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Team Bicycle Therapy's race reports are archived on this page. 
WARNING!
If the Race Report Archives don't split your brain with knowledge, then Karl "Genghis" Rahn will oblige.
July 21, 2002
Murrysville Cycling Classic
6 laps of a 10 mile course, containing 3 climbs
Roster: Rob H, Nick
Another week with a not so big field on the starting line,(About 50
riders) but considering it was the PA State Championship the talent level
was above average.
The first lap a couple guys went up the road early and I wasn't in the
mood to be out there all day so I didn't chase. The gap opened up quickly
to almost a minute and 1/2 way through the lap Graeme Miller(Mercury)
attacked solo. He would catch and eventually drop the breakaway soloing to
victory. Back in the pack Nick had just finished a strong pull at the
front. Unknown to him however it was at the base of the 1st climb making it
the beginning of a long chase.
After attempting a few attacks to no avail I decided to sit in until the
pack dwindled down a bit. Halfway through a group of 7 or so drifted away
including 4 Beans guys. I knew this might turn into something so I attacked
on the twisty descent at the end of the ;ap. A gap opened up and I was
joined by 3 riders who were interested in working together. That is util
the gap was down to 30 seconds. I then attacked and bridged the rest by
myself.(The other 3 did eventually catch the group)
This was now the group that would produse the PA Champ. Ryan Dewald,
Josh Beck, Jason Moore (Beans); Joe Papp, Dan Staite (Fuji); some canadian
dude; Zack Blaser; Me; Urzechowski (Watchung Wheelmen) Not much was
happening in the group until 2 laps to go it split in half and I had made
the mistake of being in the back of the group when it happened. Unless the
broke apart on the climbs the championship had slipped through my fingers.
Unfortunately at the end I made another tactical error on the descent and
was stuck leading out the sprint for 7th. I ended up 9th (I held off 1
guy!)
Results
1. Graeme Miller NZ (Mercury)
2. Joe Papp State Champ
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Rob Hacker TBT
New York City Championship
Sunday, Aug 4
25 miles/20 laps
TBT Roster: Johnny, Karl, Rob H., Carlos
This inaugural event was much anticipated as it is an invitational race for
categories I/II with a limit to four riders per team. The field was limited
to 72 riders with a purse of $10,000 for 40 places. Over half the field
would finish in the money! Based on our previous results as a team and our
local recognition, as well as our contact with one of the promoters, we were
a shoo-in.
Not only was this a big event for us, but the marquee race would feature a
pro field with star entry Lance Armstrong fresh off his Tour win the previous
week, two local crits in Holland on Tuesday and Wednesday (which he won), a
two man time trial on Saturday (placed 8th), and a three hour Concord flight
to Kennedy for the race on Sunday. He's on his bike six hours a day...what
are you on?
The team made plans to paint the town the night before and we all had dinner
in the East Village at Adrienne's and my favorite Korean restaurant. As we
talked trash I was a bit dismayed that the race would be so short, even with
my training, and a hard week...I rode four times, I think a record for this
season, I felt the race should be longer given the talent of the field.
The morning of, we all met at Adrienne's as Karl and Johnny were shacked up
at different cribs in Manhattan. Karl took one for the team and gave up his
pad for Johnny and Vicky; he stayed with his woman for the night. As we
suited up the anticipation started to build, especially since we weren't
exactly sure where the race was. Wall Street somewhere, how hard could it
be? We just headed down Broadway, incidentally heading past Ground Zero. As
we rolled to the start/finish we got to see the grandeur about to take
place...rider sign in, team/rider call up, fans already lining the course,
all very professional. The course was shaped like a dog bone. Front stretch
and backstretch on the same road with an island in between, and a series of
four turns at either end; the course was 1.2 miles. Just after the second
turn a stretch of cobbled road was featured...cool, we'd all be riding like
Museeuw over the cobbles, just like Paris Roubaix if only for a minute. The
straight aways were pretty long and I anticipated a serious effort coming out
of each turn onto the long stretches. There were some pretty serious manhole
covers to watch out for as well.
Finally the start of the race. I made sure to get into the turns at the
front to make it easier on myself as the field got comfortable with the
course. I also did my best to look pretty for my Litespeed rep, Justin, who
was in the lead car and was sponsoring the celebrity race with Litespeed
bikes. That lasted for two laps. After that I just started concentrating on
the wheel in front of me, and over time those wheels became many. Did I say
before that this race was a bit short? Silly me. With fifteen to go, and
only ten laps complete I was contemplating dropping out, and with 11 to go I
was riding caboose, my tongue barely staying out of my front wheel. I looked
over and saw Adrienne, I looked ahead and saw my teammates, I remembered the
colors of my kit and knew I couldn't let everyone down. Have I mentioned
before that this is the worst season of my career? So I buckled down and
took it lap by lap.
I almost forgot to mention. A three man break containing Joe Papp, Skip
Foley, and Charlie Issendorf had formed on lap four and by this time had
about a 35 second gap. The horsepower was there and the breakaway was
working well. There were also some crashes which fortunately none of TBT
were a part of. Hacker got his name mentioned over the loudspeaker while
going for a JVC boom box preme with about six to go..nice props, but a little
too late to make a move. With about three to go and the break destined to
stay away I made one move to pull Rob and Karl to the front. Johnny had been
riding near the front on his own and I figured he's be okay on his own. I
got Karl to about fifteenth, but had to let up as there was some elbowing and
swerving going on. At this point I thought I would try to stay up near the
front, but a crash with two to go in the first turn left me overgeared and I
fell back quite a ways. Johnny also got held up, had to unclip, and tacoed
his back wheel in the process.
So with the end of the race coming to the close...the team gave it it's best;
Johnny settling for 34th, and Karl getting the last money spot in 40.
Results:
1. Joe Papp
2. Skip Foley
3. Charlie Issendorf
34. Johnny Strain TBT
40. Karl Rahn TBT
PS. Lance didn't win the pro race but he did put in a solid effort. Ivan
Dominguez from Saturn took the win in a field sprint. The Saturn Team put in
a great late race effort driving the front of the bunch catching the break of
seven that at one point had over a minute lead. Even though they had one of
their own in the break they felt their chances were better in a sprint; gutsy
call, great tactics.
8/10/02
Mt Holly/Smithville Gran Prix
96 miles (8 x 12 mile laps)
Hot, sunny, not too humid
Roster: Johnny, Willy, Pete, Karl, Nick, Rob H
DS: Rob P.
What do a flat, fast course and the presence of a couple pro teams and
most of the best East Coast amateur teams add up to? Try a long day in the
saddle. Since the repaving of a narrow bumpy road on the back of the course
eliminated any real technical sections it would prove to be a jam to the
end.
The first lap or so was uneventful and after a scolding by my teammates
for sitting on the front I assumed a position somewhere in mid pack.
Unfortunately it was too far bak to see a break go which ended up numbering
between 15 and 20 guys. Logic would have suggested a chase since most of
the money was up the road and not all teams were represented but bike racers
aren't always too logical. The wind didn't favor a solo chase so when I
attacked with no followers and 1 1/2 laps to go I knew I was going back.
Johnny informed me not to try that again and so we sat near the front hoping
it would at least break up a little. It didn't but I think Jonny and Willy
might have finished close to the front of our group.
Even without a place it was a good team effort and for some cool shots
check out the photos page
8/11/02
Tour de Christiana
Christiana, PA
Roster: Rob H., Nick
Heat and humidity would be a factor in today's 30 mile crit especially
with a 4:15 start time. The course is just over a mile long with a power
hill up the finishing straight and 8 turns. It is a demanding race in its
own right but especially after racing almost 100 miles the day before. For
Nick, however this wasn't enough of a challenge alone so he decided to join
in on the festivities of Pup's bachelor party the previous night and early
into Sun morning!
The first lap (of 24) saw a stong pace set by previous USPRO champ Eddy
Gragus(Sierra Nevada)and a last corner crash almost split the field with me
behind. A lap or so later it came together on the hill and as I was going
to talk to Nick I responded to an acceleration and didn't see Nick until a
couple laps later on the sidewalk. I guess he can't party with the big boys
yet! By the time I got to the front a group of 3 had escaped - Gragus,
Scott Z.(Snow Valley), Ryan Dewald(Beans). With a strong presence of both
Beans and Snow Valley in the pack and a lot of horsepower in the break they
were gone!
I tried a couple of attacks and was either marked too closely or was by
myself(I didn't have the horsepower to go solo today) so I just rode it out.
By the end I was just happy to finish with the group capping a great weekend
of 2 races and NO places!
Allentown SportsFest Criterium
Sunday, July 14
Distance: 27 miles/30 laps/10 places
TBT Roster: Rob, Johnny, Carlos
Weather: Overcast, warm
After taking take my early morning trek to the john, I noticed outside that
the leaves were wet and it was lightly raining. Sweeeet! Oh well, too bad,
no racing for me today, and back to sleep I went. Getting back into the
covers I felt uneasy knowing that it might be too easy to just bag it, though
it did feel pretty good to be wrapped up with my honey under the sheets. I
was semi sleeping and didn't get a chance to ring Johnny, before Rob called
and asked me what my deal was. Sitting on the fence I asked him for a
weather report in Allentown; he said it was dry and for some reason I didn't
hesitate to contest him and said the racing would be a go. Knowing that I
might be a curmudgeon about suiting up for the day, I found out later that
Johnny had already planned a motivating speech to get me going; a speech he
never had to use. With Pup it never would have been that easy.
Oh, forgot to mention. Sold my bike, complete, two days earlier, so today I
would be using the shop Litespeed demo bike. So, no riding for a week and a
half, a different bike, and a chance of rain. No problem.
The course is a rectangle, all right hand turns, and just short of a mile.
The start/finish is in the middle of a slight uphill, with the course
elevating to its highest after the first right hand turn. The backstretch
goes down a bit, but covers some choppy road before making the fast 3rd and
4th turns.
Rob and I decided to do the vet race first, and while I don't really consider
myself a vet (it used to be 35+, but for some reason it's now 30+), and
prefer to concentrate the senior race, I'll lend a few sentences on the
competition. My goal was to sit in the whole race, not knowing if I would
blow myself for the senior race. Unfortunately I didn't make an effort to
chase down the first move, and neither did Rob. The move stuck and a Mercury
old guy soloed for the win. Rob got away towards the end, caught and dropped
a solo chaser (Dwayne the Train/ Carrera), ran out of real estate to catch
the lone escapee and soloed in for second. Going for fifth place, as there
were riders away, I figured on having some fun, and hooked up with Willy, a
TBT expatriate but all around good guy. I led him out down the backstretch
and through the last two turns, going pretty good I might add. My effort
paid off for him and he won the sprint for fifth place. Maybe it was the
last minute adjustment on the seat height, or the handlebar adjustment prior
to the start, not sure, but I was feeling ok, and ready to tackle the next
race. Actually a nap would have suited me just fine.
We had to wake up Johnny to start the senior race as he had trucked up with
me to the race and had been waiting around for a few hours. The field was a
sweltering 43 riders. Where is everyone? The fields this year definitely
seem smaller. Oh well, no one here that I'm worried about, just myself I
suppose. The start was faster than I was expecting, but true to the colors I
covered the first move. Thank god it didn't last because it nearly killed
me, and while I spent the next ten laps recovering, the race exploded off the
front. When I got a chance to look up Rob nor Johnny were in the move. But,
depending on Rob to do something, I sighed with relief when I saw him attack
and bridge to the break. Johnny, not wanting to ride around at the same
speed as the rest of us either, made a strong move shortly thereafter, that
also nearly killed him, and managed to latch on a lap later. The break was
now set. I did my part by trying to stay with any chase group, or keep a low
profile in the field, but ultimately nothing transpired.
With about 5 laps left, Willy, the same TBT expatriate, yelled to me to look
back as Rob was about to lap us with three other riders. Calling myself to
duty, I sat back so Rob would have a mark to go by as he approached and then
followed his companions to the front. Trying to keep things together or
follow his rivals I sat second in line while one of his breakaway partners
motored around for a few laps, nearly killing me, again. Unfortunately I
wrecked myself in the process and was unable to provide any sort of leadout
for Rob. On his own Rob managed a respectable third place. Johnny came
through in a two up sprint and placed sixth as he had escaped the remaining
breakaway riders once Rob's group had gotten away.
All in all not a bad day; some good training and some decent results.
Results:
1. Dunno
2. Doncare
3. ROB HACKER, TBT
4. Big guy in blue
5. Some Carrera dude
6. JOHNNY STRAIN, TBT
Cheletenham Classic
14 laps/39 miles/8 places
Sunny, high 80's
TBT roster: Rob H, Johnny, Nick, Pete, Karl, Brad, Los
Well, this is turning out to be the worst season of my career. Not that I
didn't expect it to be difficult, but getting dropped in races just isn't
fun. Mentally and physically the demands of the sport without adequate
preparation are taking it's toll.
The Cheletenham Classic is a great course, closed to traffic it rolls around
in one loop, all right hand turns. Smooth roads, a long uphill on the
backstretch to string it out, and a nice finishing straight. The course is
well marshaled and has great volunteer support. Unfortunately, the rider
list was sparse compared to the start list of last year when the field was
close to a hundred. About 40 riders were on the line, and immediately my
confidence went downhill knowing that there would be few places to hide when
things got tough. Some of the usual PA riders were in attendance, with about
2/3rds of the field being represented by the Beans cycling team.
Our game plan was to ride conservatively, knowing that half the TBT squad
would be semi-pretending. I felt pretty good after two or three laps, and
even put in a few moves to cover relatively insignificant animations. Got to
represent. But as the race unfolded, so to did my form. It was especially
difficult to concentrate after Johnny came up to me and said, "Eh kid,
halfway, how do you feel?" He said it almost jokingly, but when I responded
that I wasn't feeling so great he said, "Really?" I guess his training is
going better than mine.
As the racing went on a Bean's rider would attack, and then be brought back
by his own man; textbook Cat 5 racing. With about six laps to go a sleeper
move rolled away with all the big guns looking at each other in wait. With
no TBT member up the road I went to the front and put in a big effort to keep
things close. The following lap Karl did the same, and as the group was
being brought together, I was riding caboose at the back beginning to feel
nauseous and getting a headache. Karl did a good turn, but hurt me in the
process. Somewhere in all that, two riders got away. I guess I was too
concerned with the wheel in front of me than what was going on up the road.
Hacker, the ironman of the team, continued his weekly effort of trying to
attack or cover moves but to know avail. My feeling is that he is now a
marked man and will not be involved in any significant moves unless they
contain the right ingredients.
With three to go I fell apart, and with the field not even going that fast I
resigned myself to packing it in. I just didn't have the legs. It was just
basically an all around drag. As I was recovering in the shade, and with one
to go, Mike Pudlinski goes by with another on his wheel twenty seconds ahead
of the group. My feeling was that they would be caught by and anxious chase.
Unfortunately the duo stayed away with Pudlinski taking the well deserved
win. Three more riders escaped the field, but with a saving grace, Johnny,
riding with his best from since the days when he didn't follow the workouts
designed for him by Joe Friel, who incidentally wrote the Cycling Bible,
scored second in the field sprint for 7th place overall.
The ride of the day, though, had to go to Nick, who after about five laps
motioned to me that he was in trouble. After getting next to him he told me
his saddle had broken and he couldn't stand up for fear of his saddle falling
off. He rode the rest of the race this way, broken rails and all, but
managed to finish in what was left of the bunch.
Thanks to Perry, and the wives/girlfriends in the cheering section for the
words of encourgement, except when I thought I heard Adrienne say, "Give
up!," when she actually said, "Bridge Up!" Got to get my hearing checked I
guess.
Results:
1. Mike Pudlinski, Union Square
2. Some guy not on TBT
3. Dean Rittenhouse, Bean's
4. Some guy not on TBT
5. " "
6. " "
7. JOHNNY STRAIN, TBT
8. Some guy not on TBT
Sunday, June
Southern York County Circuit Race
50mi/20 laps/10 places
Sunny, 90's
TBT roster: R. Hacker, J. Strain, N. Shaffer, B. Thompson, C. Rogers
By: Carlos "Tyson" Rogers
I've never been inside the ring for boxing match, I'm not one to fight, but
after yesterday I'd have to say I now have a good felling for what it feels
like to be knocked out. It wasn't a matter of going up against a better
opponent that intimidated me, it was just that this time my shake 'n bake
wasn't enough. Anyway I'm not sure if was the uppercut or left hook that did
me in, but after coming to I was back at the car and the bunch still had
sixteen laps to go!
The course is a 2.5 mile circuit starting on the top of a hill, it then winds
through to a steep decent with a 90 degree sharp right, a few rises, another
90 degree left turn and then a long gradual rise that takes you back into the
start/finish hill. The hill isn't so bad, but the back stretch false flat
section really puts the hurt on.
After the first lap, all together, I covered a non-threatening move through
the start/finish, a couple of pulls and into the down hill, and Graham Miller
joins, or should I say flies by the three of us. I jump on, not really
wanting to because I know this could be a serious move, and my "rope-a-dope"
will only last so long. He looks back and says "come on guys," and I try to
look like I'm game. Onto the backstretch he punches it, and just as I come
off, three riders go by and latch on. That's the race, or so I thought. I
drift back to the bunch (did I mention there were only about 40
starters...not much room to hide) and suffer to join in. The next lap Hacker
and Johnny drill it in an effort to keep the break close, I barely hang on,
but Brad comes off. My nose bleeding, my left eye swollen shut, I manage to
stay on my feet, but not for long, one more time around and BAM! I was out
for the count.
Back at the car I begin to come out of my stupor and try to put together the
pieces of my demise..no training, fries and cheesesteaks, little rest, but
ultimately a tougher opponent...this day! But like any boxer down on his
luck I already go into "come back" mode and begin to plan my next move.
Back to the race. Nick is the next casualty, perhaps a little tired from his
previous days effort at Marietta. Hacker and Johnny are hanging tough. The
initial break was caught, but another has formed, a group containing both
Miller and Speaks of Mercury, a Bean's rider, an Aquafina, and Pudlinski are
putting time on the field. Hacker works with another rider and Scott
Zwisanski (ex-TBT) to bridge, but at crunch time Scott makes it across and
Hacker can't surge to hold on. The break is now motoring, guys are dropping
out of the field, and Hacker continually makes efforts to extricate himself
from the bunch. Johnny is doing an excellent job of monitoring things and
late in the race Hacker finally gets away with Jeff Hopkins (winner of the
previous day's race, the Marietta Criterium) of Jittery Joe's and a Bean's
rider who has been absorbed after bridging to the break but then coming off
the back. The three ride the remaining few laps together with 7th place
still at stake, while Miller goes off the front putting time on everyone
towards his solo win.
Last lap. While the remainder of the break is sorted out, Hacker jumps his
two companions at the base of the hill (with the closing field just behind
them), dropping the Bean's rider, but the move doesn't shake the cagey
Hopkins, who comes around for 7th. Rob holds on for a very respectable 8th
place. Johnny, putting forth his best effort in years, after time off the
bike, maintains his place for the finish in the bunch.
Results:
1. Graham Miller, Mercury
2. Bean's guy
3. Scott Zwisanski, Snow Valley (ex TBT)
4. Aquafina guy
5. Mike Pudlinski, CRCA
6. Steve Speaks, Mercury
7. Jeff Hopkins, Jittery Joe's
8. ROB HACKER, TBT
9. Ray Sanchez, Snow Valley
10.???
6.16.02
Cargas Criterium - FINALLY A TOP THREE!!
by: Rob Hacker
Course: Two corner 'D' shaped course with an uphill into the wind finish
sprint
Partial sunshine, wind and hard racing were all in the forecast for Sunday's
cargas crit. A break was sure to go up the road so the Bicycle Therapy
squad was ready to answer the call. We had almost a full contingent
(Carlos, Johnny Strain, Nick Shaffer, Pete Frisko, Brad Thompson, and me) so
the blue and yellow were out to make there presence known. I decided to
stretch my legs when the whistle blew, much to Carlos' chagrin as he had to
cover the response. Things settled after a lap or so but it was always
interesting up the finishing hill. We kept a close eye on things but
nothing was happening yet.
After a couple laps I was approaching the line on the left and noticed a
small group starting to escape that included Steve Speaks (mercury). I
accelerated to close before I saw Nick doing the same. I told him that I
had it and bridged up to the group. (I should have told him to come along
now that I think about it!) A group of a fifteen or so formed at the front
and quickly gained time on the field. It was almost too big of a group and
actually split apart for a couple laps. up fron were six riders including
Speaks, Dean Rittenhouse(beans), and Mike Pudlinski(team think). A
potentially dangerous combo who unfrotunately had some representation in the
chase. Fortunately the chase picked up a bit and we were now a front group
of about a dozen riders (3 from beans, 2 ColaVita, 2 aquafina and the rest
singles) and the pack was in sight! 10 laps to go!
For logistical reasons the pack was neutralized when we caught them and it
was just the break left to duke it out. I was fighting back the urge to
attack, letting the riders with teammates cover the attacks that were
continually happening. When someone would cover then I would jump on their
wheel incase they went anywhere. Carlos lessons about smart racing are
finally sinking in!
With 4 laps to go Rittenhouse attacks and is marked by a ColaVita guy. No
body else goes and every body starts looking around. On the back of the
course I drift left and every body else stays on the right giving me an
automatic 10 meter cushion. I attack, look back, no response so I tuck down
and floor it. 3 1/2 laps of suffering coming up! The gaps open quickly but
the leaders aren't in sight. 1 lap to go, I'm not sure what's going on
behind me but I have closed a bit on the leaders. The odds makers are busy
on the sideline. Carlos is taking even money that I'm going to get caught.
Pete is looking for someone to bet that I'm going to win! (I heard Johnny
wouldn't take him up on it!)
Coming around the last turn I was focusing on holding on to 3rd when I saw
the leaders jockeying for position in the sprint. For the first time I
thought I might have a shot at it. Alas I was about 15 meters short. But
nonetheless thrilled with third! Smart racing pays off!
Results
1. Dean Rittenhouse Beans
2. ColaVita guy
3. Hacker Bicycle Therapy
4. ColaVita guy #2
5. Ryan Dewald Beans (racing in Europe made him a bit faster but no smarter)
Date: 6.15.02
Lebanon 'Circuit' Race By: Rob Hacker
The circuit was actually more like an extended criterium (hence the quotes)
with a gradual climb after the start finish, a loop around a school back
down the same road then 4 corners around a block and back to the start
finish. Intermittent showers had fallen throughout the day and the sky was
still threatening. That along with a field of 70 or so was enough of a
signal for me to go from the whistle to try to string things out and to
avoid any first lap carnage. John Delong(Beans) came along but when right
by me. (He would stay away solo for quite a few laps) I was caught on lap 2
but did avoid two first lap crashes. During the whole race attacks would go
up the road usually on the hill but nothing stayed away long. Nick Shaffer,
Brad Thompson and I shared the duty of covering the more promising looking
moves.
It was turning into a battle of atrition as the pace and the wind both
picked up. Brad got gapped a little after 1/2 way and saved his legs for
Sunday. Nick and I continued to mix it up as the lead pack dwindled to
about 20 riders or so. With 2 to go Joe Papp of UPMC attacked, I marked it
and was soon away with him, steve Speaks(Mercury), another UPMC guy, and
John Delong. Ufortunately the mix was no good. Delong refused to work
since there were 2 UPMC guys and a 15 sec gap that could have lasted quickly
evaporated.
Headed for the field sprint was a dicey affair with one crash at the bottom
of the descent and another at the last turn. I held on for 12th and Nick
came in in 19th(I think the last finisher in the field).
Results
1. Joe Papp UPMC
2. UPMC guy
3. Steve Speaks Mercury
12. Hacker
19. Shaffer
6/2/02
Cadwalder Park Circuit Race
Trenton, NJ
Sunny, warm and windy
1 kilo circuit, uphill sprint
On a day with not much else on the schedule I thought there might be a
decent field in Trenton, instead I was lining up with a field of about 20
riders for a 1 hour points race. Oh well, with a sprint every lap (scoring
2-1 points) it would at least be interesting. The 1/2 way sprint and last
lap sprint would score 5-4-3-2-1.
The first couple laps were fairly tame and I managed to grab a 2 pointer
and a couple 1 pointers. An attack went up the road with a Montclair rider
and a Century Road club rider. Since it was a little windy I sat back with
an Ideal Tile guy to see what would happen. The were working well and it
became clear if I wanted to join them it was up to me. Bye-bye Ideal Tile
guy.
I bridged as we got the signal for the 1/2way sprint which I managed to
get 4 points. After that the break seemed to not want to work even though I
tried to convince Montclair dude that since he had the fewest points it was
in his best interest to stay away. On the ensuing lap, while they looked at
each other I rolled away saw the gap and figured I would try it on my own.
Even if I got caught after a couple laps I would still have cushioned my
total so no worries. 6 laps later I figured I could relax a little and did
get caught by the same 2 guys with 2 to go. Sat in for the next sprint then
countered to win the last lap sprint for 5 points. I even got $75 for my
effort, not bad!
Rob H
Race: 2nd Annual Bucks County Fitness Course Race
Distance: 35 laps/35mi.
Weather: Overcast/Sun, high 70's
by: Rob "Puppy" Palachick
The course was designed for cyclists and roller bladers and is a smooth,
undulating one mile circuit with sweeping turns. The fitness park is
directly across from the Trexlertown velodrome, west of Allentown, for those
in need of landmarks. La Squadra consisted of me, Johnny, Hacker and Karl.
After a tough week of training, 11/2 hours Tues including one hill and the
Greentree training crit on Thursday, I was a bit worried about being
overtrained for this weekend. I knew, however, that with a good warm-up (my
usual rolling around in circles at about 2mph) my legs would be good and
loose for the start of the race.
They would have to be since the usual cast of characters were all present,
Beans, Aquafina, Bucks County, and a few out of towners like two guys from
Rich Hincapie's team and a team from Florida in town for Somerville, and I
knew that they would all be marking me. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that
Henk Vogels of Mercury was also there with his kiwi mate Graham Miller. The
general talk was that Vogels would take it easy on us especially since he was
probably recovering from his long break and ultimate second place at
Housatonic the weekend before and that this race wasn't as important as,
say...the USPro champs coming up here in Philly, a race that he won three
years ago, or like his days with Credit Agricole when he was riding the Tour.
Anyway, I figured that he might be up for an alliance with TBT to sack the
rest of the field. Trouble was, he wasn't. Neither was Graham. And the fact
that Steve Speaks, who's been sticking it down the throats of the rest of the
PA riders, and the rest of his "regional mercury stars" were present as well
would certainly make it a hard day in the saddle.
From the gun Vogels steps on the gas and every other lap takes a good turn at
the front to soften the up the rest of us. Some guys thinking that they were
actually going to turn the screws to the Mercury riders put in a few efforts.
I guess their bottles must've been spiked with crack because nothing was
going to happen without the perfect combo. One time I actually ended in a
small group with two of them and prayed to god that we would be caught
quickly. I think that was on lap three.
About halfway into the race Karl and Johnny gas there way into a good move
containing Speaks and Miller. Johnny said something along the lines of, "go
f%$# yourself," when Speaks demanded that Jonny pull through. See, Johnny
has a similiar schedule to mine and guys like us don't have to pull through.
That didn't bode well for the break and just as it came back I watched Vogels
slide up the side and dissappear off the front. Sometmes it's nice to be a
spectator, you get to watch and appreciate. The next thing I know there's a
break of seven including Vogels, Miller, Speaks, Scotty Z (Snow Valley) and
some other guys. Not good for us, or those four sorry asses in the break
with Team UCI Division 3 Pro but can race in a 1/2/3 race. Johnny was pretty
bitter about that, Karl just wanted to sniff Vogels' shorts. One or two laps
later, just like Sesame Street, the three who didn't belong sperated
themselves. Word has it, that once that happened, Vogels, Miller and Speaks
looked like they were out for a Sunday joy ride talking about their next
Playstation puchase and cracking jokes about us. Not wanting to ride around
like a bunch of p$@#y's each of us made efforts at the front the to keep
things close, without, ahem, any support or organized efforts by any other
teams. We really didn't have it in us, but eventually Scotty Z's group came
back and the entire bunch would be embarrasingly sprinting for fourth place.
Johnny told me to stay with him and let Hacker know of our intentions. With
a few laps to go Karl ended up off the front in a promising move with three
or four others, but nothing would stick.
Bell rings. Last lap. Johnny is working up to the front when Hacker looks
over his shoulder to find us. Bad move. He touches wheels with the rider in
front and takes a hard fall to the left, I try to block it out because it
always hurts to see guys crash, especially your own teammate. Johnny slots
me in as we wind it up on the back stretch, and...deja vu, Karl clips a pedal
in the last sweeping turn and goes down just as hard as Hacker! We stay with
the momentum, but end up with too, little too late.
Post race Analysis:
I have to say I was happy with my own effort and the efforts of the team as
we were all active in the race, and rode respectable. Attending to the MASH
unit I find that fortunately Hackers Louis Garneau helmet took the brunt of
the fall, but unfortunately it was the model without the facemask, and he
ended up with some stiches above the eye, and some serious road rash. Karl
also got it pretty good destryoing his Chiba goves and in the process all the
nuckles on his left hand, as well as some pretty decent marks on his ass that
I had to scrub out! Both guys put skid marks on thier new Time shoes, ouch.
By this time Johnny was wandering around drunk on the free beer given out by
our hospitable promoters, with a case strapped to his back for the ride home!
Thanks to Perry, our biggest supporter and fan, for coming out to watch.
Results:
1st....Mercury
2nd...Mercury
3rd....Mercury
4th....Who cares?
Hellertown and Bethlehem Criteriums
Hellertown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
5/11/02 & 5/12/02
By: Nick Shaffer
Editors note: Nick (with his win last weekend at Norristown) has earned his upgrade points for Category 2. Not bad for a kid who started racing on the road just last year!
Hellertown - Your typical cat. 3 crit. Everybody wants to attack but nobody wants to work. The course is a short 4-corner course, short as in like 1/2 mile short, with a small climb followed by a gradual false flat to the finish. Nothing much happened till 17 to go I attacked and quickly gained time on the pack. Two laps later a group of five caught me and we still had some distance on the pack. Finally getting the break
to stop attacking and start working with each other, two more guys bridge up. Now with 8 strong and the first six still going strong we built up a gap of 45 seconds with 9 laps remaining. Unfortunately my companions in the break weren't as glad as I was to be in a break so everytime they pulled through they would slow down or wouldn't pull at all. Sad to say that we were caught at five to go. As soon as we were caught one rider went off the front solo for two laps when I decided to attack again and try to get off by myself. I ended up pulling the pack around for two laps, then on the last lap i hung on to finish in the pack. Not a great result but an awesome workout.
Bethlehem - Another rainy day in the saddle, which would bring an interesting day of racing to this fast 4-corner crit. Twenty minutes before the start a quick bolt of lightening and a small crack of thunder brought a short downfall that ended minutes before the start. No rain during the race, thank you! the race started off like any other crit with every small team attacking for the first couple laps. Just like at Memorial Hall it was the counter to my attack that produced the winning break. It was a four man break containing Dean Rittenhouse, Karl Woitas, Ryan Oelkers, and Ted Inoue. Thanks to the efforts of the mercury police force a chase never stuck and I was content on sprinting for fifth. Last lap going into the third corner everyone decides that they are going beat everyone else into the corner. Coming out of the fourth corner sitting 15 back I catch a wheel from a cyclodrome dude and he pulls me right behind the lead guys, who were in a five up drag race, which gave me no where to go. I hung on for sixth in the field sprint, putting me into tenth overall. After today I have a little more confidence going into next weekend for the state crit championship at Mt. Joy.
Norristown Circuit Race
Saturday April 27
55 miles/23 laps
By: Rob Hacker
Finally a nice spring day for a race and a good course too. The course is
just over 2 miles some straight and some winding sections, a narrow bridge
which would cause some jockeying for position and one hill with a hairpin
turn headed for the finish line. The weather was perfect for racing with
temperatures in the mid 60's and partly sunny skies.
Early in the day Nick Shaffer overcame some adversity to win the category
3/4 race. About the mid point of the race he dropped his chain on the hill
and had to chase back to the group. Fortunately he did so in short order
and quickly resettled back in the field. A couple of breaks periodically
went up the road but it was to no avail, they were all brought back. Headed
into the hill the final time Nick attacked at the base and by the time they
were headed for the line Nick had room for a hands up celebration across the
line! Way to go Nick! The win gives him the points required to upgrade to a
Category 2.
Next was the 1/2/3 race which, incidentally, Nick was also competing in.
Although we had a small crew (Pete, Chadd, Nick, Rob H.) Chadd advised us to
try to get 2 of us in the break so that is the stategy we went with. The
first couple of laps were mostly uneventful except for the mad rush to the
bridge. Then chadd went up the road with a small group. It was looking
good too since they were out of sight. The only flaw was the had Mike
Miller of Mercury in the group who was told not to work since their
'superstar' Steve Speaks was not in the break. They stayed away for a
couple of laps but were slowly reeled in.
When they cam back I was expecting some serios counter attacks so I stayed
near the front. None came so I figured why not make one of my own, just
past the start finish. I got a gap and looked back and saw Mark
Light(Beans) on my wheel and thought I had something. Soon we were joined
by Eric Slick(Aquafina) and an unknown (and soon to be dropped rider). We
were working well together which was key since we had over 15 laps to go
plus all 3 of us had some representation in the field. The only thing
missing was Speaks.
Fast forward to 2 laps to go. The gap was almost a minute to the field but
only about 15 seconds on a chase group of 2. Guess who?
I knew one had to be Steve Speaks(mercury) and could only hope the other was
dressed in blue and yellow. Unfortunately Speaks' partner was Jason
Moore(beans) and since Slick had been sitting on the back of the break for
the last lap I was concerned. We were no a group of five. A flurry of
attacks as we started the last lap but we stayed together. Headed for the
hiil the last time I attacked early knowing it was my only chance. I got a
small gap as everyone looked around but I was caught on the hill and would
have to settle for 5th.
In the pack with 2 to go Chadd attempted a solo break but it was a little
breezy to be away on your own and he was brought back just before the
finish.
Results
1. Steve Speaks - mercury
2. Jason Moore - beans
3. Eric Slick - Aquafina
4. Mark Light - Beans
5. Hacker (Me)
29.Frisko
36.Martin
37.Shaffer(quite a double 90 miles of racing)
Blue Marsh MTB race
Super Series Race #2
April 28 2002 By: Rob Hacker
Weather : overnight rain but partially clearing skies
Conditions: peanut buttery mud
Verdict: not fun
Three laps at about 50 min. a lap equals 2:40 of hard riding (and a decent
amount of pushing a 200lb bike when you count all the mud!) Suffice it to
say I was 3rd in the expert 2 class (30-34) and somewhere in the top 10 if
you combine times. Chris Eatough(Trek) won and if you want to see pictures
go to mountainbikeracer.com. And if you want my advice, stick to the roads
if it rained the night before!
Nittany Velo Circuit Race, PA
By Carlos Rogers
Sunday April 21
65 miles/13 laps
This is the second year for this race, and a race in which we did pretty well last year (3rd,4th,7th,9th-me). I personally had a good ride so the three hour trip to Penn State, while long, did not hamper my motivation for riding well this year (even with no training, I mean I literally have been on my bike three times in the last three weeks, and they've all been at races).
The course is shaped like a rectangle, a short power climb (300 meters) after the start finish, rolling stretches, a few turns, and sweeping bends. A nice course.
As soon as we got there, I immediately went in to Pup mode since the rain started and the clouds began moving in. Trying not to be a damper to Hacker, all I could do was complain about how miserable the race was going to be.
After a week of weather in the nineties, everything changed just in time for the start of the race. At least I'd packed my winter gloves, vest and rain jacket. But even still, nothing makes you want to crawl up in a blanket more than having your ass sprinkled with a cold rain while you're changing into your shorts.
At the line is pretty much all PA racers, maybe 50-60 guys. The first three laps are uneventful, guys getting used to the course and the weather, and even Chadd sitting in. We crest the hill, and a few pedal strokes later Hacker attacks and bridges to two guys up the road. They immediately drop one guy, and as Rob tells me later, he pretty much was hanging on to his companion who only shifted out of the twelve for the hill and happened to be an ex-pro from Ireland. Back in the group I'm thinking Hacker is drilling it as lap by lap the gap opens to a good 1:20 seconds. Nick and, Chadd, and even myself circulate around the front to police the bunch. This is when things turn sour for me; after 7 laps of racing, the cold and wet begin to affect my hands and I slowly feel them lose mobility and sensation. I mumble this to Chadd, and few other buddies in the pack hoping to get some solace, but by the look on everyone's face they all look like they would rather be back in their mommies womb. I try to fight the feeling, and can't believe that I'm actually pondering the thought of dropping out due to this physiological problem and not from the pace of the race. I ride one more lap and decide my time is up; as I coast through the start/finish I turn back to see a few other notables on the verge of tears with their hands in their armpits dropping out as well.
In the car, my recovery is almost embarrassing, hollering like a baby, shaking uncontrollably, and my hands burning like flame. Guess I'm just not tough enough.
Back to the race. I drive back to a good viewing point, with the heat at full blast, just in time to see a solo rider off the front (Steve Speaks, riding for the over the hill regional Mercury team, but he gets props cause he's been riding with a mission this spring), and 5 man chase (Light-Beans), Pud-Union Square Cafe, the guy from the original break-UPMC, and an NVCC) without Hacker...his time was up after a valiant effort. Hacker comes by seconds later looking like hell, and shortly thereafter Chadd and a group of about ten. Nick, succumbing to the elements, then followed with a few riders. Obviously the race had heated up.
With one lap to go, Speaks is putting time on everyone and goes on for the solo "V," the chase comes in, and Chadd takes for the group sprint for seventh, with Hacker also getting in the money for 13th place. Nick also finishes, making me proud of the guys and their effort.
Results:
1st / Steve Speaks-Mercury
2nd / Mark Light-Bean's
3rd / Dan State-UPMC?
4th /?
5th / NVCC guy with the sideburns
6th / Mike Pudlinski-Union Square Cafe
7th / Chadd-Bicycle Therapy
13th / Hacker-Bicycle Therapy
Next week: Norristown Circuit Race, Lower Providence Criterium
Friends and sponsors, welcome to the 2002 road season!
For those of you who are new, I will be updating you weekly on the happenings of the Bicycle Therapy road team, of which you have some affiliation (otherwise you wouldn't be receiving this email!). Most of you are familiar with my weekly reports; however, this year there's a slight difference. While I was the author of the majority of reports in years past, this year I will be forwarding (and probably editing!) reports from various members of the team due to my "semi-retirement" from racing.
The team has changed a bit since last year: Scott "Junior" Zwizanski has moved to the Snow Valley Elite squad (we wish him the best); myself and Stephan "Geronimo" Kincaid have semi-retired; Nick "Junior, Junior" Schaefer and Rob "No Nickname Yet" Hacker are the new additions; and Johnny "Earle" Strain may come out of retirement. Returning riders include Carlos Rogers, Pete Frisko, Karl "Genghis" Rahn, and Chadd "Wilfried Peters" Martin.
Below are the first race reports. Enjoy.
Ronde van Mullica, NJ
April 7, 2002
By Nick Schaefer
Mullica, cold, damn cold! A lot colder then I expected. While we were warming up Karl and I had a disagreement on the temperature. Karl swore it was around freezing, but it felt around 40 to me. Anyway, the race starts off, and everyone is jockeying for position going into the dirt road. Before the start Los described the course and where to start fighting for position for the dirt. THE DIRT!!! First time up the dirt road I found myself up front with Chadd and two Ideal Tile guys. Chadd yelled for me to sit on, so I did.
The beginning of the second lap saw Chadd going off the front with Bean's Bob and an Aquafina guy. The three of them sat off the front for the majority of the race. Rob and Karl came up to the front to play around, while I sat close watching.
With two laps to go the break was caught. Other little breaks were trying to form. Karl and Los came up and yelled for me to start chasing, so I did.
Second to last time through the dirt. Chadd tries to get another break going with Steve Speaks and a couple other guys, but nothing happens. Going down the long back straight away Chadd tells me to watch for the break. I go to the front and end up in the break with Speaks and a couple other guys. Not knowing who I'm riding with I drop back to the pack thinking that they will get caught soon. They never did. The last lap John Verheul and I tried to work to catch the break but a Target Ice gentleman decided that he was going to block for his teammate up the road. Going around the last corner Los yelled for me to get on Karl's wheel, so I did. Flying into the finish.
Racers across the road. Then we slowed up. Karl might be able to better explain what happen, but I think someone sat up and slowed down our whole side. We ended up rolling in with the pack. We all finished in the pack, except Pete who had trouble in the dirt. Next stop for the yellow and blue is Mt. Nittany in State College. I say we give them a performance that causes riots in the streets.
Prospect Park
By Carlos Rogers
Sunday 4/14, Prospect Park, 42 miles:
If getting up at the crack of dawn, 5 am to be exact, isn't committed for you then I don't know what is. I mean I know I can't train and all, but after today I'd have to say there's still a little gas left in this old truck.
This is my first time in Brooklyn, but the faces are all the same..of course you'd only recognize them if you race in New York since none of those guys ever leave the border. Toga, Gap-now E-caps, Montclair Cycling Club?, Juan Pablo Talker from Ideal Tile, T.C. guy (Pup, you know who I'm talking about) and a lot of other native new yorkers. The course is three miles long with some twists and turns, and a slightly uncomfortable 1/4 mile incline.
The race goes off and we're a hundred strong, typical for a 6:30 am start. After about three laps of riding around, Karl, my only other teammate, makes a sneaky roll off the front. After a good lap out by himself, a Kissena bridges to join, and shortly thereafter, Dave Martin (wearing an earpiece, I don't know why for a race that has all the importance of a Mavic training crit, unless he was getting a radio feed from Paris Roubaix and telling his other guys where Hincapie was on the cobbles) joins them. The short lived break was not to be, and Karl came back to the field, punctured, changed his flat a.k.a. Shuey style, and jumped back in. A couple of laps later two go off, a Toga and E-caps, and wanting to represent in the sprit of the team, just like Karl, I jump, bridge, turn around and see the field. Oh well. We ride around some more and everything is copasetic except for an errant crash on the uphill, due to the slick road and manhole covers, me and Karl are ok.
Well, coming to the end it looks like it's gonna be a field sprint. My mind was wandering a bit, thinking about breakfast (at least Karl gave me an extra Hammer gel bottle which helped a lot), if I was gonna be able to catch the end of the 100th running of "A Sunday In Hell", what I was gonna do the rest of the day, and the morning joggers now dotting the course. I figured I could concentrate for the last four or five miles so I got back in to race mode. I'm near the front, but slide out and wait for Karl to bring him back up for the sprint. Since Chadd isn't around, and Wilfried Peeters was driving alongside Museew in Paris Roubaix, I prepare for an Eros Poli. With just over a lap to go, I tell Karl to slide in while I cover the danglers off the front. We overtake the Masters race on the uphill, and before I know it I'm one of the danglers. A Toga jumps, and I'm left with three others with a bit of a gap. We pull erratically, me not believing that the natives are going to let us go, but with half a lap to go I realize that I'll be sprinting for second as the Toga guy is holding us off. Funny huh? Since I didn't really bury myself I kind of give in to sacrificing one last pull and plan on settling for fifth as a gentleman's gesture. That was short lived as I allow the Montclair guy to jump (since he took the hardest pulls) even though I could've waxed him, and then Simonize the other two and roll in for third place! The race now over I have to say I had a bit of a chuckle to myself at my result. This is why I still race, because it's not always the strongest or fittest rider who can get a top result, but the rider who knows where to be and when to go.
Complete 2001 PaBAR results. Kincaid claims 6th place at Mt Holly Invitational. Zwizanski earns 19th at Time Trial Nationals in California! Click here for results. |
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