Auburn RR May 17, 2009. (Cat 1/2/3)
Distance 66.85
Time 3 Hours
Work: 2401 kj
Power (second)
5=1141
30=643
60=496
300=344
600=318
Max=1231
Avg=222
Sunday Crit in Iowa (Melon City)
May 24 2009
Distance 18.13
Time 45:16
Work: 661 kj
Power (second)
5=915
30=688
60=511
300=309
600=286
Max=1165
Avg=243
Friday RR in Iowa
May 22, 2009
Distance 24.96
Time 56:51
Work: 650kj
Power (second)
5=1066
30=554
60=467
300=336
600=251
Max=1207
Avg=190
I must say, I am really digging my pt set up. I have deep aluminum rims that only weigh 460 grams...about the same weight as deep carbon rims except they have a $60 price tag instead of a $600 price tag...just in case they get ran over or something.
They have held up fine...I use them for training and racing, 20 hole front with white hub and 24 2x back.
Most people find the dilemma with Pt's to be that they either have to build a heavier 32 hole wheel laced to a Mavic open pro or dt swiss 1.1(training) or they lace it to a carbon rim(race only)...haven't seen anyone with the kinlin or other lighter/stronger alloy wheels. Definitely worth looking into if you are considering a pt.
My wheelset is about 1600 grams...and I haven't had to true them since they were built...definitely may wrap some stan's tape on them for cross too.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tulsa Tough
Matt and I are both registered for Sat/Sun. racing. Plan is to leave with Steve around 6:30 fri night, stop half way down to tulsa to sleep/eat. Then leave around 8:30 to get to tulsa around 10, plenty of time for Steve's Cat 4 11:30 start. We still have a few spots left if anyone wants to join us...though I fear the cat 3 field may be filled up now...plenty of places left for the 4's.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Melon City Crit
1 mile course. Starts at the top of a hill. Goes into a 100 degree left turn, then flying down a hill to a speed bump at the bottom. About 3 feet long and 6 inches high was the speed bump. We were getting plenty of air going 38 mph down. Definitely needed to since you needed the momentum to get back up the hill. Towards the top you have 90 degree left turn and then a 110 degree right turn...then 300 meters to the finish.
Matt and I started in the back again. From the gun it was fast. Everyone was fighting to get down the hill towards the front so they wouldn't be victim to the slingshot effect of people pulling their brakes before the bump.
There were 18 laps and the field was 75 riders strong. Everyone their looked fit and ready to race the hill.
The first 5 laps I worked towards mid pack but never really felt good. By then Matt was up front tearing things up and causing havic. Finally I rev'd the engine and sprinted to the top of the hill and got in the top 10 positions. That woke my legs up and I was finally comfortable. No one was able to get away. Every lap was really fast and their was never any break in the race...just constant pedaling and fighting for position.
I kept pedaling as efficiently as possible trying to save everything for the finish. With 3 laps to go Matt and I were in great position and feeling good. On the last lap I was top 8 and Matt was in the front going down the hill. I crushed it halfway up the hill and then pulled aside to save a little for the sprint. Everyone's eyes were popping out the by then and their was alot of sketchy riders. Some trying to hold wheels, others just blowing up half way up the hill and stopping whle the 75 rider field tried negotiating their bikes around them. I was lucky this only happened to me 3 times.
Just as we got to the top Matt and I were ready to go. Just two more corners and a sprint. I knew Matt had it and I would have top 5 easy...I couldn't believe our position, about 5 riders back from the leader with plenty of time to get around.
Suddenly a guy was pedaling and looking down and apparently the guy in front of him slowed up, and he road straight into him falling down, taking Matt down with him, and causing the guy next to him to jerk over, pushing me off the course, so I jumped the curb road on the grass a few meters, hopped back on. There were only 7 riders in front of me and I looked down and sprinted to get momentum...my legs still felt great and wound up ready to go...then I hear a crash again, this time a kid clipped his pedal on the last turn and I had to jump the curb again...a bunch of riders got through on the inside, but I was on the grass...just missing a telephone pole...I hopped back on the course and sprinted hoping for a top 15...I ended up with 14th place out of 75...$25!
Matt ended up with road rash...nothing broken or anything bad...hopefully we'll have a group to go down to Tulsa this weekend. See everyone then!
Matt and I started in the back again. From the gun it was fast. Everyone was fighting to get down the hill towards the front so they wouldn't be victim to the slingshot effect of people pulling their brakes before the bump.
There were 18 laps and the field was 75 riders strong. Everyone their looked fit and ready to race the hill.
The first 5 laps I worked towards mid pack but never really felt good. By then Matt was up front tearing things up and causing havic. Finally I rev'd the engine and sprinted to the top of the hill and got in the top 10 positions. That woke my legs up and I was finally comfortable. No one was able to get away. Every lap was really fast and their was never any break in the race...just constant pedaling and fighting for position.
I kept pedaling as efficiently as possible trying to save everything for the finish. With 3 laps to go Matt and I were in great position and feeling good. On the last lap I was top 8 and Matt was in the front going down the hill. I crushed it halfway up the hill and then pulled aside to save a little for the sprint. Everyone's eyes were popping out the by then and their was alot of sketchy riders. Some trying to hold wheels, others just blowing up half way up the hill and stopping whle the 75 rider field tried negotiating their bikes around them. I was lucky this only happened to me 3 times.
Just as we got to the top Matt and I were ready to go. Just two more corners and a sprint. I knew Matt had it and I would have top 5 easy...I couldn't believe our position, about 5 riders back from the leader with plenty of time to get around.
Suddenly a guy was pedaling and looking down and apparently the guy in front of him slowed up, and he road straight into him falling down, taking Matt down with him, and causing the guy next to him to jerk over, pushing me off the course, so I jumped the curb road on the grass a few meters, hopped back on. There were only 7 riders in front of me and I looked down and sprinted to get momentum...my legs still felt great and wound up ready to go...then I hear a crash again, this time a kid clipped his pedal on the last turn and I had to jump the curb again...a bunch of riders got through on the inside, but I was on the grass...just missing a telephone pole...I hopped back on the course and sprinted hoping for a top 15...I ended up with 14th place out of 75...$25!
Matt ended up with road rash...nothing broken or anything bad...hopefully we'll have a group to go down to Tulsa this weekend. See everyone then!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Snake Alley
Matt and I both registered the day of which meant we got the last call up. We are in the back of a field of 70 riders. The start went fast, turn, straight up a hill, then the cobbles of snake alley.
We were able to move up and were both in the top 30 after two laps.
We were both going strong, even in the pouring rain.
Negotiating the corners on the descent was tough since everyone was throwing caution to the wind. As we made it to the bottom the field was strung out single file. It stayed like that for a while.
I kept making up spots going up the hill but losing it going down.
The snake alley race was unlike any race I have ever seen. You hate it and love it all at the same time. Today seemed more dangerous than most with all the rain. We were covered with dirt by the end of the race and felt horrible. After coffee/soda/recovery drink/milk I felt better.
Got 34th in the race. I am not sure how that is unless the judges scored some lapped riders ahead of me. Either way, I was out of the money and didn't care..just glad to be alive.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Burlington RR.
Cat 3/4 Road Race today. Very fast, I stayed towards the middle most of the time, Matt and Dan worked really well and Dan was able to lead Matt out for the win. More to come, gotta eat now.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Auburn RR
Looking at the Flyer no one from Colavita really expected a big showing to this event. only paying out 4 places for each category, and the Hellbender going on in MO, many showed up expecting a win. I was surprised at the amount of 1/2's in the field, as well as the 3's from Tulsa and OKC.
Walking into register I see Steve Tilford and a few other Trek/Tradewind Energy riders. After registering I hear that they are combining 1/2/3 instead of just 3's. Ouch....and 67 miles? I am good to about 50 miles and then I am toast so I told myself to not do too much work...but the fun side of my head took over and I found myself getting in a few breaks in the first lap. My water was depleted by the first lap and we were going about 30 through the feedzone so I had two choices...take my wifes arm while snatching a bottle from her or riding the last 32 miles without water. I ended up passing on the water and kept on. I had dropped to the back to get water and right then Mercy gunned it. There were 2 trek guys and 2 other 1/2's off the front and they were trying to real him in with a hard crosswind and everyone was stuck in the gutter. Being in the last position really sucked...the group was down to 12 riders so I was guaranteed almost a top 15 overall in a 40+ field so I felt pretty good. The guys in front of me didn't. After a bunch of yo-yoing one of them fell off his wheel and I didn't have the power to get around and bridged up. My head was hurting and I kept trying to stay positive and keeping a 300+ watt average in the saddle hoping eventually the Mercy guys would give up. After about 15 miles of riding about a minute behind I felt my legs losing power. Instead of holding 450 up hill and 200 downhill it was more like 350/120. I was riding for about 5 miles by myself wondering where I was and when the race would be over and actually felt like I was getting lost. The first lap was so fast with so many attacks I never really looked around to see any landmarks. Finally I saw Roger barreling down the road shouting encouraging words and I felt good again.
Next I came upon an intersection with no corner marshall, no signs...just a lady cop on the side of the road. As I approached the intersection I was looking straight at her hoping she would give me some sign of where to go...no sign so I keep going straight...after about 50 meters after the intersection I hear a faint "excuse me, are you racing? I think you were supposed to turn." I grab the breaks and turn around, give a polite thanks(its not her job to be the corner marshall) and head on my way. By then I was done. My legs were so sore and it was hard climbing hills and keeping momentum. I told myself to keep the watts above 150 just to keep myself honest. By then I had been riding by myself for about 12 miles. As I was going down a hill I look back and see a group of 10. I hop on to the back and started going again. 200 watts + and doing some work up front. I ask Walt of 360 how many miles left and he says 5 miles. YES! Almost done. We keep working and then a specs guy drills it. Everyone hangs on and the pace finally slows down with 1 mile to go. No signs, nothing, just keep going...finally as we go over a hill we see two huge white flags int he distance...Suddenly a Sante Fe Trails rider starts sprinting...everyone thinks it is the finish so we all hang on the wheels..I was 6 riders back...with no one around the flags I knew it wasn't the finish...once we reach the flags everyone is upset...the sprint was over and we still had 200 meters to go...Uphill!
I was able to get 3rd in the field sprint...felt horrible. Had some bananas and monster drink. No complete results yet...we'll see.
Matt got 1st in the 4's. Broke away with 2 guys for 57 miles...did a ton of work and won...very impressive.
Pic Thanks to Phillip.
Walking into register I see Steve Tilford and a few other Trek/Tradewind Energy riders. After registering I hear that they are combining 1/2/3 instead of just 3's. Ouch....and 67 miles? I am good to about 50 miles and then I am toast so I told myself to not do too much work...but the fun side of my head took over and I found myself getting in a few breaks in the first lap. My water was depleted by the first lap and we were going about 30 through the feedzone so I had two choices...take my wifes arm while snatching a bottle from her or riding the last 32 miles without water. I ended up passing on the water and kept on. I had dropped to the back to get water and right then Mercy gunned it. There were 2 trek guys and 2 other 1/2's off the front and they were trying to real him in with a hard crosswind and everyone was stuck in the gutter. Being in the last position really sucked...the group was down to 12 riders so I was guaranteed almost a top 15 overall in a 40+ field so I felt pretty good. The guys in front of me didn't. After a bunch of yo-yoing one of them fell off his wheel and I didn't have the power to get around and bridged up. My head was hurting and I kept trying to stay positive and keeping a 300+ watt average in the saddle hoping eventually the Mercy guys would give up. After about 15 miles of riding about a minute behind I felt my legs losing power. Instead of holding 450 up hill and 200 downhill it was more like 350/120. I was riding for about 5 miles by myself wondering where I was and when the race would be over and actually felt like I was getting lost. The first lap was so fast with so many attacks I never really looked around to see any landmarks. Finally I saw Roger barreling down the road shouting encouraging words and I felt good again.
Next I came upon an intersection with no corner marshall, no signs...just a lady cop on the side of the road. As I approached the intersection I was looking straight at her hoping she would give me some sign of where to go...no sign so I keep going straight...after about 50 meters after the intersection I hear a faint "excuse me, are you racing? I think you were supposed to turn." I grab the breaks and turn around, give a polite thanks(its not her job to be the corner marshall) and head on my way. By then I was done. My legs were so sore and it was hard climbing hills and keeping momentum. I told myself to keep the watts above 150 just to keep myself honest. By then I had been riding by myself for about 12 miles. As I was going down a hill I look back and see a group of 10. I hop on to the back and started going again. 200 watts + and doing some work up front. I ask Walt of 360 how many miles left and he says 5 miles. YES! Almost done. We keep working and then a specs guy drills it. Everyone hangs on and the pace finally slows down with 1 mile to go. No signs, nothing, just keep going...finally as we go over a hill we see two huge white flags int he distance...Suddenly a Sante Fe Trails rider starts sprinting...everyone thinks it is the finish so we all hang on the wheels..I was 6 riders back...with no one around the flags I knew it wasn't the finish...once we reach the flags everyone is upset...the sprint was over and we still had 200 meters to go...Uphill!
I was able to get 3rd in the field sprint...felt horrible. Had some bananas and monster drink. No complete results yet...we'll see.
Matt got 1st in the 4's. Broke away with 2 guys for 57 miles...did a ton of work and won...very impressive.
Pic Thanks to Phillip.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday Morning Ride 9:00 a.m.
Had a wonderful ride this morning. Weather could not have been better. We headed out to Swope and checked out the WOW Festival. They were just setting up with tons of people there. Then we headed north to Clif Drive and helped Kenneth out with his Wheels can take me places project. He is working with a charter school in Kansas City, MO with a bunch of great 7th graders. The goal is to ride across MO on the Katy Trail. 220 miles in a few days.
They were looking really good on their bikes and we tried to show as much support as possible. Its' been a while since I have been in such a positive atmosphere.
Just finished another lap on Clif Drive.
Phillip getting a break on Sarah's wheel.
Post Ride Picture
Tomorrow is Auburn RR. 67 miles. Good luck to everyone. If you need a ride, we are leaving from the store at 6:30am and have room. Just email volkerbicycles@gmail.com
They were looking really good on their bikes and we tried to show as much support as possible. Its' been a while since I have been in such a positive atmosphere.
Just finished another lap on Clif Drive.
Phillip getting a break on Sarah's wheel.
Post Ride Picture
Tomorrow is Auburn RR. 67 miles. Good luck to everyone. If you need a ride, we are leaving from the store at 6:30am and have room. Just email volkerbicycles@gmail.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ride Saturday!
57 and sunny at 9 is what weather.com says. Meet at Latteland(across from Capital Grill) at 9 as always. We leave on time!
Race Sunday!
Race Sunday!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hill Ride Tonight.
In honor of Bike to Work week. We are starting a hill ride, leaving from Volker Bicycles at 6:00 tonight!
Should be good weather, lots of hills and regrouping, no one gets dropped...fun, fun.
Buy my 808's!
I've got stuff for sale!
Stuff on Ebay too.
Should be good weather, lots of hills and regrouping, no one gets dropped...fun, fun.
Buy my 808's!
I've got stuff for sale!
Stuff on Ebay too.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Weekend Rides!
Got a good ride in on sat. morning at the 9:00 Latteland ride. It was great. We found a lot of hills out by Western Johnson/Wyandotte Counties around Lake Quivera.
On sunday we finalized our 1:00 Volker ride. Lots of steep hills! Ryan from Cellar Rat was out with us today. We covered a lot of ground in some great conditions. 65 degrees, little wind, little sun. Ryan told me about a great deal they are working at in the Wine Store. They are now selling glasses by the glass! For $3, you can get a great, full glass of wine and everyone is loving it! You have to check it out. 17th and Baltimore.
On sunday we finalized our 1:00 Volker ride. Lots of steep hills! Ryan from Cellar Rat was out with us today. We covered a lot of ground in some great conditions. 65 degrees, little wind, little sun. Ryan told me about a great deal they are working at in the Wine Store. They are now selling glasses by the glass! For $3, you can get a great, full glass of wine and everyone is loving it! You have to check it out. 17th and Baltimore.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tues. Night Crit.
The race stayed together for the most part tonight and ended with a sprint finish. I was in good position on the 3rd turn but didn't feel good enough to go for it so I sat up.
I did a lot of little sprints out of corners...now the knees are a little sore. Legs and neck are pretty stiff, need to stretch more next time.
I looked over my tt bike today, turns out, the front der. cable has been rubbing against the rear wheel this whole time! For 2 months, including the vtgp! I always noticed something sluggish whenever I was at a stop sign and started hard, finally heard a little rubbing and had to move the rear wheel 4mm back, no more cable rub! Now I will be flying!
I did a lot of little sprints out of corners...now the knees are a little sore. Legs and neck are pretty stiff, need to stretch more next time.
I looked over my tt bike today, turns out, the front der. cable has been rubbing against the rear wheel this whole time! For 2 months, including the vtgp! I always noticed something sluggish whenever I was at a stop sign and started hard, finally heard a little rubbing and had to move the rear wheel 4mm back, no more cable rub! Now I will be flying!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Legs are finally coming around again. After 4 weeks of soft pedaling or forcing myself go hard(racing) they are finally asking to be pushed. Road 40 miles sat. morning and another 30 at least on Sunday. On Sunday I did a few attacks on climbs and actually saw 1400 on the powermeter. I am really excited about getting fast again. I am guessing now is the time to be patient with my form and to focus on my efforts a little more.
This weekend I should be staying home at the store, the next race on my calender is Auburn RR, 67 miles by Topeka. Then to IOWA for 4 days of racing (or wichita for 2) and finally Tulsa Tough!
This weekend I should be staying home at the store, the next race on my calender is Auburn RR, 67 miles by Topeka. Then to IOWA for 4 days of racing (or wichita for 2) and finally Tulsa Tough!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
New shoes!
Got the new Octane SL shoes. I had them in white/black last year but the size was just a little small, I ordered the new white/red ones in 44.5(.5 size bigger) and it is just right.
I've never seen shoes jump out like these, in the pic they look plain, just white and red but they really jump out in person.
Road 40 miles today, had lots of water and a PowerBar and we got some good training in going to Lonview Lake and back.
Weather hasn't been ideal for a bike shop so far, it normally takes 4-5 straight days of good weather for bike purchasers to get out and that simply hasn't happened yet. Hopefully soon!
After we closed we ate Chicken Pizza and Ice Cream, definitely necessary after today!
Spent some time looking on craigslist for a car...yes, after 2 years of Melissa and I pedaling around KC we have decided to get a car. With Cooper too big for a basket and a 3 month old human in Melissa's belly we are deciding to break down and be like every other americin! Hopefully this doesn't mean we're moving out to the burbs yet!
Hoping for a Wagon, descent van, or 4cyl sedan...corolla civic, volvo, caravan...something that won't break...I only know how to work on bikes!
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