Gung Ho/Spring House Cycling

Baltimore running festival 5K

2010-10-19T21:02:00.001-04:00

October 6, 2010 Baltimore running festival 5K.
This was my first running event. Thought I'd try it out and ended up really enjoying myself. The course was around downtown Baltimore near University of Maryland Hospital and Lexington Market. Not terribly hilly but some gradually climbs. I started put near the middle of the group. There were so many people it was hard to get started. As we headed up Paca Street I heard a familiar voice yelling, "get off the sidewalks! We've got kids up here!" So I turned around and ran back to Bob. He was detailed as a police officer to provide security for the runners. Tapped him on the back then headed back out. It was only 60 degrees so, couldn't feel my hands for the first 2 miles. Once I got warmed up just found a good pace and finished up at 28:57, 28th out of 275 women 35-39, and 724 overall out of around 3000. Definitely gonna do more running events to complement the biking!
Carisa

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Peanut Butter Race, New Bethlehem, PA

2010-10-12T15:50:00.001-04:00

Peanut Butter Race, New Bethlehem, PA
This was only my second 15 mile race and I had learned alot from the last one. I was more prepared this time. The race was a mass start and I lined up at the front next to Bob and the race coordinator. I wasn't sure I "belonged" there but Bob kept me there. We started out on a downhill paved road that lead to a gradual hill, cut left and down to the notorious "bottleneck". I had let a several of riders pass me knowing that a lot can happen in 15 miles. Everyone bunched up at the bottom and made a mad scramble up the other side. It had rained on Thursday so the trail was still wet. Several riders slid off the trail and down an embankment. I had decided to make small goals throughout the race to help keep me focused on my efforts. I spotted another girl rider and set my sights on catching her. Next was a fast descent and 1/2 mile through some nice singletrack that opened up onto the spoil piles. They had some great double jumps and steep drops. I caught up to the girl on these drops and saw my chance to pass her. I got around her on a short uphill that cut hard right and lead to a steep drop followed by a nice double track where I picked up the pace to lengthen my lead over her. Next I set my sights on a rider who has several years of experience on me and I have ridden with before. He kept the pace up and we traded places for probably 5 or 6 miles up some pretty tough hills. The trail lead through some great singletrack with rock gardens and several bridge crossings. It was muddy and the trail was slick from all of the others ahead of me. Despite the other rider's advantage with experience, I was able to keep him in my sights. I had to really watch my line or risk getting sucked into a mudhole and going down. Then came the tunnel that lead to a very steep and long climb. Just when you think you are near the top, you see it continues up through a grass field. They call it the demoralizer. No one around me even tried to ride it.It's off camber and about 1/2 mile long. Once you reach the top the downhill makes it worth the climb! 1.5 miles of doubletrack down! It was great! No rest for your legs though, since you have to maneuver around potholes, puddles, and cowpies! The other rider I was chasing had increased the distance between us and I wasn't able to catch him again. Last leg of the race, now! Short uphill another field crossing and on to the finish line! When I reached the last 2 miles, Bob was there to help bring me in! It was exhilarating to see him there cheering me on. Pushing me. Reminding me why I was doing this. I pushed as hard as I could for the up hill finish. 1:57! My initial goal was to make it under 3. What a rush! This by far was my best race. I really felt like I had accomplished something great. For you, Paul Keener. I love and miss you Grandpa!

Carisa

Perspective is key

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Two Mile Run Mountain Bike Race

2010-09-16T21:27:00.001-04:00

Two Mile Run Mountain Bike Race

I drove five hours to Franklin in Northwest Pa to compete in this 20 mile MTB race. I arrived a day early with hopes of pre-riding the course, but the officials were not done marking the trails. I arrived early in race day, got my race package and installed our new anniversary gift to each other. Our GoPro Bike Camera to document the entire race. As we stood there for the pre-race meeting, we were told that this was not actually set up as a MTB race but as an adventure race. The officials then instructed us that we would ride out the entire course anyway, but to stay away from the deep water crossings. There would be alot of hike-a-bikes, where trail running was to actually take place, but we could manage. We got started with a LeMans Style start and jumped on our bikes. I took an extra second to turn the camera on, which I put on the seat post between my legs. It was noon, so the sun was already over our heads and the humidity was high.

As we started out, I was in the front half of the pack, out pulling alot of the other riders on the first two really big hills. As our pack started to pull away, we noticed that the course was not marked all that clearly. One of the other riders said that as he was talking it over with the officials, he found that most of the course is what he calls bush-whacking. (This is where there is a ribbon or paint on the limb of a tree, but no trail. You just ride through the woods making your own trail) So we started doing this and immediately ended up in a camp site where a family was sitting down eating lunch, surrounded by approximately 25 racers. We quickly departed and found the right "trail" and started with our third crueling hillclimb. Several racers were able to get ahead of me at the camp site, so I had to play catch up and make my way to the front of the pack. This was hard at first because several riders were riding off in different directions thinking that they were on the race course. I made it up to second place with most of the front pack coming down on my heels. I noticed that first place was slowing down to a stop and saying that he could no longer see the race course. I started to slow down also, when (it must have been at the same time) third place and I noticed an orange ribbon hanging from a tree limb about two hundred yards down. We both started sprinting towards it, but he overtook me. As we flew to the bottom of the hill, we both made a left where we seen a race volunteer. The volunteer started yelling "NO THAT WAY, I WAS ON BREAK" while pointing back up the way we came. First place started to slow down to turn, so I accelerated, passed him and took first place. As I started to climb back up the hill, the volunteer yelled "NOW GO LEFT" so I did.
I stayed in this position for approximately another 16 miles, when I started to outpull second place. I was really hurting because even though it was not a fast race, all the technical stuff was starting to wear on me. At the next down hill, I opened it up even though it was extremely rocky. Seeing an orange barrel on a service road, I quickly rode to it. Seeing an orange mark on the road up the hill from the barrel, I started up the long uphill towards it. Just as I got next to it, I noticed that the orange mark read "County Water Service Mark Here" I stopped and studied the writing on the ground, like it was some forgotten ancient language when I heard a four wheeler coming up from behind me. It was several race volunteers muling water to several checkpoints. I ask how much further to the end of the course and was greeted with "Buddy, you are about three miles away from the trail" "S#*T", I got better directions from the volunteers, said some choice words to the paint on the ground and quickly rode back the way I came.

Flipping off the orange barrel, I noticed a rider ducking into the woods and rode in behind him. I was able to overtake him on a narrow trail, he was starting to cramp badly. At mile 19 a cramp snuck up on me, but being so close to the end I decided to ride through it. At the end of the ride, I crossed the finish line in 7th place overall. The race officials were there to greet us as we crossed the line asking us if we had any trouble. I told them that it was a great race and that I would not change a thing. This race was something different, bush whacking, but it was extremely fun.

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Hanover Century

2010-09-16T21:24:00.001-04:00

Hanover Century

I was nervous about this one; not because of the mileage but of the headcold that I was trying to kick. Hard to train, ride when you can't really get a breath. I arrived a little early, so I started to warm up under the stars and a slight sliver of the moon. The tempature was holding around 48 degrees so I grabbed my arm and leg covers and started to warm up. The organizers arrived at 0600am and started to get the preregistered riders accounted for which I am glad one was me. It was cold!!! Soon after Jeff, Jon and Jeff's buddy Steve from Hampton, Va. arrived and got registered. I ride with Jeff and Jon on Tuesday nights at the Gung Ho Shop. At 0700am they got us started and I rode with the other three guys so I could see how the pace was going to be. Jeff then told me at mile 5 that Steve's first real hill he had ever ridden was Saturday because they really don't have hills in Hampton. We got passed by several Catagory 1 riders (three) riding in a paceline at mile 10.47 which is the same time that my cycling computer's battery decided to die. It was good to see them ride this way, one blocking the 25mph winds that we had and the others drafting. I did the only thing I could think of; I unzipped my jersey (man it was COLD) and took my chest strap off for the computer's heartrate monitor.
I was able to do this and only lost two miles off my total distance ridden so I would have to live with doing the math in my head as I rode. Not enjoying the fact that we already got passed by three riders, I took the lead in our own paceline and set it at 22.0mph. With the other riders it was hard to not clear my nose as I rode so I did the obvious. It was beautiful to see the sun coming up over the trees, with a fine mist rising from the fields. We talked about riding, life, families, kids, The Wounded Warrior Project.....which made me think of my own bike accident. I talked about that with the fella's and then told them about the ride at Rocky Ridge where I was feeling sorry for myself. That was the ride that I witnessed God's work at it's finest.....The handicap man riding his own bike with his son.

With this going on, we reached the first water station before I knew it. Jeff and Steve said the pace was too fast for them so they were going to take a break. Jon and I slogged on, we were determined to try to reel in the three other riders. As we left the water aid station, it spit us out on the battlefields of Gettysburg. It was humbling to ride there knowing the terrible price that the families paid to give us our country. We rode past the Fifth Regiment Field Hospital, which I got confused with the Pa Regiment that Ray Doolittle told me about. Ray, I was thinking about that young Sergeant and Lt. as I rode, glad that the Lord had given me the strength to ride at this pace. I WAS FLYING!!! Soon, I pulled away from Jon who is a heck of a rider/runner despite suffering from Type I Diabetes.

Alone with my thoughts, the cool morning air, the battlefields of Gettysburg, I started to think about my children. Who would they become? Am I really doing everything I can as a Dad? Alot of people who know me ask me what the scariest thing about being a cop is? I tell them (matter of factly) Being a Dad. Just then, it dawned on me that no other riders were around, I was completely alone in this majestic place. Hey, I can finally clear my nose (no disrespect) So I did. It was great not having to mouth breathe, so I did it again, with alot more force. Too much of a good thing I guess, I did not know at the time, but I gave myself one heck of a bloody nose. After leaving the battlefields behind, I felt what I thought was my nose running and being alone, I just let it run. What the heck, I am not there to impress anybody. I did not know that it was blood going back the sides of my face and everytime I would try to clear it out; it just made it look worse.

At mile 63.8, the next water aid station loomed and I decided to stop since I had to pee so bad! As I pulled in, I ask where the bathrooms were at and the volunteers just stared at me and said "I don't think you need a bathroom" Confused by that I ask "How many people in front of me? A guy held up three fingers and pointed down the course saying, "They left about two minutes ago" So off I went. I had plenty of fueling in my jersey pockets, but started to get worried about my liquids. I was down to my last water bottle, but I wanted to catch them badly. I rode hard, the average pace was 23.0mph, which is some of the best riding I had done in a while. Soon, I noticed that a motorcycle ridden by an older gentleman and a young girl pulled up next to me. The girl ask me what my mileage was and I told her. The older gentleman then said "You are the first century rider!!" This was truly motivating since I was riding against Cat 1 riders. I rode so hard that they girl kept asking me if I was alright. Still not knowing I had a bloody nose I said "Yes" There were a few hills that slowed me down to 18mph and a few that got me 15mph. But as I crested each one, I would rise out of the saddle and hammer the cranks to get the pace back up.

The wind was no joke either, I guess the reminants of Hurricane Earl were still around because the older gentleman told me that the winds were being clocked at 25mph. This hurt because I had nobody to block for me. He also told me that the final water station was coming up at mile 85 and I really had to pee plus my water bottle was almost empty. I motioned that I was going to pull in and again with the stares!! The first thing I did was literally run into the church to the bathroom. That's when I noticed the blood on my face!! No longer would I clear my nose, I would go back to doing it the old way. I ran back out, filled my water bottles with Orange Gatorade, grabbed a banana and back on the bike. I explained to the girl that I was suffering from a cold and told her what happened. I must be out of touch with the opposite sex because the look that she gave me back!!

I was again riding at a great pace, but now my legs were starting to cramp up and my pace was lagging. The hills though not that steep, really started to slow me down. I started to pop Endurolytes, Cliff Blocks, and sucking that Gatorade down. The only problem with that Gatorade is that it was like gulping syrup down. Plus it was starting to bloat me out. Soon after we came back out to a main road and the motorcycle had to break away. This was because of the free flowing traffic on the course!! The older gentleman told me again that I was still in first place, but other riders were quickly gaining on me. There was only about 10 miles left, so I gave everything that I had left. The cramps were getting so bad that it literally brought tears to my eyes. They snuck one last final water station in at the start of mile 5. Two young girls were working this station as I yelled "How much further?" They yelled back "Five miles" and I thought that's just great, my legs hurt so bad, I can't see the riders that the motorcycle told me about, when is this gonna end. These last five miles were the worst, but I got them done. The older gentleman said that he was only joking about the other rides coming up on me, just got me to ride faster! I rode straight up to the Officials and ask how many finished before me. The woman said "What?" "What happened to your face?" I told her and she said that she was just picking, she heard the story over her radio. She told me that I was the first to finish at 11:58am. That means that I completed 101.7 miles in 4 hours, 58 minutes with an average pace of 20.9mph. I know that this is nothing to really brag about, but with this cold I will take it. On a side note, my family was not able to be there so I called them immediately to tell them that I had broken the five hour mark. This one sent me to the well.....The deep well of suffering. Loved every minute of it though.

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2010 Grand View Criterium in Lancaster, PA

2010-07-26T16:24:00.001-04:00

Competed in the 2010 Grand View Criterium in Lancaster, Pa on Saturday. The day was wonderfully hot, with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees in the middle of the day. Again, I love to race/ride in this type of weather and excited at that this was my first road race of the season. We got the usual pre-race meeting prior to the start with the instructions that this is a one mile race course that will last for fifteen miles.
As we started out behind the lead car, I jumped into the top 1/3rd of pack to see what the pace was going to be. After about lap 5 or 6, I started to make a break and pulled to the lead. Seeing that I was able to pull away, I continued and got about 50-75 yards ahead of the main pack. Several riders made a break with me and were right on my wheel. We overtook several riders and I got to witness some gnarly crashes. One rider actually tacoed his rear tire as we were coming up on him as he hit a small hole. Another just layed it down on the straight stretch to the finish line. At lap fourteen, I really opened up with several other riders, but was able to put a small cushion between me and them. During the last quarter mile straight stretch, we all opened up with everything we had, but I was able to cross the finish line first on lap fifteen. I even threw my arms up as I glided across the finish line for the photos. Several riders and I coasted, telling each other good job as the back of the pack came sprinting passed us.

A rider from AFC yelled back "Come on guys, keep up!!" and took off with the small pack. We looked back at the Officials, who were waving us on so we sprinted after them. There was no way we could close the gap on the new leader, so we passed who we could and I unofficially/officially ended 12th out of 30 riders. Not sure how this happens, but for my first race I'll take it. Some of the other riders were not sure either, but said they thought we got first, second, third, etc... also. Plan on doing the road bike race in Kirkwood, Pa on 07 August 2010 if anybody is interested.

Bob

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Fair Hill Classic

2010-07-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

Fair Hill Classic

Just gonna start this one right at the beginning of the race. The Trailspinners had done something a little different from some of the other races we have been too. Bob was gonna start before me at 845am, then I would head out at 1030am. Since the babysitter was at the beach, we brought both kids with us as a cheering section. Bob was going to ride the course then come back and watch the kids while I raced. Right after setting up, Mike Nardelli showed up and got his singlespeed ready to go. Bob and Mike warmed up together, then rode down to the starting line. The enduro riders consisting of Mark Lentz, Gary Johnson and Ludek Kolesa had already started out and were on the course racing already. Mike was sent out first, flying off the start, leading his class out the long open stretch, the disappearing around a turn. Two minutes later Bob's class started out. Bob pushed off, letting most of his class get the lead out the straight stretch, then followed them around the turn.
As Bob's class entered the singletrack, Bob started to open up, again this was his type of weather, hot/humid with sun burning over top. Bob started to catch the others as they seemed to lose alot of steam in the first small uphill. Bob really opened up and caught up with the leaders in his class, staying in the big gears, grinding out the small hill climbs, gliding through the tight turns, and tearing up the small downhills. Bob caught up the the leader of his class who was currently in first place as they approached Mike. This rider kept looking back looking back at Bob, shaking his head, like he was in disbelief that Bob was still right behind him. Bob noticed that the leader was slowing down on some of the hillclimbs, so he decided to stay behind him, that he would pass him with two miles left in the race in an attempt to win his class.
Mike was slogging away on his singlespeed, climbing like a mountain goat, outclimbing other riders with geared bikes. The leader that Bob was following from GT Bicycles got around Mike, who also kept pace with him. Keeping the leader in sight, Bob and Mike talked about the race, this time with the leader looking back as he sweated out this climb atthese two riders were laughing and talking on an uphill. Mike noticed that the leader started to pull away and told Bob to just go ahead and pass and stay with him. Bob did as he was instructed and caught back up with the leader, who looked back and just shook his head. At mile eleven, Bob passed Ludek Kolesa who cheered each other on as the rode next to each other. Each of the team members were within a mile of each other as they started on a downhill at mile twelve. As Bob started downhill, Mike was able to make up ground and was behind Bob as he started to slow down. Bob yelled "D@% it, a flat" and the leader looked back at Bob and said "Yes, about time" and rode away. Bob flipped his bike to change the flat as Mike slowed to see if everything was ok. Bob was good so Mike rode away with Bob yelling to catch the leader. Bob was trying to get his tire off when Ludek rode passed and offered assistance. Bob refused and Ludek rode on; Bob then realized that his tire prys were sitting on the tailgat of the truck.
Bob forced the tire off, ripped the tube out, reinserted it, then CO2ed the tire back up. Bob was off back in the race, flying on the downhill, again passing riders with the plan to catch the leader. Bob passed Ludek again and was making good time passing alot of the riders that passed him. Bob noticed that Mike was climbing a small hill in front of him and knew that the leader was not far ahead of him. Bob started to sprint again when he heard a bang that sounded like a gunshot. Bob's bike immediately went into a skid and he noticed that the rear tire was blown clear off the rim. Bob jumped off, watched Mike ride over the hill and out of sight as Ludek rode up and again offered assistance. With the tube hanging off the rim, the sidewall of his tire had a hole blown clear through it, Bob picked up the bike and started to run out. Bob ran out to mile 16, with alot of other riders overtaking him, he knew he was out of the running. Besides he had to get back and watch the kids so I could ride, there was still time. By the time that Bob made it to the next water station, he was offered another tube which he took and changed his tire.
A volunteer just trying to help out, grabbed his CO2 cartridge to get it ready and accidently released it, wasting his last cartridge. Bob was able to get a bike pump and sat down to pump his tire up with the tire between his legs. Another rider rode up to Bob as he was using this handpump and said "Man your excited to see water!!" Bob just looked at him and carefully reattached his tire. Bob started to ride back out at 10:30, thinking that I could at least bump down to the Novice riders. With two miles left, Bob started up a longer uphill next to Route 272. Bob noticed that there were several younger riders that he was navigating around as well guys from the beginners class. As Bob crested the hill he noticed that a man was standing with a younger kid next to the trail. Bob yelled over the see if they were ok, when the guy yelled back "I don't know". Not getting the answer that he we usually get, Bob slowed down and ask again. This time the kid said "I just want my dad" then fell to the ground.
Bob immediately jumped from his bike and ran over the the kid. Bob started to question the guy (Andy?) who Bob thought was the kids father. Andy said he was not the father, but was racing also when he rode up and the kid was just standing in the middle of the trail looking around. Andy moved the kid over when Bob rode up on them and he fell. Andy dumped his only water over the kids head, but the kid was still out. Bob reached for a pulse in the kids wrist and could not find one!! Bob instructed Andy to stop someone and let them know to get and ambulance back there now and got ready to start CPR. Thankfully Bob remembered to do a sternum rub on the kid, and he sat up. (Bob forgot to check the kids Corodtid Artery and not the wrist when doing phsysical activity) Relieved both Andy and Bob gave over what gels/food/water over to the kid who was not sweating and very confused. The kid was unable to tell Bob his name or age, but did tell Andy that the sides of his eyes were going black and that he did not feel good. Bob knowing that the child was about to pass out again, propped him up with leg and dumped more water over him. The kid started to throw up some of the gels so Bob again tried to get a pulse from him. Armed with just a stopwatch (never use) Bob got a reading of 140 beats which is high for as long as they were rested for. Knowing that this was signs of a heatstroke, Bob told Andy to knock the next rider from his bike to get their attention to get help. Andy then remembered that he had his cellphone in his camelbak and called a friend at the finish line. This friend answered as Bob gave Andy instructions/information about the kids condition. Then a third rider, a great guy with an prothestetic left arm, ripped his camelbak off of his back and pulled a shamy cloth out that was on ice. Bob immediately placed in on the kids head and neck and layed him back on his leg. This brought the kid back a little to tell the trio his name and age, but not who his father was or his address. With approximately 45 minutes since he arrived, Bob started to worry about kidney failure and told Andy that they might be carrying the kid out to Route 272.
Race volunteers arrived soon after in four wheel drives and four wheelers. A Captain from the Cecil County Fire Department immediately started into aid from the information that Bob was able to relay over the phone. They got the pulse down to about 90 and tried to get some fluids into the kids right arm. The blood vessels were so constricted that the Captain missed on each attempt. It was then decided to go through the kids left wrist, which took and he was able to get some fluids in him. After a bit more stable, Bob and one of the race organizers (Jim?) loaded the kid in the back of an SUV with the Captain sitting with him. Now that the kid was in other hands, Andy sat down to take stock in what had just happen and Bob got him back on the bike telling him that God wanted him to be there for that child. They both started to ride out and Andy said that he was just gonna stop at the next water station and that Bob just ride without him.
Bob knowing that the race was gone, had some fun with the rest of the trail. He noticed that the cameraman/girl was sitting up at the edge of the woods just prior to the finish line. As Bob made his way past them, he made faces which made them laugh. Bob crossed the finish line, dead last and rode straight up to Christian on the team. Bob told him quickly what had happened and Christian pointed to the ambulance that was parked next to the registration building. As Bob started towards the ambulance, Mike ran up and ask what happen. Bob quickly told him in passing what happened. Bob is so sorry to Christian and Mike, he was not ignoring them!!
Bob crawled in the back of the ambulance where the Captain was still working on the child and said "Here's the cop that helped you" The kid looked at Bob, extended his hand thenclosed his eyes. Bob shook his hand then left the ambulance as it started to the hospital. The Captain looked at Bob and said "That was a close one"
Several people were there as Bob walked out, clapping telling Bob to just go get a prize off the table, there is no way they can ever repay him. Bob told them about Andy and the other stranger that helped too. Bob refused to take anything from the table and was embarressed of the attention given to him. Bob rode up to me, to my relief, because after his accident on the road bike, I thought the ambulance was coming in for him. Bob not wanting to draw anymore attention, had me give the number plates back as he packed up the truck to leave. Several of the members of the Fairhillbillies MTB Club heard what happened and gave Bob a t-shirt, that he reluctanly accepted. (They would not take No for an answer) Then we pulled away so nobody would make a big deal over anything.
Through all of this, there is no possible way I am mad at not being able to race. (Though I was during the race)I am extremely glad that it was not Bob that was in trouble, due to the heat, but I am extremely proud of his actions and how humble he really is.

Carisa

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Catfish Tri

2010-07-14T17:20:00.001-04:00

Sunday July 11th I did the Catfish Triathlon at City Island in Harrisburg, PA.

Results:

1st place Female 25-29 out of 11 with a time of 1:26:25
10th out of 81 females
47th out of 208 total competitors

The weather was amazing, the course was flat, the only issue was the river was super low and had to swim with a modified stroke in order to not scrape the bottom.

Kayla

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Fat Tire Challenge Brookville PA

2010-06-26T06:24:00.003-04:00

Fat Tire Challenge June 20, 2010 held in Brookville, PA.

Left home on Thursday with the intention of doing a pre-ride on Friday in early morning hours. We were unable to do the preride when we arrived so we settled for early afternoon on Saturday when Grandma was able to watch the kids. We met up with the race director, Michael White and a small army of volunteers to help with some trail maintenance while doing the pre ride. I noted with my cyclometer the different rock gardens, hill climbs, single track bridges, and mud holes while Bob re-hung marking tape and cleared away branches from the trail. It took us 2 hours 37 minutes to do the whole 15 mile course. The course is a 15 mile continuous trail through Clear Creek State Park. It has a little bit of everything a mountain biker could hope for....single track, rock gardens, bridge and stream crossings, laurel fields in bloom, 2 mile continuous hill climb, then another 3/4 mile hill climb over wet rocks and roots, and rock drop offs....simply heaven; WE BOTH HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RIDE TO EVERYBODY, THE COURSE IS NOW OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.

We arrived at the race on Fathers Day ready to go, the weather was calling for clear skies with a high of 78 degrees. The course was still a little sloppy, but dry compared to Western Pa standards. We started out in a staggered start, going by age groups instead of a mass start. I was still a little nervous, but more excited because of the damn nice bike that Gung Ho put together for me. I started out at my own pace, letting some of the other riders sprint it out to the first gas line. Two minutes later Bob was started out leading the whole group, the first into the gas line, sprinting through mud holes, jumping logs, passing riders from the class that started before him. I was going at a good pace myself, but enjoying myself, tearing over rocks with those new big tires. Soon Bob caught up to me and yelled from about 25 yards back, "COMIN UP ON YA, SEVEN GATES" I knew that Bob was going to catch me (we talked about this the day before the race) and started to slide over. As Bob came around me he said "COME ON SEVEN GATES KEEP THAT PACE UP" What Bob did not tell me was that I pulling away from most of the other riders in my category and his also. Then Bob was gone with three other riders chasing him as he was swallowed up by the laurel and large rocks. I was able to keep my pace as I rode through the same laurels, then down a slick downhill with a sharp right hand turn at the bottom. Bob caught up with one of the riders from my class that refused to slide over. Bob called out several times but each time the rider tried to sprint ahead, but could not keep that pace up for long. During the first slick downhill, he endo'd and landed on that large rock. Bob and the other three riders slowed to a stop, sliding the whole way down the hill asking if he was ok. He jumped back up on his bike and took off ahead of them again. The next drop off is very steep, Bob endo'd last year and busted his head open on this one. The same guy endo'd again, this time lying down on the trail. Again Bob and the riders ask if he was ok and again he took off ahead of them.

I was excited about this part of the course since I proved to myself that I was able to get over this type of technical track. Unfortunately, there were about 6 riders ahead of me who couldn't. At mile 6 the trail comes out of the forest and spits you out onto a service road where there were volunteers with H2O and first aid. This is where the heat and humidity were really noticeable. Bob was half way through his water bottle and asked for his second one but the hand off was missed. I too was running out of water, but grabbed a gel instead. At mile 9 the race director had crime scene tape that Bob had provided with a body trace of a fallen biker that the course had chewed up and spit out. I started to feel some leg cramps coming on as I began the next hill climb. This lead into some wet technical single track over rocks and roots and back into the forest. At least this part was shaded! Next was a fast, wet, rocky downhill. Bob was now holding second place with 3rd and 4th place tearing down behind him. Suddenly Bob's rear tire went straight up and kicked out to the left and we was literally riding on his front tire! 2nd place yelled,"holy*&^^%! How'd you do that?!". Bob tried to laugh it off, by saying,"as long as it looked good!". I had been looking forward to this downhill from the beginning, too. It is a fast track that you can really make up some time on with your speed. After climbing two miles up at mile 5, we now had another 3/4 mile climb up some wet rocks and roots to the rock gardens. We both climbed these climbs with little trouble and Bob cleared the first rock garden. Some slower riders were walking across this garden, so I rode as far as I could then ran the rest.

Bob's legs cramped up at mile 13.5 after the second rock garden, and he was totally out of Heed. Bob let second and third slip by, then finally was stopped by a large rock that he could not get his rear tire over. He tried to get off his bike, but both legs were totally cramped up. It took about a minute, but he was able to get going again; after dropping several more places. I came up to the second rock garden and tackled it like the first. Bob was able to finish in seventh place, dropped his bike and came back into the woods to cheer me on. Bob noticed that several other female riders were pushing or riding their bikes out towards the finish line. Cramping badly, I continued to ride over each hill until Bob came into sight. Bob was clapping and cheering, yelling "The finish line is right there" Michael White moved this years finish line to end through the forest which meant you could see it, but had a technical trail to get to it. So again over the rocks, roots, several logs, Bob cheering, I gave what I had left to the finish line. As I crossed, I came down totally exhausted, I gave everything I had during this race. I was getting disappointed seeing some of the other females already walking around the finish line drinking and talking.

We went back to our tent and Bob said he was going to check the standings. Bob came back and told me that I got third, to leave my jersey on for photographs. Bob then left to help out with some of the volunteers and the trail. When it came time for the awards ceremony, I was getting excited because third place is better than what I thought I had done. I can't describe what I was feeling when Michael White said I came in first place. After it was all done, we found out that the other females that Bob watch walk or ride out had actually quit leaving me to handle the race alone. Again, we both recommend this race to everybody, the only way to describe it is like Micheaux, but more muddy, wet and slick.

Carisa

2010-06-07T21:01:00.004-04:00

Preliminarily our results are: Me: DNF front tubeless tire flat.

Bob: 8th in Vet II

Sean, this is Bob' s idea for me to give you a brief beginners perspective: As someone who didn't really do "team sports" before, I was more nervous to get up to that starting line, now that I am representing more than just myself. I was ready to go, though! Waiting for the countdown, the other riders and I were talking and sharing what we knew about the course trying to fight off the nervousness. It was great to see that they were just as nervous as I was. I kept going over in my mind all of the things I have learned since I started riding last September. Bob always tells me,"don't think too much about it. Just ride your bike and have fun." So, when it was time to go- I took off! It felt great and I was able to pull ahead right away. A brief grassy up hill and into the woods. The trail was fast, smooth, and fun. For the first time I felt confident in my riding ability and used the advice that Matt Orlando gave me about riding a race for a personal best not just to win...I still wanted to win, though! I knew there were only 7 other riders, so I knew I need to give it my best. I did just as Bob always tells me and I was having fun, riding hard, and still had the lead. I encountered some rocks that normally I'd slow down to cross, but I just kept up the pace and glided right over. This built my confidence even more! I passed another rider from the class ahead of me and began the first climb. Some quick singletrack that really flowed. I passed the mega-dip and thought of Bob, Matt, and Mark who would soon have to tackle it. The next obstacle was a double dip hill climb that I was following one of the junior riders over. I saw that he made it, so heck, why couldn't I? Normally, I'd stop and push it. I watched his line and attacked it! It was quite a rush confirming to myself that I could do it! Then it was over the boneshaker and out to some smooth single track. This is where I was planning on really picking up some speed, even though I was exhausted. There were several spectators at the turn cheering me on! Yelling first female! I was pumped now! Cut to the right on to the trail the a hard left and down I went! I thought I slid. Got back up and saw that my tire was completely off the rim! I got into my saddlebag for my air cartridge and tried to reinflate my tubeless tire showing my inexperience. In hind sight, with only one cartridge I should have thrown in a tube and gone on. Live and learn. I headed back out the trail towards the team tent. I then worked the cameras and cooler for the enduro riders. When one of the ladies from my age group finished she came up to me and asked what had happened. I told her and she was sympathetic and then told me that she was right behind me, "until the woods and you were gone!". All-in-all it was a great day. Even though I didn't finish I learned a lot.

For Bob's synopsas: Loved the weather. This is his type of whether. Was debating haw to do the race since he injured his back a couple of days ago at work. Started out fine with the rear shock on lockout. raced the entire first lap that way. Then his back pain moved into his lower back that plagued him the remainder of the race. He flipped it over to pro-pedal during the second lap and felt out of sorts.At the begining of the 3rd lap he noticed that his seat had slid down ~ 2inches. Not wanting to give up places he decided to just ride it out. 3/4 of the the way through the the lap, he started to cramp at the top of his knees up into his quads. He still was able to sprint to the finish line.

Carisa

Kids Bike Safety Day 2010

2010-05-24T21:00:00.005-04:00

Thanks to all that made today's 1st annual kid bike safety day a huge success!! Without all of you it could not have been done. It's awesome to have such a supportive team of volunteers that give up their time to make a fun and memorable day for others.

Over 50 kids had their bikes checked and repaired and now at least ...20+ kids have new helmets.

Big thanks to Jon Saylor, Bob-Carisa Himes, Erika Sitler, Michael Brenneman Angie Brenneman and family, Greg L, Matt Orlando, Mark Lentz and family for providing Ritas, Brian C and York county sheriffs department, Gung Ho Bikes, Sarah and Nuts about Granola, Hertitage Valley FCU, Barrys Country Market, Roburrito, last but most certainly not least my very patient and understanding wife and kids.

Thanks again!!

Cascade Classic Mountain Bike race

2010-05-19T19:48:00.006-04:00

Cascade Classic in Montoursville PA: The sport race was 2 laps on an 8.2 mile course. Mike Nardeli, Sport Single Speed after getting out to a top 5 start folowed some misguided expert riders (hate that herding instinct) and made a wrong turn ending up on a paved road (never good in a mt bike race) so DNF for the race. Lesson learned: expert means they are fast but not always good navigators. Gary johnson and Mark Lentz both raced in Sport Master 1 and finished 1-2 respectively. Both were challenged by a rider from Guy's Racing For the first 4-5 miles even losing visual contact at points but working together managed to pass him and drop him. Gary also made a wrong turn but quickly realized he was off course while Mark took a break to readjust his seat. The course was MUDDY and then a little more mud with stand ing water and several rock walls to ride over ans skinny bridges. Oh yeah the course was muddy even some of the climbs. the course featured al the different type of mud you might encounter: thick, thin, watery, slippery, sticky slow me down mud and stinky (my favorite). There were plenty of rocks and root too and you know what mud does to those. The weather was great: sunny, low 70's. Next race: Iron Hill, DE June 6 cross country and enduro. The Iron Hill course features a 40 foot mega drop (yes it is that big).

Bob Potts memorial 5K

2010-05-19T19:47:00.001-04:00

Kayla Redding

Time = 25:51 (eh)

33/167 overall

4th Female 25-29

Afterthoughts:

Apparently there is a strategy to a 5K...I should figure that out prior to the next one I plan on doing....

Warming up is a good idea, especially when it is chilly...just winging it makes your muscles grumpy

Don't take it out too fast at the beginning - there will always be little kids and older folks faster than you....get over it :)

On the Rocks at French Creek

2010-05-11T22:26:00.020-04:00

Gary Johnson-3rd Sport Master Men
Mark Lentz-4th Sport Master Men
Mike Nardelli-8th Sport SS Open
Matt Orlando-15th Endurance Men

Looking for Five

I had decent fitness today for the On the Rocks at French Creek 6hr Endurance Race, though it doesn’t always seem to be about fitness. Sometimes a bit of bad luck rears its ugly head.

The course was 10 miles long and we had 6 hours to complete at many laps as possible before time ran out. The course was very challenging. It was highly technical, with lots of rocks and roughly 1800’ of elevation gain per lap.

Just in time for the 9:00am start, the clouds broke loose and started soaking the course with a heavy down pour. From the start we were climbing. The group quickly split up as I hung back thinking of the long day ahead. I found my pace and just kept turning the cranks.

After getting to the top of the first climb came the reward, quite possibly the roughest descent in the park. All I could do was let the big wheels roll and try to pick the cleanest line. Everything came easy on the first lap. I cleaned the trail and climbed with ease without blowing up.

I was trying to focus on nutrition a bit more after a horrible time in the heat last weekend. I managed to keep up my intake of fluids,gels and some solid food. Although it was quite windy and cool, I stayed comfortable all day with only minimal cramping in my left leg.

My second lap was much of the same. With the idea of keeping a solid pace and staying relaxed. I was able to stay consistent with my lap times. This has always been an issue, often blowing up after going out hard on the first lap. I was still cleaning all the technical stuff and climbing well. Both my laps were around 1:19 and I was expecting to get 5 for the day.

Coming in for lap three I noticed my rear tire was really soft. I quickly inflated it and by the time I grabbed food from my cooler, it was soft again. Well, off came the rear wheel and a fresh tube was installed. Thanks to all the guys and gals in the Cycle Works pit that helped. At least a handful of guys in my class passed through by the time I got rolling. I had cooled down a bit and that first climb took it out of me trying to catch up. I ended up hiking some of the rough climbs and my legs were feeling a little heavy. Lap three 1:45.

Lap four. I took a little time at the cooler, choked down a PB&J and took some more electrolyte caps. By now I was starting to hurt but managed to find a slow and smooth rhythm. I was getting passed by lap 5 guys and realizing that I was running out of time. I picked up the pace as much as possible but came through at 6:09:00 on my last lap. Lap four 1:43.

Disappointed? Yes. Did I want those ten minutes, changing a flat, back? Hell yes. But all in all I was happy with 40 miles. It was a very challenging and technical course, just the way it should be. I think Bean’s Bikes put on a great event and I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Granogue and Michaux Results 5-2-10

2010-05-04T21:06:00.009-04:00

Granogue
Mike Nardelli-15th SS open
Matt Orlando-18th Endurance men
Kristian Hains-12th Endurance SS
Mark Lentz-13th Endurance Master Men 35
Tammy Gantz-10th EnduranceWomen

Michaux
AmyM-1st Womens 20 mile
Izzy M- 5th mens senior

4-20-10

2010-04-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all that made it out to our first Tuesday ride. There was 9 or 10 of us and we covered 26 miles at about 16 mph average. No pictures and no GPS data yet, but that will be coming soon. Tom C. won the wheelie contest hands down covering probably 15 meters-Joe O. tried but just couldn't out wheelie the old pro.

4-19-10

2010-04-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

4-19-10
Here is our ride data for today(yes Jay click here)
Tonight we had a small but good crowd.
Ryan on his Fixxie( how does he do that?)
Mike B on his first official group ride( hope to see him back for more, you too Angie!!)
Natalie testing the waters, she just completed her first ever triathalon last weekend and is a Team in Training partner with GHSH team member Kayla Redding. Glad to have you all out and hope to see more of you next week. Next week we will be moving our start times to 6:00 PM.

On another note here is a good podcast if you have the time to listen it is worth it.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you next week!

Fair Hill

2010-04-18T07:33:00.004-04:00

Fair Hill April 11 2010
Mark Lentz -15th Sport Master 1
Mike Nardelli-24th Sport SS open
Dave Frey-8th Sport Vet 2

Kayla's first Tri

2010-04-13T22:17:00.003-04:00

Tri for Life Hempfield PA April 11th 2010

Kayla Redding
11th out of 74 women
4th out of 20 in age group (females 20-29) missed 3rd by 19 seconds (ouch)
62 overall out of 164 entries.

Awesome Work!!

The Beginning

2010-04-12T20:00:00.005-04:00

We had awesome weather tonight for our first official beginner road ride. We started the evening by going over some basic road etiquette and talked about some important items to bring along in case of mechanical' s or flats. We will continue to touch base with any new faces as they become new to the group so please be patient with us, we really feel that these are some important topics to help you enjoy your rides.

Tonight's group almost instantly meshed well and reminded me of why cycling is so awesome. It brings people together and reduces any type of barriers that might inhibit socializing. I may have a biased opinion on this, but it is only formed from my experiences.

Our ride Data will be posted here every week if you are interested in seeing what we are doing .
Click Here to see tonights data.

Keep in mind that average speeds from week to week will possibly fluctaute and cater to the group as a whole. We do our best to accommodate everyone and make sure that no one gets dropped.

Thanks to all that joined us tonight and hope to see you all again soon.

Thanks to the all who showed up.

Mary

2010-04-05T19:34:00.009-04:00

Marysville 4/3/10

GHSH sent two teams up to the Osterling Farm for a day of fast paced relay action. This is my first time on the farm and it was a super fun day. It was like a cyclocross reunion a few months early for me. I generally tend to lay back for the mountain bike season and focus only on cross.

We couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise ( sunny and temps reached the low 80's Awesome!) , and I couldn't have asked for a better group to spend it with.

We started the day meeting at the shop and instantly started giving MO a hard time. We had a little undercover T-Shirt operation and made a shirt in his honor.

Sorry MO we just Couldn't resist!! I m sure there will be plenty of payback for that one.
.
Lots to say about the race but here is the real short version.The Lemans start was delayed by about 40 minutes and everyone was anxious to get the day going. GHSH-Alien Agenda ( Dave F, Mike B, Mike N and Matt O)and GHSH- Atomic Raygun (Clark E, Greg L, Izzy M, and Sean M) . Both teams raced hard and had lots of good times and smiles. The course itself was pretty fast with a good mixture of tight twisty rooted single track with plenty of logs, and even a up and over bridge along the creek. AT the end of the day Team GHSH-Alien Agenda completed 13 laps respectively with GHSH- Atomic Raygun completing 16 laps in 4 hours. As of now the results are still not updated with corrections to our laps times.

It was a super fun day and hope to return next year.

Return from hibernation

2010-02-28T15:31:00.004-05:00

I typically ride with no type of cycling computer or even a HR monitor. I am picking the wrong time of year to use a Garmin Edge 605 to gather some ride data.

I went out today with a goal of doing two hours at a "base" pace and headed east to start. The good thing about that is that I had a nice tailwind the whole way out 462 but I think we all know the bad end of this deal. I figured that I could just try to pick a route that required allot of climbing so I wouldn't notice the headwind so much. Either way it I would suffer, I just prefer suffering on climbs to flat headwind.

Needless to say I could not keep my eyes from checking my speed, exactly why I don't ride with computers of any type. This only makes me feel like I should be going much faster than I was and potentially hurting myself in the the long run.

It was still great to be out and not sitting inside on the trainer. It will be nice when warmer weather is here and rides are longer and stronger.

BYOB Party at Gung Ho Bikes

2010-01-11T11:19:00.003-05:00

Here is a video of our Thursday "BYOB" indoor trainer workout. Come join the fun. Please call 852-9553 to reserve a trainer.

Guild of Craftsman

2009-12-25T22:39:00.007-05:00

We are looking forward to a brand new year here at Gung Ho bikes and will be kicking it off with some indoor trainer rides(See past post for details). If the trainer rides are of no interest to you Jay has been tirelessly perfecting the art of jewelry making , and is considering offering classes.

Todd Wells cross machine

2009-12-17T23:13:00.004-05:00

Here is a nice write up on the bike that Specialize rider Todd Wells used for nationals.

the 2010 cross season is only 10 months away!

Cheers

Gung Ho bikes indoor trainer rides!

2009-12-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

Gung Ho Bikes will be offering indoor trainer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting January 5th. Call ahead to the a trainer or bring your own(you will also need your own bike ) . Call 852-9553 for questions oor to reserve a spot.
or email to smealey3@yahoo.com.

The End

2009-12-12T14:45:00.006-05:00

12/05/09

The Rockville Classic cyclocross race marked the end of the 2009 season for the GHSH team.

As I packed the car for one last adventure , I could not help being both a little bummed and relieved at the same time. I had an up and down year as far as results go, but was actually starting to get back into the cross groove again.

I started heading up the road and gave Greg the routine phone call and checked to see if he was planning on making it. He was feeling the effects of a cold so I tried to be sympathetic when trying to convince him to come out for the last race of 09. While talking to him I stopped to get a caffeine fix and realized that I forgot my wallet, dam. Being the nice guy that he is Greg offered to bring it up for me, this meant he was planning on racing. Awesome!! Needless to say my wallet never made it. Long story.

Back to what you really came here for . The weather man(person=pc) hit it on the nail and it snowed! The snow and a well laid out course made it a classic cyclocross racing true to the origin of cross.

When I arrived it was only snowing lightly and as I pre-rode the course I made some adjustments to my tire pressure and thought my bike was ready to go, now it was time to warm up inside the cozy Lions Club building. Kelly Cline came in and gave me a bunch of shit for warming up inside and that I would be sorry when I had to go out into the cold trusted that it would be fine and waited until 15 minutes to go to head outside, When I stepped outside to head to the start it was a whole different scene, the snow picked up and was coming down hard. Dam!!! It didn't seem to be laying on the grass so I thought that it would be fine. I saw Fatmarc doing some "start" practices and he had a big Game face on, I knew then that he would be the one to watch, along with Piccilo and Cline, but Marc seemed to be on a mission.

When we lined up for the start I was caught sleeping and started last row. Nice!! The main contenders were sitingnicely on the front row ready to blast the road start and hit the grass first. Oh what the hell! It was the last right and I was just here to have fun right? So we started up the pavement, hit the climb
and guess who I see off the front already and into the grass? Yeah "Fatmarc" wasted us on the road , hit the grass with a nice lead and never looked back. As for me I hit the grass and knew I was going to have a long race. I was unable to handle my bike well and got caught up in a small crash in the third corner. I saw the front guys up there starting to put a little gap on the rest of us, and this was only the first lap. No worries hopefully they will fade. The first lap was just no fun at all for me. I was terrible at cornering and my hands felt like they were going to fall off already. I went by Blake Bricker and told him I would rather be home on the coach, and at that point I really meant it. As the race progressed , I started making smarter moves, running what others struggled to ride. I started getting into a groove and making up some lost ground. I ended up fighting it out with C3'S Lillibridge,Kessel and Moats and ended up 6th. By the end of the
race I was having fun and but my hands were in pain from being wet and cold.I know, time to HTFU. Marc won and Kelly out sprinted Joe, wish I would have been close enough to see that one. So that was it , the last one of 09 for me, Next up was Greg.

I didn't get to stick around for Greg's race but I got the low down from him later. He raced the 1,2,s . He had a hard fought battle with Zach trading positions throughout the race, bettering him in the technical sections only to be out powered on the back "power" section of the course. He ended up 3rd. Nice work and super end to his season.

Bay Watch

2009-11-03T11:37:00.004-05:00

Greg took a lonely stroll to the Beaches of Beacon to do more sand running than David Haselhoff.

Another day of bad start and missing his pedals led him chase hard on the long road to the wooded section. He entered the woods in the top 10 and raced hard to finish right in 10th place.

This Saturday is Fair Hill sponsored in part by Springhouse brewing company!

See you there!

DCCX 10-25-09

2009-10-28T22:35:00.008-04:00

Tough day at the office on this one. Weather was completely different from the previous weekend, but we all decided we like mud much better.

I blew my start and tried to make up for it by going 100% for the first lap. I made some tactical mistakes as well as gearing fudgery, and suffered the consequences. I have to chalk this one up as a learning experience, even though I know better.Hind sight is always 20/20.

Amy had another good day and ended up on the podium for the cat 4 woman race. Nice work as she begins to taper for the Philly marathon.

We also discovered 2 things.
1. The Subaru can hold at least a dozen wheel sets .
2. Don't use a GPS in DC to find a Chipolte.

Reults:

3/4 Men
51-Izzy M
67-Clark E

4 woman
5th- Amy M

1/2/3 Masters
15- Sean M

1/2/3/Men
16th-Greg L

3/4 Helmet Cam Video

2009-10-24T09:54:00.002-04:00

Clear shot of Clark's start thanks to the guys at http://www.cxhairs.com/

Falling Up

2009-10-19T22:35:00.011-04:00

Saturday Oct 17-Granogue MAC

This was one of those days that seem to make you walk away knowing why you continue to do this. The day was full of epic racing and more importantly, it was about being surrounded by a ton of people that love this sport. Riders of all levels pouring their hearts into racing in conditions that most would call just crazy or nonsense. I never saw so many smiles and happy attitudes,accepting the hand that was handed to them. The promoters of the race were the absolute best at brushing this off as just another race day and a big fat "eff you mother,what else have you got" attitude. The cross community is pretty glue like and it showed in huge way. It one of those "you had to be there" days, that can not be re-fabricated. Enough with my rant and roll here are some highlights and results of the day.

Highlights: (no particular order)
three days of rain= classic cross conditions.
new and improved course for 09.
heckling with Skip.
being Heckled by Skip, Izzy, Clark and Greg, Mike, etc.
seeing Justin B and watching him tear it up on the course.
watching Clark and Izzy race their asses off and getting good results.
pitting with Skip beside the one and only Richard Sachs.
hanging with the the GHSH crew.
Cant say that I had fun watching Gregs sprint finish but everything prior was on the edge of your seat, bad ass racing!!

Results:
Cat 4 Men
Izzy-17th
Mike H-45th

2/3/4 Masters
Clark-14th

2/3/4 men
Greg-4th

1/2/3 Masters
Sean-27th

I chose to only leave links for the copious amounts of photos (far too many to choose from) but here is an one of my favorites.

http://www.mlkimages.com/2009-Sports/Granogue-Cyclocross-2009
http://www.pbase.com/dens/cyclocross_09
http://www.cyclingcaptured.com/2009-Cycling-Season/Cyclocross

Granogue part 1

2009-10-18T21:21:00.006-04:00

Kelly Acres 3/4 Masters "helmet cam " video

2009-10-09T22:32:00.003-04:00

You can see Clark in this one. Awesome video from the guys at http://www.inthecrosshairs.com

Ed Sanders Memorial CX 1/2/3Masters Video

2009-10-09T22:20:00.001-04:00

The team gets a little plug closer to the end!!

"They are outta here ,like kids at a fire drill in a Brooklyn elementry school "

2009-10-06T09:19:00.012-04:00

A few of us hit the "Kelly Acres" race on Sunday.It was a mountain bikers course with lots of challenging corners, descents , climbs and logged barriers for hopping(that's right, NO dismounting required) They even had "fly over that added some excitement to the day.

Izzy started his day bright and early and this course suited him well. He worked his way through the pack and ended up finishing a strong 18th place. He seems to be getting his cross legs on and sounds excited for whats to come.

Next up was Clark in the 3/4 Master's. I think Jay rubbed his "riding Funk"(no not junk) on both Clark and I this week because we both had no desire to race. Clark started mid pack and yoyo'd back and forth for most of the race and ended up 31st. The winner in his race was driving it hard every lap and ended up with a 45second advantage by the end, so everyone behind him pushed the red line. I wanted to label this guy a sandbagger but when I realized he did it single speed I changed my tune. I think Clark can be proud for finishing strong on an "off" day.

I went next and had that same "Jay Funk". I started really slow and then blew up because I was unknowingly in the big ring for things I shouldn't have been. I had lots of moments of feeling pukeish and just plain hurt, I had no gas when I needed it, no desire to chase someone that just passed me. I finally settled in with two guys that ultimately passed and beat me, but fought not to loose anymore than that. BAck to the Sublime Athletic drawing board.

Amy was next after debating racing. She started out mid pack , but got into a groove and started picking them off every lap. She used her running fitness and mountain bike skills to overcome all but two competitors ending up third. Its a good thing that she did a nice easy day on Saturday with a 20 mile run.

Less than two weeks until Granogue!!! stop back for some more photos.

2009-09-28T22:55:00.003-04:00

Here are two weeks worth of results and photos( sorry I have been slacking on the posting.

Last weekend Greg and Mike Hoffman made the trip to " Nittany Cross"for Saturdays race . Greg overcame a large group of starters in the 2/3/4 race and worked his way up to a solid 7th place finish. He is right where he left off before his sabbatical leave in 08. Mike lined up with the 80 or so cat 4 men and ended up 56th.

Clark and I made the Charm City race on Sunday and all I can say is WOW!! This course was always one that I liked, but after this year it ha become one of my top two (Granogue usually wins ) . It is now a UCI event which forced them to reformat a section that once contained barriers. I have to admit I was no big fan of the old section , but what they did with it was pretty creative and made the course flow much better. A "Belgian style" set of dirt stairs added a nice, but pain full touch.

Mikes race went off first and he started with 125 other cat 4 men, and ended up 56th place after a little mishap with the barriers. Clark raced with 125 other guys in the 3/4 Masters, and started in the second to last row. He worked his way up through the field and settled in a little around mid 30's, but with one to go he fought hard and finished a respectable 31st place. He has been working his ass off and is set to have a year of good results.

I raced later in the day in the 1/2/3 Masters. My start was not so bad considering I was lined up close to the back . The problem is that when we reached the first corner everyone hit the breaks and the first 30 or so guys were up the road ( or should I say grass) . I worked hard the first two laps and settled in a little trying not to go backwards. With three laps to go I cramped really bad on the stair section . I hoped that I could work through that for the remainder of the race, and tried to maintain my spot. With a little over a lap to go Dave Weaver catches me after what must have been a bad mechanical followed by a furious chase. Dave is a former pro Mtn biker and I just tried to latch on and go his strong pace. We caught and passed at least 3 guys and I started to fade after the barrier section, but somehow I caught back up to Dave before the finishing road section, and we had a nice little sprint. I ended up 29th on the day and felt ok with that. The MAC series is no joke and makes a tough rider out of anyone that does one.

9/26/09

Greg took the trip to north Philthy area to do the " Whirly bird" cross . He races the 1/2/3 race and raced in no mans land chasing some of the regions finest racers around to end up 9th place.

9/27/09

Izzy and I made it down to the muddy Lilly ponds for the " Ed Sanders memorial race" . I got there just in time to see Izzy start behind the 90+ cat 4 guys. He used his Mountain bike skills and worked his way through the mess to end up 47th. He said that he wants to back down to score some "fried Twinkies".

I did the 1/2/3 Masters and had a descent start position, but chose a bad gear to start in , I used the wide sweeping prologue to get back up to the top 10 area. We hit the barriers and I could hear someone hit the deck behind me ( sorry Marc) When we got to a rideable mud section I picked a good line and worked up to 3rd. When we entered the actual Lilly pond area, I came around the corner and then to a dead stop as guys like Chris Auer were off the bike running(shit, it wasn't like this when I pre-road it 1.5 hours before) I tried to limit my losses and maintained a top ten position most the race. I ended up with 8th place but more importantly happy that the work that I am doing seems to be on track.

photo courtesy of Kevin Dillard www.demoncats.com

thanks and see you next week!!

37 days

2009-08-14T11:46:00.003-04:00

The count down to the first race begins ladies and gents. Time to turn up the heat at Cross practice.

This week we had the same cast of characters minus one. We worked on some cornering and hit the barriers over and over . Then it was on to barrel racing and everyone agreed that it was a tough, but good drill.

We ended the night with some more "grass track" and then scoped out next weeks plan of the run up. Four more weeks to make ourselves crave the pain that cross brings. I for one wait all year for this pain,but hard to say what my body feels. We shall see.

thanks for stopping

SM

Pirate

2009-08-05T22:19:00.006-04:00

Had our very 1st "cross Clinic" tonight at a secret location known to only a few. It was great to be back on the cross bike again .

Greg L, Mike H, Clark E, and myself set up a nice small track on the soccer field only to be chased off after a whole 10 minutes of getting into a nice flow. We gathered up the gear and moved elsewhere. You might be able to slow this train down, but you cant stop it.

We found another section of on the "grounds" and started flowing again. We did some barrier work also worked on some run ups. It has me even more excited for cross , but I am far from ready. I felt good on the grass and run ups were fine. I need a little fine tuning on barriers also. Only 6 weeks to go.

Gung Ho / Spring House should have a small yet strong showing when the action starts. Mike H is gearing up for his first serious season of cross and is on the right track. CLark seems more focused than I have seen him and was awesome to see him getting punchy. Greg L is coming back to cross after a year off . This is a guy who won his first ever cross race in 2005 and has been hooked ever since. He is a fierce competitor , but a hell of a guy. Its good to have him back and I look forward to chasing him around at practice.

See you next week.

Cyclocross schedule for 2009

2009-08-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

Fall is rapidly approaching . Its time to get ready for mud,barriers , and Belgian waffles( or beer)

here are the 2 prominent schedules for the mid-atlantic region.

9/27 - Ed Sander Cross - MABRAcross #1
10/3 - BCA Cross - MABRAcross #2
10/4 - Kelley Acres Cross - MABRAcross #3
10/25 - DCCX - MABRAcross #4
11/8 - Tacchino Cross - MABRAcross #5
11/15 - Urban Cross - MABRAcross #6
11/21 - Howard County Double Cross (Schooley Mill) - MABRAcross #7
11/22 - Howard COunty Double Cross (Rockburn) - MABRAcross #8
11/29 - MABRAchamps - MABRAcross #9

MAC cross 09 schedule

9/19 Nittany Cross
9/20 Charm City Cross
10/17 Granogue Cross
10/18 Wissahickon Cross
10/31 Beacon Cross
11/1 Highland Park Cross
11/7 Fair Hill Cross
11/21 Long Island Cross
11/22 Long Island Cross
12/6 Capital Cross Classic

Michaux Curse of Dark Hollow

2009-07-20T18:23:00.001-04:00

Yesterday's Michaux race had beautiful weather, low humidity, highs in the 80's - racers had 3 options, a 10, 20 and 40 mile loop. I did the 40 miler, and other GHSH'ers did the 20. I rode my only currently assembled mountain bike, a 2003 Kona Unit 26" single speed with rigid surly 1x1 fork. After this race, I've decided that Michaux is definitely not the place I want to be racing rigid- and based on the bone rattling, I think I'll change to a suspension for the Wilderness 101 (August 1st).

The race went well with me endoing while trying to find a place to pass a couple of people in the first 45 minutes, I bent-or-jammed-or-broke my right index finger and then slowed things down for a little bit. I caught back up to a handfull of single speeders before we got to the lake and I started to feel better and pick up the pace. By the end of the race I was dragging, but when I reallized I was at the end, I actually had a lot of juice to race it to the finish. My time was 5 hrs 19 minutes. Overall I was very pleased with the day as this was the first endurance race I've done where I didn't have a period where I was basically misserable and I didn't cramp! I think being on the single speed had a lot to do with that as I went from sitting to standing a lot and the hike-a-bike sections gwave me a chance to give my back a rest. All-in-all a great day and make me less nervous and more excited for the 101.

MK

Escape From Muddy Granogue

2009-05-14T08:48:00.002-04:00

Get out of race for free card-Escape from Granogue, DE
May 3rd 2009

Today I traveled to Wilmington De to race the " Escape from Granogue" mountain bike race. I have done the Cross race there for the last 5 years but never had a chance to do the mountain bike race. Mark Vettori ( aka www. fatmarc.com) is a super guy who does allot for the sport, so I wanted to support him and did his race rather than Michaux.

As I started the trip to the beautiful Dupont Estate it started to drizzle a little, I silently shruggd it off and thought no biggie to myself for about 20 minutes or so, and then it started pouring, gulp, I looked up through the sun roof at my v brakes, yikes. This is were I could use a " get out of race for free card" if there was such a thing. The problem was that I pre-registered ,and that makes it hard to bail.

On my way up to grab my number I saw " Smokin" Joe pushing his bike back to his car , snapped derailleur . Turns that a few dozen bike shops will be paid a visit this week with similar issues. The word on the street , or in this case estate , was that allot of sections were unridable. How bad can it be?? I mean come on, it cant be that bad can it?? So I mentally prepared for some tough times.

We went to staging and waited for the "go" in the pouring rain, nice. I started out well , got the hole shot and headed up the road, only problem was I did not know where the 1st turn was and I actually slowed up for the guy behind me to tell me "right here" , smack into the peanut buttery mud and up the same hill they use for the cross race. Up the climb we went and hit the single track, everyone off their bikes running, back on bikes . off again. Finally it opened up a little and started making a little progress. At about the 3 mile marker things got really bad. Everyone was off their bikes pushing , bike seat stays and forks were clogging up with mud, causing everyone to stop (walking not riding) every 20 or so yards to clear everything off. I have never heard so many grown men cry over something that to me ,seemed to be the an obvious result of the circumstances that we were presented with. I mean come on, you are racing expert, this isn't your 1st time, deal with it. Anyway ,as FM says, I digress.

I finally make it through the 1st lap and the clock says 1 hr 22 min , this course usually yields a 48 min avg lap time in dry conditions. With 2 more to go I am going to be out here for almost 4 hours. The second lap went much better . The course actually seemed to get a little better, it was still 2/3 walking and 1/3 riding but the walking sections started to get better. I told myself if I can beat my 1st lap time of 1:22 I would continue. I finished it in 1:15 so the deal was on. I then stopped to get some stones out of my shoe to prepare for another lap of walking, and could not get my shoe off. I spent about 5 minutes working it off and when I finally got back up and going I was cold, shivering and my legs seized up. Unfortunately the road back to the [parking lot was right in my sight and I took it. I know that I could have pushed trough that last lap, but I listened to what my body was telling me and bailed. Was I disappointed with myself? Not really. Would I have gained anything from finishing? I ll let you know when I figure that one out.

Fawn Grove Roubaix

2009-05-14T08:43:00.002-04:00

4/5/09

Fawn Grove Roubaix

This was without a doubt one of the coolest and hardest races that I have ever done. Out of the 275 or so registered, I think less than half finished due to either flats, crashes or just plain being chewed up and spit out by the tough competition. Every one that I spoke to after the race had a war story to tell.
I did the 35+ and new that I had my work cut out for me with Spinners and Swashbuckler showing up with big numbers, most these guys are cat 1 and 2's but chose not to race the actually 1/2 race for a few reasons. My strategy was to race near the front right away and go with any move that had one of those guys in it. My plan started ok , and I raced at the front for the first few miles until I got caught up in some bad bike handling on a descent, that was pretty much all it took for the good guys to gap us right away. I worked with a few guys dangling in between the front group and the slowly deteriorating group of guys coming up from behind. The group I was with started to fall apart and on the second of 3 laps I crashed hard on a nasty gravel descent trying to keep the front guys in sight, game over for me. I got myself back together and caught up to Cat 4 racer Zach Adams. He was struggling to get through he nasty flat gravel sections and I worked with him until the finish pushing each other when the other wanted to bail. He is a tough young gun with a good head on his shoulders.
At the end of the day I ended up 11th out of the 13 finishers, I think that there was 32 that started in our class. I was happy to have finished and plan on doing it again next year with some more hard training.