12.15.2010
10.01.2010
9.17.2010
6.16.2010
Testarossa Velodrome Challenge Night #2
At this point I’m sure your ready for some non-track related posts. Let me get this out of my system and then I will move onto important topics such as which million dollar bike won up at Sattely, or the injustice of the LARPD CX series being discontinued.Overall the weekend was dominated by Jame Carney. Carney said he was feeling sluggish going into Saturday night but ended up “Riding like a swan.” To be frank, I don’t think that the expression was the most masculine way to describe a series of ass kickings Carney laid down on the NorCal (and West Coast for that matter) track community. Ben Jacques Mayne even showed up to give it a go and Carney swooped both the Scratch race and Points race from Hellyer’s BMOC. BJM does win for best TVC Twitter post… here is the quote, not sure how Twitter copyrights work so here it goes, “Dave McCook for the win if there’s any justice in the world!” you don’t hear that too much…
There were additionally dominant performances from the other T-Town/ADT regulars in attendance Laura McCaughey, David Espinoza, and Jimmy Watkins. It was enough to give Hellyer an inferiority complex. Sure, I guess our big guns (aside from BJM who probably did a 100 mile ride in the AM to prep for NVGP) like Shelly Evans and Daniel Holloway are out of town being all pro and stuff, but the T Town domination of the elite events sure made it clear that the next generation of Hellyer-ites need to step up. If they don’t then I’m either going to have to step up my psychological warfare against T Town or move to a different track.
Luckily we saw a few standout performances on Saturday that give one hope. Beth Newell lived up to her potential and lost a narrow battle in the Miss and Out (2nd) and Scratch Race (3rd) to get her on the top steps of the podium. Pete Billington put himself on the national map with a third place in the Sprints against much more seasoned competition. And the biggest pull of the night has to be Daniel Farinha who rode a fantastic points race, with junior gearing i might add, to get third place against a top notch field filled with pro’s, journeymen and the various ronin of west coast tracks. Farinha just became the Luke Skywalker of Hellyer Velodrome… let’s hope he’s got another year of high school before college ruins him.
(UPDATE: Word on the street is Farinha graduated on Friday! Hope you pick a college with a good cycling program!) Even though they weren’t wins each one of these riders put it down and moved up a notch with their performances.
Next up at the track… More crazy Friday Nite Fights on June 25. Wear a superhero costume and get a free beer or something.
Originally published in Norcalcyclingnews.com
6.14.2010
Testarossa Velodrome Challenge Night #1
It was a warm day down at Hellyer but the racing gods looked down kindly at us visiting the temple today and slowed the wind down to a soft tropical breeze as the racing started. There was plenty of drink and food flowing, and Hernado was in fine form as he found "The Voice" to keep the crowd entertained and buzzing. Here are a few highlights that stood out in my mind.
Montano Velo Keirin - Jimmy Watkins showed up with his Felt team entourage and just schooled the field in the Finale, finishing with such a lead that he was able to easily raise his arms in a victory salut. The real revelation of the race was Sam Milroy who just dismantled his heat with a win about about 10 meters and then hung in the Finale to finish third. Sam may have just moved up from being a local hot shot to West Coast phenom.
Jame Carney - I dunno if he is smarter, fitter, or just luckier but Carney really showed the field that he is a master tonight. Carney won his Keirin heat, won the Miss and Out and then lapped the field in the Madison. You might have well called it "Track School By Jame Carney" out there.
SportVelo Women' Points Race - This was easily the most exciting race to watch. Shelly Evans was a marked woman so team mate Ruth Winder cleverly took the first sprint before Hanan Alves-Hyde launched herself into what looked like a suicide attack. Hanan got a half a lap as the field waited for a reaction but nothing came - all eyes stayed on Evans who was content to play her own game of poker. Hanan dug for the next ten laps hanging on with a quarter to half a lap lead to win the sprint but she held a tenuous lead. Vanderkitten Reither bridged whcih was enough to give Hanan a break and lap the field before the last sprint. A great gamble and tactical race by Hanan who has been on the comeback trail for most of the year. Evans won the last sprint putting her in third place making a great pay day for the Peanut Butter riders.
Originally published with photos in Norcalcyclingnews.com
Montano Velo Keirin - Jimmy Watkins showed up with his Felt team entourage and just schooled the field in the Finale, finishing with such a lead that he was able to easily raise his arms in a victory salut. The real revelation of the race was Sam Milroy who just dismantled his heat with a win about about 10 meters and then hung in the Finale to finish third. Sam may have just moved up from being a local hot shot to West Coast phenom.
Jame Carney - I dunno if he is smarter, fitter, or just luckier but Carney really showed the field that he is a master tonight. Carney won his Keirin heat, won the Miss and Out and then lapped the field in the Madison. You might have well called it "Track School By Jame Carney" out there.
SportVelo Women' Points Race - This was easily the most exciting race to watch. Shelly Evans was a marked woman so team mate Ruth Winder cleverly took the first sprint before Hanan Alves-Hyde launched herself into what looked like a suicide attack. Hanan got a half a lap as the field waited for a reaction but nothing came - all eyes stayed on Evans who was content to play her own game of poker. Hanan dug for the next ten laps hanging on with a quarter to half a lap lead to win the sprint but she held a tenuous lead. Vanderkitten Reither bridged whcih was enough to give Hanan a break and lap the field before the last sprint. A great gamble and tactical race by Hanan who has been on the comeback trail for most of the year. Evans won the last sprint putting her in third place making a great pay day for the Peanut Butter riders.
Originally published with photos in Norcalcyclingnews.com
6.10.2010
Must See TVC
There are a handful of must see cycling events in the bay area
1. The San Francisco Twilight Crit (Bring it back!)
2. The San Rafael Twilight Crit (July 10!)
3. The Pilarcitos night time cross race (A little taste of awesome)
4. The Testarossa Velodrome Challenge 6 PM Fri June 11 & Sat June 12
Arguably the TVC is the best bang for your buck - while parking at Hellyer Velodrome costs $6 and you are best served if you take the carpool lane down there are distinct advantages. The beer is free and plentiful and the prize money usually attracts a top flight field. t is worth the drive to watch pro’s, Olympians, and world champions square off against each other on 335 meters of concrete. The race is so big it draws the track specialists from not just NorCal but around the globe. Here is a quick primer to help you keep score.
The Locals
Shelly Evans - Not content to be just one of the best in NorCal Evans moved onto the world stage last year with huge performances on both the track and road. Evans has shifted her focus from the track to the road since the UCI has taken a hatchet to the track endurance program and her specialty the points race. Expect Evans to show up one night before taking off for Nature Valley Grand Prix and the Giro.
Dave McCook - McCook is a former pro, multiple national champion, and local legend. He’s a fierce competitor when ever he’s racing and is always fun to watch when there is money on the line.
Beth Newell - She sprints, she climbs, she writes! Newell does it all and after a successful spring campaign on the road is putting the rest of her energy this year toward the track. She’s out for some cash this weekend, needs a new washer or something, so keep an eye on the “Bell with Wing.”
Others to watch: Sam Milroy, Matt Talbott
The Sprinters
Jimmy Watkins - Watkins is currently one of America’s best sprinters having won all the big events at nationals in 2008. He’s a full time fire fighter making him a model for all cyclists with a day job and passion for their sport. Watkins currently holds the Hellyer record for the flying 200 clocking10.84 last year.
Gio Rey - Gio is a local boy currently riding for UCI Track outfit out of Colorado called Black Dog Cycling. Gio is a ronin of the sprinter set having traveled across the country and world trying to learn the best techniques to out smart stronger rivals. Gio’s come close a few times in the keirin, this may be his year.
Steve Peleaz - He’s skinny, tall, and known for spouting off more pop philosophy than Dr. Phil. Peleaz has spent some time on the World Cup circuit riding for the Philippines so he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. He’s got the speed and the guts to make it in any type of track race, and is hungry after a narrow loss to big man Gideon Massie last year in the Keirin.
Others to watch: Pete Billington
The Interlopers
Jame Carney - Carney is a legend in track circles. Some say he’s never lost a Miss and Out on American soil. He’s experienced, cagey, and fast. If the A-Team was being redmade from cyclists he’d be your Hannibal. Carney knows the rule book and isn’t afraid of going toe to toe with the officials as well as riders if it means getting the big win. Watching Carney and McCook go at it will be a battle for the ages.
Laura McCaughey - Hailing from Australia - McCaughey makes T-Town her home in the summer. Her favorite event is the keirin and last year she was relegated for impeding Carri Higgins in the final sprint. McCaughey rebounded and won the sprint event the next day, so inside line is she’s a good bet for the sprint events. Smart money is on McCaughey for the scratch race if Olds doesn’t show up
Others to watch: TJ Mathieson , Jen Triplett, Tela Crane, Jen Featheringill
The Old and Young Folk
Daniel Farinha - Farinha has been scaring the crap out of Hellyer-ites with his riding this year. He’s super fast and still riding Junior gears - what’s going to happen when he gears up? If this boy can hang with the big gears expect him to be in the money.
Larry Nolan - When god made man he realized he made some mistakes so he went back and made what ever Larry is. In addition to be a masters world champion and world record holder Larry runs a Hellyer race series and coaches the Specialized juniors team. The man is LEGEND. And he’s fast.
Pat Briggs - Briggs is a Hellyer stalwart and has been riding his guts out in support of the fledgling Yahoo! Cycling team. The experiment has appears to be succeeding as they dominate the local scene and have started making their mark on some national level races. Look for Briggs to break out a big race or two now that he can bust a cap on his own.
Others to watch: Ruth Winder, Tom Fahey, Doug Hall
1. The San Francisco Twilight Crit (Bring it back!)
2. The San Rafael Twilight Crit (July 10!)
3. The Pilarcitos night time cross race (A little taste of awesome)
4. The Testarossa Velodrome Challenge 6 PM Fri June 11 & Sat June 12
Arguably the TVC is the best bang for your buck - while parking at Hellyer Velodrome costs $6 and you are best served if you take the carpool lane down there are distinct advantages. The beer is free and plentiful and the prize money usually attracts a top flight field. t is worth the drive to watch pro’s, Olympians, and world champions square off against each other on 335 meters of concrete. The race is so big it draws the track specialists from not just NorCal but around the globe. Here is a quick primer to help you keep score.
The Locals
Shelly Evans - Not content to be just one of the best in NorCal Evans moved onto the world stage last year with huge performances on both the track and road. Evans has shifted her focus from the track to the road since the UCI has taken a hatchet to the track endurance program and her specialty the points race. Expect Evans to show up one night before taking off for Nature Valley Grand Prix and the Giro.
Dave McCook - McCook is a former pro, multiple national champion, and local legend. He’s a fierce competitor when ever he’s racing and is always fun to watch when there is money on the line.
Beth Newell - She sprints, she climbs, she writes! Newell does it all and after a successful spring campaign on the road is putting the rest of her energy this year toward the track. She’s out for some cash this weekend, needs a new washer or something, so keep an eye on the “Bell with Wing.”
Others to watch: Sam Milroy, Matt Talbott
The Sprinters
Jimmy Watkins - Watkins is currently one of America’s best sprinters having won all the big events at nationals in 2008. He’s a full time fire fighter making him a model for all cyclists with a day job and passion for their sport. Watkins currently holds the Hellyer record for the flying 200 clocking10.84 last year.
Gio Rey - Gio is a local boy currently riding for UCI Track outfit out of Colorado called Black Dog Cycling. Gio is a ronin of the sprinter set having traveled across the country and world trying to learn the best techniques to out smart stronger rivals. Gio’s come close a few times in the keirin, this may be his year.
Steve Peleaz - He’s skinny, tall, and known for spouting off more pop philosophy than Dr. Phil. Peleaz has spent some time on the World Cup circuit riding for the Philippines so he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. He’s got the speed and the guts to make it in any type of track race, and is hungry after a narrow loss to big man Gideon Massie last year in the Keirin.
Others to watch: Pete Billington
The Interlopers
Jame Carney - Carney is a legend in track circles. Some say he’s never lost a Miss and Out on American soil. He’s experienced, cagey, and fast. If the A-Team was being redmade from cyclists he’d be your Hannibal. Carney knows the rule book and isn’t afraid of going toe to toe with the officials as well as riders if it means getting the big win. Watching Carney and McCook go at it will be a battle for the ages.
Laura McCaughey - Hailing from Australia - McCaughey makes T-Town her home in the summer. Her favorite event is the keirin and last year she was relegated for impeding Carri Higgins in the final sprint. McCaughey rebounded and won the sprint event the next day, so inside line is she’s a good bet for the sprint events. Smart money is on McCaughey for the scratch race if Olds doesn’t show up
Others to watch: TJ Mathieson , Jen Triplett, Tela Crane, Jen Featheringill
The Old and Young Folk
Daniel Farinha - Farinha has been scaring the crap out of Hellyer-ites with his riding this year. He’s super fast and still riding Junior gears - what’s going to happen when he gears up? If this boy can hang with the big gears expect him to be in the money.
Larry Nolan - When god made man he realized he made some mistakes so he went back and made what ever Larry is. In addition to be a masters world champion and world record holder Larry runs a Hellyer race series and coaches the Specialized juniors team. The man is LEGEND. And he’s fast.
Pat Briggs - Briggs is a Hellyer stalwart and has been riding his guts out in support of the fledgling Yahoo! Cycling team. The experiment has appears to be succeeding as they dominate the local scene and have started making their mark on some national level races. Look for Briggs to break out a big race or two now that he can bust a cap on his own.
Others to watch: Ruth Winder, Tom Fahey, Doug Hall
11.15.2009
Dialing It In
Written for Cyclocross Magazine: Unpublished
Even thought cyclocross is full of low maintenance athletes (they drink beer right after the race!) it is a high maintenance sport. When I started I underestimated the amount of work it would take to dial in my bike and the race set up process. The whole procedure took me from 2005-2008, four seasons, to get it most of the way there. It was painful and rewarding in a way reminiscent of dentist visit in which they find no cavities. There is temporary discomfort, shame for not brushing enough, relief that all is in order, and an eventual realization at the cost of your endeavor.
My first year was plagued by bad decisions and a lack of knowledge about what I was getting into. My $100 Craig’s-listed Gunnar Crosshairs seemed like a great bargain. I built it up and only had to get help from my Local Bike Shop, when my lack of knowledge about center pull brakes made me cry uncle. I showed up to my first race; still remember it like yesterday, at Candle Stick Park right outside San Francisco. After my first warm up lap my pedaling felt funny. I pulled over by my car and realized my crank was not a little loose; it was flapping like a noodle. I was able to tighten it up with hex wrench and roll over towards the start (my warm up laps had been good, so I was stoked.) On my way over to the start I got a piece of glass stuck in my brand new yellow tufo clincher/tubular which had taken me three days to put on. I was riding it at about 30 PSI and was killing it in the corners but it seriously took me three days to put it on. Day one was several failed attempts. Day two was success at getting it almost on, day three was success! And day four was tire number two. Needless to say, there were not any neutral wheels and I was not able to race.
I thought I was prepared for my next race. I brought some extra wheels. They were road wheels, with road tires but I figured their mere presence would protect me from getting another flat in a parking lot. I got a good start; I was close behind the #2 rider in my Men’s C race when I came to a rough grass section. My adjustable Look stem, which is not a cheap piece of equipment, looked super bad ass on my bike. I thought it dialed in my handlebar position perfectly so I could nail the corners and stay in a good position the whole race. When I hit the grass the force of my none too svelt upper body pushed the handlebars into an aero position that is definitely banned according to UCI rules. It was impossible to ride any of the technical sections with my handle bars sitting inches above my front wheel. I found that if I carefully jerked the handlebars up I could get them into a ride able position which would hold until I hit anything rough, which sadly was most of the course. I found myself trying to ride the aero position I was being forced into more and more just so I didn’t have to keep adjusting the handlebars. I was able to finish the race, despite some back pain, and bruised ego and went straight to the bike store to replace the stem.
At this point my cheap $300 DYI cross project had turned into a $1000 that albatross that could have been solved by a new bike. The next year I bought a new bike which solved most of my mechanical problems. I tricked it out with some Spynergy Spock Carbon Wheels which also looked super bad ass. The Spynergies turned out to be the all time worst purchase I ever made for cyclocross. On my first ride I hit a rock and a piece of the carbon chipped off. I was able to ignore it for a few rides but it became progressively bigger until it was rubbing noticeably on my brake and make stopping too difficult. An engineering friend of mine who specialized in materials for military grade products patched it up so it was rideable which held up until my next ride at which point the wheel started breaking on the opposite side. I do not know how the previous owner rode these wheels in Cat 2 cross races in southern California as he claimed, but either he weighed 110 pounds or they ride on feathers down there. My friend and I ended up patching each wheel multiple times to the point that they looked like they should be on the Judd’s jalopy.
Poor wheels aside the new Giantseemed to cut out a lot of the issues, but this luck did not carry over into my third season. For some reason, I did not get rid of the bad luck wheels. I put new tires on them and patched up an additional crack that had appeared. The wheels felt like a job you can’t quit because you are getting paid so well. Anything else would have been a step down, not practically, but aesthetically. These were deep dish carbon wheels; I looked totally Sven Nys pro! Sure he didn’t have weird little patches holding his wheels together, or annoying white spokes that no bike store within 100 miles had a wrench that could true it up…but I was committed. These wheels had a lot of time and money put in them at this point. An so commenced my worst season ever.
The carbon wheels failed anytime I tried to race them of course… mostly it would be additional cracks, which I stopped repairing, but eventually the tired picked up on the general rebellion and malaise and stopped inflating. The wheels would inflate for practice rides or late night wrenching sessions but soon as I started racing I would be picking up my Gunnar in the pit. I ended up finishing every single race on my Gunnar and rarely made it into the top 20 at each race which I had been doing in the previous year. The Gunnar, while reliable, weighed about 23 pounds make it smooth on the rough spots but horrible for running and climbing. My wheels had developed an attitude problem that spread to the rest of my bike and even to the Gunnar. When I put on functioning wheels the free wheel got sticky pulling my chain off, when I fixed the free wheel my derailleur cable fell off. The final act of rebellion for the season concluded at the last race where I went through three bikes, which culminated in a broken seat post that drove the nose of the saddle straight up in the air prohibiting me from sitting down for the last two laps of the race. I was determined that 2008 would not suck.
I started my purchases for Project 2008 Will Not Suck in March. I started with some reliable Kyserium Mavic tubulars, then a new Giant frame, I swapped over my trusty Dura Ace group from my road bike, Vittoria tires, and then fixed up my older Giant as my pit bike. I did not throw away the crappy wheels, I don’t know what it is about them that makes me hold on so, but I took them out of rotation… permanently. The new rig was lighter, and sharper than my previous Giant, likely do to the Easton 90 fork. This bike rocked! I had one mishap my second race in which I kept dropping a chain. A master rider, and multiple national champion, chided me for not having a chain watcher… “Inexcusable” he said. The comment stung, I went from the lead to third after my chain fell off multiple times, I took it as advice and grabbed the first chain watcher I could find the following week. And while 2008 was not without its challenges – such as getting called out of race because my wife was in labor, it turned out to be my best season ever.
I found the challenge was not in dialing the bike in, but in turning each set back into a lesson that I could learn from. Dialing my bikes in took time, money, and therapy –but my first successful season was worth every penny.
Even thought cyclocross is full of low maintenance athletes (they drink beer right after the race!) it is a high maintenance sport. When I started I underestimated the amount of work it would take to dial in my bike and the race set up process. The whole procedure took me from 2005-2008, four seasons, to get it most of the way there. It was painful and rewarding in a way reminiscent of dentist visit in which they find no cavities. There is temporary discomfort, shame for not brushing enough, relief that all is in order, and an eventual realization at the cost of your endeavor.
My first year was plagued by bad decisions and a lack of knowledge about what I was getting into. My $100 Craig’s-listed Gunnar Crosshairs seemed like a great bargain. I built it up and only had to get help from my Local Bike Shop, when my lack of knowledge about center pull brakes made me cry uncle. I showed up to my first race; still remember it like yesterday, at Candle Stick Park right outside San Francisco. After my first warm up lap my pedaling felt funny. I pulled over by my car and realized my crank was not a little loose; it was flapping like a noodle. I was able to tighten it up with hex wrench and roll over towards the start (my warm up laps had been good, so I was stoked.) On my way over to the start I got a piece of glass stuck in my brand new yellow tufo clincher/tubular which had taken me three days to put on. I was riding it at about 30 PSI and was killing it in the corners but it seriously took me three days to put it on. Day one was several failed attempts. Day two was success at getting it almost on, day three was success! And day four was tire number two. Needless to say, there were not any neutral wheels and I was not able to race.
I thought I was prepared for my next race. I brought some extra wheels. They were road wheels, with road tires but I figured their mere presence would protect me from getting another flat in a parking lot. I got a good start; I was close behind the #2 rider in my Men’s C race when I came to a rough grass section. My adjustable Look stem, which is not a cheap piece of equipment, looked super bad ass on my bike. I thought it dialed in my handlebar position perfectly so I could nail the corners and stay in a good position the whole race. When I hit the grass the force of my none too svelt upper body pushed the handlebars into an aero position that is definitely banned according to UCI rules. It was impossible to ride any of the technical sections with my handle bars sitting inches above my front wheel. I found that if I carefully jerked the handlebars up I could get them into a ride able position which would hold until I hit anything rough, which sadly was most of the course. I found myself trying to ride the aero position I was being forced into more and more just so I didn’t have to keep adjusting the handlebars. I was able to finish the race, despite some back pain, and bruised ego and went straight to the bike store to replace the stem.
At this point my cheap $300 DYI cross project had turned into a $1000 that albatross that could have been solved by a new bike. The next year I bought a new bike which solved most of my mechanical problems. I tricked it out with some Spynergy Spock Carbon Wheels which also looked super bad ass. The Spynergies turned out to be the all time worst purchase I ever made for cyclocross. On my first ride I hit a rock and a piece of the carbon chipped off. I was able to ignore it for a few rides but it became progressively bigger until it was rubbing noticeably on my brake and make stopping too difficult. An engineering friend of mine who specialized in materials for military grade products patched it up so it was rideable which held up until my next ride at which point the wheel started breaking on the opposite side. I do not know how the previous owner rode these wheels in Cat 2 cross races in southern California as he claimed, but either he weighed 110 pounds or they ride on feathers down there. My friend and I ended up patching each wheel multiple times to the point that they looked like they should be on the Judd’s jalopy.
Poor wheels aside the new Giantseemed to cut out a lot of the issues, but this luck did not carry over into my third season. For some reason, I did not get rid of the bad luck wheels. I put new tires on them and patched up an additional crack that had appeared. The wheels felt like a job you can’t quit because you are getting paid so well. Anything else would have been a step down, not practically, but aesthetically. These were deep dish carbon wheels; I looked totally Sven Nys pro! Sure he didn’t have weird little patches holding his wheels together, or annoying white spokes that no bike store within 100 miles had a wrench that could true it up…but I was committed. These wheels had a lot of time and money put in them at this point. An so commenced my worst season ever.
The carbon wheels failed anytime I tried to race them of course… mostly it would be additional cracks, which I stopped repairing, but eventually the tired picked up on the general rebellion and malaise and stopped inflating. The wheels would inflate for practice rides or late night wrenching sessions but soon as I started racing I would be picking up my Gunnar in the pit. I ended up finishing every single race on my Gunnar and rarely made it into the top 20 at each race which I had been doing in the previous year. The Gunnar, while reliable, weighed about 23 pounds make it smooth on the rough spots but horrible for running and climbing. My wheels had developed an attitude problem that spread to the rest of my bike and even to the Gunnar. When I put on functioning wheels the free wheel got sticky pulling my chain off, when I fixed the free wheel my derailleur cable fell off. The final act of rebellion for the season concluded at the last race where I went through three bikes, which culminated in a broken seat post that drove the nose of the saddle straight up in the air prohibiting me from sitting down for the last two laps of the race. I was determined that 2008 would not suck.
I started my purchases for Project 2008 Will Not Suck in March. I started with some reliable Kyserium Mavic tubulars, then a new Giant frame, I swapped over my trusty Dura Ace group from my road bike, Vittoria tires, and then fixed up my older Giant as my pit bike. I did not throw away the crappy wheels, I don’t know what it is about them that makes me hold on so, but I took them out of rotation… permanently. The new rig was lighter, and sharper than my previous Giant, likely do to the Easton 90 fork. This bike rocked! I had one mishap my second race in which I kept dropping a chain. A master rider, and multiple national champion, chided me for not having a chain watcher… “Inexcusable” he said. The comment stung, I went from the lead to third after my chain fell off multiple times, I took it as advice and grabbed the first chain watcher I could find the following week. And while 2008 was not without its challenges – such as getting called out of race because my wife was in labor, it turned out to be my best season ever.
I found the challenge was not in dialing the bike in, but in turning each set back into a lesson that I could learn from. Dialing my bikes in took time, money, and therapy –but my first successful season was worth every penny.
10.09.2009
Two Things: UCI Moron’s and Track Natz
Bad News First: In a well meaning attempt to provide men and women equal opportunities at the Olympic’s the UCI may cut the Points Race, Madison, and Pursuit from Olympic events. While the proposals adds Omnium this effectively kills endurance racing at the Olympic level. With the previous elimination of the Kilo this leaves Sprints, Team Sprints, Keirin, Team Pursuit, and Omnium. I assume this is intended to make better television viewing since normal people have touble following the Madison and Pursuit, the same way American’s used to have trouble following the puck in hockey games. This is a drag for US Olympic hopefuls like Hellyer-ites Shelly Olds and Hollaway, as well as gold medal contenders like Phinney and Hammer. I have a couple of suggestions for the UCI -
1. Run some test events - don’t do this without some kind of program development. Making it up and going live is just bad business… take it from Silicon Valley types folks, a cold launch is never a good idea.
2. Team Sprint/Team Pursuit: Blech! the only thing more boring than individual timed events are team timed events. It looks cool for the first two entries…then you kinda tune out.
3. Keep the Madison! - This race has more potential than anything out there. Its exciting, physical, and crazy. Seems like some education and better promotion would get people stoked to watch this insanity.
Good News! US Track Natz concluded on the weekend and Hellyer-ites had some breakout performances. I know its not our schtick to be critical but I was a little disappointed because I was expecting Shelly and Hollywood to dominate. Not in the win several medals manner, more in the win everything they entered manner. I will admit its a little messed up because between them they won 5 medals* (Dholla - 2, Olds 3) including one gold for Olds the scratch race. Hollaway had several dominant rides at Natz but i was thinking he would be all “Taylor Phinney” on everybody’s ass due to his Six day racing last year which seemed to take him to a new level of confidence (if that was possible.) Olds had similar success in Europe last year and just dominated the crit scene over the summer becoming, IMHO, the dominant fast chick in the US. So… while i expcted more the level of competition was higher, and their results should not be surprising given that they have both been racing non stop and are shortly heading back into Six Day/World Cup season on the track within the next few weeks.. I am pretty excited to see what they break out this winter overseas… so don’t freak out, I still think they rule.
The nig news are the break out performances from the other Hellyer-Ites in attendance. Roman Killun was able to put in a solid ride against the ingenue Mr. Phinney for second in the pursuit. Brian Peterson and Beth Newell both turned in top 10 performances. Brian and Beth seem to jump a level every six month so 2010 will be fun to watch since they seem to be interested in pursuing results at these nationals level competitions. Steve Palaez had a good ride in the Omnium winning the sprint event and managing an 8th place overall. He also medaled in the team pursuit with fellow Hellyer-ite smarty pants Roman K. Secret Hellyer-ite (i call him secret cause he fly’s under the radar most of the time) Rob Meyer squeaked in a podium appearance with a fifth place in the pursuit. If i take out the pro’s he’s essentially the first amateur (i think of Broadmark as a regional pro team like the Cal Giant boys.) I don’t think Rob’s been racing on the road that long so we need to get this guy a little closer in the Hellyer-ite fold… he could be AWESOME (imagine that being said in falsetto)
Our sprinters were especially hot down on the wood boards of LAX. The LTO Team of Gio, Pete, and Sam Millroy all put in good rides. The highlight from the LTO boys has to be Pete Billingtons smoking kilo (01:06.50) and subsequent podium (5th.) The LTO boys are getting fast, which is good since the US Sprinter quality seems to be on the rise. Next year the LTO boys should be killing the sprint events up and down the coast. Of course this means they will turn further down the path of thug life and develop further into freakish looking mounds of muscle, but what can you do…thats the price of speed.
Overall… it was a good year for Hellyer-ites at Nationals. Word is there is a Ride the World Cup coming up in a few weeks… stay tuned for more info. The Hellyer fun never stops!
*ed. note: I should add I am only counting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as medal spots. IMHO 4th and 5th are “podium” spots and not real medal spots even though USAC gives you a “friendship medal”…not that i have ever gotten one. I just got in a wiked long argument with el presidente peterson about this and he is SO wrong!
Originally published in Norcalcyclingnews.com
1. Run some test events - don’t do this without some kind of program development. Making it up and going live is just bad business… take it from Silicon Valley types folks, a cold launch is never a good idea.
2. Team Sprint/Team Pursuit: Blech! the only thing more boring than individual timed events are team timed events. It looks cool for the first two entries…then you kinda tune out.
3. Keep the Madison! - This race has more potential than anything out there. Its exciting, physical, and crazy. Seems like some education and better promotion would get people stoked to watch this insanity.
Good News! US Track Natz concluded on the weekend and Hellyer-ites had some breakout performances. I know its not our schtick to be critical but I was a little disappointed because I was expecting Shelly and Hollywood to dominate. Not in the win several medals manner, more in the win everything they entered manner. I will admit its a little messed up because between them they won 5 medals* (Dholla - 2, Olds 3) including one gold for Olds the scratch race. Hollaway had several dominant rides at Natz but i was thinking he would be all “Taylor Phinney” on everybody’s ass due to his Six day racing last year which seemed to take him to a new level of confidence (if that was possible.) Olds had similar success in Europe last year and just dominated the crit scene over the summer becoming, IMHO, the dominant fast chick in the US. So… while i expcted more the level of competition was higher, and their results should not be surprising given that they have both been racing non stop and are shortly heading back into Six Day/World Cup season on the track within the next few weeks.. I am pretty excited to see what they break out this winter overseas… so don’t freak out, I still think they rule.
The nig news are the break out performances from the other Hellyer-Ites in attendance. Roman Killun was able to put in a solid ride against the ingenue Mr. Phinney for second in the pursuit. Brian Peterson and Beth Newell both turned in top 10 performances. Brian and Beth seem to jump a level every six month so 2010 will be fun to watch since they seem to be interested in pursuing results at these nationals level competitions. Steve Palaez had a good ride in the Omnium winning the sprint event and managing an 8th place overall. He also medaled in the team pursuit with fellow Hellyer-ite smarty pants Roman K. Secret Hellyer-ite (i call him secret cause he fly’s under the radar most of the time) Rob Meyer squeaked in a podium appearance with a fifth place in the pursuit. If i take out the pro’s he’s essentially the first amateur (i think of Broadmark as a regional pro team like the Cal Giant boys.) I don’t think Rob’s been racing on the road that long so we need to get this guy a little closer in the Hellyer-ite fold… he could be AWESOME (imagine that being said in falsetto)
Our sprinters were especially hot down on the wood boards of LAX. The LTO Team of Gio, Pete, and Sam Millroy all put in good rides. The highlight from the LTO boys has to be Pete Billingtons smoking kilo (01:06.50) and subsequent podium (5th.) The LTO boys are getting fast, which is good since the US Sprinter quality seems to be on the rise. Next year the LTO boys should be killing the sprint events up and down the coast. Of course this means they will turn further down the path of thug life and develop further into freakish looking mounds of muscle, but what can you do…thats the price of speed.
Overall… it was a good year for Hellyer-ites at Nationals. Word is there is a Ride the World Cup coming up in a few weeks… stay tuned for more info. The Hellyer fun never stops!
*ed. note: I should add I am only counting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as medal spots. IMHO 4th and 5th are “podium” spots and not real medal spots even though USAC gives you a “friendship medal”…not that i have ever gotten one. I just got in a wiked long argument with el presidente peterson about this and he is SO wrong!
Originally published in Norcalcyclingnews.com
9.30.2009
Jaysus! Vegas, FVD, Chad, and Astana
First off we had a great trip to Vegas for Interbike. I love that place, pure and simple. The show itself is remarkable for how similar it is each year. Here is my oversimplification of what was going on at the show this year.
1. Fixed Gear/Single Speed - Its gone big time…felt like everybody had something to show here and several smaller booths were specializing in this product line. The San Jose Mob are hardcore Hellyer-ites, maybe the rest of the bay area fixies will get inspired as the movement grows.
2. MetriGear Vector Power Meter - Dude - it’s freaking Star Trek in its coolness. It’s james bondian in its size. It’s VHS ian in its importance to using power in your daily training. Most importantly … its NorCal born and bred. Can’t wait to see this puppy in action. It is going to be geek city once all the local pro’s start showing up with their beta versions, getting the local cycler-ati all jazzed up to go spend their money on these little guys.
Other than that the highlight for me was Cross Vegas - I wasn’t thrilled with the set up. It was harder to get beer and to traverse the course, but the crowd looked the same size even though Lance totally flaked out this year (pansy.) It was the best race I have seen there as two up and comers took the bull by the horns and shook up the US Cross Pros. Local Sac boy Chris Jones took it to the pack early and worked with Jamey Driscoll to stay away for the entire race and land himself a second place spot on the podium. With Wicks going all Mtn bking and the Jacque Mayniac’s focusing on the road it was sweet to have a NorCal boy on the podium at a big event.
In other news….
The news of Frank Vandenbrouckes death caught me by surprise. I figured he would be kicking around forever, making me giggle with his silly euro hair, and crazy new teams, and running naked through the yards of his Belgian neighbors. Underneath the drama and drugs was a sick man. It is hard to think of the Euro Stars as real people. The recent plight of Chad Gerlach was even more surprising and sad. For one Gerlach is local, and we have all heard about his heroic performances the last year. There is not small amount of satisfaction we take in watching our local pro’s excell and succed. Secondly the story was inspiring. For anybody that has battled the demons Gerlach had seemingly overcome it was a survivors tale that looked like it could give Lance a run for his money. The reality is, the set backs, and losses when dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and just regular life for that matter - outweigh the victories. For talented athletes who have such a propensity to win such challenges must appear easy, yet prove impossible. A quote from the Sacremento Bee’s article which broke the story stood out ‘Local drug counselor David Husid sees little hope for the fallen champ. “Until he… realizes he’s just an average guy, he’s never going to figure it out.”
As the news broke there was a lot of shock, and what can be interpreted as hope for recovery, in the NorCal cycling community. While the comeback started out as a great story the real win for Gerlach will be if he can find a more solid anchor for his life in his young new family.
Drugs, drugs, drugs…. I found it interesting that these stories were breaking around the same time as the AFLD announced “incongruous substances” found in medical equipment, which has lead to a broader investigation by French authorities. The phrase “French authorities” always makes me giggle since they seem to be more willing to make a fuss, but less willing to indict anybody than the Spanish authorities. I will give it to the Italians, CONI, at least they seem to be going after anybody when they get on the trail of somebody they think was a doper. With all that in mind, I am still pondering how to weigh harmony in cycling vs. exposing cheaters. The focus on Astana strikes me as a red herring since Bruyneel’s trade craft is so strong i find it unlikely that his team would get busted by equipment they turned over in a public waste disposal mechanism. Since AFLD’s revelation did not seem to have an immediate point, other than to embarras the UCI, i can only assume it is part of some long complicated plot being developed to catch Lance Armstrong in a lie.
Originally Published in NorCalcyclingnews.com
1. Fixed Gear/Single Speed - Its gone big time…felt like everybody had something to show here and several smaller booths were specializing in this product line. The San Jose Mob are hardcore Hellyer-ites, maybe the rest of the bay area fixies will get inspired as the movement grows.
2. MetriGear Vector Power Meter - Dude - it’s freaking Star Trek in its coolness. It’s james bondian in its size. It’s VHS ian in its importance to using power in your daily training. Most importantly … its NorCal born and bred. Can’t wait to see this puppy in action. It is going to be geek city once all the local pro’s start showing up with their beta versions, getting the local cycler-ati all jazzed up to go spend their money on these little guys.
Other than that the highlight for me was Cross Vegas - I wasn’t thrilled with the set up. It was harder to get beer and to traverse the course, but the crowd looked the same size even though Lance totally flaked out this year (pansy.) It was the best race I have seen there as two up and comers took the bull by the horns and shook up the US Cross Pros. Local Sac boy Chris Jones took it to the pack early and worked with Jamey Driscoll to stay away for the entire race and land himself a second place spot on the podium. With Wicks going all Mtn bking and the Jacque Mayniac’s focusing on the road it was sweet to have a NorCal boy on the podium at a big event.
In other news….
The news of Frank Vandenbrouckes death caught me by surprise. I figured he would be kicking around forever, making me giggle with his silly euro hair, and crazy new teams, and running naked through the yards of his Belgian neighbors. Underneath the drama and drugs was a sick man. It is hard to think of the Euro Stars as real people. The recent plight of Chad Gerlach was even more surprising and sad. For one Gerlach is local, and we have all heard about his heroic performances the last year. There is not small amount of satisfaction we take in watching our local pro’s excell and succed. Secondly the story was inspiring. For anybody that has battled the demons Gerlach had seemingly overcome it was a survivors tale that looked like it could give Lance a run for his money. The reality is, the set backs, and losses when dealing with addiction, mental health issues, and just regular life for that matter - outweigh the victories. For talented athletes who have such a propensity to win such challenges must appear easy, yet prove impossible. A quote from the Sacremento Bee’s article which broke the story stood out ‘Local drug counselor David Husid sees little hope for the fallen champ. “Until he… realizes he’s just an average guy, he’s never going to figure it out.”
As the news broke there was a lot of shock, and what can be interpreted as hope for recovery, in the NorCal cycling community. While the comeback started out as a great story the real win for Gerlach will be if he can find a more solid anchor for his life in his young new family.
Drugs, drugs, drugs…. I found it interesting that these stories were breaking around the same time as the AFLD announced “incongruous substances” found in medical equipment, which has lead to a broader investigation by French authorities. The phrase “French authorities” always makes me giggle since they seem to be more willing to make a fuss, but less willing to indict anybody than the Spanish authorities. I will give it to the Italians, CONI, at least they seem to be going after anybody when they get on the trail of somebody they think was a doper. With all that in mind, I am still pondering how to weigh harmony in cycling vs. exposing cheaters. The focus on Astana strikes me as a red herring since Bruyneel’s trade craft is so strong i find it unlikely that his team would get busted by equipment they turned over in a public waste disposal mechanism. Since AFLD’s revelation did not seem to have an immediate point, other than to embarras the UCI, i can only assume it is part of some long complicated plot being developed to catch Lance Armstrong in a lie.
Originally Published in NorCalcyclingnews.com
9.01.2009
Team Radio Shack Recruitment Transcripts Part I: The NorCal Raid
“Ben Jacques Maynes just wrote his ticket to Europe!”
~ Announcer Dave Towle during BJM’s second place finish at the Nevada City Classic.
The following was translated from a Belgian/Dutch blog http://www.wielerflits.nl/, that follows all the pro cycling trade rumors. Stage and dialogue instructions have been added since Hernando wanted to re-enact some of this at Hellyer's Friday Night Fights.
Scene: Millionaire cottage in the mountains near Aspen. We zoom in on a quiet kitchen table scene of Lance Armstrong at breakfast table drinking coffee and reading the paper while he watches several kids splash about in a pool. The pool is being monitored by girlfriend, nanny, lifeguard and two body guards. Phone rings and Lance picks up a portable phone. Its Johan Bruyneel who has a slightly Germanic accent that sounds like Friedrick the Caterpillar from “A Bugs Life.”
Johan: Lance, Lance – Its silly season – my favorite! What do we want this year for our new Team Radio Shack?
Lance (slightly annoyed): Johan – we discussed this I want the Schleck brothers.
Johan (his voice is depressed, you can tell he’s pouting) – I’m sorry Lance, no go on Scleckies… that Saxo Bastard 60 percenter Riis has them so locked up they can’t pee without his permission. Good thing too…he he he.
Lance: Dammit Johan – I told you to get me “the shit” and beside “Alberta”, the Shleck brothers are “the shit!” You sure there is nothing we can do?
Johan: Sorry my liebchen, nothing…
Lance: F-It then! Just get me some brothers… I want something that will beat that dumb-ass Luxembourg-brothers-that-love-each-other story!
Johan: Hmm… what about the Feillu brothers… they are so cute!
Lance: What? Are you joking me? What would we do with a couple of French dudes…. Jesus Johan – why don’t you strive for a little more mediocrity. I’m Lance Armstrong – I mock the French, I taunt the French, I tease the French – I take money out of France, I don’t send it back in. Remember Cofidis? Remember L’Equipe? Remember Pruddy? The only good thing about France is Hinault, and that’s only cause that redneck snail eater still makes LeMond so freaking crazy its worth his backwater ramblings. I’ll just pretend you never mentioned the Fillis brothers.
Johan: Fei-LU brothers… its has a nice ring!
Lance: Drop it Johan…
Johan: Well… there is the Jacque Maynes brothers…
Lance: Jesus – I just said no French!
Johan: No, No Lance – He’s the boy that rode with you and Levi at Nevada city! You don’t remember?
Lance: Johan – I meet about 100 people a day, I’m a busy guy, every body wants a piece of me. I don’t even know my kids birthdays…I have to pay an assistant to twitter that kind of stuff for me, I don’t delve into those details unless I have to… what was his name again?
Johan: Ben Jacque Maynes – he’s very nice, has a cute little family, very nice legs (I keep reading about them in Norcalcyclingnews.com) and he can time trial… and best of all… he has a twin brother…Andy – they ride on the same team now.
Lance: Are you shitting me - twins? That would definitely get some ink next year. It would be like Playboy Special Edition but with our team in it! Get him on the phone – I want to talk. Wish I could remember what he looked like. Send me a file on him and set up the interview.
Johan: Will do Lancey boy!
Lance: And Johan – Make sure they aren’t French – I don’t want another cluster f@#$ like Astana.
Scene: Best Western Landmark Inn, one block form Tanger Outlet Center. Simple American style hotel room. TV is on. Ben is lying in bed, Andy still has his kit on and Paul Mach is lying in the other bed with just his shorts on. They looked exhausted and each has a can of beer in his hand staring at the TV blankly. The phone rings and Paul answers.
Lance: I’m looking to get in touch with Ben Jacques Maynes – he there?
Paul: Yep, hold on a sec [puts hand over mouth of phone] Ben – its for you, sounds like the press again. [Turns to Andy and makes a face to indicate what a good joke that was.]
Ben: Hello – This is Ben.
Lance: Ben – this is going to sound weird. I just got the number of your director from Jim Ochweisz who put me in touch with your hotel. Now I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to hang up on me. This is Lance Armstrong and I’d like to talk to you about riding for Team Radio Shack
[Ben – looks blankly at the TV. There is a quiet pause. Ben gently hangs up the phone. Flash to Lance in his Aspen cottage. He’s getting dressed in a tux while talking on his mobile phone headset.]
Lance: Dammit – this always happens.
[Lance furiously dials the phone.]
Lance: Yells into the phone. OCH! Get this Jacque Maynes kid to call me and make sure he’ knows this isn’t a joke! [Hangs up] God damn it… I can’t call anybody without them hanging up on me. [Lance puts on cuff links and phone rings]
Lance: This is Lance, talk to me!
Ben: Hi Lance, this is Ben Jacque Maynes, I’m REALLY sorry about that. We just finished the Tour of Utah and are exhausted. I just figured it was another one of Mancebo’s practical jokes. He does the best impression of you!
Lance: No problem - happens all the time. So tell me Ben... are you friends with the Spaniard?
Ben: You mean Mancebo? I know him from around… I wouldn’t say we are friends exactly, he doesn’t speak a lot of English to be honest.
Lance: Hmm… let me ask you something. Could you learn to hate him?
Ben: I… uh… not sure what you mean.
Lance: Lets just make this a hypothetical question and take personalities out of the mix… lets say there was a Spanish rider, and the team asked you to hate him would you do that?
Ben: Well… “hate” is not really my style. I’m a NorCal guy at heart… peace, love, summer of 69 and all that. I grew up in Berkeley, hippie central, we don’t do a lot of “hate” per say.
Lance: Let’s just say… this individual… doesn’t have to be Spanish, I was just picking that out of thin air… let’s just say this individual took every thing you hold dear… like say your bike, your job, cheated your out of prize money, race glory and so on. Could you learn to hate him?
Ben: [Long pause] Sure – I mean if this person took my livelihood sure I would definitely not like them.
Lance: So does “not like” mean the same thing as “hate” to you?
Ben: I suppose so; it seems a bit extreme though…
Lance: [cutting him off] Ok – that’s good enough. So lets see here… my file says you are a college man too… hmm… never went to college myself, learn anything good there?
Ben: Definitely – I went back to school after turning pro – it was a great experience.
Lance: Well – doesn’t hurt to have a few college kids around, I mean Taylor was okay for a while till all that Tugboat/I Believe crap. Let me ask you this… Do you have a Twitter account?
Ben: I do, don’t use it much though.
Lance: I’m thinking I might require all Team Radio Shack Riders to post five times a day. Think you can handle that? We’d all get together after rides and races and do our updates… its great publicity and team bonding. Think you can handle that?
Ben: I don’t see that being an issue – don’t you run out of things to post?
Lance: Nah – just put up stuff like – “Listening to Mandy Moore – Awesome” or “Time to call my good friend Mary Kate O.” makes people think you’re just like them. Anyway…was that your brother on the phone? I’d like to talk to him if I could.
Ben: No that was Paul Mach – another rider on my team.
Lance: He your roommate?
Ben: Yeah – so is Andy – we are three to a room here.
Lance: How does that work?
Ben: [slight pause - embarrassment creeping into his voice] Well – I share a bed with Andy and Paul gets his own.
Lance: No shit, you share a bed? Aren’t you one of the team leaders?
Ben: Domestic budgets
Lance: Not shit… we got to get you out here – dude – we have beds on the busses and I fly in a jet! Get – It – On!
Ben: Nice!
Lance: Paul Mach – what a great name - he any good?
Ben: Sure is – he’s have a great season – he’s from Seattle and been riding pro since dominating the NorCal/Collegiate scene last few years.
Lance: Put him on…
[Flash back to hotel room. Andy and Paul are both crowded around the phone – soon as paul hears this he snatches the phone away from Ben]
Paul: Hi Lance, this is Paul.
Lance: I’ll get straight to the point. I’m putting the twins on my team. I don’t have much time for American riders – they don’t know how to suffer like the Belgians or Russians but… I like to have some friends around and you have an awesome last name.
[Paul scrunches up his eyebrows in confusion]
Paul: Thanks Lance
Lance: Just think of it… “Mach Speed” or “Mach One” - if you’re any good Nike would kill for this. I’m willing to take a gamble ‘cause I love those twins so much – I’m going to offer you a ride on Team Radio Shack but you have to answer me one question first… You any good?
Paul: [confidence in his voice] I won Mount Hoot Stage Race this year, so yeah… I’m good.
Lance: I have no idea what that is…but I like your attitude. Okay… tell those twins I’m sending over the papers for you three. Buckle in…it’s about to get EURO-PE-AN!
End of Team Radio Shack Recruitment Transcripts: The NorCal Raid
Part II: The NorCal Raid Continues as Team Radio Shack takes aim at BMC
Ed. Note: This post by no means reflects the opinions or NorCalCycling News or its sponsors. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Originally published in Norcalcyclingnews.com
~ Announcer Dave Towle during BJM’s second place finish at the Nevada City Classic.
The following was translated from a Belgian/Dutch blog http://www.wielerflits.nl/, that follows all the pro cycling trade rumors. Stage and dialogue instructions have been added since Hernando wanted to re-enact some of this at Hellyer's Friday Night Fights.
Scene: Millionaire cottage in the mountains near Aspen. We zoom in on a quiet kitchen table scene of Lance Armstrong at breakfast table drinking coffee and reading the paper while he watches several kids splash about in a pool. The pool is being monitored by girlfriend, nanny, lifeguard and two body guards. Phone rings and Lance picks up a portable phone. Its Johan Bruyneel who has a slightly Germanic accent that sounds like Friedrick the Caterpillar from “A Bugs Life.”
Johan: Lance, Lance – Its silly season – my favorite! What do we want this year for our new Team Radio Shack?
Lance (slightly annoyed): Johan – we discussed this I want the Schleck brothers.
Johan (his voice is depressed, you can tell he’s pouting) – I’m sorry Lance, no go on Scleckies… that Saxo Bastard 60 percenter Riis has them so locked up they can’t pee without his permission. Good thing too…he he he.
Lance: Dammit Johan – I told you to get me “the shit” and beside “Alberta”, the Shleck brothers are “the shit!” You sure there is nothing we can do?
Johan: Sorry my liebchen, nothing…
Lance: F-It then! Just get me some brothers… I want something that will beat that dumb-ass Luxembourg-brothers-that-love-each-other story!
Johan: Hmm… what about the Feillu brothers… they are so cute!
Lance: What? Are you joking me? What would we do with a couple of French dudes…. Jesus Johan – why don’t you strive for a little more mediocrity. I’m Lance Armstrong – I mock the French, I taunt the French, I tease the French – I take money out of France, I don’t send it back in. Remember Cofidis? Remember L’Equipe? Remember Pruddy? The only good thing about France is Hinault, and that’s only cause that redneck snail eater still makes LeMond so freaking crazy its worth his backwater ramblings. I’ll just pretend you never mentioned the Fillis brothers.
Johan: Fei-LU brothers… its has a nice ring!
Lance: Drop it Johan…
Johan: Well… there is the Jacque Maynes brothers…
Lance: Jesus – I just said no French!
Johan: No, No Lance – He’s the boy that rode with you and Levi at Nevada city! You don’t remember?
Lance: Johan – I meet about 100 people a day, I’m a busy guy, every body wants a piece of me. I don’t even know my kids birthdays…I have to pay an assistant to twitter that kind of stuff for me, I don’t delve into those details unless I have to… what was his name again?
Johan: Ben Jacque Maynes – he’s very nice, has a cute little family, very nice legs (I keep reading about them in Norcalcyclingnews.com) and he can time trial… and best of all… he has a twin brother…Andy – they ride on the same team now.
Lance: Are you shitting me - twins? That would definitely get some ink next year. It would be like Playboy Special Edition but with our team in it! Get him on the phone – I want to talk. Wish I could remember what he looked like. Send me a file on him and set up the interview.
Johan: Will do Lancey boy!
Lance: And Johan – Make sure they aren’t French – I don’t want another cluster f@#$ like Astana.
Scene: Best Western Landmark Inn, one block form Tanger Outlet Center. Simple American style hotel room. TV is on. Ben is lying in bed, Andy still has his kit on and Paul Mach is lying in the other bed with just his shorts on. They looked exhausted and each has a can of beer in his hand staring at the TV blankly. The phone rings and Paul answers.
Lance: I’m looking to get in touch with Ben Jacques Maynes – he there?
Paul: Yep, hold on a sec [puts hand over mouth of phone] Ben – its for you, sounds like the press again. [Turns to Andy and makes a face to indicate what a good joke that was.]
Ben: Hello – This is Ben.
Lance: Ben – this is going to sound weird. I just got the number of your director from Jim Ochweisz who put me in touch with your hotel. Now I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to hang up on me. This is Lance Armstrong and I’d like to talk to you about riding for Team Radio Shack
[Ben – looks blankly at the TV. There is a quiet pause. Ben gently hangs up the phone. Flash to Lance in his Aspen cottage. He’s getting dressed in a tux while talking on his mobile phone headset.]
Lance: Dammit – this always happens.
[Lance furiously dials the phone.]
Lance: Yells into the phone. OCH! Get this Jacque Maynes kid to call me and make sure he’ knows this isn’t a joke! [Hangs up] God damn it… I can’t call anybody without them hanging up on me. [Lance puts on cuff links and phone rings]
Lance: This is Lance, talk to me!
Ben: Hi Lance, this is Ben Jacque Maynes, I’m REALLY sorry about that. We just finished the Tour of Utah and are exhausted. I just figured it was another one of Mancebo’s practical jokes. He does the best impression of you!
Lance: No problem - happens all the time. So tell me Ben... are you friends with the Spaniard?
Ben: You mean Mancebo? I know him from around… I wouldn’t say we are friends exactly, he doesn’t speak a lot of English to be honest.
Lance: Hmm… let me ask you something. Could you learn to hate him?
Ben: I… uh… not sure what you mean.
Lance: Lets just make this a hypothetical question and take personalities out of the mix… lets say there was a Spanish rider, and the team asked you to hate him would you do that?
Ben: Well… “hate” is not really my style. I’m a NorCal guy at heart… peace, love, summer of 69 and all that. I grew up in Berkeley, hippie central, we don’t do a lot of “hate” per say.
Lance: Let’s just say… this individual… doesn’t have to be Spanish, I was just picking that out of thin air… let’s just say this individual took every thing you hold dear… like say your bike, your job, cheated your out of prize money, race glory and so on. Could you learn to hate him?
Ben: [Long pause] Sure – I mean if this person took my livelihood sure I would definitely not like them.
Lance: So does “not like” mean the same thing as “hate” to you?
Ben: I suppose so; it seems a bit extreme though…
Lance: [cutting him off] Ok – that’s good enough. So lets see here… my file says you are a college man too… hmm… never went to college myself, learn anything good there?
Ben: Definitely – I went back to school after turning pro – it was a great experience.
Lance: Well – doesn’t hurt to have a few college kids around, I mean Taylor was okay for a while till all that Tugboat/I Believe crap. Let me ask you this… Do you have a Twitter account?
Ben: I do, don’t use it much though.
Lance: I’m thinking I might require all Team Radio Shack Riders to post five times a day. Think you can handle that? We’d all get together after rides and races and do our updates… its great publicity and team bonding. Think you can handle that?
Ben: I don’t see that being an issue – don’t you run out of things to post?
Lance: Nah – just put up stuff like – “Listening to Mandy Moore – Awesome” or “Time to call my good friend Mary Kate O.” makes people think you’re just like them. Anyway…was that your brother on the phone? I’d like to talk to him if I could.
Ben: No that was Paul Mach – another rider on my team.
Lance: He your roommate?
Ben: Yeah – so is Andy – we are three to a room here.
Lance: How does that work?
Ben: [slight pause - embarrassment creeping into his voice] Well – I share a bed with Andy and Paul gets his own.
Lance: No shit, you share a bed? Aren’t you one of the team leaders?
Ben: Domestic budgets
Lance: Not shit… we got to get you out here – dude – we have beds on the busses and I fly in a jet! Get – It – On!
Ben: Nice!
Lance: Paul Mach – what a great name - he any good?
Ben: Sure is – he’s have a great season – he’s from Seattle and been riding pro since dominating the NorCal/Collegiate scene last few years.
Lance: Put him on…
[Flash back to hotel room. Andy and Paul are both crowded around the phone – soon as paul hears this he snatches the phone away from Ben]
Paul: Hi Lance, this is Paul.
Lance: I’ll get straight to the point. I’m putting the twins on my team. I don’t have much time for American riders – they don’t know how to suffer like the Belgians or Russians but… I like to have some friends around and you have an awesome last name.
[Paul scrunches up his eyebrows in confusion]
Paul: Thanks Lance
Lance: Just think of it… “Mach Speed” or “Mach One” - if you’re any good Nike would kill for this. I’m willing to take a gamble ‘cause I love those twins so much – I’m going to offer you a ride on Team Radio Shack but you have to answer me one question first… You any good?
Paul: [confidence in his voice] I won Mount Hoot Stage Race this year, so yeah… I’m good.
Lance: I have no idea what that is…but I like your attitude. Okay… tell those twins I’m sending over the papers for you three. Buckle in…it’s about to get EURO-PE-AN!
End of Team Radio Shack Recruitment Transcripts: The NorCal Raid
Part II: The NorCal Raid Continues as Team Radio Shack takes aim at BMC
Ed. Note: This post by no means reflects the opinions or NorCalCycling News or its sponsors. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Originally published in Norcalcyclingnews.com
8.15.2009
Cross Check
REMINDER: USE #CALCUP OR #HELLYER TAG FOR POSTING NORCAL RESULTS
Even though I promote the track i actually like to race cross. I dunno why - the season is short, the races are closer, the weather is sunny and temperate - with a dash of mud, each race series (and race) has a different character ( i love the Surf City Halloween Psycho Cross and Pilarcitos races) - and the Belgian races are great internet TV. Rumor is DJ Snead has started to show up for some local crits which signifies the start of cross season training. NorCal is one of three official “Cyclocross Centers of Excellence” in the United States right next to Portland/Seattle corridor and New England. The NorCal scene is like Switzerland - we are so good we don’t need to join the European Union. Anyways…. August and September are clinic time…here are a few that I’ve seen coming across my desk.
Velo Girls Bike Skills 103 September 26 - LLL always gets a turn out and is beginner friendly. The class is going to be taught by John Funke who is threatening to retire. Funke has been talking retirement for the last year at least… i think everybody just needs to show up with “John 3:16″ signs to show him some love and cure what ails him my miracle if need be. We can’t lose a guy with that kind of passion to the Pro Bowling Tour.
Sterling Sports Group has a camp and a training series going in September. Matt’s pretty intense, and well versed in training details, so this is a good one for the information- hungry-engineering types. He’s even got a webinar scheduled for 8/27… Go Internet Man!
Clark Natwick - The master, the myth, the man who brought it all home to NorCal has a few clinic’s rolling. Clinic dates are 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12. Click here for more details. Clark Natwick Coaching. For those that don’t know Clark was an early US Cross Champ… for some reason i get stoked seeing he’s teaching locals. Its like the gods have descended from mount olympus and started handing out magic spears or something. Any-hooters - YEA CLARK!
The Alto Velo leprechauns usually hold a few early season low key clinics. Right now they are planning their get togethers for September 10 @ Byxbee Park, and September 24 @Arastraderro. 6 PM start time…and that’s loose. Keep an eye on the Webcor/Alto Velo email list serve for details.
During the season there are a couple of options. Las year Roaring Mouse put on some clinics for racers before Pilarcito’s Bay Area Prestige races and Velo Bella does a star studded clinic before the psych cross. Shoot them some emails and let them know you are interested early on.
Livermore Series - Even though its not a clinic Shane Huntoon’s Livermore series is a great way to start racing cross since they get rolling on early September 5th. Cool courses and kids under six race make this a great family event. Nothing says family like cross!
I’m missing all the good stuff going on in the East Bay, Marin,Sacramento and other cool NorCal spots but i don’t think they have put up any announcements yet. I don’t know if it is in NorCal but I’m sure Rodney Cox will be doing a cross race every other day out in Chico - that man is a one man wrecking machine! I want to go there just to see if those races are real or some kind of Facebook joke. Put up anything i’m missing in the comments section…
Even though I promote the track i actually like to race cross. I dunno why - the season is short, the races are closer, the weather is sunny and temperate - with a dash of mud, each race series (and race) has a different character ( i love the Surf City Halloween Psycho Cross and Pilarcitos races) - and the Belgian races are great internet TV. Rumor is DJ Snead has started to show up for some local crits which signifies the start of cross season training. NorCal is one of three official “Cyclocross Centers of Excellence” in the United States right next to Portland/Seattle corridor and New England. The NorCal scene is like Switzerland - we are so good we don’t need to join the European Union. Anyways…. August and September are clinic time…here are a few that I’ve seen coming across my desk.
Velo Girls Bike Skills 103 September 26 - LLL always gets a turn out and is beginner friendly. The class is going to be taught by John Funke who is threatening to retire. Funke has been talking retirement for the last year at least… i think everybody just needs to show up with “John 3:16″ signs to show him some love and cure what ails him my miracle if need be. We can’t lose a guy with that kind of passion to the Pro Bowling Tour.
Sterling Sports Group has a camp and a training series going in September. Matt’s pretty intense, and well versed in training details, so this is a good one for the information- hungry-engineering types. He’s even got a webinar scheduled for 8/27… Go Internet Man!
Clark Natwick - The master, the myth, the man who brought it all home to NorCal has a few clinic’s rolling. Clinic dates are 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12. Click here for more details. Clark Natwick Coaching. For those that don’t know Clark was an early US Cross Champ… for some reason i get stoked seeing he’s teaching locals. Its like the gods have descended from mount olympus and started handing out magic spears or something. Any-hooters - YEA CLARK!
The Alto Velo leprechauns usually hold a few early season low key clinics. Right now they are planning their get togethers for September 10 @ Byxbee Park, and September 24 @Arastraderro. 6 PM start time…and that’s loose. Keep an eye on the Webcor/Alto Velo email list serve for details.
During the season there are a couple of options. Las year Roaring Mouse put on some clinics for racers before Pilarcito’s Bay Area Prestige races and Velo Bella does a star studded clinic before the psych cross. Shoot them some emails and let them know you are interested early on.
Livermore Series - Even though its not a clinic Shane Huntoon’s Livermore series is a great way to start racing cross since they get rolling on early September 5th. Cool courses and kids under six race make this a great family event. Nothing says family like cross!
I’m missing all the good stuff going on in the East Bay, Marin,Sacramento and other cool NorCal spots but i don’t think they have put up any announcements yet. I don’t know if it is in NorCal but I’m sure Rodney Cox will be doing a cross race every other day out in Chico - that man is a one man wrecking machine! I want to go there just to see if those races are real or some kind of Facebook joke. Put up anything i’m missing in the comments section…
8.14.2009
Pretty In Pink
I feel like Hernando’s off topic posts were kind of hit and miss. Not a fan of the political ones, mostly cause I can’t stand Naomi Klein - but i have a good long reason for that which you can ask me about next time you see me, but the more poetry type stuff works out some times. Here is a rambling ode the the style of hernando… and I will try to fit in some mentions for tonights’ big party at the track. Tonight at Hellyer Velodrome Hernando, Velo Girls, and La Dolce Vita are putting on the big party that are Friday Night Fights. It’d filled with beer, racing, food and costumes. The costume theme is new this year… not sure how it got started but Hernado usually gets all decked out as do a bunch of spectators and racers. Its like “The Rockey Horror Bike Show” Because of Velo Girls propensity to include pink in all ensembles and the recent passing of John Hughs this week was tagged “Pretty In Pink” where folks should either be:
1. Wearing pink
2. Wearing your best 80’s ensemble.
For me John Hughes movies and cycling are inextricably linked. Greg LeMond and Molly Ringwald both came to prominence at the same time and forever left a dent in my psyche. John Hughes understood the outsider and the feeling you get as a teenager that you can never quite belong.
Cycling in the 80’s had the same feel as the up and coming outsider sport. Lance was still a baby triathlete then and the prickly LeMond never quite connected with the US audience the way Lance would. Like Hughes cast in “The Breakfast Club” cyclists were a weird mix of athletes, nerds, and freds who would come together once a week for a club time trial on some deserted country road. In cycling we found, and continue to find a community of people we can relate to despite all of our social shortcomings..which cyclists seem to have in abundance. I’m sure some of your are normal but you still hammer yourself several months a year, and feel guilty if you don’t, for your job thats not really a job. My point being something ain’t right freak!
We may not always like each other but we have a common language, understanding, and respect for what each accomplishes in our clique. Events like the AVC, Friday Night Fights, Bay Area Prestige CX races, San Francisco Twilight, and San Rafael Twilight Crit bring us together to race, talk bikes, family and everything else in order connect in the most normal environment cyclists can manage.
If you are reading this you are in this crowd no matter what. Come out to party and race with us tonight.. and wear some pink leg warmers if you got em.
Originally published in NorCalcyclingnews.com with photos and links!
1. Wearing pink
2. Wearing your best 80’s ensemble.
For me John Hughes movies and cycling are inextricably linked. Greg LeMond and Molly Ringwald both came to prominence at the same time and forever left a dent in my psyche. John Hughes understood the outsider and the feeling you get as a teenager that you can never quite belong.
Cycling in the 80’s had the same feel as the up and coming outsider sport. Lance was still a baby triathlete then and the prickly LeMond never quite connected with the US audience the way Lance would. Like Hughes cast in “The Breakfast Club” cyclists were a weird mix of athletes, nerds, and freds who would come together once a week for a club time trial on some deserted country road. In cycling we found, and continue to find a community of people we can relate to despite all of our social shortcomings..which cyclists seem to have in abundance. I’m sure some of your are normal but you still hammer yourself several months a year, and feel guilty if you don’t, for your job thats not really a job. My point being something ain’t right freak!
We may not always like each other but we have a common language, understanding, and respect for what each accomplishes in our clique. Events like the AVC, Friday Night Fights, Bay Area Prestige CX races, San Francisco Twilight, and San Rafael Twilight Crit bring us together to race, talk bikes, family and everything else in order connect in the most normal environment cyclists can manage.
If you are reading this you are in this crowd no matter what. Come out to party and race with us tonight.. and wear some pink leg warmers if you got em.
Originally published in NorCalcyclingnews.com with photos and links!
8.11.2009
Primal Wear Inspiration
I was driving my way down Foothill today and I saw two guys in Primal Wear jerseys standing by the side of the road. I figured it was a flat but when i got closer one guy was looking awkwardly in the distance while his skinnier partner puked his guts out on the side of the road. Hell Yeah Bike Dorks - That is one hard a#$ mother-F^@#!%! I bet he got back on his bike and rode home to his big house in Los Altos Hills right after! If those dudes can get it together for a vomit inducing Tuesday morning ride I can at least try to post once a day till i’m out on vacation next week!
Track is top of mind since its Tuesday and all… Plus this Friday is a big track party so you all need some warming up.
TONITE 8/11 - WOMEN’S RACES + MEN’S MADISON TRAINING. If you want to give people a test to ride crits better make them pass a Madison test administered by none other than Hernando. This will solve all those Cat 3 crash issues you folks were emailing about last week…for real folks…a madison test! Dumbldore kinda genius right?
TOMORROW 8/12 Points Race, Scratch, Miss & Out, Points Race - Your “tired”, your “over trained”, your thinking next year is the time you will really dial it up and train 20 hours a week. It has been a long season and you are feeling like the best part of your summer, and your race season has passed you by. You know what… it is time for you to have some fun down at the track. I like Wednesday races because they are quick, short, and i can hang out with my friends on the tarmac. Its just the thing you need to get your passion back.
FRDAY 8/14 FRIDAY NITE FIGHTS - I dunno what Michael calls these races, I keep calling them Friday Nite Fights cause i like the similarly named show, but this is the monthly party night at the track. DJ, Drinks, Food and Lot’s-O-Track Racing are coming to Hellyer Velodrome this Friday night. Its not quite the “Matrix Style” Rave that will happen on September 18th but La Dolce Velo and VeloGirls put on a killer party as we saw from last years event. I’m not saying they can’t make it happen (cause if LLL puts the call out to her hoard of VG’s there is no telling what might shake out) …i’m just thinking all the road nerds (yeah i’m talking about you non-track-riding-skinny-folks beating each other up over the #CalCup) won’t be willing to get nutty till their “season” is over in September. Prove me wrong and shake the dust off your skin suits folks and give Hellyer some love.
9/12 - International Style Omnium Come get spanked by Beth - looks like she’s going fo sho!
9/18 - FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS BLOW OUT EVENT- Even though there are more races this is usually the last big PAR-TAY. No excuses…come get nuts, and race if you must. San Jose Bike Club will batten down the hatches for the storm that inevitably comes.
Track is top of mind since its Tuesday and all… Plus this Friday is a big track party so you all need some warming up.
TONITE 8/11 - WOMEN’S RACES + MEN’S MADISON TRAINING. If you want to give people a test to ride crits better make them pass a Madison test administered by none other than Hernando. This will solve all those Cat 3 crash issues you folks were emailing about last week…for real folks…a madison test! Dumbldore kinda genius right?
TOMORROW 8/12 Points Race, Scratch, Miss & Out, Points Race - Your “tired”, your “over trained”, your thinking next year is the time you will really dial it up and train 20 hours a week. It has been a long season and you are feeling like the best part of your summer, and your race season has passed you by. You know what… it is time for you to have some fun down at the track. I like Wednesday races because they are quick, short, and i can hang out with my friends on the tarmac. Its just the thing you need to get your passion back.
FRDAY 8/14 FRIDAY NITE FIGHTS - I dunno what Michael calls these races, I keep calling them Friday Nite Fights cause i like the similarly named show, but this is the monthly party night at the track. DJ, Drinks, Food and Lot’s-O-Track Racing are coming to Hellyer Velodrome this Friday night. Its not quite the “Matrix Style” Rave that will happen on September 18th but La Dolce Velo and VeloGirls put on a killer party as we saw from last years event. I’m not saying they can’t make it happen (cause if LLL puts the call out to her hoard of VG’s there is no telling what might shake out) …i’m just thinking all the road nerds (yeah i’m talking about you non-track-riding-skinny-folks beating each other up over the #CalCup) won’t be willing to get nutty till their “season” is over in September. Prove me wrong and shake the dust off your skin suits folks and give Hellyer some love.
9/12 - International Style Omnium Come get spanked by Beth - looks like she’s going fo sho!
9/18 - FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS BLOW OUT EVENT- Even though there are more races this is usually the last big PAR-TAY. No excuses…come get nuts, and race if you must. San Jose Bike Club will batten down the hatches for the storm that inevitably comes.
10.10.2008
Time for A Reshuffle
Like many of us hardcore cycling fans i met the news of Lance's return with a big yawn and skepticism. No matter how i look at it though i know it will increase American interest, and hence TV coverage of my favorite sport so it will only benefit me. If he win's its kind of cool, if he loses i get a good dose of schadenfreude. Regardless.... all the expected things happened, half fans got all excited, Leblanc got all huffy, and Dick Pound said something asinine.
Some interesting things happened below the surface which provide a glimmer of hope to some events that could change cycling...
1. Screw the ASO and TDF, turn your back on them and all they stand for - leave that to Contador
2. Go race the Giro - there are a tone of reasons to do this
Some interesting things happened below the surface which provide a glimmer of hope to some events that could change cycling...
- Armstrong bought into SRAM, who are sponsoring ASTANA. The profit he would bring to another kick at the can is obvious
- Rumors started circulating that Armstrong might buy the ASO with a bunch of old UCI cronies
- The Giro officially invited Armstrong and team to come ride the Giro, a big change from their 2007 greeting by the major tours.
1. Screw the ASO and TDF, turn your back on them and all they stand for - leave that to Contador
2. Go race the Giro - there are a tone of reasons to do this
- Before Lemond/Indurain/Armstrong the Giro was on par in prestige with Le Tour. that only faded when they failed to capitalize on American interest through TV coverage etc.
- The Giro's testing policy is way more lax - less positives, less negative press. Let's not pretend cycling was better before testing started. I want it clean but how the hell is that going to happen when Premiere League Soccer, NFL, NBA, and MLB are so ridiculous with drugs that its pointless to try and keep it squeaky
- Italians love Armstrong - mostly cause he's brash and emotional i suppose
- First get all the good teams in there. The race has the drama and a great location but needs some business sense. Get rid of those goofy second rate italian teams like Merco-Italia-Sella-Bucco. The Giro's former luster was almost restored when the UCI demanded that all the Pro-Tour must attend all three grand tours. Prior to that it was lapsing into second rate regional race only won by doped up italians who couldn't win a real tour if it hit them in the face.
- Replace Le Tour with Giro d'Italia. Lance gets the value of the brand. His focus on Le Tour was a great choice, cause it was the only race most Americans new or cared about. Then look at how he's managed Livestrong and personal brand into positions of companies that he can effect with his race results. That said the Armstrong brand is so high he can make it a game changer. Where he goes crowds follow. Who is going to care about Le Tour if the only American is going to get 5th! We want to watch a winner... and there is no better place to do it than Italy.
9.28.2008
7.26.2008
Training with Family
Originally published in Cyclocross Magazine circa 2008
I know your story. You used to race or just started… you have a $600,000 mortgage, you spend too much time at work, you just had a baby, and your spouse never signed on for all this cycling stuff when you got married three years ago. Don’t worry though cause I got all the answers right here. These are well worn methods to help you keep it all balanced and try to squeak out a top ten placing in your favorite cross series.
1. Get the Family On Board: Without the support of your spouse, children, and family pets you are not going to get very far. The best thing you can do is make sure your spouse knows how important this sport is. The best description I’ve heard about cycling came from a friend. “It’s not a hobby, its not a job, it’s a vocation.” Start there and work your way down to begging. Half the following tips relate to easing the burden on family life.
2. Consistency is King: The hardest part for juggling family, career and cycling is consistent training. Give up on the dream of getting in those 12 hour training weeks. I know there are super organized A types out there who can manage that but that’s a select few and hard to maintain for a long time so don’t feel that’s the solution. Realistically you likely only have 4 hours during the week and maybe 3 hours on the weekend to train. Be consistent about getting out every day even if it means you take a haircut some days and only get an hour in. Over time you’ll get the routine down and the hours will add up. Most importantly don’t feel bad about only riding a few hours a week – Stuart Smiley put it best “As we say in program: progress, not perfection.”
3. Train with a Power Meter: I originally got a PowerTap purely out of peer pressure. Everybody I knew was using one so I splurged and got me a wireless yeller handlebar unit. I had a vague notion of how it could help me manage my time better but it didn’t pan out quite like I expected. One of the challenges of the family bound cyclist is that no matter what you can’t race as much. The PowerTap helped me track my progress without racing every weekend. It also provided a great way to measure progress year over year once you combine it with the available software like TrainingPeaks.
4. The Long Ride: I spent all this time telling you to do more with less. Here is the flip side. If you can get in one long endurance ride (consistently remember!) during the week or weekend it will help maintain your engine during the short intense work outs, training races, or what ever you might be doing to prepare for your races. I found that on weekends my training rides were allotted to about two hours per day. My work schedule was flexible enough where I could take 8:30 to 12 go on a long hilly group ride every Wednesday. I had to stay later on those days but it helped me maintain sanity both at work and through out the rest of the week if I couldn’t get out for a ride.
5. Minimize Travel: Every couple has a different temperature gauge on what is acceptable so I can only speak from experience on this one. If a race is more than an hour away I don’t go because it puts me too deep in the hole with my spouse. I suggest that if you are racing with family stay as close to home as possible so you can fully enjoy the experience at the race and not feel too rushed.
6. Tight Race Day Time Management: Get your race day routine dialed in. Equipment, nutrition, warm up, parking, and exit should all be set up and ready to execute the night before your race. Hang out with the family before you leave, I suggest a nice breakfast, and make sure you don’t loiter and miss the ETA set by you and your significant other. Spouse management is half the battle and will help if and when you ask for more training time!
7. The Race Day Swap: It is entirely possible to coordinate with another parent to take your children to an event and do a swap so that you each get a race in. This creates some good will at home and gets the little ones involved but it also requires a lot of planning. Bring snacks, bring toys, and bring a portable DVD player of video iPod. The hardest part of the plan is getting in a good warm up. The crucial factor is to make sure your races are not back to back so that you get in some time on the bike before your race.
8. Bring the Family Circus: Bringing the whole family is doable for 1 or 2 races so use it wisely. I get the family out for the two big ones one of which is in Golden Gate park and we got out after and see some of the sights in San Francisco. The other race I take the family too is a blow out party with a tent, snacks, drinks and all the trimmings. What ever you take them too it should either be a great location (hence Golden Gate Park) or a great party that they will have lots of fun at. Taking your family to a field with no people and a bunch of racers will earn you no respect when they try to picture what you do every weekend.
9. Race in a Block: Just like the pro’s train in blocks you should race in set periods of time. Cross season (October- Early December) is great because it lasts about 10 weeks and most races are part of a series that lasts 3-6 races. This works out great for the family racer since a 5-6 race series is enough racing to keep you motivated and more than enough for your body to handle. I find after six cross races, and the usual stress of juggling training, work and famil I’m ready for a break and I hang up my racing bike until next season. The shorter focused race season provides the intensity I am looking for and makes my significant other feel like my life doesn’t revolve around cycling (even though it does a little bit.)
10. Don’t Judge A Race by Your Result: Discouragement about results is the family racers worst enemy. Too many times I have had to beat the “why do I bother” thought out of my psyche after finishing 22nd instead of 10th. Getting bummed out because you aren’t finishing where you want too is inevitable unless you are winning every weekend. I’ve met only a few nearly pro’s who have been able to juggle family and racing and perform to their potential. Consequently they have often prioritized family and cycling before career and make their lives work well. If that’s not you then look for incremental gains after each event with an eye on the big picture. Cycling, especially cyclocross is about the war not the battle. It can take years to dial in training, fitness, and technique so being consistent from race to race and year over year will help you get to where you want to be in results. Patience is a key factor if results are important to you but they will come
Bonus Tip: Getting family involved in racing is the family racers dream but let them (kids and spouse) come to you. I pushed my girlfiend, who is now my wife, and is a very strong cyclist to try a race. My wife is very competitive and overcooked a corner her first lap, I figured she’d be happy finishing not competing, and broke her arm. Since then getting her to try a race has been impossible. The moral of the story is… let them come to you after they see how much fun it is.
Training with a family requires creativity and stronger desire to participate than perform. If you have the desire and belief that showing up is half the battle then you can race into your golden years with the support of the folks you love the most. Unless you have some seriously good genes these tips are not going to win you any championships but it should get you close enough to the front of the race that when you come home and tell your family you got a top 15 they don’t spit in your face.
I know your story. You used to race or just started… you have a $600,000 mortgage, you spend too much time at work, you just had a baby, and your spouse never signed on for all this cycling stuff when you got married three years ago. Don’t worry though cause I got all the answers right here. These are well worn methods to help you keep it all balanced and try to squeak out a top ten placing in your favorite cross series.
1. Get the Family On Board: Without the support of your spouse, children, and family pets you are not going to get very far. The best thing you can do is make sure your spouse knows how important this sport is. The best description I’ve heard about cycling came from a friend. “It’s not a hobby, its not a job, it’s a vocation.” Start there and work your way down to begging. Half the following tips relate to easing the burden on family life.
2. Consistency is King: The hardest part for juggling family, career and cycling is consistent training. Give up on the dream of getting in those 12 hour training weeks. I know there are super organized A types out there who can manage that but that’s a select few and hard to maintain for a long time so don’t feel that’s the solution. Realistically you likely only have 4 hours during the week and maybe 3 hours on the weekend to train. Be consistent about getting out every day even if it means you take a haircut some days and only get an hour in. Over time you’ll get the routine down and the hours will add up. Most importantly don’t feel bad about only riding a few hours a week – Stuart Smiley put it best “As we say in program: progress, not perfection.”
3. Train with a Power Meter: I originally got a PowerTap purely out of peer pressure. Everybody I knew was using one so I splurged and got me a wireless yeller handlebar unit. I had a vague notion of how it could help me manage my time better but it didn’t pan out quite like I expected. One of the challenges of the family bound cyclist is that no matter what you can’t race as much. The PowerTap helped me track my progress without racing every weekend. It also provided a great way to measure progress year over year once you combine it with the available software like TrainingPeaks.
4. The Long Ride: I spent all this time telling you to do more with less. Here is the flip side. If you can get in one long endurance ride (consistently remember!) during the week or weekend it will help maintain your engine during the short intense work outs, training races, or what ever you might be doing to prepare for your races. I found that on weekends my training rides were allotted to about two hours per day. My work schedule was flexible enough where I could take 8:30 to 12 go on a long hilly group ride every Wednesday. I had to stay later on those days but it helped me maintain sanity both at work and through out the rest of the week if I couldn’t get out for a ride.
5. Minimize Travel: Every couple has a different temperature gauge on what is acceptable so I can only speak from experience on this one. If a race is more than an hour away I don’t go because it puts me too deep in the hole with my spouse. I suggest that if you are racing with family stay as close to home as possible so you can fully enjoy the experience at the race and not feel too rushed.
6. Tight Race Day Time Management: Get your race day routine dialed in. Equipment, nutrition, warm up, parking, and exit should all be set up and ready to execute the night before your race. Hang out with the family before you leave, I suggest a nice breakfast, and make sure you don’t loiter and miss the ETA set by you and your significant other. Spouse management is half the battle and will help if and when you ask for more training time!
7. The Race Day Swap: It is entirely possible to coordinate with another parent to take your children to an event and do a swap so that you each get a race in. This creates some good will at home and gets the little ones involved but it also requires a lot of planning. Bring snacks, bring toys, and bring a portable DVD player of video iPod. The hardest part of the plan is getting in a good warm up. The crucial factor is to make sure your races are not back to back so that you get in some time on the bike before your race.
8. Bring the Family Circus: Bringing the whole family is doable for 1 or 2 races so use it wisely. I get the family out for the two big ones one of which is in Golden Gate park and we got out after and see some of the sights in San Francisco. The other race I take the family too is a blow out party with a tent, snacks, drinks and all the trimmings. What ever you take them too it should either be a great location (hence Golden Gate Park) or a great party that they will have lots of fun at. Taking your family to a field with no people and a bunch of racers will earn you no respect when they try to picture what you do every weekend.
9. Race in a Block: Just like the pro’s train in blocks you should race in set periods of time. Cross season (October- Early December) is great because it lasts about 10 weeks and most races are part of a series that lasts 3-6 races. This works out great for the family racer since a 5-6 race series is enough racing to keep you motivated and more than enough for your body to handle. I find after six cross races, and the usual stress of juggling training, work and famil I’m ready for a break and I hang up my racing bike until next season. The shorter focused race season provides the intensity I am looking for and makes my significant other feel like my life doesn’t revolve around cycling (even though it does a little bit.)
10. Don’t Judge A Race by Your Result: Discouragement about results is the family racers worst enemy. Too many times I have had to beat the “why do I bother” thought out of my psyche after finishing 22nd instead of 10th. Getting bummed out because you aren’t finishing where you want too is inevitable unless you are winning every weekend. I’ve met only a few nearly pro’s who have been able to juggle family and racing and perform to their potential. Consequently they have often prioritized family and cycling before career and make their lives work well. If that’s not you then look for incremental gains after each event with an eye on the big picture. Cycling, especially cyclocross is about the war not the battle. It can take years to dial in training, fitness, and technique so being consistent from race to race and year over year will help you get to where you want to be in results. Patience is a key factor if results are important to you but they will come
Bonus Tip: Getting family involved in racing is the family racers dream but let them (kids and spouse) come to you. I pushed my girlfiend, who is now my wife, and is a very strong cyclist to try a race. My wife is very competitive and overcooked a corner her first lap, I figured she’d be happy finishing not competing, and broke her arm. Since then getting her to try a race has been impossible. The moral of the story is… let them come to you after they see how much fun it is.
Training with a family requires creativity and stronger desire to participate than perform. If you have the desire and belief that showing up is half the battle then you can race into your golden years with the support of the folks you love the most. Unless you have some seriously good genes these tips are not going to win you any championships but it should get you close enough to the front of the race that when you come home and tell your family you got a top 15 they don’t spit in your face.
7.06.2007
TDF '07 - Place Your Bets
Even thought it is hard to get excited i still like gambling on the TDF. My bets and odds below...
My money is going to...
My money is going to...
- Valverde ($15) - Cause he's definitely doping
- Rasmussen ($10) Long shot but possible, its not like he races in anything else
- Cadel Evans ($10) I momentarily bought into the hype, but now i think i just wasted $10.
- Levi ($10) its now or never and he looks hungry every time he's in a TT.
- Alexandre Vinokourov 7-4
- Andreas Kloden 4-1
- Andrey Kashechkin 12-1
- Cadel Evans 10-1
- Carlos Sastre 10-1
- Christophe Moreau 40-1
- Cyril Dessel 40-1
- Damiano Cunego 40-1
- Danilo Di Luca 20-1
- Denis Menchov 12-1
- Frank Schleck 12-1
- George Hincapie 40-1
- Iban Mayo 40-1
- John Gadret 40-1
- Levi Leipheimer 10-1
- Markus Fothen 40-1
- Michael Rasmussen 40-1
- Michael Rogers 20-1
- Oscar Pereiro 20-1
- Samuel Sanchez 40-1
- Tom Danielson 20-1
- Vladimir Karpets 40-1
- Yaroslav Popovych 40-1
6.19.2007
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