This weekend was the Dave Boyd Huntsville Classic, hosted by Bike Lane. This was the first mountain bike race I ever attended. This year I actually got to race also. We have been planning on this weekend for a while. The plan was to camp out all weekend. We even booked a shelter early on so that we would be sure to have a campsite for the weekend. Friday came and Vanessa headed up and reserved a shelter. We were able to get shelter #1, which is the closest one to the start/finish line. We got to Huntsville about 9:00 Friday night and pitched the tent. It was dark and starting to sprinkle, so pitching the tent was a bit of fun. After we got the tent up we found out that we were missing one pole for the rain fly. So we made do and used the fly with out one pole.
Saturday morning was the big set up day. We woke up around 7:00 as it started getting light. Once we got ready, the crew was getting thing set up for the race. Vanessa and I jumped in and began helping out. It was raining, but not bad. The rain was confined to a light drizzle, which was just enough to keep the ground wet. We finished around 1:00, and got a chance to ride the course and see for ourselves how good the course was. We had been getting comments all morning about the train being in great shape. I made the lap easy and did not push it. After the ride, I got cleaned up and ready to help out for the evening. We hung out and told stories and just had fun for the evening. It was Ken's birthday so we partied well into the night. Around midnight, I had to call it a day, since I had to get up early to help with the race.
Sunday morning came early. Vanessa had to get up at 5:00 am so she could get ready for the day. Registration opened at 6:30 am. I slept in a little later, but then got up and started to clean out the tent. The more I could do in the morning, the less I would have to do after the race. I got the rain fly off and hung it up in the shelter. I thought it would help the tent to dry out. Luckily Sunday morning it was dry, but it did not stay that way. Around noon we got a pretty good rain, just before my race.
My race was the third group to start on the Cat 3 races. Around 12:40 we started to stage for the race. They called up the 19-29 group, then the Collegiate Cs. I rolled up to the line for the 30-39 group and waited for our start. When the whistle blew, I got a good jump on the crowd. I headed into the single track in one of the top 10 spots. I held a pretty good pace for a while, but lost some ground on the climb to the power line. The next section of single track was nice, but lost some more ground to a few riders just before getting to the nature center. This is where Egan caught me. I was able to hang with the next group for quite a while. Most of of us stayed together until we got to the first typically sandy section. This was where I was caught by Vandy. Once we got into the trail, he passed and it was the last I saw of him. We made it to the jeep trail to the damn, which was one of the few spots where the trail was slippery wet. There was a small group that passed me in this section. I knew that the next section would be interesting since we were getting close to the fence line climbs. One of the first really rooty up hill climbs on the course. I crossed the bridge and saw about 6 guys stopped and starting to walk. I was riding away, calling out and most moved for me, one guy just said it was not his fault, but did not move. I had to stop, get around him and take off again. That was the last time I had to stop on the course. I pulled away while we were climbing, but they would catch me on the down hill. The next climb, the same guy took a bad line, so I went far left and passed him again. After the next down hill he passed me and I did not see him again. I was feeling pretty good, but had a difficult time finding a gear I felt comfortable in. I was caught by another rider about 2 miles out. From that point on, most of the climbs were done, and those that were left were short and not bad. I put the bike in the big ring and just tried to follow the line cut by the previous racers. Just before we got to the bridges, the guy behind me said that I was setting a good pace. After we cross the last bridge, he passed me, and we both passed another rider. I decided it was time to latch on to his wheel and ride it in. There were a couple times where he started to pull away, but I always managed to catch him. Once we made the last left turn I stuck to his wheel. This is the section of the single track which is narrow and fast, but at the end, there is a short but good climb before you start the long down hill to the finish. When the guy in front of me when wide to make the turn, I went narrow. Stood up and sprinted up the hill. Left him in the dust. and caught another rider on the hill. Two down, now I set my sights on the rider a few hundred yards in front. I set up the gears, spun up and started the diesel engine running. There was a rider who latched onto my wheel, but I was able to drop him about the time I caught the rider in front. It felt good to see the rider in front of me look back and then stand up to try to get away. I caught him just before we hit the pavement and motored on to the finish line. I looked down and saw my average hit 11.0 mph right after crossing the finish line. My GPS recorded my speed at 26 mph as I crossed the line. I felt good, I expected a top 20 finish.
When the official results came out I did indeed turn my fastest lap of the course, 53:05. I bettered my previous time by about 3 minutes. The final results came out and finished 17 out of 31 riders. While there were a few slick muddy spots, over all the course was the best It has ever been since I have ridden at Huntsville.
Showing posts with label Bike Lane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bike Lane. Show all posts
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
Well, we decided to take this holiday weekend and get in some good riding. Vanessa and I rode on both Saturday and Sunday. We met one of our friends in Montgomery on Saturday. Then joined The Woodlands Cycling Club on Sunday.
Saturdays ride was a short 45 mile ride in the hills. We left out a few minutes behind another group. We ended up not seeing anyone for a while. I split the ride between riding with our friend and riding with Vanessa. A few times I took an opportunity to leave Vanessa and catch our friend. We took the short route because we had plans for the afternoon and had to be somewhere by 1:30.
Sunday we rode with The Woodlands/Bike Lane group. Since the group had a no drop beginners ride, I was able to ride with the faster riders. I was not able to keep up with the fastest riders, but was able to keep in the middle of the group. As we headed out on 242, I had my first puncture in my tubeless tires. The sealant worked well. The guy behind me did not much appreciate getting sprayed in the face. I finished the ride wet because we got rained on. All in all it was a good ride because I finished with a 19.5 average for 38 miles.
Saturdays ride was a short 45 mile ride in the hills. We left out a few minutes behind another group. We ended up not seeing anyone for a while. I split the ride between riding with our friend and riding with Vanessa. A few times I took an opportunity to leave Vanessa and catch our friend. We took the short route because we had plans for the afternoon and had to be somewhere by 1:30.
Sunday we rode with The Woodlands/Bike Lane group. Since the group had a no drop beginners ride, I was able to ride with the faster riders. I was not able to keep up with the fastest riders, but was able to keep in the middle of the group. As we headed out on 242, I had my first puncture in my tubeless tires. The sealant worked well. The guy behind me did not much appreciate getting sprayed in the face. I finished the ride wet because we got rained on. All in all it was a good ride because I finished with a 19.5 average for 38 miles.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Team Ride and Weekday Mountain Biking
Well. another week of riding. What a week. I kicked off the week with a short mountain bike ride after work on Wednesday night. I talked a co-worker into showing up at the Cypresswood trails. We ended up with 6 miles of by the time we finished.
Saturday, Vanessa and I did the team ride at Carl Barton Park. I started out helping another FMC rider change a low tire before we left out. So I was among the last to leave, and needed to catch Vanessa and Harlan. Since I had planned to ride with them. The rest stops were organized just about right. I skipped the first one and headed on to Splendora. Which worked out about right. I caught up to a couple guys who decided to jump on my wheel. We worked together and made good time. I caught Vanessa before reaching Splendora high school. The small group grew a bit more with Vanessa joining in. Shortly after Splendora HS, I caught Harlan. Mission accomplished. The next rest stop was in town. After stopping shortly, I had comptuer problems and had to restart my computer. It recorded everything but as two seperate rides. Once again I let Harlan and Vanessa head out in front of me. Caught them by the next rest stop. For the last leg we were riding down 242 and Got passed by a couple more FMC riders. I jumpped on their wheel, as did Harlan. I rode with them all the way to the finish. We lost Harlan somewhere along the way, but he limpped in.
After the ride, Vanessa and I got some food then to the shop to teach our last Group Riding Skills Class before the MS150. The class was held at Bike Lane and we had 12 people. I got some pretty good feedback on the class.
Saturday, Vanessa and I did the team ride at Carl Barton Park. I started out helping another FMC rider change a low tire before we left out. So I was among the last to leave, and needed to catch Vanessa and Harlan. Since I had planned to ride with them. The rest stops were organized just about right. I skipped the first one and headed on to Splendora. Which worked out about right. I caught up to a couple guys who decided to jump on my wheel. We worked together and made good time. I caught Vanessa before reaching Splendora high school. The small group grew a bit more with Vanessa joining in. Shortly after Splendora HS, I caught Harlan. Mission accomplished. The next rest stop was in town. After stopping shortly, I had comptuer problems and had to restart my computer. It recorded everything but as two seperate rides. Once again I let Harlan and Vanessa head out in front of me. Caught them by the next rest stop. For the last leg we were riding down 242 and Got passed by a couple more FMC riders. I jumpped on their wheel, as did Harlan. I rode with them all the way to the finish. We lost Harlan somewhere along the way, but he limpped in.
After the ride, Vanessa and I got some food then to the shop to teach our last Group Riding Skills Class before the MS150. The class was held at Bike Lane and we had 12 people. I got some pretty good feedback on the class.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Double Lake MTB Race
Wow it has been a while since I last posted. After the MS150 I took a bit of a break from writing my cycling adventures. On May4th I raced in the GHORBA Big Ring Challenge at Double Lake near Coldspring, TX. My event was at 1:30 PM so I got to the park about 10:30 to begin getting ready.
We got to the race in time to watch Matt complete his second lap and start his third. We stuck around the finish line until he finished. He seemed to do a pretty good job.
I remember that for some reason my legs were really tight so before the race I kept trying to stretch but it did not really seem to help. While the experts raced, I made a few more trips back up and down the road to warm up.
While I warmed up, Vanessa helped with registration by marking legs. About this time the other beginners started to show up. There were several of us in the same age group. From the Woodlands we had myself, Chris V, and Seth. From work Chris E. and lastly Dan R.
When the race started we had a nice up hill sprint on the paved road before making the tight enterance to the single track. I entered the single track on Chris V's wheel. He was just on Dan's wheel. As the riders started to build up behind us we began looking for places to pass. That did not happen and as we came into a tight corner, Dan slowed up just enought that Chris and I rubbed wheels. Being in the back naturally I fell over, and lost about 10 places in the field. By this time my HR was up and I was just pushing to try to catch back up. Eventually I caught Dan and passed him. After that, I was mostly riding by myself. I completed the first lap in about 49 minutes. As I came through the feed zone I grabbed the glass of water and dumped it on my head. That felt good. I threw my cup and then passed a rider on the road that was infront of me. The second lap was tough. I needed to eat but did not want to stop, and could not find a smooth enough section to eat a gel. So I pressed on.
When I finally finished I had an average HR of over 180. Which is pretty high since my max is 199. My final place was 31st. With over 40 starting, I feel pretty good about my results.
Double Lake was my only race for the spring series. My goal is to ride the mountain bike more during the summer.
We got to the race in time to watch Matt complete his second lap and start his third. We stuck around the finish line until he finished. He seemed to do a pretty good job.
I remember that for some reason my legs were really tight so before the race I kept trying to stretch but it did not really seem to help. While the experts raced, I made a few more trips back up and down the road to warm up.
While I warmed up, Vanessa helped with registration by marking legs. About this time the other beginners started to show up. There were several of us in the same age group. From the Woodlands we had myself, Chris V, and Seth. From work Chris E. and lastly Dan R.
When the race started we had a nice up hill sprint on the paved road before making the tight enterance to the single track. I entered the single track on Chris V's wheel. He was just on Dan's wheel. As the riders started to build up behind us we began looking for places to pass. That did not happen and as we came into a tight corner, Dan slowed up just enought that Chris and I rubbed wheels. Being in the back naturally I fell over, and lost about 10 places in the field. By this time my HR was up and I was just pushing to try to catch back up. Eventually I caught Dan and passed him. After that, I was mostly riding by myself. I completed the first lap in about 49 minutes. As I came through the feed zone I grabbed the glass of water and dumped it on my head. That felt good. I threw my cup and then passed a rider on the road that was infront of me. The second lap was tough. I needed to eat but did not want to stop, and could not find a smooth enough section to eat a gel. So I pressed on.
When I finally finished I had an average HR of over 180. Which is pretty high since my max is 199. My final place was 31st. With over 40 starting, I feel pretty good about my results.
Double Lake was my only race for the spring series. My goal is to ride the mountain bike more during the summer.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Miles of Discomfort
I did another mountain bike race. This one was in Comfort, TX at a place called Flat Rock Ranch. I had been wanting to do this race as soon as I saw it on the schedule. I just did not know how to convince Vanessa that it was needed to go. I kept asking. I was also beginning to doubt if I really could hold out for the full marathon distance.
I got my stroke of luck. I saw posted on the TMBRA website that rummer had it that a special guest was going to be participating in the open class marathon race. So I called Vanessa and told her that I wanted to race, and it looked like she would get a chance to meet a famous person she had wanted to meet, Lance Armstrong. That was it. I was in. I just needed to book a hotel room
I rode to work for a safety class on 1/20/08. On the way home it became very clear that my legs were not up for a full 52 mile mountain bike ride. So I was in for the half marathon. I was going to pre-register, but missed the deadline. When I did go look, I saw that Lance was on the pre-registered list. It looked like we were going to meet him.
Saturday morning we woke up about 5:30 am to get ready and re-pack the truck. We got to Flat Rock Ranch about 7:00. I walked down to registration and signed up. We were pretty early still so there was only one other rider in front of me at registration. I went back to the truck and go the bike out and pumped up the tires, put air in the shocks and got ready to ride. The day started out in the mid forties so I kept my jacket on and my tights. So I was basically ready to race, to Vanessa and I headed down to find the other Bike Lane/Woodlands Cycling members.
Once we found Sean Ansley, he confirmed that Lance was indeed at the race. He came in Friday and hung out and drank beer with everyone. We all proceeded to warm up for the race while we waited for the start. About 8:30 people started heading down to the starting area. They began lining up the marathon racers. Here is a picture of Wink (bib #6) and Lance (bib #7) talking before the start.
After the marathon racers started, it was my turn to line up. We started about 5 minutes after the full marathon race, of course there were a lot fewer of us. Here we are just starting out. (I am in the red and blue on the left side of the picture.)
The course was tough. We started out with a good climb and a couple tight tricky areas to slow the group down. Then things spread out nicely. Several of the rocks were slick and you had to be careful. I ended up falling on one rock with a small group behind me. I recovered before falling into the ravine, but it did make me slow down a little.
Flat Rock Rance is made up of two loops. The race started on the lower loop which is the longer of the two. It does have several long steady climbs but also has lots of good descents. The lower loop as a good mix of grassy sections, tree covered sections, and rocky sections. I was about half way through the lower loop and kept thinking that we were getting close to finishing up the loop, only to find out that we had several more miles to go. At one point I had to stop and take off my undershirt. The long sleeves just got to hot. After I took off the shirt I caught two guys who had passed me earlier. I ended up pulling away from them with about two miles to the feed zone. Far enough that I had no one to watch me almost wipe out on hospital hill.
On to the feed zone I go. When I get there I strip off my tights, refill my water bottle and grab a gel. Vanessa and Jamie ask me about Kellie. I tell them that she is behind me. I ask them about Wink and Lance. Both were back through and on the lower loop again by the time I got into the feed zone. As I am leaving I hear the announcement that the first half marathon rider was crossing the finish line. I had another 11 miles to go and my race winner just finished. Out I go again.
I plug on through and into the upper loop. It is a lot of climbing on some pretty tough climbs. I get through the first half not to bad. I am at about mile 21 over all and there is a valley that we descend into and have a long rocky climb up the other side. I get about 5 peddles into the climb and my right leg cramps hard. I get off the bike, suck down some water and another gel, and decide to walk out the cramp. I get to the top of the climb and ride around the top of the hill. I see a billy goat in the distance. I end up catching another rider on the course. She was struggling with some of the descents where I would gain on her, however on the next climb, I would cramp up again. More walking. Another climb. Walk. At the top of another hill I see some cows near the course. Turns out the cows were on both sides of the trail and I had to ride between the cows. At least one was laying down just 5-10 feet from the trail.
By this point I was walking up every hill and riding down. I was about 3 miles from the finish and I hear the race leader is approaching. I got lapped by Wink. Shortly after I get passed by the second place rider. I plug on. I decided that I did not want to get passed by Lance. I press on. I run out of water, and think to myself that I got to be getting close. I get passed by another rider, 3rd place. I fight off the cramps and plug along, pass the last check point and kick up the pace. I know the finish is within half a mile. I cross the finish with a total time of 4:17:01 for 27 miles.
I mentioned that I was just trying to not get passed by Lance. I then hear that Lance is already in. Turns out that he called it quits due to cramps after his second lower loop. Off Vanessa goes to see about getting his picture. I head up to the trailer as well since it is one the way to the truck. Lance came out about 5 minutes after I got there and was very nice and willing to pose for pictures and give autographs. We posed for this picture with him, and I got him to sign my water bottle. What a great Birthday.
I got my stroke of luck. I saw posted on the TMBRA website that rummer had it that a special guest was going to be participating in the open class marathon race. So I called Vanessa and told her that I wanted to race, and it looked like she would get a chance to meet a famous person she had wanted to meet, Lance Armstrong. That was it. I was in. I just needed to book a hotel room
I rode to work for a safety class on 1/20/08. On the way home it became very clear that my legs were not up for a full 52 mile mountain bike ride. So I was in for the half marathon. I was going to pre-register, but missed the deadline. When I did go look, I saw that Lance was on the pre-registered list. It looked like we were going to meet him.
Saturday morning we woke up about 5:30 am to get ready and re-pack the truck. We got to Flat Rock Ranch about 7:00. I walked down to registration and signed up. We were pretty early still so there was only one other rider in front of me at registration. I went back to the truck and go the bike out and pumped up the tires, put air in the shocks and got ready to ride. The day started out in the mid forties so I kept my jacket on and my tights. So I was basically ready to race, to Vanessa and I headed down to find the other Bike Lane/Woodlands Cycling members.
Once we found Sean Ansley, he confirmed that Lance was indeed at the race. He came in Friday and hung out and drank beer with everyone. We all proceeded to warm up for the race while we waited for the start. About 8:30 people started heading down to the starting area. They began lining up the marathon racers. Here is a picture of Wink (bib #6) and Lance (bib #7) talking before the start.
After the marathon racers started, it was my turn to line up. We started about 5 minutes after the full marathon race, of course there were a lot fewer of us. Here we are just starting out. (I am in the red and blue on the left side of the picture.)
The course was tough. We started out with a good climb and a couple tight tricky areas to slow the group down. Then things spread out nicely. Several of the rocks were slick and you had to be careful. I ended up falling on one rock with a small group behind me. I recovered before falling into the ravine, but it did make me slow down a little.
Flat Rock Rance is made up of two loops. The race started on the lower loop which is the longer of the two. It does have several long steady climbs but also has lots of good descents. The lower loop as a good mix of grassy sections, tree covered sections, and rocky sections. I was about half way through the lower loop and kept thinking that we were getting close to finishing up the loop, only to find out that we had several more miles to go. At one point I had to stop and take off my undershirt. The long sleeves just got to hot. After I took off the shirt I caught two guys who had passed me earlier. I ended up pulling away from them with about two miles to the feed zone. Far enough that I had no one to watch me almost wipe out on hospital hill.
On to the feed zone I go. When I get there I strip off my tights, refill my water bottle and grab a gel. Vanessa and Jamie ask me about Kellie. I tell them that she is behind me. I ask them about Wink and Lance. Both were back through and on the lower loop again by the time I got into the feed zone. As I am leaving I hear the announcement that the first half marathon rider was crossing the finish line. I had another 11 miles to go and my race winner just finished. Out I go again.
I plug on through and into the upper loop. It is a lot of climbing on some pretty tough climbs. I get through the first half not to bad. I am at about mile 21 over all and there is a valley that we descend into and have a long rocky climb up the other side. I get about 5 peddles into the climb and my right leg cramps hard. I get off the bike, suck down some water and another gel, and decide to walk out the cramp. I get to the top of the climb and ride around the top of the hill. I see a billy goat in the distance. I end up catching another rider on the course. She was struggling with some of the descents where I would gain on her, however on the next climb, I would cramp up again. More walking. Another climb. Walk. At the top of another hill I see some cows near the course. Turns out the cows were on both sides of the trail and I had to ride between the cows. At least one was laying down just 5-10 feet from the trail.
By this point I was walking up every hill and riding down. I was about 3 miles from the finish and I hear the race leader is approaching. I got lapped by Wink. Shortly after I get passed by the second place rider. I plug on. I decided that I did not want to get passed by Lance. I press on. I run out of water, and think to myself that I got to be getting close. I get passed by another rider, 3rd place. I fight off the cramps and plug along, pass the last check point and kick up the pace. I know the finish is within half a mile. I cross the finish with a total time of 4:17:01 for 27 miles.
I mentioned that I was just trying to not get passed by Lance. I then hear that Lance is already in. Turns out that he called it quits due to cramps after his second lower loop. Off Vanessa goes to see about getting his picture. I head up to the trailer as well since it is one the way to the truck. Lance came out about 5 minutes after I got there and was very nice and willing to pose for pictures and give autographs. We posed for this picture with him, and I got him to sign my water bottle. What a great Birthday.
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