Attendees: Me (Not sure why since this race is great and close to Providence)

Course: 4 loops of 10 miles. Start is uphill on four rollers for about a mile and half, hard right downhill with awful S curve, At mile 3.5 is “THE HILL”. This is about 1km long with high grade on bottom and then keeps climbing. (Shocking how many guys couldn’t gear this one). Then real fast section on tight roads leading into a steepish hill on a turn with a long false flat. This is a tricky section and hurts more than the typical big hill which you can see. Then fast downhill back into town then a hard right over the river and a steep climb on a turn with a long false flat to the finish.

Race: For once this month I decided to sit back and give my best at the end and not the beginning and middle. I had the gearing for the entire loop in my head from the get go and it worked perfectly for me. Instead of powering the hills, I spun them. The difference saved me for the last lap. Sometimes, I don’t think with my brain and try to use my power to win. Last lap I looked for a decent brake but it is tough on most of the course due to the speed sections. So instead of wasting it, I saved for later in lap. With 3 miles to go, George from International went off the front on the steep turn back into town and I broke up to him to try and seperate the pack. Unfortunatley, he was spent and realistically without help a break wasn’t going to work (I know I have tried it twice before in prior editions) coming into the downhill. So I sat in and waited. Coming into the final right I picked the left side which bummed me out since I wanted the right. I also knew that I needed to be top 5 and I was about 10-12 coming around. However, I love the finish and as we climbed I was patient (yellow line was in effect even at finish) and waited for guys to die and moved around them. Finish for sure top 10 and I think 6 or 7. Couldn’t stay around since within two minutes of the end I was in my car driving to a funeral. We will see.

Course- Circuit race 10 mile loop with a 2 mile neutral start. Mostly rolling terrain with one climbing section around 1 mile long.

Attendees- Cat 4 was me Geoff and Mike. Kirk raced the 5’s

Report- Big field, around 100 at the start. Mike lined up towards the front, Geoff and I were around the middle. It was a fast start. In the middle of such a huge pack it was really tough to move anywhere. Many sections we had the whole road, so it could have been way worse. Most of the climbs I was moving up through the pack. Geoff and I stayed pretty close to one another. Had to do a lot of braking on the downhill sections. I had not really reviewed the course that closely so I didn’t know what to expect. But with all the downhilling I knew something was coming up. Pack was getting spread out, and I was not as far up as I wanted to be. Climb started pretty steep. But honestly it was exactly the kind of climbing I can do decently. Really steep but really short, then a recovery section, and then a second slightly longer but less steep section. I was moving up through the pack, passing riders. I was pushing it, HR in the 170’s, but I wasn’t killing myself. Then I got to the top, the front pack had already split. They were waaay off the front. Geoff got dropped. Then the same damn, crap I hate….chasing the pack. Luckily I had Mike there, we were constantly chasing guys down, seemed like we had a good group organized. Got a rotating paceline going (kinda…lot of guys had no damn idea how to do it) and it worked we pulled up to the main pack. Then like a bunch of goddamn idiots guys start trying to jump the gap. Not one of them made it and the paceline fell apart, we hit the hill again and everything was a mess. Rest of the race was fast pack riding, picked up a bunch of masters guys. Climb was actually my strong suit in this perspective and dropped our little pack there most laps, they would catch me later. I was going to try and made a break for it with one of the cyclonauts guys but his r. der was f’ed and he only had 2 gears. Were some really fun sections. Could really do some fast ass descending. Dropped like a stone. I guess I should be happy, it was a gorgeous day. got to hang with my buddies. was strong through the ride. But I’m kinda pissed. If I had been in the right position it could have worked out much better. Props to greenline velo excellent coordination, high marks for course and organization

Lessons- 1. know how to f’ing paceline. this is the best weapon you have to chase down the pack or to make a break that sticks. My experience it works best with 3-6 riders. Anymore and it’s a mess. don’t be an idiot and just fight for 26th place, coordinate and get it together. 2.line up close to the start line on big races 3.stay in the front especially on the first climb. In fact go full gas to get there, otherwise you’re just going to work harder trying to chase them down. 4.I need to work more on visualization techniques. I think I set myself up by not believing I could ace the climb on the course, hence I was not aggressive enough until it was too late.

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Attendees: Gewilli, Jerry, Brier, me

Weather: mid 50’s into low 60’s. Mild wind

Course: 45 miles which was 4 circuits with one big climb

Prerace: Nothing pumps me up like a good spin while listening to old Dead bootlegs(sarcasm)…….from Briers radio.

Race: Because of my lack of fitness, I took off just hoping to finish with the group. This was only my second ROAD race ever, so I did not know what to expect. I felt great most of the race. I got a little tense towards the middle after some tire and elbow rubbing, but calmed down after G-Willy barked at me. I started to feel good in the pack, and worked my way up for the climb on the last lap. I dropped back some during the final climb(not intentionally), and found myself towards the back with 3/4 of the final lap to go. I slowly started to make my way towards the front, and was feeling stronger and stronger. The pace was really slow where it should have been fast. I made it within two rows of Brier, with about two miles to go. I felt perfect for a sprint, but I was realistically two or three rows too deep to have a go at it. It sucked knowing I could out sprint the majority of the guys there, but the course really only allowed the front ten a shot at it. Some joker took off/crossed the yellow line way too early, and shit started to go down. I started to move up, but once I heard the sound of breaking carbon all around me, I sat up and played defense. Thats my ten cents. I was behind Brier when Karma came and kicked him in the ass. I actually swerved to almost a complete stop to avoid the jerk off who wrecked his wheel. Brier raced an awesome race, and deserved better. He was attacking and working all day, and still looked fresh at the end….bad luck for him….or like I said…Karma? G-Willy was rocking it as well for the first few laps. I think his basketball proportions caught up with him on the last lap. I was impressed with the big guy. I think if start actually riding as a team, we might be able to make some stuff happen?? Any who, it was fun having a few racing mates out there. Great to meet Jerry. Refunds definitely made a statement bringing the big guys to a road race with some climbing in it. I think our combined weight was equivalent to the rest of the combined field.

Weather: mid 50’s into low 60’s. Mild wind

Course: 45 miles which was 4 circuits with one big climb

Prerace: Luckily I came early since I had a flat rear wheel and my trainer was in pieces. Stayed calm and got everything done in time.

Race: Felt good and for once I wasn’t worried about anyone in the field. Now although breaks are tough without the right mix in this race, I was willing to try. So when the Juniors started popping off the front, I went with each break until we freed ourselves with another guy from Cycleloft whom I kind of knew from racing. We worked well but alas we didn’t have enough to keep away. We lasted about 10 miles but we needed another guy and for the course to have another big hill like last year to form seperation. So on lap 2 coming up to the big climb, I was overthinking and shifted stupidly into my small ring and wound up dropping my chain at the bottom of the climb. I dismounted, put the chain on again and said to myself to be calm since I knew I could catch the pack. I lost 45 seconds, but I did catch them about 4 miles or so later. On my way, Jerry was getting dropped from the group on the climb and I yelled for him to jump on but I don’t think he could hold my wheel. However, a few other guys owe me for helping them out. At this point there was 1.5 more circuits left but it is very very hard to pass on this course since the road is only 3 wide with about 80 guys. My mission was to move up to the front for the end. Pace was way too slow and that made it harder since no one was being hurt. With about 5 miles left I was a little worried since I was only about mid pack. I took one row every minute from then on using the far right line. With 2K to go, I was in the fourth row. With 1k to go, I managed to be in row 2-3 still on the right. I knew I was guaranteed a top 10 but wanted the win. For that I needed the front guys to move their asses. So….the 1k sign came and some asshole from Belfast Cycling came from way back over the yellow line and sprinted to the front. I was so happy because it caused everyone in front of me to sprint to the left to chase him. Instead I said to myself, go for it on the right. I started hammering it with about 700 meters and was passing up to the front. I just passed into fifth position when some type of trouble happened behind me on the left. I think someone thought to themselves, oh…I should jump on Brier’s wheel. Well the stupid jerk hit my rear wheel and unbeknown to me must have stuck his pedal into my wheel and broke 3 of my spokes right in the middle of them. With 300 meters to go, my wheel locked up and it was over. I controlled my rage. Was happy I miraculously didn’t crash and bummed that I lost my chance for victory.

I thank my teammates though for riding so nicely today. Gewilli and Curtis were up there in frontish most of the race and Jerry did an awesome charge up the right on the second lap. It was nice to see.

Weather: Start was 50 degrees and pouring rain. Tailwind for first half of race and headwind for the second half. Rain stopped after about mile 20 and got humid.

Course: Race around the Quabbin Reservoir – 62.5 miles. I would call it hilly although there were no major walls, but there were a ton of climbs including some climbs of about 1 mile or so.

Prerace: Slept well last night and woke up naturally at 5:30. Felt great for about 1 hour and then I got a very bad case of the runs. How bad? Couldn’t drink nor eat since it wouldn’t stay in me. Drank all of 1/3 of a bottle for the entire race and no gels. I lost 2.5 pounds since yesterday afternoon to today. Funny thing is I ate at some fancy restaurant which must of gotten me sick.

Race: I knew from last year to not kill myself on the numerous climbs but to tempo and spin up. The start of the race goes straight down from the top of the reservoir and is one of the most dangerous neutrals in the country especially on a wet day. Moved to back to stay out of danger. Was wise decision for the first twenty miles and felt very at ease. Once rain stopped and we started a series of harder climbs I moved up to the first third but not much more since it is a long race and I so no one willing to break. Problem was that the pace wasn’t hard enough to get rid of enough riders and the pack was probably 60-70 strong. Anyway mile 33 at the top of the climb on the backside right before the right which leads to a long stretch downhill on sketchy roads, I got a flat. Neutral came for a new rear wheel but it took a good 2 or 3 minutes for the process. I knew that either I kill myself right now or I had no chance to catch the pack. Major problem was the SRAM guy screwed up my derailleur and I couldn’t shift well and he never closed my rear brake. Well, I killed myself for next 15-20 miles in TT position but I could never see the pack again. There was no one willing or able to work with me. About mile 50 or so, I started to feel the effects of not eating or drinking much and had to fight hard to concentrate on keeping the tempo going. By the time we came back onto Route 9, I was alive but not great and when we hit the final 5k climb to the finish, I was praying to just finish. I did. Drank some protein. Then passed out at a rest stop on highway. Right now I still feel the effects of the stomach problem. Bummer!

Hey does anyone want to give up their Blue Hills Ticket? I am signed up for the Masters race but my brother is getting married finally (Age 45) to some bimbo and I need to get to the wedding on time. Let me know.

Nice riding with you guys this weekend.

The Race: A single 62-mile loop with numerous short, moderate climbs and an uphill finish. I was optimistic about my chances, as I felt very fit and lots of climbing makes this skinny guy smile. The weather was not as bad as I had feared and I was feeling quite good as the race wore on. None of the climbs hurt much and I was comfortable in the lead group. We turned off of Route 9 for the last couple of miles before the finish and I started trying to move up through the pack. Then someone decided to swerve into me, and my race was over. Hitting the asphalt at 30 mph is not my favorite part of bicycle racing. (I did manage to get back on the bike after a couple of minutes and roll across the finish line, even passing two people from my field.)

The Damage: Road rash, a bit worse than usual. Some sort of soft-tissue damage to my right shoulder (the same shoulder I messed up a couple of years ago.) A helmet that needs replacing and a shoe that needs repairing. I’ll see how my shoulder feels in the morning, but I might be off the bike for a bit while it heals.

Attendees: Gewilli, Not Skinny, Greve and Sponsor

Course: usual Ninigret but on a slicker surface due to cold rain.

Race: Combo 3/4. Probably half and half was the composition of the field.

Usual crit start. However,I fell to back to try to get my cleats in the pedals properly. Was hanging in back with Mashburn (who took 11th at Battenkill in Cat 3) and watching my man Scott Glowa agitating the front. Now since I have been riding with him daily I knew he would be doing this but I assumed (wrongly) that if he was going to break it would later in race and with Mashburns help. So, while I fucked around in back for a couple of laps, all of sudden Glowa took off with some other guy (who he knew was super strong) and that was the end of the race. I was pissed though that no one bothered to reel them in when they easily could. When I saw the gap open to about 10 seconds I quickly came to front to work and catch them. What bummed me out is that I knew positively that I could hang with Scott all day. I can’t outsprint him but I can outlast him. Now the rest of the race was about trying to create either other breaks or trying to work together to narrow the gap. Neither succeeded. I would give a shout out to Gewilli for a nice pull or two in the race. Otherwise with about 3 to go, Mashburn finally came to the front and I moved Curtis behind his wheel and I tucked in behind. Might have worked with better coordination. Finally, Mashburn took off one last time with about 3/4 of a lap to go and usually the boy would have taken me to the promise land but coming into the final stretch he completly died in front of me and I lost my slingshot. Got passed by the pack and was totally pissed.

Not enough people showed up so it was a combined field with a couple of cat 2’s and the rest split between 3 and 4.

Distance: 28 miles

Prerace: Did what I thought would be a warm up ride of 25 miles but since it wasn’t raining at the start, I was soaked by the end.

Race: By race time, I was shaking so hard that my teeth were chattering for the first 8 laps or so until I could warm up my core temperature. Race featured a bunch of breaks and participated in most of them. Even had the balls to go for a prime against the better sprinters. Took my time and worked my way up to take second and collect $5. In the final lap, picked my wheel and moved on outside to grab it. Was all set since the line usually moves to the outside on the backside but a guy from Embrocation broke early on the inside and everyone moved over to cover. Mananged to chase hard on outside by myself and on the final turn cut back inside. However, George from Independent Bike died in front, had to touch brakes to move around him but still managed to take 10th in front of some better sprinters.

COURSE: Race course, though a slightly different lay out every year, was quite familiar to me as I have raced this at least 10x over the past decade. It’s always fast! Lots of fire road and open sections w/ some twisty single track thrown in to make it a mtb course. Nothing technical, though some root sections, and a couple of steep short punchy climb. It has some really nice flow to it though. There was a new climb this year right before the end of the lap that was really steep and required some careful traction and power, but wasn’t very long. I’ve also said this a thousand times: this course brings out all the roadies. And indeed the field was quite big w/ lots of faces I was not familiar w/.

BROTHER: The guy standing next to me, I knew quite well though. My younger brother! We were back to racing in the same age group and same category. He used to be one fast mofo (and that is quite a good story) until he got hurt. And I mean “winning cat 1″ fast! Last year he started to get back into racing and had two days before this race, moved back up to cat 1 again (after being called a sandbagger, which is another story). Nothing like a little bit of brotherly competition. This race was going to determine who mom loved best!!! Just kidding of course…

RACE: It was a little bit of a messy start w/ some deep sand in the fire road, and required some negotiations. So I lost track of how the field was getting split. My bro set a high pace (for me) right from the gate, and my goal became to try to stick to him as long as I could. I did initially lose some ground but was able to catch up to him once we hit some single track which bottled necked the whole field. At the end of the first lap, we switching places several times, and I eventually stayed up front and started to develop a tiny gap.

On the second lap, I would try to pick off riders, by catching up to them, staying on their wheel, recover, and then pass. If I got passed, I would try to draft as long as I could hold it w/out burning too many matches. By the end of the second lap I had a little bit of bigger lead on my brother but I could still see him in the longer fire road stretches. I had also caught up to two guys in the same group and had passed them. Yet, as hard as I tried, I could not drop them though. Soon they were back up on my wheel and one passed me and started to create a small gap. On the next climb I was back on his wheel and eventually passed him.

Lap three was a real suffer fest trying to unsuccessfully keep these two guys at bay. I’d create a small gap but then somehow they would be right back on my ass. We yo-yoed like this through the lap and the same one passed me again toward the end of the lap. By the end of the third lap, I felt like I had burned all my matches, had nothing left, and had no idea how I was going to survive the last lap. The answer came in the format of little Gu packets w/ extra caffeine. Three of them in one lap!

On the long steady climb of the start/ finish area, I caught back up, passed, create a gap and finally thought they were gone. Of course they were not, but they were also not catching up to me and the gap I had created, which looked like it was 15 seconds was sticking. Then out of now where, with less than a 1/4 of the last lap left, the other guy, that had not yet passed me, passed me like I was standing still. I had nothing left and could not come up w/ the power needed to try to stick to him, so he disappeared. PO-ed, my goal was do anything it took to keep the other guy off my wheel and not get passed by him too. Losing two spots w/ less than a mile left was not something I wanted to regret and second guess myself about! Yet, at about 300 yards before the finish where this steep short hill is, as I came around the corner, I saw the guy who passed me struggling up midway through. This gave me a boost and by the time I crested the top, I had his rear wheel. I stayed right on his wheel as we came to the finish area, which was a short hill w/ a left turn. As we powered the hill, I cut to the inside and was able to somehow find another match to burn and beat him in the sprint. My brother came in 2 mins behind.

I ended up finishing 17th out of 26. Not very exiting results, or anything to write a lengthy race report about, but I was quite happy w/ my performance. Specifically, I was glad I did not crap out on the fourth lap like I felt I was going to. My race time was 1 hour 47 mins, and it was balls to the wall the whole race, and I can honestly look back and say I gave it all I had.