Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Our new team kit for 2013
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| Photo by Peter Ismert
We are proud to represent our new sponsor "Rocky Mountatin Cancer Centers" in 2013. So many of us have had family or friends affected by cancer and we know first handhow important great care and compassion is to all involved. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers know how to provide the best care in a thoughful and loving way.
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Max Muscle Sports Nutrition of Boulder is Helping
Boulder, Colo.
(November 12, 2012) — In any sport, good nutrition is a key to
success. No one knows that better than cyclists. With the ever-present controversy
around doping and cycling, riders are looking for ways to get that edge through
advanced nutrition practices and supplements instead of banned substances.
Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in Boulder is an expert in sports nutrition and they
understand endurance sports like cycling. As a partner with the mix1 Masters
Cycling Team, the Max Muscle staff of certified sports nutritionists works to educate
the team’s riders on everything from fueling and recovery, the best products for
individual needs, meal planning and more.
“The more we learn about good nutrition, the more our guys appreciate our
partnership with Max Muscle,” says CJ Gauss, director of the mix1 35-plus team. The
mix1 team is comprised of 25 riders age 35 to 60-plus who race in three age groups:
35+, 45+ and 55+. They are professionals—architects, finance advisers, attorneys,
doctors—and many are dads with little kids.
“We are busy men who love cycling and compete at a very high level, so it’s
important that we take care of ourselves,” says Gauss. “We had some riders who
used to be cheeseburger and Coke guys, but after they sat through some of Max
Muscle’s nutrition seminars, they’ve been making adjustments to eat better and try
some supplements and they’ve really excelled with help from the Max Muscle staff.”
These adjustments translated to big results this season. The team took such good
care of themselves and trained well enough that they won the overall state
competition in
all three masters categories for 2012—this has never been done
before!
“It’s been great seeing the mix1 guys do so well this past season! We’re thrilled to
have been part of the equation of their success by assisting with performance
nutrition as the team’s nutrition partner” says Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Boulder
owner Craig David. “We’re all getting older, but it’s never too late to make changes
to your nutrition to achieve results and the mix1 team is a great example of that.”
For more on Max Muscle Boulder or to discuss becoming a Max Muscle partner,
please contact Craig David at 303-449-3300 or visit
www.MaxMuscleBoulder.com.
About Max Muscle Boulder
. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition of Boulder offers a
personable, educated and diverse staff of fitness and nutrition professionals. Max
Muscle Sports Nutrition has been a leader in the sports nutrition industry since
1991. From weight loss to increased energy, gaining muscle, running farther, cycling
faster or jumping higher, the team in Boulder is committed to providing a
consistent, high level of service and knowledge for athletes, both young and old in
our active community. www.MaxMuscleBoulder.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
mix1's fruit flavors are coming back in Boulder and Denver this week
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| We're back! Mix1 fruit flavors are back on the shelves this week (Nov. 15th) with new packaging but the same great taste, mix of essential nutrients and all you need for your recovery. Go to http://www.mix1life.com/ to find the store nearest you. |
Thursday, September 27, 2012
More photos ACA awards party 2012
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| 55+ Best All Around Team: Mix1 Birnbaum, Stinton, Leggere, Matous, Kellagher |
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| 55+ best all around team in CO 2012 |
photos from ACA 2012 road awards party
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| 35+ 1st Best All around Indvidual racer (BAR) 1st Matt Gates, 2nd Matt Segur |
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| 45+ BAR 1st Brad Moiser, 2nd Matt Vawter, 3rd Rip Mobius |
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| 55+ BAR 1st Bill Kellagher, 2nd Chris Leggere, 3rd Kim Workman |
Saturday, September 8, 2012
35-39 masters national RRchampionships 2012
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| Matt Gates taking 3rd place at National Championship Road Race Bend Oregon September 5th 2012 Photo courtesy of USA Cycling |
Friday, August 24, 2012
It’s all about the team: 2012 State Championship road race 55+
After the unfortunate fires early in the race season took many homes and torched large parts of our state the original Masters State Championship race was cancelled. It was due to be held in Rist Canyon north of Ft Collins and this was the scene of some of the worst damage and loss of homes in Colorado. Our heart went out to all those affected.
The ACA found support from two master’s teams to take on the challenge of running a championship race and a venue out in the eastern plains near Keenesburg was selected to contest the championship. Flat as could possibly be for its 23 mile loop (less than 100ft gain or loss in all those miles) except the finish straight which was all downhill for the last 1K, we road two laps for 46miles. Flat farm lands with no wind, no hills, little except our own power and tactics to make a distinction before the final sprint. Over forty racers began with us at 9:45AM and it seemed almost all of them were in the sprint at the end, but first a few tales to get us to the finish.
Right out of the gate one rider flatted, but the peloton was already going full gas. By the end of the race we averaged close to 26mph for all 46 miles so when I say full gas I mean we were flying at the start. There were some big teams well represented; Boulder Orthopedics (BO), RealD-Amgen, Natural Grocers, we as Mix1 and most everyone in the race all were speaking of how it would be a field sprint at the end. However Mix1 had several cards to play. With Butch, one of the fastest men on the track and in sprints, as our ace in the hole, Bill and I (Steve M) were strong enough to get into a break and stay away and Steve B was ready to cover any breaks from other teams. If it was to be a field sprint we just had to lead out Butch and let him go.
From the gun Bill went on the offensive and strung out the field. Myself and some others from various teams added to the mix of attacks in the first lap. Finally on the western straight of road I made a clean break on my own for a few minutes. Just when I thought I might have to sit up I was joined by Geoff Cooper, a strong time trial rider and two others. We continued to gain time on the peloton while three of us did most of the work. A rider from BO was mostly sitting in but their strategy was to finish as a field sprint so we could not convince him to help. Gradually we lost our 3rd but Geoff and I continued to push for another few miles. As with so many breaks it became obvious we two could not hold off 35 others and so sat up a mile or two before the turn to the finishing straight.
On the second lap as we headed east a lone rider made a break. While some others in the peloton spoke about the need to bring him back, but did nothing to chase, I just felt sorry for him as I knew how much energy he was using and that eventually we would catch him.
Half way through the second lap there was an attack that had a few strong men up the road. Steve B did an incredible job of bringing them back and with me on his wheel, brought me up to the break. There were a few minor efforts to attack after this but nothing that had any legs to it. Eventually the attacks ended and at the end of the western straightaway we began to fight for the front of the bunch. Heading into the final turn for the finishing two mile straight BO was in the lead attempting to put their sprinter Steve Worley, a National and World Track champion, in place for the sprint.
Behind me in the group were the rest of our Mix1 team and our strategy was very clear, we needed to get Butch in good position and give him as much of a lead out as we could. Unknown to me Bill had skipped his wheel twice going through the turn but managed to hang on; this however had taken him out of position to help with Butch. BO was slowing and the peloton was now bunching up, not good for a safe sprint nor our cause. I hit the gas hard and rocketed to the front up the final hill before the 1k downhill to the finish line. This caused a reaction in the field and pretty soon BO was driving hard next to me. Looking right I could see Butch was now sitting 3rd right behind Worley. This was good as my legs were cramping, too much time in the break to be able to sprint now.
It was a mad dash for the line by 30+ racers all over the road. I stayed near the front long enough to see Butch come off Worley’s wheel and sprint but could not tell the result. Butch won! Bill came roaring past me just before the line for 3rd, Steve B was right after Bill and took 8th. As I drifted back I managed to cross the line 13th and our day was over.
A great team effort as our plans were played out to perfection! Mix1 had a taken the road race State Championship.
A great team effort as our plans were played out to perfection! Mix1 had a taken the road race State Championship.
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| Steve Worley 2nd, Butch Stinton 1st, Bill Kellagher 3rd |
45+ State Championship RR
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
NoBo criterium 35+ race
The Mix1 35+ squad came with a solid crew for the North Boulder Park Crit. Marc Holbert, CJ Gauss, Matt Gates, Jim Thies, Josh Barnett, and Michael Burton lined up against a solid field of racers. Groove Subaru and Boulder Orthopedic showed up with strong squads also, and they were ready to race.
The 35+ team decided to concentrate on an early break away squad. With Josh Barnett in the field as a dedicated sprinter, it was up to Jim Thies and Michael Burton to create the first moves. In addition we had CJ, Marc, and Mr Gates to back up Jim and Burton's first moves. The team stayed very aggressive in the first 5-7 laps driving the field, opening gaps, and finally Jim Thies created the break ! Once the break away racers established a gap then Mix1 team moved up in the chase field to create a smart tempo.
The break was established with 2 Groove Racers, 2 Boulder Ortho Racers, 2 Mix1 Racers and Marc DeAntoni from Stages . Jim Thies controlled the tempo of the break, in addition he made BO and Groove Subaru work in the break. Jim’s efforts set the tone for the break. Carlos Casali and Byron Nix did their best to bust up the break away, but Jim pulled them back every time.
In the final lap to go Bob Dahl and Carlos Casali made a huge effort from the last turn for the win. Burton could not go early and possibly lead them out, but had to follow wheels , however he covered a lot of ground for a solid second place. After all the hard work from the team, Jim placed 7th , and Josh placed 9th . Again the Mix1 team raced with a plan, executed the plan, and delivered results!
The 35+ team decided to concentrate on an early break away squad. With Josh Barnett in the field as a dedicated sprinter, it was up to Jim Thies and Michael Burton to create the first moves. In addition we had CJ, Marc, and Mr Gates to back up Jim and Burton's first moves. The team stayed very aggressive in the first 5-7 laps driving the field, opening gaps, and finally Jim Thies created the break ! Once the break away racers established a gap then Mix1 team moved up in the chase field to create a smart tempo.
The break was established with 2 Groove Racers, 2 Boulder Ortho Racers, 2 Mix1 Racers and Marc DeAntoni from Stages . Jim Thies controlled the tempo of the break, in addition he made BO and Groove Subaru work in the break. Jim’s efforts set the tone for the break. Carlos Casali and Byron Nix did their best to bust up the break away, but Jim pulled them back every time.
In the final lap to go Bob Dahl and Carlos Casali made a huge effort from the last turn for the win. Burton could not go early and possibly lead them out, but had to follow wheels , however he covered a lot of ground for a solid second place. After all the hard work from the team, Jim placed 7th , and Josh placed 9th . Again the Mix1 team raced with a plan, executed the plan, and delivered results!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Racing Hope Criterium, 35+ Win!
Raisin Hope (named for Saul Raisin who created this benefit race and now called Racing for Hope) was a Solo - last minute race decision for Michael Burton, while the 35+ team was focused on Nobo the next day. However, Burton line up with a combined category race of P1/2 s and 35 1/2s . 10 master riders and 30 P1/2 showed up for the old Wheels of Thunder or CSP Crit Course. Danny Sullivan and Carlos Casali presented the strongest competition in the 35+ field.
High winds and a drag race style course predicted pain for the group. After numerous attacks from Horizon, VC, Garmin youth, etc - the break formed with a super strong Horizon element of 4 racers, Sonic Boom, VC, Groove, Garmin, and the of course the three strongest masters racers .
In true Horizon racing style they attacked the break away to setup their guys for the “W”. Carlos , Danny , and Burton attacked each other in addition to counter the efforts from Horizon . It was a race with in race. With 5 laps to go it was a desperate battle, and the sprint lead out lasted forever. If Burton had signed up for the P1/2 race it would have been a 7th place finish, very respectful placing, however in the 35+ field it was a “W” for Mix1!
High winds and a drag race style course predicted pain for the group. After numerous attacks from Horizon, VC, Garmin youth, etc - the break formed with a super strong Horizon element of 4 racers, Sonic Boom, VC, Groove, Garmin, and the of course the three strongest masters racers .
In true Horizon racing style they attacked the break away to setup their guys for the “W”. Carlos , Danny , and Burton attacked each other in addition to counter the efforts from Horizon . It was a race with in race. With 5 laps to go it was a desperate battle, and the sprint lead out lasted forever. If Burton had signed up for the P1/2 race it would have been a 7th place finish, very respectful placing, however in the 35+ field it was a “W” for Mix1!
North Boulder Park Criterium, 45+ race
Adam Asnes, Bill Kellagher, Marcel van Garderen, Pete Lucke lined up for this Colorado Classic criterium. It was a stacked field with some of the best local criterium riders and teams seeking some bragging rights for the coming offseason. From the gun, the race was strung out due to both the technical aspect of the course and the strength of the field. With the fast pace, no break was going to go or stick. The Mix1 team had a good plan in place and executed it well. The goal was to contest a field sprint for the win with Marcel providing a leadout with 2 laps to go. This set up both Pete and Adam to be in prime position coming out of the last corner. Pete was able to come out of the last corner in third position on the wheel of Natural Grocer's rider, Glenn Winkel, a local track National Champion, and was able to accelerate off his wheel for the win. This was a true team win and although Pete got to be on the top step of the podium, it was a win for the entire team.
Racing for Hope Criterium, 45+ race
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| Pete Lucke (2nd) Bob Dahl 1st, on the line! |
Monday, July 30, 2012
Podium photo 45+ Salida RR
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| Photo by Chris Lucke Robert Sonora 2nd, Charlie Eckart 1st, Pete Lucke 3rd |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Longmont SM Pro 1-2 criterium video
Thanks to Fred Dixon for sending us this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMffJ8t5nIs&feature=relmfu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMffJ8t5nIs&feature=relmfu
Saldia Criterium 55+ by Steve Matous
Its always a curious thing to be the first race of the day. The town is mostly asleep on Saturday morning at 6:30AM when you get your number and check in for the race. The warm up laps are done while the street is still being swept, the cops are trying to get all the cars off the course and the organizers are still trying to set up and be ready.
Soon enough it all falls into place and you find yourself standing on the start line trying to focus your brain no less get the legs ready to respond. Like all these races someone jumps at the start and sets a furious pace to get us going and create immediate gaps on the un-prepared. Today it was our team mate Steve Birnbaum. As he tore up the street in front of us no one really chased. The other teams kept him insight and slowly reeled him back in after a lap or two.
The race continued like this through out. One of us would go off the front, others would chase and eventually we would be back together again. While there was a slight up hill on the back stretch for the most part the race did not have any true obstacles that would allow a break to get away and stay away. I know, I tried on three occasions with various other riders including my team mate Bill. None of these efforts worked.
During one break led out by another team I was sitting second wheel coming down the fast finishing straight when up ahead a buck (deer) came out into the street. Fortunately for us the moto ref was there and reved his engine, waved his arms etc to get the deer off course. It sprinted like we all wish we could.
The result of all these attacks and pressure on the field was by the time it did come down to the final lap only 1/2 the field (12) was left and more than half of those were far enough back to not be in contention for the bunch sprint. A few turns after crossing the finish line with one lap to go I heard that sickening thump and what I thought was a crash behind me. I was sitting 2nd wheel and the rider in front of me (Dan G of CO Bike Law) turned to look. I yelled at him to keep going as I was afraid his looking behind might cause him to slow and me have to brake, which sets off a chain reaction in the peloton, or even worse for Dan to lose control.
We made it through all the down town turns and were going up the back straight when the attack came. Bob from Natural Grocers was off first and going fast. I went hard but could not close it before the turns onto the down hill finish straight. We were going really fast now and I could detect a slow but certain gain by me (or maybe Bob was slowing or both). Still everyone else was behind and I thought I might have a chance. About 50-75 meters (hard to tell exactly where you are at this point in time) I detected movement from my right. I suddenly realized I was about to be hit by another rider and sat up and yelled at the same time!
Luckily I slowed enough that Callen, Zumxr racing, went across me at an angle from right to left but missed my wheel, just barely. In the same flash of a second I was sprinting again but also saw Bill K going by and then we were across the finish line. Callen won, Bill K 2nd, Bob 3rd and me 4th. Behind was a blur for me but our team mates Steve B and Butch took 8th and 9th respectively for a total team top 10 finish!
In the cool down lap I was happy to learn there was not a crash but rather clipped pedal and stopping with no consequence other than lost placing. Callen apologized and we discussed the need to keep your own line in a sprint. The race was over and since it was not yet 8:30 AM a shower and breakfast sounded good before the drive home.
Soon enough it all falls into place and you find yourself standing on the start line trying to focus your brain no less get the legs ready to respond. Like all these races someone jumps at the start and sets a furious pace to get us going and create immediate gaps on the un-prepared. Today it was our team mate Steve Birnbaum. As he tore up the street in front of us no one really chased. The other teams kept him insight and slowly reeled him back in after a lap or two.
The race continued like this through out. One of us would go off the front, others would chase and eventually we would be back together again. While there was a slight up hill on the back stretch for the most part the race did not have any true obstacles that would allow a break to get away and stay away. I know, I tried on three occasions with various other riders including my team mate Bill. None of these efforts worked.
During one break led out by another team I was sitting second wheel coming down the fast finishing straight when up ahead a buck (deer) came out into the street. Fortunately for us the moto ref was there and reved his engine, waved his arms etc to get the deer off course. It sprinted like we all wish we could.
The result of all these attacks and pressure on the field was by the time it did come down to the final lap only 1/2 the field (12) was left and more than half of those were far enough back to not be in contention for the bunch sprint. A few turns after crossing the finish line with one lap to go I heard that sickening thump and what I thought was a crash behind me. I was sitting 2nd wheel and the rider in front of me (Dan G of CO Bike Law) turned to look. I yelled at him to keep going as I was afraid his looking behind might cause him to slow and me have to brake, which sets off a chain reaction in the peloton, or even worse for Dan to lose control.
We made it through all the down town turns and were going up the back straight when the attack came. Bob from Natural Grocers was off first and going fast. I went hard but could not close it before the turns onto the down hill finish straight. We were going really fast now and I could detect a slow but certain gain by me (or maybe Bob was slowing or both). Still everyone else was behind and I thought I might have a chance. About 50-75 meters (hard to tell exactly where you are at this point in time) I detected movement from my right. I suddenly realized I was about to be hit by another rider and sat up and yelled at the same time!
Luckily I slowed enough that Callen, Zumxr racing, went across me at an angle from right to left but missed my wheel, just barely. In the same flash of a second I was sprinting again but also saw Bill K going by and then we were across the finish line. Callen won, Bill K 2nd, Bob 3rd and me 4th. Behind was a blur for me but our team mates Steve B and Butch took 8th and 9th respectively for a total team top 10 finish!
In the cool down lap I was happy to learn there was not a crash but rather clipped pedal and stopping with no consequence other than lost placing. Callen apologized and we discussed the need to keep your own line in a sprint. The race was over and since it was not yet 8:30 AM a shower and breakfast sounded good before the drive home.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Bill Stalhuth on the 45+ Mt Evans race
Ran into Matt in the school parking lot who greeted me with a good news/bad news report--no Zoldak but Michael Carter will be here to to stand upon our dead bodies while hoisting his victory bouquet. At least we needn't drive all the way to Silver City for the experience. Good to see Peter I at the line just back from his podium at Pikes Peak.
After clearing the sand bar between the school drive way and the road, the group was content to role along at a leisurely pace for the first 6 miles before the real climbing begins, letting a line of non-climbers set the tempo. "No records set today," I joked to Matt. Covered that first stretch in 26:20, compared to the 21:51 Bruce, Kevin, and I did in 2009, while trying to set up Jimi for a sub 2 hour PR.
Found myself at the front with Steve Crowley when the real climb began at the big U-turn. Did a pace that felt like sub-threshold and was surprised when, mile after mile, no one attacked. "Conservative group today," I remarked to Crowley who responded with a wry "Yeah." Wrong thing to say: around mile marker 9 he went to the front and pushed the pace. I took a place about 7th in line and hung on. No longer did we pass the detritus of earlier groups, we flew by them. I had to get out of the saddle from time to time and dig deep just to keep my place. Behind me someone was panting, groaning, and swearing--everything short of pleading. "Thank God someone is hurting worse than me!" Feeling strangely indiferent to my own suffering, I viewed it in a more caculating way: "Can I keep this up and still live to see the summit?" I hoped to stay with these guys til Echo Lake. I looked behind me to see I was the caboose in this train of pain.
We flew past the finish line for the juniors. Looked like a damn good place to end a race to me. Pace is lifted, get out of the saddle, grovel over the handle bars, blank stare at the asphalt, look up again--12 mile marker. F---!
Decided to let them go, figuring I'd see some of them again before the summit. Regretted the decision almost immediately as Echo Lake came into view almost a mile before I expected it. Caught Amgen's Eric Long at the lake and sat in for a little rest, while he dumped a water bottle over his head at the neutral feed, only to find it was some sports drink. Maybe styling mousse will make a come-back.
At the toll gate, Matt caught us. Within a mile we caught a Peloton Cycles guy to make a group of 4. Not feeling too bad, I did a pace that I thought I could carry to the top and after a half mile found myself alone. Often at this stage of the race, alone and approaching tree-line, your place is your place; you can box it and wrap it up. Never-the less, I still had 12 miles of oxygen-deprived paranoia to go--following that beat-up black ribbon through the endless scree-fields that look like yellowed crumbled feta cheese.
On the switch-backs by the shorter steeper ramps around five miles to go I found my paranoia was well founded. Here, I could look down, as from a fire-escape, to view my neighbors on the floors below--and they were closer than I thought--Moosier, Long, and Vawter among them. "S---, I'm a carrot," I thought.
With two miles to go, Eric Long caught me. I got out of saddle to make it more uncomfortable on my wheel and he responded by dropping me. "Now you're my carrot," I thought. However, this is not the kind of game I want to play at 13,500 feet. He just hovered 25 meters ahead of me and I couldn't make up ground. A week ago I was at sea level back East doing a fast Tuesday group ride. Attacking hills I'd get my heart rate into the low 180's (not done since my 30's) and felt a searing lactic acid burn cauterizing my quads. Here, getting out of the saddle to catch and keep from being caught, I felt like a drunken clown on a stair-master.
Slowly, I noticed that when I got out of the saddle on the steeper ramps, I inched forward and nibbled into the gap to Long's wheel. Suddenly, 3 or 4 hair-pins before the line I caught him and then surged past. Whatever I had left I used up both to secure my place and to get this thing which I love and hate over with.
Carter and Crowley finished 9 minutes earlier and Farrell and Haggert had about 6 minutes to find their clothing bags and use the bathroom before I crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of Eric Long. But with 3 Mixer's in the top ten I'm happy with our race. Now Carter and company can go back to planet Krypton and we'll be ready to kick it at Look Out Mountain.
After clearing the sand bar between the school drive way and the road, the group was content to role along at a leisurely pace for the first 6 miles before the real climbing begins, letting a line of non-climbers set the tempo. "No records set today," I joked to Matt. Covered that first stretch in 26:20, compared to the 21:51 Bruce, Kevin, and I did in 2009, while trying to set up Jimi for a sub 2 hour PR.
Found myself at the front with Steve Crowley when the real climb began at the big U-turn. Did a pace that felt like sub-threshold and was surprised when, mile after mile, no one attacked. "Conservative group today," I remarked to Crowley who responded with a wry "Yeah." Wrong thing to say: around mile marker 9 he went to the front and pushed the pace. I took a place about 7th in line and hung on. No longer did we pass the detritus of earlier groups, we flew by them. I had to get out of the saddle from time to time and dig deep just to keep my place. Behind me someone was panting, groaning, and swearing--everything short of pleading. "Thank God someone is hurting worse than me!" Feeling strangely indiferent to my own suffering, I viewed it in a more caculating way: "Can I keep this up and still live to see the summit?" I hoped to stay with these guys til Echo Lake. I looked behind me to see I was the caboose in this train of pain.
We flew past the finish line for the juniors. Looked like a damn good place to end a race to me. Pace is lifted, get out of the saddle, grovel over the handle bars, blank stare at the asphalt, look up again--12 mile marker. F---!
Decided to let them go, figuring I'd see some of them again before the summit. Regretted the decision almost immediately as Echo Lake came into view almost a mile before I expected it. Caught Amgen's Eric Long at the lake and sat in for a little rest, while he dumped a water bottle over his head at the neutral feed, only to find it was some sports drink. Maybe styling mousse will make a come-back.
At the toll gate, Matt caught us. Within a mile we caught a Peloton Cycles guy to make a group of 4. Not feeling too bad, I did a pace that I thought I could carry to the top and after a half mile found myself alone. Often at this stage of the race, alone and approaching tree-line, your place is your place; you can box it and wrap it up. Never-the less, I still had 12 miles of oxygen-deprived paranoia to go--following that beat-up black ribbon through the endless scree-fields that look like yellowed crumbled feta cheese.
On the switch-backs by the shorter steeper ramps around five miles to go I found my paranoia was well founded. Here, I could look down, as from a fire-escape, to view my neighbors on the floors below--and they were closer than I thought--Moosier, Long, and Vawter among them. "S---, I'm a carrot," I thought.
With two miles to go, Eric Long caught me. I got out of saddle to make it more uncomfortable on my wheel and he responded by dropping me. "Now you're my carrot," I thought. However, this is not the kind of game I want to play at 13,500 feet. He just hovered 25 meters ahead of me and I couldn't make up ground. A week ago I was at sea level back East doing a fast Tuesday group ride. Attacking hills I'd get my heart rate into the low 180's (not done since my 30's) and felt a searing lactic acid burn cauterizing my quads. Here, getting out of the saddle to catch and keep from being caught, I felt like a drunken clown on a stair-master.
Slowly, I noticed that when I got out of the saddle on the steeper ramps, I inched forward and nibbled into the gap to Long's wheel. Suddenly, 3 or 4 hair-pins before the line I caught him and then surged past. Whatever I had left I used up both to secure my place and to get this thing which I love and hate over with.
Carter and Crowley finished 9 minutes earlier and Farrell and Haggert had about 6 minutes to find their clothing bags and use the bathroom before I crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of Eric Long. But with 3 Mixer's in the top ten I'm happy with our race. Now Carter and company can go back to planet Krypton and we'll be ready to kick it at Look Out Mountain.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Mt Evans State hill climb championship, one mans view
Saturday July 21, 2012 was a beautiful, clear and mostly still Colorado day. Perfect to head into the mountains and in our case take on one of the hardest and certainly the highest road race around. Mt Evans tops out at 14,265Ft and the road stops just 150 ft in elevation from the top. Starting in Idaho Springs the race goes for 27.5 miles and gains over 6900ft in elevation. While there is some down hill the two stretches are very short and your brain and body are both so tired you just gulp air before the uphill onslaught continues.
Racing for the Mix1 55+ team were Chris Leggere, Bill Kellagher and Steve Matous. A total of 66 riders began the race (only 60 finished) and all the best of Colorado's hill climbers were there so we know it would be a good race.
The first 6-7 miles follow the valley flow with a steady but not too steep up hill climb. Dan Grygier (Colorado Bike Law) winner of both Mike Horgan and Cottonwood pass hill climbs went on front immediately and began to set a good tempo. At one point Chris Beaudin (CP racing) went off the front but did not stay there very long. At the first 180degree bend the road kicks up significantly and the race also heats up.
Dan was still on front and the rest of us were strung out behind. Steve decided to up the pace on the steeper slopes to test the waters and went out front creating a gap fairly quickly. Slowing a bit as the group picked up it pace Steve stayed on front but soon had the group with him again. After repeating this kind of attack 3-4 times, Steve widdled the group down to 7.
Just after the feed/water zone at Echo lake (mile 13) Steve again went hard on front and we were down to 5: Steve, Chris and Bill from Mix1, Mike McMahon from RealD-Amgen and Chris Beaudin from CP Racing. In the next few miles Mike slipped off the back and it was just Mix1 and Chris B. Someone commented later it looked like a Mix1 team ride that Chris B had stumbled into!
Chris B now took over on front and drove a good tempo. As we approached the downhill section by Summit Lake a small gap had formed between Chris B, Steve M and Bill & Chris L. A much larger gap formed riding fast downhill and back up towards the switch backs.
On the switch backs it was just Chris B and Steve on front. Steve realised he needed some food and water and slowed slightly to eat and drink. This allowed Chris B to get a small gap but without fueling up it would have been far worse. As Steve absorbed his food and water he felt better and knew he had to ramp up to close the gap, but the question was how hard and how fast?
Unfortunately Steve did not time it well and the last two bends were rapidly upon them. Sprinting for all he was worth Steve could not close the gap in time and ended second on the day in 2:11:41. This was a PR for Steve so he could not feel bad. 3rd and 4th were taken by Chris L and Bill which meant Mix1 had an incredible day in the mountains.
Congratulations to the new Colorado State hill climb champion, Chris Beaudin. It was a hard fought battle and well deserved.
Racing for the Mix1 55+ team were Chris Leggere, Bill Kellagher and Steve Matous. A total of 66 riders began the race (only 60 finished) and all the best of Colorado's hill climbers were there so we know it would be a good race.
The first 6-7 miles follow the valley flow with a steady but not too steep up hill climb. Dan Grygier (Colorado Bike Law) winner of both Mike Horgan and Cottonwood pass hill climbs went on front immediately and began to set a good tempo. At one point Chris Beaudin (CP racing) went off the front but did not stay there very long. At the first 180degree bend the road kicks up significantly and the race also heats up.
Dan was still on front and the rest of us were strung out behind. Steve decided to up the pace on the steeper slopes to test the waters and went out front creating a gap fairly quickly. Slowing a bit as the group picked up it pace Steve stayed on front but soon had the group with him again. After repeating this kind of attack 3-4 times, Steve widdled the group down to 7.
Just after the feed/water zone at Echo lake (mile 13) Steve again went hard on front and we were down to 5: Steve, Chris and Bill from Mix1, Mike McMahon from RealD-Amgen and Chris Beaudin from CP Racing. In the next few miles Mike slipped off the back and it was just Mix1 and Chris B. Someone commented later it looked like a Mix1 team ride that Chris B had stumbled into!
Chris B now took over on front and drove a good tempo. As we approached the downhill section by Summit Lake a small gap had formed between Chris B, Steve M and Bill & Chris L. A much larger gap formed riding fast downhill and back up towards the switch backs.
On the switch backs it was just Chris B and Steve on front. Steve realised he needed some food and water and slowed slightly to eat and drink. This allowed Chris B to get a small gap but without fueling up it would have been far worse. As Steve absorbed his food and water he felt better and knew he had to ramp up to close the gap, but the question was how hard and how fast?
Unfortunately Steve did not time it well and the last two bends were rapidly upon them. Sprinting for all he was worth Steve could not close the gap in time and ended second on the day in 2:11:41. This was a PR for Steve so he could not feel bad. 3rd and 4th were taken by Chris L and Bill which meant Mix1 had an incredible day in the mountains.
Congratulations to the new Colorado State hill climb champion, Chris Beaudin. It was a hard fought battle and well deserved.
Niwot Colterra Criterium 45+, Pro 1-2 & 35+ race
For the 45s, this was a hard and hot race. The field blew apart and we finished with only about 15 or so guys left in the front group. Todd Robertson, went off the front with 30 or so minutes left and we could not bring him back. His team mate, Larry Marti did some very good blocking through the technical course. Pete Lucke, Craig Hoffer, Adam Asnes and a few other individuals did our best to bring him back. Pete and Craig did the most on that effort for a few laps, but without consistent chasing, we weren't bringing him back. Adam lead out Pete with a hard sprint on the long backstretch straightaway, next two corners and half way up the next long straight. Pete came around Adam and unfortunately Larry Marti was on his wheel. Otherwise, we might have been 2nd and 3rd rather than 2nd and 4th, but still a satisfying bit of teamwork. The promoters did a great job. This is a tough course, and it's always exciting to be in a town center, even a sleepy, charming little town like Niwot.
In the combined Pro 1-2, 35+ race CJ, Josh, Jim, and Lee started what was a fast and furious race. It was nuts, single file for the first 40 minutes, as Mr T would say "prediction, PAIN". Boulder Orthopedics had a bunch of guys and they really rode well. Josh was the only Mix1 one to finish and he took 4th in the masters race behind 3 Boulder Orthopedics riders. They rode very well.
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| Pete Lucke taking 2nd place |
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| Pete Lucke on his way to win the field sprint for 2nd place |
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| Adam Anses |
Monday, July 16, 2012
More videos of recent criterium races
Thanks to Fred Dixon for his videos of these races!http://www.dixonwebvideo.com/Dixon_Web_Video/Better_Bicycling.html
Sonic Boom Criterium 2012 SM 55+ Mix1 wins (Matous)
http://youtu.be/QMrGx6A7kfQ
Colorado Masters Championship, Criterium SM45+
http://youtu.be/jlVonvBlffM2012
Colorado Masters Championship CRITERIUM, Cat SM35+, 1&2 Mix1 wins (Gates)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbZpwRHeYA
Sonic Boom Criterium 2012 SM 55+ Mix1 wins (Matous)
http://youtu.be/QMrGx6A7kfQ
Colorado Masters Championship, Criterium SM45+
http://youtu.be/jlVonvBlffM2012
Colorado Masters Championship CRITERIUM, Cat SM35+, 1&2 Mix1 wins (Gates)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbZpwRHeYA
Longmont Criterium Classic, July 15 2012
A mixed group lined up for the 35+ Longmont Crit on Sunday. Josh, CJ, Michael, LT were joined by Henrik, Pete, and Adam (from the 45+ team) for the only 1-2 master's race of the day. The race saw lots of attacking from Boulder Orthopedics, but Mix One was up to the challenge of brining everything back in order to set up a bunch sprint for Josh. There were times when moves looked threatening, but time and time again, the Mix one boys were up to the challenge. With 4 laps to go Boulder Orthopedics put their team on the front in an effort to lead out their sprinter. Josh gladly sat on their train, jumped into the final corner, and held on for the win, his 3rd in four outings at this race! This was a true team effort for Mix One was certainly outnumbered...but not outraced.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Pikes Peak Hill climb July 14, 2012
Several of the Mix1 hill climbers went to the race the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on Saturday. Recently married Marc Holbert, Matt Gates, and Matt Segur racing 35+;1,2, and Peter Ismert racing 45+;1,2,3 category made the "assualt on the Peak". We aren't sure how Marc got away with this, but more power to him (thanks Maryanne). It was a beautiful day for a 7:00 am start up the mountain. Our 35+ guys all held their own on the climb, and so did Ismert. It was Ismert's first race since late May as he has been recovering from an off-the-bike injury and surgery. In the end, dueling it for 1st place in 35+ was our Matt Segur and Mark Schwab from Excel Sports on the last 2 miles of the climb. Mark got the better of Matt in the bike throw at the finish line. Great rides by Mark and Matt with a time of 1 hour, 17 mins, and 57 second. With Matt in second and our other guys in mid pack, it was a good day for team MIx1. Ismert held on for 4th in 45+. Just off the podium, but a good start back to racing this season.
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| Matt Segur 2nd place 35+ race Photo by Peter Ismert |
Friday, July 13, 2012
Sonic boom Crit 55+ photos
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| Steve Matous in breakway Photo by Craig Hoffman (all rights reserved) |
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| Steve Matous taking the win! Photo by Craig Hoffman (all rights reserved) |
Monday, June 25, 2012
Dead Dog road race, Laramie Wyoming 2012, Steve Matous' story
My first experience riding on the roads around Laramie came in the mid 1970’s when I was a student at the U of W. In those days my riding and running was mostly training to help stay fit for rock climbing, my first true love. After all it was climbing that brought me to Wyoming but riding my “10 speed” was still fun and in those days a fairly unique adventure for SE Wyoming.
Unlike the people in the front range of Colorado where I live now, the cowboys in their pickups, older couples in their “tuna boats” and everyone else were all just curious and wondering what in the heck you would be riding a bike out in the prairie and wind for! No one ever tried to run me off the road, no one ever yelled, honked or gave me a hard time. The one time someone did stop me, I was riding up the hill towards Happy Jack (off I-70), was because he rarely saw another rider around Laramie and wanted to know if I would be interested in buying his rollers for training? After all winters in Laramie never allow riding of any kind, unless you’re on a snowmobile.
While I did not bike race during those years I do know it was much later the Dead Dog was created. When I did begin to race in 2009 I definitely wanted to race in the Snowy Range west of Laramie. The Snowies hold great memories for me: rock climbs by full moon only to have it cloud up so we could not see and of course we did not bring a headlamp. When we did top out on the “Red Spot” route Peter and I sat to enjoy the view as the clouds broke up and the moon came out. Just off our shoulders near the top of the ridgeline we saw movement. As our eyes focused we realized it was a mountain lion. Brief stares between us and the cat and then it was gone.
So you can see there are lots of reasons why I like coming back to Laramie to race and this year was no exception. What was different was the heat. Close to 80degs at 8:30 in the morning at race start in Albany at 8500ft, you know you are in for it. The wind was howling as well (but this is Wyoming after all) a good 25mph steady out of the west and south west, made for a slower and very dehydrating race. Even with the neutral water feed 2/3 the way up the hill climb I was dry to the bone long before race end.
We started with 66 riders from the 35+3, 45+ and 55+ categories. Since the first 11 miles are mostly downhill (Dread! We have to come back up that at the end when it is hotter, the wind is in your face and of course you are tired.) The group stays together, lots of anxious over caffeinated bodies wanting to go faster but not wanted to work yet. The turn west towards Centennial is always a little shock as the wind is now head on. Flat with little hills you can feel the pace picking up, people start jockeying for position and that right before the town everyone is keyed up.
As soon as the hill climbing starts the race explodes. The first mile is steep and fast, pretenders drop off quickly and as the hill gradient lessens we were down to 12 or so riders. A mile of up but not steep then drops off for a short downhill section before the 6-7% long grind begins. This lasts for about 5 miles all the way to the feed zone with neutral water. Three of us from my team, Chris, Bill and I were part of the group as was our main rival, Kim (who won the race last year), but the younger riders soon pushed the pace into the red zone for Bill and I. Chris was able to stay with the lead group and Kim was in between us with 3 others.
The race to the summit at 10, 570ft brought few changes to the racers positions but once we hit the turn around and headed downhill Bill and I were able to catch both Kim and one of our team mates who was in the 45+ race (Bill S). The four of us rode together through the flats and turned south towards Albany. This was the beginning of the longest 11 miles any of us had ridden in years. Not only was it hot and windy, but since our team mate Chris was in the lead group the rest of us refused to help Kim and made him do all the work. If he wanted to catch Chris we were not going to help.
In the end the front group had over 3 minutes on us and it came down to a sprint for the finish line. Trouble is after 55 miles and over 3600 ft of climbing the last 2/3 of a mile to the finish is the steepest climbing of the day. If you stopped riding you go backwards very quickly. So it was not exactly a sprint, more of a faster version of the slow uphill pace, but at least for a few seconds we spun our wheels quickly and moved the bikes forward, at least until our hearts caught up with us and began to burst.
Kim beat me by a few spokes of the front wheel. Bill K had enough and came in 20seconds back, Bill S stayed out of it as he was racing a different category. We all were glad that was over and ran for the table with bottles of water laid out. Congrats all around and discussions about the racing tomorrow already began.
I am really not sure how long it took to get hydrated enough to be able to pee, but I had driven back to town and was at the motel trying to recover to be ready for the criterium and time trail the next day.
But that will be another story.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Guanella Pass Hill Climb June 17, 2012
Chris Leggere and Steve Matous racing 55+.
Rarely does a race plan go perfectly but that's just what happened Sunday. Our plan was to go hard on the 1st hills out of town to force a split in the field, draft a little on the flats and hammer it home in the last 4 miles. Steve wasted no time as he went to the front as soon as the neutral car pulled off and hit the hills out of town at full speed and forced the split in the 1st 2 minutes. We had Workman, Grygier and Cooper with us on the front and kept the pace high. Cooper could only hang for about 5 minutes and it was down to the same riders from the Sunshine Hill Climb last week. Through the flats we followed Grygier's wheels and when the steep sections came up Steve started putting in some strong surges to test the others to see how they recovered from the TT Saturday. With about 4 miles to go Steve and Chris went into team time trial mode and took turns at the front increasing the pace. 1st to go was Grygier. At about 3k we dropped Workman and then rode into the finish with Steve crossing the line right behind me. Our strategy worked perfectly as Mix1 took 1 & 2 for the day!
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| Dan Grygier 3rd, Chris Leggere 1st, Steve Matous 2nd photo by Drew Clark |
Monday, June 18, 2012
LT Sandvik racing at Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, NYC
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| LT Sandvik out front! |
One of our long time key sponsors Rockstar Games was lead presenter of the 39th annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic - held at historic Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.
Conditions the past couple years had been either extremely hot or the course was wet and slick. This year happened to be fantastic and the racers came out in droves.
LT Sandvik made the trek from Colorado to NYC and raced in the Masters 35+ category and also the Cat 2/3 race. Both races had well over 100 riders in the field which made the straightforward four corner course quite interesting.
I had made contact with the Rockstar /Signature Cycles team and let them know that we were all riding "for the same team" and that I would be willing to help out if at all possible.
The race started out fast with the riders strung out in single file for the the first four or five laps. Then riders started settling in, others got a little careless and the crashes started happening. In total there were 6 or 7 crashes in the Masters field - due in part to the super fast conditions, field size and good sized purse for a masters race.
I could clearly see I was outgunned in the sprinting category but felt coming from altitude would play to my favor towards the end so I sat in the pack and did not contest any primes - (yes a little tail-gunning - but also mid pack in order to keep an eye on things) there were no significant breaks for anything that tried to get away was quickly brought back in less than a lap.
With 8 laps to go in a 45 min race things started heating up and guys were getting a little twitching. I knew that things were about to get interesting shortly. As the laps ticked down I just wanted to be sure I was positioned to have an open runway on an attack.
Finally after crossing the start finish with 4 laps to go I made my move on the outside just after turn one. That side was wide open due to being a little off camber at the corner so all I had to do was make it past the pack before turn two otherwise I risked getting squeezed into the barrier fencing (two riders had already went down because of that) I actually nicked a pedal on the barrier fence earlier in the race so was hesitant to even give myself the possibility of being on the outside after turn two but it turned out to be the right positioning. I got the surprise jump on the pack and started my solo effort for the win. With three laps to go I had a solid gap and felt good - with two laps to go the adrenaline was really pumping for the announcers and fans all around the course knew I had a shot at the win and were getting loud. On the final lap I just put my head down and tried to stay relaxed and fast out front. A valiant effort but the teams behind me got organized and rounding turn four was caught by the chase - the effort strung everything out so I dug it out even though the win was lost and finished 10th.
Immediately following the Masters race was the 2/3 race. Again 100 plus racers at the line and the race began more in line to where the last race finished up. Considerably faster from the start and throughout the entire race. My lungs felt good but even with a solid jump couldn't move up more than 7 or 8 places and then had to fight to hold that until I could get up a little more - The 2/3 sprinters were amazing so again I didn't contest any primes - I honestly didn't think I had much left after the 1/2 mark but being the only other Rockstar rider in the field had been lapped I at least wanted to finish in the pack if I couldn't get a win.
Again with 8 to go things started heating up but with 5 to go an insane crash happened and they neutralized the field at the start finish. The riders that made it through now found themselves at the back of the pack completely stopped at the line. We sat there for at least 10 min and could have been longer. Then the announcer lets us know that we will be restarting the race with 3 laps to go and no neutral lap. This was going to be a shit show and everyone knew it. The rest was the worst thing for me and my legs started filling up with acid and felt really heavy when we finally did start up. I made the conscience decision to just stay safe and finish. So I stayed in the with pack and finished 56th.
The race was alot of fun and the Rockstar team was grateful for the Colorado representation. Just wished I could have pulled off the win.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Bill Stalhuth view of Iron Horse RR
Ran into Matt in the chilly parking lot of the High School in Durango while the sun was still finding its way behind some ridge to the east. Our field boasted 180 some odd riders but, in point of fact, there were about 120. What happened to the other 60 is any one's guess. Nevertheless, we two sole representative's of Mix 1, felt a little out numbered.
Matt pointed out that Las Vegas Louie had come to town and, as our group was staging and shuffled forward like cattle in the chute, we saw him and a posse of his minnie-me's hanging out by the side and jumping in to the head of our field just before the start.
When we started, Matt and I were in the front 10--where we stayed for the whole show. A couple of fruitless attacks had Louie send up two of his more burly team-mates to set pace and did they ever. They got us to the Hermosa climb in just over a half an hour. Matt and I sat not too many places behind in a peloton shaped like a large tear-drop. This was the place to be as we flew past the legions of tourists who left before us, choking up the shoulder and well beyond. Never thought I'd yell at cyclists to stay to the right of the shoulder. It looked like an accident waiting to happen. When the big boys pulled off and drifted back after averaging over 23mph, I patted one on the back in sincere thanks.
Matt and I stayed to the front. I was feeling pretty good and spun comfortably in a 36x23 as the incline pitched up to 10%. Hermosa worked its magic and in some twenty minutes we were down to a group of about 8. Louie was the marked man and as the course flattened out our pace slackened. Nobody wanted to work for him (his team was nowhere in sight) and he displayed his usual antipathy for facing the wind alone. Some shedlings came back and we were about 12 at the base of Coal Bank Hill.
Here, Louie set the pace. I worked my way towards the front of our dwindling group. Eventually, I sat near to Louie, my elbow about even with his rear cassette. We labored on for some time until we were but a group of five. Louie churned on but I felt my strength ebb and suddenly some daylight appeared between us. I blinked at how rapidly the gap was growing. "Son of a bitch is going to solo," I thought. I turned to Matt and rasped: "Take my wheel." I got out of the saddle, closed the gap and then drifted to the back of the group and hoped for the best.
I don't know how much more time passed. Four grimacing cars behind a truculent engine. Just when it hurt the most a gap appeared again and grew wider. This time I said to Matt: "If you've got anything left use it now." because I had nothing. Matt bridged the gap and I watched from the back of the group. So we stayed for some time but it was like trying to stop a leak in a fish bowl with chew gum. Again a gap formed and Louie was now pulling away. Twenty-Five, 50, 75 and closing in on 100 meters ahead of us.
Out of the saddle and passing the others in our group said "Verdampt noch mal!" and went after him. Cursing is best in German. There was Louie, daylight, me, daylight, and the other two with Matt. I started fading and two riders passed me at a steady labored pace, no Matt. Now I saw a group of two up the road and Louie threatening to disappear round the next bend.
Suddenly, at the side of the road in a jeep, in the middle of 100,000 acres of wilderness, some dudes with monster speakers were blaring some heavy mettle and shouting at us at 9:00 in the morning. Talk about auditory coffee. I insanely ignored my fatigue, the way we do when we do "just one more" anarobic interval for the third time in a row. Eventually they caught Louie and I caught them--and finally Matt rejoined all of us just as we crested Coal Bank Hill, a group now of five.
On the decent, a moment's inattentiveness, had me gapped off. On Molass Pass, I stamped on the peddles and only succeeded in increasing my fatigue. One mile short of the summit a rider shed from the lead group softly mutter some profanity as I lumbered past him.
I spun over Molass Pass and started down the decent to Silverton like it was a time trial. Matt somewhere ahead of me would come in third. All the way down I intermittantly tucked my head and took furtive glaces under my arm to see if anyone was coming back. I kept thinking: "Okay, fourth place, not a bad morning's work". To the right, over the edge of the road, the irregular buildings of Silverton got bigger and more distinct. "Alright I'll ride into town on my own."
As I approached the last hairpin, I saw two riders baring down on me. One I recognized as the guy I overtook. After the hairpin I knew they had my wheel. I hammered into town. The last kilometer was narrowed down with irregularly placed cones and a shouting gauntlet of faceless voices to the width of two bikes, no more. My man did not come around me, good, but this other guy I didn't recognize sprinted by in a blue kit. With 200 meters to go I was on him and thought to sprint but it was so narrow and claustrophobic that the thought "Aw, let the Cat 3 cross the line uncontested" flashed though my mind. You see, everyone looks younger in a kit and I thought he was some kid from an earlier race. That's how I ended up in 5th rather than 4th, as I thought.
A fun and deeply satisfying race as always. I hope they run it forever.
Matt pointed out that Las Vegas Louie had come to town and, as our group was staging and shuffled forward like cattle in the chute, we saw him and a posse of his minnie-me's hanging out by the side and jumping in to the head of our field just before the start.
When we started, Matt and I were in the front 10--where we stayed for the whole show. A couple of fruitless attacks had Louie send up two of his more burly team-mates to set pace and did they ever. They got us to the Hermosa climb in just over a half an hour. Matt and I sat not too many places behind in a peloton shaped like a large tear-drop. This was the place to be as we flew past the legions of tourists who left before us, choking up the shoulder and well beyond. Never thought I'd yell at cyclists to stay to the right of the shoulder. It looked like an accident waiting to happen. When the big boys pulled off and drifted back after averaging over 23mph, I patted one on the back in sincere thanks.
Matt and I stayed to the front. I was feeling pretty good and spun comfortably in a 36x23 as the incline pitched up to 10%. Hermosa worked its magic and in some twenty minutes we were down to a group of about 8. Louie was the marked man and as the course flattened out our pace slackened. Nobody wanted to work for him (his team was nowhere in sight) and he displayed his usual antipathy for facing the wind alone. Some shedlings came back and we were about 12 at the base of Coal Bank Hill.
Here, Louie set the pace. I worked my way towards the front of our dwindling group. Eventually, I sat near to Louie, my elbow about even with his rear cassette. We labored on for some time until we were but a group of five. Louie churned on but I felt my strength ebb and suddenly some daylight appeared between us. I blinked at how rapidly the gap was growing. "Son of a bitch is going to solo," I thought. I turned to Matt and rasped: "Take my wheel." I got out of the saddle, closed the gap and then drifted to the back of the group and hoped for the best.
I don't know how much more time passed. Four grimacing cars behind a truculent engine. Just when it hurt the most a gap appeared again and grew wider. This time I said to Matt: "If you've got anything left use it now." because I had nothing. Matt bridged the gap and I watched from the back of the group. So we stayed for some time but it was like trying to stop a leak in a fish bowl with chew gum. Again a gap formed and Louie was now pulling away. Twenty-Five, 50, 75 and closing in on 100 meters ahead of us.
Out of the saddle and passing the others in our group said "Verdampt noch mal!" and went after him. Cursing is best in German. There was Louie, daylight, me, daylight, and the other two with Matt. I started fading and two riders passed me at a steady labored pace, no Matt. Now I saw a group of two up the road and Louie threatening to disappear round the next bend.
Suddenly, at the side of the road in a jeep, in the middle of 100,000 acres of wilderness, some dudes with monster speakers were blaring some heavy mettle and shouting at us at 9:00 in the morning. Talk about auditory coffee. I insanely ignored my fatigue, the way we do when we do "just one more" anarobic interval for the third time in a row. Eventually they caught Louie and I caught them--and finally Matt rejoined all of us just as we crested Coal Bank Hill, a group now of five.
On the decent, a moment's inattentiveness, had me gapped off. On Molass Pass, I stamped on the peddles and only succeeded in increasing my fatigue. One mile short of the summit a rider shed from the lead group softly mutter some profanity as I lumbered past him.
I spun over Molass Pass and started down the decent to Silverton like it was a time trial. Matt somewhere ahead of me would come in third. All the way down I intermittantly tucked my head and took furtive glaces under my arm to see if anyone was coming back. I kept thinking: "Okay, fourth place, not a bad morning's work". To the right, over the edge of the road, the irregular buildings of Silverton got bigger and more distinct. "Alright I'll ride into town on my own."
As I approached the last hairpin, I saw two riders baring down on me. One I recognized as the guy I overtook. After the hairpin I knew they had my wheel. I hammered into town. The last kilometer was narrowed down with irregularly placed cones and a shouting gauntlet of faceless voices to the width of two bikes, no more. My man did not come around me, good, but this other guy I didn't recognize sprinted by in a blue kit. With 200 meters to go I was on him and thought to sprint but it was so narrow and claustrophobic that the thought "Aw, let the Cat 3 cross the line uncontested" flashed though my mind. You see, everyone looks younger in a kit and I thought he was some kid from an earlier race. That's how I ended up in 5th rather than 4th, as I thought.
A fun and deeply satisfying race as always. I hope they run it forever.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
35+ ERock & City Park Criteriums
E-Rock
A small field assembled after a rain delay for the Castle Rock Crit. After numerous attacks, Matt Segur got away with 5 other guys. Matt, realizing he was away with sprinters, started attacking the break and succeeded separating some of the wheat from the chaff. With a few laps remaining Matt started attacking in attempt to get away from the sprinters. Unfortunately he was reeled in time and again. Blown from his manly efforts, Matt ended up 4th. Behind in the bunch gallop, Lee led out so fast, he ended up taking the field sprint for 5th and Josh finished 6th.
City Park
The race began with a furious pace, with riders trying to break things up early. Matt, the energizer bunny, Segur put in some huge digs and due to his efforts and others, the field was quickly cut in half. Boulder Orthopedics send Carlos off the front about midway through the race, but Jim Thies and Michael kept him in check and Carlos was caught late in the race. With a field sprint looking likely, Mix One massed at the front for the lead out. Things got confusing with one to go as a few of the other riders sprinted one lap early, but Josh and Lee were paying attention and with Lee leading things into the 2nd roundabout, the fix was in. Josh launched out of the 2nd roundabout and was not caught. A real team win!
A small field assembled after a rain delay for the Castle Rock Crit. After numerous attacks, Matt Segur got away with 5 other guys. Matt, realizing he was away with sprinters, started attacking the break and succeeded separating some of the wheat from the chaff. With a few laps remaining Matt started attacking in attempt to get away from the sprinters. Unfortunately he was reeled in time and again. Blown from his manly efforts, Matt ended up 4th. Behind in the bunch gallop, Lee led out so fast, he ended up taking the field sprint for 5th and Josh finished 6th.
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| Matt Segur in the Break Photo: Peter Ismert |
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| Men at work (play) Photo Peter Ismert |
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| Michael Burton on his own! Photo Peter Ismert |
The race began with a furious pace, with riders trying to break things up early. Matt, the energizer bunny, Segur put in some huge digs and due to his efforts and others, the field was quickly cut in half. Boulder Orthopedics send Carlos off the front about midway through the race, but Jim Thies and Michael kept him in check and Carlos was caught late in the race. With a field sprint looking likely, Mix One massed at the front for the lead out. Things got confusing with one to go as a few of the other riders sprinted one lap early, but Josh and Lee were paying attention and with Lee leading things into the 2nd roundabout, the fix was in. Josh launched out of the 2nd roundabout and was not caught. A real team win!
ERock Twilight Criterium 35+
What a day for Mix1 35+ team. Matt Segur, Lee Middlekauf, Josh Barnett and Michael Burton came in 4th,5th,6th & 7th after a hard fought race. LT Sandvik brought the rest home in 24th.
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| Matt Segur on front, Michael Burton next in front of pack Photo: Peter Ismert |
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| Michael Burton Photo: Peter Ismert |
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| Matt Segur Photo: Peter Ismert |
ERock Twilight Criterium 45+
In the 45+ crit race Pete Lucke led a two man break from 1/2 way through the race until the finish where he outsprinted his rival, Criag Hofer, for 1st.
Adam Asnes and Marcel Van Garderen came in 4th and 5th respectively while Henrik Pedersen finished in the bunch sprint for 17th.
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| Butch Stinton 3rd, Pete Lucke 1st, Craig Hofer 2nd Photo: Peter Ismert |
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| At the finish line Photo: Peter Ismert |
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| Pete Lucke, Craig Hofer in 2 man break Photo: Peter Ismert |
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Coal Miner’s Classic – Scott Kornfield Memorial Criterium 45+ race
The CoalMiner’s Classic is a 2 mile circuit criterium featuring high speed corners and smooth, wide, speedy roads. Peter Lucke, Adam Asnes, Henrik Pedersen, Butch Stinton and Larry Comman lined up for the mid day start under ideal racing conditions. Racing was fast and stayed that way. Small groups would take a chance at breakaways, but were quickly gobbled up by the field. Mid way through the race, Peter Lucke initiated the first substantial breakaway, starting with a solo effort off the front. He was joined by 3 other riders while the rest of the team clogged the front through the turns and broke upchase attempts. Though the break threatened for several laps, it was reeled in with three to go. With two laps left, Craig Hofer of Boulder Orthopedics and a Tokyo Joes/Whole Foods rider initiated a two-man attack. It seemed a Hail Mary effort given how the field was able to chase so rapidly. However the break stuck, working so hard as to drop one of its two participants. On bell lap, Peter sacrificed himself with a hard and long pull that strung out the field and attempted to bring back the tenuous break. While he didn’t catch one rider, the effort helped Adam sit on the front of the peloton without having to spend precious energy defending position on the wide roads. The field sprint started with a hard jump from Joe Paulson of Boulder Orthopedics. Adam just barely overtook Joe with a bike throw at the line to win the field sprint. Congratulations on an exceptional solo effort for the win to Craig Hofer and Joe Paulson who rounded out the podium with third.
Note: Scott Kornfield was a local cyclist who was killed riding on US 36 by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. There is a little known but very useful memorial to Scott at the base of Lefthand Canyon right near the Greenbriar driveway. It’s a steal case on a pedestal that is stocked with handy items like spare tubes, CO2 cartridges and miscellaneous tools available free on an honor exchange system.
Note: Scott Kornfield was a local cyclist who was killed riding on US 36 by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. There is a little known but very useful memorial to Scott at the base of Lefthand Canyon right near the Greenbriar driveway. It’s a steal case on a pedestal that is stocked with handy items like spare tubes, CO2 cartridges and miscellaneous tools available free on an honor exchange system.
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