Tucson 2008

Here we are in Tucson. Andy R, Ryan F and Scott P and I are all staying in the same room. There are another 11 guys from Wisconsin all in other rooms. We're having a blast. The weather is great and the riding has been good. The roads here are REALLY ruff. The motorists hate cyclists and there is a ton of traffic.

We did the "shootout" yesterday. The locals said it was the "hardest" ride this year. I hung pretty well. Made it to the "bridge" then was promptly dropped. Scott P and Eck and another guy made it all the way. Scott ended up 2nd to Gord Fraser.

Otherwise not much else going on. Hoping to due 3 hours today and Mt Lemon tomorrow.

On a personal note I did wrap up the Multiengine Commercial Instrument Pilot license. I am hoping to get my flight instructor rating by end of March. Spring City Aviation in Waukesha has a tentative job offer extended to me if I get my ratings. So anyone interested in being a pilot can give them a call and request me as an instructor.

Anyhow looks like it's time to get ready to roll. Until next time

Tony

Update

Well, it's been a while since I updated this so here's a quick recap of the last 3 months of riding activity____ ____ ____ .

Training Update

Back from from a vacation in Florida where the temps were in the 70's and 80's. Wow, does Wisconsin Suck! Andy Reiland and I along with our families went to St Pete. He and I were able to get in several rides as well as a couple of group rides. The group rides there are insane. Since it is a urban area there are lots of lights and stop signs. All of which are completely ignored and used to make breakaways. Still it was a blast. The speeds were very fast. On the "training" ride we must have averaged around 28mph. At times were cruising at around 31. There were several local pros (cubans) They hammered it pretty well. I was able to hang with them for the most part, but overall I was not in the fitness for a ride like that. I tried to sprint at the end but I had a 53/12 and not near enough gear for such a flat place. Still I made Wisconsin proud and my presence known. Andy too was hammering it well.

Training Update

Just a quick post to say that "I am still here". Not much going on in the training department. I hacked open my thumb which put me on the sideline for a week. Otherwise it has been pretty meager. I have been doing some running and soon cross country skiing. Overall, I am pretty much where I expect to be. A trip to Tampa in 3 weeks will put me outside for a week or so and jump start my preseason plan. I am still working on the commercial pilot's license and hope to wrap that up mid January.

Until next time!

Training Update

Not much new in the world of training. I have taken a few days off the bike and have been hitting the weights hard. Also, trying some cross training. I am going to try to do a 3 hour computrainer rider Saturday. On a side note I am also working on my commercial multi-engine pilot's license. That should wrap up before racing season, but may slow the training a bit. I don't think it will hurt much. I am looking forward to some snow to try out the cross country skis I bought. I need to get in touch with Mike Mandli or Jim Winters and talk about "wax". I am sure that will be a thrilling conversation. I can record it and post it on my blog if any one is interested (not).

Otherwise, I have booked my flight for Tuscon and am looking forward to that.

Training Update

Monday, went outside with Darin C. We had a good ride and were able to get in a couple of hours. It's always good to be outdoors. I am not sure how much of the computrainer I will be able to bear. I did buy a set of cross country skis. That should make for some decent cross training when we get some snow. Looks like I will be going to Tucson for spring training. Should be a good trip, although it is looking like myself and just a couple other LAPT guys will be the redheaded orphans of the Franciscans' clan.

Training Update

My motivation level was pretty meager today. I had a good weights day Thursday and today I did a descent recovery ride to spin things out. I will try to get outside tomorrow for a few hours. I am also going to try to knock out a multi-engine commercial pilots license this winter so my riding may have to fit into a busy schedule.

WCA Banquet

I forgot to post that I attended the WCA banquet. LAPT sponsored a couple of tables and we had a good turnout from the team. John VanSusteren took the podium in Second, John Voight 1st, Darren Chic 2nd and Mike Mandli 3rd. Check out the photo of John Voight. I am pretty sure he flexed his quad muscle just for this photo.

Training Update

Did intervals today. I felt okay but struggle a bit. I did 30 minutes warm up followed by 6 2 min PI's with a 10 second sprint at the end of each. Ended with a 30 minute cool down and a half weights workout. In case you are wondering my PI's (Power Interval) I average 350-400 watts and my sprints around 600-700. It is definitely difficult to lay down a decent sprint after doing a PI.

My Darling Kellie

Took the day off to go over to Prairie Du Chien. Very nice area. Even saw a couple of eagles.

Training Update

Rode outside with Lynn. The temps were pretty good. A little cold at first. Still was a great day to ride. We spent about 2.5 hours or so at a pretty good effort. My legs are feeling a bit sluggish after a tough week of weights. I am starting to feel like my "transition" period is ending and it is time to start laying a "foundation" for next season.

There has been a bit of talk about spring training camps. A bunch of Wheaties boys are planning Tucson (maybe). Sounds like that could be a good trip. I will see what LAPT wants to do.

Last 60 days of posts from previous blog site

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007- Training Update

Outside today with Charles B and Ryan F. Good ride. Charles is a rec rider so Ryan and

Saturday, October 20th, 2007 - Training Update

I am really beginning to "wrap my mind around" the whole training plan. I have sort of
figured out what I want to accomplish over the next 4 or 5 months of indoor training.
The goal for the most part will be low to moderate efforts from 65-75% of my max HR. I
will try to stay on the computrainer as long as I can, but you know how that goes. I was
able to get out and ride with my new team mate Ryan F. I think he will be a great
addition to our team. Today the temp is 70 degrees and I actually did not feel like
riding. Tomorrow I will try to do 3 hours outside.

Wednesday October 10th, 2007 - Training Update

Looks like fall has set in. Temps today were a bit cold and it was time to hit the
computrainer. I really admit that I enjoy the CT. So simple to hop on without getting
all dressed up. I have done a couple days of CT so far this year. With many many more
to come. I did get the "scenery" pack. Now I don't have to look at the same desert
mountain for 400 hundred hours. Also, bought the HR strap. My training goal for this
month is to spend about 10 hours a week riding 5 or 6 days a week and 2 or 3 days a
week lifting weights. Mostly 10-12 reps and 2-3 sets. My riding will be outdoors when I
can and then CT the rest. I am focusing on "de-training" right now or in other words
actively getting "out" of shape. My rides will be mostly at around 75% MHR which for
me is about 141 or so. I will stay in the 70-80% range until Jan. At that point I will
start adding some interval work at MHR above 86%. In case you are wondering my
power output at 75% is about 210-220 watts and around 275 at 90% (last year). I will
try to keep track of all the data and maybe post some of it later. Last year all of my
rides combined including warm up and cool down I averaged around 200 watts. I
struggled with knee pain so, that should be quite a bit lower than this year.


Saturday, October 6th, 2007 - Doc Ride

Another day to test the Cervelo. Again it climbed like a dream. I flew up Waterville RD.
After changing to an 11-23 rear cassette, the sprinting has improved as well. The first
sprint of the day John H. and I were neck and neck. Too close to call. Second sprint I
passed John Van at the line. I saw John H. coming up the right and had to pass John
to put LAPT #1. At the finish things went well. Again it was me, John Van, Bily O and
John H. John Van went early and I was 3 or 4 bikes behind him with Billy and John in
tow. Again I had to hold off Billy and John H and came around John Van. for the
victory. Billy contested the sprint mumbling something about the location of the finish
line. In the end I think he conceded. Next season we will put of a marker! However
today I take the victory! Good job today to Keith K., he is the hardest worker on every
ride and today was no exception.

Thursday, October 4th, 2007 – Year in Review

After Andy Reiland posted his year in Review, I am motivated to do my own. You can
read his here www.team-wisconsin.com .

This year started pretty good. Most of Jan, Feb and March included countless hours on
the computrainer. I had about 2-3 months in late 2006 where I suffered from a knee
problem. I was really unsure about the prospect of my recovery. My thanks again to Dr
JV for give my some pretty simple and VERY effective help. There is no question that
LAPT is the place for physical therapy.

March included a week long cycling camp with some really great guys. I was not that
big of a fan of the riding there (many hills and narrow roads). The people in the south
are so much more laid back than we are. In fact, by the looks of their houses they have
been saying “I’ll fix that” for about 75 years now. So for the most part our little motley
crew of cyclists were welcomed and given our space. It was interesting to see everyone’
s early form. Of course, Scott Peterson was looking great. Brandon K. (I won’t even try
to spell his last name) too was very strong. John VanSusteren NEVER rides someone
else’s pace. He is smooth, constant and incredible strong. The boys from Chiro were
looking great as well. Aaron Duston had a particularly good season. Ryan Fandre sort of
disappeared for a while. I may have to lay off his wife next cycling season. Mike
Mandli, or as he should be called “Mr. Pain” struggled on the hills like I did in
Arkansas, but aside from some of the injuries he had, did very well this season. Of
course we can’t forget Lynn. Who, is probably described as a “recreational” rider,
although is VERY strong. He hung tough while all of us tried to whip ourselves into
race fitness. He probably enjoyed the trip more than any of us. Andy Reiland showed
that he can climb and dropped me more than once up several mountains. Go ANDY!

April was the beginning of race season. I had upgraded to cat 3 and was more than
nervous about the competition. However, I was able to hang tough through my first race
and I was pretty sure that my fitness was enough to compete at this level. I started the
season with many goals. 1st I did NOT want to cause any crashes. The last thing I
wanted was to ride like an idiot and loose the respect of my peers. (this should be
everyone’s #1 goal). To my knowledge I succeeded in this goal. My second goal was to
be able be competitive in the races. Apart from the road races (Denzer) I was able to do
that pretty well. My 3rd season goal was to beat Ochowicz in a doc sprint. I did that, I
don’t care if he did break his hip this season. Still I succeeded. 4th I wanted to be in
the top 10 in pts. I finished 7th. Finally I wanted to win a race. That didn’t happen.
That just means I have to win at least 2 next season.

Some of the memorable rides would of course be the Trek 100 crash fest, Wheels on
Willy (which was willy, willy fast), every Doc ride (still the cheapest race in town),
Tuesdays out of Centennial and the WiSport race in FT Atk.

Looking back at my season, it has been great. I can’t say enough about my team
(LakeAreaPhysicalTherapy/JDRF.org) We ALWAYS were the class of the field in Master’
s 1/2/3. Everyone gets along, there are NO team orders. If you got it, GO FOR IT! John
VanSusteren is a GREAT leader. He a man of few words at times, but throws down some
awesome demonstrations of bike racing ability. John Voight, who has been at the front
of every race I have been in, has also been a great help to me this season. Looking at
my race results, maybe it is not too impressive. However, let me say that in my
category there are 30 guys that can win races. Many are willing to attack and ride
aggressively. The talent in the races is deep and I felt I made my presence known on
many occasions. I did A LOT of blocking and work for my team. I can count at least 5
or 6 times where one of my guys got into a breakaway that succeeded, because I
blocked the pack and let up just at the right time. Next season I will be in the break!

Finally let me give a “shout out” to the others who inspired me this season. The
Tuesday night guys, Billy O – I have learned most of what I know about group riding
from him. Even as he shouted in my ear. I am glad to see he is back on form after his
hip problem. Jeff L. who is just always strong. He too is looking very strong after all his
injuries. Chad B. – I consider him to be the text book cyclist. Very smooth and very
aggressive. I have learned a lot from him. Keith K. who is ALWAYS on the front. He is
someone I admire and try to ride next to whether in the race or on a ride. Of course, no
one more than Andy Reiland do I thank. Andy just always wants to talk cycling. I don’t
know anyone who loves the sport more than he does. We have grown in the sport
together and I can’t say enough about how thrilled I am about his success. Someday he
and I will be riding three-wheeled bikes on the sidewalks saying “remember when”.

Now enough of the butt kissing, here’s the list of the guys that I can’t stand – JUST
KIDDING. I get along with everyone. I will try to keep up with my posts through the
“off” season. There won’t be much to say as mainly I will be slogging away on the
computrainer. – Tony Phillips

Tuesday, October 2 2007 - Recreational ride

Rode with my friend Charles B. I met Charles at my church (Lake Country Family
Church, Delafield) He is a recreational rider and has done a couple of triathalons. He
was particularly interesting as it has been a while since I have ridden with someone
who really did not want to drop me. Honestly, when you are will anyone bike race your
main desire is to see them suffer and cry for mercy. Riding with a recreational rider is
all about the conversation. It was great thank Charles.


Saturday, September 29 - Drop the Doc Ride

Again the Cervelo was tested. Right from the start bike was making some creaking
noise. I thought it was coming from the cranks. Turned out my front skewer was loose.
YIKES! Anyway LAPT smoked them again. We are pretty much unbeatable. I know
others were commenting about our team work and dominance. I won a sprint and John
Voight won the others.

Saturday, September 22 - Drop the Doc Ride

I was anxious for today so that I could test out the new bike on a ride that I know well.
It didn't let me down. My plan for today was to do a complete shake down to test its
climbing, acceleration, cornering, handling and of course, sprinting. For sure it climbed
like a dream. John Voight decided to attack at the base of Waterville Rd. Keith K and I
tagged along and us three worked the break away all the way over the top and to the
first sprint point. The Cervelo gets an "A" for climbing. On to the flats I stayed on the
front most of the time. Working what pace line we can get going. The Cervelo gets an
"A" for handling. Through some of the turns I tried to see just how it felt. Again it got
an "A". Team LAPT nailed the Oak Hill sprint with myself leading out John
VanSusteren and then he delivered John Voight to the line, text book just like it should
be (except I should win). The final sprint was a bit dicey. There are always guys that
seem to come to the front that tank about 500 meters before the finish. I got caught up
behind a couple and ended up 4th or 5th. I am going to give the Cervelo an "A-" for
sprinting. Right now I have a 12-25 rear cassette. Because this bike accelerates so
quickly (It gets an "A" for acceleration) I ran out of gear at each sprint point. I will pick
up a 11-23 this week and I think that will solve that issue. My old Trek I could manage
the 12-25 but was beginning to run out of gear with that as well. With an 11 on the
back I think this thing will be a rocket in the sprint. I can't get over what a great ride
this bike is. Much different than the Trek.


Wednesday Sept 19, 2007 - The New Ride

Well, after 6 weeks of waiting BikeDR came through on my new Cervelo R3-SL. I should
say that many people have had to wait 10 weeks or more for this bike so BikeDr really
was able to get quick by comparison. I rode it for about 40 minutes and I have to say
that it really is the cat's meow! It rides like a Lexus. I look forward to getting it into a
full sprint. Now if I can just get John VanSusteren to change LAPT colors to black and
white to match my bike.


Saturday Sept 8th 2007 – Ride the Rock Wisport Road Race

103 starters, most of which were non factors throughout the race. Great roads and
everyone rode really well. The pace was pitifully slow at times. I got into a break or
two but nothing that had any teeth to it. It was obvious no one was really going to
work. Some teams have many guys still my one man LAPT show had myself chasing
several breaks. The race finish came earlier than I expected. Some of the local guys
knew the course and the finish and it paid off for them. About 2 miles before I thought
the finish would be several guys (all on the same team) took off. I picked up my pace to
keep them in sight and as we turned a sharp corner, I saw 200 meters painted on the
road. I looked up and the finish was right in front of me. By the time I got up to sprint
the race was over. I took 5th although I should have won. Lesson to learn about doing a
recon of the route.

Saturday August 25, 2007 – Daily Double Doc Ride and Chiro Crit.

I always hate to miss the Doc Ride. So today I decided I would do the ride and then go
racing in the afternoon. As always the doc ride was great. LAPT dominated the sprints
(even without the Sprintanator John Voight) I took one, John Van took one and Adam
got the last. I took second! The Chiro race had me a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure how
doing the Doc ride was going to affect my performance. My legs were pretty shot and
really didn’t have much expectation. Though I must say I have really felt strong as of
late. The race course was great and the Chiro guys put on a first class event. I was able
to hang pretty well throughout the race. I had nothing to contribute as far as pace
went, but I did my best. Ended up 14th for the day and I didn’t get dropped on the
climb.


Tuesday August 14, 2007 - Tony's Tips To Avoid Biker Burnout

After a long season of training and racing this time of the year gets riding can be the
last thing on you mind. Here are some ideas to keep you going until the weather forces
us off the road.
1. Only ride when you think it will be fun.
- you brain is designed to make you avoid things you dislike. If your normal rides have
grown dull don't do them
2. Buy a new CD and only listen to it when you are on your bike.
3. Go and ride somewhere that you don't normally go.
- Holy Hill
- Jefferson County Bike Route
- If you drive 45 minutes West and park you will have hundreds of miles of bike roads
that you have never seen before.
- Grave yard ride- Go visit the grave sites of all you dead relatives (great motivator for
staying healthy and fit) If you are an orphan go visit my relatives grave sites, it will
ease my conscience.
- Stop and smell the roses ride. Take your time to stop and enjoy the scenery that the
lactic acid has blinded you from for the past 6 months.
- Kodak moment ride. Bring your digital camera and create a photo slide show of your
favorite ride routes. In February it will bring you to tears.
- August is raspberry season. Take your bike and go and pick some health (free) berry's
along the roads. (St Augustine road there are some).
- Do a century. It is still fun to put in a hundred miles and gain weight along the way.
- Get out a map and find a land mark and ride to it.
- There is a radio tower in Lebanon. You can see it for miles, see if you can get to it. (by
the way, I lived in the house next to it on the west side, it was haunted and I am pretty
sure I saw a ghost, so hey that might make it even more exciting.)

4. Buy something new for your bike or in my case, buy a new bike.
- there is nothing like new bar tape to motivate you to go out and ride your bike
5. Take your kids for a ride.
- There is nothing like dropping your 12 year old son on flat road. Then when he
catches you drop him again. When he's nineteen he'll blow you away so NOW is the
time to get in your digs. *NOTE: don't do that to your wife, she'll replace your BODY
GLIDE with ICY HOT.

Training Update

This past week was pretty much an easy week. I did start some interval work and have been increasing my weights. I am trying to lift 2 or 3 days a week 2 or 3 sets of 10-12 reps. I must be getting stronger as I keep having to add more weights.

Blog Update

If you had been checking out my previous blog to see my actual training logs, you can go to the link on the side bar and it will take you to my previous blog site. I will continue to update the file though I won't be doing any posting there.

Going Back to this blog format.

I think I will go back to using this blog site for posting. It is a bit easier and doesn't tie up my webspace.

Saturday August 5, 2006 Sheboygan WCA race

With two races left in the WCA cup schedule and 19 pts out of first place, this race was to be a critical race on my calendar. I could lock up a top two finish or tank and end up in fifth. Things started off bad as I had forgotten my trainer which I love to use to do my warm up. Fortunately, there were some descent roads nearby to warm up on. The race started with 31 riders and at first it seems there was some sort of disease on the front of the pack that no one was wanting to catch. I did a short pull as well as Scott P and a couple of others. Things were really going slow and I was doing my bit to stay off the front when there was a two place $20 prime offered. Mike K went hard to get the prime and I was trying to stay on his wheel. I wasn’t feeling like sprinting this early in the race so I just tried to hold on to him and take the 2nd place prime ($10). Just before the line I looked back and noticed that we had a considerable gap on the rest of the field so I told Mike K to hold on to my wheel and that we should “go for it”. I pulled long and hard and Mike was able to come around and give me relief. He was pretty tired as he had done the Cat 4 open race and was panting seriously. I did the lion’s share of the work though he did quite a bit and we worked together perfectly. I tried to give it my all and would take short breaks as I reloaded. At one point we had increased our lead to over 20 seconds and then it gradually began to come down as the riders in the pack realized that we were serious about our effort. We kept it up lap after lap, trying to stay out of sight of the pack though at one point we looked back and they looked dangerously close. Mike commented that they were “catching us” and I responded by saying that we should “make them work for it” and that they were “suffering” just as much as we were. It seemed that suddenly there were only two laps to go and then the bell lap. The pack was in a frenzy trying to catch but we kept working. The gap was probably less than 10 seconds when Mike told me that If I could hold off the pack he would not sprint me to the line. Wow, that was noble. I had done a lot of work in our break but this was a big sacrifice on his part. He had taken 3rd in the 4’s open and stood to get second in the Masters 4. I guess today he was going to have a great day no matter what. With a half a lap to go I put things in overdrive and went as hard as I could. I could feel the breath of the pack as we made the final turn to the finish. I don’t know what Mike was thinking but I went ballistic up the final stretch and with a grunt, shout and hands held high took 1st. Ended up gaining 10 pts on Ryan F and now stand 9 pts out of first place. One race to go and we will see who is the champ. I was able to lock up a top 2 and am tempted to take my cat 3 upgrade and taste the masters 1/2/3 race the final race. Tony Phillips

Saturday July 22, 2006 Cudahy Superweek Race #9

Well I was a bit uneasy starting today. The course was lousy at best with an huge pothole 10 inches deep in corner 2. I decided today I would start at the back. At one point I was the last guy. Soon I moved up as I am pretty sure that some of the guy at the back had just taken their training wheels off. By lap 7 or so I was moving up with Andy R on my wheel. Before the race I told him to stay to the inside as the corners were fast dangerous and self cleaning and this turned out to be valuable advice as one guy went into turn 4 hit a cone which came into the racing line causing another guy to swerve and took out about ten of the front runners. Now I was convinced to stay on the front which is where I went. Again I pulled long and hard and got into several break away attempts. Nothing lasted but we were flying. The final lap in turn 2 I thought for sure I was going to crash as some knucklehead went through the pothole on my inside bouncing like on a bronco. I gritted my teeth and held on tight waiting to go down, however he managed to keep it upright. Coming out of turn two and in the middle with about 6 guys now on my left and right two guy right in front of me started banging into each other, I tried to move out but was trapped behind them. 20 yards later they were tumbling head over heels cart wheeling down onto the pavement hard. I was a miracle that I did not crash. I was in a full brake and was just about to run into one of the downed riders when a gap opened between the carnage and I was able to ride through. By this point I was off the back of the pack and had to sprint like mad to gain a few spots earn a 27th. Remind me never to do this race again. This race ends my Superweek racing and hopefully my regular Cat 4/5. Master’s 4/5 is great fun and I have a lot of respect for my competitors. Regular 4/5 guys are very strong, but some lack any king of brains, often taking ridiculous risks for nothing at all.

Friday July 21, 2006 Kenosha Superweek Race #8

After a couple easy days and a day off the bike I really felt great today. I was determined to make a break early in the race and planned to do as much leg breaking as possible. When the race started I was startled how fast the guys took off. I made it to the front within a lap and was there most of the race. I found myself in several breaks and normally they would have been great except the pace was really fast. When the race was paused so that an ambulance could help a spectator we had been averaging 26.5. I heard some one comment that they needed to get me off the front so that I would stop doing 30 mph pulls. The race resumed and back to the front. Last lap I was in great position until some Polack from Canada cut across the front of the pack causing me to slow a bit. At the same time there was an attack and I was caught off guard. I had a great sprint picking off many but ending up 11th.

Tuesday July 18, 2006 Cedarburg Superweek Race #7

I was a bit worried today as yesterday at un Holy Hill RR I find my self as Paul Sherwin would say “in a spot of bother”. Well the pace started fast, was fast in the middle and also fast at the finish. We started with around 50 guys and in the end there were about 20. I had decided early that I was going to be the lead wheel sucker and did a good job of it. Scott P went off the front, which was a relief because I had my excuse why I was unwilling to work. I found that the guys were racing very sensibly and though it was very hard to move up I was able to go forward and back. With about 10 laps to go I figured I would do a turn on the front which really felt good as it is great when you have the open road ahead. Towards the finish with 2 laps to go a guy on my outside got into the curb and freaked out and crashed superman style into the grass. One lap to go and I was in decent position for the final sprint. I had Ryan F on my outside of the final turn and my plan was to use him as a lead out, except he crashed. I had a gap I had to close to the next guy up the road and was pretty spent. I was able to get out of the saddle and catch several in the sprint. I ended up 11th for the day and no skin lost.

Monday July 17, 2006 Holy Hill Superweek Race # 6

Well today was a bit of a disaster. I arrived feeling great and ready for a heavy dose of Holy Hill suffering. Lap 1 was easier than I expected. I think everyone was taking their time getting used to the course. Lap 2 the pace was still crawling even with a three man break off the front at about 1/3 mile. Feeling strong I decided to bridge the gap and try to help the break. As always, bridging a gap is torturous. It took about two mile to catch the break and I was pretty fried by then. A couple of others Brandon K being one of them, also bridged just after me and we had what looked like the makings of a decent break. However, the pack turned up the heat and within a mile we were caught. At that point the air temp was over 90 and the heat index was pushing 108. Obviously way too hot for the amount of effort we were putting out. I hand on for a couple more laps and after feeling way overheated I decided to sit up and drop off the back. I am sure I could have hung on for another lap to the finish but why suffer. I think that I finished around 25th or so. Felt good to jump in Pike Lake afterwards.

Tuesday July 18, 2006 Cedarburg Superweek Race #7

I was a bit worried today as yesterday at un Holy Hill RR I find my self as Paul Sherwin would say “in a spot of bother”. Well the pace started fast, was fast in the middle and also fast at the finish. We started with around 50 guys and in the end there were about 20. I had decided early that I was going to be the lead wheel sucker and did a good job of it. Scott P went off the front, which was a relief because I had my excuse why I was unwilling to work. I found that the guys were racing very sensibly and though it was very hard to move up I was able to go forward and back. With about 10 laps to go I figured I would do a turn on the front which really felt good as it is great when you have the open road ahead. Towards the finish with 2 laps to go a guy on my outside got into the curb and freaked out and crashed superman style into the grass. One lap to go and I was in decent position for the final sprint. I had Ryan F on my outside of the final turn and my plan was to use him as a lead out, except he crashed. I had a gap I had to close to the next guy up the road and was pretty spent. I was able to get out of the saddle and catch several in the sprint. I ended up 11th for the day and no skin lost.

Wednesday July 12, 2006 Hales Corner Superweek Race #4 Whitnal Park Road Race

Well back to Whitnall Park. This was my first race ever last year. I was dropped on lap 7 and a few laps later pulled from the course. Redemption was in order and I certainly was not going to be dropped today. I forgot how great this course was. I rode the race as if I owned the course. I tried several break away attempts but each was pulled back. This was one of the faster races we have had this year as we were near 24.5 mph ave. There were multiple surges and an equal amount of calms. I found it tough to stay at the front, both because my legs were a bit tired from all the racing and because the points race was heated up and everyone wanted to finish the series on top. The final corner I took deep on the inside, which may have slow my momentum, but I figured it would give me more open road up the hill. I still had good power and was probably in 20-25th at the base of the hill. I was able to motor passed many guys before the line. It was a bit hairy at the line as me and another guy collided hard 10 feet from the line in a full 30 mph sprint. I listened for the sounds of crashing metal and heard none. I took 11th and felt good that at 20-30 pounds heavier than most my opponents I was able to get up the hill and still have a decent finish. I ended up 10th in the series and was able to give TW lots of good exposure. I am looking forward to doing Holy Hill on Monday and Cedarburg on Tuesday. Then Kenosha, Cudahy and Whitefish Bay next weekend. I'll be a spectator at Waukesha as last year there was more burnt flesh on the course than at the Phillips Family 4th of July picnic. I will also go and check out the Pro race tomorrow night in Milwaukee.

Tuesday July 11, 2006 Burlington, WI Superweek Race #4 Lyons MGD Road Race

Well another day of road racing, not really my thing but I figured it was better than going to work so off I went for another dose of suffering. Lap one I thought we were on charity ride and was either going start collecting donations for Tony's Drive To Stop Lactate Intolerance or I was going to make a break. So I tried the latter. A couple of times in fact. But again the peloton is only willing to work when I want to go off the front. So I decided to sit in and hope for a field sprint. Which is what I got. Coming into the proving ground grounds with 50 bikes side by side was a blast, reminded me of the Metalica concerts I used to go to when I was a teenager. I had a great position and racing line to the finish except those 50 guys I mention all wanted the same line. So as we came to the point where I was getting up to sprint, everyone move over toward me and I was faced with the choice, do I push back and take out 30 guys, revel in a descent finish and hear about the disaster that took place in the Masters race or do I head for the dirt and try to sprint cyclocross style. I chose the latter. I went to the grass and even though I only dropped ten yards it cost me about 20 positions. Ended up 26th.

Monday July 10, 2006 East Troy, WI Superweek Race #3 Alpine Valley Road Race

Well today was a drag! I considered not doing this race as road races make me suffer. But I showed up any how for my daily over dose of lactic acid and O2 debt. Turned out I had good legs and was hanging with the leaders. Until my rear derailer cable snapped on the 3rd lap climb one. I was tried climbing in my 39/11. WoW! I don't have that much power. So 3/4's of a lap later I borrowed a bike from SRAM neutral support and test road a Colnago with the cool SRAM shifters. It was a bit diferent though I think I could get used to them. I had no chance of catching anyone but the scraps of flesh that we ejected on lap one climb one, so I did what any descent racer would do, I hid in the trees until my group came around. I had to time trial up to them as I was about 50 years behind them when I came out of the bushes. But I managed to bridge and was on the wheel of my closest competitor until my nagging conscience told me this was a bad idea. So I dropped and rode across the line in 9th announcing to the officials that I was DNF.

Sunday July 9, 2006 Manitowoc, WI Superweek Race #2 Manitowoc

Another day of crit racing Tony style. I LOVE this course. WOW, I was made for this. I started at the front and stayed there most of the race. Did my turns showing of the great TW kit on the front and even tried to get a prime (not really). Race was pretty uneventful as the pace was fast and made it difficult to get off the front. A few of us tried and every attempt was pulled back. Fine with me as I'll take a field sprint any day. Well I rolled into the final corner and several guys cut me off and I lost my momentum. Was able to bounce back and got 6th. Did I mention I love that course.

Saturday July 8, 2006 Menasha, WI Superweek Race #1 Menasha Crit

Definitely my kind of racing. I was a bit intimidated by the course as there were a couple of tight corners. But as usual when the race starts I was able to put on my game face and was soon in full race mode. For some reason I really felt terrible the whole race. My heart rate was off the chart. Every time I looked at it my heart rate was in the 180's. I ended up averaging 179 for the race (my lactate threshold was 175?) I hit a max of 189. Anyhow, I raced hard and soon Scott P was able to get off the front. This is where my race went in the toilet. I did my duty as a team mate and along with Rudy B Andy R and Bob H we were able to completely block the progress of the peloton. However, several riders were able to bridge ahead of us (10 in all) and some of which were people I should have kept behind me. Here's the kicker, turns out Scott P did not have good legs, he in fact had great legs and was able to get off the front of the break away. I thought he was with a group a turn ahead and instead he was almost a lap ahead. Had I know this I would have shut down chase #1 and been there for the sprint for 3rd. As it turned out I was able to win my pack sprint for a whopping 11th place. Alls well that ends well as Scott took 2nd and we really worked as a team.

Thurs July 7

It has been a non eventful training week. I rode 50 easy miles on Sunday with a group from Transition Cycle. Took off Monday. Did the Tue Centennial Ride, my legs felt like lead and I suffered as usual. Wed was an easy 1.5 and Thur another easy 1.5 with some hill intervals. Friday I will do a easy 1 hours spin and then up to Manasha and Manitowoc for a weekend of Superweek racing.

Going into superweek I am estimating my fitness to be 85% as I have had a cold that really took the wind out of me. I don't have many plans to win the race, though my goal is to get into a breakaway. Hopefully I can get a few guys to work with me. Since it is a non WCA Cup points schedule (for the next month) I am willing to take a few risks and try to go off the front. I also would like to drive the pace as much as possible.

Depending how I do this weekend will determine if I do Alpine Valley and Lyons RR's

Sun July 3

Rode 70 miles easy 2up pace. Was a great route down to Palmyra. Nice to take it easy and put in some decent miles. I had the opportunity to meet Jim O. Was interesting to hear him get several reports via his blackberry cell phone, on the status of Phonak at the TDF.

Sat July 1 Elm Grove Crit

With clouds overhead and the threat of thunderstorms in the forcast Andy R and I set out for the race. Another day of points racing was the order of the day. It has been a drag the last couple races. Always have to hold something back for the sprint finish and not willing to risk a break away attempt.

A decent warm up though still fatigued from the cold I was just getting over.

There were many guys trying to stay at the front. On lap two I totally missed turn one, I think I was just not mentally in the game. Ended up back about 10 spots. I continued moving forward and finally found a spot to hang most of the race at 2nd or 3rd wheel. As usual the race came down to the final sprint.

In turn 3 Ryan F came along on my inside. It was a risky move and had it been any one else I would have taken him to the grass. Unfortunately I had to back off to let him have the spot and lost some momentum. Turn four another guy pinched my off and he and I were inches from each other at the traction limits of our tires at 30 mph.

I came out of turn four in a full sprint. My rear derailer did not let me get into my 11 and I spun out the 12 at 38.5 mph trying to pass Ryan. I took fourth which was fine, I would have liked to have gained on Ryan in the points but oh well. I did finish ahead of 38 others and everyone behind me in points.

Scott P had another fine day, Bob H was at the front of the peloton for a lap. Andy R is riding strong and the four of us were well representing Team Wisconsin.

Gonna Start A Blog

Well it is time to start journaling my cycling experience. I is mid season and many great things have happened and it is time to put them in order and make sense of what has happened.