Email response from local yocal

Promoter sent out postcards advising residents of a race this weekend.

One of the responses:

Hello,
This is in response to the post card I received that the bike races are going to be passing on the road I live on. I might yell things off my front porch, but it definately won't be cheering any of them on. This road is curvy and hilly and it is dangerous to drive a car on, much less riding a bike. Us people out here in the country live here for a reason, and it is not to watch bike races. I dont know if you realize, BCEO have chosen not to spend our tax dollars to pave our road, but to tar and chip it instead. If someone wipes out on a bike on this road, they are bound to end up in a hospital. People also drive like they are going to a fire around the curves on this road. Just an FYI, people out here hate bicycles on these our roads especially when Whitewater park spent so damn much money to buy up farm ground and put in a bike path just down the road from where this stupid thing is supposed to start! While I appreciate the heads up, I would rather hear that you were doing this somewhere other than on our road.

Why has cycling, especially racing, become so elitist?

In 1987, when I started riding, and was getting into racing, finding a club and team to ride with was not a problem. I was living in Albuquerque at the time, and had no less than a dozen teams to choose from. I contacted them by snail mail of land line (hard to remember those days) and got the same response from every one “Sure, we would really like to have you on our team”

Fast forward to 2012.

Okay, I admit, I’m an unknown in the cycling community here. I got back in to racing in 2007, put out a few inquiries, but could not find a team to ride with. Really no big deal, I could deal with it. My work schedule was some what prohibitive, not really allowing me to time to “join them in a group ride to see if they would be a good fit”. (How many times do you see that? Why don’t the say “to see if you're a good fit for us”.) And I didn’t really have the opportunity to race more than two or three times a season. I just opted to ride with an out of town club who welcomed me, I had a team kit, and didn’t have unattached on my license.

Now things have changed. I know have a better work schedule, which will allow more time to do the  “check you out” team rides, weekend group ride, and racing. I’ve sent out I don’t know how many emails… and did not get ONE response.

I’m not a podium contender. I’m a cat 4, 54 years old, with few opportunities to race masters. I’m not looking for a free ride. I’m not looking for any freebies or reimbursements. I would like to  look at it this way. It’s not what you can do for me, but what can I do for you. I love cycling, I love to race, and only want to have the opportunity to ride with a local team and hopefully, in the process, get more people involved. One reason I was so excited to be selected as a Strava Ambassador.

Cycling has always been elitist, there is no denying that. Have someone come out to a a group ride on an old bike, or steel frame, and hairy legs, and immediate judgments were made. And I have been guilty as charged. And I will also admit something that others would not, those some of those we were judging as Fred’s could beat my ass in a New York minute. And after getting back into racing after 7 years off, I know how it feels to be the one judged. I was riding a 10 year old Giant aluminum. It was a sweet ride for me. Oh sure, I would have like newer and better, but it was out of my budget. And I saw the sneers, I know I was being judged.

I’m not a high budget racer. I don’t have a gold card, I’m not independently wealthy. I’m not a social butterfly. I just love to ride my bike, and ride and or race as hard as I can on any given day. But, it seems we have come to the point where it all comes down to who we know, how new and expensive our ride is, the gadgets we have, and what our power tap readings say.

Me. I ride and race a two old year BMC SLT01. No power meter ( I don’t have to drive myself crazy over analyzing the stats). I just depend on my outdated Garmin 305.  And my legs.

Happy Birthday to Me!

A long overdue update which will start with Happy Birthday to me on my 52nd birthday. Fifty two years young! I had planned on a 52 mile ride to celebrate, but the weather had other plans. The morning started out with a lot of thunder and very little rain. The heavy rains have been less than 20 miles to the west of us, all day, moving to the southeast. I’ll try again tomorrow.

Birthday present to myself…Garmin Slipstream team kit. I’m not really one for pro team kits, but I have to say, this kit rocks, and is so comfortable.

As for employment, or should I say unemployment, there has been no changes. Got me severance, drawing unemployment, which isn’t that bad. But, it’s not what I’m accustomed to and is requiring some sacrifices. Fortunately, July was out last car payment, so that is a HUGE help.

I’ve had some interviews, but nothing real solid at this point. I know the Obama Administration is saying that  we are “at the beginning of the end”. My challenge to them is to  convince those of us who are unemployed. It’s not the beginning to the end to me. Thank God I got a decent severance, but I really want work. I need to get out of the house really bad. As much as the dogs have gotten used to me being around.

At least I have been able to get in some decent miles.  Actually, I think I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been in. And I’ve been able to work on some home projects. So it hasn’t a total waste.

Right after the Tour de Grandview, I discovered that my bike had a cracked frame. Since I bought it at Performance (bad mistake) I tried to work with them.

 

That was like pissing in the wind, and after three weeks of nothing, I went and picked the bike up and tool it to an Fuji dealer a few blocks away, Paradise Garage. While their primary customer base is urban cyclists, they took exceptional care of me, and my replacement frame was here within a week. Dan and Paradise Garage Rocks. Performance SUCKS and I will never buy anything from them, not even a Power Bar. And on top of that I actually received a bit of an upgrade.

 

Why date a cyclist That bulge isn't just the chamois. It’s balls of steel. We can go for hours and hours even when it hurts. We know how to take it easy. We know not to go real hard right from the beginning. Smoother legs than you. Skin tight lycra is real easy to take off. Can you say perfectly sculpted legs? Better power-to-weight ratio than a small car. We don't need booths to get our amazing tan lines

Tour de Grandview

The race I love to hate, but I will go back every year!

Title sponsorship was not found for this year’s event so it was down to only one day. Too bad. Grandview has always welcomed us. They really get into the race and make it a great atmosphere. Hopefully, next year we will see the return to two days racing.

If it’s Sunday, it must mean the hill. Tough course. The weather was not bad, a bit breezy from the west. Warm, in the mid 80’s, but humidty went down since a front passed thru right before noon.

I really did not go in with high expectations. My goal was to ride better than last year. While I was better prepared than last year in terms of riding more, I really havent raced as much this year as I had hoped. Crits.. Hate em. But it’s part of racing, which means I gotta do ‘em.  (Gotta make that weekly crit series!)

I went in feeling rested. Legs felt great during the ride up and the warmup on the coarse. The hill even felt good! As usual for Masters, a strong field of about fifty riders. (I gave thought to racing in the 3-4 race. If there had been strictly a Cat 4 race, I would have opted for that.)

To say this was an interesting race, for me, is an understatement. At the start, I fumbled around getting clipped in (one reason I have to do more mass start races). Got clipped in and settled in at the back of the back, and was with them until the first climb. On a positive, I was able to stay closer to the field in this years race.

I was involved in a Tortoise and Hare race, literally. There was a guy entered who was riding a relaxed street bike, upright bars, and bar ends which he had to take off to start the race. I will call him Mr. Tortoise .Mr. Tortoise , if you read this. I apologize for calling you this. I only do that because I don’t know your name. And I apologize for my ego issue

As we know, cycling has it share of egos. Sometime I feel I’m not taken serious when I show up on my $1000 bike, although I’m sure there are many more valid reason (#1, there really is no reason consider me a serious threat!).  Some guys can be to judgmental.  And I have to say, I was thinking the same thing when I saw Mr. Tortoise .

On the second lap, the race began. I was on the flat, rough section on Goodale Ave, pushing 27 to 30 MPH, when Mr. Tortoise , with his unique riding style, came flying by me as we turned onto Broadview Ave to make the climb. As he was passing, I screamed “WTF!” I showed my frustration (Again, I apologize to you, Mr. Tortoise, who’s name I wish I really knew. I have to say, on hindsight, it more out of respect than frustration. I also apologize to any families who might have had their kids in the vicinity)

I managed to beat him up the hill, but I knew what my race was. Forget the field. I wasn't going to get back in it, and I had my own race. As for the field, it got pretty strung out. And there were a few more guys dealing with the same person I was. And I think there frustration level was way more than mine.

This was my race for the next 16 laps. I was thinking that for the spectators they were able watch a second race, and wondering who they were supporting. I suspect it was Mr. Tortoise against the aging and slowing Mr. Hare. (Actually I think he was older than I am). I could take him up the hill. Making the turn from Broadview to First, there was a pretty stiff headwind, which slowed me down. I could get some distance on the turns and downhill on the back side. But more times than not, I would see him fly by me on the Goodale stretch. There were a few laps where it did not happen, then just when I think I established a lead…here he comes.

As we came to the line to start out last lap, I had about 10 feet on him. I kicked in the afterburners and rode as hard as I ever had. I almost lost it on the downhill and turn onto Goodale Ave. That hill really hurt on this lap. But I wasnt looking pack, I was assuming he was on my wheel.

Turns out, I had about 20 to 30 yards on him. After I crossed the line, I soft pedaled wanting to catch my ole nemesis, and my new hero, to congratulate him on his race. I have to admit, if we had come down to the finish, and we were neck and neck like we were on so many laps, I would have had to relinquish and let him cross the line ahead of me.

I was pleased with the effort. I was in better shape than last year. I  rode much harder. Thank you Tortoise… I salute you! For me, you have given new meaning to the notion “It’s not the machine, and not the motor. And I did finished the grilled crow that was given to me on a silver platter!

Thanks to the promoters, the officials, volunteers, and the fine citizens of the great city of Grandview (thanks for the hospitality once again!)

Can’t wait for next year!

Ohio State Time Trial

Got up early yesterday to drive over to Versailles, OH for the Ohio State Time Trial. Thanks to Roger Bowersock and all the volunteers for a class event. And thanks to the really neat village of Versailles for having us!

I went over hoping for a better ride than I had two weeks ago at Groveport. For me, personally, it was worth the drive.  I finished with in 00:53:15. This was definitely my best time trial effort in more years than I can remember. (24.9 pace)

Nope, I didn't set the course of fire, but I came away pleased in knowing that I gave it all I had, and somewhat pleased with the final result. Though it was not even closed to placing in the Masters 50-54. There were a lot of low 40’s in that group.

I still believe ultimate TT success goes to the the motor and not the machine. And while I may sound bitter and jealous low budget racer, there is no such thing as parity when it comes to time trialing. (OK, I fess..I am jealous. Severance package coming soon..if I can find a job with money coming in…that could be fun money for me to help stimulate the economy of my LBS))

I rode my Fuji Roubaix Pro:

The only changes for me were Mavic Cosmic rims from the late 90’s (not aero), aero bars, skinsuit, and aero helmet. Guestimating I had about 1500 bucks into the total package.

Now put that against bikes that cost twice as much, weight about 3/4 of what mine weighs. Designed to slice thru the wind.Let’s be honest. While it does come down to the motor, how could I really be competitive against machine AND motors like that.

I was proud of what I personally accomplished yesterday. For me, it was a great effort , especially considering I was not a prepared for it as I should have been considering the time that has been available for training the past six weeks. I gave it all I had. That’s all I asked for.

But at the end of the day, it’s frustrating to see that lack of parity that exists. If I hadn't been out of racing so long, I probably wouldn’t feel this way. Although its been just over a year since my non triumphant return, in a way, I still feel like Rip Van Winkle. I’m still in awe of how technology improved while I was asleep.  And how training has evolved from guess work and/or heart rate monitors, to power meters and high tech gadgetry. (Which I will avoid, I dont have time to sit in from of a spreadsheet crunching numbers. I can do that when I go back to work.)

I really appreciate the non-aero division of the Groveport Time Trial. And while I was riding like crap that day, it did level the playing field. And I think it would be great for more promoters to add that category to their time trials. For all of those who are in the same boat as me, or for all of those who may want to compete, but have the attitude of “What’s the use?”

OK, I’m done with my b*tching and will  jump off my soap box. Still, personally, I had a great day yesterday and had a efing blast

On to the Tour of Grandview next weekend. Then looking at the July race calendar.

Back to business as usual

Well, it’s back to business as usual at work. Maybe even more so. I’ve been unbelievably busy. At least tomorrow is Friday!

I’ve been on the bike eight days this year, with most of it being in the basement thanks to the crappy weather, which sounds like it will not get better. Freezing rain tomorrow night, single digits next week. Ugh! Thing is, I’ve already gotten in more time than I did the entire month of Jan last year. A definite positive. And I’m getting acclimated to the rollers

Right now, I weight in at 181 which is about the same as last year. I would really like to see the 160’s in April. I’ve been tracking my diet and activities on www.fitday.com and after the first few days of not changing my eating habits with the exception of smaller portions and less junk, my diet, at this point, was WAY too much carbs. I’ve since made adjustments, and have decreased that carb count, mainly by giving up my morning bagel  and cream cheese for low fat soy milk and a scoop of whey protein. And I havent had any coffee since last weekend, and that hasnt been as bad as I expected. Instead of coffee, I’ve stuck with decaf green tea.

There is a speedskating open house this weekend at the Chiller. I plan on going out and giving it a try.

While I had hoped to find a spot on a hockey team, the next session starts next week and nothing has come up. I’m not that disappointed (maybe I can do some subs). I figured if it happened, great. If it didnt, well, it wasnt meant to be. I can still do drop ins and stick n pucks.

TSTWKT

Usually by this time of the year, I've had at least one really bad cold, and with the weather we've had, and the way I've been out in it, I would have expected more.

FRS has been part of my routine for sometime, but the past two months it's been an every day thing, maybe even twice a day. I've always felt it gave me a needed boost in the morning and/or before my ride. Earlier this week, I felt I had a cold coming on, with a mild sore throat. I made sure I continued to take my twice daily FRS.

The cold never got me down, and I now feel 100%

This stiff kicks ass!