2011 Masters Districts State Championship - 55-59 Mens

Finally, A Podium Spot At Districts
By Jim Langley

Late Sunday start = small group

The ironic thing about this year's District Championships is that I almost didn't enter it. I've gotten so used to the long trek to Markleeville to race at elevation, that having the venue changed to our popular CCCX circuit race course at Fort Ord seemed all wrong.

More a weekend crit than a championship road race
There would be no major climbs; nice, thick sea-level air; and surely no skinny Nevada fastmen. Plus, with a high chance of a bunch sprint finish, it seems more like a criterium than a road race worthy of district's status.

But worst, my race was to be the last of the day, starting at 4:50 Sunday afternoon. Talk about messing up my training for Nationals!

Home field advantage
But then two things convinced me to register. Bob Montague, who was such a big help at the Madera Road Race emailed saying he wanted to ride for me. And a little later Steve Heaton told me I'd be crazy not to enter since it's essentially our home course and we've all done so well there in the circuit races, and because I'm in peak form. Excellent points.

Then Kem Akol let me know he was signing up, making 3 strong Bike Trip/Symantec double-nickel teammates (as it turned out we had one of the largest teams in our group). And finally Coach Mark decided to enter the 50+ and offered to drive. Be sure to check out the iPhone video at the bottom showing his group flying down the descent (Geoff and Matt are in the pack too).

Rob Anderson tearing our legs off - Bob looking strong

Rob does his thing
As for our 55+ race, if you enlarge the photo on the right and look at Masters State, National and World Champion Rob Anderson's grimace (he's the guy in front in Specialized red), it pretty much sums up how our race went.

The official blew his whistle to start us, Rob was kind enough to let our small group (about 23 riders) click into our pedals, and then he hit his electric shifter, and a higher gear, and punched it - flat out.

Grab a wheel and hang on
We went from a let's-warm-up-a-little 15mph to a quad-cramping 30mph in about 20 pedal strokes, and we stayed at that speed for about 4 minutes before Rob had to take a breather. Then, about a minute later he did the same thing.

This exact pattern repeated for the first 6 laps, at which point there were only 7 of us left in the lead group, a nice chase group of 7 or 8, more than a minute back, and a few solo riders left. The rest had abandoned to race another day.

A helpful headwind
Luckily for me, it's not so easy to breakaway on the CCCX course. There are a series of rollers on the backside of the course but there's a headwind there that means all you have to do is hide behind someone and not get gapped and it's unlikely whoever is trying to drop you in front will be able to generate the watts to do it, since you're working nowhere near as hard as they are.

Mark wins! Rob is second. Steve takes third.

This worked great for me through the 7th lap and I felt pretty good when we came to the backside of the course where it's relatively flat. While I may have felt good, in retrospect I think I must have gone a little brain dead because as Rob sat up, I decided to attack myself. Why should he have all the fun?

Dumb move
I was able to open a small gap but Rob chased me down pretty quickly. I rested a bit and then jumped again with Mark Caldwell pulling me back this time.

I knew what would happen next: Rob punched it again trying to shake me. I was okay until we hit the rollers and there, my legs, softened now from my attacks, just gave out and I got dropped.

I recovered really fast though and managed to chase and actually catch the group (they had slowed to a crawl), but when they realized I was back on, Rob went again and I got dropped for good.

Down but not out
I ended up time trialing in, dropping one guy who was dogging me, staying ahead of the chase group behind me and taking the last podium spot. It's my best districts finish ever and by far the closest I have ever been to Rob Anderson.

Rob, Mark Caldwell and Steve Palladino came into the sprint together and went 2, 1, 3. Jonathan Sek must have been dropped like me and time trialed in for 4th. A spectator told me that Mark was much faster to the line than Rob. I wish I had been there.

I'll wrap this up with a special thanks to John Schaupp, who had a big win in the 55+ at Dunnigan Hills on Saturday. Instead of kicking back, recovering at home, he was out on the course cheering us on and handing up bottles. Thanks, John and congrats!

TBT coverage in today's daily

Two Santa Cruz bicyclists headed to the Masters Road National Championships


Read the full article here.

Diamond Valley Road Race (Districts Masters Road Championships)

Districts Road Race 55-59 Category 
Saturday, July 24, 2010, Markleeville, California

By Jim Langley

Even though I only finished in the field sprint and didn't get any closer to the podium than the past 2 years, this had to be the most fun I've had at a race in a long time.

Bike Trip Road Trip!
We caravaned up in 2 cars, Scott Martin and I in his Subaru and Bob Montague, Tim Sawyer and Joe Platin in Bob's SUV. The 4-hour drive up to Markleeville wasn't all that bad because we left in the morning this year and avoided the traffic. Plus, we all looked forward to seeing Tim's brother in law Paul's place where we were all staying: only minutes from the racecourse with ample sleeping quarters, to-die-for views and even a ping-pong table! [Huge thanks for setting this up, Tim!]

Even better, amazing Chef Bob turned Paul's place into a mini Cafe Sparrow and cooked us a gourmet meal of pan-seared sesame seed-encrusted ahi tuna with risotto and salad and Joe brought an incredible carrot cake from The Buttery. We sat on Paul's deck enjoying the most awesome pre-race meal ever, until someone realized that we were actually looking at the water tower at the top of the climb on the racecourse!

Readying To Race
Since we had pre-ridden the course when we got up to Markleeville, and experienced how thin the air is at 6,000 feet, and just how steep the first climb is (it was Bob's first time up there) - racing it with a stuffed stomach was a sobering thought. So, at that point we decided to stop eating like pigs and start concentrating on race preparation.

Tim, Scott and Bob's job was to support Coach Mark Edwards in the 50-54 race, while Joe and I were in the 55-59s. We all had instructions from Coach Mark on how to approach the race so we compared notes and went over our plans - a discussion that was still ongoing at breakfast. I can't tell you have nice it was to be able to lounge around at Paul's and not have to rush to get to the race on time and we took full advantage.

And We're Off!
The 50-54s went off first at 8:10, and I'll let someone in that race report on it. From what I heard, and what Scott told me on the way back, everyone rode great and helped Mark to another outstanding Districts result.

In the 55s, what we expected to happen, happened: New 55+ rider, Specialized's Rob Anderson (who goes solo and wins districts every year, it seems) did it again, and pretty much, that was the race. The only difference is that Steve Archer of Morgan Stanley went with him. No one else could go with them though. I didn’t try and Joe didn't, either. But I don’t think I could have stayed with them and was afraid to risk blowing up on that first steep climb. And, I believe Joe was in the same boat.

I felt awful anyway on the first lap. It was hard to breathe at first and I couldn't push it and get myself going. I probably needed a much longer warmup. But, Joe and I rode smart and hung with the pack. It was comprised of about 30 riders after Rob and Steve powered off the front. We couldn’t get the pack organized though there was a lot of talk and a few attempts.

I tried to bridge once on the first lap but when I got around the corner and saw how far ahead they were I knew I couldn't make it without help. But, every time we’d hit the hills, the pace would be too fast for the flatlanders and they absolutely refused to help to chase down the break.

Amateur Hour
It was actually kind of funny. We've got 30 guys and we can't get any kind of reasonable paceline going. And, it's not like anyone is blocking for a teammate. Well, Mark Caldwell would have tried since he's Steve Archer's teammate. But, if even 10 guys worked together there would have been little he could have done, and I'm sure we could have made up the minute gap the 2 leaders had on the pack. But, due to the climbers putting down the hammer on the ups, the other guys would only rest on the flats hoping to be there at the end for the sprint.

We did talk about taking it easy on the climbs so that people wouldn't get gapped or dropped and could help on the flats. But, then on the third lap, Webor’s George Smith attacked on the second climb, and that time up was painful. My heart rate was higher than it's been in a long time and my legs were screaming, but all the training paid off and I was okay with it and went over the top near the front. That's when everybody sat up and most of the guys that got dropped got right back on.

To The Finish
So, it came down to the 4th lap. We tempo’d the climbs on that lap and it was not so hard as lap 3. I didn’t want the group to bunch up and clog the road and block, as had happened last year. So I made a series of attacks down the home stretch – probably 4 or 5 hard jumps in the closing 3-mile gradual uphill to the finish line. This strung out the pack and dropped more guys.

In the end, it was all for nothing, as Mark Caldwell jumped around me for 3rd, and other guys came by too. Maybe I could have waited instead of attacking over and over, and just sprinted, but I expect with his skills, Caldwell would have taken 3rd anyway.

MC Speaks!
One interesting outcome was that right after the sprint, Mark Caldwell turned around, looked for me, did a U-turn, rolled up, put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a few tips - and actually said that I was strong enough to have taken the sprint! That's surprised the heck out of me because I've probably raced against MC 10 times now, and that’s the first time he has said anything to me.

So, I guess I at least impressed him with my attempts to shape the race. I'll take it as a compliment and remember his advice (attack from the back, not the front). Someday I hope to actually out-ride him but it's going to take more fitness and smarts. It's nice he was willing to give me some helpful tips!

Thanks a million Tim, Bob and Joe for the incredible Districts lodging and food - and great racing everyone! Thanks for reading,
Jim Langley

Bicycle Trip sends two racers to Masters Road National Championships in Kentucky

Team Bicycle Trip/Symantec is sending two of its top bicycle racers to the Masters Road National Championship races in Louisville, Kentucky, June 28 through July 4. They will compete against the top riders in the USA attempting to win a gold, silver or bronze medal for Bicycle Trip/Symantec and their hometown of Santa Cruz.

Mark Edwards (49, Santa Cruz), who is also Bicycle Trip’s team coach, and Jim Langley(56, Santa Cruz), will participate in the road race and individual time trial. Jim is a longtime bicycle mechanic, cycling author and former Bicycling Magazine tech editor. Masters age categories are in five-year increments, and Mark will race with the 45-49 men while Jim will race with the 55-59 group. Mark works as an Associate Distribution Engineer at PG&E, while Jim is the content director for SmartEtailing.com.

Both racers have been training for several years for this opportunity and are enjoying stellar seasons. Mark excels in hillier road races, and this year has stood on the top podium step of the Early Bird, Orosi, Copperopolis, and Berkeley Hills Road Races.

Jim has also had impressive results, taking first in the Madera Stage Race, and standing on the podium in the San Bruno Hill Climb, the Cherry Pie Criterium, the Orosi Road Race, and the Sea Otter Classic Circuit Race.

Independent and locally owned, the Bicycle Trip has enjoyed providing quality sales and service in Santa Cruz County for nearly 35 years. Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5, 1001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Phone: 831-427-2580.

Red Robin Swoops Past Highwheel Guy at Swanton

Wind, Newfangled Bike and Giant Bird Brain Conspire to Topple Highwheel Guy
By The Highwheel Guy (aka Jim Langley)

It pains me no end to have to report that that dastardly Red Robin handily stomped me into the ground last night at the Swanton Time Trial. Me, in my dazzling period-correct racing attire, and atop my spectacular 1886 Victor Light Roadster highwheel, and that lowly worm-eater on some odd-looking contraption with a peculiar horizontal backbone, spindly midget wheels and squatting down low, hugging the ground.

I must say that I enjoyed Red Robin's getup immensely, however, I couldn't see how anyone in a chicken suit with a gaping beak, and on such a ridiculous and silly steed would have any chance against the noted NorCal 1-mile champion, The Highwheel Guy!

David Gill, the official starter was all business and insisted that due to my many titles and obvious superiority, I start first. My winged adversary would follow. We ignored the cat calls coming from the inferior riders waiting their turns behind us, some astride machines even more convoluted than the Robin's.

It took a mighty effort to conquer Mother Nature's fierce blasts but my massive thighs, as if powered by a steam engine, quickly took control of the situation and I was soon setting a blistering 9 mph pace on my way toward the turnaround. I noted with pride that even the real birds, quite visible from my lofty perch, couldn't fly into that wicked wind, yet The Highwheel Guy would not be stopped!

No sign of Red Robin - or anyone else as I poured it on passing the Swanton Farm - I must be approaching 15 mph!!! Ha! I didn't think those stupid-looking velocipedes could keep pace with my magnicificent mount.

Oops! Spoke too soon. What's this?! Can't be... the Red Robin! A triumphant fist in the air, an insulting shake of the tail feathers and he's past.

Not so fast bird brain! I redouble my effort and am hot on his tail though definitely not drafting, as that would be cheating, not to mention impossible behind such a short, squat, ugly 2-wheeler, though I must say the Robin's gigantic (and completely empty) bird head would surely block some wind.

With tremendous power and impressive courage I flattened the Fire Station hill and kept the Red Robin in sight, though in truth I must confess that that crimson-red giant chicken suit can be seen from a long ways off. No matter. Bit firmly in my teeth, I galloped toward the turnaround spinning my 56-inch fixed gear with even more resolve, discipline, remarkable fluidity and ballet-like grace. I wish I could watch myself it must be so stunning to see.

Gadzooks! Swanton Hill is far steeper than even The Highwheel Guy's gargantuan - and quite lovely - gams can handle and I'm forced to dismount and - ugh - walk the hill! Shamed by the goofy mini machines now catching and passing, I decide to remount and make a run at this last obstacle before the turnaround. It can't be that steep. Nothing can be too steep for The Highwheel Guy!

Alas, I try twice to remount and crash both times, and quite painfully - "curses, that hurts!" Worse, one of my fellow competitors, wearing something garish that looks painted to his body, and scaling the climb surprisingly speedily, spots me going ass over teakettle and besmirches me with the completely useless "are you okay?" I assure him that all's well yet soon realize that all is decidedly NOT well.

The Highwheel Guy's luck seems about run out. My bruises and aches will heal but now the pedal is hitting the frame on each revolution. I have damaged my pride and joy, my priceless Victor! All chances of running down the Red Robin and glory seem dashed. But wait! It's only a few hundred yards to the turnaround. Surely someone there will have the necessary implements of bicycle mechanics for me to restore the crankarm and get my flyer ship-shape for the tailwind-blessed sail homeward.

The Gods are with me! The turnaround steward has a tool pouch in his unusual four-wheeled box-like metal thing next to the road, and I'm able to remove the pedal, insert a lever into the crankarm, use my massive power to muscle it back into shape, reinstall the pedal and charge off down the hill. "Watch out Red Robin!" The Highwheel Guy now has Mother Nature at his back and a renewed resolve to finish strong.

But I'm soon undone again by my very own steed - gravity and my Victor's 65-pound weight now trying to cause my certain doom barreling down Swanton Hill. Holding back on the pedals with all that The Highwheel Guy's redwood-like trunks can muster is not enough to keep the eager penny farthing under control as it picks up steam and I approach a terrifying 20 mph and certain death should I hurtle off the macadam and into the puckerbrush.

Terrified, I reach for my old reliable spoon brake to apply a little friction to the front tire and scuff off some speed to regain control. Double damn! I appear to have injured my wrist in one of the crashes and I can barely squeeze the brake. I try another grip, fight more to slow my accelerating locomotive via the pedals, and finally manage to reign old Victor in. Whew. Disaster averted.

I safely reach the bottom of the hill and can finally really ride the tailwind home. Will I catch that sneaky feathered fiend? Will I crash a couple of more times? Will I finish before dark?!

I barrel along making good time and all's dandy until I reach Swanton Farm hill. Still stunned from my previous ignominious defeats trying to scale climbs I decide not to risk dumping it again and I dismount and make good time striding up the hill, my patent-leather shoes making a nice tapping sound with each rapid step as I note the marvelous sunset. I remount and blast down into the valley, then dismount to run up the final hill before I can climb back on and unleash my sprint known wordwide for having as much power and speed as a cannon shot.

I positively fly across the line to show my beaked challenger that The Highwheel Guy has wings too. He, and a group of rabble rousers, apparently friends of the Red Robin's kindly give me a cheer and even have an icy cold one waiting for me. I notice with just a little despair and disgust, that the only other people left are David Gill and the turnaround guy.

Of course, even though I've been shamed by the Red Robin, The Highwheel Guy is the best of sports and I heartily congratulate him on his impressive ride, taking a final look at his strange steed, and thanking him for the tasty recovery drink.

Naturally, Mr. Gill, still all business, pays the Red Robin no mind but takes the time to give The Splendiferous And Quite Handsome But Now Not-So-Sweet-Smelling Highwheel Guy the wonderful news that he has set a new course record, which delights me. I expected no less.

"Yes," he says, "You have the distinct honor of now holding the record for the only rider in the history of the Swanton TT to have started first and finished last." Drat! Foiled again!

Orosi Road Race 55+ 3/21/09

Orosi RR 55+
A Day for the Sprinters
By Jim Langley
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After last week's big win at Madera, I went into this race mostly for the fun of riding a new course and seeing if I could get another decent result. Mark and Scott raced it last year and recommended it as a good one for climbers so I thought I'd have a good chance and enjoy the change from the mostly flat courses at Madera last week. Also, top 55+ers Scott Hennessy and Mac Carey were registered and they're tough competitors who have taught me many lessons - Scott, especially on longish, hilly races. (Orosi is 2 laps of a 28-mile course, which about 2,000 vertical feet per lap.)

Small Field
It turned out that the race was a relatively uneventful one. There were only 9 guys entered, apparently all climbing specialists, I believe 4 of them were from SoCal from their jersey sponsor names. The one guy I checked out online before the race had even won the Mount Everest Challenge - pretty good indication that he'd be trouble in the hills.

If I'd investigated the race more closely, I might have decided to pass. It's a lovely loop, but the climbing is not the kind I like. I prefer long, steady rhythm ascents. Orosi is constant little climbs. They don't even look like real hills but they keep working your legs and on the second lap when one of the LA guys went to the front and put the hurt on us on the first grade, my legs didn't want any of it. Just another couple of mph and I would have been dropped with the 4 other guys who came off here.

Sitting In
I dug a little deeper and hung in at the back and felt slightly better as we covered the next series of ups and downs with Mac driving the pace. Every time we hit another hill my legs protested and I had my fingers crossed there'd be no harder attacks because there wasn't much left in them. Luckily that didn't happen and I rode as best I could, tried to recover as possible, and tried to get ready for a fun finish since the 5 of us were obviously going to come into the long, straight finish together.

Sprinting not being my strong suit, and there being a couple of powerful-looking guys out there still, I threw down a few hard attacks coming into the finish to try to prevent the guys from attacking me, and to try to take something out of their legs so maybe I'd have a chance when we sprinted. Scott jumped a couple of times too. But, we still hit the 1 K to go marker all together.

Some Speed In These Legs After All
Normally, this is where I'd take off, lead out the bunch and then have them all come by on the line. I've made this mistake so many times that I was actually thinking that I might as well make it again - and that it would be okay to finish 5th.

But, as soon as these awful thoughts popped into my head, a much better one pushed them out: 'get a grip, Jim - you're a Cat 2 now - you're going to win this sprint - race smart!' (amazing what a big win and upgrade does for your confidence and mindset)

It's a good thing my focus got right and my confidence returned because we were only going slower, fanned out across the road, everyone looking at each other, no one wanting to be first to lead it out. I judged Scott to be the fastest finisher and wanted to follow him. I slowed even more so he'd come up on my left a little more. He did that, but a little too much forcing me to ride the line between the road and gravel shoulder to get around on the inside.

I didn't want to be boxed to the inside or have to sprint on the gravel, so I made a fake jump on the inside to get my bars ahead of Scott's and this caught the attention of the guys on the left. One of them yelled "right!" and that was the signal that made everyone really jump, Scott going first. Perfect!

I waited for a half a second and was right on Scott's wheel when I went. I felt like I had the speed to come around, but he had the advantage of being in front and the line was closer than I thought it was, and he beat me to it. So, Scott got another nice win, while I finished a close second. Mac Carey was right behind me in third. Scott is an excellent sprinter, maybe second only to John Elgart in the 55+, so there's no shame in taking second to him.

Closing Thoughts
Overall, it was a tough race with a fun finish, and another happy result. I didn't win the sprint, but it was very close and my tactics were almost right this time. It was right to be on Scott's wheel. It was right to wait. It was a good tactic to get the others to jump first. No one came around me too, and I almost caught Scott, so I'm confident I actually have a competitive sprinting ability, which will help in future races.

But there are things I need to work on. My mistake was taking the wrong line trying to come around Scott. He took the shortest line which I wanted too, and this forced me to change my line mid sprint - enough to cancel any speed advantage I had. I should have known where he would go and taken a different line so as to accelerate straight ahead and not have to turn or swerve. Another mistake was focusing on what's happening around rather than on getting more power and speed to the ground. You lose power and speed if your focus isn't mostly on explosiveness. I am certain I can improve here and become more dangerous.

Now you know what I'll be working on in these coming weeks before Copperopolis, which came down to a sprint finish last year too. Congrats to Mark, Matt and Matt who all also had great races in their categories. Watch for their race reports and thanks for reading!

Madera Stage Race 55+

Madera Stage Race 55+ March 14 & 15, 2009 (photo: my break in the RR)
By Jim Langley

The Madera Stage Race takes place in and around the city of Madera, which is about 2.5 hours from Santa Cruz via 152 East and 99 South, exit at Cleveland. It's actually a reasonably pleasant drive, the big surprise a stretch of 99 just before town that's blanketed with a dazzling assortment of wildflowers - like your own personal greeting committee, confetti and all.

Scouting the Racecourses
We headed down Friday after work. I drove and Bob Montague (entered in the Elite Cat 5 event) navigated. Gary Griffin would join us Saturday morning and race with me in the first stage, the criterium. Bob had reservations at the brand-new and very nice Hampton Inn ($80 a night, free wi-fi & breakfast), which was also the race hotel where the results would be posted.

But the first order of business was finding the criterium course so that we'd know where to go in the morning for registration and Stage 1. Thanks to Bob's pre-race reconnaissance and excellent directional skills (VeloPromo's directions made no sense at all), we found the crit, drove the course (in both directions just in case) and then spent about an hour driving the 20 miles to the time trail course and checking that too. Even though it was getting dark, riders were already practicing on both racecourses and Bob and I talked about whether or not we should have actually ridden the loops instead of driven them. Nah.

Our Own Mini Tour de France
We couldn't register until Saturday morning when we would receive what VeloPromo calls the "race bible," but we knew from the race website and entry form that, though short, Madera is a real stage race. There's a crit, a TT and a RR. The person with the best time after all stages wins. There are time bonuses of 20, 10 and 5 seconds, for placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in each stage, and bonuses of 5 seconds each for winning the 2 primes in the crit.

If you miss a race or flat out or crash and can't finish a stage, you're out (though there was a note in the race bible that they would try to help racers who suffer "mishaps." Later I watched an example, when a team car for the Pro 1/2 pack zoomed past me during the road race, one of their riders taking a free 35mph tow back up to the pack after one of these mishaps.)

The stage and GC results are posted each night at the race hotel. We heard that 600 racers were at the race from all over making the hotel and racecourses fun scenes with almost endless vehicles, riders warming up on trainers and plenty of awesome aero bikes and wheels because of the TT. The 3 courses are all around Madera, the crit is in town, the TT is on farmland 20 miles away and the RR is over mostly flat roads with one roller section east of Madera via Road 600.

There were 26 guys entered in the 55+ including national TT champ Scott Hennessy, who schooled me a few times last year in road races, too, Mac Carey who got me on the line only last week at the Menlo Park Crit and also beat me at San Bruno, and Brian Fessenden who handily beat me at Cherry Pie. I had prepared very carefully for the race and was riding with the goal of placing in all 3 events and the overall for which I hoped to receive enough upgrade points to finally get my bump to Category 2 racer [Late-breaking news - my upgrade request was just granted - I am now a Cat 2!!]. I didn't really expect to win any of the races with Scott in the mix as he's strong and very smart. He outfoxed me at several races last year where I thought I had a chance to win.

Bob Gets Taken Out
By now, most of you have heard about Bob getting knocked out of the race in a crash. I saw the whole thing, helped the medics at the scene, took care of Bob's bashed and bloodied bike and gear - and this all shook me up pretty badly. I lost all desire to race and was fully ready to drive Bob back home once he was patched up. But, at the emergency room, even though he was strapped to the bed to stabilize his neck and could hardly move, Bob made it very clear that if I didn't race he was going to be even more miserable. His doctors told me that he'd be in the hospital all day anyway, so I might as well race and come see him later. Bob's wife was already on her way to the hospital too.

So, feeling some of the worst butterflies I've ever had before a race, I drove across town from the hospital and arrived just in time at the crit course for a short warmup. It was nice that a lot of people saw me and asked how Bob was doing, which went on throughout the weekend. Nice people bike racers. I also found Gary who had just arrived. We took Bob's wheels over to the pit since Gary didn't have spares (thanks Bob!).

Racers - Start Your Engines!
I lined up on the front line and Gary took a position back a bit in the pack, and off we went for 20 laps around the flat 4-corner course, the only obstacle a set of railroad tracks. The pace was brisk but not anything like racing with the 45+, which I had done at Cherry Pie and Menlo Park. So, I stayed near the front but didn't do any work. I hadn't had any real warmup and my stomach and focus weren't right so it took a while to get into race mode.

I knew there would be 2 primes and thought I might have a chance to grab 5 seconds, but with speedster Brian Fessenden and a new Webcor guy, Greg Bolella (sp) in the race with excellent snap, I had no chance. So, I waited for the second prime, which took place with 7 laps to go. Brian and Greg shot away again, and I used the opportunity to attack from the back of the pack. Brian and Greg sat up after the prime sprint and I told them to come with me, which they did. Karl Webber had chased me when I attacked and one other guy followed him. So, the 5 of us got a good break going.

We dropped the 5th guy right way and managed to stay away until the confusing finish. It's too complicated to explain but we ended up going across the line in our break rotation, no sprint, because we thought there were still 2 laps to go due to them taking our lap cards down not to confuse the also-finishing 45+ guys who started ahead of us (I told you it was confusing). I was 3rd wheel, so I finished 3rd and got a 5 second time bonus plus the 37 seconds we were ahead of the pack.

Looking Good After Stage 1
So, after the crit I was sitting pretty in 3rd place overall with a 42 second lead over Scott Hennessy and Mac Cary and all the other guys. Brian got a 20 second time bonus for winning the crit plus another few for taking a prime, so he was 20 seconds up on me and Greg took second and had prime seconds too so he was about 10 seconds ahead (I don't have exact numbers because I never got to see all the official results).

Gary and I signed out of the race (just like at the Tour, you had to sign in and out of every race), grabbed our spare wheels, loaded our vans and drove the 20 miles to the TT course. I was thanking Bob the whole time because I never would have found it on my own had we not driven out there the night before. We already got our start times at registration in the morning. Gary was off at 4:48 and I was off at 4:50. Scott Hennessy and Mac Cary were off earlier. As we got close to the course, it was exciting seeing the crazy fast riders breaking the sound barrier on their pedal powered missiles... some phenomenal machines out there and riders too.

Beat The Clock - Or Try To
Coach Mark had recommended to us that we save energy in the crit in order to do our best TT. Since I had gone a little crazy in the crit and gotten in the break I was wondering if I'd have the legs to ride a good time. Just like in any stage races the TT can decide the GC at the end. But, I told myself I could TT with the best of them and did a pretty half-ass warmup back and forth on the only stretch open to riders. Always-friendly Scott Hennessy was just two cars over and I noticed how expertly he was warming up on his trainer, which worried me, but I just didn't have the focus, energy or desire to warm up that hard.

The course was pretty cool: 4 miles of a slight downhill with almost a tailwind, 2 miles across with a crosswind, right turn, and 4 miles back slightly uphill against a headwind. The roads followed lovely orchards but the roads were trashed and there was another concern: BEES! All along two of the roads were beehives to help the fruit trees. And, what do bees do in the late afternoon? Return to their hives, of course. Meaning a high chance of stings. (I didn't get stung but a lot of riders did.)

Go!
They actually had an offical starter, a bike holder and timed starts going off every 30 seconds like clockwork. No starting ramp, but otherwise totally professional. Gary went off powerfully. Right ahead of me was Jack Kelso/Hammer Nutrition, a body-builder-turned-roadie from Pleasanton. I was hoping to catch him as he was my 30-second man. But there was no way. I never even saw him after the start and as I was working it with all I had I started to get the feeling that there was a reason the guys had let us breakaway in the criterium.

Still, time trialing takes focus so I tried to shut off the negativity and put all thought and energy into applying the gas, riding a straight line, staying completely aero and breathing. On the amazing Look 596 Bob had borrowed for us to use I at least felt super fast and I thought I might have a chance on the uphill section to reel in the guys who hammered the down side.

As I hit this stretch I was hurting but I caught one guy, and then another, and then saw Gary. It was great seeing how aero he was because he was only on his regular road bike with clip-ons. He also looked strong and super smooth. It took me a long time to pass him and I cheered him on and then only beat him to the line by a few seconds.

The Race of Bitter Truth
You couldn't get the results at the racecourse since the heats would be going off for some time, so Gary and I got our recovery food down, signed out of the race and headed back to the hotel to wait for the results to be posted and then get some dinner. The Hampton Inn was buzzing with races and it took a while to squeeze in to see our results and for me they were grim.

Jack Kelso won the TT crushing my time. So did Scott Hennessy and Mac Cary. They all put at least a minute on me. I took the time to write down their times and mine so I could work out how far behind on GC I was now since that wasn't posted.

The only good news was that I had finished 4th and put time on everyone else. It seemed to me that that might be good because it would motivate other people to have to work in the road race and that might take pressure off me. Maybe I could use that somehow. But, I wasn't too confident. With those guys taking so much time out of me in the TT, they were obviously stronger than I was and would be able to match anything that went on out there.

Rough Night
These thoughts left me pretty bummed Saturday night even after a nice dinner w/Gary at Perko's. After my great crit, I thought I had a chance to win the whole stage race. But, after seeing what Scott, Jack and Mac did to me in the TT, and coming in 4th and not even placing or getting a time bonus, I couldn't see how I could get that time back (about a minute) in a 51-mile road race on rolling roads with no major climbs to make up time.

It made for a bad night's sleep even on the Hampton Inn's surprisngly comfortable beds. I worked every possible scenario over in my mind. Could I get Brian and Karl Webber who were even further back on time, to work with me and establish a break? Not likely. The other guys would join forces and chase us down. Could I make time on the hills? According to the race bible they were short hills, so that didn't seem likely either.

Would Scott work with me in order to get the second back he lost to Jack and win the race? Maybe, but wouldn't everyone respond if the second place guy tried to escape? Definitely. Wouldn't Mac and Scott want to escape to beat Jack and take over first? Seemed reasonable. But, if I just tag along, I still only get third place. That seemed like the most likely thing that would happen and I tried to convince myself that getting 3rd would be satisfying. I would at least get the upgrade points I needed. That race scenario and outcome wasn't enough to ease my mind and I kept running it over and over in my head tossing and turning hoping I wasn't keeping Gary awake too.

The Badger Talks To Me
Then, somewhere around 2 a.m. I had a new thought, 'What would my idol Bernard Hinault do in this situation." And, the answer popped up loud and clear: "attack!" At the time I didn't know how to attack, or when to attack, or even why an attack might work. But, thinking of how Hinault rode made me think about that "rule" of racing that says, 'if you don't ever take a chance, you usually have NO chance.' Hinault was never afraid to take a chance.

I know I'm fit and thinking about it, I realized that I'd rather go out on a limb and see what I could do and die trying than sit in the pack safe, or ride the wheel of the leaders and finish a safe, comfortable 3rd. I didn't come all the way down here and train so hard and starve myself, etc. etc. for 3rd. Plus, I had firm orders from Bob to win the race and I had to at least try.

Bob and I hadn't driven the RR course (3 times around a 17-mile loop), but everyone was talking about the rollercoaster on the backside and roads rougher than at Copperoplis. I had actually changed to my stiffer cages for the race so as not to lose my bottles. But, I already had the advantage of tubeless tires that let me run 90psi, which takes a lot of the beating out of rough roads. We also heard the short hills on the rollercoaster were steep ones and I thought I might need my 27 but that turned out not to be true, my 25 was fine.

Karl Webber Attacks
As we rolled away from the little farm where the race started (somehow VeloPromo parked all of our cars in some nice guy's farm property - Gary and I were right next to a pen with four enormous pink pigs), the only challenge was the cold temperature at about 40 degrees, but the sun was rising. Still Mac Carey was shivering so badly he wobbled down the road enough to get asked by the other guys if all was well.

Gary and I rode smart and sat at the back not doing any work at all. I kept shifting up a gear to save my legs and I did a lot of coasting. What was cool was that the leaders' teams were at the front rotating and keeping the pace. As only two Bike Trippers in the field, and with me only in 4th, there was no reason for us to do any work, and no one expected us to.

We crusied along like this for a while but then Karl Webber, a top racer I remember from the 'old days,' and one of the guys in the break with me in the crit, rolled off the front. I moved around in the pack and spoke with Scott and a few other guys to light a fire under everyone to chase him down. I didn't want anyone to escape. We took it up to about 30mph and got him eventually, just before the rollercoaster section. This stretch was actually really fun, a lot like the 7 Sisters rollers at the top of Mt. Tam.

My First 'Natural Break'
The pack worked the hills, took some bottles at the feed zone and then we hit the windy flat section on the backside of the course. I started to realize that I had drank way too much coffee before the race and went to the back when the pace slowed in hopes I could take care of matters while riding. But, it wan't possible without asking Gary to push me along. That wouldn't be right, so I moved back up.

With each pedal stroke, though, I grew more uncomfortable and the road was only getting rougher and rougher. Just when I thought I would have to stop and chase to get back on, Brian rolled to the front of the pack, turned to look back, and hollered, "Does anyone else have to pee?" About everyone said yes and we then agreed to all stop, take care of business and resume racing after.

One of the guys called it a 'natural break,' apparently the proper racing term, and Gary remarked, "Now this really is a stage race." Which got a good laugh. It was a scene right out of the Grand Tours with a bunch of bikes laying in the grass and all the riders lined up watering the daisies. It sure saved the day for me.

Going All Hinault
As we started racing again, we were about 7 miles from the feed zone on the rollercoaster with one lap to go when we got there. It was time to do something or settle for a lackluster result. I wasn't settled on exactly how to attack but I remembered Arnie Baker's book where he talks about a fake attack to set up a real attack. This works because it's so easy for the pack to pull you back that they don't believe you can hurt them with your next attack(s).

I rolled off the front trying to look like I was working but really only hitting it a little. Jack Kelso who held first place sent his teammate Richard Shields up to mark me and I drifted back into the pack with Richard who is a dangerous rider and could hang with me even at my hardest effort. I then went again. This time Scott Hennessy who was in second place sent his VO2 teammate up to mark me.

I wasn't sure whether to try to make this attack stick or drift back and try one more. I could see that we were approaching the rollers, though, and I knew I needed at least a minute, so I just went on instinct and decided now was the time to take that chance I mentioned.

The Escape
Instead of drifting back into the pack this time, I tried to act like I was easing up and I let the VO2 guy sit on my wheel, but when I saw that the pack thought this VO2 guy was doing their work for them, I gradually increased the effort on the pedals trying to look like I was just enjoying the scenery when I was taking it up into L4 level like on my trainer. My red V02 shadow was hanging behind me and I think Scott and the pack thought he was in control of the situation. But, I was increasing our gap a few feet ever few seconds.

As we hit the base of the first of the rollers, the gap had increased more than the pack realized, I think, and I was pretty sure if I could just get around the first turn I'd be out of sight. So, I really gave it the gas and left the VO2 guy behind and I just went 100%, all-out, make-it-work-or-die-trying mode. I poured it on, flew over the fun rollercoaster hills and on the backside of the last one, I slammed it into the 12 and just buried my legs and heart rate for every ounce of speed. If I could get way out of sight, maybe they'd forget about me.

I knew that when the pack chased down Karl we had maxed out at 30mph so I felt that if I could average about 28 or 29mph, they wouldn't be able to close on me very fast and I had a slight chance to stay away. All I needed was about 40 seconds since a win would give me a 20 second time bonus too. I focused on the speedo, kept my head down and tried super hard to relax my entire upper body so that all my strength reached the pedals. I tried not to think about the uncooperative wind or the bumpy road that kept jarring me.

The whole time I was certain that they'd chase me down especially after being humbled by Scott and Jack and Mac the night before in the TT. Surely they'd turn it on and chase me down and drop me and that would be that. My stage race done due to a dumb breakaway move. But, I only had this one chance and I was determined to die trying.

Success and Luck
Somehow it worked, and I stayed away for about 20 miles, took first, put 3 minutes on the pack and won the RR and the overall stage race. Afterward I talked to Scott, Brian, Jack and Greg and I learned why the attack worked. Mainly it was because there was indecision among the race leaders and their teams as to who should chase me down. And, since they didn't organize quickly and never really got focused and made a serious effort, my all-out, 100% race to the line was better than the entire pack's half-hearted attempts to bring me back in.

Ultimately it was a very lucky thing because they could easily have chased and caught me. But, I'd like to think that I won due to excellent fitness that let me ride an awesome last 20 miles alone and into the wind most of the way, some solid proven tactics just right for stage races, and the interesting possible dynamic that I was maybe fresher than they were in the road race since they had gone harder than I had in the TT.

My First RR Win As A 55+
Regardless of what really made it happen, it was a huge win for me. I should now have the upgrade points (and then some) to be a Cat 2 and I finally won a 55+ road race and my second stage race (the first one I won was way back in 1980 in Vermont!).

Gary had a great race too and should post his race report soon. And, in other super news Bob is already on the mend and back on his trainer even. Amazing.

In case you're interested in doing the Madera Stage Race, I highly recommend it. The only caveat is the high entry fee of $65 versus the cheap prizes. For winning I received $20, a cowboy hat and a T-shirt. Not so good, but we don't do it for the prizes, do we? And, check it out - Matt Werner made me my own Yellow Jersey! SWEET ;-) FULL RACE RESULTS HERE.

Menlo Park Grand Prix Criterium 45+/55+ 3/8/09

Menlo Park Grand Prix Criterium 45+/55+

The Invisible Man Strikes Again!
By Jim Langley

After surviving three training crits and almost nabbing a podium pie at a fast and slippery (rainy) Cherry Pie Criterium a few weeks back, I thought I was ready for anything, but the Menlo Park Criterium turned into one nerve-wracking e-ticket ride - and not just the racing. My best guess as to why the day got so dangerous is that the nearly 1/2-mile finishing straightaway into a headwind caused a lot of guys in the 80-strong pack to ride safe most of the race waiting to use all their saved energy on the last couple of laps to move up and maybe place or even win.

Of course, this tactic didn't sit very well with the guys who had been at the front all race doing the heavy lifting. This included myself and Russ, with Vladan and Dennis close by and Larry riding strong just back from his broken hip (way to go, Larry!).

Roller Derby, Anyone?
With six turns to negotiate, all on the backside of the course, as the laps clicked by and the boys biding their time in back started getting restless, the Menlo Park Grand Prix became the Menlo Park Demolition Derby. We were bumping bars, throwing elbows, snaking across the road, making dumb-ass moves and even swearing at each other like we were back in high school gym class.

In one of the corners I twice went through leaned over so far, and working so hard to hold the wheel in front that I clipped my pedal. I don't think I've hit a pedal in a corner since I first got into racing and was too young and stupid to know better. But, a lot of the guys were hitting them. And the one crash, which came in that same corner was because the guy hit his pedal, lifting his rear wheel and dumping him on his side, almost taking out Dennis.

No Fear
Hitting my pedal surprised me, but I ride Look Keo Carbons, not metal pedals, so it was a feeling more than a sound. And, in a strange way it almost felt good because it built my confidence that I could be as crazy as anyone out there and stay vertical and not give up my position no matter how they tried to scare me with their antics.

Also, I had max'd my heart, legs and lungs to stay toward the front all race and I was determined to stick up there all the way to the finish. Every time there was a chance to move up, I took it, sometimes catching free rides behind passing racers, other times going out into the wind to pass when the guys slowed. At one point, I even found myself 4th wheel across the line on a prime lap.

I was hoping this ABMU riding (Always Be Moving Up) would keep me ahead of the other 55s when we came out of the last corner. That way I thought I could use my solid power to motor and, even if they had a better sprint (by "they," I mean Brian Fessenden and the Bobka guy that beat me at Cherry Pie), they wouldn't catch me.

Vladan Time!
On the last lap things got especially scary in the final corner, everyone trying to thread the needle through impossible gaps to set up their sprint. There were a bunch of fast 45+ guys that shot past and really quickly I went from about tenth to probably thirty fifth place. I knew that nobody could sprint that entire 1/2 mile to the line, so I focused on powering the pedals hard, while holding back just a bit, and trying to find the right wheel to follow at just the right time to setup my sprint. I also desperately looked for the numbers of the 55+ guys I was trying to mark, yet the only person I recognized was Russ, who was ahead and to the left.

But, just then, Vladan came by. 'Perfect,' I thought, and I hollered that I was on his wheel. He towed me up to higher speed and we started gaining ground big time and passing guys who were running out of gas. Vladan then found a gap and accelerated hard to the left. I moved to follow but realized just in time that there was a rider right there, so I punched it as hard as I could straight ahead, narrowly avoided a couple of exhausted guys who sprinted too early and then sat up and almost stopped me, and I had a good, solid lunge to the line.

Mac Carey Gets Me Again
As I crossed the line, I looked over and saw Team Taleo's neon green and recognized Mac Carey, another 55+er, and the only guy who beat me at San Bruno. I couldn't actually tell if he had taken me or vice-versa, but it seemed to me it had to have been very close. And, either way, finishing near Mac was a good sign of a solid finish.

I found Dennis, who was pretty sure he had won a prime, and we went over to my car since we'd driven up together. We changed clothes, ate something and headed for the podium to check the results. Our timing was perfect, as they were calling the guys up. We knew we didn't put anyone on the 45+ podium but we were pretty sure I made the top 5, and I had my Bike Trip jacket on and was ready to get up there.

I Become The Invisible Man - Again
Our happy anticipation was soon dashed as we watched them call five guys up, including the winner Mac Carey! I couldn't believe it. How could I finish right next to the guy and not make the podium?! Dennis and I checked the results sheet, and immediately found the problem. Once again (this happened at Cherry Pie, too), they had me as a DNF (Did Not Finish). They DID have a no-name rider in 26th place, and that rider finished with Mac Carey, but once again they hadn't gotten my number and so didn't have me in the results.

Frustrated and feeling cheated, I jogged down to the finish line to talk to the chief ref and found out that they had already figured out that I was second in the race. And, they had already fixed the results too. But, when they had done the podium awards they did them with the earlier and incorrect results. [Important note to self: next race you will hang around at the finish line and make sure your name is on the results before you do anything else!]

So, the bad news is that I didn't get any goodies for all my hard work to ride at the front, and for surviving all the sketchy riding. And, though I came close to winning and did better than at Cherry Pie, I still didn't win. Plus, the results snafu also means I didn't get the Bicycle Trip onto the podium.

Ultimately, though, the results will show that a Bike Tripper took second in the 55+ - and the guys who thought they got 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th will unfortunately realize that the Invisible Man has struck again.

PS: Big thanks to Vladan and Russ for helping me finish so strong, and a pat on the back to Dennis for his prime win and to Larry for his super-strong comeback effort!

Bryan King, AKA Chicken Man Reports on the Tour of CA!

I hope you all enjoyed the ToC coming through town, I sure did. My friend lives on Pine Flat Road, so we watched there, had a PA system blasting "Eye of the Tiger" for the riders passing through, and the chicken suit did return!

In fact, you can see in pic 2 I was actually able to get Floyd Landis's water bottle. Testosterone tests will take a couple days. Too bad BJM didn't pull though for the win, but what a ride by Levi. Nothing like a world-class bike race to pass through your hometown to inspire you to kick some ass in your next race.

Cheers,
Bryan

Cantua Creek Road Race Reports 2009 (as in a bunch)

Cantua Creek Road Race (February 14, 2009) Reports & Commentary
By Team Bicycle Trip Racers

Editor's note: not everyone can post to the blog or has time, so I have compiled an assortment of Cantua race reports that have come in in this post. They are in order of when I received them. Congratulations to Steve for the awesome win and to everyone who put it on the line out there!

This first report is actually a commentary by John Pollard on an unhappy event that took place in the Masters 45+ 4/5 race.

A Question of Priorities
Commentary by John Pollard

Master’s bicycle racing is an interesting thing. There’s a lot of serious training, money for pro-level equipment, and real competitiveness. There’s also generally an awareness that we all have to go to work on Monday, and that none of us – even the mutants – are ever going to ride in the Olympics or the Tour de France. Your competitors will not put you in the barriers for a 5th place T-shirt at an industrial park criterium. This balance of competitiveness and maturity is very cool. To keep things that way, we sometimes need a reminder. This weekend was one of those times.

This weekend, there were three races (not counting the Amgen ToC). At one of them, a well known team had a large presence in a lower category Master’s race. Let’s call them “TeamViejo.” The race rolled on without a lot of excitement for the first fourteen miles. A few people tried to go off the front and were quickly marked – no big deal.

At that point, two of the riders from the Team Viejo decided that this was the moment to get around one of their teammates, who was riding steadily and holding his line. There wasn’t really enough room between this teammate and the centerline for both riders to pass at the same time. With 35 miles left to the finish, these two were getting impatient and decided to squeeze through, hip-checking their teammate’s handlebars and causing him to have a spectacular high-side crash on a flat, straight piece of road. Most riders behind Team Viejo avoided the crash, except for one, who was forced off the road.

With medical attention 14 miles away, and a teammate down at their own hands, the members of Team Viejo made an interesting choice. They all kept pedaling, leaving their friend lying on the road with their muddy competitor off to the side. We see this all the time at criteriums and in those few bike races that are actually on TV. Maybe that’s why these lower category Team Viejo riders thought it was the way to go.

When we buy our pro-level bikes, get coaching programs and personal data-logging, we can start to think that we should ride just like our heroes on TV. TV racers have chase cars with medical care and more. Criteriums are never far from the start/finish line, cars and first aid kits. District-level road races are not like that. They’re held in orchards, cow fields, and sparsely populated mountains. Our entry fees don’t fund a fleet of chase cars. The promoters are always looking for volunteers, but most of us would rather ride than help. This means that in the heat of competition, we need to remember to take care of each other.

When you knock down your friends or competitors fourteen miles from nowhere, you may have “only” given them road rash, but it could just as easily be a broken clavicle or a broken bicycle. You only know that if you stop and let the race go up the road without you.

Eddy's Price's Report on the 45+ 4/5 Race

Team Bicycle Trip Members,

Steve Heaton won the 35+ 1/2/3 race at the Cantua Creek Road Race yesterday (Steve's great report is below). Steve's first road race in quite a bit of time (5+ years?) showed why I wanted him on the team, he knows how to win bike races (plus he is a great guy, a good friend and a great traveling companion to races).

We almost didn't make the start in time. Traveling down highway 101 we turned left and headed east on highway 158. As highway 158 started to climb higher and higher, we could see snow off the in the distant hills and pretty soon we were driving on frozen icy roads with snow (up to six inches) on either side covering the landscape. My car (Mercury Cougar) has rear wheel drive, a recipe for rear wheel drift and spin-out on icy roads and slowed our speed to 20 miles per hour on the tightest turns. My desire to drive fast was tempered by my desire for preservation.

Once we were out of the snow (which seemed like an eternity), I pushed the pace as hard as the car would allow, taking both sides of the road whenever possible and reaching speeds of 85 miles per hour. Steve was calm and cool, changing into his racing clothes as we headed to the race. Thank God the race starts with a three mile downhill run and Steve would not need much of a warmup. We arrived 30 minutes before the start of Steve's race.

I was mentally exhausted from the drive but recovered once I pulled up and parked right in front of the registration table. My race featured an easy start and I stayed at the back until the first turnaround. Gary Griffin was assinged the first out section and he towed the pack along into a headwind until he could pull no more. It did discourage anyone from attacking (which was the goal) and I want to say he did a fantastic job for the team at the expense of his own race.

John Pollard was run off the road and never recovered in time to catch the speeding peloton. I stayed at the back until our first turnaround, where I moved up to the top 20 right before the hairpin turn and thank God I did. The leaders saw an opportunity to attack and force the riders delayed by the hairpin turn to chase. I found myself riding close to 30 miles per hour as the group stretched into a long single line and we lost about a third of the field in the next three to four miles.

The pace eased a bit as we hit the three mile climb to finish the first lap and the rest of the race was either fast or slow. Our game plan was to help Joe get in position for the final uphill sprint into a pretty strong headwind but he flatted right before the start of the final climb to the finish. Now is was just Vlada and myself and I was not feeling strong enough to help anyone but myself. The sprint was a war of attrition, riders would accelerate into the fierce headwind and slow. They would be replaced by another two or three riders who did the same and this scenario repeated itself over and over again. I slowly worked my way up the field and with 500 meters to go, I found myself in 3rd place with only two riders ahead of me and they were slowing down. I now started to feel the full force of the headwind because before this I had been safely tucked behind 15 to 20 riders.

The drafting effect between 15 riders in front and only two is very significant and I now knew I went too early. Just when my head told me to jump for the line and pass the two in front of me, my body told me it was not possible and I was swarmed by 15 or so riders before I hit the finish line, completely spent from the effort. Vlada passed me right before the finish line and I think we finished in the top 15 or 18.

I rode as well as possible and at least I tried to win the race.

Race Report Cantua Creek Masters 35+ 1/2/3
By Steve Heaton

I rolled to the line with a 5min warm-up and 1min to start time (2 laps 52mi). No problem since we go down then flat roads out for 30 mins (even with the attacks) then turn around and flat back with some headwind for most of the 30min return with a climb to the line (More of a climb than I thought).

I’m not sure how long the climb was because once we started the climb it was ALL OUT and passing the Cat 3’s. I was on the rivet going so hard I wasn’t sure of myself thinking I might get dropped. On the way back down I was able to get back on terms. The pace from this point on was getting harder.

After watching numerous attack attempts by 1 or 2 riders at a time get reeled in I knew this was the point during the race when attacks can stick. Then about half way out I saw a move of 6 or 7 break away with a dangerous mix of riders (20m then 30m and counting). I waited to see if anyone was going to go to bring the rest of us forward……not this time. It was time to go!

I JUMPED SUPER HARD so not to bring anyone with me and to minimize the time I spend in no man’s land. I’m a sprinter by nature so this is easy to do. We quickly formed into a paceline pulling away, I also knew blocking was going to take place in the main pack behind. Since I was the solo man I did little watching the strong men so I knew who to key off when the big moves come. We stayed together rotating at fast pace all the way back with a HUGE gap securing our escape.

I would pull through missing a few rotations at random for extra recovery and to position next to strong riders for a close look and feel of their strength. Just before the climb I started to feel my left inner thigh cramp a little (WHAT THE F*#K…OK not bad hang tough). I knew I had to stay 2nd wheel and respond to every move holding a forward position(DANGER). If I dropped back I would risk to lose not only distance but motivation/confidence. Remember from Ed’s report we had a headwind.

Being in front was not the best position until crossing the finish line. I was able to respond first to all 3 attacks holding 2nd wheel then at some point I looked back and we had at least 20m gap? RIGHT ON!!! Now this guy is charging the climb I looked back again and we are leaving them behind. I’m thinking - I just need to hold on for at least 2nd place. I can’t tell how far to the line it is since you don’t see it until 100m out. Then he starts looking back at me……….BAD MOVE now I know he is in for it. This is the indicator I was hoping to see, a sign of weakness that only fuels my fire (now I’m looking at the WIN?).

As soon as I could see the finish and he looked away I JUMPED - took 6 or 7 pedal stokes looked under my arm to assess hopefully the damage and he was 10m and falling back. I was able to sit up and cruise across the line.

I hope this is the beginning of a good season? Any and many things can happen along the way.

Mt. San Bruno Hill Climb Mstrs 55+ Race Report

San Bruno Hill Climb Masters 55+ Report

By Jim Langley
Photos by Sam Parker, Michael Hernandez and Kevin Kone


Please see Mark Edwards' excellent race coverage below for a complete report of the team's outstanding performance at San Bruno, to kick-off our '09 racing season. Team Bike Trip had 2 racers entered in the 55+ event, myself and Gary Griffin. Unfortunately, our other ace, Larry Broberg was sidelined with a hip fracture suffered while mountain biking (rumor has it he's recovering nicely, though).

We ultrageezers - as Michael Hernandez dubbed us on the NorCal Cycling News blog, rolled out just behind the 45+ group and were quickly strung out on the opening section of the climb, which is one of the steeper parts. For me this meant leap-frogging from small group to small group while I marked Ron LeBard who I thought was my main threat having been so soundly trounced by him last year in the Mt. Diablo Hill Climb. We easily distanced our field and even dropped former San Bruno champ Scott Hennessy, who we found out later was coming back from a bad flu.

Nearing the top (photo), Ron started to slow and I felt good so I pushed it across the line hoping I had won the race. But, as the fog cleared a bit, I could clearly see another 55+ guy standing there and knew he (Mac Carey) had won, putting me in second. Ron finished just behind for 3rd. Gary was only a couple of minutes back, 11th out of the 20 starters (sorry, I couldn't find a photo of Gary to post here).

The highlight for me was getting into the 17-minute club - and feeling like I might have been able to shave a few more seconds had I known a target was hiding ahead in the thick fog. Congratulations to all the Bike Trippers who made this San Bruno Hill Climb the most memorable of the 3 I've attending with the team so far. Awesome job!

Jim's Santa Cruz Crit Report

Santa Cruz Criterium Cat 3, April 6, 2008
By Jim Langley (in yellow in the photo)

I've done the Santa Cruz Criterium four times and once took 10th, but this year's race had to be my best, even though I finished at the back of the Cat 3 pack. I'm sure if they'd had a 45+ or even 55+ event I'd have been able to compete even better, but it was thrilling to be in with the zippy young whippersnappers on that screaming-fast course.

The first laps seriously tested my heart-rate ceiling as we sprinted madly out of the hairpin, shot through the corners and then exploded up the climb at a ridiculous pace. Luckily it settled down about four laps in and I was able to hide and recover. Yet, as the race went on, it became obvious that while I might be able to hang and even make it to the front, the class of the field was just waiting to really show their strength at the end of the race. (We easily pulled back the breakway attempts - I helped with one and got a nice pat on the back from another rider for my effort.)

With three laps to go, I got to the front hoping to stay there to have some chance for a decent finish. But the final lap saw the most aggressive and speedy riding of the day, and try as I might, instead of staying forward I frustratingly found myself bumped to mid to back of the pack! I kept charging, though, and hit the last corner very fast and shot up the hill. I passed a few guys who blew but couldn't make any ground on the top guys and probably finished 28th, best guess.

I consider hanging in to the end with such a quick, young bunch, and tearing through those wild corners with them, too, and not crashing (there was one with two laps to go), a really good effort. Thanks to everyone who cheered me on out there. That was a huge boost and kept me focused and fighting and I really appreciate it. See you on the road!