Happy Thanksgiving to all. Made it out to robertherriman.blogspot.com annual Turkey Day Ride at Pontiac Lake.
Thanks Robert and Team. Part 2 later tonight. It's time to head over for Turkey and Football at the In Laws
Thursday, November 25
Sunday, November 21
Bloomer Park CX- Hello Master 35+
Maybe it wasn't that bad, but it felt that way going into the last 2 laps. I'd like to start by giving out some praise. Great race to J Osgood! You attacked and gave it you're all. States is looking good for you and thanks for listing me. Nice job Brian W for the win in B's. You should have clinched the Series, so only States left. Tough break for Vince, going down twice is rough. He looked great and I thought he had it. Joberon, you're funny in the best way and nice win. I won't bring up all the questionable things I saw today, but most of us know what they were. As for me, here it is.
It was great racing with these guys today. I lined up second row, behind Osgood, and was ready. The whistle blew and I slipped off my pedal on the down stroke and was left to chase hard right off the line. I made it onto the back by the time we hit the crowd and was making passes. I caught up to the David Johnson, Osgood, Goocher and Joberon group and was feeling good. They were chasing the 2 leaders and holding good speed. The group stayed together almost the whole race, except for me and D Johnson. On lap 2, just past the first set of barriers, Johnson went down and I came to a dead stop to avoid him. I lost a few seconds and would never pull them back. The gap was steady for almost 2 more laps until I popped.
Going into lap 4 I couldn't match the power on the asphalt and straight sections. I was fading fast and D Johnson was coming from behind. I dug deep, but had nothing left, Johnson caught midway through lap 5 and I couldn't hold his wheel. He was on the DC train and riding away. With 1 lap left I was riding in no man's land, I was beat up, tired and humbled. It was a great race and I learned a lot.
I was there for the first 3.8 laps and would have won B's with my finishing time. I made the right choice moving to Masters and am planning on a top 5 finish at States. I know that's a lofty goal because of who might show up on race day, but I feel it's possible with a little luck and a clean race.
Thanks to my wife and two sons, who allow me to train, travel and race. Thanks to everyone who comes out and cheers. Thanks to those who volunteer and Thanks to Robert for doing this. I know we have one race left, but I wanted to do this now. See you guys and gals in two weeks.
Saturday, November 20
GO RACE!
Come on MICHIGAN, get out and RACE! Check out these participation numbers. Oregon’s Junior and High School Series Just the Ticket for Cyclocross Growth
Wednesday, November 17
Race Day Decision
We'll I've registered for the Master 35+ today, but I'm still feeling that I have some unfinished business in the B's. I only have 5 of the allowed 6 races for the series and I'm currently 3rd with 2 races left. 4th place could easily catch me if I don't earn any more points and if I finish 5th or better at Bloomer I think I could clinch 2nd. Brian has first clinched if I don't race, and do well, at both remaining races. Most have told me to stay the coarse and finish the season in B's. A small few have supported my idea of moving to Masters 35+. So the question is, do I race a double on Sunday or not? The 3 options are as follows-
Option 1- Race B's and sit on for a good finish, trying to conserve energy for the Masters Race. This will give me 6 races and possibly a top 3 for the series. I may also have something left for Masters, but won't be 100% and now how I stack up for States.
Option 2- Race B's all out and see what happens. I won't be competitive in Masters and shouldn't race it.
Option 3- Don't race B's and skip the glory of a possible series podium. Focus all my energy on the Masters race and get a good idea of where I stand and what needs to be done before States.
As the title says, this will be a race day decision. I will give a big hint though, as to how I'm leaning. Unless you've been racing since the late 90's you probably never heard of me. You don't now my history or were I came from. You still might not now who I am and you might not care. Guess what? That's how I like it. I ride for me! I race because I like the challenge. I like to suffer and learn something about myself. I love what cycling can be and what it has done for me. I love watching others race and cheering them on, when it seems everyone else has left because their race is over. I want to do more to help others succeed in ALL areas of cycling. Sorry for that last part, sometimes I get off topic. See you Sunday (slight chance of rain, SWEET!)
Option 1- Race B's and sit on for a good finish, trying to conserve energy for the Masters Race. This will give me 6 races and possibly a top 3 for the series. I may also have something left for Masters, but won't be 100% and now how I stack up for States.
Option 2- Race B's all out and see what happens. I won't be competitive in Masters and shouldn't race it.
Option 3- Don't race B's and skip the glory of a possible series podium. Focus all my energy on the Masters race and get a good idea of where I stand and what needs to be done before States.
As the title says, this will be a race day decision. I will give a big hint though, as to how I'm leaning. Unless you've been racing since the late 90's you probably never heard of me. You don't now my history or were I came from. You still might not now who I am and you might not care. Guess what? That's how I like it. I ride for me! I race because I like the challenge. I like to suffer and learn something about myself. I love what cycling can be and what it has done for me. I love watching others race and cheering them on, when it seems everyone else has left because their race is over. I want to do more to help others succeed in ALL areas of cycling. Sorry for that last part, sometimes I get off topic. See you Sunday (slight chance of rain, SWEET!)
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