the last I saw of them. Adrian ended up catching me on Bison and we rode in together, but I guess the others had gone back and up California to finish their ride.
I observed some really solid performance out there from Jeremy, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Seon, Vin and Yong. Now I know what Vince was talking about the other day...damn the youth! It definitely makes me nervous to see these guys keep improving on every outing...that's a good thing.
Thanks for the workout today, gents! Glad it was a safe one.
Attendees: Todd, Adrian, Vince, Hiroshi, Jaffe, Jeremy, Seon, Vin, Joseph, Yong and Peter
A dozen cyclists made it out today with a couple new faces: Welcome Joseph and Yong(?). Considering yesterday's tragedy, I wasn't sure anyone was coming out. I'm glad everyone made it out despite.
Todd, despite not being 100%, still proved to be one of the group's workhorse. He led everyone all the way to Back Bay, and had Vince not jumped to the front, we all probably would have been content to sit in his draft the whole time. I did go up with Vince to help and also convinced Adrian to do so as well.
When we got to the San Joaquin kicker hill, Hiroshi decided to assert himself and attacked the hill with Vin just behind him. Nice attack! I think the consensus by the others was that there was still a lot of climbing to go.
On San Joaquin, we all pretty much stayed together until the last light before the climb. Vince, Todd and I broke away for a little bit but others weren't too far behind where after pausing at one intersection, others were back in the draft shortly thereafter.
On Ridge Park, we all managed to cross the intersection together. Vince led us up the hill originally, and I jumped ahead sometime after. Both Adrian and Jaffe passed me for a short period of time, but slowly fell back after. I led for a bit, but Todd and Vince made their way past me. I tried to hold their wheel, but it became futile after a while on the 39/26. Looks like Vince broke off of Todd's wheel near the top and kept the pace up earning him a Strava KOM to the top. Nice! I was struggling but looking back, I saw Hiroshi making his way up behind me. He was definitely starting to reel me in, so I kicked it up just enough to get to the top. He ended up just behind me when we got to the meet up point at the stop sign after the extra credit.
After regrouping, the descent down Vista was pretty fast paced. Vince and Adrian led the charge, and it took some work just to make up some ground from the back. If it wasn't for a truck getting in the way, it might have been impossible.
The charging on San Joaquin continued up through the first rise and down the descent. Have I mentioned how I love descending? What a rush! Vin even got in the mix at one point. Ah...to be young.
We ultimately made our way to Back Bay and upon the turn from San Joaquin, Vince decided to work the group and break away for a bit. Others lined up behind Todd to let this workhorse reel him back in, which he did eventually. Adrian took a turn up front to keep the pace up, which is always "fun." Some time after, I decided to take a rotation and tried to keep the pace up. When I started running out of gas, Vince launched an attack where I looked back hoping others would help defend. When I tried to close the gap, I tried to do so on a less than preferred bigger gear and blew up shortly after. Todd and Adrian came around so I jumped on their draft to the end. Vince had broken away and made it to the top first followed by the rest of us.
On Jamboree, Todd had gotten up with Vince and started to lead him away with a good gap ahead of me. All I could do at that point was just watch them as they kept pulling away. When they got on Bison, that was pretty much the last I saw of them. Adrian ended up catching me on Bison and we rode in together, but I guess the others had gone back and up California to finish their ride.
I observed some really solid performance out there from Jeremy, Jaffe, Hiroshi, Seon, Vin and Yong. Now I know what Vince was talking about the other day...damn the youth! It definitely makes me nervous to see these guys keep improving on every outing...that's a good thing.
Thanks for the workout today, gents! Glad it was a safe one.
Wednesday Ride - Good Ride but with a Tragic Ending
Attendees: Hiroshi, David and Jaffe
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1186906
It was a little windy today, so I think we spent a good 5 minutes discussing what route we were going to take. Ultimately, we ended up doing a BB out in back plus the CW bike trail Laguna Canyon Shady route.
Going out was tough as expected given the wind, but Hiroshi, David and Jaffe took turns with the pulls while I warmed up after being sick and off the last few days. It was nice that they didn't give me crap sitting in the back while they rotated, but I finally gave in toward the end of Back Bay once the averages dropped from the heavy winds.
Hiroshi tried to relieve going up Jamboree toward PCH, but I was feeling okay and didn't mind working the front. We made our way through the bike trail by the trailer park and back onto BB drive. Jaffe, Hiroshi and Dave led the first part of BB, but I took over before San Joaquin and led from there.
At the top of BB, Hiroshi and Jaffe passed but I didn't see David. When I got back up front before the bridge, David had made his way back onto the draft. I didn't realize there was a Strava section from BB to Jeffrey, and I guess with the tailwind, I managed to get a silver with a 24 mph average. Now if only the others worked with me.... :)
On the bike path after Jeffrey, Hiroshi led the other 2 while I replenished my fluids but I made my way back up to them after. They stayed with me to Laguna Canyon but once we were going over the freeway, the pace up the rise was a little much and I broke away.
I did see the guys on Quail Hill but once I started heading up Shady, I didn't see them for the rest of the ride. I thought the pace may have been much given that I was at a 21.2 average by the time I got to Bonita Canyon. However, I came to find out that they were heading up toward Shady when they all heard a thud behind them.
The thud was probably one of our worst nightmares...a car vs. cyclist on a guy who just passed them. Steve, Jaffe and Hiroshi made their way back to assist and call 911 and from the sound of it, the guy didn't look good. I don't think they have much more details than that, but they were all pretty shaken up having seen it.
My well wishes go out to the cyclist, but selfishly, I'm glad it was not one of the guys who rode out with me today. Maybe there is something to be said about safety in numbers, but don't kid yourselves...act like they never see you and ride accordingly. Be safe out there.
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1186906
It was a little windy today, so I think we spent a good 5 minutes discussing what route we were going to take. Ultimately, we ended up doing a BB out in back plus the CW bike trail Laguna Canyon Shady route.
Going out was tough as expected given the wind, but Hiroshi, David and Jaffe took turns with the pulls while I warmed up after being sick and off the last few days. It was nice that they didn't give me crap sitting in the back while they rotated, but I finally gave in toward the end of Back Bay once the averages dropped from the heavy winds.
Hiroshi tried to relieve going up Jamboree toward PCH, but I was feeling okay and didn't mind working the front. We made our way through the bike trail by the trailer park and back onto BB drive. Jaffe, Hiroshi and Dave led the first part of BB, but I took over before San Joaquin and led from there.
At the top of BB, Hiroshi and Jaffe passed but I didn't see David. When I got back up front before the bridge, David had made his way back onto the draft. I didn't realize there was a Strava section from BB to Jeffrey, and I guess with the tailwind, I managed to get a silver with a 24 mph average. Now if only the others worked with me.... :)
On the bike path after Jeffrey, Hiroshi led the other 2 while I replenished my fluids but I made my way back up to them after. They stayed with me to Laguna Canyon but once we were going over the freeway, the pace up the rise was a little much and I broke away.
I did see the guys on Quail Hill but once I started heading up Shady, I didn't see them for the rest of the ride. I thought the pace may have been much given that I was at a 21.2 average by the time I got to Bonita Canyon. However, I came to find out that they were heading up toward Shady when they all heard a thud behind them.
The thud was probably one of our worst nightmares...a car vs. cyclist on a guy who just passed them. Steve, Jaffe and Hiroshi made their way back to assist and call 911 and from the sound of it, the guy didn't look good. I don't think they have much more details than that, but they were all pretty shaken up having seen it.
My well wishes go out to the cyclist, but selfishly, I'm glad it was not one of the guys who rode out with me today. Maybe there is something to be said about safety in numbers, but don't kid yourselves...act like they never see you and ride accordingly. Be safe out there.
***Update - the cyclist din't make it: http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/killed-29441-local-bicycling.html. RIP Duane Parkison.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday Ride Shady/Turtle Ridge
Riders: Adrian, Seon, Vin, Hiroshi, Jaffe, David, Marc, and I.
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1178773
Route: ~1.3k vert through Shady/Turtle Ridge area.
Summary:
Although we were missing the usual pace makers, no one was going to let that spoil the pain party that is known as the BRCM lunch ride . Adrian made it clear in the first 1-2 miles that no one was going to get to ease into the ride and the others followed suit. Gone are the days of tempo riding for the greater good, the Crits have a stronghold on the group and the "No Pain, No Pain" attitude is in full effect. I like it, but damn it hurts! Hiroshi and Jaffe are pretty much unshakable and are finding their way up front to dish out some pace. Vin and Seon are stacked up on dehydrated sweet potatoes, youth, and drive. They will be putting me on the old and retired team soon. I am just counting the days until I have to start saying stuff like "when I was your age, I never used my 39t" or "I would totally kick your ass on Strava if my medicaid covered EPO's". The lines are blurred, I no longer know who can climb the fastest, mash the flats, sprint, or breakaway. All I know, is lunch rides hurt no matter who shows up.
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1178773
Route: ~1.3k vert through Shady/Turtle Ridge area.
Summary:
Although we were missing the usual pace makers, no one was going to let that spoil the pain party that is known as the BRCM lunch ride . Adrian made it clear in the first 1-2 miles that no one was going to get to ease into the ride and the others followed suit. Gone are the days of tempo riding for the greater good, the Crits have a stronghold on the group and the "No Pain, No Pain" attitude is in full effect. I like it, but damn it hurts! Hiroshi and Jaffe are pretty much unshakable and are finding their way up front to dish out some pace. Vin and Seon are stacked up on dehydrated sweet potatoes, youth, and drive. They will be putting me on the old and retired team soon. I am just counting the days until I have to start saying stuff like "when I was your age, I never used my 39t" or "I would totally kick your ass on Strava if my medicaid covered EPO's". The lines are blurred, I no longer know who can climb the fastest, mash the flats, sprint, or breakaway. All I know, is lunch rides hurt no matter who shows up.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday GP Crit - Cat 4/5 (Flippin' the Script)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1105907
GC (legacy for non-conformist): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104154096
Being that we left from the parking lot of the at 9:40 PM, let's get right to the race talk, shall we?
Today, the plan in general was to not let team Sho-Air dictate the race results like last week where we were caught with out pants down. With us showing up in more numbers, that's EXACTLY what we did. We probably could align better with what we plan to do more, but one never knows how these races are going to go down. Despite this, I'm pretty sure they'll remember us for the next outing. What's funny is that the guy who stages the race outed us and told Sho-Air that there's another team (didn't know our name but referred to us as the team in a black kit) coming for them. Can you say "foreshadowing?"
There were six of us out this afternoon with this being Todd's and Seon's initial outing. For the most part, we had guys marking the point leader from the front (Vince and Todd), from nearby (me), and from the rear (Shannon, Mitchell and Seon). There were attempts in breaking away, but all of them were pretty much neutralized.
Todd, despite his first outing, represented in BAM fashion. I think he actually even went after someone who took off for the first prime. Shannon and I worried a little about him, but Todd is legit to crit. He never faded, and now can't wait for the next race. In fact, I think if he had lights for his bike, he probably would still be out there!
Shannon saw how the race was going this week, and took 2 stabs at breaking away. Stab 1, he offered Scott (point leader) a draft but got refused. When he broke the 2nd time, no one followed thinking it would turn out the same. In the meantime, Todd and Vince started managing the tempo of the group from the front, while I watched Scott from nearby. This allowed Shannon to work with a non-conformist Sho-Air guy (James) and keep the breakaway for the rest of the race...and there was still 4-5 laps to go!
With Shannon up front, we never wanted to lead anyone up to him, so we absolutely flipped the script on Sho-Air giving them a taste of their own medicine. Needless to say, I don't think they were too happy about it.
We did try to set up the last lap for a leadout in the chase group, but it got a little chaotic as we neared the bottom of the track. Vince and Todd were there, but I went after others who were already starting to bring the pace up as we neared the turn at the bottom. After the 3rd to the last turn, things got even more chaotic where someone actually went down right in front of me. Thankfully, we were all able to avoid the guy.
Shannon ended up getting #2 from his breakaway, which was definitely an awesome team effort. Of course, he says he would have liked for us to go with him, but we did exactly what we needed to do for this race. We'll do something different for the next one for sure, but being able to give the other team a dose of their own medicine was just what the doctor ordered.
Great job, team!
Official results:
GC (legacy for non-conformist): http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104154096
Being that we left from the parking lot of the at 9:40 PM, let's get right to the race talk, shall we?
Today, the plan in general was to not let team Sho-Air dictate the race results like last week where we were caught with out pants down. With us showing up in more numbers, that's EXACTLY what we did. We probably could align better with what we plan to do more, but one never knows how these races are going to go down. Despite this, I'm pretty sure they'll remember us for the next outing. What's funny is that the guy who stages the race outed us and told Sho-Air that there's another team (didn't know our name but referred to us as the team in a black kit) coming for them. Can you say "foreshadowing?"
There were six of us out this afternoon with this being Todd's and Seon's initial outing. For the most part, we had guys marking the point leader from the front (Vince and Todd), from nearby (me), and from the rear (Shannon, Mitchell and Seon). There were attempts in breaking away, but all of them were pretty much neutralized.
Todd, despite his first outing, represented in BAM fashion. I think he actually even went after someone who took off for the first prime. Shannon and I worried a little about him, but Todd is legit to crit. He never faded, and now can't wait for the next race. In fact, I think if he had lights for his bike, he probably would still be out there!
Shannon saw how the race was going this week, and took 2 stabs at breaking away. Stab 1, he offered Scott (point leader) a draft but got refused. When he broke the 2nd time, no one followed thinking it would turn out the same. In the meantime, Todd and Vince started managing the tempo of the group from the front, while I watched Scott from nearby. This allowed Shannon to work with a non-conformist Sho-Air guy (James) and keep the breakaway for the rest of the race...and there was still 4-5 laps to go!
With Shannon up front, we never wanted to lead anyone up to him, so we absolutely flipped the script on Sho-Air giving them a taste of their own medicine. Needless to say, I don't think they were too happy about it.
We did try to set up the last lap for a leadout in the chase group, but it got a little chaotic as we neared the bottom of the track. Vince and Todd were there, but I went after others who were already starting to bring the pace up as we neared the turn at the bottom. After the 3rd to the last turn, things got even more chaotic where someone actually went down right in front of me. Thankfully, we were all able to avoid the guy.
Shannon ended up getting #2 from his breakaway, which was definitely an awesome team effort. Of course, he says he would have liked for us to go with him, but we did exactly what we needed to do for this race. We'll do something different for the next one for sure, but being able to give the other team a dose of their own medicine was just what the doctor ordered.
Great job, team!
Official results:
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
BRCM Lunch - Triple BB (or as Shannon puts it, triple bypass)
Strava: http://app.strava.com/rides/1065673
The next time I suggest the triple Back Bay route again, please remind me to punch myself in the nuts instead. It would be just as "fun" but the pain factor would be a lot less.
11 of us made it out on today's ride, and you can tell based on who came out it was going to be a good one. Since we figured this route would be good for some crit training, I think the plan for most of us who race was to launch attacks here and there, defend them when possible, and watch Shannon. The latter was equally important on the last 2 trips through Back Bay.
Vince and Todd led us out originally all the way to Back Bay while the others remained content behind them. I was saving up for what I knew was going to be crazy, but I decided to join the rotation and share in the "fun." What some of the others who haven't ridden as long probably doesn't know is that the front is where you get the most training bang for your buck. It's tough with this group, but throwing yourself out there and trying to recover after to re-join will help in your progress in my opinion.
After some rotations, Vin seemed reluctant to give up Todd's wheel near the end of the first pass. I told him if he's not getting up front, he needs to let me in. Like a trooper, he goes ahead and gets up front all the way to the end of the first Back Bay pass. What he probably didn't know is that Todd, Vince and I conspired to launch an attack at the end when we expected everyone to be resting. However, there wasn't much of a sprint at the end, so when we did try and snap everyone off, the group hung on. Nice!
I thought even the little kicker sprint to go up to PCH on Jamboree would break some off, but looking back on PCH everyone was holding pretty steady behind us. We tried to launch a couple more attacks here and there, but it barely shook anyone off that I could see. Adrian broke away for a bit on the trailer park, but we didn't respond because we knew the group would catch him in a matter of time. We won't talk about the incident coming off of the bike trail at the trailer park though since that could have not been good.
Once we got back on Back Bay, we held off an attack until we got past San Joaquin. With Vince up front, I came from about the 5th position and tried to get Vince to break away with me. When I turned around at the first sharp turn, I could still see a long train of guys in the draft. Damn! It was at this point that Shannon decided to jump to the front, and I guess only THIS will string the guys out. It's his super train pull that just becomes unbearable for some to hang onto. We did do some rotations, and at the end, I went ahead and sprinted to the top just edging out my Irish bud by a nose.
Vince took the lead up Jamboree, and I got into a rhythm I thought I could hold where initially I was able to get past him. Then Todd passed me followed by Vince, and Shannon eventually got by too. Fortunately, we were able to regroup at the light on Ford/Eastbluff or those guys may have gotten away. Mitchell had jumped on behind me on Jamboree and Seon also caught up to the rest of us at the same light.
As we made our way out toward PCH, there wasn't really any attacks going on although Todd seemingly tried to break off a little as we got on the last hill. However, we were able to reel him back in.
Once we got on the bike trail behind the trailer park, Vince launched a nice attack, and it took a serious sprint just to get everyone back on his wheel. Todd eventually led us out of the trailer park, but upon reaching the gates, I decided to bring the pace up again. Vince took a turn after me subsequently, but some time after the San Joaquin, the Shannon locomotive hit full stride. Todd was there to hang on, and Vince, Mitchell and I did the same as the only remaining in the front group.
Todd got up front eventually, and then I took the front and led the final stretch to the top of Back Bay. I tried to save a little for the sprint to the top, but it wasn't enough to fend Vince off who got past me on this run.
We kept going after the top and it took a little bit before being able to get on Vince's wheel again. Shannon and Todd also were nearby, but by the time we got under Jamboree, we were all together then. Vince was either tired or soft pedaling in anticipation of the final sprint to CA. I decided to lead out the group and see if I can also defend the sprint from the front again. We were still moving at a pretty good clip, when I heard the sounds of someone getting ready to pass...it was Shannon! I tried to jump on his wheel to catch the draft, but he was moving where ultimately he took it to me on that sprint. Vince and Todd got blocked out (by me accidentally), so they didn't go for it just to keep it safe.
Going up California, Todd led Vince and I up where we made it through the first light while the others got caught behind. Todd kept a good pace going up, so Vince and I stayed behind him for a good portion of the climb. Vince took the front near the top of the hill, and I jumped some time after to sprint toward the light. I didn't expect Vince had anything left, but he got up beside me and stuck out his hand as we reach the light either to show he slightly nosed me out or to say stop since our light was red. Either way, it was a great way to finish off today's crit simulation training.
Thanks to everyone who came out today. While no Strava segments were taken today, the 23 mph average we hit by the time we were at the base of CA definitely made it intense. Now I can't wait until Thursday.
The next time I suggest the triple Back Bay route again, please remind me to punch myself in the nuts instead. It would be just as "fun" but the pain factor would be a lot less.
11 of us made it out on today's ride, and you can tell based on who came out it was going to be a good one. Since we figured this route would be good for some crit training, I think the plan for most of us who race was to launch attacks here and there, defend them when possible, and watch Shannon. The latter was equally important on the last 2 trips through Back Bay.
Vince and Todd led us out originally all the way to Back Bay while the others remained content behind them. I was saving up for what I knew was going to be crazy, but I decided to join the rotation and share in the "fun." What some of the others who haven't ridden as long probably doesn't know is that the front is where you get the most training bang for your buck. It's tough with this group, but throwing yourself out there and trying to recover after to re-join will help in your progress in my opinion.
After some rotations, Vin seemed reluctant to give up Todd's wheel near the end of the first pass. I told him if he's not getting up front, he needs to let me in. Like a trooper, he goes ahead and gets up front all the way to the end of the first Back Bay pass. What he probably didn't know is that Todd, Vince and I conspired to launch an attack at the end when we expected everyone to be resting. However, there wasn't much of a sprint at the end, so when we did try and snap everyone off, the group hung on. Nice!
I thought even the little kicker sprint to go up to PCH on Jamboree would break some off, but looking back on PCH everyone was holding pretty steady behind us. We tried to launch a couple more attacks here and there, but it barely shook anyone off that I could see. Adrian broke away for a bit on the trailer park, but we didn't respond because we knew the group would catch him in a matter of time. We won't talk about the incident coming off of the bike trail at the trailer park though since that could have not been good.
Once we got back on Back Bay, we held off an attack until we got past San Joaquin. With Vince up front, I came from about the 5th position and tried to get Vince to break away with me. When I turned around at the first sharp turn, I could still see a long train of guys in the draft. Damn! It was at this point that Shannon decided to jump to the front, and I guess only THIS will string the guys out. It's his super train pull that just becomes unbearable for some to hang onto. We did do some rotations, and at the end, I went ahead and sprinted to the top just edging out my Irish bud by a nose.
Vince took the lead up Jamboree, and I got into a rhythm I thought I could hold where initially I was able to get past him. Then Todd passed me followed by Vince, and Shannon eventually got by too. Fortunately, we were able to regroup at the light on Ford/Eastbluff or those guys may have gotten away. Mitchell had jumped on behind me on Jamboree and Seon also caught up to the rest of us at the same light.
As we made our way out toward PCH, there wasn't really any attacks going on although Todd seemingly tried to break off a little as we got on the last hill. However, we were able to reel him back in.
Once we got on the bike trail behind the trailer park, Vince launched a nice attack, and it took a serious sprint just to get everyone back on his wheel. Todd eventually led us out of the trailer park, but upon reaching the gates, I decided to bring the pace up again. Vince took a turn after me subsequently, but some time after the San Joaquin, the Shannon locomotive hit full stride. Todd was there to hang on, and Vince, Mitchell and I did the same as the only remaining in the front group.
Todd got up front eventually, and then I took the front and led the final stretch to the top of Back Bay. I tried to save a little for the sprint to the top, but it wasn't enough to fend Vince off who got past me on this run.
We kept going after the top and it took a little bit before being able to get on Vince's wheel again. Shannon and Todd also were nearby, but by the time we got under Jamboree, we were all together then. Vince was either tired or soft pedaling in anticipation of the final sprint to CA. I decided to lead out the group and see if I can also defend the sprint from the front again. We were still moving at a pretty good clip, when I heard the sounds of someone getting ready to pass...it was Shannon! I tried to jump on his wheel to catch the draft, but he was moving where ultimately he took it to me on that sprint. Vince and Todd got blocked out (by me accidentally), so they didn't go for it just to keep it safe.
Going up California, Todd led Vince and I up where we made it through the first light while the others got caught behind. Todd kept a good pace going up, so Vince and I stayed behind him for a good portion of the climb. Vince took the front near the top of the hill, and I jumped some time after to sprint toward the light. I didn't expect Vince had anything left, but he got up beside me and stuck out his hand as we reach the light either to show he slightly nosed me out or to say stop since our light was red. Either way, it was a great way to finish off today's crit simulation training.
Thanks to everyone who came out today. While no Strava segments were taken today, the 23 mph average we hit by the time we were at the base of CA definitely made it intense. Now I can't wait until Thursday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)