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Sunday, January 27
Early Bird Road Race - January 26, 2008
After a week of rain, Friday was the worst of all. It rained ALL day, not stopping for a second. My racing optimism is dimmed by the prospects of racing in the rain. Dino and I are both looking at the forecast, and it actually is better for Patterson than it is for Santa Rosa. We talk Friday night and decide to take a chance. If we get there in the morning and it’s miserable, we don’t have to get out of the car and can head straight to the nearest bar. We leave at 5:15 AM (damn, that was early) for the 2 hour drive, including driving through the area that was closed most of the night. Neither of us knew it at the time, but Rte. 101, the major highway here, was closed for 9 hours Friday night, and re-opened just less than an hour before we passed through Saturday morning. We would have been in a world of hurt to get down to Petaluma and find the road closed.Unbelievably, as we depart it’s not raining, and as we get into Marin, the roads are actually dry. Coming up over the mountains in Livermore, the sun is actually shining over the Central Valley. Despite 3 wrong turns by Dino, we’re there in plenty of time. When I open the car door, it almost blows off the hinges. Crap, it’s windy as hell, but at least the road is dry and the sun is actually shining. Although it’s blowing like crazy, it’s not all that bad for riding once we’re warming up.The weather keeps a lot of people away and we’re wondering if we’ll be the only ones to show. I told Dino that Jon Ornstil would be there for sure, and sure enough, Ornstil is here along with a few other VOS dudes, It’s freezing at the start from the wind, but when we roll out in the M45+ race and get a mile down the road, turning onto Del Puerto Canyon, the road we’re going to follow for 23+ miles, and we’re all of a sudden sheltered from the wind and the weather’s now perfect for racing. I started with 2 vests and a hat on, and by 7 miles in, they’re all tucked in my pocket and I’m good to go. After a short climb, there’s a descent and then about 20 miles of uphill, capped by a 3 mile climb, the last 1 1/2 miles at 9%. A couple of the VOS guys launch early attacks and the field just lets them go as harmless. Everyone pretty much is waiting for the steep climb at the end before the turnaround. On the major steep climb, Ornstil attacks, and gets a gap with another VOS dude (Rick Martin), and Jan Elsbach (Bollo). Carl Nielson (Wells Fargo, and 2nd at San Bruno) is caught between them and me, and then I’m off the front of what’s left of the field. After the initial acceleration, I can see the front 3 guys aren’t really gaining all that much on me, so my plan is to save some and then chase on the descent. At the top of the climb, they have maybe 30-40 seconds on me, and Dino’s not all that far back. I drill it on the descent, cutting the apexes and descending like a rock, passing several people from other fields like they’re standing still. I almost overcook a few of the sharper bends, and there’s a lot of debris, and even some large rockslides from all of the rain.
I go maybe 10 miles, still don’t see the 4 guys in front of me, and I turn around to see a small group starting to catch. I ease into the group, and after a few seconds to catch my breath, find that they’re going way too slow. I take a strong pull, come off, and see Dino has now latched on. He takes a couple of monster pulls, and the rest of the way, Dino and I trade off pulls with the wheel sucking leeches hanging on for life. We’re definitely moving now. As we get inside of 2 km to go, I can actually see the front 4 guys, so another few miles and we would have caught them for sure. As Vince Lombard said, “We didn’t lose the game, we just ran out of time.” Oh well, at least we’re dry. Jon Ornstil is 2nd and Carl Nielson is 4th. I take 5th and Dino’s 6th, not too bad a finish for a day that seemed very iffy at the start.
-MadDog
CCCX Series Finale - Sunday, January 6, 2008
 | |  | | Joe Fab in action at CCCX #7 |
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Yesterday was the finale in the CCCX series, the crowning glory, the shcwag fest and the clothing (jersey) opportunity. I entered the race with enough points to win the series, but I really wanted to get the V to be worthy.They put the single speedies at the very back, about 7 of us this time out. The lap was long, about 2.5 miles starting with a 400 meter gradual dirt climb topped with a 0 mph dismount on the top, then a swoopy kilo of decent onto an asphalt climb to single track via a short steeped cup of tea into some descending swoops back down to lots of swoopy turns in the flats again. I was afraid with all the weather it would be heinous, Amos, but the sand of Fr. Ord was as packed and tight as Johnnie Walker’s abs.I had a start that was good relative to the other single speeders. I went hard off line and pegged the heart rate to try and get as many guys from the group ahead of me in between me and my competition. Then for the next mile we all sorta got into conga line where we all danced the pace of the guy in front of us. That pretty much set the order for most of the final half hour. Very few passes as the long twisty nature of the course spread us all out.Into the final of only four laps, I closed on my buddy Bruce riding in the 45B’s. I passed him right on top of the 400m climb and thought I put some distance on him, but three times in the remainder of the lap he stuck his wheel under me trying for a pass. I was able to gap him just enough on a double set of logs which I was able to jump and he chose to dismount.I crossed the line thinking I’d won the race, but low and behold in that melee of the start, another single got out in front of me and put people between us. Drats, foiled at my own game!
But for the series title, I got a t-shirt, a pair of cross tires, a sweet plaque, and a winners jersey. Nice. Do I have to race El Dragon now?
click title bar for results
 | | Joe Fab wins series crown CCCX B single speed |
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Sacramento CX Series #6 - January 5, 2008
El Dragon wins finale and the series!
Race #6 had all the contenders and the storm of the year dropping rain down on us in bucket's. I set up the road bike on a trainer in the covered skate park next to the parking lot to warm up and on my way back to the SUV I had to yell to get Shay to move the vehicle to higher ground so I could get in without the use of a raft to get to the car? The parking lot was filling up with so much watter from the rain it was getting in smaller cars. This was starting to reminded me of the Cyclocross World Cup in Yontville when it flooded at the time the race was going on!
As we were lining up the rain stopped, so this ment the mud was going to get a little sticky and on my warm up lap I found all kinds of deep sections all over the place! Not good for me because I was running my big gear today (42X17) in hope's to get the whole shot and get away from "Truckee" as quickly as possible! I needed to in order to have every chance I could to be at or ne'er the front of every technical, muddy and off camber section, witch this course was entirely made of. This is what cross is all about and I was raring to go!
At the whistle I ride to the front and am first into the first lake crossing! Start rideing in the soup and their is a million different lines none of which is straight! Front tire goes one way and the rear tire goes another and I am off and running. One guy crashes into my bike and gives me a push and I gladly take it. Truckee makes it by me on the right and is about three bike lengths ahead as we go up the first run up. Slipping all over trying to get footing in this slippery run up and I am about three seconds back off of Truckee by the time I get back on my bike. I am all revved up and tell myself their is no way I am loosing today, I am going to the front today!!
After a lap and a half I catch and pass the leaders in a down hill rutted out sticky mud left hand-er that they are taking easy for what ever reason. I get through with a slight touch of the disc breaks and rail the turn and hammer out of it like I want it and ain't looking back because I don't care anymore who is behind me, I want the Victory and nobody is going to take it from me on this day! I put about four min. on the field and got my first win of the season and took the over all winner's jersey home! I got a little emotional at the finish line and was glad the Boba Ginney was their to witness the ass whop-in I laid down! And yes I drank my self silly after wards!
El Dragon
Friday, June 29
Chileno Valley TTT - June 26, 2007
The sun setting at night, dogs chasing cats and Brad drinking beer, Bizarro World has ENDED!
Yes, the world has righted itself and the Mighty Amazin' Fightin' Bobas are back on top!
On Tuesday, June 26 in Chileno Valley, Ca, the Bobas won the 20 mile team time trial. For those who have not been keeping up, this was the tenth edition of this remarkable event. The Bobas managed to win the first four, but have struggled since then, winning just 2 of the last 5 races. Eastside Cycles of Petaluma had won the last two, even coming within 3 seconds of the Boba's course record of 45:13.
Last Tuesday the Boba "Blasters" consisting of Steve Palladino, Briant Smith, Erin Walker, Jim Forni, Ron Hill, Paul Langlois, Kevin Zucco, Kirk Buckman and Pete Sweeney rode to a winning time of 45:30. Eastside was missing two of their big stars (Brian Staby and John Staroba), but added New Zealand Olympian Glen Mitchell and fellow Kiwi ace Andrew Barlow to make a formidable all-star composite team. This conglomeration, even with their international veterans, came very close, but could not match the Flyin' Bobas. Their time of 45:43 was just 13 seconds from the Bobas, but second nonetheless. Reknowned time trial expert Dave LaTourette suggested that the Bobas gained their winning margin by their use of matching shoe covers. A new team, Pegasus rode well for third place.
In addition, big thanks go out to our officials: Head Timer and incredibly accurate Oscar, his lovely assistant Susan, Mr. Aero Dave Latourette, the original Boba and our beloved director Greg Provencher.
Chileno Valley Team Time Trial
June 26, 2007
1. Boba Blasters 45:30
Steve Palladino (racing age 51), Briant Smith (49), Erin Walker (41), Jim Forni (38), Ron Hill (40), Paul Langlois (50), Kevin Zucco (37), Kirk Buckman (42), Pete Sweeney (52), average age 44.4.
2. Eastside/New Zealand All-Stars 45:43
Jonathon Lee, Nick Kersmaki, Peter Nicholson, Alex Brookhouse, Andrew Barlow, Glen Mitchell, John Ellis, David Miller
3. Pegasus 49:33
4. Z Team 50:04
5. Colavita "B" 50:56
6. Fearsome 5+ 51:22
7. Bici Sport 51:47
8. Boba Fasters 52:48
9. Colavita "A" 52:59
10. Nor-Cal Mixed 60:29 New Record for a combined sexes team, okay it's the only time someone has tried it.
Here is one man's story:
I'd been doing pretty well in the Tuesday Night Criteriums and I'd previously ridden on the course record team, so I figured that I could hang onto the back of a sub-46 time and maybe take the occasional pull.
I like to get there early and warmup, so I left Simba at home and brought all of my gear to work. Jeez, I have a lot of stuff. Okay, leave work early (sorry boss) and meet Big Ring, Oscar and special assistant Susan at Kaiser. Arrgh! Typically bad Sonoma County traffic and Big has forgotten his skinsuit! Hmmm...? Take an extra ten minutes to get it or let him ride in his birthday suit? Yeah, I agree, let's burn the ten minutes! Whew, we're running late. Fortunately the head timer will start everyone ten minutes late. Good. Okay, line it up! Here we go! Bri has me on the front to start...5,4, 3, 2, 1, GO! Clip in, stand, ramp it up slowly to let get the team get in line and KB yells "Hit it!" Whoosh, down the hill and into a raging headwind. 30 seconds into the race and I pull off and I'm already tired...woof! We're working hard through the rollers with short hard efforts until we reach the hill at the stables. This hill always gives us fits and disrupts our rhythm and it does so once again. We back off to keep all nine together and then rocket down towards the Marin County Line. Paul "Chopper" Langlois is on the front as we make the 90 degree turn from Chileno Valley Road onto Chileno Valley Road (something that I've yet to figure out). Up a small hill (Shastina) and into a hurricane! Man, that's a strong headwind! Ronnie takes a hard pull, drifts too far back and can't get on. Rats, down to eight, but no time to wait. 'Dino shows us that his training is really paying off with monster, high speed pulls. I'm on 'Dino and getting the wind protection that you would expect from a pencil! Damn, the dude is aero. 'Dino pulls off and I figure that I've basically been on the front anyway so I'll skip this turn and I go out behind him. Big Ring notices and I receive a tongue lashing at 28.5 mph. Alright, jeez! We continue to fight the headwind of Chileno valley until the hill. Good effort, no one is whining too much and we've still got eight. Over the top and KB burns three long wooden matches. You know those real hot ones, that you light a bonfire with. He ramps right up to 42-44 mph, but I can't look at the computer cuz we're flying. I was towards the front as we went over the top and usually in a TTT you'll end up breaking a little on a descent. So, I figure that I'll ease over and freewheel on to the back without doing any extra work. Uh huh! No, not with KB riding like a freight train. Yow, I'm going to get dropped on a descent and Chopper is behind me. I shift for the 11, whoops, I've only got a 12 and hurt myself to close the gap, but I make it and Chopper does too. Oh, we are moving it! We scream up on Colavita and there's Z Team just ahead and careen onto Two Rock-Tomales Road and now we've got a tailwind and 'Dino gives it full rein. This is always a tough section, but we're rolling smoothly with all eight pulling well. 'Dino is again on the front as we turn onto Spring Hill. Big Ring, Chopper and Ewalk are rotating through as I'm going to the back and it's just about killing me. Wham, bam, yeah some of these Sonoma County Roads could use new pavement. We catch a team being pulled by Ted Simpkins and he yells encouragement. Briant lays down a sacrificial pull leading into the biggest hill and blows off the back. Ewalk and Chopper push the pace as we're climbing and I'm thinking that this is the end for me, but it's only the two of them and the time is taken on the fourth guy. They back off about one inch and now I can stay on. We're halfway up the hill and we've still got seven. Ewalk asks "How many? (meaning "How many of us are left.)" and increases our speed. Whew, this is hard, but I'm still on. Okay, over the top and "Don't be afraid!" 'Dino is asking every man to do his best and surprisingly we are responding in a positive manner. Bam, wham, down the hill, really fast. KB gives it a go as we flatten out and then I pull through. I figure that we've got about two or three minutes left and that's my last yank. We're inside the last mile and Erin is coming hard from the near back for yet another great effort. I had been on his wheel, but I shift over to Paul's as Erin takes the speed up two notches. Erin blows up with a job well done and now it's up to 'Dino, Zucco and Bucko to bring it home. Wait, 'Dino (1), Zucco (2), Bucko (3). Isn't the time taken on the fourth rider? Didn't I just count three? Holy bejeesus, someone's got to get there. Arrggh, it's going to have to be me! I downshift, stand and sprint with all I've got. I must've used somewhere around 1372 watts to cross a 10 yard gap. Wham, bam, damn, 200 meters to go and I hit some kinda giant pot roast size hole. Fortunately I don't crash or flat and I barely stay on as 'Dino powers us to the finish. Oscar yells "45:30" Hmmm...that's a good time, but i wonder how Eastside/Kiwi is doing. Here they come and they get...45? 45 what?...45:43 and we WIN! EXCELLENT!
We ride back to the start, well, I stagger back and enjoy some celebratory beverages and the awards ceremony. Then it's off to Las Guitarras for another beverage and many stories (some of which may have actually happened) as well as some food. I would like to say that it was a great pleasure to dine with this group. Why? Ah, well, the bill of $583 was presented to me and there was somewhere around $222 on the table. I asked the others to please pitch in and the necessary money was received forthwith. We even had an extra $4 on top of the fat 20% tip! Thanks to all of you!
As 'Dino is fond of saying "Damn, it's nice to be a Boba!"
- The trialin' (at least for now) Lip
Click on title bar for full photo collection from the event from Veronika Lenzi.
 | | ....because this is all your gonna see. |
SoBay Tuesday Night Crit - June 26, 2007
Oh So Close
Rios, Townsend and Fab boba up in a small and very squidly B group. 20 Laps.
The plan tonight: ride easy then set up a lead out for Rios. Townsend to Fab to Daddy. (Daddy was there on time and he got the nod.)
4 Laps in the race was shutdown when a C rider crashed and went blank for a minute. Crossed wheels. Cops, Firetrucks, and paramedics. Failry scarey to ride by.
So we restarted and it became a 12 lapper. Into the final lap, we set up nice. Long finish up hill. Jeff took the leadout with Joe on his wheel and Daddy on Joe. Jeff pulled HARD. So hard that Daddy got gapped. Joe took the the pull and moved into the lead holding a 20 meter gap on the field with the finish line in site.
BUT, the finish came right on the heels of the A's, and slow A's were unaware of the B finish. Three of them went from left to right just as Fab was bringing it home, cause Fab to let out a yell, slam on the brakes, and come to a stop.
Still, the Bobas went 3, 4, 5 just coasting across the line.
Wednesday, June 20
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 19, 2007
All hail the most mighty Fightin' Bobas!
Man, do I love this TEAM!!! You guys are GREAT!
As usual I'm rushin' from work for the start of my weekly highlight. Aside to Kenny: Your highlight is different. Hmmm...? Is my saddle the right height? Do my knees usually hit my chin? Whatever, I gotta git there. I sign up, talk a little (okay, a LOT) and go do a few sprints to warmup and also to blow by Scotty. Hey, is my shoe slipping? Do I have an extra hitch in my pedal circle? Whatever, I gotta git to da start.
Wow, there are a lot of riders in the first race. I hear there's some sort of junior camp in town and they've brought about a brazilian racers. I see 'Dino workin' on the front and Lou attacking off it. There's also Sir Richard and Gary is having some sort of sideline chat. Perhaps one of those boys will relate their experiences.
Okay, line up for the second race. Jeez, there are a bunch of riders, but no Big Ring, Chopper Paul, KB or El Dragon. Glenn is there, but he's got to be all worn out from the Terrible Two. On the upside we've got Forno, Kzuc, Rocket Ronnie, Sir Richard, 'Dino, Lou, Bobby Moore and The Strainin' Lip. We do the neutral lap and Andrew Barlow (the hotshot Kiwi who's making some wine for La Crema/KJ) takes it right up to 28 for a full lap, Forno comes through on pace and then I keep it going. We've got the whole, 60 plus, field strung out, but no one's blown yet. I'm already tired when the primes start and some unknowns go off. There's no Bobas with them, so I've got to launch. Arrgh...it takes me a hard lap to get on and they are attacking each other so I can't sit in. Whew! We are slightly off the front and still no teammates. Here they come and it's attack and counterattack. A group gets out there and it's got Brian Staby, Eastside's best sprinter, and the afore mentioned Andrew Barlow, but no Bobas. Aha, going off in pursuit and yes, they will get on, J. Forno and K. Zucco. Sweet, a break of 6 with our two best sprinters. Ronnie takes a hard dig and almost gets there when the teller announces that he's overdrawn. But we've still got the two men up there. Now it's time to play the role of the faithful teammate... woof! Many of the juniors mount attacks, but they've always got Peeto, 'Dino or Rocket Ronnie on them. Someone comes up behind me and asks "Is there anyone off the front?" "Who's asking?" Ah, it is Sir Richard, so I tell him that we've got Jimmie and Zuc up there and "We like it!" Zuc does the classic early attack, the break chases, Forni sits and jumps for the win! Bob Moore works his way up in the field and does a nice job in the field sprint. Peeto and the Rocket try to save some for the third race.
Third Race: Although we haven't seen Gavin C. Ben Standish, Dick Salt, Eric Wright, Sterling Magnell, Ken Watkins, Craig Roemer, Dean LaBerge, John Peters or Glen Fant this year and Todd W. and Darrin Devine are not on the line, it's a big field with a bunch of hungry looking juniors. We start off fairly easy and then there's a big dig and Paul Sumner goes after and I figure that I've got to get there for the Bobas, but it hurts bad and I'm kinda whimpering. I make it (barely) and Paul motions me to his wheel and we keep it up. I owe him a hard turn and deliver, but it's very painful (think no novocaine). He says that the three of us have a gap so Dude X attacks us. What the ...? We get caught and it's the usual back and forth. Kzuc gets in a promising looking break, but nah. More laps and then one forms with Brian Staby, Andrew Barlow and...EWALK! Great! There they go and we've got a Boba on board! Erin can definitely match pulls with those guys so we'll get a top three if they stay away. Now the Bobas give the juniors a lesson in team tactics. They can't seem to understand why they always got Ronnie or Forno or Glenn (making a great recovery from the Terrible Two) or Zucco or Peeto on them and then the Boba won't work. Even with Paul S. patiently coaching them, they just don't get it. Paul takes heroic pulls, full laps at 29-30 and the gap comes down to 10-11 seconds, but then a Boba comes through and the gap goes up to 15-16 seconds (for those who haven't ridden a Tuesday nighter a motivated, hard working peloton can take back 10 seconds in a lap). For the most part the juniors just watch or make solo efforts that are doomed to fail. Ewalk and his companions continue to stay as Ronnie is gesturing to Jimbo Keene (the head official) to put up the lap cards. Finally, "3" to go. Still only about 17 seconds, now "2" and we can sit and see the fun. I decide to follow and maybe give Zuc or 4knee a leadout, but whoa, it's gets hot with 1.5 left. Ewalk goes wide on his last pull, Staby realizes that if he doesn't go the pack will get them all and he'll be swallowed like Jonah so he launches followed by Andrew and Erin. Ewalk hits the last corner at mach 3 and, in front of his son, holds on by a solid inch! VICTORY for Ewalk and the Mighty Amazin' Fightin' Bobas!!!
Zucco tries a training tip that he read about and launches a huge "Radu" from the field. It's great to watch the juniors panic at 30+mph. I barely stay on and pip the women's district champion with a "Hah" for about 9th.
Off to Chelino's to celebrate the wins and also Johnnie Walker's Birthday and to enjoy the refreshments that our team has earned. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR JOHNNIE"
I'm exhausted and I've got to git home to adjust my saddle and fix my slipping cleat. I love the Bobas.
your faithful correspondent, Pete
Monday, June 18
Terrible Two - June 16, 2007
Whoa. Two hundred miles is a long freakin way, unless you plan on riding 750 miles just for the hell of it in July. Then its just a walk in the park.
After temperatures topping a hundred degrees on Thursday and Friday, making me think of frying and dying on Skaggs, climbing it in 120 degree heat, it miraculously cools off Friday night (Hail Chiambi!). Saturday morning brings fog and a temperature around 50 degrees. Usually, I hate the cold, but its perfect for a 200 mile jaunt around Sonoma and Napa counties.
Bill Oetinger gives his pre-ride speech at about 5:20 AM (damn, its early). I love the part where he says every year, Dont do anything stupid. Well if I wasnt stupid, I wouldnt be here. He also says something about a faux pas with the pace car last year going too fast through Santa Rosa and that the pace will be neutralized. Im glad they got that fixed because last year, we were at full tilt after leaving the parking lot. We roll out promptly at 5:30 AM, and as soon as were out of the parking lot, were at 27 mph. WTF? I think they got the pace car driver from NASCAR. We average 25 mph to the bottom of Bennett Valley Road. I heard after that the field had already broken into at least 3 parts. Once Dale Jr. pulls off, the pace becomes more reasonable, except this is exactly the place where Jady Palko and Ted Simpkins drill it and start a break. Thank God everyone just lets them go.
I stay with the front group through Kenwood and Glen Ellen, and then were onto Trinity. I stay with the front group, and when were getting close to the top, I turn around and see
nothing. No one else in sight. So 20 of us descend into Oakville, passing Jady (on his TT bike) on Oakville grade, and Ted is waiting at the Oakville Grocery. Here we go again.
With Ted and Jady at the front, we average 25 mph from Oakville to Calistoga. In several spots along the way, were over 30 mph. At one point, Im talking to Giampaolo and he says were going too fast. Yeah, no kidding. From Calistoga to the bottom of the Geysers, we average a leisurely 23 mph (damn), and my legs are feeling it. Im 4th onto the Geysers climb, but then Marc Moons and Giampaolo start pushing the pace. I let them go and theyre in a group of 7 or so. The rest of us are now scattered all over the Geysers. At the top of the 2nd Geysers climb at the rest stop, I group up with 2 other guys for the descent and ride to Lake Sonoma. I lead the descent, tearing it up, and we end up covering the first 100 miles in exactly 5 hours, which means theres gonna be hell to pay later in the day. On the climb on Dutcher Creek, Brian Anderson catches us with 6 other guys and we all ride together to Lake Sonoma.
This is the point at which the Terrible Two turns into a survival ride. Climbing out of Lake Sonoma on Skaggs, Im feeling OK, but theres a long way to go, and everyone is pretty much riding solo. On the climb, I pass a couple of guys, and get passed by a couple of guys. At this point, I dont know how Im doing on the overall, but all Im really thinking about is finishing. After crossing the bridge at the bottom and starting the last long climb on Skaggs, who do I see bombing down the descent, but my Boba brethren, who are shouting words of encouragement as theyre going downhill at 40 mph and Im going uphill at what seems like 1.2 mph. The adrenaline rush I get is good for about 2 minutes as I get back to some serious suffering. Toward the top of Skaggs, Brenda Phelps catches me and suddenly, there are somehow a couple of others with us as we start the descent. I lead the way on the descent again, trying to stay off the brakes as much as possible. We pick up a couple of more guys on the way to Camp Gualala, including Jeff Landauer, who won with Brian Anderson 4 years ago. The 6 of us pretty much stay together the whole way in. Its nice finding people to ride with on Route 1, when I remember the bozos I rode with last year in the same stretch didnt have a clue about riding in a paceline and the 10 miles on Route 1 was hell with no teamwork and constant attacking.
On the Ft. Ross climb, everyone pretty much goes on their own, but we re-group at the top. At this point, Im realizing that were just about on track for a 12 hour ride and I let the others know. I think that re-energizes us to some extent as we start the descent on the 2nd part of Ft. Ross. On the last climb on Ft. Ross, Black Mountain, the 6 of us sail past one of said bozos from last year, who is absolutely smoked and totally out of gas. Ahhh
poetic justice.
We work well together on the way back from Cazadero, and the time is tight for 12 hours as we hit the rest stop in Monte Rio. We re-group on Bohemian Highway, and at this point, Im brain dead and totally running on vapors. The uphill looks like Mt. Everest to me, but somehow, I make it into Occidental and the descent on Graton Road. Only 5 miles to go.
We hit the 12 hour mark just as we get to 116. Damn. So close. We gun it and make it to the finish in 12:05, only an hour 38 minutes faster than I was last year. Ill take that. It was great having other people to ride with from the top of Skaggs. Lou and Brad are at the finish, the de facto podium girls for the day. I check the war board and see that Brian finished in 11:11, winning for the 6th year in a row. Marc Moons was 2nd. Giampaolo is 4th in 11:40. Later, Giampaolo says that Brian didnt catch him until the Rancheria climb. In my stupor, I only see 10 times faster than mine, so Im claiming 11th unless the official results show otherwise.
I promised myself that Id stop the insanity once I had a good ride, but damn, now Im gonna have to do it again next year and try to break 12 hours. Anyone interested? Dino? Chopper? Rulon?
-MadDog
Glenn called me this afternoon to see if I'd finished the TT yet or if I was still on the course. Compared to a lot of the thoroughbreds out there yesterday, he wasn't too far off the mark for this plow mule.
After riding through heat exhaustion last year I vowed to not force myself into any sufferfests in the first leg this year. I wanted some money in the bank left for Skaggs onward. I know this goes against the Boba ideology of "ride till you puke", but the memory of literally doing the TT last year under this condition was still fresh in my mind.
After riding a very relaxed pace in the first leg to the lunch stop, I intended to push hard on the last part from Skaggs to the end. In the second leg, I ended up passing several riders along the way. In fact, I didn't get passed by one rider from the lunch stop to the finish, except by a few who later cracked after the first Ft. Ross climb.
One advantage of being slower is that I got to see the carnage that Glenn left in his wake. By the time I got to the Ft. Ross rest stop, as usual it looked like a Gettysburg field hospital. Lots of glazed eyes and bewildered stares. You could read some rider's faces saying, "WTF am I doing out here?". By the time Ft. Ross rolls around, you really start to see some significant cumulative damage done to masses of riders up to that point.
I figure there are three basic types of riders who do the TT: 1) those who are prepared to hammer the entire distance and finish with respectable times, 2) hammer wannabes who (underestimate the ride and/or overestimate their abilites) end up cracking, and 3) those who do all they can just to finish "with style". At this time I'm somewhere between 2 and 3.
At day's end I felt like I had a lot left in the tank, so my only regret this year is that I might've underestimated my fitness and rode too easy in the first leg.
By my clock my time was 14:57, which made it my 14th TT finish to date. From an "official" source of TT records, this year's result puts me in a tie for the overall lead for most individual TT finishes. I'm not fast, but like the plow mule, I'll be out there till sunset or beyond to finish the job. Thanks for the call Glenn!!!
- GeeWhiz
Monday, June 18
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 12, 2007
Tues Nite Madness;
Lots of Boba racers and spectators to watch Boba.
A big break forms early in the second race w/ about 1/2 the Boba contingent after a few bridges. Forni spends the whole race in no mans land but finally bridges solo to the front group... only to help block
as Sweeney pops off the front to pick two primes in a row and it's photoshop time! Groupo compacto. Boba Train lines up Glenn, KB, Briant, Forni in cleanup, and Z moving up to sweep. Same old story, the
train delivers Forni to the front door and he walks right in. Boba takes 1st.
3 guys off the front in the 1-2-3 race early. Ewalk attempts a two man bridge but comes back. The peleton urged on by Ewalks not-so-subtle verbal abuse chases hard. We pull them back to striking distance and Ewalk leads a charge as Sweens enunciates a beautiful verbal block instigating chaos in the Eastside chasers. Z takes Ewalks wheel w/ Big Ring in tow. Ewalk lays on the sword and puts us within reach and Z and BR bridge. Now it's Divine, Sumner, Kiwi, Tyler, BR, and Z working well together and after several hard laps the break sticks. It comes down to a drag race at the finish line and Z gets by the kiwi and Sumner to win it for Boba.
2 x first place + $13 prime (Ewalk) = 14 imported beers for the boys in post race Chillenos celebration.
-Zook
Fellow Bobas, Sometimes things just don't workout the way you expect so you improvise, right! As in last night. When Darin, Swifty, and the Kiwi took off I was about 15 riders back and Saroba was at the front and waiting for us to react I presume. Problem was I employed the same tactic and the gap grew fast as you saw. So I rolled to the front past John hoping everyone would come with me but only one Eastsider bothered. We slowly ramped it up without a clear and immediate conviction to catch up with the 3 up front. Thankfully we were caught. Then we slowly reeled the 3 to within 10-15 seconds and then Paul jumps up and there is 4 away. Yes, Zuc was right in interpreting my comments as not so subtle. It did not sit well with me that we were about to be schooled by Paul and Darin again especially with the collectives (Bobas) legs on an upswing. So I did not question at any moment in my diatribe the conviction of the Bobas willingness to lay it down or John. I was ranting and raving at anyone in our way who was not willing to do their share and to those who were not whole heartedly laying the smack down on those peddles(Sorry Eastsider).
I did like hearing Peeto behind me guiding the forces (Big Ring and Kzuc) to my wheel. Not sure what Peeto had in mind but I figured it must be good. I waited impatiently for the 5 or 6 guys in front to take their turns on the front as I blurted out niceties toward there efforts(call it cracking the wip ***es) and as my turn came up I wound it up in the 13 and onto the 12 and rail it to close within 20-30- yards+/-. Peeto meanwhile shuts the door on the rest. Not knowing what it looked like behind me I pull off (cooked) Kzuc and Briant come by as Briant says come on it is just us. I had nothing left other than a smile knowing Kzuc had this race if it came to a sprint. Briant wouldn't let it breakup at that point without them holding the cards. Then it was a waiting game for the elastic to snap on the remainder of the chase of which it was not too long. Then I here a bell as we role by for a prime so I ask Peeto "Is that a pack prime bell?" He says "Yeah sure, you betcha!" So I role thru the front at 2 turns to go and off to the right and go. Giampaulo starts chasing when I have a 10 yard gap and so I have to go as hard as I can at that point. Out of the last corner and start sprinting. With 100 yds to go I look back and Giampulo has sat down. Beer money! Wooohooo!!!!!
Then a few more laps till 3 to go. Glen goes at 3 to go and the pack has to chase him down. 1.5 laps to go and I role back to the front with Peeto and Forni on my wheel. The Bici Sport guy pulls through to 2 turns to go.(Nice pull by the way) as I try to ramp it up then Peeto takes Forni thru the last corner and the 4n* takes the field sprint. Just as predicted Kzuc takes the sprint for first and Briant is 4th. Great race Bobas. That was fun.
-Ewalk
Friday, June 15
NMBS Park City Utah - Podium in Super D (Click for full results)
AGN Joe 3rd, moves to 3rd in the National standings.
Finally, a Super D course that had the cross country boys and girls "complaining" it was "too hard" and little AGN Joe was able to move up the podium a couple ticks for a third at the National Moutnain Bike Series race at the 7500' elevation of Park City's Deer Valley resort.
This was a time trial start with 30 second separation. Series leader and serial super d killer Rich Bartlet was the man behind me. Pressure.
While the course was still "easy" (no drops, no jumps, nothing to huck) it was filled with flow and turns. Lots of left/right/left/right and lots of switch backs. One section, about 1/3 down, was just so dang fun wid da flow....ah, mtn biking at its best.
I had a clean run. No mistakes and out of breath at the finish - just like I like it. I could hear Bartlet going into the final set of switch backs - three back, then two back, then thankfully the finish line.... I held him off. Only three of us broke nine in the 40+.
Evidence that this course was more of a DH, in the Pro ranks, Eric Carter, Waylon Smith and winner Ariel Carvalier were all on the podium. At many of this year's SD's the gravity guys haven't even bothered to enter.
agn Joe
Following a stellar Friday night Super D podium with an early Saturday morning altitude fueled Cross Country race had the chance for anticlimax. First, me n altitude don't get along. Second, me and altitude don't get along.
But I put the Blur on the line w about 15 other 40-49ers in the sport cat. We'd do two laps of an 8.5 mile loop. The lap starts with a pds (pretty dang steep) climb for a mile plus but that paid off with a 3 mile descent, then into a 2 mile tight switchback climb with a gradual 2.5 mile down.
I checked out halfway up the first climb, giving up spots like a stoolie gives up perps. I slid from 2nd to sixth.
Then we dropped. I started trying about halfway down and sure as shiiite I got back into second with number 1 right there.
Then we climbed again and suddenly I was the perp and they hauled me to jail. Back to sixth I went and I stayed in the holding tank till my pappy came to throw my bail.
So a great race in SD followed by a strong workout in XC.
But I can't say enough good about Park City it's an easy 90 minute flight . Rental cars are right at the terminal. Then it's a 35 mile drive to the resort. And the riding is prime!
Monday, June 11
Bobas 2nd at 24 Hours of Adrenalin (click for full results)
|  | | Loma Boba - Dirk Joe DT Carmelo Jeff | |
The second race I ever did was the 24 Hours of Adrenalin as a relay. It's about as much fun you can have and be racing at the same time. It's like a combo of Big Boys, Sea Otter, and Aggie Camp.
The four South Bay Bobas and neighbor Don "DT" Templeton mashed up a good one this year, and with the simple mantra of "Have A Good Time, All The Time", they did do battle with some ferocious old farts from far away foreign Oregon.
Two addtions to the course this year made it every girl's dream: both longer and harder.
They addtions came in the first mile with a single track descent into a very tiring single track climb, and in the last two miles, with more hill on top of the Grind.
Carmelo lead off "so I can win me them shoes, yankee" with the Le Mans style running start. Only this year they made the run waaaaay shorter, and none of Daddy's tremednousosos endurance skills could be put to test. Some young punks took it. Still, top ten into the tent, top twenty after the transition.
Our order went Daddy Rios to Fab to Doppel Dirk to DT to Jeff Townsend. Laps were averaging about 63 minutes in the day, about 70 at night.
We stayed consistent, each guy getting his rhythmn and holding it lap after lap. After one rotation of the order, we could tell who we were battling, and we traded the lead about 3 times. Into the last three laps they figured out their weakest guy was losing 10 minutes to Jeff each lap, so they swumg him out of the rotation and that secured them the win.
Still, there were moments to cherish.
Dirk crashing at the finish line trying to dismount his bike. Stupid falls cut deep.
Daddy went over the bars enough for five teams. Into his last handoff to Joe, Joe missed him since he went out wearing a white singlet and came back wearing a dirt black one.
Jeff had the pleasure of passing the Oregoners in the darkest dead of morning and actually knowing he was making a pass for the lead.
Joe got a sub sixty lap.
DT got to hang out with four Bobas.
AGN Joe, out.
 | | On the Podium |
Sunday, June 10
NCNCA District ITT Championships - June 10, 2007
NCNCA District ITT Championships (50-54) Sattley, CA tail wind going out and head wind coming back 5000 ft elevation (click on title bar for full results)
Two Bobas in the 50-54. Field includes Chopper Langlois and Dino. Also includes last year's #1 Rob Anderson (54:29) and #2 Paul Gossi (54:33). Paul starts 8th in the group, Dino 4th from last. Gossi starts 30 seconds behind dino - just like last year. Last year Gossi passes Dino before 10K are done, this year Dino is passed by no one. With the tail wind going out, Dino gets to the turn-around in 24:00 (32+ mph). Then Dino turns into the wind for the 31:00 slog home. Final time of 55:05 (27.2 mph) is good for a 1+ minute PR for the course and a new Boba 50-54 record - not bad for a slow course day! One problem - Rob Anderson finishes in 55:02 - OUCH@#! Dino gets second podium step, Paul takes 7th. Dino also gets to drive back to Santa Rosa thinking about all the places he could have come up with 3 friggin' seconds. It will just have to wait until next year - count me in for another winter of garage intervals.
- Dino
50-54
55:02 Rob Anderson
55:05 Dino
56:21 Paul Gossi
57:30 Ed Condit
57:37 Kevin Willits
58:30 Ted Brooks
59:00 Chopper
45-49
52:20 Kevin Metcalfe (2nd fastest time of the day)
52:26 Bubba Melcher (3rd fastest time of the day)
52:35 John Novitsky (4th fastest time of the day)
54:18 Jens Heyke
54:49 Bill Sans
40-44
52:14 Mike Hutchinson (fastest time of the day)
Elite Men's
53:13 Mick Helman (1st in Elites - racing age 46)
Local results
56:17 Brian Staby
56:22 Jonathan Lee
58:07 Giana Roberge (1st - women's 35-39)
61:08 Rob Dillon
Thursday, June 7
Tuesday Night Crits - June 5, 2007
1st...I don't know, Lou should provide results...all I saw was the Frenchman hammering for second...did he get it?
2nd...
Very windy evening, gusts to 30knots (not kidding, really saw 30) headwind is on the final stretch, so strategy will change...several galliant boba attacks, lots of team support, KB and Bryant get away a little, Z gets away, great team riding by all, in the end it comes down to a field sprint...KB launches brilliantly with about 3 to go, bobas support, if he can hold out, great, if not, we're poised and ready....KB makes is in the howling wind unitl 1 lap, looks like time to do out thing..we have Ronnie, Svens (the norweigan Sweno)??, Big, Z and me...the first two get it going, Big puts it down, and drops the entire field, its Big, Z and Forni, one goof-nut wearing a pro kit gets across. Z comes through for the leadout, I barely get by him for the win, had to push because the pro guy is right there...its 1, 2..beer money!
3rd...
Starts off really fast....after 4 or 5 laps of yanking, the elastic snaps an we have a beak with Ewalk looking strong. Full boba support for the break, (which means I don't have to work so hard)...eastside is chasing,
Staroba doing most of the hard work. Z leads me out for the money prime, Sumner tries to take it, but Chambi makes him slower on the sprint , and cannot pimp me at the line..more beer money. With about 5 laps to go, the break finally catches us sans Ewalk..Damn....bobas cannot see the dude so lets get it on for the field sprint...in 2nd to last coner, Weitzenberg goes high side, looking for his contact lens, field blows, Z get a good place off another Bryant leadout!
- Forni
Sunday, June 3
Dunlap ITT - June 3, 2007
How can one write a race report for an ITT and make it entertaining? There is no way.
The Dunlap ITT represented the first opportunity to expose myself this season...I mean show the results of my secret TT training. Of course, the full exposure won't happen until next week's District ITT Championships at Sattley. So, today I went out with the intention to ride at 95.79% of max. I laid out a little too much effort - more like 98.31%.
I pull up in Winters and find a parking spot right next to the Eastside contingent - Jonathan, Nick, and Brian. I warm up and find the legs in good stead. The 45+ start list shows some good TT guys - most notably, Jens Heyke, the human blade. I have no concrete idea of my 60 min power, since it has been rising over the past two weeks. I ride well under control for the entire race. Finish in 46:12. Beats Rob Anderson's 46:15 1st place time from last year. Beats my 46:34 1st place time from 2005. But, it does not beat Jens Heyke's 45:46 on this day. 2nd place for Dino.
For those that are interested in numbers:
computer time 46:09
20.9 miles
27.2 mph (PR for longer ITTs)
314 watts
After the race, the human blade told me that he averaged 269 watts for his 45:46. Dino has a lot of aero work to do - wind tunnel here we come. For full results, click title bar..
-dino
Ross' Epic Hill Climb - June 2, 2007
A GREAT event, and a great day. Unlike most bike races, this one has for a great cause behind it. On top of that, Alto Velo donates $20,000 to Ross Dillon. That was way cool.
Its a big Boba turnout on a cold and foggy morning in Geyserville. Lets see. Gerry Gerry, Gary So, Leland (the Human Target) Gee, Paul (Chopper) Langlois, Lou Garcia, Tony Garcia, Doug McKenzie, Rod (new secret Boba), and Doug Moore descends from Cobb (and looks like Grizzly Adams to boot). Sorry if you were there and I forgot. Dave Flanary turns out to course marshal.
Bummer for the Cat 3s and 4s. They actually wind up starting with the Pro 1/2s. The M45+ 1/2/3, 4/5, and M55+ 1/2/3 and 4/5 fields all roll out together, with 30-40 (?) guys total. The pace is reasonable, with the speed in the low 20s for the most part. Its 7 miles to the bottom of Pine Flat. McKenzie goes off the front and the pace picks up. We hit some stretches of 27 mph but its still a pretty leisurely ride out.
Once we hit the bottom of Pine Flat, the fireworks go off and the fun begins. A Pegasus (?) dude attacks and Kevin Susco grabs his wheel. I get onto Suscos wheel and then its single file pretty quickly. Guys start getting shelled but Im sitting comfortably 3rd wheel. A couple of miles up and we break through the fog. The pace is pretty steady, but the group is dwindling. A quick look back and theres now less than 10 guys left. At about the 4 mile mark on the climb, Pegasus starts to run out of gas and Susco attacks. Game over as the group explodes. Luca Pesce (Giampaolos brother) and some of the other climber dudes pass me. McKenzie passes me but sounds like hes about to go into cardiac arrest or cough up a lung. He gets past me, but everybody else is pretty much holding the position they had. Im maxed out but give it everything to keep Mckenzie close. He starts to give up the ghost and I start coming back to him as were starting to pass guys that started ahead of us (Cat 3 & 4s and some of the M35 1/2/3/4/5s). I catch McKenzie and give him a good verbal jab about not giving up, and all of a sudden he seems re-invigorated and picks up the pace. I dont think he wants to get beat up to the top by a flatlander.
About a 1/2 mile from the house where it starts to pitch up, one guy passes me, but hes absolutely at 100%. I match his pace and we ride together to the guardrail. I find out that hes never done the climb before. Damn, is he in for a surprise in the last 2 miles. Together we drill it on the flat and cover it in no time. Once were onto the last 2 miles, Mckenzies in sight again and when we get out onto the ridge, whats in full view is total carnage. There are riders all over the climb, some walking, some traversing, but ALL suffering. You gotta love it. Its hot up here and I have my jersey fully unzipped and sweats pouring off at this point, but Im feeling about 300% better here than when I did McKenzies Pine Flat Challenge in mid-April. I actually manage to punch it here and say goodbye to my riding buddy, passing several guys on the way to the top.
The super-steep part doesnt hurt nearly as much as in April and I finish the climb with a 55:24, 5 minutes faster than my time 6 weeks ago. Not bad. Overall, I clock a 1:16:40. That winds up being good for THIRD in the M45+ 1/2/3! Ill take that. Paul (Chopper) takes 4th in the M45+ 1/2/3, and I KNOW that he liked the top part better than having to get off his bike with leg cramps in April.
Giampaolo tells me that in the M35+, ZTeam drilled it from the start in TTT mode to pace Chris Phipps to the base of the climb. Speeds are 27-29 mph the whole way on the flats as its single file and guys were getting shelled before the climb started. Poor bastards. Phipps winds up setting best time of the day with a 1:02 something for the full 18 miles. Damn. Then again, he won the San Bruno Hill Climb on New Years Day so its not very surprising.
Back at the ranch at Geyserville HS, theres great food, thanks in large part to Riviera Ristorante, and live music. All in all, a very cool day for a great cause. It would be way awesome if this event could grow to be the same size as the Mt. Tam Hill Climb. Its definitely harder.
- MadDog
OK, mostly right...
Yes, I attacked a couple times on the flats. After a serious asthma attack at Penoche to weeks ago, I was testing the 'air'. I'd get off the front, then I couldn't recover, HR too high, couldn't get my breath. Didn't look good for the climb, I was just hoping I could keep the HR below 90%, then I'd be OK.
The Pegasus guy and I lead the pack to the bottom of the climb, along the way he tells me he did a PR last October on Mt. Diablo of 51' and change. I'm thinking, he's the wheel to be on. Off we go on the climb, I'm on his wheel for the first two miles, I start overheating (well over 90% HR) so I back off. I let 4 or 5 go by, the skinny little 95 pound junior (Jr's started with us), Susco and a few others. Not Maddog...
yet. I hang back there for another mile or so and still don't recover, I back off and let some more go, Maddog, Luca and a couple others. I decide I have to just get my groove going. Rob Carrol is right next to me, then he drops me. Tony Lee, a doubles rider rides by like he's out for a warm up and says "hang in there" as I "sound like I'm about to go into cardiac arrest or cough up a lung". I'm in a bit of trouble but
back off a bit and recover. I get a groove and catch Rob and a guy from Reno, Scott (he kicked my ass at Everest Challenge to take third). The three of us ride strong through the flats and pick off a few (Maddog somewhere along the way). Scott takes off after the flats and drops us. Rob and I pick off one or two on the steep part. I try to drop him but he's on my wheel like glue. To the finish together, I screw up the
"sprint" he drops me. Scott blows his dérailleur and is out. Rob's a cat 3 and gets 2nd in the 1/2/3. I get 7th (!) in the 4/5. In the top 10 there were 8 cat 4's!
The party after was great. They raised a ton of money for Ross. I don't think Carlos made a dime. I don't think he cares either. I'll be back next year.
Oh, by the way, the finish was about a quarter mile before my PFC finish. I was well on the way to a PR so I kept going, people yelling, "you finished".... I got it: 54:50 (self timed from the bridge to the top).
-DougMac
Tuesday Twilight Crits - May 29, 2007
Your not so regular Tues night report:
1st Race: Swifty takes the win and claims were gonna sweep tonight
R.Hill overhears and laughs a mighty not on my watch.
2nd Race: Some short solo attacks but nothing organizes. Paul (this guy needs a nickname) Langlois does a lot chasing keeping it together. Forni (sidelined by math tutor duty) cheers on from sidelines and yells at the boys to move up in final laps. Blue and yellow swarms the front into fighter pilot formation. Ronny on the pole, followed by Glenn, Richard, Paul, and Z slides into the cleanup spot. Its a beautiful thing to watch. Ronny hammers for a lap and gets us to 1 to go. Glenn yanks it hard and fast while Sir Cock bides his time until the second to last corner. Paul drills it on the back straight delivering me to the last corner on the front. Game over. Boba wins. Paul picks up a nice 3rd.
3rd Race: Pace is good w/ Scott Nydam (BMC), Swifty, Staroba, Lombardi Duo, and Boba attacking and chasing. Langlois, Sweens, Glenn, Hill, and Z make up Boba contingent. It ends up at 3 to go w/ the main group together. Im right behind Paul Sumner near the front and he takes off on the back straight. Hes strong and This cheeky little move just might do it so I hammer to his wheel and we take off. I pull through and we pick up Staroba who was off the front solo. A few more guys bridge up and were now 6 or 7 strong, but the pack is just a few seconds back. Bobas are on task throwing blocks. The group is working pretty well and Sumner is doing big pulls. Nydam is chasing but cant get us. At 1 to go I pull through the start finish and rotate in. Sumner pulls hard around the back w/ Swifty on his wheel for a leadout. Im in good position at 3rd wheel and go around Swifty at the last corner and hold it to the line.
2 First place finishes nets $30 = 10 imported beers at Chillenos for the boys.
- Z
Mt. Hamilton Road Race - May 27, 2007
I called the Lip the night before to ask about the Mt. Hamilton race. He talked me through the race, mentioning some hill after the main climb that "crushed him" one year. "Crusher" took me out, that's for sure. It made for 20 long lonely miles on ransacked skinny boy legs to the finish. But how did I get there? Me and Townsend caught up with Mad Dog just before the start. We rolled off and within the first three minutes we started to climb. I made it 17 minutes before I was shelled off the back. Glen let go just before me. Jeff before him. I watched about 15 guys just ride away. Bye bye I waved. Halfway up the hill after a valley, a group of six of us formed, including Mad Dog. We stayed together over the top, regrouped after the descent, picked up a couple more guys, and went on a tear in a rag tag echelon rotation, getting screwed up on little climbs, but reforming and trying again. I felt great. 25, 26, 27 mph. Pretty sweet for this rookie. Then that stupid hill. 42 miles into it, about a mile long, and I had a tank full of nada. Glen too. Shucked like a Mardi Gras oysters with too much tobasco sauce. Then it was all I could do to hold 20mph on a solo descent to the finish. I figured I got in the low to mid 20's, with Glen a place or two behind me and Jeff a couple more spots back. a guy named Joe Townsend Reports: We went up the hill and I went sightseeing off the back. Those guys were climbing. I hooked up with a guy and after what felt like an hour he says "Five more miles to the top." WHAT? I got caught by the first Pro woman in the wave behind me on the descent. She was nice and all and politley asked "Excuse me, umm, Do you mind if I please pass?" I gave her launch clearance and she did a Saturn Five away from me. Then the open Cat 4's started to catch me. I jumped on every group that went by and hung on for as long as I could. I had the best pull when about 20 of them caught me in the last 10 miles and I rode that Maverick wave to the finish. Those guys saved my a$$. Jeffro
And from Glenn - Did the Mt. Hamilton Road Race today. First 20 miles climb 4,500 ft., with total climbing of 6,300 ft. over 63 miles. Damn, that hurt. Just for fun, rode the course backward back to San Jose. Total of 125 miles, 12,000 ft. of climbing. Ouch.
Wednesday, May 30
Lake Sonoma MTB - May 26, 2007
Saturday morning we are driving up to Liberty Glen camp ground and it looks like it's going to be a overcast day but as we drive up the hill we are driving through the fog and at the top its clear, nice! It was looking like it was going to be in the upper eighty's earlier in the week but took a turn for the better. We were all treated to a sunny day with the temps in the seventy's! A smaller turn out this time but Cameron the guy who came in first at Sky Line showed(racing for Hunter bikes) and Dean the guy who won last month was here so I had my work all cut out for me today especially because we are doing four laps from now on in the single speed class and I was krispy Kream after three laps last month.
The plan was to ride a comfortable pace the first lap then put the hammer down for the last three knowing Dean dose not slow down and will catch you on the last lap if you are snoozing at the wheel. But with Cameron here I was concerned he would get to much of a gap if I let him go, dam! So I stick to my plan and on the first lap Cameron is over a min. in front of me and I have a min. and some change on Dean. My third lap starts and I am feeling like my Triceps's are going to melt right off my arm's with all the technical riding required. So I am over correcting and over shooting every turn just about and cant believe Dean hasn't caught me and I am panicking so on the climb out I finally get it together and take two big exhales at the top of every climb to stay loose and it works and I am going fast again.
Three quarters of the last lap done and on a little compression my chain explodes as I try to totally hammer out of it. Well, not the funniest dismount but dang close? So I get my tool bag open and I have all the tools and everything I need and I just figured out how many links to install and Dean rides by, Shoot! Get it fixed right away and end up third at the finish.
Side note, Justin races and ends up doing two laps because he is so proud you guys let him wear a Boba jersey, he even beet some beginner adults. I gave it to him after his performance at Sky Line and told him he needed to respect and represent the jersey of the Amazing Fightin Boba's every time he wears it! I cant wait until he's old enough to put through a hazing ritual! He cant wait until he's old enough to join. How sweat?
- El Dragon
Tuesday, May 22
Tuesday Night Crits - Smack Down Down in San Jose
Dah "Jamaican BOBAS" brothers from LG/SJ town were at it again on Tuesday night crits in San Jose. This time with a plan (all Fab's idea). Attack at 3rd. of 13 laps and then again with 6 to go (I think) - push the back stretch (windy as hell) & the hill.
Order; Joe, Charlie, Dirk, Daddy, Jeff, with new comer, "stay clear of trouble" Jeremy watching from the back.
The plan worked great on lap three right after I did my share and than after that... It was all Fab's and sometimes Jeff, Dirk, Jeremy, & Charlie. Joe's pulls broke up the field to about 20 riders.
On the last lap Fabs pushes last back stretch (he's done) Jeremy & Daddy 2nd & 3rd going into the last turn. Then the sprint and it was all over! All Boba's finished in the first group with Dirk leading the way.
I don't have the time, distance, or pace, all I got was totals of the day. Peace Out- Daddy
Sunday, May 20
CCCX DH May 20th - AGN Joe
My biggest tactical worry in DH is that I don't push myself hard enough in practice and then in a race, with Red Bull and testosteroney flowing, I hit things faster than my skill level will allow. That's today in a sentance. Blew the first turn -into the wild brambles - by carrying probably 5mph more than my practice runs and never recovered. DFL in a small 45Expert field. agn Joe
El Dragon MTB Racing - May 19 and 20, 2007
Yea, looking forward to Chilano vly. TTT! Last weekend I set out to do the Crusty Cup race in Annadel on Saturday and a nice size field showed up, about thirty single speeders in cluding our own Flano on his shiny new Niner. Lots of beautiful bikes to see, including this wacky 24in. custom green Sycip that the shop people were saying "I bet that thing is going to ride twitchy" and he replied "I'll show you twitchy" yea it was!
The smack was flying with this group. The idea was to ride hard the first 3/4 of the race and save a tiny bit for Sunday. As we make our way up Canyon trail a bunch of spectators are gathered ne'er the top cheering us on and a Budwiser gets handed off to the first guy their. So I am going for the priem and not quit able to beet the others, dam. So the heart rate is skyrocketing and I am in about fifth position and thinking I might have to stay in this thing the whole way If I have a chance to win this. The race go's along this rout, Canyon, Marsh, Ridge, Shultz, Lawndale and by this point I am still right their so the ride up Lawndale starts and The guys in front of me disappear half way up, oh well I tell myself, I am racing tomorrow so I will just throttle it back and ride easy home and spin it out.
Sky Line park XC on Sunday, This has got to be the most technical course in the area, I believe even more so than Downievill. The Promoter tells me that the rain of 2005 really trashed the trails. The start is single speed, pro, semi pro and I think every expert = chaos!! Thankfully the fire road climb is long enough to let me get into about top fifteen or so.. With most of the geared bikes shifting through their gears and me just riding by, what a nice feeling I must say.
I have to do three 8 mi. laps and I dont know how many single speed guys are in front of me on the first lap so I give it everything to catch or get a gap but the traffic is just to thick and I am going in the grass, in the rocks, rubbing tiers and constantly saying lets go man! Well I came in third place,Got a bottle of wine and a meddle. That felt good considering my longest ride hasn't ben longer than two hours this year.
I have to tell you about little Justin, Shay's son. I got him to race the first Lake sonoma mountain bike race and Sky line. Sky Line was the biggest test of his toughness. This kid is ten years old and he is learning quick. Sky Line has got a bunch of drop offs bigger than a 26in tier, roots criss crossing and steps for hikers that are big by my standards. Justin takes a spill and thrashes his rear break but gets up and noticed the thing goes to the bar practically. Afew min. later goes over the bar's because he's trying to slow down before a stair with a drop off at the end, but he is going to fast and tell's me its one of the triple arrow section's. Helmet visor is poped off and lens is lost out of his glasses but gets up and hammers to the finish. Shay tells me he is in his big ring on the way in and is so overwhelmed with emotion he cant contain it, this kid is tough!
By the way if their is any XS ML shorts left I would like to buy them for Justin if that's alright, He cant stop saying Shake and Bake! AAAAAAAAWWWWWW!
- El Dragon
Tuesday, May 15
San Jose Twilight Crit May 15
Just Dirk and Jeff and Joe this time, but these three amigos had a plan. Not content to let the pack stroll all the way thru 12 laps, the boys decided to freight train it at the front with 5 laps to go and push for two laps to see what would happen.
Big crew, about 50 starters. Bid headwind in the long straightaway too. To plan Joe/Jeff/Dirk pushed with five to go. Made it one lap in good formation, but Dirk had a couple guys push him wide into turn two and he couldn't get on. But the chain reaction had started, and lots of guys pushed from there on in.
Joe did a little more than his fair share and Jeff just about matched him at the front. But the pack of fifty was down to twenty five on the last lap. Joe / Jeff / Dirk all finished together between 10th and 15th.
Turns out they shortchanged us a lap, only getting in 11 instead of the promised 12.
Tuesday, May 8
San Jose Twilight Crit May 8
Rios, Rohloff, Townsend and Fabris riding in the B group.
11 laps, 2 miles per lap. 30 in the field.
Daddy in his first ever road race, stakes a claim in the top ten from the start and never leaves. Dirk and Jeff, Joe and Joe's friend Charlie from Palm slink up and down the peloton.
4 laps to go and Joe, Jeff, Dirk, and Rios are all taking pulls at the front.
1 lap to go and Daddy has the lead up the hill. Fab in his wake. A mile later and off the final turn, Fab grabs a good looking wheel but can't quite get past him and ends up third. Daddy 7th. Dirk and Jeff top ten.
South Bay Boba's Race. 21- miles, 53 minutes, 23.1 mph average.
Monday, May 7
Cat's Hill Criterium - Los Gatos - Super Rookies Dirk Rohloff and Jeff Townsend throw down
Cat 5 race,
The field is full, but Jeff Townsend and I get in, after standing around waiting for cancellations.
Being total novice's, we line up in last row of the field at the start. Race announcer rattles off instructions of which I don't understand a thing. Not nervous but anxious to start,
he blows the start whistle. We're off. The field takes off hard, Jeff and I are DFL along with a couple other dudes. I'm thinking these guys are going out too hard and we'll catch 'em soon. Boy was I wrong. Climbing "the hill" Jeff is next to me meshing his gears, falls back a bit and regroups on a short flat section with me and two other stragglers.
We hit the down hill and Jeff starts pulling away slowly. I'm slowing down too much on all the turns not wanting to crash. Jeff is still pulling away but we are picking a rider off here and there. End of the second loop I look down and see my heart rate is 166 bpm remembering what Fab said on Wednesday night after our workout that the pace would " feel like a jog". Heck I still got eight laps to go and I'm working my butt off. This is not looking good or going as planned.
I pick off a couple more guys and can see Jeff way up ahead. At the end of six laps the race announcer is whistling just as I'm coming through and about to take down four more riders. They all pull over and I start to ride on he whistles at me again, so I pull off. Now I thought this was a ten lap race and I'm about to move up four more places. I'm not happy at all. Someone nearby says they pull you off for safety reasons.
Crap, this was not at all in the plan.
I ride back along the course to cheer for Jeff and watch the rest of race. Jeff makes another lap and they whistle him down as well. He is just as confused. Daddy Rios says we boys got ambushed. Ya, we got schooled in a big way. Had a blast and can't wait to try another one. My lungs feel like a just ran a hard 800 meter race, that same kind of deep lung burn. Dirk
Monday, May 7
Cloterium Downtown Crit - Sunday May 6, 2007
Only 65 miles of crit racing today (haha).
Damn. Is it my imagination or was it hot today? My bike computer mid-afternoon was registering 97 on Sonoma Ave.
Race #1 Masters 45+
Wow. I think it was a record Boba turnout. At the start line, its me, Peeto, Paul, Sir Richard, Lou, Gary So, Mike Perry, and I think I may be missing someone. Sorry, but my brain is mush right about now.
All the A team players are on the line. Its funny, but Jess from Eagle Cycling is on the start line in a VOS kit, joining the dark side.
One of the Morgan Stanley dudes drills it right at the start, and I jump on his wheel. He starts yelling at me to pull through, and then starts complaining that Im dropping him when I do. Go figure. I turn around to see whats going on behind us and I see
nothing. Someone on the side is yelling that we have 30 seconds. Not bad. We stay off the front for a few laps, and my Morgan Stanley buddy starts complaining again about me pulling too hard for him. After I pull through, the bastard attacks me and gets a gap. Im maxed out and cant close it. The wind on the back straight sections are a *** today. Finally I decide to sit up and wait for the field.
As soon as I get caught, 3 guys launch, and I cant respond. Theyre gone and hook up with Morgan Stanley for the winning break. Pete and Paul are drilling it, but we cant close on the break. Im spent and wind up 16th or so.
Race #2 Masters 30+ 3/4
I roll right from the finish of the M45 to do this one. Zuc and Forni are the only other Bobas in attendance. Im feeling pretty hammered and feel like field fodder. Despite having 2 full water bottles at the start of the M45+, theyre both empty about halfway through. The last 6 laps, Im fighting leg cramps and they fully lock up on the last lap.
Race #3 Masters 30 + 1/2/3
OK. I have an hour to get my act together. I down a bottle and a half of water and one of Accelerade, trying to re-hydrate.
Ewalk is the only other Boba at the start. My plan is to ride in the field as a training ride. The first few laps are kind of rough, but I start feeling better and start moving toward the front. About 40 minutes in, my friggin leg cramps come back and I just sit up.
Despite downing a Mountain Dew a couple of Cokes, and plenty of water after Im done, Im down 6 pounds from the morning when I get home, Houston, we have a problem. No wonder I went into total lock-up. Oh well, next time I hope Ill know better.
I love the downtown course and the character that the Botts dots add.
-MadDog
...and from Z:
M30+ 3 / 4 Race:
Zuc, Forni, Sir Cock and Mad Dog. Its fast, its choppy, its windy, and its fn HOT. Sweens does a great job announcing w/ great Boba bias. Forni and I do a pretty good job riding competitively up front. Mad and the Cock make some appearances up front as well. I tried a few breaks early but as with everyone elses attempts nothing sticks. Either just not the right combination or who knows. Theres a really strong Clover guy, the Aussie from Tues nights and another guy in a red black and white kit that are strong. I found myself near the front on a prime lap and tuck in behind Clover. Hes real fast but I get him at the line in a close one. A quick peek at the HRM showing 101% of max verifies effort. Recovery is nowhere to be found on the hot streets of SR. Forni puts Clover in missile lock and holds his wheel in about 4th position but Im sitting about 10th. As we get down to the lap cards J.Clymer puts in 3 laps at 28mph w/ Clover and Forni and the rest in tow. Things start to go really fast 1 to go. Chaos down the back corners with lots of bumping and were full gas on the back straight. I manage to come out of the last corner near the front and tap out the 12 to get 4th. Forni crosses in the top ten. I bag the idea of doing the 123 race faster than you can say dehydrated.
...and from Paul:
Not too much to add to Glenn's summary. The key break got away in a counter-attack to Glenn's early move. They were never to come back, and ultimately lapped the field....Bubba Melcher and a couple others. Glenn, Pete and I worked the front of the field for the whole race and had set
up numerous small breaks, none of which stuck....the VOS dudes were useless in one of those breaks which was away for about 4-5 laps. The only redeeming bit of this race was collecting a six pack of Lagunitas for one of the Primes. Also, a big negative was having chain skip the
damn whole race....time for a new cassette. Agree...it was damn hot, even in the earlier races.
Sunday, May 6
Fontucky - Fontana NMBS 3 Win by AGN Joe
Three Days Three Races Two Podiums & a Win
Super D. 40+ Open/Expert. 5th.
At first I was nervous for this race, because the combo of technical single track and pedal sections made me think I might have a shot at the top step of the podium. But as soon as I saw Rich, Bert, and Scott, all my nerves calmed because they regularly take my timepiece apart and clean it precisely. And they did.
But I'm happy with the effort. Bert (leading the US points) had to pass me. Scott and I passed each other twice. The second time I passed him was when he did a superman face first fall down a dusty dune. He passed me back later with dirty faced determination.
The last five minutes I was pumping max heart rate. I could swear someone was on my wheel trying to smack me down off the podium...
DH 45-49 Expert - DFL
Before getting here I'd seen pictures of the course & I was pretty intimidated (see photo below of a rider at Fontana). Seeing it live on the first practice run, it was worse than I thought. The course is mostly exposed boulders linked together with sand. Yummee. Like last week it's very short and finishes with a long flat pedal. But last week's race was 'fun' & I attacked the course. This week the 'fun' was the accomplishment of getting down in one piece. I attacked the flat pedaling part...
My plan was to keep it controlled, not make any impressions on the rocks, and live to ride the XC race. And like el presidente Bush on that aircraft carrier - I proclaimed mission accomplished.
XC - Sport 40-49 VICTORY
A long 14 miles (2 x 7 mile lap) with three climbs & some signature sand chute descents per lap. Third at the top of the first hill, I just kept passing people & somewhere in there, while passing a lot of youger riders in the waves ahead, I passed the 40+ guy ahead of me. Turns out I never caught the first guy, because he cut the course & was DQ'd.
40-49 was the biggest field of the day, about 30 starters.
So a Boba Win!
 | | DH Course - Pictures don't show how steep |
Sunday, May 6
Tuesday Twilight Crits - May 1, 2007
| |  | | click image for more photos of the race by Veronika Lenzi |
Hey Racing Fans, Tuesday night was if nothing else, interesting. Rain at the start. Wet roads and a safe race.
Race 1...All we saw was Jeff, Doug, So man and Frenchie. Frenchie leading out about 4 non- bobas around the last corner and holding on for 3rd....boy that kid has heart.
Race 2 Rain stopped, decent sized field. Lots a Bobi. Z, Sweens, Smitty, Dino, Langois, Ronnie on the curb, ..........lots of attempts to get away, About half way, Latourette gives Rene ten bucks for a CASH prime, as we ride by, I swear they are yelling PACK prime or, "whipped CREAM"...not really sure, and I give the stupid thing away....Sorry DAve...I guess I owe you...again. bobas police the rest of the primes effectively and Smitty at the end decides 250 miles wasn't enough alone time so goes away by himself with 4ish laps to go, wins easily, Z sets up the leadout for the field sprint and its Boba, Boba, Boba. Smith, Forni, Z. everyone upright. Sweeet (say it like lou)
Race 3 Same set of characters, everyone working hard...after about 10 laps, the field has shrunk to something like 7 bobas, a big hearted swifty and JonnieKansas. Sweens catches air off a bot-dot, pulls the cord, then chasses back on, lots of attacks, Erin goes away with 3 to go, but Sweens won't let Ewalk win on my birthday, so brings him back, I get the big leadout by the fleet of bobas, and the win, Goes Forni, Swifty, Langois. Beer Money!
Festivies commenced at Sonoma Taco, as Chelinos shut the doors at 8:24....they are so OUT! Perhaps its back to Lepes! Kenny shows with a nice cake he made at home and some birthday cheer. Always up that guy. Nice stories from Sat Night!
Thanks for the Birthday Leadouts!
-Forni
From DougMac:
Great races. First Tuesday of the year for me and it rains!
First race, feeling fine. Hope to do a lead out for our man Lou, but I flat with 3 to go. Ernie gives me his wheel and Rene lets me back in. I caught the back of the group and that's about it.
Second race was a good workout. Hung on to the front group, or what was left of the race. Last lap I congratulate Dino for an excellent pull and next thing you know I'm off the back! Bobas had full control.
3rd race, Bobas looked to be in control again, so I head home at dusk to
try and beat darkness (no lights).
Sunday, April 29
NMBS Santa Ynez for Boba AGN Joe
Two Days, Three Races
DH - 45-49 Expert. Third & a Kenda Tire.
I love the course. Short (1K+), steep (450' drop) and six "f'n-A"-yes-that-was-me jumps, including a 15' soaring rock garden & a 5 foot hip drop into a steep chute into a killer bermed tidy bowl into a double axle into a triple Lutz to a sowcow dismount @ the finish.
movie of the course: http://www.dhrides.com/FIRESTONE.mov
I got third with times ahead of many of my regular racin' buddies.
Super D - 40+ Open. 7th
At the end of a very long day came the D. Same start house and finish as the DH, just a more scenic meandering manner and method to get there. Not technical at all, it favored the fit, and cross country guys ruled. I was pretty pleased to get 7th behind guys like Henry Kramer who kill me in cyclo cross.
XC - sport 45-49
18 miles at 8 am. 3rd.
The wave combined 40-44 & 45-49, with different sharpie numbers on our calves for each age group. Fifth wave off the line.
Took about 10 minutes to catch the tail end of the wave before us. Was in the top ten as we started to climb. About 5ive climbs, each rewarded with a single track descent through cattle ranchland (hooves have a wonderful way of texturing the trail) with the occasional copse of Oaks.
Late in the race I hooked up with a youngster (40-44) from my wave and we worked together through the double track in the vineyards to the finish for 7th & 8th in the wave, but it was good for a 3rd for me in 45. Yippee. Broke an hour twenty, which felt like a badge of honor on the course.
Tuesday Twilight Crits - April 24, 2007
1st Race....all I saw was a firetruck and ambulance....lou gets 4th....consistant and reliable...Nice Lou
2nd race..starts late, we get to race about 20-25 minutes...Sweens, Z, Sir Cock, Glenn, Gee whiz, Ronnie, Paul Langois(needs a nickname...damn) Dino, .....
Starts out as usual....Colavita attacks, Swiftys counter and then are never heard from again. Racing is pretty fast, takes us all a while to get warm...Sweens takes the 2nd prime, Langoies takes the third, the Aussie who took second last week goes for the fourth, but the Law is in town and I follow, just the two of us...I pimp him at the line, look back and we have a Huge gap, I hit it, he bites and its three laps to go. I know we have Z in the pack, so after a lap and a half, I quit working so much, letting aussie do most of the work, and come around a the line to win...Z makes the field go to school on the pack sprint for 3rd. First buys 6 beers at Chillenos not...sweet! BTW...Dino works hard.
3rd Gonna be a shorty again so the pace is fast, but in control...several attempts to get away, but we keep it together. Glenn takes a huge yank to bridge a strong break, Ewalk is chewing his nails, and feeling strong. Paul is learning,but going well. Z is a king as usual. SWeens is calling cadence and running the show. Ronnie Rockin. Not much racing and field sprint, Z gets third, sweens says 5 bobas in the top 12...not too shabby.
Cheers
-Forni
Wente Road Race - Saturday April 21, 2007
Crap. The weather forecast for today is very iffy. The prospect of racing in the rain isnt very appealing. Theres gonna be enough suffering without having the weather as a factor.
Heading over the hills into Livermore, its sunny and promising. Dino and McKenzie are there, but theyre riding the M45+ 4/5, and Im doing the M45+ 1/2/3.
We set off at 8:20. Im freakin freezing, but Im thinking its gonna warm up as soon as we hit the climb the first time (out of 5). Everythings pretty sedate the first time up the canyon toward the steep part of the climb, but as soon as we make the right onto the steep part, the guys at the front punch it. I hold my own and am right there the first time up the climb. Its crazy at the top of the climb. Its very windy and the windmills are spinning pretty damn fast. Since were doing 4 laps, nobody does anything crazy on the first lap. Theres a long way to go.
On the second time up the climb, Im right there again, and guys are popping off the back, but where the climb starts to flatten out by the Finish line, theres an attack. I start to come off the back, and lose about 20 seconds by the top of the climb. I group up with some guys, and we chase across the downhill and flats to catch back onto the front group.
The third time up, I come off at the same point again (damn!!!), but cant catch back on. I lose ground, but group up with what started off as about a half dozen guys or so. We chase, but dont make up much ground. We do start picking up some guys that are getting blown off the back.
We finish on the climb, so when we get to the bottom for the fifth time, there are about 15 guys in the second group. I really dont want to race up the climb to fight for a place, so I figure its now or never and I launch a suicide solo attack about a mile and a half from the bottom of the steep part. I look back and nobody responds, as everyone is pretty cooked after 60 miles. At the start of the climb, theres no one else in sight, but somehow, John Barry manages to catch me at the line and pips me for 23rd. Well, at least it wasnt for 10th.
The sun was out and the weather did turn out to be perfect for racing. On the way back, as soon as we made ground in Marin County, it started raining and rained all the way back to Santa Rosa, so it was a great day to be racing out of town.
-MadDog
Dino and Doug raced in the 45+ 4/5 field that started with 75 riders. 3 laps / 4 times up Altamont Pass Road, then the finishing hill.
First time up the hill, Dino is popped off the back, while Doug settles nicely into the lead pack of about 25 guys. Dino chases and picks up a few others, eventually catching back on a few miles later, just about when the flat section starts.
Second time up the hill, Dino chases a break attempt, catches it, but the break is quickly caught on the hill. Higher up, on the finish hill, Dino pops again, but not by much. Doug is still at the back of the lead group over the top. Dino chases back on to the lead group much quicker this time.
Third time up the hill, Doug is nicely settled in the lead group, and Dino finally makes it over the top with the lead group - although at the back. Dino clearly has issues with his weight on the steeper parts of the climb, but no issues with progressive fatigue, as he gets a bit better each lap.
Coming into the final time up Altamont pass to the finish, Dino figure that he has no chance for a top ten by hanging around for the sprint up the steeper finish hill. Dino attacks at the end of the flat section, and quickly gets 50 meters. He turns onto the Altamont pass hill and continue to open up the gap. He gets about 200 meters by the half-way point. Then the chasing group starts to reel him in. Just before the right hander up the finish hill, Dino is caught. Doug is in the lead group of about 15 riders. Dino yells encouragement as the group passes. Doug has lung issues and finishes 14, Dino 24.
-Dino
First time up the hill lets you know what's up with the field. As expected, plenty of cat 4 sand baggers. A very hot pace up the hill. I can hang, but not without some effort. I figure it's the first time so I'll get settled in. Dino's is dropped, but on the flats, there he is again. I take some Gu and mixed drink on the flats figuring I burnt some calories that first time over.
Second time, I get stuck towards the back, the group starts to split so I have to make up some time. I get on the back of the front group but right after the climb and before the backside rollers, a "loaded" burp comes up... oh well, there goes the fuel. No more gu for me today! A couple attempted breaks we cover well. So again in the flats, there's Dino back on the front group.
Third time up I'm feeling a bit off, dizzy, etc. I figure if I make it up the climb I'm good to go. I get better position than the last lap so it's not too difficult, I'm OK, but again off the back goes Dino. Over
the top on the backside we get passed by the Pro 1/2 field, a bit of a mess but the refs handle it well and we're all together, about 30 of us. On the flats, there's Dino again. He takes off right before the
mellow part of the climb, no one chases. I know he can gap us and keep cool. As soon as we approach the turn to the final climb the group wicks it up and we catch Dino. I'm on the back approaching red line and wheezing a bit. The front 10 or so pull away, I'm in a group of 8 or
so, slipping to the back. I manage to suffer through a half assed sprint for 14th overall. Arch rival Kevin Willits takes the day. Strong group, good efforts by the Bobas, fair results.
-DougMac.
click title bar for full posted results
Tuesday Twilight Crits - Tuesday April 17, 2007
Are you ready for the first of many innacurate accounts of Tuesday nights?
Here goes...
1st race...three laps in, the race goes nascar..Geoff, So and Sir Richard finish under yellow and restart with the 2nd race.
2nd race:
Very large field, Smitty, Z, Geoff, SirRIchard, Ronnie, Sweno, So, MadDog, Dino, and Me....others I'm sure..
first lap neutral, the 5/4's are in the race, Colivita looks strong right away and ramp up the pace immediately, I'm thinking they are really organized...after three laps, never saw a Colavita rider again...Anyway, it was a really short race, a few minor "attacks" but nothing will stick.. MadDog is riding aggressively and strong, (almost got me a couple of times Glenn  ) and he chases most of the bread efforts....Dino is also in attendence laying down some power....Z steals a prime from a lone break at the line, sweno sprints for another, no one can match him....at 3laps the bobas form the usual leadout....I look for Smittys wheel, he moves to front, we pick up sweno who gives us a lap, I think dino and z were there too, but with so much phlem in my eyes, can't be sure....smitty goes big through the last turn, I hesitate a little and gass it....race over. Forni, some poacher, then smitty coasting in for third. Nice start.
3rd:
Starts fairly neutral, everyone knows its gonna be short...attacks are a slow coming but show after a few laps, finally a split happens, but I'm not in it! I look back and its Z, Me, Laura and two others....time to chase....only Z and Me doing the work so I go....just bridge after two laps and then come apart light the DeathStar in Star Wars!!! Guess I'm watching..in the small field, the Boba's are everywhere! Ewalk is going strong, another split happensa and it looks like Smitty and another Boba and in it...at the line Sumner, Smitty, Jon, Weitzenberg....Nice....
Pretty inacurate hunh? Please fill in the gaps!
Lovely.
J
2nd race from dino's saddle:
- one lead out for Pete's prime
- one scolding from Pete to go to the front of an attempted break
- one too many laps on the front in the middle section
- two laps struggling to get back on the back of the front group that eventually emerges
- move up through the group with three laps to go, passing Biggus and Forni on the way to Pete's wheel, then to the front again to hammer the entire penultimate lap
- work done at the bell, muster up some watts for last lap, finish too far back to even know that Forni won
- ave 305 watts for the race, 347 watts for the last 4 minutes - felt good working for the team
Here are the official Tuesday Night Twilight Crit results:
First Race:
1. Tyler Team Swift
2. Race #45
3. Double Lucky Man Race #734
Primes: ???
Second Race:
1. Jim Forni #13 Fightin' Bobas
2. Boeing #737 Foreigners
3. Briant Smith #53 Fightin' Bobas
Primes: 1 to Kevin Zucco Fightin' Bobas
1 to Pete Sweeney Fightin' Bobas
Third Race:
1. Paul Sumner Lombardi's
2. John Staroba Eastside
3. Todd Weizenburg Nor-Cal
4. Briant Smith #53 Fightin' Bobas
very close for places 2, 3, 4.
6. Erin Walker Fightin' Bobas
8. Pete Sweeney Fightin' Bobas
9. Glenn Mattson Fightin' Bobas
Primes: ???
Wednesday, April 25
Pine Flat Challenge - Sunday April 15, 2007
Click title bar for posted results.
Report:
It was a great day for an assault up Pine Flat. I had received many replies from the flyer I put out so I expected a big group. Sure enough, at least 30 were at the start at Piner High. As we rode up to Pine Flat the group seemed to grow. It was a fairly well behaved group as the stiff headwind kept the group from going too fast. The group did splinter into sub groups along the way, but we all arrived at the base of the climb within a few minutes. And not surprisingly, about a half dozen more were there to join in.
It was a diversified group from a local pro, Brenda Lyons (see http://www.bluv717.blogspot.com/ for her report. She posts all of her race stories here so it's worth a bookmark) to some who just hoped to
make it to the top. Deanna and Kathy were our timers for the day. Deanna starts the group and the potential winners take off sprinting... of course I have to chase! I hung in a group of six, then five, then
off the back while the four top placers take off. I decided to back off a bit and get someone to help pace me. Giampaolo catches me with Brenda on his wheel, both are big ringing it. Brenda falls off at about mile 5, I hang on until about mile 6. By this time the leaders are out of sight but I can keep Giampaolo in sight. It remains like this all the way to the finish. I gain a few seconds near the top, but Giampaolo
sees me and wicks it up for the final quarter mile. We all regrouped at the top for water, drink mix and cookies and cheered on the finishers.
The ride back split into sub groups... racer types had to get going of course... and then the rest of us. We had a strong tail wind for the ride over Chalk Hill (which felt like Chalk Mountain!).
Here's the top 10 of 33 recorded times (record #!, to be posted soon):
Roger Bartels 51:28
Jonathan Lee 51:50
Ted Simpkins 52:08
Chris X 52:13
Giampaolo Pesce 55:51
Doug McKenzie 56:15
Guy Bondi 59:00
Rob Carroll 1:00:06
Brenda Lyons 1:00:08
Glen Mattson 1:00:33
Brenda set a new womans record. Hillary Bartels, the former record
holder beat her old record time by 4 minutes (Wish I could do that)! New
time for Hillary 1:01:33.
-DougMac
Sunday, April 15
Santa Rosa Corporate Crit #2 - Saturday April 14, 2007
EWalk shuns the patented first lap flier in the Pro,1,2 race!
So I'm checkin' the skies in the morning and things are quite wet and not too comforting for circle racing. But then the sun pokes its weasely head out and prevails. Race on. I dig my bike out of the garage and finally decide to detonate the caked on grime off my drive train so that maybe it won't take 275 watts to coast downhill to Summerfield Rd. Lycra on and I roll out at 3 for the 3:40 start of the 123P race. There are about 30 good natured folks and 1 not so on the line. We'll get to "Not So" later. The whole time riding over I brow beat myself on reading this race well and not waisting any effort but going when I need to. I did not want to miss the break like last time. Cal Giant show up with 5 of their A team guys, Tim Granshaw of Morgan Stanley, some Clif bar guys, and "Not So" from VMG and a smattering of others. So we roll out and I know this might seem confusing but I don't take an immediate flier off the front. I figure it would counter the whole premise of reading the race well. After about 15 minutes things are stretching out a bit. The elastic snaps and I find myself in the break w/12 or so. Tim, 2 Cal Giants, a Cliffy, Not So, myself and some others. The pace stays hot for another 1/2 hour then backs off. But not before widdeling it down to 6 or 7 left in the break. A few counters then Tim and Devon Vigus from Cal Giant roll away. "Bastards". We let them have the race. Meanwhile there is 3rd place to race for. As I take my turn at the front and pull off Not So looks my way and says "Can't you pull ?" or something to that affect. I have to say he had just spent a couple of laps off the front in between the groups by himself. Then 4 or 5 sitting on. Then decides to start yelling at everyone. I understand his point but today I was not one of the guys shirking his pulling duty. Instead of trading pulls he would just attack the chase every other time it was his turn to pull. The only thing it did was let us know that yeah he is strong and waisting his energy but that I did not want him around in the sprint. The 2 off the front lap us with about 1/2 hr left. They also pull one guy up from the stragglers. Then after a few attacks they pull away with 3 others who are racing for 3rd. I let the guy ahead of me do all he can until he looks back. We have 10 yards on the guys behind me including Not So and I jump up to the next group alone. I keep looking back and the gap grows. Were gone. We have Devon, his teammate, Tim, Sergei from BPG, myself and one other guy. Pace stays hot for the remaining 10 laps. I'm starting to feel the effect of a 1 1/2 hr TTT and have only one jump in my legs left. I play the last lap well and get the jump before the last corner. I come out with good momentum in the 12 and feeling like I can get it rolling. "***" they're coming. My legs are not feeling pretty and there are 50 yards to go. 2nd Cal Giant guy gets me by 1/2 a wheel at the line. Damn ! 4th wasn't so bad in this race. Tim won. He was by far the strongest in the race. Bobas Dick P. Cock and Kzuc are there for cheering section. Even my Mom came out to watch. I feel like I read the race well too. Woooooooo!
- Ewalk
PS- Am I the first Boba to win a Spoke Folk Cyclery water bottle ? Proud moments.
Shake and Bake
Tuesday, April 17
Sea Otter DH 3, agn Joe 0
For the third time the Sea Otter DH course took my measure and shuffled me to back of the time sheets. But I managed to be a bit closer to the other golden olden gravity guys than in past assaults.
Couple fotos www.splashblog.com/joefabris
I broke in a new steed this weekend. My Enduro SL that I wanted for Christmas arrived in time for Tax Day, or Sea Otter, whichever way you want to look at it. It's got a 6 manly inches (but chicks think it looks like 10) of suspension travel yet still weighs under 30 pounds and pedals well enough for me to have skipped the shuttles to the start gate and ride up.
The field was big - about thirty 44-49 Experts were on the start list. I was having fun on the fast and off camber bottom of the course, but the top is all table tops and doubles which I just couldn't practice on enough to want to attempt.
As I pedaled up to the top I heard my time was good for abouth 16th.
Sea Otter - Super D Podium for AGN Joe (click for full results)
The Big Otter added Super D este ano, and I was on it. It meant skipping a really fun Dual Slalom because of time conflicts, but this year I'm chasing Super D points. The course was 101% fire road with le Mans running start followed by a short climb, then pedal / coast / pedal / tuck / pedal (topped the speedo at 41.9 mph) to flat final half mile. About five water bar launch pads and two sharp turns were the technical high points. About sixty guys were in 40-49. I had a decent run, following my friend Stephen Smith in about 10th as we hit the climb. I kept a good pace up the hill and crested in 3rd, w Keith deFiebre (really good local talent - Carnuba waxes me quite shine-ely in CCCX races) way up front. I kept waiting for guys to group up on me down the hill, but stayed alone, pulling in Keith. When we hit the flats I was right there in group of three that no one wanted to lead. Sure enough we got caught. About 10 guys were in the train. I pulled for about 200 meters to keep more guys from latching on and then a guy named Bert pulled even harder, stringing it out again. I came into the final turn in fourth and washed out the front wheel. Luckily I recovered and didn't get caught, but I missed the sprint and was happy not to go down. Our times (I was 7:09) were good for top 10 in almost every category, so that was a pleasant deal to add to a nice medal and spot on the podium. A Guy Named Joe
Copperopolis RR - Satruday April 7, 2007
There were many 45+ 4/5 racers who showed up. They split the group in two, I'm in the second group. I was hoping it would split some of the fast riders... just my luck, I was in with the faster dudes. We only
did 2 laps for 42 miles. So, as you might expect, there was no 'easy' lap. We start up the climb for the first time and it's rough, literally and physically. The pace is so high that if you stand, you're rear wheel
bounces over the bumps and loses traction. Then about half way up, there is a repaved section for about a half mile, silky smooth, what a relief. But of course the pace picks up. Am I in the right group? How
long is this climb anyway? Are we really going to keep this pace up the whole way? Yes, long and yes. I hang in there and over the top take a look back, we've dropped 2/3rds of the field the first time up the
climb! I thank a couple of the pace setters for keeping it so hot and thinning out the field. The descent is fast and fun and we keep the gap and the group together for the second lap. Over the climb the second time, just as hot, passing many from groups that started 5, 10 and 15 minutes ahead of
us. On the flats three get away. A few of us demand a pace line at this point and get a half assed version, but good enough to catch the break. As soon as we do, a rider gets away, a good move. A minute later another chases and eventually catches the other, another good move. We can't get the group to co-operate, either they didn't know what a rotating pace line is or were just to shot to keep it together. I have to continually explain that a teammate of one in break will not work in the paceline to almost all of the group. "Go around, he won't work, his teammate is up the road!" Then, to my surprise, one asks if there is someone off the front... I give up the chase. There is one last climb and I'm burning too much fuel, and these guys aren't working hard. But, hard enough, we pass the leaders of the first group that started 5 minutes ahead of us! I barely hang on the last climb, but dig deep and hang in there. I get off the front on the descent, as I feel it's safer up there. One guy gets by as it flattens out which is good because I get a draft on the flats to the finish. We regroup, about 8 of us left (two off the front, we're fighting for 3rd). I hang in there and sprint for 6th overall. Definitely the hardest race of the season! (click title bar for full results)
- DougMac
Chileno Valley TTT - Tuesday April 3, 2007
Eastside #1, Boba Steaming Manhole Covers #2 - awating full report and results from PETE !
Ronde van Brisbeen - March 31, 2007
Doug n' Dino do Ronde
On a Saturday that saw Bobas scattered all over with ne event or another (Big Ring and Eddy Merckx doing the 300K brevet, Glenn, bugno, Brad doing all or part of the Cobb 8hr MTB event, and KB, Geoff, and Joe Fab doing some other dirt stuff), DougMac and Dino head down to Brisbane for 10 circuits of the only up or only down loop in the 45+ 4/5 race.
A head wind on the uphill section makes anyone trying a break think twice. Dino tried once with 4 laps to go and only managed to get a small 6 man group off by a small amount by the top of the climb - all togather on the downhill section. So it turns out that it will be a last lap slugfest, with gaining a good position going into the last cimb a premium. Dino gets a fair position, Doug less than fair. Dino averages 379 watts for the last 3 minutes and ends up 9th. Doug passes many, ends up 14th.
A great training race: 10x 3min hill at ave 317w with 1:30 downhill recovery. Click title bar for full results.
-Dino
Wednesday, April 25
Boggs II 8 Hour XC Mountain Bike Race (re: Total Insanity) - 3/31/07
OK. Ive really lost it this time. On a lark, I sign up for the Boggs II 8 Hour XC Mountain Bike Race, having not ever done a competitive mountain bike event, and not even riding my mountain bike for over a year. I have no clue what to expect and some questions on what I need to do for support and all that.
I manage to get out and do all my training, which consists of 4 mtn. bike rides, none longer than 3 hours, and think Ive figured out the support part. I show up at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, not sure of how many people will be there and still not knowing what to expect. Driving into Boggs, I discover many friendly, if somewhat groggy faces. Rev. Mookie and Dave Flanery are fellow Bobas in attendance, with Tony G. providing support. Roger Bartels, Chris Brown, and even Claire House is there to participate in the days sufferfest, I mean, festivities. Its 9.2 miles per lap, with about 1,150 feet of climbing.
At 8:30, its a mass start. There are 190 or so participants, about 85 solo, and many of them doing the more sane thing of doing this in teams. Theres a mad dash for the single track, about a half mile or so down a fire road. I make there in pretty good position, and hold my own on the flats and climbs. On the downhill sections, these guys are FLYING. This is definitely faster than Ive ever ridden my mountain bike before, and the trees are whizzing by like pickets on a fence. I manage to get lost twice on the first lap, and have to backtrack (uphill) back onto the course.
Its very cool for the first two laps, but is warming quickly. The suns out and its a beautiful day, with the temperature getting into the high 60s during the day. I think Im doing OK for the first few laps, but it seems like I keep seeing some of the same guys passing me. I dont figure it out until later, but they were actually resting between laps, whereas I was never totally off my bike for the whole 8 hours.
I take it easy on the first few laps, knowing that its a long day and Im gonna be hurting late in the day. On the 4th lap, Im cruising along, and BAM! My back wheel washes out in the sand on a turn and I slam into a tree, hitting it with my chin, arm, and thigh simultaneously. I pick myself off the ground and look for visible signs of blood and broken bones. Thank God my face is still intact, and although on the rest of that lap I was groggy, I press on for the common good and glory.
I actually start feeling better late in the day, thanks in part to the support providing by Tony G at the Red Bull station on top of one of the climbs. The last lap has to start by 4:30 and be finished by 5:15, and Im doing laps in the 54-60 minute range, so I need to start my last one no later than 4:15 or so. On the 8th lap, and into the 8th hour, Im really starting to get tired. Thankfully, Brad starts a lap at the same time Im rolling through the Start/Finish area. He keeps me going and I actually start to get my 3rd wind about halfway through the lap. It was either that or the 2 Red Bulls I had at the top of the climb.
I finish my last lap after 4:30, so thankfully I dont need to do another one. Eight laps were enough fun for the day. All in all, it was 72 miles and 9,200 feet of climbing. I finish 2nd in my age group (M50+), and actually get about 15th or so solo overall. The next day, Im having trouble walking toward the end of the day, but a couple of days later, Im thinking about doing it again next year. Go figure. It was a very cool event and the solo route is highly recommended for those into pain and suffering.
-MadDog
 | | Geoff On the Omnium Podium |
| |
National Mtn Bike Series Opener - Super D - Phoenix
Geoff Podiums in the Omnium (XC, Time Trial, Super D) - look for his race report to get the details of his epic battles across three dang deals... Fab rides hard but gets rocked in the Super D In a whirlwind trip to Phoenix - same day in and out (I thought) with the bike - I opened the 2007 national series Super D campaign. And Got Spanked. Run your finger down the results and I was 22 of 64 riders. And I thought I'd done well... But the actual race was fun and I didn't know I was getting dusted 'til an hour after the race, so on a cosmic Zen-laced level it was cool. It was a very flat course with only two major turns. The course wasn't George Strait; it had left right, left right flow the whole way and it had some undulations in the final third. Over the six miles it only dropped 400+ feet, which meant we pedaled about every foot but there was no room at the Inn for technical wizardry and feats of descender-god skill to shine. Still, it was fun. I feel like I'm in better pedaling shape this year, so my eyes were burning with optimism's flames when I got my sixth beep in the starting gate and went after my 20-second man. After about a minute I could see I was gaining on two guys in the flow at top. I caught them and another guy just as we got to a hard packed flat flat flat section. After a minute there, one pedaled back past me. I jumped on his wheel and we caught another guy and the three of us rode together until we climbed a set of 30 meter hills and I pulled away. Unlike most super D or Down Hill runs which are metal-pedaled all-out sprints from gate to tape, the pre-ride on this puppy was 23 minutes, so a lot of thought went into choosing how hard to go and when... I closed on one more guy into the final climbs, but I was paper thin by then and starting to get concerned I'd be origami for someone behind me. I was glad to cross the line under 20 minutes. The top pro time was under 17 minutes. Top 40+ time was 17:03. That's some impressive riding. My final was 19:12. I'm not sure the points go back to 22nd place, so the trip may have been for naught. On top of that, American West couldn't process it's passengers with baggage fast enough (at the counter line an hour before the flight) so I missed my flight and my CCCX DH race on Sunday in Monterey. I guess that's the jet set racer boy penalty you gotta pay the mediocrity man. Agn --Joe
Hail Boba nation,
K.B. and I attended the 3 stage NORBA race in Arizona. The bitter definitely came first in the trip to the desert. While doing a pre race inspection of the time trial loop, K.B. takes a digger off a drop. I am right behind him and next thing I see is K.B.s heels going over the top and his bike doing cartwheels to his left. A brief inspection shows his collarbone is not broken but all is not well. Off to the E-room. Three hours into it we need to start some serious self medication so I fill up a 52 ounce bubba mug with ale and with the help of one of K.B.s local friends, we party in the E.R. K.B.s X-ray shows a separated shoulder. Six foodless hours later we get out, get fed and call it a night. I think at this time that the trip is over and I need to get this boy home so I am not acting like a person who is going to hammer his ass off the next two days.
K.B. has another plan. Friday morning he is up and in a good mood. So good he thinks I should race and that hes not coming all this way to not race and blah, blah
The sweet:
Friday race day 1
Time trial. As technical as could be with lethal looking cactus everywhere, especially exiting all the sandy curves. Not too much climbing but its hard rocky terrain with sandy washes in between, typical desert riding. The first climb I feel like I spent the night partying in the E.R. but the descent treats me better and I catch the guy before me and pass him. The next climb feels even worse and I get passed back but get him back immediately on the descent. The descent is my pal over the last half I put myself back in the race for an overall sixth.
Saturday day 2, race 1
8:00 start was harsh for the cross country but 28 guys in my category 40-49 (The largest of the day) were off . 12 guys went real hard off the front on the first climb and I was still not feeling it in my legs so I had plenty of guys to catch. Two laps, ten miles per lap and with three good climbs per lap. By the third climb on the first lap I started to feel better and had put three guys behind me and another as I started second lap. K.B. had a water bottle and some encouragement in the feed zone and now I climb over a couple of guys instead of descending past them. Last mile and I am chasing two guys. I catch one guy and we pass the third. Two hundred yard drag strip and I come around the last guy and sprint. As I pass him he comes apart and screams go go go and I go and get fifth. The podium is extra huge so top five get on. I stand on the small end and go No way, really? This ones for K.B. The brother took one for the team.
Race 2
4:10 Start for the Super-D. Not very super or D. Sandy, flatish with climbs? I thought D was for Downhill but apparently not. I pedaled and pedaled with thoughts of two of us coming back bust up as I two wheel drift towards a giant patch of cactus and I back off a bit. A pleasant ride really. I pass one guy and an expert guy cleans my clock for a low placed finish but an overall GC fifth spot for another appearance on the small end of the podium.
A big shout out to fellow Boba in attendance Joe Fabris and a big thank you for the podium picture and the Bobalove.
Its good to be a Boba.
The now salted
Geoff.
Corporate Crit #1 - March 24, 2007
100 miles of crit racing - MadDog goes wild
I show up this morning not sure of whats going to happen, but the days off to a great start since it isnt pouring like it was the day of Apple Pie.
Race #1 M45+ (40 minutes)
Its a pretty good sized field as we roll out. Other Bobas in attendance include DougMac, Paul, Leland, and Gary So. The attacks start coming on about the 3rd lap and I have no trouble responding. The attacks keep the pace high and pretty soon the field starts to split. I start pouring on the gas and break about 6 guys off the front. I look back to see that we have a huge gap. This is the winning break for sure as the front of whats left of the field is in disarray. I pull as hard as I can for as long as I can to really open it up. When I pull off
nobody pulls through. WTF? When I look back, I see its one of my VOS buddies from Snelling and Merco. I ask him (not so) kindly to please take a pull. Like someone said after, at least fake it and pull through. Nothing. Hmmm
my reaction is the same as it was at Merco. I get pissed and ask why the **** he wont take a pull. It finally sinks in from the look he gives me
hes mentally handicapped and cant comprehend the term breakaway. Jess is there and hes the only other guy in the break that takes a pull. Unbelievable.
Paul bridges up with a half dozen or so guys as we come into the last few laps. Paul takes a flyer and no one takes up the chase. It can be his race if he hangs on. He starts drifting back and soon were all together for the finale. Im 4th wheel or so coming into the last corner. The guy on the front slows down and I get jammed on the inside coming around the turn. Everyone sprints and theres no more than 2 bike lengths between 1st and 10th as everyone comes across the line together. Paul takes 7th and I take 8th.
Race #2 Category 3/4 (45 minutes)
Crap. When we line up, there has to be 100 guys on the line. This is gonna be scary. Im toward the front. Giampaolo starts in the back and tells me it was like a demolition derby back there.
We roll out fast and Im already warmed up, so I have no trouble staying at the front. There are enough guys in the field and all are willing to chase so that no break seems to have a chance. There are a bunch of attacks and the speed is high, so I launch myself and get clear. When I look back, I have a big gap. I pour in on for about a lap and its starting to open up. On the next lap, I see Im not gaining anymore and its definitely not enough to stay away. I let up a little to see if anyone tries to bridge up. Two guys try, but theyre dragging the whole field with them, so I drop back to save it for the end.
Nothing else has a prayer of sticking as we come into the last few laps. I have OK position, but definitely not great. I pick up ground on the last couple of laps but can do no better than 14th in the field sprint.
Race #3 Cat 2/3 (60 minutes)
Again, the field is packed. It starts fast and again, Im feeling thoroughly warmed up and good to go right off the bat, but Im determined to save whatever I have left for when it counts. I stay in the top 20 the whole way. There are some attacks, but none has a prayer of sticking. When we hit 5 laps to go, I start thinking about only having one shot to use whatever I have left to get a decent position. When we come up to 3 to go, Im 3rd wheel. Hmmm
not bad. The pace is fast, and the front of the field is strung out. Perfect
but a couple of attacks come, and Im able to respond and stay toward the front. When we roll through the start/finish for the bell lap, Im 3rd wheel again, but as the bell sounds, an attack launches on the left and they start coming around. The guys in front of me accelerate to keep pace, but as we come into the first turn, 2 guys go down in front of me as bikes go bouncing into the air. One guys rear wheel misses my head by about 3 inches and I find myself doing a track stand to keep from piling on. The field flies by, but Im at a standstill, but pick it up and roll across the line, thankful to have not crashed.
At this point, Im thinking Ive had enough for the day, but Giampaolo tells me hes doing the Pro 1/2/3, so I think, what the h***, why not?
Race #4 Pro 1/2/3 (90 minutes)
When I roll up to the start, my legs are starting to feel it. Im thinking Ill roll around for a few laps, make a graceful exit, and then drop out. Yeah, right.
It goes like gangbusters right from the gun as my legs lock up and I go into cardiac arrest. A dozen or so guys roll off the front, in what turned out to be the winning break. I manage to stay in the middle of the field and stick it out for the whole race, all 90 minutes worth.
When I get back to my car, I feel like my legs are about ready to fall off. It hurts like hell, but then again, isnt that the point? My computer reads 110 miles for the day, at least 100 of that in crit miles. Damn. I hope that serves me well in the 8 hour mountain bike marathon next Saturday
-MadDog
Bariani (Zamora) Road Race - March 18, 2007
MadDog continues his impressive performances in the NCNCA 45+ ranks.
Man, what a difference a year makes. Last year, when I got to Zamora and opened my car door, the wind almost tore the door off the hinges. It had to be gusting up to 40 mph, and the temperature was in the 40s on top of it. Absolutely horrendous.
This morning, the sun is shining and the temperature is going to get into the 70s. Another perfect day for racing. The M45+ is full, as Leland and I were the last ones to get in on pre-reg. I think every Morgan Stanley guy is there except for Gregorios.
We roll out and the pace starts to pick up after 3-4 miles. When we turn onto the main road, two guys bite it and one goes down hard. Bummer for him. There are some crosswinds around the course, but nothing compared to last year. Jon Ornstil is instigated at the front, but the crosswind makes it impossible for one guy to go solo. It turns out Ornstil is only out for the KOM, and I guess wins that. The first time over the main hill, Im 4th or so, riding well within myself. On the 2nd lap, Ornstils at it again, but again, no go. There are some attacks, but nothing serious as far as Im concerned.
On the 3rd lap, things start bogging down on the main drag (County Road 13/14). Im starting to get bored, so I launch a good one and get a good gap. Im thinking I can open it up, but thought discretion was the better part of valor. Im going well within myself, not wanting to waste myself like I did at Snelling, waiting to see if anyone tries to bridge up. No takers. Everyones content to ride together, so I eventually sit up to save myself for the finale.
On the last lap, things heat up as guys start launching attacks left and right. Nothing comes close to sticking as we come up to the last hill. Im 3rd over the top and am positioned perfectly with 5 km to go. On the run in, the speed really ramps up and its single file as we come into the last couple of ks. When we turn the last corner with about 500 m to go, Im sitting about 7th, and give it everything I have to get onto the leaders wheel. When the sprint goes, I pass 3 guys to take 4th. Vincent Gee (?) wins, Caldwells 2nd, and Don Stanley (Morgan Stanley) is 3rd. Leland crosses the line as 2nd Boba.
- MadDog
Saturday, March 10
CCCX DH "race" # 2 AGN Joe - Click for full series results
Used this event as a two tone workout, riding the 47 lb V10 (that's almost four Landsharks!) in race 1 and just totally-running-out-of-gas trying to pedal that beast through the mid section and final flats, then coming back in race two and riding the hardtail high-posted (kept the seat up to climbing height) to simulate a cross country descent.
In the queue for the hardtail, kids were looking at my saddle way up in the stratosphere and saying with both their eyes and their mouths, "Dude, you really gonna ride with your seat that high? (meaning: are you an idiot?)". "Yes," I said, "it's scary as all sheeit"
Got fifth in both categories. Was faster on the XC bike high posted - shows you how hard it is to pedal a full-on DH Rig! Not bad for a workout.
Marshall / Chileno Grasshopper - March 10, 2007
Hundreds of racers show-up to battle each other, the course, and their inner demons. Incredible weather. Bobas at the start: MadDog, EWalk, DougMac, The Lip, Zook, Big Ring, Eddy Merckx, Kennith, The Rev, GerryGerry, Geoff, Paul, and Leland. KB is stage racin' in Fresno. Clicktitle bar for full results. Multiple reports to choose from - somewhere in there lies the truth:
From DougMac:
Yeah, plenty of Bobas...Glenn was 'Ricky' of the day. Huge field, close to 200. Good start, well behaved from what I saw. I managed to be in the right place and started at the front. As usual, it kicked up on Franklin School Rd. It broke up over the biggest climb towards Dillon beach. I managed to get back on a second group through Tomales and we regrouped on Tomales bay. The front group was at least 75 strong. Marshall wall was hit hard as usual. I was about 50 yards back over the top which was too much to fill on the descent. I managed to regroup with a few guys at the bottom, Erin was just behind us, I let the others know reinforcements were coming. We then had a group of about 10 or so through the valley. One guy, I can't remember his team, light green jersey, would get to the front and decide it was a good place to stretch, what an idiot. We get to Wilson hill and keep it together pretty much and I'm towards the back. Big mistake, as Deanna was at the top with my feed bag. It took an extra 3 seconds to reload my bottles and the group was gone! Long story short... I suffered solo for too long on Chileno and then struggled in for about 50th.... Erin was about 30 seconds ahead. Remnants of the group I couldn't catch. It was not a good day for me, but an excellent training race.
From MadDog:
Doug wrote: "what an idiot." For some reason, there seemed to be an abundance of so-called idiots in attendance. Guys were attacking each other like crazy instead of working together. Ben almost got into a fist fight with one alleged idiot. Were there really close to 200 at the start? The weather was amazing.
On the Dillon Beach climb, I somehow managed to wedge my chain into between my spokes and cassette. When it first jammed, I put more pressure on the pedals thinking I could break it loose. WRONG. I made it worse. I just managed to clip out before falling over. After dicking around for what seemed like forever, I said I'm gonna pull on that mother as hard as I can. Something has to give. Miraculously, the chain broke loose. I hooked up with EWalk and Mitch Palmer and we chased back to the lead group at Tomales. I got popped off the back on the very last pitch at the top of Marshall wall. Ben and I chased hard, picking up some other guys along the way. That's when the idiot brigade started attacking each other. When we got to the bottom of Wilson Hill, I could see that the lead group was no more than 40 seconds ahead. If we would have worked together, we might have caught back on. Oh well.
I rode with the 2nd group until Burnside. That thing hurt like hell, but stayed with the best climbers and when we got to the top, there were less than 10 guys left. It grew again on the way back to Occidental, but I launched a suicide solo at the bottom of the Bohemian Hwy. climb and had a good gap. I fried myself and thought everyone was going to catch and leave me for dead. When I looked back there was only Marc Moons and another guy catching me as everyone else was shattered (me too). The Other guy (green and white dude) took me in the sprint as I set a new heart rate record (182). Unofficially, I think I was about 21st or so.
From Biggus Maximus:
Here's what I remember:
Forni, KB, el nino de la Burbuja, Rulon, JDub, Bugno, Sir Cock..........none of them were there.
B E A Youtiful Day. Eddy and I ride out there as do a lot of people. I'm guessing at least 200 guys, if someone had told me 1000 I would have believed it. But I believe just about anything these days.
Ridiculous riding down BoHo, Bodega, Valley Ford roads. No one knows how to maintain a nice easy pace. Lots of braking, swerving, swearing.
The frisky group of about 50 hits the first hill out Valley Ford hard. It's got EWalk, MadDog, MacDaddy, Zook. I'm sworn to riding with Eddy and anyone else nearby at the top of Franklin School, which turns out to be Dino, GerryGerry, Bill Eat*** Best, and a bunch of other pull-droppers. Peeto is in between the two groups with some losers who won't pull. Behind
is Kenny, Geoff, Paul, Brad.
We go pretty hard along Hwy 1 and pick up about 30 guys. On Marshall I see Peeto up ahead and noodle up to him so he can become part of the Boba Train. In the flats before Wilson Hill we've got the train going and pick up another 8 or so riders. On Wilson Hill we see Zook just up ahead so we get pretty close and then start yelling at him. Big UP to our man the Bachelorette who is waiting with sweet watery elixir at the top of the climb. We herd Eddy back to the group and then the Boba Train really rolls through Chileno. There were three groups that were never going to merge since not one person in those groups would pull so when we come by they all jump in and we catch another 30 people.
Hard to imagine Ashley is in one of these groups. No one will pull but us. Zook flats between Carmody and Bloomfield and eveyone but Peeto says "leave him" so the Bobas wait, except GerryGerry. We saunter up Burnside and recatch Eat*** Best (claims his legs are tired from the one leg hill repeats the day before). Eddy and I peel off at Barnett Valley and head home for 90 miles for the day. Some think we should be fined so we'll pay it at the next Brevet at the Pt Reyes Lighthouse turn around.
Peeto will pick up the finish into Occidental.
From The Lip:
Whoa, man, I'm very tired and extremely humbled. I can fake a crit pretty well, but you can't fake a grasshopper. I'm pretty sure that I rode and I think that I might've finished around 387th!
I'll try to continue Dr. Smifff's story. Did we wait for Zook? Or did I call for a stop, because I was tired? Nonetheless, a whole bunch of worthless idiots were allowed to pedal ahead. The worst was the Jan Ullrich bedecked Bianchi poser. I think that it may have been one of the Valese Brothers. Regardless, he (and many others) were allergic to pulling on the flats and would muster these weak legged attacks on the climbs. Oh, come on! If you are that great of a climber why are you back here with us? Besides we are just going to catch you again within 30 seconds. Sheesh, could you try to be a socialist and help your group on the flats? Oh, and is it too much to ask that you ride a straight line at a steady speed?
Alrighty then, as we approach Burnside I know that there will be a short uphill and I'm "done" with climbing. I yell (again) at Zook to just roll the turn, he stops, I burn it and try to run into the waiting Petaluma Wheelmen. Okay, I got over that one and there aren't too many giant climbs (you know, like my driveway) left. It's Zook, 'Dino, "John" (probably an alias), Bill 'Sharkbest and I. We make it to 12 and head down towards Freestone. Huh, everyone is freewheeling. Into Freestone and how far is it to Occidental? Cuz, I don't have much left. 'Dino is pulling and the four of us are fine with that. Especially now that he's catching guys. We, uhhh...'Dino, catch several riders including a young horse who attacked viciously on the Marshall Wall and Andy Bunnell. Our group swells to about 10 or 11. We start up that final climb to Oxy and Andy B. and Bill B. gap the group. Whatever! Andy gets tired and 'Dino crosses to Bill. Perfect, 'Dino will win the field sprint and save Boba Honor. No one else wants to do anything. I upshift and go halfway to those two only to see Bill hold off 'Dino. Damn...whatever. Kim, the official, writes down some sort of name for me and I stagger into the parking lot. I have a nice cool V8 and get out the cooler for a brew. Hey, there's only one left! Anyway, the Bobas commence to party and the others commence to leave while they are making excuses.
No excuses from me, this grasshopper and the attendant racers kicked my ass. I won't even mention the time I spent waiting for other Bobas or sheparding various groups. I won't mention my politeness during the first 10 miles that put me towards the back. I won't mention my age. And I'm certainly not going to mention the riders that were assisted by vehicles. Nope, no excuses for me; I just got whipped!
From Paul:
To add to Pete's misery, mine was probably worse. My first start in a pseudo race wearing a Boba jersey was a disaster. Started the event with a stomach/intestinal bug which only got worse as the miles went by....silly me for thinking the riding would improve my malaise. After getting dropped by almost the entire field, I elected to turn around at the top of the hill after Marshall and hoped that the reverse route was shorter than the full circuit....having never ridden these roads, I hadn't a clue. Anyway, I got back to the start in a bit under 4 hours, after about six pit stops on the side of the road for unspecified relief. On the way back, I even got passed by an old lady with a cute basket on her handlebars. It can only get better from here. Thanks to Pete for the lift home, and I'm glad I didn't barf in your truck...
From dino:
In defense of KB (read Briant's post below), he was defending the Boba colors in the Central Valley Classic Stage Race in Fresno. 35+ 1,2,3 loaded field. Stage 1: 24th, rolling in alongside Larry Nolan. Stage 2 ITT: 18th in 41:45 for 26.4km - bettering 22 guys in the the Pro race - probably equivilent to 55:45 at Sattley. Stage 3: 9th in the crit. Overall GC: waiting for the results.
In defense of me (read Pete's post below), well...umm...ok there is no F'n defense for me. I must carry this shame until the TTT (which is 3 weeks away, BTW).
Merco (McLane) Road Race - March 4, 2007
EWalk in the 35+ 1,2,3 Glenn, Doug, Joe in the the 45+
Bobas,
It was a beautiful day out there in the fringes of Snelling/Turlock. The race (35-1,2,3) started fast and for the most part stayed that way if you were at the front but it was easy if you just wanted to sit at the back. There was quite a bit of attacking all the way around but as soon as any one person or group got more than 100 yards up everyone chased. Pretty negative racing for the most part. You could kind of tell that it was going to come down to a sprint. But we all know I can't sit still in a race so after the first 3/4 of a lap I meander up to the front and join in and instigate a volley of attacks with the only success is getting my legs loosened up. I felt comfy mixing it up and keying off the other teams since I was the loan Boba (what's up ?) With all of the negative racing it was as if everyone in the pack was named Lou and anyone that dared to go off the front had their name changed to Dino. (That's Boba Love). So then we do the second and 3/4 of the 3rd lap and as we are approaching the bigger rollers on the back side we see the large field of Women 4s (?) and they are echeloned across the road in multiple groups about 1/4 mile up. Then "kapow"!!!!! (Did I spell that right ?) There is a big wreck in the girls race with riders down all over the road. It was ugly. Our race marshell on the moto had just ridden up to them to say we were freight training it up to them. He frantically gets off his bike and is shoeing the girls that are o k up the road and the ones that are down and hurt he stands sentry before them. We figure he might want us to take it easy so we move right but don't slow at all. Over the rollers we go passing stray cats left and right. We have about 1.5 miles to the finish and we are in the middle of the girls field but they are strung out and racing in front. The finish was the most chaotic I have ever been too without crashing myself. They were sprinting at the same time we were. Some of the guys even knocked into and over one of the girls 50 yards before the line. I think I remember when they used to have 2 waves of races like they do at Snelling. Even with it being 23 miles (the course) it is too many groups at one time. Bad day for racing. I'll do Snelling next year and not this race if they do that again.
-Ewalk
The weathers perfect as I roll up to registration for the Merco/McLane RR. Sunny and mid-40s but warming quickly. The M45+ field is jam packed with 100 riders but for once Im not alone at the start line as DougMac and AGN Joe are there. Thank God I have some company.
To get up to the rest of the field, I have to walk in the dirt (mud) in my Speedplay Zero cleats and theyre totally jammed up with mud. I cant clip in and have a couple of anxious minutes trying to get everything cleaned out (When I get home, I see that one of my cleat springs is busted clean in half, but somehow it held together for the race).
By the time we roll out, the temperatures already into the 60s. It doesnt get better than this. The pace is steady for about the first 1/2 mile or so and then the attacks start. Morgan Stanley is at it again, but this time, there are enough other guys that they cant control the front. At one point toward the end of the first lap, Gregorios jumps hard with another guy on his wheel. No one chases and the gap starts to open up. When the gap is up to about 20 seconds, Im thinking I want in on this one and I attack. I get away by myself and get halfway across and stop getting closer. Im not very far off the front of the field, so I drop back to regroup. The breaks not gaining (much) but were definitely not getting closer. I jump again and get a gap with a couple of guys on my wheel, but when I pull off to let them pull through, the guy follows me. I turn around and see its a VOS guy (same team as Grizzly Adams). He wont pull through but we have a gap. WTF??? Im feeling good, so I give it another go and this VOS guy pulls the same move. I kindly ask him if hed please participate in the bike race by taking a pull, or it may have been some other words, but I meant the same thing. I try again. Same thing. Now Im getting pissed. I get on 3rd wheel or so and once I catch my breath, go hard again. I open up a gap but get chased back down by someone else this time. Im starting to notice that these VOS guys are showing up all over the place and generally riding like s***, squirrelly as hell. Other riders are giving them s*** and two of them almost ride each other into a ditch. Damn. These guys definitely belong in the Cat 5.
As we get into the 2nd lap, DougMac and AGN Joe show up at the front. The pace gets hot stays hot and Gregorios gets caught. Were all together as we come into the last 5 miles. Im feeling great as we come into the rollers at the end. Everyone else is pounding the big meat out of the saddle as I sit the whole way up. As we make the turn at the bottom of the hill, Im about 10th wheel. Perfect.
The pace stays nice and high as we come into the last 1 km. I pick an inside line coming around the last turns and get boxed in. I see that Im on Caldwells wheel and hes boxed in by a VOS guy as the field starts coming around on the outside. I yell Cmon Mark, and he pushes the VOS guy out of the way enough to get by. It was actually a nice move. He winds it up and Im on his wheel as we start moving up on the guys that passed us. Caldwell makes it up to finish 2nd and I make it up to 8th. All in all, it was a great day after the frustrating ride in Snelling last week.
-Glenn
-The Rookie View by AGN Joe
I can still count on two hands the times I've ridden my road bike (and two of those fingers, the middle on each hand, were BBDC) & this definitely had new Jimi Hendrix Experiences for my copy book. Notably: 1) 100 Guys. Wow. 2) Riding with the whole road closed. 3) All that weaving and twisting stuff I've only seen on the Tele 4) Passing the age group ahead of us 5) That 1K mark and 300 200 100. PFC 6) A Mass Sprint So I pretty much rode trying to keep Doug & Glenn in site, keep my eyes open, and just not screw anybody up. Sure enough we came around the last corner in a bunch. Since I don't know squat all about a mass sprint, I just held onto where I was and pedaled thru with the guys around me. I lost track of G & D, but I'm sure they were ahead of little ole me. Chalk it up. A guy named Joe I uploaded the Map. Click through to see stats and replay the race... And from DougMac- The race this weekend was fast! 48 miles in 1:55. That was a good thing... I had a busy day ahead of me, my bro's 50th B-day and then a benefit gig at the Tradewinds at 4:30, so I needed a fast race! While waiting to start I found myself next to Jon Ornstil. We chatted a bit, then I asked if he expected any break attempts. "Yes", he says, "I will if I'm out front." So I decide to hang on his wheel. Sure enough, within the first half mile, he makes it to the front and takes off... with me on his wheel. Everyone expected these moves so they didn't work for very long. There was attempt after attempt, which made the pace high. We passed the 35+ 4 and the womens pro 1/2 group. I had a place planned where I was going to attempt a break, on a short climb where you couldn't see the top, a gradient change. I figured they come up to it too fast then slow down when they realized it wasn't the top... they did, but the pace up was too hot for me to have anything left to do a break. So long story short, I hung in there and finished mid pack. There were 100 riders out there, not much room for error. I think ours was the only group that did not have a crash. I decided to ride safe as I don't have much of a sprint. So I got a great work out and kept the rubber side down. -DougMac
Snelling Road Race - February 24, 2007
I head out of town at 4:30 AM (damn, thats early) for Snelling with Giampaolo and Mitch Palmer. Theyre doing the M35+ 1/2/3 race in the morning, so I figured Id go with them and hang out for the M45+ race in the afternoon. We get in at 7:30 AM. The first thing on my agenda was a nap, but it never happens. I spend the morning socializing and thoroughly cleaning the winter crud from my B bike. Its raining all day in Santa Rosa, but the weathers pretty damn good in Snelling, sunny if a bit chilly as we roll out. Once again, Im left alone to fly the Boba colors.
I look around and see about 15 Webcor and Morgan Stanley guys and really didnt think much of it. Once we get out onto the course, the first mile or two were fairly uneventful and then all of a sudden, the attacks start. Chris Black of Morgan Stanley gets his legs in gear, as well as his mouth and tries to get away. There are a couple of hangers on and he gets pulled in pretty quickly. As soon as he gets caught, a Morgan Stanley and Webcor guy go together. They get chased down and then, BOOM, another pair takes off. This keeps going on for most of the first lap and keeps the pace pretty high. Nothing goes and Im staying at the front and taking part in some of the attacks, but cant go with every one.
On the second lap, Black attacks again with a Webcor guy and a couple of freeloaders. This one starts to open up a gap and Im thinking I need to do something before its gone. I try to bridge up and cant make it across. I fall back to the field for a breather before trying again. I give it a go and when I turn around to see whats up, all I can see are Webcor and Morgan Stanley guys. S***! Theyre controlling the front and slowing it down. I try again and see the same thing. I ask if anyone else is interested in taking a pull. No takers.
Finally, Jess from Eagle and a couple of other guys join in but the Morgan Stanley guys are like a bunch of hemorrhoids and a total pain in the a**. Im taking pulls that are twice as long as anyone else. This goes on for the better part of a lap and a half. Were catching the M35+ 4/5 field that started 5 minutes in front of us. Were hanging just off the back and Im thinking about the next move. Finally, I go to the front again and take a monster pull. We fly past the M35+ field like theyre standing still. I turn around and see that the M45+ field is starting to string out. I cant do this forever and start getting tired. Its obvious were not going to catch the break and I pretty much give up the ghost.
Once I give up, its all Morgan Stanley and Webcor at the front. We start going slower and slower to the point where Im thinking Im gonna have to do a track stand to keep from falling over. This totally sucks. The M35+ 4/5 field passes us back and Im so frustrated I could scream.
As we get into the last 5 miles, the pace starts to heat up but Im starting to get cramps in my hamstrings since my body thought we were cooling down. It starts to slow down again as were coming up on the 1 km to go. I wind up at the front and not ready to fully wind it up and wait for someone else to take the lead. No takers and were going super slow again. With 1 km to go, all of the Morgan Stanley and Webcor guys jump hard and I cant respond in time. I hang on for maybe 10th in the field sprint. It sucks when 15 out of the 50 guys are from two teams. Better luck next week.
-Glenn
Pine Flat Road Race - Sunday, February 18, 2007
45 minute drive east of Fresno, CA (for full results, click on title bar)
Hilly course with 4-5 mile climb starting about 10 miles from the finish, then final climb to summit finish of about 1.5-2miles. Course profile and Google earth presentation AGN Joe:
Five Bobas show for the race - MadDog racing the varsity 45+ open, while The Padre, DougMac, AGN Joe, and Dino ride the JVs (45+ 4/5).
Glenn rides in a very tough field that includes most of the top 45+ climbers in the NCNCA in a field of about 25-30. He hangs tough and makes the 12 man selection coming into the big climb. He is unable to move up any further, however, and ends up in about the same position at the finish.
The four JV Bobas join a field of about 25-30 under a grey, threatening sky. The Bobas hang close together through the early out and back section until climb #1 at about 20+ miles into this 62 mile race. Over the top and after the descent, various Bobas attempt natural breaks while rolling on the back of the peloton....with varying degrees of success. Dino hears laughter at the back of the pack, turns to see Lou and Doug finding their pissing competencies funny. Lou doesn't mind too much that his shoes are wet after Doug's turn.
A long flat section leading back to the rollers that lead to the final climbs is being negotiated nonchalantly by the field. Dino doesn't want the entire field to come into the climbs feeling fresh, since Lou and Doug figure to be two of the better climbers in the field and they are feeling good. Dino goes to the front to wind the pace up a bit, turns around and sees that he has been given a 50 meter gap. Dino attacks! Now the field has to chase - hopefuly the stonger guys doing more work than they wanted to in this section. Dino is chased down. Things slow again. Dino attacks again hoping that Lou and doug's competition wil expend some more energy chasing. Dino turns around to see Lou chasing him down with the field in tow. Dino shakes his head.
The field now turns into the rollers leading to the climbs. Time for another strategy. this time, dino and Joe go to the front for some serious two-man TTT leadout to the base of the big climb. The field is strung out and legs are starting to break. We turn onto the climb with dino in second wheel, Lou in third wheel, and Doug a bit too far back. Two climber guys attack. Dino pulls over and tells Lou to "get on those guys' wheels, that's the race".
Lou, as we all know, is good at wheel-sucking, goes with those guys on the decisive move of the race. He works his ass off and holds on for 3rd!
Doug, Joe, and Steve form a secnd group about mid-way up the big climb. By the top of the big climb, Doug crests in 4th, Dino in 9th, Joe just a bit further back. After descending into the valley between the big climb and the final climb, doug groups up with 3 other guys. dino is chasing back on. Dino passes one guy in the valley to move up to 8th on the road. Dino catches Doug's group at the base of the final climb, doing about 30mph. Dino rides up to doug and asks him if he wants dino to lead it out. "Put the peddle to the metal" is the word from Doug. dino drives the group, opening a small gap between the two Bobas and the three other guys in doug's group. Dino shoots his wad and pulls off. doug ends up 6th. Dino holds on to 8th. joe ends up 10th or 11th. Great Boba team effort. Time to move up to the varsity.
Added by Joe:
Dino laid out the Pine Flat big picture, here's a microcosm. Sit in, shut up, and do what Dino, Doug & Lou tell you. The fun parts included:
- the rather lengthy descent from Pine Flat to the valley floor. Weeeeeee
- Being in a group of Boba Blue at the front of the peloton. Working with Dino to keep it strung out
- Trying like mad to stay with someone, anyone, up the hills and then re-grouping for a shared chase.
- The frickin finish line.
CCCX Downhill Race - Saturday, February 17, 2007
From AGN Joe:
Toro Park - CCCX Downhill Series
Did two categories, 45 Expert (on a fully suspended bike) and Open Hardtail.
I'm defending champ in the series, but you couldn't tell by the result. I lost the hydraulic fluid in the front brake and that kept me fairly conservative (and at the tail) in the Expert class. I came back in the Hardtail in the midpack.
A difference in the two days shows up in the heart rate monitors (Downhill on saturday, Pine Flat RR on Sunday):
DH - 3 minutes 30 seconds - AHR of 167, Max 180
RR - 3 Hrs 9 minutes - AHR of 130, Max of 165
Tuesday, March 6
Cherry Pie Crit - 2/11/07
My freakin shoes still werent dry from Apple Pie the day before. The consolation is that the weather unexpectedly turns out to be perfect, upper 60s and sunny in Napa. It dont get any better than this.
I show up early with thoughts of doing the M35+. I decide to do the 3/4 since Peeto also is doing that one. Sorry EWalk. Registration is an incredible hassle, but such is life. The temper tantrum I throw gets me my M45+ number. They actually wanted me to come back later to get it. WTF??? No comment.
The roads wet when we start, but anythings better than the weather at Apple Pie. Its weird doing the course backward, and theres a wicked headwind on the back part of the course.
Several attacks are made and I get involved in a few of them. So much for my idea of just sitting in, taking it easy. Peeto takes a flyer on the hill and stays away for several laps, but it doesnt stick. It starts winding down to the last few laps and it looks like its going to come down to a field sprint. The next to last time up the hill, it seems like its going pretty slow. I take a page out of the Peeto playbook and fly out of the field on a suicide solo. I make it stick over the top and have a pretty good gap (good pictures, eh?). Im actually holding off the field as no one really wants to take the initiative to close the gap. Im thinking this might really work. Coming around the last turn, Im 1st. I give it absolutely 100% coming into the hill. Im committed and its all or nothing. With 200 meters to go, Im still first, but the field is closing too damn fast and I run out of gas. The entire field passes me in the last 100 m, including the granny on the trike with the flag and all that. I think I hold on for about 200th or so. Oh well.
Peeto and I come back for the M45+ 3/4 race. Funky category. McKenzie joins us. Peeto takes off on another one of his patented solos and stays off the front for a while, but doesnt open a big enough gap. There are several attacks, including one with me and Jess (deja vu from Apple Pie) but nothing that gets too far or comes close to sticking. With about 5 laps to go, 3 guys get off the front and open a 100 meter lead. Jess chases with me on his wheel. Instead of pulling through, I attack, flying around him like hes standing still. I bridge the first 90 meters in no time, into the damn headwind, but I cant close the last 10 meters. Unbelievable. I hold that gap for 1/2 lap. Theyre not getting any further, but Im not getting any closer. Damn. Coming up the hill, I lose ground and start to fade back to the field. I blew it as that was the winning break. Im smoked at this point, and hang onto about 10th or so in the field sprint.
-Glenn
Apple Pie Crit - Saturday, February 10, 2007
Yeah, The Bobas have taken there first Pro 123 podium of the year at Renes Apple Pie Crit. It's 1:30 Saturday afternoon and no trash pickup party so I open up the bike box, post Maui, wrench the bike back together and shwing on down to the race with my trusty Showers Pass storm gear on. I get there with 15 min. to spare and see that there are only 10 or 12 regd. Ashley is there as well and racing. I'm feeling a little jet lagged and hope I don't get beat by her. She says she thinks she can beat me. The race starts slow and steady with a steady driz which increases to heavy rain at times. Cozza is the lone pro. After a few laps he takes off with a OGA Green bean and get a gap. There is another team with three riders and I wait for them to chase but they just don't have it. I went a few times but no gap. Eventually I split w/ 3 others and then it's down to us 3 and the 2 up front who lap us. After 1 1/2 hrs of racing Cozza pulls a 4 lap lead out and I win the sprint for 3rd. Cash back to Rene but I keep the case-o-goo. I'm waiting for the endorsements to flow in.
-Ewalk
And from Glenn-
I volunteered to help with set-up this morning, but when I get out of bed at 5 AM and look outside, its raining. Damn. This is gonna suck. I head over with my 2nd cup of coffee and KB and Wron are already there at a quarter after 6. By the time we get everything set up, Im soaked to the bone, its 55 out, and Id pretty much have given up the idea of racing today. But what the hell, Im already here, the rains starting to let up, so I may as well give it a shot.
I get my number and go back to my car to get ready just as the Cat 4/5 race is starting. While Im pinning on my number, it starts raining so hard it sounds like (large) hail. Sh**, I dont need this. I can go over and ride my trainer in Dinos garage and stay dry. Over the next 10 minutes, the rain actually stops. OK. Ill give it a go. I warm up in the usual spot and it stays dry until the start of the race.
When the M45+ race starts, there are maybe 15 guys on the line. Well, maybe more than expected considering the weather. The roads wet, but at least its not raining. The pace starts off conservative enough and I achieve my first 2007 criterium goal of not attacking in the first three laps. On about the 4th lap, Jess Raphael of Eagle Racing (Berkeley Bike last year) attacks, and I jump onto his wheel. The 2007 crit season is now officially underway. I look back and were starting to open a gap.
Over the next couple of laps, we gain a couple of hundred yards and theres a lone rider trying to bridge up. He catches us on a prime lap and takes the prime, but then God punishes him for his selfishness. Hes shattered and soon starts fading back to whats left of the field. Its freakin wet out, but I start pouring on the gas on the straights.
Jess and I are working well together, and Im taking pulls I feel comfortable with. It looks like our break is gonna stick and we trade a couple of primes on the run in. Im not sure where the field is, but with about 4 to go, I see that were starting to catch the field. Are we gonna lap em? I start taking some monster pulls and the gap starts closing to the field.
When were coming up on 2 to go, Jess attacks after I take a pull and goes flying through the 1st two turns. I feel I can definitely pull him back, but I dont feel like going balls out in the turns. F*** it. Its not worth it. I had already had my back tire slide around the first turn once. Crashing is not on the agenda, so I back off and let him have it. We catch the field on the last lap and I take 2nd. His ass is mine at Cherry Pie.
Ride Report - Sunday, February 4, 2007
Dear Bobas, Great riding today. Small group turnout though. 4n*, Kenny, and myself set off from Pai'a at 8:50 am. 78 degrees F. Clear blue Mauiian skies. Destination - Haleakala. 38 miles and 10028'. Started immediately with a gentle 2% grade. Just right to get our groove on after the beautiful 3 1/2 hr West maui loop ride that Maryann Forni joined us on yesturday. Honorable mention goes to Maryann who won the mountain top points sprint at the top of the wall. Kenny came off the back after 3 or 4 miles as he was spent from the west Maui ride. It was going to be a long lonely ride for Kenny. 4n* and I cruise along at a comfortable pace up to 4500' as we pull off and refuel at a little Upcountry store. We were there for maybe 8 minutes as Kenny then rides on by. We give him a few minutes before we set off again conspiering how we are going to sneek up on him and ride by. A pleasant surprise for Kenny as we catch him. Then onward again as we climb up, up, and away. 5k, 6k, 7k, 8000' go by as I am really feeling the effort. Eating and drinking the whole way up. You just can't bring ehough food for this 4 hr ride. 4n* hands me a handfull of beef jerky, thats right, as I stuff it all in my mouth and start chewwing. As I realize I'm spent I have to slow my pace to have enough energy to finish chewing. 4n* puts 300 yds on me as I chew. I think that once I'm done chewing I'll just put it in the 19 and pick up the pace enough to catch him. Wrong ! He has the same idea and picks up his pace too. For about a mile or 2 I think I'm doing pretty good and should catch him soon but to no avail. I back off as 9000' ft go by. Misery loves company so I at least Im not alone as the spirit of misery rides along with me as 4n* grabs our car driven by my brother in law John and pulls away. Or at least it seemed that way. Thats the rumor I'll spread. 3:40hrs +/- later I summit, completely spent as this car comes up behind me while I zigzag through the parking lot hoping it runs me over. We conquer Haleakala or I should say she fought valiantly in battle and I thought I was not going to make it but prevailed. Haleakala. Wow what a climb. The view at the top was incredible. Kenny was 20 minutes later and so a succesful Boba outing.
- Ewalk
Early Bird Road Race - Saturday, January 27, 2007
Four Bobas race the Early Bird - Glenn in the varsity (45+ open), and The Goat, AGN joe, and Dino in the JVs (45+ 4/5). For full results, click on title bar.
After weeks of daily sunshine, its raining on Friday as I depart Santa Rosa with Dino and the Goat. I wonder if thats an ominous sign? Too late now cuz were committed (and were freakin Bobas too). The ride down is fairly uneventful, and Dino gets the gay mens rate at the hotel were in, which is where the race rolls out from in the morning (how cool is that?).
We get up in the morning and the grounds wet. Its been raining and after hearing all the horror stories about black ice, big crashes and all that, Im thinking I should be thinking about pulling a Pollacia (see Bobaism Translation Guide). Aw, f*** it. Im here, Im gonna race. Im anxious to try out the new lean, mean me.
I find out on the way down that Dino and Lou are doing the M45+ 4/5, along with Joe Fabris. M45+ 4/5? Whats up with that? So Im riding solo in the M45+ open, with crappy attendance due to crappy weather.
Its freezing right at the start, and Im shivering, but not as much as Tom Morris as theyre telling us about the black ice out on the course. Aw, s***. Once we roll out, it starts to warm up, and once were down into the canyon, the sun actually comes out. All in all, the weather was great for the race. A couple of showers, but no ice, black or otherwise. Were rolling along at a leisurely pace. The only thing missing were the Pina Coladas.
I have no idea what to expect on the course, climbing wise, other than what I heard from Dino, so Im determined to take it easy. The way out is mostly uphill, but all big ring. So far, so good. It starts getting steeper so I drop it into the small ring. Still, no problem. About 2 miles into the real climb (about 8% or so), one of the Southern Sierra guys jumps, and I get right onto his wheel. Gaps are starting to open, but Im right there. There are 3 of us together in the lead group. Im still not sure how far it is to the top, when Dave Gane (Morgan Stanley) guns it. Not wanting to redline, I ease up, about 10 seconds back over the top. After the turn around, I start chasing to get back on, passing some stragglers from other fields like theyre standing still. I easily catch the lead group on the beginning of the descent, and there are now 5 of us; me, Gane, Tom Morris, and 2 of his domestiques. So its 3 against 1 + 1.
When the road flattens out, the Southern Sierra guys started taking turns attacking, with Gane and I alternately chasing them down (no sweat). Well, after about 10 of these, Im thinking I cant be doing this over the next 20 miles, so Gane and I agree to let one of them dangle off the front, and then chase him down for the kill at the end. Well, this was a good idea in theory. Morris was the next one to jump, so we let him go. Perfect so far, but then we let him get a little too far out and then proceeded to chase like crazy to close the gap. We had him back to about 100 meters a couple of times and then let up, thinking we had him back. Son of a *** if he didnt open the gap again. Larry and Curly just sat on as Gane and I pulled the whole way back, getting in the way whenever possible, and just generally being a pain in the a**.
Gane is starting to feel it now. Im feeling great but Im not sure how far it is to the finish. Morris stays within our grasp (I think) and Im clearly taking the longer pulls now. We get to where I think its somewhere near the finish and I gun it. It turns out I pull most of the last 3 miles myself. I come up on the 1 km to go and Morris is coming back to us quickly now. If there was 2 km to go, his a** would have been gra**, but its rolling here, and I start running out of gas, but stay at the front past the 200 m to go. Morris is just ahead, but with the uphill finish, I just cant close it. Gane and one of the wheelsucking stooges comes around me, and I hold the other one off for 4th. Not bad for the first road race of the year. Apple Pie anyone?
- from MadDog
The last time I rode my road was Big Boys. So I put up with Lou making fun of my squeeking pulleys and some guy Jim laughing as I went to the baby ring on my triple. I just shut my mouth and tried to pay attention. When we hit that hill near halfway, I knew that 'the wheel is life', but knowing and doing are sometimes as separate as church and state. I told myself the group pulled away "the sooner you fall off, the more time you have to catch up." Off the back like snot on glass, never got back on, I still tried to stay motivated for 20 plus miles to go. I did managed to catch another 45-4/5 bloke we worked together to pull in the chum of other groups left in the wake of Poseidon. With about three miles to go I went by Dino and Lou like they were standing still. They were. Bad luck for Dino who suffered a pinch flat just as he and Lou were about to get back on. Probably got 15th of 20 guys. Big thanks to L & D & Glen for the advice and encouragement before & during the race.
-from AGN Joe
San Bruno Mountain Climb - January 1, 2007
Glenn, Dino, and GerryGerry open up the 2007 season on San Bruno Mountain. Glenn ends up the 2007 Boba KOM for San Bruno with the fastest Boba time of the day. GerryGerry sets a new Boba 55+ san Bruno climb record. Dino is fat. For full results, click on the title bar.
Saturday, February 24
Rockpile Twilight Road Race - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Little Jimmy, the fighter, did not make the First Annual Rockpile Road Race, but here's who did:
"O"fficial Results
17 mile mass start road race
1.Ted Simpkins unattached, but should probably be a Boba 51:06 age 32
2. Jonathon Lee Eastside 51:40 33
3. John Staroba Eastside 51:40 27
4. Kirk Buckman Fightin' Bobas 51:40 41
5. Bradley X Organic Athlete xx:xx xx
6. Trevor Scott Eastside xx:xx 24
7. Murray the "K" possibly Yuri from Soulcraft? unknown
8. Peter Nicholson Eastside 54:32 xx
9. Lou Garcia Fightin' Bobas 55:04 49
10. Doug Mackenzie Fightin' Bobas 55:25 46
11. Pete Sweeney Fightin' Bobas 55:34 51
12. Nick or Mick Eastside 56:42 27
13. Tim (some call him "Tim") 56:49
14. Kevin Zucco Fightin' Bobas 57:16 37
15. J.D. Palco CSC, sort of, with a nice bare midriff 58:57
16. Giampaolo Pesce Riviera, probably should be a Boba 59:19
17. Erin Walker Fightin' Bobas 59:43 41
18. Blakely ??? 1:00:14
19. Bradford Rex Fightin' Bobas 1:02:38 46
20. Glen Mattson Fightin' Bobas 1:04:13 50
21. Sir Richard Peacock Fightin' Bobas 1:04:14 46
22. Chandra Farnham SSU Women, trying to be a Boba 1:09:35 (first woman)
23. Leland Gee Paco's 1:10:36 50+
24. Maddy Stewart Tri-Dogs 1:14:38 (second woman)
Whew! It's a tough guys race. Very little sitting in. Ted had two get off the bike mechanicals in the first 5 minutes. Brad R. did not have a b.r.a.d. prior to the start, but he did lose a contact lens and was forced to race with his "Heavy" glasses. Peeto lost a contact while descending at 46 mph and did not crash, but hit the brakes a little too hard. Cindy Carroll gave a lot of much needed support on the way back. Eastside won the semi-official team title, but the Bobas drank more beer. Many of the tired gained refreshment afterwards at the Bear Republic. Winner Ted supplied the eaters table with a pitcher of Racer 5. Thanks to all for attending.
Chileno Valley TTT #3 - Tuesday, Septmber 12, 2006
Here are the Official Results, courtesy of Lizkie Timing, of the Chileno Valley TTT held on 9/12 (The GST is NOT happy!):
1. Eastside, well not really Eastside, because they had some non-members. Oh, and they all had aero equipment and some of them train really hard and they don't drink much and are confused about their teammates sexuality, but hey, these are the Afficial Results:
45:54.1 Jonathon Lee, Peter Horn, Nick Krumansky, Brian Pro, Brian Stabby, Trevor Scott, Mick Brookberger and Ted Simpkins (Geez, they whipped the Bobas without John Staroba).
2. Boba Beef (apparently a real lean cut). A real team even though they had no aero equipment (well Brad's haircut), were short some vas deferens, had a flat and had some extra turista.
46:50.4 Kirk Buckman, Jim Forni, Pete Sweeney, Kevin Zucco, Briant Smith, Glen Mattson, Ron Hill, Brad Rex and Erin Walker.
3. Boba Tofu These guys finished with 8 of their 9 starters; very nice teamwork.
51:10.6 Richard Peacock, Lou Garcia, Tony Garcia, Dave Flannery, Doug Mackenzie, Eddy Hodge, Kenny Lane, Johnny Walker and Mike Perry.
4. Organic Athlete, they didn't panic there were...ok you got it.
51:31.5 Brad LaSalle, James Bauer, Brian Bauer, Rich the Animal, Justin Luck, Justin Thyme
5. NorCal Hotties Our fastest woman's team.
59:36.5 Sara Miller, MaryAnne Forni, Chandra Farnham, Alexis Collins, Penny Elliot and Shannon Sobeck.
Good job by all.
Tuesday Twilight Crits - July 18, 2006
Fernley-Reno Raceway Twilight Circuit Race - July 18, 2006
Infineon (Cougar Mountain Classic / NORBA National Championships) - July 13-16, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - July 11, 2006
The Death Ride - July 8, 2006
Mt Diablo Hill Climb ITT - July 8, 2006
Davis Criterium - July 4, 2006
Pine Flat Time Trial Challenge - July 2, 2006
Leesville Gap RR - July 1, 2006
Chileno Valley TTT #2 - June 27, 2006
Elkhorn Stage Race - June 23-25, 2006
Pescadero Road Race - June 24, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 20, 2006
Vermont NORBA - June 15-18, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 13, 2006
NCNCA District ITT Championships - June 11, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 6, 2006
Dunlap ITT - June 4, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - May 30, 2006
Cold Springs ITT - May 23, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - May 23, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crit - May 16, 2006
Berkeley Hills RR - May 15, 2006
TUC - May 13, 2006
Tuesday Twilight Crits - May 9, 2006
Tuesday Night Crits - May 2, 2006
King's Ridge Grasshopper - April 29, 2006
Tuesday Night Crits - April 25, 2006
Wente Road Race - April 22, 2006
Tuesday Night Crits #1 - April 18, 2006
Pine Flat Challenge - April 15, 2006
Infineon Twilight #1 - April 13, 2006
Sea Otter - April 7,8
Pinole TTT - March 26, 2006
Fort Ross Grasshopper - March 25, 2006
McLane Road Race - March 5, 2006
Grasshopper #2 - Marshall - March 4, 2006
Snelling RR - February 25, 2006
Grasshopper #1 Old Caz - February 18, 2006
Cherry Pie Crit - February 12, 2006
Apple Pie Crit - February 11, 2006
Patterson RR - January 28, 2006
SCCC Cyclocross Series - January 2006
San Bruno Mountain Climb Jan 1, 2006
Mt Diablo Challenge - October 2, 2005
Everest Challenge - Sept 28&29, 2005
District Elite Crit Championships - September 18, 2005
NORBA Nationals - September 18, 2005
Mt Tam Hill Climb - September 17, 2005
Cougar Mountain (Infineon) Race Weekend - September 9-11, 2005
NORBA #7 Vermont - August 25-28, 2005
University RR - August 28, 2005
Chileno Valley TTT #3 - August 23, 2005
Suisun Crit - August 21, 2005
Winters RR - August 20, 2005
Vineman Aqua Bike Duathlon - August 14, 2005
Esparto ITT - August 14, 2005
Petterson Pass RR - August 13, 2005
Infineon Twilights - August 11, 2005
Fort Ord RR - August 6, 2005
Brian Head Utah NORBA National Series - August 4-7, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crits - August 2, 2005
NCNCA Masters Crit and Road Race Weekend - July 30 & 31, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit - July 26, 2005
Pine Flat Time Trial Challenge - July 24, 2005
Corporate Crit - July 23, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crits - July 19, 2005
Eppies Great Race - July 16, 2005
Aspen Dirt Racing - sometime in July 2005??
Watsonville Crit - July 16, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit - July 12, 2005
Lafayette Criterium - July 9, 2005
Death Ride - July 8, 2005
Boba Chileno Valley TTT #2 - July 5, 2005
Davis Crit - July 4, 2005
Leesville Gap RR - July 2, 2005
USCF Master's RR National Championships - Park City - June 29, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit - June 28, 2005
Burlingame Criterium - June 26, 2005
Terrible Two - June 25, 2005
Pescadero Road Race - June 25, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit - June 21, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 14, 2005
NCNCA District 40K ITT Championships - June 12, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crits - June 7, 2005
Dunlap ITT - June 5, 2005
ICC Dash For Cash Wheels of Thunder - June 4, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit #? (whatever) - May 31, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit #? (whatever) - May 24, 2005
Ronde van Brisbeen May 21, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit #4 - May 10, 2005
Tuesday Twilight Crit #3 May 3, 2005
Madera Stage Race April 30 & May 1, 2005
Cloterium - April 30, 2005
Twilight Crit #2 April 26, 2005
Firestone Downhill
Wente Road Race April 23
Tuesday Night Crit #1 April 19
Sea Otter - April 15,16,17
Chileno Valley TTT #1 - April 5, 2005
Pilarcitos Stage Race - April 2&3, 2005
Grasshopper #4 - April 2, 2005
West Sacramento Crit - March 20, 2005
Grasshopper #2 Road Race - March 12, 2005
McLane Road Race - March 6, 2005
McLane Pacific Downtown Gran Prix - March 5, 2005
Cycling Mysteries - Snelling/Grasshopper Addendum
Grasshopper #1 - Feb. 26, 2005
Snelling Road Race - Feb. 26, 2005
Pinole Team Time Trial - Feb. 20, 2005
San Bruno Mountian Climb - January 1, 2005
Cherry Pie Crit - Feb. 6, 2005
Patterson Early Bird Road Race - Jan. 22, 2005
Pine Flat Road Race - Feb. 12, 2005
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