Dominguez Hills Crit Races - Shit Happens

CAT 5 - https://www.strava.com/activities/113826328

35+ CAT 4/5 - https://www.strava.com/activities/113826331

I figure I better write this before I'm no longer able since I'm sore and not feeling too great after today's races.  More on this later....

It was an early day of racing with the first race, the CAT 5, starting at 7 am.  Getting up at 4 am to get ready is pretty rough, but Lisa opted to come with me and help again.  It's awesome when she comes out to support me I must say.

Shannon arrived a little after, and I was already set up with my bike on the trainer when he went by to get his numbers.  Jeremy and Vin went by some time after also seemingly hating how early it was.   Jeremy talked about wanting to see if we wanted to work together with their team earlier this week, but having arrived late that just never happened.  

I had a good warmup for the race and got a couple laps in on the course with the last one finishing up with Shannon.  Shannon and I managed to line up close to the front, but we didn't see where Vin and Jeremy were.

I think the plan was to see if we can help dictate the pace and see what we could do to take part in any breakaways, but so many things go through your head when getting ready to race that I don't know how much of that plan I actually absorbed.  I was just going to try and stay with Shannon and look for opportunities to break with him should any arise.  I do remember saying let's get a feeling for the group's tempo early on, which I thought meant not being too aggressive right away.  I guess Shannon was feeling pretty good halfway into the first lap as the next thing you know, he was leading the pack!

I had pushed up not too far behind waiting to see how it would play out with him up front as I didn't think I'd have too much that early into the race.  No one broke off though, so I figure I'll work my way up to the front and see what I could do to help.  When I did, however, others finally started to make their way around him.  I lined up behind the guy who held Shannon out and did the same to him for awhile holding the #2 spot.  There were some small attacks but nothing that really drew too much response from the peloton including myself.

The race continued on and I lost my #2 position, which I held for a couple or so laps, but I wasn't too far off the front.  I had visions of wanting to try a break, but could not see anyone who was close by that I could do so with...so I didn't.

On the 2nd to the last lap, the pace started to pick up and I heard Jeremy somewhere beside me.  However, he got pinched out on the straight with some cones on the road, so he ended up losing position.

On the last lap, I was surprised to see Vin at the front of the whole group and accelerating upon hitting the first turn, but he got swarmed after and I was in no position to work with him.  I was coming around in the outside trying to get ready for the final sprint, and was trying to keep my position where I can contest the sprint to the finish (which is a slight grade up).  I wasn't close enough at the last turn to where there was a clean line to the finish, but I accelerated as best as I could passing a few on the last stretch and secured a 9th place finish.  Shannon couldn't get into a position to attack and came in at 17th with Jeremy and Vin finishing 23rd and 26th respectively.  Positioning was definitely difficult on this course, especially with one turn being a decreasing radius, cones being setup on the back straight, and guys out there who couldn't turn if their lives depended on it.

For the next race, Dina had come to join us, which was great to have her there supporting us as well.  There was about 2 hours in between races, so we got to watch some of the other races in between outs. 

We lined up a little later for the 2nd race, so we weren't as close to the front as the first race.  It didn't take long though before Shannon and I made our way to mid pack in the first lap or so since we figured it would be safer. 

This race had more people out and unlike last week, seemed to have some people out there who just didn't turn very well.  I figured staying on the outside would be safer, so that's where I tried to stay.  

Shannon tried to push up to the front, or at least I think he did, but we had some trouble staying together where I can't say for sure.  At one point, however, I believe I was in front of him and was hoping he would come with me should I see an opportunity to break away.

When I saw two guys up ahead of the peloton, I decided to breakaway and catch them hoping they would work with me to keep the break.  If Shannon was in a position to do so, I hoped he would eventually join us.  I called out to the two guys upon my approach and asked them to go, so they both immediately latched on. However, that was all they did and held me out until the peloton sucked as back in again.  I was worried when they did as I felt a little spent at the time where a lot of riders passed and had me wondering if I'd be able to latch back on.  Thankfully, I managed to do so, but I had to spend a lap or so just catching my breath and trying to get back into a good position.

There were about 5 laps left and I could see Shannon ahead, so I kept maneuvering through the pack, mostly from the outside,  until I was close 2-3 laps from the finish.  We got separated at one point after again, but coming up in the last lap, I was just behind Shannon once again.  I was hoping we can both help each other on the last lap, but I knew it may be difficult since we kept getting boxed in.

In the last lap, people were definitely riding in a large bunch, so it didn't get too strung out, which would have been safer.  Shannon an I were trying hard to keep our position, but people were getting squirly in the turns.  Then we hit turn 3 and sure enough, the unthinkable happens...someone took me out.

All I can remember was how I was holding my line through the turn to stay with Shannon, when I felt a hard bump to my right rear.  The next thing I know, I'm flying off to the left of my bike. (highside) and go tumbling on the pavement head and shoulder first.  Someone else ended up crashing into me or my bike so in the end, there were 3 of us on the ground as the peloton rode away to the finish.  

After I realized I was 1) alive, 2) awake, and 3) able to move, I was pissed!  I didn't know who took me out but I must have hollered out every imaginable profane word I could think of along with screaming at how people need to learn how to turn before they raced.  I didn't know the story of the other two who went down but neither wanted to admit to hitting me.  In retrospect, that was probably best as I was ready to literally kill someone for their carelessness.  

Shannon had made it around the block after the race, and I had stood up by that time trying to see if my bike was ridable.  My left cleat had completely sheared off and was still fastened to the pedal, but other than the bent in hoods (which I was able to put back in position), it was ok.  Shannon rode back with me and told me to make sure I get credit for the race (good call!).  When I went to the pit, I told them about crashing in last lap and they just told me to go over start/finish line to get credit...so I did.  

I did get tended to by paramedic after the race for my rashes on my leg, arm and hand, but I was okay otherwise although my neck and shoulder was a little sore.  Some self-medicating (beers!) at my car after helped too...probably more so.  Ha.

I took a closer look at my bike when I got home and did manage to get the cleat off my pedal.  Riding it around after, I found that the wheels were still true, both shifters worked as did the brakes. There was no damage to the frame or handlebars, and except for some scuffs on the shifters, it's good to go for next week's race.  I'll have to see where I am physically for that one, but I definitely want to do it again.  As with motorcycle riding, it's not really a matter of IF one goes down as much it is WHEN.  Now that I've gotten it out of the way for road racing on a bike, time to brush myself off and get ready for the next one.  I'll just have to use my white kit for the next race as my black one is toast.

Go team BRCM!

http://s13.photobucket.com/user/rlaureano/library/Dominguez%20Hills%20Crit%202-16-14

Lunch Ride - It's Like That And That's The Way It Is

Strava:  http://www.strava.com/activities/112696192

Attendees:  Todd, Vince, Adrian, Hiroshi, Mitchell, Jaffe, Vin and Jeremy

Background music (because I can):

Highlights:

- Good sized showing of riders today

- Everyone was working today through Back Bay with some solid pulls.  Hiroshi skipped first rotation but jumped in after.  And you thought I wasn't keeping track.

- Vince started us off on PCH, but rotations continued for most...not all.

- Riding through CDM neighborhood was dog slow.  Road still closed so going over the bridge with pedestrians no bueno.

- Even riding on Ocean was painfully slow today.

- After Poppy, Adrian, Mitchell and Hiroshi were in a breakaway group (purposely) but it didn't take TJ look to reel them back in.

- Pulled to the front after the last light and brought pace up to respectable level.  Signaled to go across intersection and proceed up NPC from the light.  Jeremy and Vince missed the memo.

- With Jeremy and Vince having what seemed like a 3-5 minute headstart (stupid light), you can see the veins bulging on Todd's forehead as he anxiously wanted to cross and start climbing.

- Todd led the chase group up NPC, but after Pelican Mitchell's tubular tire exploded.  Hiroshi had to go back to the office to pick up vehicle and pick Mitchell up.  Amateur!

- Todd looked back but started going after seeing others stopping.  I slowed and did the same but waited just a little longer where I no longer had luxury of sitting on TJ's wheel.

- Jeremy was waiting at the top when Todd followed by me arrived.  Vince was gone as expected.  The three of us waited for a little bit then took off after seeing no one in sight.

- Riding to San Joaquin, Adrian rolled up behind us where I was hoping he'd be able to contribute from that point on.  He dropped before the descent.  WTF?

- Vince was waiting at exit of Horseshoe, but took off upon seeing us giving us a rabbit to chase.  We had him at one light, but you know Vince.  We had to corral him by the McArthur light subsequently.

- The 4 of us were jamming on San Joaquin headed to Back Bay and after crossing, Vince started sprinting the moment before making the right onto Back Bay drive.  Jeremy was behind him, but wasn't ready to give chase so I did.  Of course, I'd hold him out after working a bit to catch him.

- Todd took over eventually and the four of us began rotating again.

- Todd was the last in the rotation to pull leading up to the top of Back Bay, but before I could relieve him, Vince took off to break away.  I chased him down and held him out (good crit training) until it pitched up where I sprinted by just before.  He called out as I passed to save some for CA.

- I get to the top and didn't slow much and kept going with a good pace on the sidewalk (saving some as instructed).  Vince goes by and starts to pull away, where I'm thinking, "oh no you didn't."

- It took FOREVER to be able to latch back onto Vince's wheel on University, but just in time enough to prepare to contest a sprint.  When I did, Vince's called me something derogatory and a sprint diva, but I reminded him at the light how long it took to reel him back in.

- Todd and Jeremy were just behind us, and Todd said he needed a few more yards and he would have caught up.  Woulda, coulda, shoulda.  HAHA

- Todd led up CA where I continued my crit training and held him out until I thought I could go for it.  It worked and he gave me kudos at the light.  For the record, holding Todd out on a climb is not easy.

- Good training today and unfortunately may be my last for the week.  Thanks for the abuse, gents!

Parents: Stop Coddling Your Children!

Strava:  http://app.strava.com/activities/112487539

As a parent, it concerns me to see younger parents believing that being overprotective of their child(ren) is a token of love.  Additionally, I see them giving them whatever their little hearts desire in the absence of making them feel a sense of earning it.  What's that about?  In my opinion, children who grow up in this environment will likely have a distorted perception of reality and not be able to cope with the trials and tribulations that life has to offer.  Strength comes from being able to endure them, pick ourselves back up when we fall, and be able to continue on prepared for life's next struggle.  Wouldn't preparing them for that really be more of a true token of love?  I think so.

So what the hell does that have to do with cycling you ask?  Well, today I came out half expecting that there will be a smallish crew out riding where the more "aggressive" riders would probably come out tomorrow or Thursday.  I thought that after racing yesterday, I'd be able to take it easier and not have to push so hard.  Imagine my surprise when I saw Vince, Todd and Galen in the locker room while I was getting ready.  Vince saw Mitchell too, but Mitchell rode away with his bag either because he forgot something or he didn't want any part of the madness that was to follow.  Unfortunately for us, Galen found a mechanical and didn't get to participate in the ride.  With Vince and Todd coming out though, I knew they wouldn't "coddle" me.  Instead, I expected that they were going to try and beat me up at every opportunity and look to drop me if possible.  Of course, the feeling was mutual. While this may read like more BAM behavior, the reality is by doing this, I think the guys are helping me prepare better for the racing I'm going to be doing.  In return, I'm hoping to push them harder, so that 1) they'll want to come out and race with me and 2) they'll push me even more and we all get stronger together.  While you may take that as aggro, I consider it more of a true token of cycling love since they're not doing me any favors taking it easy on me.  Now do you get it?

When we saw no one else was joining us, we took off and I wasn't going to hold anything back knowing I can only benefit from helping to push the pace.  It was great to see Todd and Vince all in on this as well.  Todd even tried to break away as early as Anteater, so I could tell it was going to be good.

When we got to the top of Shady as it descended toward Sunnyhill, Vince and I had a slight gap on Todd and we were trying to keep him off as we made our way to Turtle Rock.  Todd wasn't having any of it though and latched back on and jumped back in the rotation as we made our way around.

On the climb after Campus, Vince took off a little bit but Todd slowly reeled him in with me in tow.  I thought to push up and rotate but Todd had a good pace going up as it was (yeah that's it), so I stayed behind him until after we passed Starcrest.  Once we started nearing the stop sign, I accelerated by knowing he wasn't just going to sit there and we both blew it out as we worked toward the stop sign.  I gave in just before with Todd sprinting all the way to the end, but you can tell he was feeling it after.  When I passed (knowing Vince wouldn't be far behind and not be very tolerant of any lolligagging after a sprint), I kept going hoping to keep a gap, but the two behind me weren't too far behind and managed to latch back on by Sunnyhill again.

This madness continued as we climbed up the bike trail on Shady and I thought I had a pretty decent gap on them by the time we hit the 2nd bridge.  They reeled me back in again, with Todd on the way up.  He wasn't slowing down either, so Vince and I just latched on and made sure to keep him honest all the way up.

We didn't change orders as we made our way to the bike trail, but I was thinking about what I wanted to do there.  After the blind turn, I waited a little as Vince made his way onto my rear wheel and then came around to take the front wondering if anyone was going to contest for a sprint.  I was trying to see what I would have if they did, but I think I blew myself up trying to keep the pace up enough where I was glad no one did.  Todd did pass just as we were going under the bridge, but just chuckled and said "nice sprint."  What he didn't know was I almost couldn't latch on to them after they passed.  My right calf was starting to hint of cramping, so I drank some water (thanks to Galen for loaning me his bottle since I forgot mine) and pushed on.

Todd led us up Ridgeline at a pretty good clip, but it's always hard to say if he's pulling back some or not.  When we hit the first section that pitched up, I stood up and tried to take full advantage of his generous pull.  I was able to gap him a little bit, but he was back on my rear wheel on the following false flat.  When we hit the 2nd steep section, I stood up again and hoped to regap him but I had dropped to shorter gear to do so.  When I looked over my right shoulder to see where he was, he started passing on my left where all I could do as he did was mutter some profanity.  It was mostly directed at myself for not being able to react...mostly.

Vince had called out wingman duties at the base of the climb, and sure enough helped pick me up near the top to lead us down Turtle Rock to reel Todd back in again.  Todd had looked back at one point believing he had a pretty sizeable gap, but was surprised to see us back on his rear wheel before the turn to Campus.  I took a little push to close the small gap Vince had left, but that pretty much had me feeling it now on both calves.

Climbing up Culver was all Todd, and both Vince and I just hung on for the length of the climb.  I would have taken over if Todd had lost any momentum, but he was pretty consistent all the way up.  I was glad.

When we got to Bonita Canyon, it was more rotations where Vince had taken a pretty strong one that led us all the way over to the 73 underpass.  Todd took over after, and I took a turn up the climb, but I definitely overcommitted at that time resulting in me passing up my next rotation hoping that my calves won't fully lock up.

The little reprieve had me off the back, but I was able to stay close enough where I was hoping to just give it everything I had for a final sprint on Bison.  Of course they knew it was coming since they kept looking to see where I was as they headed toward the 73.  Once I saw the light was green on both and they were going, I dropped it like it's hot and almost closed in on Todd's rear wheel with Vince having taken off just beforehand.  That's when BOTH calves fully locked up where I could barely rotate the crank and just had to stand up until they released.  Despite the pain, I have to say I really appreciate being taken to this point as it will only help me later on.

Todd asked if I thought the crits weren't as hard given my legs didn't behave the same way for them.  I'm sure my calves would have been fine had I NOT raced just yesterday...twice at that..., but I don't really think there's any way to really compare them.  I suggest, as Shannon had before, to come out, Mr. Jacobs, and see for yourself.  This extends to Vince, Galen and whoever else wants to get in on some of this.  Then we can go out there and show the other teams just how much we love them.  

Roger Millikan Brea Crit Races Report

CAT 5:  http://www.strava.com/activities/112326671

Mens 35+ CAT 4/5:  http://www.strava.com/activities/112326676

When I found out after the Boulevard race that Shannon had already registered for the crits today (that's right...crits as in plural), I just couldn't resist.  One, it was a flatter route and two, I just like racing together with Shannon to represent team BRCM.  We  did see Jeremy there before the CAT 5 race that we were in and Vin subsequently during the race, but they were in their ARB4U team kits where we didn't want to interfere with their team strategies since there were a few of them out there.

For the first race, Shannon and I managed to get a warm-up lap on the course despite thinking originally that it wasn't allowed.  However, no one lined up for our race yet and no other races were in progress.  When we did line up, we didn't see anyone else we knew so the plan was mostly to just survive the race...especially after hearing about last week's crash at the Red Trolley.  I'm not too sure the warm-up lap we took really bought us anything in terms of course familiarity but it was better than nothing.

When the race took off, Shannon and I didn't really stay together as we were both trying to find our lines and feel the rhythm of the race.  I had been taking more of an inside line for most of the race thinking it would be ideal, but it ended up actually making it difficult to keep any kind of rhythm.  It was hard to get in a good position, which I didn't really attempt early on, but when I did try to gain in position, I would probably lose everything I worked for getting pinched in the corners.   I got by Shannon at one point in the course, but I lost sight of him after that.  I also saw Jeremy and Vin and I was thinking of riding with them for a bit, but ended up getting squeezed out in a turn where the next thing you know, I saw Jeremy up toward the front.  I tried to figure out a way to make my up, but I just didn't know how to do so.  Shannon had found a way and was able to push up on the last lap or so and had gotten 4th place as a result (woo hoo, congrats!).   That's will right there.  I still kept struggling to find position even on the last lap where it was so jerky that I only managed 19th after making some last second passes on the final stretch.  Jeremy mentioned he had gotten 9th while Vin finished behind me at 21st or so.  Good job, gents!

Since Lisa came with me, we decided to get something to eat and actually ended up going home.  I guess I was a little tired as I passed out in bed and managed to have a nice little nap before heading back to the 2nd race.  I was a little disoriented when we left and almost forgot my bib and a towel to change in, but fortunately I remembered just before driving off.  Of course, when we were on the road again, I realized I brought nothing to drink.  Oh boy.  After a quick stop at a Ralphs near the event, I was ready to go.  If Lisa didn't go with me, I'd be sitting on the sideline watching the next race rather than being in it.  Thanks, babe!

Shannon had texted me about some crashes he saw after our race, so that didn't really sit too well when I found out.  They actually had to stop the 45+ race all together I think after the 3rd crash that occurred.   I'm not sure what those guys were doing, but the race coordinators reminded our class when we lined up that we need to be safer out there.  I think that made people think a little more, so we managed to have a good race that was uneventful in terms of injuries.

There was no warm-up lap on the course when we got there and we lined up right away.  I had warmed up beforehand on my trainer while Shannon did a couple laps on a separate block.  I may have warmed up a little much given I was sweating pretty good before the race, but better warm than cold I say.

Unlike the first race, which was only 25 minutes, this second race was 15 minutes longer so I wondered how the pace would be.   However, it still seemed pretty fast despite more laps, but the good thing about this race was that I was going to ride with Shannon for the length of the race rather than trying to figure it out on my own.

I stayed with Shannon for several laps, and we weren't pushing it too hard because 1) he showed me a much better line and 2) we figured we can save it for when it mattered.  Lisa admitted to me she was a little worried because we were actually at or near the back for a good number of laps, minus some who dropped off, but I never worried since I was with Shannon playing his wingman.   Here's a video Lisa took of us in turn #4 early on.  Yes...we're toward the back.

About 6-7+ laps out or so, Shannon started to pull up toward the front and actually started to break away on the back half of the course.  I was a little stuck, but I wasn't going to let him not have any help.  I found an opening and started to give chase.  He had drawn a 3-4 guys behind him, but he was still up and away from the rest of the peloton.  It was during the climb leading to the front straight of the course that he turned it on more and ended up dropping those behind him.  I had just arrived at the wheel of those guys after breaking away from the peloton also, so there wasn't much time to rest and I just took off from behind those guys to chase Shannon and give him some support.

As I approached him, I called out to let him know I was coming so that he was able to latch on as I passed.  Although there was one other guy who had broken away ahead of us, it was just Shannon and I at the #2 and 3 spot trying to maintain the breakaway.  When one guy finally caught us, both of us were working to recover and knew that it wouldn't be long before we were swallowed back up by the peloton.  We kept the breakaway for almost 2 laps though, but there just wasn't enough of us to keep it.

Shannon making his move

Going into wingman mode

The following lap still trying to keep the gap

Just when we think we're doing okay...

...we see the peloton coming up quick behind us

When we got back in the peloton, the group was still pretty large so it didn't take much to get back on.  The teams who were racing in this class were definitely a lot more organized for this race, so they started planning for the finish.  Attempting another breakaway at that point would have probably gotten a faster response, so we stayed in the pack and tried to plan for the final lap.

During the final lap, we tried to get into a better position but it was a bit chaotic at that point.  We started sprinting two corners out, including up the final hill, but Shannon got blocked in where I found a line outside to pass and have him follow me in.  Unfortunately, it was not enough to really contend, so we ended up getting 20/21.  This was probably back from 39/40 though when we hit the 2nd to the last corner.

Here are some final sprint action shots:

What a day of racing.  Shannon and I got to share a couple beers after the 2nd race, which is why we do this stuff for, right?  I'm already signed up for next week's race with Shannon in Dominguez Hills (two again), so I'm looking forward to the drinking after, I mean, more team BRCM racing for sure.

All the pics Lisa took for today can be seen here:  http://s13.photobucket.com/user/rlaureano/library/Brea%20Crit%202014?sort=3&page=1. 

How to Survive a BRCM Lunch Ride

Strava:  http://www.strava.com/activities/111614332

I bet you thought I was going to write about today's lunch ride.  Instead, I decided I'm going to do something that I think people have been waiting for a LONG time...sharing the secrets of what it takes to survive our lunch ride - the first edition.  Of course, I'll base it on today's ride, so your "educators" (aka the list of today's riders) incude Hiroshi, Todd, Mitchell, Steve, Jaffe, Vin, Adrian, Peter and me.

• When we meet at the corner, quietly evaluate the riders who come out and ask yourself "which strong rider can I take total advantage of?"  I'm pretty sure there are rare occasions when I have that bulls eye on my back, but it must be on flatter routes or when I have my TT bike. 
•  Make sure your bike is well tuned or not only do you risk not surviving the ride, you also risk the high probability that you'll be called an "amateuer" or worse yet, "STUPID!"
• If no one is complaining, stay in the draft as long as you can.  This works for a LOT of people.  In fact, there may even be instances when that's what they do for 95% of the ride.
• In the beginning of the ride, forget all ideas of warming up.  If you're not ready for a fast start, then be ready to ride alone.  Sorry, Peter.
• Along the lines of the first bullet above, take advantage of the climber by letting him pull on the hills as much as possible.  Todd did a bulk of the pulling heading out to Bonita Canyon and definitely all the way up NPC.
• Impress the others by taking chances on occasion and attacking when least expected.  Hiroshi started the ride off and was actually the first to take off only to have Todd reel him in by Anteater.   Hiroshi also launch a couple attacks on Pelican.  By doing this, you make the others wonder if coffee crew rides are paying off and to not chase down too aggressively.  R-E-S-P-E-C-T.   
• The down side of attacking is that you do run the risk of getting attacked back.  After Todd was doing a bulk of the work on NPC, mine and Hiroshi's attacks (although mine was teeny tiny because I know better) were countered with a huge response on the final loop up Pelican passing us both on the final climb.   Of course, this led to more attacks on San Joaquin, Back Bay, the University bike trail, and up CA. 
• Be someone's wingman.  This allows you to have someone do a bulk of the work for you, but you will be expected to return the favor on occasion.  
• If someone is smiling at some point during the ride, be ready for an attack.  Todd caught me smiling as we were heading down toward Back Bay and made the proper adjustments to respond.  
• If you think you can break away but have 2-3 strong people chasing you, check yourself before you wreck yourself.  I broke away as soon as I got on Back Bay and realized that it was pointless when the three behind me were closing.  
•  If you're mode of climbing is fast early on and blowing up, this definitely won't work.  However, Adrian proved today that setting a tempo that is half the speed of the rest of the group at the base of the hill ALSO won't work.  
• If you do not have the same tempo as others who are pulling away from you, try latching on to anyone who passes.  They may slow for you if you do, but if you don't let them know about the gap that's occurring, they may not be as willing.  Right, Vin and Jaffe?
• Wearing BRCM gear is always favorably looked upon.  While this may not help you keep up, you'll look damn sexy and can tell others that it's a recovery day from all the racing.

There are definitely more "secrets" to learn in surviving our lunch rides, but I can't give them all away on the first edition.  Plus, there are lessons to be learned from every one of our rides that can differ from one to another, so stay tuned until the next edition.  Until then, HTFU!

Peace!
 

Lunch Ride - NPC Double BB Bruiser

Strava:  http://www.strava.com/activities/111199864

Attendees:  Vince, Mitchell, Vin, Jaffe and Adrian

Weather:  Cool temps with moderately strong winds.

Highlights:

• Mitchell told me he missed me while I was out last week.  Awww....
• It was one of those days where when we started, people were soft pedaling down Health Sciences waiting for someone to take the lead...so I did.  It was windy though, so we didn't really get anywhere too fast.  
• Vince came around to help with the pull on Anteater and he and I would exchange all the way to NPC.  Everyone else was sitting comfortably behind us.  
• I started us off up NPC, but Vince traded pulls with me while Mitchell stood by as my wingman much to Vince's dismay.  Everyone else popped off during the climb.
• Vince got to the top first and we continued to exchange pulls on the Horseshoe and down San Joaquin subsequently.  
• With Vince, it's not a matter of if he's going to launch an attack, it's a matter of when.  On San Joaquin, I tried to amp up the pace to hopefully deter them for a bit.  I knew it would only be temporary though.
• We got a bunch of green lights and after pushing past Fashion Island, so we decided at the Jamboree light we would wait for the others after crossing the street.
• Vin and Jaffe arrived together and while we waited for them to cross, they instead took the sidewalk riding on the opposite side of the road.  They didn't say anything, they didn't signal...nothing.
• Vince, Mitchell and I took off since it seemed like they weren't going to stop, so we wanted to chase them down in case they were trying to make a break.  They got to cross ahead of us on the light and kept going, but we managed to reel them in shortly after.  It's hard to say if they were trying to get away though at that point.
• Adrian had been able to get the light and managed to get back in our draft on Jamboree, although he nearly broke his arm patting himself on the back believing he caught us. Dude...we waited for you guys.  HA HA
• Everyone was going to work on Back Bay, so we rotated out and everyone pushed up to keep the pace up showing some good pulls.
• Toward the end, I took off from the front expecting someone to pass me before the top, but I ended up gapping the group.  I contemplated trying to breakaway, but 1) it was windy and 2) it was really windy.  
• Vince and Mitchell were with me by the time I started climbing up Jamboree, and Vince and I continued to exchange pulls with him taking the later ones near the top.   There was no sign of anyone else after that.
• I was leading us toward the Back Bay Entrance and just after turning right into it, Vince launched from behind me just as I'd been expecting all day.  I took off once I saw (and heard him), and I managed to close the gap from his first attack.  Of course, I had to hold him out a little to give me a little break after the pull and then chasing him down.  He loves to attack when people are most vulnerable, but this is a good thing for training.
• We started rotating again through Back Bay with Mitchell joining once again.  
• We rolled by one rider who we reeled in, and I'm not sure if he was latched on after we passed or just hanging in the back, but he may have been interested in mixing it up...when it was too late.
• For the final charge up to Eastbluff, Vince and I duked it out and I literally gave it everything I had where my left calf blew up just as soon as I got on the sidewalk...first.  :)
• Vince must have been annoyed and told me to keep pedaling while I tried desperately not to have my left calf fully lock up.  He passed me after and kept a good gap on me where I was trying desperately to close it, making ground at one point, but running out of steam on University where he got away completely hitting the CA light first.  As I checked up to make the right turn, the guy we passed passes me.  You go, tiger.
• Climbing CA, Vince and I traded pulls and as I tried to pass him toward the end, he wasn't having any of it and stood up and made me his son as he'd like to call it.  I was done, so I got what I wanted from the ride.  

Good pace out there with a 21.8/7 avg.  I'm not digging that my calf blew up, but with my power numbers near my FTP, I suppose it's understandable.  Thanks for the workout, gents!

The Boulevard Race Report

Strava: http://www.strava.com/activities/110515249

There are things in life that we are likely never going to see:  A Kenyan Olympia level bodybuilder, an all white NBA champion team,  a famous Asian porn star, etc.  In this list, you can also add me winning (or even making top 10) a hilly race like the Boulevard.   #truth

Now I'm not going to make any excuses, folks, because as with anything I enter or try to do, I always put it all out there and aim for a W.  Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing it.  However, the reality of the situation is I know my climbing on a road bike is nowhere near what it needs to be in order to be competitive in a race like this.  This is truly a venue for the likes of real climbers like Shannon, Todd, etc., but I'm glad I got to experience it nonetheless.  It truly confirms that conditioning for one type of race (time trials) does not automatically carry over to hilly road races...unless of course you're Shannon or anyone else who can go into what I like to call "beast mode."

Shannon and Dina ended up staying in Viejas the night before the race, but I opted to drive out from home given 1) the race wasn't until 10:15 a.m and 2) I'm trying to save money.  It was a pretty good drive from my place, so I was glad Lisa came with me to keep me company.  We left around 7 a.m. and managed to arrive around 9 to the Golden Acorn Casino after picking up some Starbucks along the way.  Shannon and Dina arrived a little after us.

When we got there, saying it was cold would be an understatement.  It was definitely a lot colder than the Stagecoach, but I was prepared given that I brought arm and leg warmers, a base layer, and full fingered gloves.  However, after warming up on the trainer, I opted to take off the leg warmers as did most of those in our class including Shannon.  As a testament to how cold it was, we did see snow falling around us after the race.  Brrr.

When we lined up for the race, we were close to the front and we saw John Lenell there also.   He was across from us where we really couldn't chat, so all we could do was just say hi to one another.  We didn't recognize anyone else out there despite having 60+ people in our class, but it looked like a legit class of racers considering the majority were of the typical rider built.  I also heard before the race that a lot of good mountain bike racers were in this class to prepare for their race season, so I knew it was going to be a fast one.

The race starts out from the casino parking lot, and you're led out with a motorcycle escort where it's neutral until after he lets us go.  The pace didn't pick up too much after we were let go, but I pushed up close enough to the front hoping that this would be a good position to be in.  John was just a few cyclists in front of me, while Shannon stayed behind me.  There really wasn't a lot of room to move around as there was a rule in effect where no one was supposed to cross over to the other side of the road.   Thus, there wasn't too many people jockeying for positions early on.

There were some early climbs early on, but nothing too significant.  However, some would try to amp up the pace on these kicker hills early on especially after making a turn to create that accordion effect as part of their race strategy.  Fortunately, I was able to respond to these little hill sprints as did John and Shannon.

The majority of the first part of the race was descending though, so doing this in a group of 60 was pretty intense.  In my mind, I'm always hoping that everyone would be able to hold their line, and fortunately everyone around me could.  The biggest challenge on the descent was not so much pedaling to keep up as it was braking enough to not run into the guys in front of you.  My forearms were getting more worked than my legs from all the braking, but I was glad hoping to save my legs for what I hear were some legitimate climbs on the latter part of the course.  It felt like I could have pushed up to the front on the descents, but races aren't typically won descending.

When we got half way through the course, I was still in a good position but we made a right turn to another hill and this was where I ended up getting sheared off by the top group.  Shannon passed me as we were climbing up the hill and he offered me some encouraging words, but I just couldn't respond to the uptick in pace.  I literally felt like I exploded trying to keep up, so all I could do at that point was watch people go by as I tried desperately to recover.  While I know it wasn't 60 people who dropped me at that time, it sure felt like it.

I didn't drop off too far and was able to see the lead group ahead of me through the rollers after that climb, but they were definitely pulling away at that point and I had no one to work with.  I just had to fend for myself at that point, so that's pretty much what I did.

When we hit the real climbing, it was a long climb with just a little reprieve near the top but it was reminiscent of climbing NPC and Vista but a lot longer.  I got passed by a couple people on the climb, but I eventually was able reel in everyone who had passed me on the 2nd lap.  I did think to myself that quitting after the first lap wouldn't be too bad given it was cold and I wasn't really in the race anymore, but I didn't drive this far out just to do a 22 mile ride.

I got passed on the descent by a couple guys, but I was able to reel in one of them along with some other guys who eventually fell off the front group.  The descent was definitely more fun on my own while chasing others down, but I realized that there was a good headwind on the descent, which wasn't something I felt on the first lap being in the peleton.

On the final climb, I felt better than the first and managed to reel a guy I had seen for a while back where we started working together.  After a little reprieve on the climb, however, he had popped off so I was on my own again.  A few people passed me on the climb, but they were in different classes.  I jumped in one of their lines during the climb, but I couldn't hold it when they started maneuvering for position before the finish.  When I hit the finish, it was anti-climatic given that my class had made their way past it probably 20 minutes before me.  John and Shannon were in that group, so they definitely had a good race and I believe both landed in the top 10 yielding a 20+ average on the course.  Amazing!

When I arrived at the casino parking lot, Shannon had already changed and John was ready to try out the $7.77 prime rib they offered whereas I just needed to go pee.  I saw other guys rolling in after me, so I didn't feel too bad knowing I wasn't last.  HA.

I'll probably never do this race again, but it was a good experience nonetheless.  Things I learned or would have done differently would be to only bring one water bottle and definitely bring the lightest bike with a compact crank.  I don't think doing this would have made a difference in my competitiveness, but it would have just made it easier for sure.

Congratulations to John and Shannon for their monstrous efforts.  For me, I'm just going to chalk this up as something I got to do and be happy with it.

Thanks to Dina and Lisa for coming out and supporting us.  It's always good to have support there...especially when they're able to drive our drunk asses home.  Kudos!