tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18531480528758357852024-03-05T04:35:31.775-06:00Peloton AddictA detailed account of events from a guy addicted to racing bicycles and cycling in general.THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-60595873745613879512011-11-07T17:00:00.000-06:002011-11-07T17:00:12.482-06:00Shutting DownServing notice... <br />
<br />
I'll be shutting down this 'blogspot' at the end of November and will be posting to my new blog going forward. www.700x23c.blogspot.com<br />
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Check it out! THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-45319131964896193612011-09-17T21:24:00.001-05:002011-09-18T21:42:10.651-05:00Gateway Cup 2011The Gateway Cup in St. Louis is one of the best racing series for amatuer racers in the Midwest. The competition is always strong and the races are fast, very fast. This was the second year that my family and made the trip down to St. Louis to enjoy the racing and the Labor Day weekend.<br />
<br />
The Gateway Cup consists of 4 criteriums starting on a Friday evening and running through Monday. The Friday night crit is held around Lafayette Square, an older historic neighborhood surrounding a park in the square. Saturday's crit is in another great beighborhood in which the race encompasses a large park. Sunday's race is in the Italian neighborhood and is a long but tight 4-corner course. Finally, Monday's race imore of a circuit race than a crit and runs near the Anheuser-Busch brewery.<br />
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Racing didn't go the greatest for me this year. Legs were a bust again at the end of the season. I finished the first race safely in the middle of the field. Finishing safely is the main thing as the race was very dangerous due to some horrible riding. This is not an occurance only at this race, they were all dangerous. The second race on saturday went about the same as the first and finished in the top 1/3 of the field. Sunday's race at the Giro della Montagne was the end of my racing for the weekend. Remember the statement about dangerous earlier? I was finally feeling great and was racing strong, attempting a break off the front and remaining near or on the front the majority of the race. With two laps to go coming out of turn 4 there was a massive pile-up. I was riding about 20 wheels back and accelerating hard out of the corner when a few riders went down and slide across my path. I had no where to go and one of the downed riders handlebars caught my front wheel, sending me head-over-heels onto the pavement. I bounced hard off the pavement and tucked in as the field piled up on us. When got up (slowly) looked and saw 3/4's of the field laying on the road. I was hurting pretty bad and didn't resume racing. Broke the carbon fairing of my front wheel, twisted the shifter, and broke my helmet. I didn't race the Monday race and just enjoyed the remainder of the weekend. That's racing!<br />
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Again, the Gateway Cup is a great series but it was a tough way to end the road season. Luckily, there's always next year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zDM-ZMiyyElJ-FiT4izWuV7nG2Bbo2byVzdDsxbbWIovFE4Foi_43gPXoGA2Ou8Ka6RSo327VdeCmN-a8ujySYaAzlTS-sSRujlOd18tqPMHfF8O3zrzzYh2wl6zJ0Mg5WflIFNN19C_/s1600/DSCN3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zDM-ZMiyyElJ-FiT4izWuV7nG2Bbo2byVzdDsxbbWIovFE4Foi_43gPXoGA2Ou8Ka6RSo327VdeCmN-a8ujySYaAzlTS-sSRujlOd18tqPMHfF8O3zrzzYh2wl6zJ0Mg5WflIFNN19C_/s320/DSCN3694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-78327164437392934782011-08-17T15:34:00.000-05:002011-08-17T15:34:23.573-05:00N.E.W. Wheeling Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This last weekend was the first time the North East Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Wheeling Weekend was hosted in the cities of Manitowoc and Menasha. Great weather was on hand for both days, especially on Sunday. Saturday's race was held on a wide open industrial park circuit with a slight riser before the start/finish. The 3's race only 13 participants but that didn't mean the field would be together after 4 laps. In one big acceleration the field was decimated. 6 of the 13 starts were off the back and there were 7 of us left to fight it out for the win. On the last lap a racer made the perfect move on the back stretch to open a gap into the headwind that proved to be the decisive winning move. The rest of us had to field spring for our places in which I finished 4th. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlU8rvtDr-xxWQG88pr6ZEuNR99PKah4kQYiDgD_-bVbw2_GIvn3-O64RTMokxpzrK6jgBALxn84FEhXyaNJTfuKydQyVILwF-mMctAqMs_pAg_pfBDpqxdLU4GFq2ukrZ2hXe4fQBMNN/s1600/292043_2364991689062_1378472523_2829155_4699777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlU8rvtDr-xxWQG88pr6ZEuNR99PKah4kQYiDgD_-bVbw2_GIvn3-O64RTMokxpzrK6jgBALxn84FEhXyaNJTfuKydQyVILwF-mMctAqMs_pAg_pfBDpqxdLU4GFq2ukrZ2hXe4fQBMNN/s320/292043_2364991689062_1378472523_2829155_4699777_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sunday's race was held on the old Otto Grunski course in Menasha that featured a 4 corner circuit with a false flat on the back side. I participated in the 3's and 1/2/3's races. I kicked off the 3's race with a massive attack on the 3rd lap which was covered immediately by the field. Another attack came quickly and I was positioned badly in which I was unable to make the break. I worked furiously at the front of the field to pull the break back but was getting absolutely no help from the field. None, whatsoever. I was quite annoyed at this point and decided it was best to sprint it out for 4th place in the field sprint. I was very tired but positioned well and took 2nd in the field sprint (5th overall). The 1/2/3's race started immediately after the 3's. I had just enough time to grab another water bottle before the start and we were underway. I sat in the field the entire race not doing anything ridiculous. Unfortunately, with 16 laps to go I was out of water and began cramping. Conserving as much energy as possible, I finished the race without a sprint. It was great just to be part of the race in which we averaged just shy of 27 mph. Good stuff!<br />
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There are no races on the schedule for me the next few weekends until Labor Day weekend where I'll be participating in the Gateway Cup in St. Louis. For those of you racers out there that have never participated in these races, you should really look into it. Some of the best racing of the year in a great city.<br />
<span id="goog_1003033012"></span><span id="goog_1003033013"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMcCyyHPX2MxmBHRkd7b_tAi-7z3z0FK7ReYYTg6sBIPAbiQZ4hF5jGZGm66oQmp-ND4kRP9uDWofQUVk2SyA7vi5yaf41krmHv4gWFRi_joRRlpXIMk6nOjb-8mLBNahN8G8_N-FXCh6/s1600/DSCN3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMcCyyHPX2MxmBHRkd7b_tAi-7z3z0FK7ReYYTg6sBIPAbiQZ4hF5jGZGm66oQmp-ND4kRP9uDWofQUVk2SyA7vi5yaf41krmHv4gWFRi_joRRlpXIMk6nOjb-8mLBNahN8G8_N-FXCh6/s320/DSCN3230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In other news, my little boy William turned 5 months old this past weekend and already has a tooth cutting in. The little fella is a drooling machine! Also, the destruction of our upstairs bathroom has begun. My parents came down on Tuesday and we tore out 3 of the 4 plaster walls and the cast iron tub. Quite a bit of work already done with plenty more to go. Should be fun! Later!THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-9559965602807386612011-08-11T21:51:00.001-05:002011-08-17T15:12:28.566-05:00All Geared UpThe Madone is back! Trek sent me a brand new 2011 Madone 6.9 SSL and even put my yellow and black colors on the frame. After some analysis on the previous frame, Trek identified that there was a defect in a carbon seam that led to the break in the rear seat stay in addition to the stress that the frame encountered during the race. Trek warrantied the frame and I'm now back training and racing.<br />
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The Tour of Elk Grove was this past weekend in (you guessed it) Elk Grove, IL. This race is one of the best races of the year and boasts one of the best payouts for a Cat 3 race. The race started fairly uneventful until one guy went off the front and I jumped the gap up to his wheel. We managed to stay away from the field for about 6 laps, gaining upwards of 15 seconds at the max. Unfortunately, the guy in the break with me wasn't strong enough to hang onto my wheel and he eventually gave up when he noticed the field started gaining time on us. Had to try for the breakaway! The rest of the race was trying to stay upright. Halfway into the second last lap, two goofballs in front of me tangled up but managed to keep the bikes and bodies off the pavement. I went to the outside going into a right-hander but one of the Spaceballs shot out wide and forced me off the road. Cyclocross! I bunny hopped the curb and then again over a massive mud hole, onto a drive and back on the road. I lit a few matches getting back to the front going into the last lap. On the sprint I was positioned well, I went early and was making up ground to the leaders when the door was shut. I called an audible and went left allowing myself to take a few more places. 8th place for the first race on the new bike and $100 in the pocket. That's right, $100 for 8th place. Did I mention it was the best payouts of the year? <br />
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Anyway, the road racing season is beginning to wind down with only a handful left. My scheduled races are as follows:<br />
Saturday, Aug 13 - N.E.W. Wheeling Weekend - Manitowoc, WI<br />
Sunday, Aug 14 - N.E.W. Wheeling Weekend - Menasha, WI<br />
Friday, Sep 2 - Gateway Cup - Lafayette Square Crit - St. Louis, MO<br />
Saturday, Sept 3 - Gateway Cup - Tour des Hills - St. Louis, MO<br />
Sunday, Sep 4 - Gateway Cup - Giro della Montange - St. Louis, MO<br />
Monday, Sept 5 - Gateway Cup - Benton Park Crit - St. Louis, MO<br />
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That's it! Maybe a Wisport road race too up in Cleghorn... maybe. It may not be the end though. I'm thinking about trying cyclocross this year, however that means some additional investment in another bike. Not sure the financial budget will allow for cross this year. We'll see.<br />
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Well here is what the post is really about... Later!<br />
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THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-59294543398225613432011-07-14T11:32:00.000-05:002011-07-14T11:32:19.119-05:00Single Speeding<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm5kH843Ahv96YQovHON67X7xQ7d3qVdnINzNXBE4A8UfbItBabMoXVgJ4hKhUInIoF5DRxe6CmKP-eD10uUQGbBdhNRQdZvmlzNZq0-hkU7IelHRmeDbZkZLH3PvY2uBgrz8f-g52hUw/s1600/Single+Speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm5kH843Ahv96YQovHON67X7xQ7d3qVdnINzNXBE4A8UfbItBabMoXVgJ4hKhUInIoF5DRxe6CmKP-eD10uUQGbBdhNRQdZvmlzNZq0-hkU7IelHRmeDbZkZLH3PvY2uBgrz8f-g52hUw/s320/Single+Speed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">My ’67 Schwinn Supersport single speed bike has been getting a significant amount of use of the course of the last few weeks.<span> </span>As noted in my previous blog, I managed to crack the right rear seat stay on my 2010 Trek Madone 6.9 during the first race of the Tour of America’s Dairyland.<span> </span>The picture below is slightly hard to see but the crack is between the “R” and the “E” of Trek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7FrfSywpQHr1IVgfwrTjSMlMe9kJaIOAPV1pW7NmJa3mR3N_6rBp0UcAEYno_eTFC7LKF7DKKcHpo3g4RfNQydhF8SGXdsixSX6ZdzkWGLHQ76USjkmn1M2LKeMcS0x1Xv7NEDsOGnr1/s1600/Cracked+Seat+Stay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7FrfSywpQHr1IVgfwrTjSMlMe9kJaIOAPV1pW7NmJa3mR3N_6rBp0UcAEYno_eTFC7LKF7DKKcHpo3g4RfNQydhF8SGXdsixSX6ZdzkWGLHQ76USjkmn1M2LKeMcS0x1Xv7NEDsOGnr1/s320/Cracked+Seat+Stay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Extreme Ski & Bike sent my frame back to Trek for analysis on June 27<sup>th</sup>.<span> </span>Trek, being the best bicycle company in the industry, is warranting my frame and has currently has the frame in the paint department.<span> </span>Yup, the paint department!<span> </span>Trek is going further out of their way to put my ProjectOne yellow and black colors on the Madone.<span> </span>This type of customer service has definitely won me over and I will only be riding a Trek road bike for the rest of my life.<span> </span>The new frame should be arriving in the near future; however, my patience is starting to wane because of not having a geared road bike for almost 3 weeks during the middle of the racing season.<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Being without a geared bike for 3 weeks left me with little options on how to precede with training after late June, so my vintage single speed bike became the training tool of choice.<span> </span>Whether it was a good choice or not is currently up for debate though.<span> </span>Riding a single speed is good for smoothing out and increasing cadence; however, is not a good training method for keeping up fitness for criterium racing.<span> </span>I suppose that a short period of time training solely on the single speed would be beneficial, may a week or so, but after about 2 weeks the point of diminishing returns is established.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I participated in my first race during the month of July.<span> </span>I borrowed a teammate bike and tried to set up my fit dimensions on the bike to help ensure a bit of comfort.<span> </span>Race started out fine but by half way through I could tell my fitness level had decreased.<span> </span>Turning a big gear over like I was used to has become a bit<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of a struggle. Sluggish muscles didn’t allow for an easy race, even one in which most of the time we didn’t work that hard. Any hard acceleration had me going from the front to the back because of having to take a while to wind up the speed. Finished mid-pack, did even try to contest. Good race nonetheless to open the legs up a bit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">A few good races are coming up this weekend with the Downer Classic in MKE on Saturday and the Evanston Grand Prix near Chicago on Sunday.<span> </span>Should be a good time and an enjoyable weekend in the racing community with my best supporters, my wife Amy and my son William!</span>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-22009239842920740362011-07-06T10:11:00.002-05:002011-07-06T10:11:49.539-05:00Play The Hand Your Dealt<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">Holidays have come and gone and so has the month of June so I figured it’s time to update this blog.<span> </span>The end of May and all of June have been extremely busy resulting in my lack of providing updates. <span> </span>Or is it my pure laziness that led to the neglect of this blog?<span> </span>I’ll let you decide the verdict on this one but I’ve got plenty of evidence to acquit myself from the latter.<span> </span>Anyway, May ended with a few races in the Mississippi River area of Illinois and Iowa with Snake Alley and Quad Cities criterium.<span> </span>Snake Alley was tough as usual and bumpier this year than last.<span> </span>Rain caused mayhem and overfilled tire pressure caused some climbing issues.<span> </span>I finished the race nonetheless but managed to crash after the finish thanks to a an idiot stopping an pulling a u-turn 30 meters after the finish line.<span> </span>I clocked him at over 30 mph but I took the hurt from the crash.<span> </span>Broken helmet… ouch.<span> </span>Confidence wasn’t shaken though and two days later I was able to race to 5<sup>th</sup> place at Quad Cities criterium on a 8 corner, hour glass shaped course.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">June came and disappear in the blink of an eye.<span> </span>No racing in the first half of the month and travel to Florida for work made for a relaxing setup before the Tour of Americas Dairyland (ToAD).<span> </span>My category for ToAD this year was 2/3 which made for tougher and faster races than regular cat 3’s are used to.<span> </span>One would surmise that the races would be fairly safe with experienced racers partaking in the events.<span> </span>That conclusion would be on the opposite spectrum in the terms of safe riding.<span> </span>Each race with exception to the individual TT was marred with crashes.<span> </span>On the opening day I managed to use a guy’s bike as a ramp to do some tricks in the air.<span> </span>I didn’t exactly stick the landing though, but did stay upright.<span> </span>While not an elegant landing and not crashing, the bike took some strain of some sort that cracked the seat stay on the drive train side.<span> </span>Being a determined racer and knowing that the area the crack was in wouldn’t cause a catastrophic failure if the seat stay completely broke apart, I continued to race on the frame for the remainder of the Tour.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">The highlight of ToAD for me was having an absolutely fantastic day on the bike during the individual TT.<span> </span>Placing 3<sup>rd</sup> I got the chance to stand on the podium.<span> </span>Overall my average result for the series was between 10<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup>.<span> </span>Those somewhat consistent results landed me in a tie for 10<sup>th</sup> place overall.<span> </span>I’ll take it considering I was racing with guys a level up!<span> </span>After a bit of research I was able to identify that I placed 3<sup>rd</sup> overall for guys that were Cat 3’s!<span> </span>Definitely a confidence booster!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">With a broke frame I had to send the bike back to Trek for evaluation.<span> </span><span> </span>The owner of the shop I race for (Extreme Ski & Bike in Thiensville, WI) sent my frame to Trek a little over week ago and I just got word yesterday that I’d be getting my new frame either late this week or sometime next week.<span> </span>Trek prides itself on great bikes and excellent customer support.<span> </span>Their bikes and in my opinion, world-class support have definitely made me a lifetime customer of Trek bikes.<span> </span>I can’t thank Extreme Ski & Bike and Trek enough for the continued support they’ve provided me over the years.<span> </span>Two top notch companies!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">Going back to the title of this entry, one thing I’ve learned over the course of the last few months is that you have to play with the hand your dealt.<span> </span>Crashing and coming back to place well in the next race, racing on a broken frame, and dealing with the fact you’ll never have full use of your arm again.<span> </span>Yes, after analysis by a specialist in neurology, there is nothing that I will be able to do about my right arm in which I only have 40% range of motion.<span> </span>Long story short, had a small surgery that may have caused scar tissue to develop on a nerve that provides electrical signals to the shoulder muscles.<span> </span>This is only in theory because the recent MRI didn’t show any nerve damage or excessive scar tissue buildup.<span> </span>The specialist noted that only a small layer of scar tissue may compress the nerve enough to interrupt transmissions to fire the muscles.<span> </span>Any further surgery to investigate the problem could result in more severe consequences so there’s no option but living with having to compensate with other muscles to utilize my arm fully.<span> </span>Play the hand your dealt.<span> </span>Better yet, I’ll just change the rules.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">July will be another month full of racing starting with the State Criterium Championship.<span> </span>I may not be able to participate in the championship due to lack of a bike but being that I haven’t participated in this race for the last two years, it doesn’t bother me too much.<span> </span>It’s only one race with a title of a championship.<span> </span>There’s bigger races out there that mean a lot more to me.<span> </span>Speaking of those, ICC-Superweek starts at the end of this week.<span> </span>I’ll be looking to participate in a number of the races around the MKE area.<span> </span>Those races will make up the majority of the racing in July.<span> </span>And a few of the biggest races that I have my eye on for the remainder of the 2011 racing season include the Tour of Elk Grove and the Gateway Cup, a 4-day racing series in St. Louis over Labor Day weekend.<span> </span>Those races are what I call championships.</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Check back periodically on this blog.<span> </span>I’ll try to be a little more consistent with updates</span>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-48315104036457153392011-05-23T22:33:00.000-05:002011-05-23T22:33:14.879-05:00Racing UpdateFour races have come and gone since the last post and the racing has been going strong. Two weekends ago was the Wheels on Willy criterium which is normally held in Madison, however due to construction the race was moved to a business park in Fitchburg. I carpooled with one of my teammates whom participated in the 3's and 1/2/3's races with me. The wide open course offered up fast racing but because of strong winds, no breakaways were able to be established without being reeled in on the backstretch. In the 3's race I positioned horribly going into the final corner and sprinted from anywhere between 20th to 25th position to finish 6th. The 300 to 400 meter sprint felt great and was my best sprint of the year. The 1/2/3's race was also fast and I worked only to survive. Hanging on I was again able to put in a decent sprint but didn't move up any positions. 26th for a result.<br />
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This past weekend offered up two days of racing, the first in Hartland with rainy and wet conditions to being the 3's race. The field stayed together the entire race. Any break attempt was quickly stifled. The race came down to a field sprint, soft of. Approaching the final wide open corner (and I mean WIDE), the first two riders crossed up wheels and hit the pavement slowing the entire field, except for one... the person those two were trying to lead out. It worked for them the wrong way but they got the win. Myself and another competitor sprinted it out for 2nd place in which I was able to muster out the battle by a few bike lengths. I didn't even think about racing the 1/2/3's race due to the weather, which ended up to be a wise choice going into Sunday's race in Sussex.<br />
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The Sussex course is located in a business park and has a decent climb up to the start/finish on each lap. The 3's race started as usual with a number of futile attacks by individuals to feel out the field. After two repeated attacks by one team, I saw an opportunity to jump off the front and start a break (make everyone race my type of race). I was boxed in but a wide driveway was coming up on the right. I took the gutter through the driveway and sprint off the front of the field into a strong headwind. By the time I reached turn 4 I had over 100 meters on the field. I put my head down and drilled it solo for one lap and then noticed there were 4 chasers coming up to me. I let up allowing the chasers to catch on and we quickly began working together to further distance ourselves from the field. Each lap we continued to gain time. By the final lap our break was down to 4 and had over 1:40 on the field. At the start of the final lap one guy in the break jumped, none of us reacted and he was off. I was sitting on the front and being given the hook. After pulling half the lap I knew no help was coming so I veered to the right quickly and slammed the brakes. The two went on by and I was able to jump on the back and save some for the finish. I shit hooked the two up the final corner when it was an all out sprint to the finish. I was quite tired and pulled of 3rd. Great result for starting a break solo.<br />
I tried the 1/2/3's race immediately afterward but was completely cooked. I hammered out 1.5 laps and pulled the plug. "That was a waste of 10 bucks!"<br />
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Great racing though over the last two weekends. Memorial Day weekend races are upcoming this weekend with Snake Alley (epic) on Saturday and the Quad Cities criterium on Monday. Two fantastic races. If you've never heard of Snake Alley, look it up. (www.snakealleycriterium.com)THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-6282428815506851582011-05-10T21:19:00.000-05:002011-05-10T21:19:17.481-05:00Doubling DownDoubling up the races this year will be the theme for me leading up to the Tour of America's Dairyland coming up in mid to late June. The Matt Wittig Memorial Criterium was help in Muskego Park this last Saturday, on a day that was cool and cloudy but had the sun make an appearance later in the afternoon. I participated in the 3's and 1/2/3's races in which I went into without much of a game plan. That's usually never a good idea when going into a race but this wasn't one of my favorite courses and it hasn't treated me well in the past. <br />
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The 3's race started out quickly with numerous attacks coming on the uphill by the start/finish. About half way through two broke off the front that the field hesitated to chase. A lap later, two Team Wisconsin riders set themselves up well to send one off the front while blocking those behind from joining the break. I was one of those unfortunately positioned and all I could do was watch. Before we knew it, that rider had joined the break and we didn't see them until the race was done. So it was down to a field sprint for 4th place. I sat about 15 wheels back going into the final 90 degree corner and allowed those in front to sprint too early. Passing riders as we neared the line, I engaged my sprint just before the final riser to the line and managed to pass 3 additional riders to finish 6th. Hey, 3rd in the fields sprint. I'll take it.<br />
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Next up was the 1/2/3's. There was no slowing down in this race until we finished 75 minutes after we started. I just sat in the field the entire race using it as a good training ride. The pace was high and we occasionally had accelerations on every part of the course. No rest for the wicked. I wasn't position well at all for the finishing sprint but as we came through the final corner the two riders in front of me both had nothing left. A gap opened between the leaders and myself and I gave it all I had left to cover. I caught the field just as they launched their sprint. With nothing left I sat up and rolled it across the line. 26th. Good enough for day's work!<br />
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This upcoming weekend brings about the opportunity to compete in the Monster's of the Midway in Chicago on Saturday and Wheels on Willy in Madison on Sunday. Hopefully the weather will hold up, but if it rains, there will be no racing! Yes, fair weather racing for me. That's all folks...THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-47641198190929193772011-05-06T21:20:00.000-05:002011-05-06T21:20:09.907-05:00Living and RidingThe last few weeks have come and gone like the blink of an eye. My baby boy William is growing and changing greatly on a daily basis. We've been getting a lot of great smiles from him which makes every day that much better. William is up to 9 lbs. and gaining!<br />
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Spring is finally starting to come around in terms of the temperature and the good amount of rain and recent sunshine is sure making the grass grow. I'm going to have to spend some time riding the lawn mower this weekend rather than turning the cranks on the bike. There's plenty of yard work that needs to be done to clean the yard up from winter including picking up the ridiculous amount of branches that got brought down. At least I have plenty of firewood and kindling which will make for some great evenings by the fire over the course of the spring, summer, and fall. <br />
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Training on the bike has picked up again after a short stint away from riding. We went to Ohio over Easter to visit some of Amy's family and then I had to travel to Dallas for work for a few days. All this travel led to a full week off the bike; however, with that bit of a break I feel stronger on the bike than ever this year. I participated in a criterium practice held by one of my good friends and teammate in West Bend this last Tuesday. We had about 12 participate and had a great series of short races. Last weekend I was also able to get in a great 96 mile ride around southeastern Wisconsin joining two rides on Saturday morning and continuing on my own from Holy Hill up to my hometown in Horicon. 5 good hours of time on the bike sure helps with endurance training! <br />
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Tomorrow I'll be participating in my first race in almost a month down in Muskego. Hopefully the rain will hold off otherwise I will hold off the racing until next weekend in Chicago and Madison. Additionally, I hope gas prices start to recede a bit to make the travel to some races less costly. A number of races might get cut out of the schedule if the cost to get to the races is more than any of the payouts can cover. At the end of the day though it should be a fantastic year of racing, especially with my newest fan William coming to the races!THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-32156810552557019692011-04-15T19:14:00.001-05:002011-04-15T19:15:25.417-05:00Menomonee Park Criteriums<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">The Menomonee Park criterium opened the WCA racing schedule with a full day of racing. The weather was decent and I was looking forward to participating in the first criteriums of the year. I decided to double-up and compete in the 3’s and 1/2/3’s race to get a good quality workout in. Doubling-up on races will be a theme for me early on this year to reap the benefits of the harder racing with the 1/2/3’s. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">The Cat 3 race was dominated by the ISCorp team who put about 15 or so riders on the line, far surpassing the numbers of any other team participating. For that matter, it may have been more than everyone else. I knew what their plan would be from the start. And sure enough, right from the start they went. Attack, get caught, attack again. This is the theme they ran with and most likely will continue throughout 2011. No problems there though, Cat 3’s are all about chasing down breaks. I sat in the majority of the race and decided about 3/4’s the way into the race to liven things up a bit and attack. I jumped hard coming out of the final corner and opened up a good gap on the field. Peaking under my arm I saw large chase group coming up quickly. Knowing I was trying to stay away, I sat up. Damn, shouldn’t have done that. Three riders flew past me as the field caught up. ISCorp was all about attacking but they’ve got no interest in chasing down breaks. The three man break stayed away until the final corner of the race where it became a field sprint. I didn’t have much of a sprint and managed to pull off 7<sup>th</sup>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">I wasn’t the happiest with myself after the race because I knew if I would have kept the power on during my little escapade I most likely would have been able to help the break stay away and have a great chance of winning. Whoops. My mood immediately changed though when I saw my wife and son pulling into the parking lot just before the 1/2/3’s race. This was William’s first time at a bike race. Of course he had no clue what was going on, but I went from being upset about the previous race to enthusiastic about the next racing in less than a half a second. It was great having my wife and son at the race.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">I wasn’t expecting to do anything but sit in during the 1/2/3’s race and just move throughout the field to get a feel for racing with the 1’s and 2’s. The race had a high pace throughout but was very smooth. My legs were feeling a lot better than they did in the 3’s and I decided to make a go of the race and see how high I’d be able to finish. Nothing spectacular happened during the race until the last 3 laps when the pace escalated to a point the lungs began burning. I moved from the middle of the field up to the top 20-25. On the final lap ISCorp drove a wicked speed and strung the field out. I jumped at an opportunity to get in the slipstream of the lead riders and dug in for what was sure to be an interesting finish. Going into the last few roller hills and final corner I was feeling good, sprinted out of the corner and passed 2. I managed 14<sup>th</sup> place for my first attempt at a 1/2/3 race of the year. Happy with the result, my motivation peaked. And peaked just in time for… no races until May 7<sup>th</sup>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">The next race will most likely be at the criterium in Muskego Park, early May. There are races over the course of the rest of April but I’ll be diligently training and spending time with family that my wife and I haven’t seen in almost 3 years over Easter.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Next update may be in a week or maybe even two. In the meantime, keep hammering into the wind. Or if you prefer, keep the wind to your back.</span></div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-53297181937088177212011-04-10T21:33:00.000-05:002011-04-10T21:33:16.674-05:00Hillsboro Roubaix Recap<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Saturday, April 2<sup>nd</sup> marked the beginning of my 2011 racing season, getting kicked-off with a “classics” type race that featured a bit of paver-block roads in Hillsboro, IL.<span> </span>The Hillsboro-Roubaix was the race, a 58 mile road race that consisted of small rollers for hills, paver-block, and pot hole stricken roads.<span> </span>Three friends and I loaded up the van and road-tripped it down to Hillsboro on Friday evening, making the journey in about 5 ½ hours.<span> </span>After a good night’s sleep we arrived at the course welcomed by clear skies and warm temperatures.<span> </span>70’s!<span> </span>Sure felt good when compared to the upper 30’s and low 40’s we are used to here in Wisco this time of the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Cat 3’s race started at 11:10AM.<span> </span>Brian, Jeramey and I warmed up by rolling through town on the pavers, testing the roads prior to our speedy passes through town during the race.<span> </span>We decided to roll up to the start line 10 minutes early thinking we’d get a good starting position, but to our dismay everyone was already lined up.<span> </span>So, we already gave ourselves quite a challenge before the race even started.<span> </span>The only thing I could think the whole time was, “how am I going to pass over 100 riders jammed into one lane of a two lane highway to make it to the front?”<span> </span>That question stayed with me for the first 15 miles when I couldn’t find any room to move up.<span> </span>I made the decision shortly thereafter to go up the right gutter, in the gravel, to pass the majority of the riders.<span> </span>No guts, no glory!<span> </span>I managed to negotiate my way multiple times through the loose gravel to eventually make it into the top 30 riders.<span> </span>The pace closer to the front resembled more of what you’d expect in a race, steady...<span> </span>That was not the case near the rear end of the field as most were surging repeatedly after having to slam on the brakes because of mushrooming in the field.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the first lap came to a close, a short but steep kicker of a hill just before the pavers caused some gaps to open within the field.<span> </span>I was gapped off the main pack with about 6 riders working to chase back on.<span> </span>After about 2 miles of all out chasing with panic, I caught the lead group as they were beginning to throw down a vicious pace up a hill.<span> </span>Continuing to use the momentum I built up chasing the group I was able to maintain my speed to match that in which they were going up the hill.<span> </span>I got lucky that I didn’t soft pedal coming up to the group otherwise I could have waved goodbye to the field for the remainder of the race.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The second lap was an all out suffer-fest.<span> </span>Continuous attacks came from those up front.<span> </span>I again made my way through the gravel to move up to mid-pack.<span> </span>The attacks became more prevalent but I was able to hang onto the back of the main field.<span> </span>With 5 miles to go, I began cramping and was out of water.<span> </span>Staying out of the wind I conserved my remaining energy until the final little kicker of a hill into town.<span> </span>The field attacked immediately as the road pitched upward, I surged along with them and passed 10-15 up the hill.<span> </span>Going into the third-to-last corner, I changed my line hard to avoid t-boning a rider that over cooked the corner and was re-entering the street.<span> </span>Not knowing someone was hot on my rear wheel, when I changed lines to save myself, I took the person behind me out.<span> </span>My apologies to that individual, but that’s racing.<span> </span>The pavers through town took more casualties as the lead group bombed through town.<span> </span>Bikes and bodies were littered over the pavers as either the riders lost control of their bikes at 35 mph or an equipment failure caused them to have a face-off with the rough road.<span> </span>Dodging the road furniture, I latched onto another rider’s wheel that passed me around the 2<sup>nd</sup> to last corner.<span> </span>I sat there, out of the wind, waiting for the spot to launch my final attempt to pick up a few spots.<span> </span>Around the final corner and onto the straight I opened up my pathetic sprint with 300 meters to go passing 3 or 4 before the throw at the line.<span> </span>I was relieved to have survived this race.<span> </span>It was nothing short of tough for me being only my 6<sup>th</sup> ride outside for the year.<span> </span>Happy with finishing, I was even more elated to find out I finished 25<sup>th</sup>.<span> </span>Good enough for who it’s for!<span> </span>Can’t complain at this point of the year considering where I am at with training and only better results are to come in the future.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to the chilly riding here in Wisco and hoping to have some decent weather this next weekend for the Menomonee Park criterium.<span> </span>These should be good races, barring any accidents that usually are accompanied with this course.<span> </span>If only the race organizers would switch the direction of the race and take out the hazardous final 90 degree corner that most of us call “the meat grinder”.<span> </span>I guess as the saying goes, “no guts, no glory!”</div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-77495981219251652852011-03-24T16:37:00.000-05:002011-03-24T16:37:37.105-05:00New Addition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6T15YLqKLdhKdmS-eiPPUCIdaBq422frx_Pw0nepIlHEVmaTqbf92sH7rewAAzrdzhANDSxlnytVthyphenhyphenUhUYoRjp2em2mtmdSTc4q8e93alj3XizDU9LSp9rgxo3rxhaxGQa6eli7pGnl/s1600/William.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6T15YLqKLdhKdmS-eiPPUCIdaBq422frx_Pw0nepIlHEVmaTqbf92sH7rewAAzrdzhANDSxlnytVthyphenhyphenUhUYoRjp2em2mtmdSTc4q8e93alj3XizDU9LSp9rgxo3rxhaxGQa6eli7pGnl/s320/William.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
On March 13, 2011 at 4:29 PM my wife Amy and I were blessed with a handsome baby boy, William Jerome Heller. William made his debut 4 days before the expected due date and we couldn't have been more happy to have him earlier than expected. He's 100% healthy and his mom is on the path to recovery. William has, of course, already been introduced to cycling as he naturally joined us to may of last year's cycling events. <br />
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William is the newest member of our household and is his dad's biggest fan. We're looking forward to bringing William to cycling events and bringing him up within the Wisconsin cycling community. THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-26599064828873410872011-03-01T13:53:00.000-06:002011-03-01T13:53:40.850-06:00Single Speed Project<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m not sure what initially brought on the idea to rebuild an old bike but early in February I got the urge to search for an old “fixer-upper”.<span> </span>Knowing my parents are pack rats when it comes to keeping things, I contacted them in search for a rustic bike that would suit the purposes of taking an old bike and turning it into a single speed.<span> </span>I was in luck when searching the attic at my parent’s house where my pa and I came across an obviously old and neglected bike.<span> </span>As I struggled to get the heavy steel bike with bent rims out between the superfluity of boxes, I couldn’t identify the brand of the bike besides the vintage seat that had a small metal tag riveted to the back with “Schwinn” pressed on it.<span> </span>The bike was repainted sometime decades ago and the original badge or emblem on the frame was non-existent.<span> </span>All I could go with was the seat tag.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy7-B5Kz2uO2Lj3y-J4ShFby0myZDWFcab6SBG1SOCb_ehCUG0Jcy8dSPYR6ZHdS56TcRk0lPeGisiZvS3haGSEENeHsOvrW4d2vJUui7gnLB7RdS-h2mGwm58kKX5yQluqS5fFqk41iD/s1600/DSCN2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy7-B5Kz2uO2Lj3y-J4ShFby0myZDWFcab6SBG1SOCb_ehCUG0Jcy8dSPYR6ZHdS56TcRk0lPeGisiZvS3haGSEENeHsOvrW4d2vJUui7gnLB7RdS-h2mGwm58kKX5yQluqS5fFqk41iD/s320/DSCN2324.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got the bike home and dismantled the bike down to the bare frame and fork.<span> </span>I noticed that the serial number was stamped into the head tube and began with the letters "HC".<span> </span>After scouring the Internet for details on old Schwinn bikes (still not knowing if it was a Schwinn or not), I came across a website that explained how Schwinn used letters at the beginning of their serial numbers to indicate the year and month the bike was made.<span> </span>Evidently, beginning in 1960 Schwinn began using the two letter system to indicate the year the bike was made.<span> </span>The first letter designated the year and the second letter designated the month.<span> </span>Being that my frame’s serial number was HC, I was able to decipher that the bike was an original Schwinn manufactured in 1967 (H) in March (C).<span> </span>From here I moved on to finding out what the model of the bike was.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQGJAWeGDVXcDz-Tr2WkwEIXDxzWdGRC1bTdRBkLhmK-aeV_vtt7vS-2HTgpGZoClmZtk3oy_TthwAd7x2I_BjLzfbxAL9flL30ScAmpKJKC98g4ZEqgd0RVy-v6NgLrm55X40GVtbSRz/s1600/DSCN2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQGJAWeGDVXcDz-Tr2WkwEIXDxzWdGRC1bTdRBkLhmK-aeV_vtt7vS-2HTgpGZoClmZtk3oy_TthwAd7x2I_BjLzfbxAL9flL30ScAmpKJKC98g4ZEqgd0RVy-v6NgLrm55X40GVtbSRz/s320/DSCN2368.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While again scouring the Internet, I ran across an old Schwinn advertisement that detailed every model of Schwinn available in 1967.<span> </span>Being that the bike had all original components, I was able to identify the model by validating the features and specs of the bike against the advertisement.<span> </span>This vintage Schwinn bike I found in the attic wound up to be a Super Sport.<span> </span>Sweet, a vintage 1967 Schwinn Super Sport!<span> </span>A perfect bike to fix up into a single speed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjIGz564NdNR7qltZzNVESJU5doukwS25ZZeFgirCZm9fXxcbQWmEvII8YEQUGOnBkyAXGUglZeKQRiUjhXtno2iGOc148LWYNSnssLBXzguMyPw51Km7e7Y7zJv4Q6zz4crjD7MdYw-o/s1600/DSCN2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjIGz564NdNR7qltZzNVESJU5doukwS25ZZeFgirCZm9fXxcbQWmEvII8YEQUGOnBkyAXGUglZeKQRiUjhXtno2iGOc148LWYNSnssLBXzguMyPw51Km7e7Y7zJv4Q6zz4crjD7MdYw-o/s320/DSCN2359.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On to the dirty work… the bike needed a lot of upgrades.<span> </span>I didn’t want to use the original bottom bracket and cranks, so I worked with Karrie at Extreme Ski & Bike to find a bottom bracket conversion kit to allow for the new style of bottom brackets to work with this frame.<span> </span>Finding the part wasn’t hard, but installing it was another story.<span> </span>I’ll elaborate.<span> </span>In 1967, the steel tubes utilized for the frame were punched into the bottom bracket assembly and welded on the outside leaving small lengths of those tubes extending into the bottom bracket housing.<span> </span>The conversion kit has three bolts running from side to side to keep the parts held in snuggly.<span> </span>The tubes in the bottom bracket housing restricted the insertion of these bolts through to the other side, so we had to file down the tubes on the inside to allow for the conversion kit to work.<span> </span>No easy task with only a rat-tail file to use.<span> </span>We got it to work though and we progressed quickly from there.<span> </span>We added a Sram Courier GXP Crank, Shimano brakes and some Alex rims for wheels that has a flip-flop hub.<span> </span>That’s right, I can go fixie if I have the urge!<span> </span>The rest of the components are basically all original from the brakes to the stem and handle bars.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZprBbhSI0P1ZOj4NJ8KCEvG-h4plA05C2xCQVaTeJ3hkOxrjjd7HIqBeL8H5CpvAQ3BG_LJJ5xSEmYf4g97YNrjT3aATxrobTK_3GqCrrGy7c7y6uuIHmUVo-tJ9bcpAM1nMBOLRZc6p/s1600/DSCN2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZprBbhSI0P1ZOj4NJ8KCEvG-h4plA05C2xCQVaTeJ3hkOxrjjd7HIqBeL8H5CpvAQ3BG_LJJ5xSEmYf4g97YNrjT3aATxrobTK_3GqCrrGy7c7y6uuIHmUVo-tJ9bcpAM1nMBOLRZc6p/s320/DSCN2366.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next up… paint.<span> </span>Many hours were spend in the garage sanding down the frame to bare metal.<span> </span>Many hours…<span> </span>Next time I’ll just take one somewhere and have it sandblasted (well worth the time and money).<span> </span>Two and a half days later I had a bare frame ready for primer.<span> </span>3 coats of primer, 3 coats of paint, and three coats of a clear lacquer were applied over time to the frame and fork.<span> </span>The painting couldn’t have gone better.<span> </span>Until… I dropped the fork seconds after applying the final coat of lacquer.<span> </span>Literally finished with the painting process and the fork went bouncing off the garage floor.<span> </span>FAIL!<span> </span>The fork was FUBAR and had to be completely redone.<span> </span>After another 3 hours of sanding, the painting process was completed over a two day period.<span> </span>Painting finished!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOa1ZbdAsHGdgvZ40wTmssXAZzet83g56ssMSX7VqwdHDf_9XWUgEO8Jeu0NySNJExjlriwaqYELaXR7GvzHOcdyuG569RBFbYPu2UWL9_3mqDrbVTw62fP90McLvjBWNasf-QQsYcR9q/s1600/DSCN2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOa1ZbdAsHGdgvZ40wTmssXAZzet83g56ssMSX7VqwdHDf_9XWUgEO8Jeu0NySNJExjlriwaqYELaXR7GvzHOcdyuG569RBFbYPu2UWL9_3mqDrbVTw62fP90McLvjBWNasf-QQsYcR9q/s320/DSCN2383.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, the build up process was underway and the parts went on smoothly.<span> </span>The end result was a fantastic looking single speed bike that was ready for a test ride.<span> </span>The test ride though has been delayed because of 14 inches of snow that fell immediately and I finished wrapping the bars.<span> </span>I did however complete a quasi-test ride in my basement, travelling a whole 50 feet from one portion of the basement to the other.<span> </span>Success!<span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjae2skveciuPOHlLchU3a7Ro5BxMZuuDz2Rf8BXXMWv8L0aoTU0Mstd07iAGuj1VMntFPVEqe6GlE4I8aWrMvq_1NT24ly2gjUzFPBlD2N1Ye98HudvhHuNqMkM78-FUjEErP3YUxQECcc/s1600/DSCN2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjae2skveciuPOHlLchU3a7Ro5BxMZuuDz2Rf8BXXMWv8L0aoTU0Mstd07iAGuj1VMntFPVEqe6GlE4I8aWrMvq_1NT24ly2gjUzFPBlD2N1Ye98HudvhHuNqMkM78-FUjEErP3YUxQECcc/s320/DSCN2393.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The project spanned a 3 week period but was in my mind one of the best projects I’ve done.<span> </span>I couldn’t be happier with the results.<span> </span>Look for this vintage single speed cruising around the Washington/Ozaukee county roads come spring and summer. </span></span>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-54206284082114523572011-01-28T15:04:00.000-06:002011-01-28T15:04:51.382-06:00Steady ProgressionThree solid months of training are now under my belt, mainly consisting of base mile workouts including tempo, steady-state, fast pedal, and one-leg drills. Everything is progressing to plan and I couldn't be happier witht he consistent results from the FTP tests. Yesterday I conducted by second FTP test since starting training at the beginning of November. The results were beyond expectation which proves that the training plan laid out for me is exactly what's necessary to continue to increase my fitness during the base/build phases. Consistency and dedication have been the name of the game including focused attention to detail during the various workouts. February is sure to bring about more interesting workouts and a appropriate and progressive increase in workload to help ensure continued enhancement of fitness and power. February will be a fun month and with the weather beginning to warm up as spring nears will only cause more excitement to get out on the road! Can't wait!<br />
FTP test results from last two tests:<br />
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<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Date:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">12/30/2010</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">1/27/2011</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Test Ride Time:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">20:04</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">20:01</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Distance:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">7.56 mi</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">7.61 mi</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Ave. Speed:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">22.71 mph</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">22.77 mph</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Ave. Cadence:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">93 rpm</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">93 rpm</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Ave. HR:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">184 bpm</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">179 bpm</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Ave. Power:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">319 watts</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">329 watts</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 108.9pt;" valign="top" width="145"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Watts/kg:</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt;" valign="top" width="108"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">4.14</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.25in;" valign="top" width="120"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">4.38</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-20899951798868477002011-01-26T23:06:00.000-06:002011-01-26T23:06:18.381-06:00Guilty As ChargedContador has been provisionally suspended from racing for 1 year by the Spanish Cycling Federation. Yet another potential legend of the sport goes down because of doping. When will the sport be clean? Honestly, I don't believe cycling or any other sport will be clean because it's inherent that some individuals competing become so overwhelmed with winning they'll take their chances with doping to remain on the top step. A one year ban though? That's it? Seriously? It has to be inevitable that the UCI will appeal the ban with CAS and push harder for the full 2 year ban. A positive test is a positive test, no matter who you are; a Tour winner or the support rider that no one knows exists. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the course of the next month or two as Contador will surely appeal the ban with more convoluted reasoning for what "really" happened on the second rest day of the Tour. A note for all those dopers out there: if you dope, you will get caught and face the consequences.THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-37282260602648213422011-01-24T15:53:00.001-06:002011-01-24T15:53:47.028-06:00Update for the New Year<div class="MsoNormal">Okay so my communication though this thing has been almost non-existent. It’s been exactly 132 days since the last post, about 4 months… </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So what have I been up to? To be honest, a little of everything while trying to stay out of trouble! 2010 wrapped up with some travels abroad for work and traveling for the holidays to visit family and friends. 2011 kicked off quietly but is already beginning to shake things up. My wife and I are expecting our first child on St. Patty’s Day and we’re growing more excited as the days and weeks past. As most already know, we’re having a boy! That’s right, adding to the men’s cycling team. I have to train harder now because I will need all the power I can get when he decides it’s time to show his dad how to ride a bike. Before I know it he’ll be pulling me down the road while I sit in the draft sucking up every bit of oxygen available!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Other than being excited for the addition to our family, we’ve recently replaced our inventory of vehicles. I decided it was time to trade in the Trailblazer for a vehicle that better suited our expanding family. A van now sits in the spot my Trailblazer used to assume in the garage. That’s right, a van. I couldn’t be happier it. Everyone should see how easy it is to get bike in and out of there without removing any wheels! Our other vehicle, the Hyundai Elantra was involved in a fender-bender that my wife had a few weeks back. Luckily, Amy and the baby were just fine after 24 hrs of monitoring at the hospital. The little car did its job and protected what I value the most, my family! We’ve replaced the Elantra with a Toyota Camry that I will use and my commuter car to and from work and cycling events.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the cycling end of the spectrum, things have been progressing well. My coach has been setting me up with a great plan that will surely bring out many great successes this year and assist me with reaching the goals I’ve established for 2011. Winter trainer riding is definitely not for the weak-minded though. Spinning through hours of torturous steady state intervals and tempo workouts are only subdued through watching the Packers dominate their opponents on their way to the Super Bowl. Training loads will be increasing in a calculated manner to help promote efficiency and power output over the next few months until we all meet outside for the first race in early spring. Breakaway anyone?! I’m in…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll look to update this thing more often. Check back at the end of the week, post FTP test. </div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-65086075844295937772010-09-24T13:34:00.001-05:002010-09-28T21:23:51.583-05:00The Off-Season<div class="MsoNormal">The 2010 racing season has now come and gone. While being over 5 months long, the season sure seemed to fly by. While some established goals were met, others fell slightly short. Those shortfalls though only lead to new goals to be achieved next year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The fall has arrived and the cool chill of the air now forces us all to throw on the arm and leg warmers. Long and moderately paced rides have replaced the strenuous race preparing rides previously scheduled week in and week out. The long rides provide for a great opportunity to reflect on this year’s achievements and allows for the development of realistic and attainable goals for the 2011 season. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maintenance and cross-training become top of time, but one cannot forget about rest. The frequency of rides decrease allowing for the body and mind to rest and recharge the batteries from the weeks and months of torture. This has to be the best part of what we would call “The Off-Season”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For now we dream about what could have been if we made different choices during the racing season and learn from the mistakes we’ve made. Everyone will strive to be better than the other, that’s the cyclist’s way. A selfish motive it is, but it’s one that drives the best out of each and leads to higher levels of competition. Dedication to goals, structured and disciplined training and support are the key ingredients to a successful season. Take even one of those elements out and the attainment of goals quickly become out of reach. Maintain, cross-train moderately, rest and recharge... next year will be another tough and grueling season. Start off on the right path with during the “Off-Season”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-11289248274390547942010-09-23T15:35:00.000-05:002010-09-23T15:35:01.664-05:00Results and PalmaresThe 2010 racing season is now over and I've been able to achieve a personal record of 40 races completed. While a long season, it was a fun season. Managed to place 1st overall for the Cat 3 WCA series, rank 1st on USAC Cat 3 points in Wisco, and rank 3rd nationally for USAC Cat 3 points. <br />
<br />
For those that don't know what palmares (French) means, it's a list of races a rider has won or a list of achievements. While I was not able to reach the top step of the podium this year, it was still a successful season. Next year I'll be working harder than ever to reach that top step with support from my wife, my newest race fan - my son or daughter, family, teammates and friends. Also, I'd like to congratulate my teammates for another strong showing for Team Extreme Cycling throughout the year and earning 2nd place overall for team points in the WCA. That's essentially like a win! (ISCorp always has more participation in all events)<br />
<br />
<u>Palmares</u><br />
1st overall - WCA Cat 3 points<br />
1st overall - USAC Wisconsin Cat 3 Criterium points<br />
3rd overall - USAC National Cat 3 Criterium points<br />
6th overall (tied) - Tour of America's Dairyland Omnium points<br />
2nd - LaCrosse Criterium<br />
2nd - Fond du Lac Criterium<br />
2nd - Attitude Sports Criterium<br />
<br />
<u>Results</u><br />
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<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid black; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Date</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-color: black black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Race</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-color: black black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Cat</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-color: black black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Place</span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3/27</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Burnham’s Spring Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">4/11</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Great Dane #1 Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">4/17</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Menomonee Park Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">10<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">4/18</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Great Dane #2 Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">4/24</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Whitnal Park Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">4/25</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Fitchburg Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/1</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Circuit of Sauk</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/2</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">LaCrosse Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">2<sup>nd</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/8</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Muskego Park Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/15</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">LaRue-Denzer-LaRue</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/16</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Wheels on Willy</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">16<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/22</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Chiropractic Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/23</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Sussex Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/28</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Wapello-Burlington RR</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">16<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/29</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Snake Alley Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">16<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/30</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Mellon City Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">19<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5/31</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Quad Cities Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">10<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/18</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Theinsville Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/19</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Giro d’ Grafton – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/20</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Appleton Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">5<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/21</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Road America RR – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">26<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/22</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Sheboygan Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/23</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Waterloo Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/24</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Greenbush RR – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">23<sup>rd</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/25</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Fond du Lac Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">2<sup>nd</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/26</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Downer Classic – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">10<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">6/27</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Waukesha Crit – ToAD</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">11<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7/16</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Capitol Reef Classic – TT</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">17<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7/16</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Capitol Reef Classic – CR</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">12<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7/17</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Capitol Reef Classic – RR</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">17<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7/24</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Mt. Evans Hill Climb</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">30<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">7/31</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Tour of Elk Grove</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">10<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8/7</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Grayslake Classic</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8/14</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Glencoe Grand Prix</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">22<sup>nd</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8/21</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Attitude Sports Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">2<sup>nd</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">8/22</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Race the Lake</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">-</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">47<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9/3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Lafayette Square Crit</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">28<sup>th</sup></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9/4</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Tour des Hills</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">19<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9/5</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Giro dela Montange</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">3</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">11<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.45in;" valign="top" width="43"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">9/11</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">Ride the Rock RR</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 27pt;" valign="top" width="36"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">-</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color black black -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 0.5in;" valign="top" width="48"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">11<sup>th</sup> </span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-18783886738660994972010-09-10T15:15:00.002-05:002010-09-22T13:53:18.674-05:00Gateway Cup Replay<div class="MsoNormal">For those who may not know what the Gateway Cup is, it’s a 4 day racing series held in historic neighbors around St. Louis, MO on Labor Day weekend consisting of 3 criteriums and a circuit race. This entry will be a quick replay of the experiences I encountered along the way. Okay, maybe not so quick…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Friday, Sep. 3<sup>rd</sup> – Lafayette Square Criterium – 7:30PM:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s right, a night race. In a world in which criterium racing can be inherently risky, the removal of daylight and a slight addition of a few street lights plus portable corner lights made this race not only risky, but extremely FUN! Talk about an adrenaline rush… The race started like all cat 3 races I’ve ever been in: hammer, hammer, and hammer some more. As expected, the pace never ceased to be intense. Sprinting out of each corner to speeds of 30+, then jamming the brakes because 3 separate individuals all try to cut each other off on the inside of each corner. Seriously, figure it out guys. Stay in line and pedal smoothly through the corners and everyone is happy, and safe. This race was on in which there was no way to hold a position within the pack, if you’re not moving up, you’re moving backward.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Going back to that racing at night thing, when you only have street lights, there are many shadows following and passing you throughout the event. The instance in which your shadows smoothly slides past you is one which caught be looking over my shoulder a number of times because each time, I thought I had someone coming up on my left to pass. That wasn’t the case, just that pesky shadow. Another anomaly that I experience was the little neon LED blinky lights that racers put on the spokes of their wheels. Yes, you read that right. The racers had them on their wheels. This insanely quick flash accompanied with constant whirling around the wheel almost gave me a seizure as I followed directly behind. Yikes, nothing like going cross-eyed at 30+ on dark streets in a pack of 100.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
All in all, this race went smoothly until the last lap. A number of crashes occurred which resulted in splits in the field. My result ended up to be burning legs and lungs and finishing with the main pack in 28<sup>th</sup> place. Average speed for the race was 27.6 mph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJ20temGis3vKsTAJj9dw9nl_CCeBZLVcRoG7LAELbpNn2qnciHtFenBbbngZF9XVZWKl85HKFsiFVhM_Pew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Saturday, Sep. 4<sup>th</sup> – Tour des Hills Criterium – 2:00PM:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whoo! Daylight, back to the basics. Wide open, 4 corner course with decent pavement and slight incline on the start/finish stretch and the final stretch before turn 4. This was another great race with a large field. Pace was fast again and relentless throughout. My plan for the day was to sit in a safe area of the pack and wait for the last few laps to make a move. All went to plan. Nothing exciting occurred throughout the race until the last 3 laps. Pace whipped up even higher and I moved from the back of the field up to about 20<sup>th</sup> wheel. Once there, it was battle to stay there. Again, everyone tried to jam the inside of the corners and as a result a nasty crash occurred mid-field on turn 3 of the final lap. I stayed in front of the mess and was able to make it to turn 4 but then the fella in front of me over-cooked the corners, lost his balance and went down on his own. HA! Anyway, it was a field sprint from there, finished 19<sup>th</sup>. Average speed for the race was 26.8 mph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3fjEqYwVQXqBv1OiPpI_XuXR3wYiKB5U574ojqBggtNgOlD5x_H0Sx9RQWg-lyRO8mmrPhJJrEP4EaMknbzdjqbd_LEsFpJgG8ejLh1NwejTzzg84ogdVZ4KpQm4PCtS46lA2XwHZeGQ/s1600/DSCN1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3fjEqYwVQXqBv1OiPpI_XuXR3wYiKB5U574ojqBggtNgOlD5x_H0Sx9RQWg-lyRO8mmrPhJJrEP4EaMknbzdjqbd_LEsFpJgG8ejLh1NwejTzzg84ogdVZ4KpQm4PCtS46lA2XwHZeGQ/s320/DSCN1439.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Sunday, Sep. 5<sup>th</sup> – Giro de la Montagne – 3:00PM:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Italian district here we come! Another 4 corner course with a long front and back stretch each presenting 50/50 split with half the straight being a descent and the other half an uphill battle. Wide corners? Nope. The corners of this race were drastically different from those of the previous two races. 100% concentration was needed on these tight and bumpy left-handers. Turn 1 seemed to cause the most problems, but only for specific individuals who pushed the limits too far and found themselves having a make out session with the pavement. Ouch! Surprisingly though, there were no instances of crashes that I was aware of in the 3’s race. No one lost concentration and actually held their lines and speed though the corners. I worked hard throughout this race to stay near the front of the field. I was determined to finish higher than the previous day’s results. On the final lap I was sitting 15<sup>th</sup> wheel going down the back stretch. I moved up a few positions but quickly got swallowed up by the field sprinting up the sides. Whoops! They blew their load early allowing the rest of us to really ramp up the pace in to the final corner and down the long straight to the finish. I had a sprint and threw it down as best I could, passing about 8 prior to the finish. 11<sup>th</sup> was the result of the hard work put in. Getting stronger each day! Average speed for the race was 25.7 mph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ZsFUh7jRFW667ocNKFzYWYGNB0bXerNhekNyIWVA16GvHDBZ_nkEdwUcr3N91npL8Fe7ASA3HXdTE2UNtLaBAw62M_pBQVEFbOAFwBKlGp2meGeI6bfBdl8gUs4y52i17fpdR0mL7BF/s1600/DSCN1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ZsFUh7jRFW667ocNKFzYWYGNB0bXerNhekNyIWVA16GvHDBZ_nkEdwUcr3N91npL8Fe7ASA3HXdTE2UNtLaBAw62M_pBQVEFbOAFwBKlGp2meGeI6bfBdl8gUs4y52i17fpdR0mL7BF/s320/DSCN1233.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Monday, Sep. 6<sup>th</sup> – Benton Park Criterium – 1:00PM:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sweet! A race that includes 10 corners, two overpasses and rolls in front of Anheuser-Busch. Yeah, no so much. The race I’m sure was truly a blast but I didn’t participate. To my dismay I plagued with a flu-like virus and was forced to miss the final “points” worthy race of the year. A crummy way to end the series, but on the bright side, it was a good and long racing season in 2010. Also, I made the front page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch paper. Just a photo, but still pretty cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">USAC points races for the road are now wrapped up for the year. One “fun” race remains for tomorrow and then it’s some time off the bike. But not too much, I am determined this year to not lose all of my fitness. This therefore means that I’ll most likely be riding on the weekends (weather permitting) for those long base miles before the snow flies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, good luck to all of those participating in cyclocross races this fall! Later... </div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-57432795701424317852010-08-27T11:23:00.006-05:002010-08-27T11:27:45.087-05:00Rounding The Final Corner<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s been exactly 5 months since the beginning of the 2010 road racing season and we’re headed around the final corner prior to the sprint for the finish line. That final corner for the 2010 season ended up to be the double-header race weekend in Fond du Lac in which on Saturday was the Attitude Sports Criterium and Sunday was the 90-mile Race the Lake. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Attitude Sports Criterium was held in Lakeside Park on a flat but interesting 4.5 turn course. A quick right-left turn shortly after the start finished accounts for the ½ turn prior to the initial tight left-hand corner 1. Another tight right-hander for corner two which leads down a long back straight to the “wheel buster” turn 3. Finally, turn 4 rounds out the course with a super tight 70 degree corner which is the make it or break it point of the final sprint.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The field for the 3’s race was quite small with only 22 riders toeing the line for a chance at the win. I believe that the ISCorp team had to have nearly half the field themselves, somehow having a large contingent of juniors freshly moved up from the 4’s. Some of the names I’ve never even recognized so I am still unsure of how they upgraded. Nonetheless, these ISCorp junior put the hammer down throughout the race and really made their presence known. I have to give them an A+ for the tactics utilized. About mid-way through the race, ISCorp sent a rider off the front. Once caught by the field, another would attack. While members of the field tried to cover the gaps, there was always another ISCorp rider on their wheel. It was inevitable that either an ISCorp rider would solo to victory or it would come down to a field sprint. A field sprint is what I had in mind so I hammered multiple times to cover the gap up to the break rider. I had a lot of help from my teammate throughout the race who threw down some massive efforts to keep in contact with the break riders.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Eventually it came down to the last lap with the field together. Little did I know that it was the last lap because as we were passing the start/finish I looked up to see 1 to go and heard the bell ring. Well, I was already out of position sitting on the back of the field getting a breather. With one massive effort, I moved to 4<sup>th</sup> wheel going through the ½ turn on the front straight. That was the make it or break it. The field strung out. Going through turn 3 I cornered smoothly and found myself on the front of the field. No problem though, I sat up and maintained pace with the riders coming up the inside. Turn 4… middle line, plenty of room. Jumped on J. Jacobo’s wheel. Jacobo has a huge sprint and I knew he’d be a good leadout. Sure enough, there he went. I followed, moved to the inside and scooted past. Bike throw!!! To my dismay, an ISCorp rider was able to toss his tire just slightly further than I could… What I thought was my first Cat 3 win, turning into yet another close 2<sup>nd</sup>. I believe I’ve got the close 2<sup>nd</sup> thing down pat so far this year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So with the Attitude Sports Criterium wrapped up, the WCA series comes to a close; however the racing is not finished just yet. Sunday morning brought about the 3<sup>rd</sup> annual Race the Lake event which this year featured a number of pro teams vying for the coveted $20k prime for the winner of the race, should he finish with a high average speed than the previous year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">An early 2:45AM wake-up time got the day started. A good breakfast prepared by the best wives in the world (a big thanks to Amy and Jeramey’s wife Tammy) got myself and my teammate well fed for what was to be the longest road race of the year for both of us. Our early start got us up to Fondy early allowing for ample time to suit up, roll around and get to the start line early.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">5:50AM snuck up quick on us and we were off being led out by Team Aerocat and Team Kenda p/b Geargrinder. The pace was fast, as expected but being in the middle of the field and having the draft made it easy to keep up. The first 20 miles or so were pretty uneventful until we were taking a right-hander out of Oshkosh. Of course, some moron takes the corner too wide, slams into one of the cones marking the center line and tosses it at me. The cone smashes into my front wheel and catches my right foot hard. Luckily, I kept it upright and there was no collateral damage to the bike. Back rolling, blood pressure elevated… To make matters a bit worse, bottles were being jarred out of everyone’s holders in very rough sections throughout Oshkosh and Appleton. One of my bottles also became MIA when I smashed a pot hold. Down to 3 bottles… fail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Again, the race continued on fairly smoothly. No crashes! Next up, High Cliff State Park, the point of the race where it is guaranteed that the race will break up. And go figure, it did. The park marks the $500 King of the Hill prime. The pros went hard. So did I, but I was being taught a lesson on hill accelerations. Unfortunately, a teammate of mine had an ill-timed mechanical that took him out of the race. He was sure to finish highly if that didn’t happen. While I was tossed off the back of the field on the climb, I was in good company. A group of about 12 strong riders including a former Olympic silver medalist rotated a ridiculously fast pace line over the course of 7 miles at 33+ mph to catch back onto the main field.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Boo-yah! I’m back. Well sort of. After consuming two of my three remaining bottles, the one I had left for the last 45 miles wasn’t enough. With 15 miles to go, I was out of water and no feed zones to pick more up. The leg cramping set in and I knew I was in trouble. Hiding in the field I was able to keep with the lead peloton and make it back into Fondy. The pace really ramped up through town as the lead-out trains for the pro teams began to work their magic. Again, no crashes through the tight city streets lined with cars and tight corners. No sprint for this guy! I tucked in and hammered the pedals to the point just before cramping sets in. Rolled across the finish line in 47<sup>th</sup> place with a time of 3:13:47 and an average speed of 27.4 mph. 27.4 mph! That’s the fastest I’ve ever covered the ground on any race and quite an increase over the previous year’s average speed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A number of my teammates also had great showings increasing their average speeds from the previous year! Well done Team Extreme!</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">And so, that wraps up the double-header weekend of racing which metaphorically stands as the last corner of the race until the sprint. The racing season sprint comes in the form of the Gateway Cup in St. Louis, MO on Labor Day weekend. The Cup includes 4 days of criteriums around historic neighborhoods. It is sure to be a blast and a great way to round out a solid year of racing. Thanks for reading this novel!</span></div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-70332358203785087072010-08-19T21:43:00.002-05:002010-08-19T21:44:35.147-05:00Glencoe Recap<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Poor training is exactly how to describe my preparation for the Glencoe Grand Prix which occurred on Saturday, August 14<sup>th</sup> in Glencoe, IL. With one day on the bike between the previous weekend of racing and the Glencoe race, my racing legs were left at home and I paid for it. Entering the race I was pretty amped up to be racing on a new course, very technical with 10 turns and a bit of a hill that took its toll on everyone over the course of the race. <br />
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Even while positioning well throughout the race, the ability to hang in there with the massive accelerations on the last was non-existent. There would be no sprint and just leg burning agony of hammering across the line to just finish. Finished 22<sup>nd</sup>. While being unhappy with the performance, I was able to reflect on the progression of the race and where I may have made some mistakes. First mistake was obviously the lack of preparation the week prior and the second mistake came when trying to bridge a gap to the two in the break. While knowing the legs were in poor shape, I still made the attempt to cover the gap. Should have listened to how my legs felt and just sat in until the sprint. Lesson learned the hard way. But on the bright side, the finishing result of this year was 4 places better than the previous year, so there was some improvement there even while feeling horrible.<br />
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Lesson of the week: train and train smart. You have to be on the bike spinning the legs daily to keep them fresh, even on recovery weeks. Definitely won’t make that mistake again.<br />
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Next upcoming racing include the WCA finale at Fond du Lac for the Attitude Sport Criterium on Saturday, August 21<sup>st</sup> followed up by the Race the Lake (Winnebago) on the morning of Sunday, August 22<sup>nd</sup>.</div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-48914198725231572882010-08-07T22:10:00.002-05:002010-08-07T22:12:27.466-05:00NeutralizedThere's not too many times in criteriums in which the race is neutralized, especially within the last 5 laps of the race. This situation however came to fruition today at the Grayslake Cycling Classic in Grayslake, IL.<br />
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The location couldn't have been better and the course was spectacular. Wide open corners with a chicane added in the middle of the lap which added to the technical aspect of the course. Pavement was smooth and so was the rider's handling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rgHSAP3yxHZcEZ6hSBt1wserrSsItY34lci6QUFz7An3kBt5X8sUvVodDfnAoXF6sg-RJJVg3jKVD9KcaKkv1_SVsR80GPjSJiGGbpc-nRtOxfa6R9Zz3jekphg_tmjzWNoFcT80YuCv/s1600/DSCN0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rgHSAP3yxHZcEZ6hSBt1wserrSsItY34lci6QUFz7An3kBt5X8sUvVodDfnAoXF6sg-RJJVg3jKVD9KcaKkv1_SVsR80GPjSJiGGbpc-nRtOxfa6R9Zz3jekphg_tmjzWNoFcT80YuCv/s320/DSCN0863.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Field being strung out</div><br />
The race started off quick and strung the field out for the entire race. The goal for every rider was to get to the front and stay on the front. Many attacks were thrown down from the Bloomington Cycling team since they had nearly 10 riders showing up for the day. Attack after attack. Each time the field gave the break enough rope to hang themselves with. Finally, with 5 laps to go a few of us had a good break established. We increased our gap on the field to about 7 seconds and were increasing the time through each corner. As we passed the start/finish line with 3 laps remaining the officials neutralized the race due to a crash on the backside of the course. WTF! Neutralizing the race with 3 to go? As we rolled around the course, all the bodies involved in the crash were cleared off the course and no major injuries. So we expected to at least get our gap that we had on the field back when we started. NOPE! The officials started everyone together. Idiots! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhVyrWFk-Ekiyg8-dteZYE1lRaA-KG2gT9eo6-Ddp9DpIOGaVTmltgRI3ThqCxMbQV6NSnVB0WyAjXXlypVtN-AT6L3GIeQlrYbJ88Snj0r-EwuIrxNL1s1X7mNdqM0tZFwDVED089ifu/s1600/DSCN0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhVyrWFk-Ekiyg8-dteZYE1lRaA-KG2gT9eo6-Ddp9DpIOGaVTmltgRI3ThqCxMbQV6NSnVB0WyAjXXlypVtN-AT6L3GIeQlrYbJ88Snj0r-EwuIrxNL1s1X7mNdqM0tZFwDVED089ifu/s320/DSCN0836.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Establishing the break!</div><br />
The final 3 laps were excruciatingly fast. Everyone was rested up and those of us who had been working so hard to establish the break were paying for it. No one crashed through the final corners and the sprint was on. I sprinted and threw the bike for 7th place. And... I was given 8th. I couldn't believe it, but the dip-$*^# officials had the camera facing the wrong way! So, in order to figure out what place we finished, the officials asked us to report to them where we believe we finished. I explained that I finished 7th on the bike throw, but the official said the guy standing next to me said he finished 7th and she placed me as 8th. Really? Sure... give it to the Illinois guy. He needs the points for the ICA series and I don't. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pr9fhp_SssV_-CdGydJXrWzQTrHk6GtXFETbm8VB_qLmV6F-Z30c25mT8skXI2tyy51qsCkz8hB1GYqM6OGLmKv5z2AT9-NrMXsnmI49DyXI2Nmy26-t18_RwGSiEQ0jILOR18B6cRXP/s1600/DSCN1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pr9fhp_SssV_-CdGydJXrWzQTrHk6GtXFETbm8VB_qLmV6F-Z30c25mT8skXI2tyy51qsCkz8hB1GYqM6OGLmKv5z2AT9-NrMXsnmI49DyXI2Nmy26-t18_RwGSiEQ0jILOR18B6cRXP/s320/DSCN1015.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sprint... for 7th, or 8th.</div><br />
Don't get me wrong on this... the race was great and I will do it again next year; however, these officials really messed it up today. I understand the need for safety on the course, but when we're over a half lap away and there are no serious injuries, there's no need to neutralize a race. I've seen plenty of races with crashes and they support staff make the field aware of the crash. Never seen a problem come of a situation like that. At least give our break the time we worked so hard for when restarting. And for goodness sake, have the camera facing the right direction! Who's the fool that turned that around?<br />
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So, I left the race with a bit of a bad taste left in my mouth, but I'm sure happy to have still finished in the top 10. Next up is a week of long, moderately paced rides and then the Glencoe Grand Prix on Saturday, 8/14.THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-23310217460869065952010-08-07T21:40:00.000-05:002010-08-07T21:40:09.518-05:00Tour of Elk GroveJuly 31st was the Tour of Elk Grove which is always one of the biggest races of the year in the Chicago area. Elk Grove Village annually brings in great racers from each category right up to the Pros. With large crowds, large fields, and Pro level racing comes big payouts. This year for Cat 3's $2,500 was doled out to the top 20 finishers. Biggest payouts of the year so far!<br />
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The Cat 3 race was business as usual. Many attacks early, nothing sticking. My legs were feeling great and I made the field work a number of times as I tried to pop a few riders off the back. Always good fun putting the hurt on! The race remained smooth throughout with only two mishaps in which individuals caught their pedals on turn 3 and went down. Final laps were blistering. I didn't position the best and was boxed in going into the sprint. Lots of legs left, no where to go. Finished 10th. Can't go wrong with a top 10 at Elk Grove!THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-34319000712645948342010-07-30T16:23:00.000-05:002010-07-30T16:23:04.476-05:00The "Epic" Race<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Epic is defined as something that is heroic, majestic, or impressively great. The Mt. Evans Hill Climb race is all of these. An heroic effort is needed to make it to the top of the 14,265 foot mountain. The mountain and the scenery on the narrow, bumpy, and broken road is nothing less than majestic. The mountain and the race in itself are impressively great. Each year hundreds of cycling enthusiasts from around the country ranging from the casual rider to riders from the elite pro peloton ranks drag their bikes and bodies up the 27.4 mile course passing two pristine lakes that take your breath away quicker than your burning muscles require of your already oxygen deprived lungs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7NnBykrC8OC54f1QKkiw80eHmrYfLYxkDbaPumTVWCLt85xqHqCSlCmmPMNuP0e7E4lAVND9jsd8gAlzAxTssNH8V-yb_IB1R0YiOknXKEL67ezowpgnxAIpDgB5nchy3E__3chnutd1/s1600/Mt.+Evans+Elevation+Profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7NnBykrC8OC54f1QKkiw80eHmrYfLYxkDbaPumTVWCLt85xqHqCSlCmmPMNuP0e7E4lAVND9jsd8gAlzAxTssNH8V-yb_IB1R0YiOknXKEL67ezowpgnxAIpDgB5nchy3E__3chnutd1/s640/Mt.+Evans+Elevation+Profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Mt. Evans Hill Climb has been going up Mt. Evans for the past 45 years as an organized race. In 1962, a group of bicycle racers decided to challenge the 14,264 foot Mt. Evans by racing to its summit. Started by just a handful of riders, the race quickly became an annual event celebrated by the hardiest athletes, at a time when bicycle racings was considered and oddity at best.* The race was only cancelled three time since 1962, twice due to snow and once due to the race directors participation as a worker at the 1986 summer Olympics. In 1981 the race was renamed to the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb in honor of the 5-time winner of the race who passed away because of cancer at the age of 23. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7wjQRNgh9i0OobDouLlKcAOsMH4XnaoRRaNtbxw-ZvnbYpbewHQkyX4TYnnQbWg4lHv-xKc9TeBTm_DS5NdJQFxSxnCRME3hvQvhP7K7gePqLKErFXJ41ScCgH5ptdqQ0fJiuygtk50/s1600/Mt.+Evans+Course.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7wjQRNgh9i0OobDouLlKcAOsMH4XnaoRRaNtbxw-ZvnbYpbewHQkyX4TYnnQbWg4lHv-xKc9TeBTm_DS5NdJQFxSxnCRME3hvQvhP7K7gePqLKErFXJ41ScCgH5ptdqQ0fJiuygtk50/s400/Mt.+Evans+Course.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The course of this epic race starts at the base of the mountain in Idaho Springs, CO at an elevation of 7,540 feet and winds and twists its way up to the summit 6,724 feet above. The temperature difference from bottom to top ranges around 15 degrees which on a day when the temps at the start is only upper 50’s to low 60’s, the summit starts to sound like early spring in Wisconsin… low to mid-40’s. In all honesty, when finished with the race, 40’s never felt so good!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Cat 3 race rolled off exactly at 8:35AM MDT. It was like we were shot out of a canon. An quick, steep downhill onto Hwy 103 brought speeds up to the mid-20’s. Hwy 103 immediately pitches upwards so speeds came down slightly, but the leaders were still hammering out 18 mph on the 5% grade. Speeds remained about the same until the first of the many switchbacks hit shortly after the 5 mile mark. At around 8 miles in, “pop” off the back I went as the main group motored up the steep road at 14 plus. There I was, alone in No Man’s Land crushing the pedals at an 11 mph pace. The goal of the day was not to stay with the fast group, the goal was to finish. And finish I did. After winding through the first half of the race, my legs found the sweet spot and I began to quickly pass riders up the final 14 miles of the race. Slight inclines began to feel flat and my speed kick up near the 20’s. Pace on the steep climbs picked up to 13-14. All was going well. Then the last two miles hit. All switchbacks. You look up above you and all you see is stairs of riders taking in all of the oxygen you wish to claim for yourself. Corner after corner, the finish looked like it was never going to be there. Finally, after the last switchback, the finish line was in sight. Sprint! Nope, there would be none of that today. Burning, dead legs ground out the final 100 meters ending with a resounding sigh of relief and feeling of absolute joy knowing that I’ve completed the hardest race I’ve ever done, and will ever do again. Until next time…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 hours and 20 minutes was my finishing time and placed 30<sup>th</sup> overall for Cat 3’s. Awesome finishing time for me being that I thought I would average more around 9 mph and finish well beyond the 2hr 40min mark. Unbelievably, the winner of the Cat 3 race was a whole 10 minutes behind the winning time of the Pros. Wow, these guys know how to climb. Must be nice when these guys live at high altitudes all year round… stinking mountain goats! <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking of mountain goats, one of these shaggy mountain animals though that a yellow Madone 6.9 looked like it would be something good to eat. I return from relieving myself and sure enough, the little white goat is standing next to my bike and sniffing the rear wheel. After sternly scolding the mountain goat to not chew on the rear tire, I was able to bring my prized possession back from apparent destruction. Dang mountain goats!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After killing the road for over 2 hours, I had the privilege, which was well earned, to ride back down the mountain. There’s nothing like an hour of exhilarating descending down a mountain. Being a novice and descending mountains, I got passed by two on a tandem bike so quickly I thought I was standing on the side of the road. Wow! Looked like the lady on the back was white-knuckling the handlebars! A little over an hour later I was back where I started. Painful but fun, the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb was the most “epic” race I’ve ever competed in. Hopefully I will get a second crack at the mountain again in the future and hopefully without any mountain goats trying to steal my bike for lunch.</div>THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853148052875835785.post-83262270200386312592010-07-18T23:40:00.001-05:002010-07-19T00:08:32.840-05:00Capitol Reef ClassicAfter beginning my vacation over a week ago, I've arrived in Breckenridge ready for some high-altitude training. The previous week brought me some good rides in eastern Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. Those rides helped to get my lungs ready for the Capitol Reef Classic (CRC) stage race in Utah.<br />
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First off, this was the third year of the CRC in which participation has been growing each year. The CRC consists of an 8.1 mile time trial, 52 mile circuit race, and an 81 mile road race all completed in two days. The weather was mild (or at least that's what they said compared to last year) with temps ranging from upper 80's to low 100's, but it's a dry heat and I learned quickly that it is much better than 90 degrees and 90% humidity we receive in the Midwest.<br />
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The time trial on Friday morning started off okay for me but as the miles ticked by the lack of oxygen started to burn up my lungs. I hammered through the remaining miles after being passed by the fella that started 30 seconds behind me. When being passed in a TT, motivation really bottoms out! I finished with a time of 18 minutes, 19 seconds; good enough for 17th place. 17th was better than expected because it wasn't a DFL!<br />
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Friday afternoon rolled around and it was time to suit up again and give the 52 mile circuit race a go. Partly cloudy and hot we rolled out of Teasdale, UT for 3 laps of a 17.3 mile loop. The circuit race reminded me greatly of the LaRue-Denzer race back in Wisco; however, this race was much worse. Climbs were just as long, but these were much steeper; and did I mention, these guys can climb... I hung on with the front runners until the final 8% grade climb and pop I went off the back. Rolled in for 12th place with a time of 2:21:21 after a long day in the saddle.<br />
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Speaking of a long day in the saddle, Saturday's 81 mile road race over a mountain pass and around Fish Lake was a really, really long day in the saddle. We rolled off early at 8 AM and began what was to be the hardest race I've ever competed in. Up and down for the first 13 miles and then we called a "natural" (early on, but well needed). All long mileage road races should have these, they're worth a million bucks! Shortly after, we hit the first major climb, a 5 mile steep killer of a climb. The field was decimated and 10 riders danced on the pedals away from the rest of us. 3 of us managed to catch back onto the main field on the downhill just before feed zone 1 but after digging hard on the downhill to catch up, we didn't have enough to hang with that group on the second major climb. This second climb was about 8 miles long and averaged 8 to 10% grade. After getting into a rhythm I was able to motor past the other chasers up the hill. After the second major climb, there were only steep rollers left for the remaining 42 miles. Altitude was again beating on my lungs as we climbed up from about 6,200 ft to nearly 10,000 ft. I hung on the back of the chase group the rest of the race until being dropped on the final climb. Finished 17th with a time of 4:08:48.<br />
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The road race was absolutely phenominal! It hurt like hell but was absolutely awesome when bombing down the mountain side at 50+ mph. If we didn't use brakes because of some of the turns, I'm sure we would have easily been in the 60 mph range. Absolutely awesome!!!<br />
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When all said and done, I finished 15th in the overall GC standings with a total time of 6:48:28. Not bad for the first time racing in the mountains!<br />
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As mentioned earlier, Breckenridge is the destination of choice for the rest of my vacation for some relaxation and some high altitude training. Hopefully I'll be able to bring some big lungs home to rip it up on the Wisco tarmac. I'll be back in a week!THellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17861153992594178372noreply@blogger.com1