So last weekend I got pretty sick heading into Warwick UCI/Verge races. I started Saturday and had to pull out. I was in no shape to be racing, considering I took the day off from work Friday. I have still had a cold throughout the week, but it has been getting somewhat more manageable. I had a warm mug of Theraflu and headed to the race. It was a good temperature out for me. I got to check out the course at 10:15 and discovered it was pretty wet and slick in parts. I had on a skinny front tubular (my regular one is being sent to the manufacturer for defect) and I decided to get a clincher from the Shimano tent. I proceeded to the course again and it was much better, although heavier. But on this technical course, the weight was not that much of a dis-advantage. This was my kind of course, with lots of twists and turns. There were 4 places for dis-mounting. A small set of barriers, a fly-over bridge (which was pretty difficult running up, re mounting at the top, costing down the other side into mud, and clipping in!), a sharp turn into a 10 foot sandy steep run up, then a large set of barriers by the beer tent. I got front row, but I still managed to screw up my start! I could not clip in and I was in too big of a gear. This really threw me off. I was a good 10 places back from where I should have been, and by the time I got around everyone who was going slow, the three leaders (Sally Annis, Crystal Anthony, and Catherine Sterling) were 15 sec ahead. I tried to gap up to them, but being alone, it was hard to move up. Their gap opened each lap, but so did mine on the two racers behind me (Kate Lyskowski and Francis Morrison). I was a good minute up on them, but then on the last lap I was being "cool" and grabbed a beer in my left hand over the big barriers and when I "slammed" my bike back down, the chain fell off to the inside. Grrrr! I tried to remain focused and breathe, but it is always hard in the race. I lost a good 30 seconds trying to put it back on, but I only had 1/2 a lap left. As I was rounding the last corner to the straight away finish, one of the Cat 4's (they started 30 seconds after us and I was on my 2nd time lapping 1/2 of the field...frustrating!!! When there are more than 30 racers signed up for each race, they need to have completely different starting times!!!!) lost control of her bike and jammed me into the corner and we hooked handle bars and went down hard. She was okay, and so was I, but I had lost another 15 seconds on Kate and Francis, but luckily it was the finish. The race was about 40 min. We did 5 1/2 laps (each lap being around 6-7 min). I had a blast in the race. Despite being sick, this got me back and focused. I ended up fourth, in the pay out, out of over 35 racers Cat. 1,2,3. I am looking forward to Regionals next weekend. It is sad that will be the end of the season, it has been such a fun one! I have learned and improved a lot for my second season with the sport.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sterling CX Verge & UCI 11/26-27/11: Double # 10!!!!
Day 1:
My legs were feeling good today. I was one of the last people called up (again). I tried to pass people around the outside on the lap around the track, but it was difficult. I felt like I wasted time doing so. Once I got up the run up for the first time I got into a good rhythm and hammered down people in front of me. I was riding in a solid 9th place, but knew that I should be up with the 3 women ahead. I slid out HARD on the gravel near the end of the first lap and was bleeding from my knee and elbow badly. It really shook me up, but I mentally and physically got right back up and on the bike. After that point I got caught by the two riders behind me. I knew one of the riders I was much stronger than, and the other I had beaten several times also. I tried to break away, but was unsuccessful. The race was 10 min. longer than usual (finished in about 50 min). One rider took off the front and I did not jump on her wheel. The other rider fell off from me, so I was riding solo in between. I should have kicked it into gear and caught up with the rider in front of me, less than 5 seconds. But the gap opened up slowly over the next few laps and I finished about 15 seconds off of her. Despite that, I still had my best Verge finish ever placing 10th amongst a strong group of women. It was a fun course! I immediately had to get my arm and knee cleaned up. They were very bloody and very sore. Ice was my friend...
Day 2:
I was called up dead last (my luck with pulling these high numbers!), and got stuck being positioned on the inside. I am fed up with the call up system...girls get called up in front of me that I always beat! It should be based off of how you finish, not just if in the top ten for UCI points. Anyway, when I start at the front next season it will feel that much better :-p/ I was stuck going around the track and could not make the move that cost me from placing top 8. It was a clustered mess at the start going into the left hand turn up the steps. My bike got caught in someone elses and I lost a few more places. It was then a flat section for a hundred yards before becoming tight turns. Everyone was riding up on each other's wheels. It was so frustrating. I was trying to keep my cool with the adrenaline pumping. A girl wiped out in front of me and I had to dismount. I made back a few places on the next straight away, but still could not get the group of girls in 6,7,8 place. I was riding by myself for 3 1/2 laps, within 5 seconds of the group of 3, when BAM! I went down again hard on a corner that I least expected to go down on. My bike was all tangled up with me and it took me several seconds to get back up and remounted. My knee was screaming at me, but I just kept on pedaling. The 2 riders that were behind me had now caught me. Ugh. I let one of them take the front for a bit and pull through. I knew we had lost the chance to get the other grounp with a lap to go. It was basically going to be a fight for 9,10,11 place at this point. We all kept rotating around, but losing time since non of us wanted to really do all the work for the others. I made a move with 1/2 a lap to go and got on the front. I tried to pull away, but was unsuccessful in doing so. I knew one of the riders was strong, but the other I had beaten in every race so far this season...and when we got on the track one of the riders passed me by centimeters, while I beat the other by centimeters. We all got the same time, I placed 10th. I was proud of my race, but feel like I should have raced a bit smarter and harder at times. The beginning really screwed me over and then the crash of course did not help. Oh well. It is cross! I had great fun out there and I am learning a lot every race. I have been getting some shout outs for NorEast at every race, which is really cool hearing that over the mic B-) I had the wounds cleaned up again and got ice. The knee is very very swollen and bruised and uncomfortable to bend with the raw sore skin. Had to drive my car to work today, ahhhh! Only the 3rd time in over 3 months...the first was after breaking my bike at Night Weasels and my road bike has half its parts on my cross bike and mtn bike did not have a front tire, the second was when I was sick a few weeks ago and was just feeling lousy. Anyway, I had a good consistent weekend. I am looking forward to both days at Warwick next weekend, then Ice Weasels, and Regionals on the 18th to wrap up the season.
My legs were feeling good today. I was one of the last people called up (again). I tried to pass people around the outside on the lap around the track, but it was difficult. I felt like I wasted time doing so. Once I got up the run up for the first time I got into a good rhythm and hammered down people in front of me. I was riding in a solid 9th place, but knew that I should be up with the 3 women ahead. I slid out HARD on the gravel near the end of the first lap and was bleeding from my knee and elbow badly. It really shook me up, but I mentally and physically got right back up and on the bike. After that point I got caught by the two riders behind me. I knew one of the riders I was much stronger than, and the other I had beaten several times also. I tried to break away, but was unsuccessful. The race was 10 min. longer than usual (finished in about 50 min). One rider took off the front and I did not jump on her wheel. The other rider fell off from me, so I was riding solo in between. I should have kicked it into gear and caught up with the rider in front of me, less than 5 seconds. But the gap opened up slowly over the next few laps and I finished about 15 seconds off of her. Despite that, I still had my best Verge finish ever placing 10th amongst a strong group of women. It was a fun course! I immediately had to get my arm and knee cleaned up. They were very bloody and very sore. Ice was my friend...
Day 2:
I was called up dead last (my luck with pulling these high numbers!), and got stuck being positioned on the inside. I am fed up with the call up system...girls get called up in front of me that I always beat! It should be based off of how you finish, not just if in the top ten for UCI points. Anyway, when I start at the front next season it will feel that much better :-p/ I was stuck going around the track and could not make the move that cost me from placing top 8. It was a clustered mess at the start going into the left hand turn up the steps. My bike got caught in someone elses and I lost a few more places. It was then a flat section for a hundred yards before becoming tight turns. Everyone was riding up on each other's wheels. It was so frustrating. I was trying to keep my cool with the adrenaline pumping. A girl wiped out in front of me and I had to dismount. I made back a few places on the next straight away, but still could not get the group of girls in 6,7,8 place. I was riding by myself for 3 1/2 laps, within 5 seconds of the group of 3, when BAM! I went down again hard on a corner that I least expected to go down on. My bike was all tangled up with me and it took me several seconds to get back up and remounted. My knee was screaming at me, but I just kept on pedaling. The 2 riders that were behind me had now caught me. Ugh. I let one of them take the front for a bit and pull through. I knew we had lost the chance to get the other grounp with a lap to go. It was basically going to be a fight for 9,10,11 place at this point. We all kept rotating around, but losing time since non of us wanted to really do all the work for the others. I made a move with 1/2 a lap to go and got on the front. I tried to pull away, but was unsuccessful in doing so. I knew one of the riders was strong, but the other I had beaten in every race so far this season...and when we got on the track one of the riders passed me by centimeters, while I beat the other by centimeters. We all got the same time, I placed 10th. I was proud of my race, but feel like I should have raced a bit smarter and harder at times. The beginning really screwed me over and then the crash of course did not help. Oh well. It is cross! I had great fun out there and I am learning a lot every race. I have been getting some shout outs for NorEast at every race, which is really cool hearing that over the mic B-) I had the wounds cleaned up again and got ice. The knee is very very swollen and bruised and uncomfortable to bend with the raw sore skin. Had to drive my car to work today, ahhhh! Only the 3rd time in over 3 months...the first was after breaking my bike at Night Weasels and my road bike has half its parts on my cross bike and mtn bike did not have a front tire, the second was when I was sick a few weeks ago and was just feeling lousy. Anyway, I had a good consistent weekend. I am looking forward to both days at Warwick next weekend, then Ice Weasels, and Regionals on the 18th to wrap up the season.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Northeast Velo Cross 11/19/11: 2nd Place!
What an awesome venue for a CX race. loved the velodrome and BMX track! There was a long run up, that cost me a lot of time during the race. I was on the front line and when the whistle blew I took off and got the hole shot. Sally Annis (Pro rider) got right on my wheel and we rode together for 3 laps. I was handling the barriers, BMX track, and muddy corners just fine, but I was fading fast up the 30 sec. run up and I think Sally caught onto this. She ran passed me on 3rd lap (starting the 4th) and I was unable to get on her wheel when I needed to! I mentally cracked a bit, because I was feeling so good riding with her, that when she passed I let it get to me. She only finished 20 sec ahead of me. I felt super strong, but my legs were super sore running up the hill. They could not fire, since they are so not use to it with the running motion. Non the less, I was proud of my result!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Plymouth Cross 11/12/11: WIN!!!!
FIRST CX WIN OVERALL!!!
I immediately loved the course. It had a lot of mountain biking "friendliness" to it. It was cold out. We ended up standing around shivering for 15 minutes, while they figured out their mishap in the staging order. I was called up first, but then we stood their waiting another 5 minutes (which seemed like another 15!). Finally the whistle blew and I gunned it for the hole shot. I took it and broke off from the pack. I never let up the entire race, despite having no one to chase, and not having anyone on my wheel to keep me moving forward. It was mentally hard at points because of this, but I kept it together. I felt very confident and good on the barriers. For the first time, I felt smooth! The woods sections were so much fun. I was so happy out there. It was motivating to have people cheering me on at least and knowing that I was increasing my lead every lap. We did 5 laps. I finished around 35 minutes. I got a side stitch on the left side with 2 laps to go. This was the same pain from Northampton. I have not had the side pain all season yet. Odd that it is happening the past two races. I have been hydrating the same and eating the same as I normally do. The pain lessened once I finished, but it lingered around the rest of the day.
I immediately loved the course. It had a lot of mountain biking "friendliness" to it. It was cold out. We ended up standing around shivering for 15 minutes, while they figured out their mishap in the staging order. I was called up first, but then we stood their waiting another 5 minutes (which seemed like another 15!). Finally the whistle blew and I gunned it for the hole shot. I took it and broke off from the pack. I never let up the entire race, despite having no one to chase, and not having anyone on my wheel to keep me moving forward. It was mentally hard at points because of this, but I kept it together. I felt very confident and good on the barriers. For the first time, I felt smooth! The woods sections were so much fun. I was so happy out there. It was motivating to have people cheering me on at least and knowing that I was increasing my lead every lap. We did 5 laps. I finished around 35 minutes. I got a side stitch on the left side with 2 laps to go. This was the same pain from Northampton. I have not had the side pain all season yet. Odd that it is happening the past two races. I have been hydrating the same and eating the same as I normally do. The pain lessened once I finished, but it lingered around the rest of the day.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Northampton MA UCI Cyclocross Race 11/5/11
Woke up rested and ready to race. I was ending 3 weeks of build, so my body was ready to shut down, but I did not let it until the race was over. It was cold when we got there, but once in the sun and doing an easy lap on the course, I was sweating! I was called up on the 6th row (I pulled the 3rd from last highest number...I don't agree with the point system at all!). At the start I sprinted past 30 riders to get into 9th position. I held on strong for 2 1/2 laps. I thought we only had one more to go starting the 3rd lap, but it tured out we had two! They said at the start only 4 laps, but then changed it to 5. My legs had been really sore since the end of the week and they did not feel any better in the race. I was amazed I was holding onto my position for so long. However, on the last lap I pretty much bonked. My left hip flexor/upper quad muscle had been hurting really bad since the 3rd lap. All across my diaphragm for some reason was also aching. I think I was forgetting to breathe, the race was so intense! I strained my legs a lot running up the run ups and trying to churn over my 40 tooth on the climb. I was pretty mentally distraught and physically in pain, so I did not make the move to stay on the wheels when I should have. I had been out in the wind a lot during the race, stuck in between 8th and then the riders behind me...I ended up 13th, which is still my best place finish in a UCI race and a considerable feat in my condition, where I had to line up, and against the talented competition. I was immediately pulled over at the end to do dope testing. I was one of the randome 2 (the winer obviously has to do it) that had to do the testing. It was sooooo annoying! It took up an extra hour of time. I could not obviously go to the bathroom enough right after my race, so I got to get on the trainer, drink more fluid, and eat while I waited for it to pass through me. The second time I was able to go enough and we got on our way! I was really happy to have my parents and dog come watch me race :)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Canton Cup 10/29/11 MA State Champ!
Woke up excited to race, but not sure as to how my body would feel after a rough week of being sick and having to miss work and training. Never-the-less I stayed positive, even when the freezing rain started pouring down as soon as we got to the race! I got a lap on the course before it turned into a slip and slide. I rode a smart race. After lap 1 I was in second place and never let anyone else pass me. I held my ground and kept charing on confidently through the mud. It was really tough in places and the barriers were really high for me and my short legs. My quads were very sore and cold by the 3rd lap. I took off my glasses, which was not the best idea, but neither was keeping them on due to fogging. I was very happy with my effort and result. I paced 2nd overall and 1st in my age group, 23-29, for the MA state Championship! I changed asap (no cool down obviously!) and got some food in me before standing out in the cold and rain(almost snow at this point) again to cheer on Ryan and other brave souls. Someone had to make them smile out there!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
My photo in Velo News Online!!!!
Running It Up! <---click it
"Jena Greaser of NorEast Cycling maintains her focus and drive in the Women’s Elite race." Photo: Matt Gendron
Monday, October 10, 2011
Providence RI UCI Cyclocross Races 10/8-9/11
Day 1: Well, I was fortunate enough to even race this weekend, due to breaking my rear derailleur and hanger Wednesday night at Night Weasels Commeth race. I was one of many needing to repair their bike before the weekend of racing. The course was a disaster. Mud and grass covered every drive train. Luckily, I had a derailleur on my road bike and picked up a hanger. The weekend was far from Wednesday night's conditions. Not your typical weather for Cross season. 80 degrees was pretty warm to be racing in, but better than 20 degrees and snowing. Ryan and I arrived early both days to do some marshaling and helped re-route the course for Sunday and take down the course. At the start of the race I was on the last row again. I got in a bottle neck at the start and had to un-clip and run my bike. I had to fight my way back up. The beginning cost me, and I stayed pretty consistent in my placement for the remainder of the race. I did not feel like I was at 100% a few times, and I tried to make some moves to get into the top 15, but my timing was off and I did not execute them properly. This is something to work on for the remainder of the season. I got a sharp side stitch before lap 4, but then I was able to take a feed and for the last lap I was fine. I did not know there was a feed until call up, so we were unprepared for that. I ended up taking a random feed from some nice lady! I was riding with 15th-16th place on the last lap, but did not move ahead of them before the final winding section and small stair run ups. I ended up 17th. My hands were blistered from wearing full finger gloves and sweating. I had a fun time and raced the best I could on that given day!
Day 2: My body felt good in the morning. The course was super fast today. I got to line up on the 4th row instead of the 5th row. Yipee! I had a much better start and was able to get clear of any mishaps and avoided as much bottle necking as possible. I was between 15th and 13th place for the entire race. I was on the 12th place riders wheel, but she opened up a small gap from three of us with one lap to go. It was a battle for 13th-15th place, and I lost 13th by 3 seconds, due to the fast barrier section that I slowed down way to much for and I did not carry my speed through efficiently. I at least sprinted it out at the finish and I did not give up my 14th place to the other rider. Only my hands were a bit sore where the blisters had formed from yesterday, but the short finger gloves made them sweat less and there was not as much bunching.
Overall, it was a great weekend! I look forward to this coming weekend racing my mountain bike before Canton Cup and Orchard Cross.
Day 2: My body felt good in the morning. The course was super fast today. I got to line up on the 4th row instead of the 5th row. Yipee! I had a much better start and was able to get clear of any mishaps and avoided as much bottle necking as possible. I was between 15th and 13th place for the entire race. I was on the 12th place riders wheel, but she opened up a small gap from three of us with one lap to go. It was a battle for 13th-15th place, and I lost 13th by 3 seconds, due to the fast barrier section that I slowed down way to much for and I did not carry my speed through efficiently. I at least sprinted it out at the finish and I did not give up my 14th place to the other rider. Only my hands were a bit sore where the blisters had formed from yesterday, but the short finger gloves made them sweat less and there was not as much bunching.
Overall, it was a great weekend! I look forward to this coming weekend racing my mountain bike before Canton Cup and Orchard Cross.
Monday, October 3, 2011
GP of Gloucester Cross 10/2/11
Great race today! Got my bike set up Saturday night in the nick of time for the race on Sunday. It was announced that the race was starting at 3, 30 min. later then it was planned. This was due to a sewage leak on the course having to be re-taped! I pulled the highest number, so I was literally THE LAST person called up. I was 5 rows back, since I have not done any aces this season. But after racing strong today and seeing how much more confident I am on the course than last year, I know I will continue to gather points throughout the season. The whistle blew and I tried to pass several people up the first hill, but it was hard, since no one was really moving up in front of me. I got stuck over in the orange barricades, that are evil! In the first section on the grass, it was really twisty and everyone was on their brakes. I was so annoyed and did my best to get around people on the outside. Throughout the first 1/2 of the first lap I ended up passing about 30 people! I was stoked. I just got into a solid rhythm and kept hammering the rest of the race. The smile in my heart never left the entire race. I had so much fun out there!!!! I placed 21st out of 47 racers. I got an awesome shout out for NorEast on two occasions. The first was due to my impressive moving up and the second due to grabbing $3 on the run up by the beer tent. Whooot! It was cool to have the crowd cheering at me for my attempt. My left calf cramped up on the last lap on the first run up section on the course. It is apparent I need to get some running work under my belt during the remainder of the season. I felt like that was where I lost the most of my time, along with the dismount at the barriers. I need to work at coming at them with enough speed and carrying it through confidently. I was really happy that my back was not in pain. This was a huge issue for me last year and caused me to not be able to finish many races and have a bad rapport with Cross. I am glad that I had a successful race and feel much better about participating in the discipline. I cannot wait to race at Night Weasels this Wednesday night under the lights and at Providence UCI races this weekend.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Portsmouth Criterium 9/18/11 LAST ROAD RACE of the SEASON
I started a new job 2 weeks ago and I have been loving it. I get up early and commute 3.5 miles there and back every day. It is all up hill on the way, but it feels good and wakes me up! I have been winding down with my volume and training over the last two weeks. I will be taking this weekend off to recover mentally and physically to avoid burn-out before starting the Cyclocross season. I know that I can have a successful season, but my body needs some time to heal. I will have one more XC mountain bike race in October, and it will be my FIRST as a PRO!
On September18th, I raced in the 77th annual Smuttynose Portsmouth Criterium. It was a NorEast-Met Life sponsor race. I was excited for the race, the weather was perfect. My legs were a bit sore, but I figured I would have time to get a solid warm up in and they would open up more. I felt okay on my spin, but I started to do tempo into LT and my legs were not so happy. The course opened up for inspection so I did a few laps on the course and hopped back on the trainer to do a few VO2's and then it was time to hustle to the bathroom, etc. I was trying to combat any negative thoughts about my legs at the start line. The whistle blew and I got into the race. A few teams were sending off racers and a few attacks were made. I was trying to stay patient in the field, but that did not last too long. I ended up getting on the front, wanting to do something, but not so sure what. I ended up sprinting for several primes, placing second, but it ended up that they were only one deep. I did win one, but I was a bit annoyed with myself that I did not pay hard enough attention (it is always hard to understand what is being said over the mic when racing), I need to work on that. My patience in the pack is something I need to work on, especially with lack of team-mates. I was very strong and showed other riders I was a threat. I was too willing, however, to do the work and ride strong. When the time really counted to ride strong, I was not able to do so, due to being in the wrong place. I was 4th wheel into the final turn, but then when attacks came from the right and the left and two of the riders in front of me made no move, I was boxed in and I could not do anything in that brief moment. I will know for next year to not be in the middle for that sprint. Last year I was in a great position that allowed me to not get stuck. My legs felt a bit sapped after the race. I cooled down and then helped load hay bails onto the truck for volunteer work. Ryan and I spent a few hours at the volunteer party with good friends and lots of food. There is always next year! I tend to think that not performing my best, is what keeps me hungry for more B-)
On September18th, I raced in the 77th annual Smuttynose Portsmouth Criterium. It was a NorEast-Met Life sponsor race. I was excited for the race, the weather was perfect. My legs were a bit sore, but I figured I would have time to get a solid warm up in and they would open up more. I felt okay on my spin, but I started to do tempo into LT and my legs were not so happy. The course opened up for inspection so I did a few laps on the course and hopped back on the trainer to do a few VO2's and then it was time to hustle to the bathroom, etc. I was trying to combat any negative thoughts about my legs at the start line. The whistle blew and I got into the race. A few teams were sending off racers and a few attacks were made. I was trying to stay patient in the field, but that did not last too long. I ended up getting on the front, wanting to do something, but not so sure what. I ended up sprinting for several primes, placing second, but it ended up that they were only one deep. I did win one, but I was a bit annoyed with myself that I did not pay hard enough attention (it is always hard to understand what is being said over the mic when racing), I need to work on that. My patience in the pack is something I need to work on, especially with lack of team-mates. I was very strong and showed other riders I was a threat. I was too willing, however, to do the work and ride strong. When the time really counted to ride strong, I was not able to do so, due to being in the wrong place. I was 4th wheel into the final turn, but then when attacks came from the right and the left and two of the riders in front of me made no move, I was boxed in and I could not do anything in that brief moment. I will know for next year to not be in the middle for that sprint. Last year I was in a great position that allowed me to not get stuck. My legs felt a bit sapped after the race. I cooled down and then helped load hay bails onto the truck for volunteer work. Ryan and I spent a few hours at the volunteer party with good friends and lots of food. There is always next year! I tend to think that not performing my best, is what keeps me hungry for more B-)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Landmine XC 9/11/11 & PRO UPGRADE!!!
What a day! This race holds a special place for me in my heart because it is where I did my first XC race in 2008. I had entered the sport category and placed 3rd. I was unable to compete in the 2009 season, due to blowing out my knee in a skier-cross accident, but I competed in the event last summer (2010) in my first Pro-Open race. Well, the Pro racer who beat me by 12 seconds last year, was behind me this year by 8 minutes! I ripped the course up. The smile never left my face. I loved every minute of it! About 1/2 way through the race when I got off the bike for a section I felt my front tire and it was at about 15 psi! By the time I went to bed that night it was flat. I am not a fan of the Schwalbe Racing Ralph tubless ready tires that came on the Cannondale Scalpel 2. Their marketing for them is faulty because they have caused me problems at Nationals, Beer Creek XC, and not this race. I have put the proper amount of Stan's in and have made sure to seal them properly. I plan to invest in other tires next year. Anyway, this was my last race as a Cat. 1 racer, because the other day (9/12) I received my PRO UPGRADE!!!! I am excited to look into the Pro XTC circuit for next season. I will now be looking for a team/shop sponsorship and funding for races/travel. Thanks to everyone who has helped to make this dream come true B-)
GMSR 2011
GMSR (Green Mountain Stage Race 9/2-5/11) recap:
Everyone was lucky to be able to participate in this year's GMSR, due to the fact that hurricane Irene had swept through all of Vermont, causing terrible havoc. Roads, homes, businesses, historic bridges, totally gone in just one day. It was really sad to see, but the state and towns where the races went through, wanted the racers to come just as badly as the racers wanted to come! A lot of changes were made to the courses to make things work. I had actually taken GMSR off of my race schedule a few weeks before the event, due to the fact that my team-mates were injure and I did not have anyone to share housing with.. A week before the races, however, one of my friends was able to fit me in to a condo with her friend and family! My coach and I were not so sure about me going, but in the end, I figured even if I was not peaking for the event, I could still have a good time and get in solid training! Well, hard training was definitely handed to me, and a few good lessons learned, due to me not really knowing the equipment that I borrowed. Read below to find out more:
Day 1-when using tubulars, make sure to pump them up the day of the race, 80 psi does no good in a TT. I also realized when I got home that I had been using a 11x23 rear cassette...and with that type of climb in the TT, I should have had nothing lower than a 11x25! But I was use to my regular tube wheel-set and 11x28 rear cassette that I just did not think anything of it! Day 2-you know something is wrong with either the circuit course or the racers when almost every single field has a crash at the finish line. I raced really well and stayed at the front up the QM climbs, but when it came to the sprint, there was a disastrous crash that left a few women on the pavement. I was right near it and was lucky to not be hurt and ride another day. I just rode across the finish line with the rest of the pack. I spent the entire afternoon-evening with our friend in the hospital while he got stitches and had to get his bike repaired. Not ideal recovery! Day 3-I did not sleep well Saturday night, not ideal for the road race, but I still managed to make it across the finish line upright! The modified road race course (due to the flood) was boring, the field let a solo break happen 6 miles in and never attacked, simply soft pedaling for over 40 miles and everyone only sprinting up Baby App. Gap. to App. Gap. I still had no idea that the rear cassette was an 11x23, so I climbed the 20% grade with that...not that it is a good thing to brag about, but heck! Not sure many people could attempt that climb with that gearing, non the less after 115 miles of racing already (my compact front crank saved me!). The light weight wheels were amazing as far as lightness was concerned, but I forgot to check a lot of things. I will not forget to check these things when I own a pair of my own! Day 4-flash floods in downtown Burlington cancelled the Crit. (the main event I was waiting to shred all weekend and really only cared about!), after I had already changed into my kit and lugged my trainer to a dry spot for warming up. Oh well, it is bike racing! I did not have a desire-able overall finish, but considering I did not really go into the race fully prepared, I still did well by placing in pay-out. I a had fun time with friends and oh, did I mention that I learned some valuable lessons???? HA!
Everyone was lucky to be able to participate in this year's GMSR, due to the fact that hurricane Irene had swept through all of Vermont, causing terrible havoc. Roads, homes, businesses, historic bridges, totally gone in just one day. It was really sad to see, but the state and towns where the races went through, wanted the racers to come just as badly as the racers wanted to come! A lot of changes were made to the courses to make things work. I had actually taken GMSR off of my race schedule a few weeks before the event, due to the fact that my team-mates were injure and I did not have anyone to share housing with.. A week before the races, however, one of my friends was able to fit me in to a condo with her friend and family! My coach and I were not so sure about me going, but in the end, I figured even if I was not peaking for the event, I could still have a good time and get in solid training! Well, hard training was definitely handed to me, and a few good lessons learned, due to me not really knowing the equipment that I borrowed. Read below to find out more:
Day 1-when using tubulars, make sure to pump them up the day of the race, 80 psi does no good in a TT. I also realized when I got home that I had been using a 11x23 rear cassette...and with that type of climb in the TT, I should have had nothing lower than a 11x25! But I was use to my regular tube wheel-set and 11x28 rear cassette that I just did not think anything of it! Day 2-you know something is wrong with either the circuit course or the racers when almost every single field has a crash at the finish line. I raced really well and stayed at the front up the QM climbs, but when it came to the sprint, there was a disastrous crash that left a few women on the pavement. I was right near it and was lucky to not be hurt and ride another day. I just rode across the finish line with the rest of the pack. I spent the entire afternoon-evening with our friend in the hospital while he got stitches and had to get his bike repaired. Not ideal recovery! Day 3-I did not sleep well Saturday night, not ideal for the road race, but I still managed to make it across the finish line upright! The modified road race course (due to the flood) was boring, the field let a solo break happen 6 miles in and never attacked, simply soft pedaling for over 40 miles and everyone only sprinting up Baby App. Gap. to App. Gap. I still had no idea that the rear cassette was an 11x23, so I climbed the 20% grade with that...not that it is a good thing to brag about, but heck! Not sure many people could attempt that climb with that gearing, non the less after 115 miles of racing already (my compact front crank saved me!). The light weight wheels were amazing as far as lightness was concerned, but I forgot to check a lot of things. I will not forget to check these things when I own a pair of my own! Day 4-flash floods in downtown Burlington cancelled the Crit. (the main event I was waiting to shred all weekend and really only cared about!), after I had already changed into my kit and lugged my trainer to a dry spot for warming up. Oh well, it is bike racing! I did not have a desire-able overall finish, but considering I did not really go into the race fully prepared, I still did well by placing in pay-out. I a had fun time with friends and oh, did I mention that I learned some valuable lessons???? HA!
Monday, August 22, 2011
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