Training Log Archive: arg

Commute to work

Pre race warm up and cool down

Caleb Pike Crit

Temp: 32-ish
Wind: 0
Shade: None

Good numbers for tonights race - 22 - 25 B group.
SL brought his AviaWest development riders out to race and that added some young blood and energy to the much needed lethargic B group. It was hot and we were feeling the effects of the dry heat and pre-race warm up. Our first lap was slow, maybe 28k avg and most were hoping the remainder of the race was going to be at that pace, then sprint on the last lap - not to be. Once we got this lap under our belts the pace quickened.

I wanted to use this as a hard workout so I decided to lead the pack for the next lap and pushed it up to 45km, then into the downhill portion and hard effort to the top - I figured it would split the pack up and make for a lead out group that could distance from the slackers. Once I pulled off the lead, the pack pace slowed again and the pack re-established.

That was going to be the nature of the race until the end lap - those not wanting to put the effort in to pull the pack and wait for some one else. I pulled hard for 4+ laps of the 11 lap race and then pulled an absolute idiot move on my own when I thought I was on the final lap - I led out on my own, attacking at the bottom of the big hill on a right hand turn and accelerated through.

I was let out by SL and then jumped out. I kept my head forward and pedaled hard. The first time I looked back I had a long lead, maybe 300m and no one was on me. I sprinted downhill and then transitioned into the up hill sprint in the clear - as I neared the finish line, I realized I had jumped too soon, one lap too soon. I had another lap to go. D'oh! I was shaking my head while the pack caught up and I figured I was out of contention for a top ten finish which would give me points and help my standings.

I jumped onto the back of the pack and hammered away again - got established mid pack at the crest of the hill, got a few positions in the downhill into the right hand turn, then hung on. I was able to move up a few slots into tenth and then the steep downhill and sweeping left corner prior to the uphill finish came on - I was able to move up a bit then used the pack draft to sling shot out past the lead out rider with a few others and managed a 4th.

I was baked after that - it took me a while to get my heart rate down and get some liquids into me. I was happy with the results, considering the amount of energy I gave away on the second to last lap.

It was fun to watch me try to drink out of my H20 bottle as well - I had dental work and the left side of my face and lips were numb/frozen - more water was pouring out of my mouth than in.

My only whining for todays race is this - more like an observation though: I've finally figured out who the true wheel suckers are and despite on course cajolling by myself and others, they will never lead out the pack and work/join forces for tactical advantage at all and let some one else do it, continuing their parasitic behaviour which goes against Dougs' road racing etiquette standards. Not much one can do about it other than make it hard for them to gain advantage.

C • Wheel Suckers 4