Pre Century Checklist

Here is a little list of things that are good to have for a long ride
1) Chamois Butt'r
2) Pump
3) Patch kit
4) Tire lever
5) Tube
6) More Chamois Butt'r
7) Gel (In a flask is best)
8) Three bottles of your favorite sports drink (two on the bike and one carried Domestique style in the jersey pocket)
9) More Chamois Butt'r
10) FOOD!! (make sure it goes down well with More Chamois Butt'r)
11) $5
12) Sunglasses
13) Gloves
14) Shoes
15) Socks (I like ones with a little bit of padding for when my feet start hurting....wool is good)
16) More Chamois Butt'r
17) Shorts
18) Jersey
19) and most importantly a helmet with More Chamois Butt'r... Safety first!!!

Addison RR, Corning Circuit Race, and Le Sprints du Guignard

Addison RR

This year marked the unveiling of the new Addison course. It also marked the elimination of the outside chance I have of doing well at that race. Whereas the old course had one four-minute (or so) tough climb, now it circles through the so-called Happiness Hills (or something silly like that). That means that the Addison course has turned into another of those local climbing courses, not so good for a big guy like me. The course was beautiful, though, winding through the back roads of NY and the pavement was, ah, well-seasoned. Happy? That’s debatable.

At the start, OCW rolled out at the front of the peleton. Tom and I controlled the race for while, then Josh and me. The pace was screaming, too—about 14 mph. No one seemed interested in pushing very hard, especially those of us on the front. So, for six miles OCW dominated the primetime. (I thought I heard the Versus helicopter at one point, but it was a bug caught it my helmet.) I stayed near the front, wanting to make everyone pass me on the hills once we got to them. That move worked to perfection when the race finally began in earnest and everyone passed me within the next three minutes. Then, it was off the back, gritting into time trial mode while trying to catch Eric, that crusty old codger who passed me on the first hill and looked back at me every so often while pulling away. I called him some unprintable names—silently, mind you, because I had no breath. When I finally ran him down, the other guy who became a part of our paceline promptly popped me off the back by accelerating when it came his time to pull. I had burned my matches and the matchbook. It got uglier.

The finishing hill was a whopper. Something like 300’ of elevation gain in a half mile. It was made for those tiny guys on the team who are all lungs and legs. My legs began cramping as soon as I hit it, and I shut my effort down. No sense in killing myself for 26th, right? I tried to preserve some studliness by wheelieing (how the hell do you spell that?) across the finish line, but even that was pathetic.

What can I say? It’s racing season. I was a stud for six miles.

Corning Circuit Race

When it comes to bikes races, my ability to ignore important facts about courses is astounding. What’s even more astounding is the way I do this repeatedly. Apparently, I’ve got a Miguel Indurain imagination trapped in a punter’s body. Before every race, I talk smack in the shop about how I hope to do this and that, and I invariably get smacked down by the race. The CCR was no different—1.3 mile loop with a short climb that gained 90’. Ninety feet, you say, that can’t be so bad. And it’s not, until you hit that thing every 2-3 minutes having not recovered from the previous lap's uphill effort. Add that elevation gain up over the course of 14 laps and you’ve got 1260’ of climbing in an anaerobic state. Add the cumulative effect of the extended period of anaerobicity and, well, it's not pretty. Why I didn’t think of that before the race is beyond me. I’m big but I’m slow (unlike Big Mig).

I will admit that for all the suffering, the course was super fun. I really enjoyed the flats and rolling bits and the 30-mph turn 1. I even enjoyed riding with the pack for three laps, until I blew apart at the seams. Let’s see, I got lapped twice and managed to finish 30th out of 47 riders. Tom finished ahead of me, and Eric, Howard, and Tioga Tom all finished somewhere behind me. Eric has since said he will not race that race again, though I bet I’ll convince him to by next year. Heh, heh.

Kudos to those guys at Big Horn Velo for putting this race together, and I look forward to next year’s version. And, by the way, I think Tom Oswald is part lizard. At least , he warms up like one, just lying around in the sun until the race begins. I guess you can do that when you don't really have muscles.

Le Sprints du Guignard

Fortunately, Gabriel has not inherited his old man’s physique, though he has inherited his mouthiness. Except Gabe has figured out how to use his mouthiness to better effect. Lately, Gabe’s been into racing his bike up and down the driveway. So far, he’s undefeated, having spanked both Eric and myself numerous times. He even crashed into the neighbor’s car one day, thought it was fun, and wanted to do it again. I talked him out of it. Finally.

But I’ve watched his methods closely, and I’ve got a new strategy for the next race. His subtle psychological cunning begins like this: “Daddy, let’s race, and I’m gonna win.” “Ok, Bud, let’s race.” (Then his subtle tone shift to a sort of whiny pitch.) “Daddy, you can’t beat me.” “Ok, Bud, I won't beat you.” And then he proceeds to win over and over. The method works. Ask Eric. I can’t wait until the next race to try it, when I whine to the crowd: “OK, guys, let’s race. But you can’t beat me.”

I feel faster already. But not faster than Gabriel.

Century Date

The date for this year's OCW century is 7:00am, Sunday, July 20.
The route is shown in the post below. There is one convenience store stop, 3 spring water stops, miles of gorgeous country roads, lots of hills, and a 65-mile bailout option. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to bring a friend.

Working on a new July century route

What do you all think of this proposed route?

-Tom

Stuff

Hey,
I just fixed the dead link to the team picture album. If you have pictures I would be happy to post them. Also I am starting to compile the race results for this year. So check out the results page and if something should be added let me know and I will take care of it.

Oswald Bling

Race #2 CHAAAAAA-CHING

Jinxed

Bikers are a superstitious group by nature. I am no exception. I am not sure if it is riding with Jesse and Tom, or the ghosts of fallbrook. I am beginning to think that maybe Armedia Mountain has something in for me. I first flatted out there about 4 years ago. In fact I double flatted, patched up, then promptly flatted again with no more patches to bail me out. The next event came when Tom and Eric and I rode up on the mountain and picked up a stray pooch that literally followed us for hours, what a fiasco that was. The next incident happened while on my way to Fallbrook, I hit a dog with my cross bike. Then Tom and Jesse and I were riding on the mountain this spring and I pinch flatted. I hardly ever get flats, even when I hit a dog. Then tonight I flat out on the mountain in the most bizarre way. I was just riding along when suddenly a stick gets lodged between the two spokes where the valve stem sits. The stick snapped the valve stem right off. What are the chances of that happening? I think the next time I go up there I will wear full body armor, you know, just in case I end up hitting a bear or end up riding into an abandoned mine shaft or something. sheesh

A Great Start

Eric, Tom, and Jesse

To kick off the 2008 racing season, Eric Franck, Jesse Suders and I headed up to the inaugural Ramble Around Prattsburgh. If the rest of the season turns out to be anything like this first race, then we are going to be wearing permanent grins until November. What a great event. Prattsburgh NY is a neat little town, and the crew of Pedaling Productions and all of the other volunteers did a superb job putting everything together.

The race started at the traditional town square. A motorcycle led 77 of us out of town, down a rutted dirt track, and then back through town for a pleasant, chatty, controlled start. I guess this was the “ramble” part. Then he took us back out of town again and turned us loose on a paved road that quickly turned to dirt and climbed up into the hills. Ramble: over. Race: on!

Jesse and I planned to stick together as much as we could, but you know how bike racing and plans go together. Yup, pretty much like Campagnolo cassettes and Shimano freehubs – not at all. As I watched about a dozen tough guys open an ever-widening gap in front of me, I also took a few glances behind to see where Jesse was. No sign of him. Turns out he got hung up in some traffic at the start. Near the top of the climb I could see that we were going to turn onto a ridgeline and head into the wind. I put in an extra hard kick to jump up to a big guy on a ‘cross bike just before we crested. Sorry, Jesse, but a little guy me has to jump on a gravy train like that every chance he gets.

Eric's Cross Pro served him well (thanks, Fuji!)

We swapped pulls a few times, then a couple of other guys caught us. The four of us started working pretty well together, then dang!, the big guy got a flat. And just before the fast paved section too. So the three of us rolled it down the pavement lickety-split and stuck together on the second big climb. A quick round of introductions at the top, then Bruce, Gordon and I kept on truckin’. We worked together ‘til the next fast, rutty descent, where Bruce’s mountain bike proved to be superior to Gordon’s and my skinny cyclocross treads. He dropped us and kept going.

On the third climb, just when my morale was crumbling as Gordon pulled away and I had to unclip to walk up the last pitch, I heard a voice – “Tom, I’m right behind you.” It was Jesse, clawing his way back. Awesome! We got together, hooked up with Gordon, and flew down the last hill. The three of us hit the pavement and did a few rotations, trying to reel in a solo mountain bike ahead of us. We skirted around an onion field with soil that was impossibly black, and a smell so pungent I briefly considered disgorging my Hammer Gel. A tractor path, then a little more pavement. Then a muddy 4-wheeler track dotted with a few spectators – the end must be near!

Jesse gets bogged down in the mud and dismounts. I hit the gas and plow right up the middle. Then a gravel track with two tiny hillocks that nearly stop me dead. I finally make the main road and sneak a quick look back. I have a little gap! Big ring, hands in the drops, head down. Go! Not much left in the tank. Another look back. Here comes Jesse. Man, he’s getting strong. We zigzag through some neighborhood streets and are approaching the town square. Jesse starts ramping it up and I dig deep, but can’t hang. He finishes a few seconds ahead. We both feel great.

After the nausea subsided, we found Heather (Jesse’s fiancé) and cheered Eric on as he finished. Then we all had a good meal at The Robbins Nest. And the re-hydration was extra delicious (thanks, Eric). As for the results, Jesse finished 12th and was 3rd in his age group, I was 13th and 3rd in my age group, and Eric was 5th in his age group. It was an excellent race on a gorgeous spring day shared with the best of company. I can’t imagine a better way to start the
season.

Jesse, thumbs up on the podium

P-Burgh shuffle

Look what I found! Jesse, THE man. Great job boys!!

Interval training

I went out for a quick interval workout tonight. Here is the heart rate data. I did 2 x 10 min Sub LT(lactate threshold) intervals with 10 min rest between. Take notice at the interval part. The key is to maintain your HR(heart rate) or Power for the entire interval just below Lactate Threshold(you have to know yours first). These are a necessity if you want to get faster. These intervals are designed to push your Lactate Threshold closer to your maximum HR. Translation, You can ride harder(faster) longer the closer your lactate threshold is to your max HR. Also these are totally individual, meaning that my LT could be way different than someone elses. Never do intervals based on someone elses HR.

Eric and I took a ride in Asaph yesterday and here is the map from a cool little tool I have been working on. The trails over there are in rough shape. They are dry but littered with limbs and trees from the ice storm I assume. We rode for about 2:30:oo and only got in 16 miles. Great start to the MTB riding though!

Thanksgiving

A couple of weeks ago a 49 year old gentleman suffered from a massive stroke. I have known him for many years. We trained for our black belts together along with his three boys. The last couple of years he has taken up running and completed a couple of marathons. His big goal this next summer was to participate in some triathlons. He had been saving for a bike and his wife was going to get him one for Christmas. At this point the bike has taken a back seat to other concerns as he travels the long road to recovery. I am trying to get a bike together for him for Christmas anyway. I have most of the parts I need. However, I am looking for a road frame about 56cm. If anyone has a frame that they have retired and are looking to get out of the garage the family and I would appreciate a donation. Thank you for your consideration.

Updates

It's been awhile since anyone has made any new posts so here it goes. If the folks on the team could check the race results link on the right to make sure all their results are up to date I would appreciate it. Also the banging new team kits are in and better looking then before if you can believe that. It looks like the last race of the year was the Iron Cross race. Jared finished first out of the team then Tom about ten minutes back or so then me about ten minutes after that and Jesse about ten minutes back from that approximately, if my memory serves me correctly.

Doughnut Derby

Here are some shots from the Doughnut Derby. Ted, Jennie and Eric were tops in doughnut consumption with 7 each (that's 1260 calories!). Josh completed the course the quickest, but Ted came up with the best combination of fast riding and excessive eating to take the overall victory. Mmmm, victory. Sweet, sticky victory.
















The start

Jennie stole the show with her superior balloon carrying.

This guy clearly has had too much sugar.

Jared demonstrates the bandolier carrying style.

I can't think of a caption for this one.

Ted "the Doughnut King" Fuller wins!
The prize? A dozen doughnuts.

Tour de Shunk

Yesterday I did the tour de shunk for the second time. I did 103 miles solo in a time of 5:43 including rest stops and.... uhhh rest stops. I felt better doing this century then I have doing any other previous. I can only credit that feeling to the torture the Shenandoah put me through. Next on my list of events is the Wheel Around the Hub in Smethport next weekend.

SM100

Hey folks here is the Shenandoah report. It's a little long so if you want to check it out click on the link below.

Race Report

sm 100

HOLY CRAP!!!

A more informative race report coming soon!

Wilderness 101 (The photographers' story)

We had a blast at the wilderness 101. The weekend was full of unexpected happenings, good and bad. Our first night there most of the racers turned in around 9:30 pm, so we thought it best to take off for a bit, so as not to disturb anyone. We needed to find our way to the tunnel in Poe Paddy State Park, to take pictures there during the race, so we headed over the mountain. On our way we noticed a man walking down the road and we stopped to ask him for directions. He offered to show us in person if we would take him home afterward. We agreed so he hopped in the back and we continued on our way. On the way we learned a lot about our guide. His name was Jack and he is a retired biology professor from Eureka, CA. He spends his summers here in an old CC camp that has been in his family for many years. After finding the tunnel (which is very cool to see at night, and a little creepy) we took Jack home and he invited us in for a beer. Jack showed us around his camp pointing out the flying squirrel he has in a hamster cage. He explained to us that he accidentally caught the flying squirrel in a trap while trying to catch red squirrels. We had a great time hanging out with Jack; he was a really cool guy. It was getting pretty late so we made our way back to Coburn Park and called it a night.

The next morning we told Jay Heverly and John Majors about the little adventure we had the night before, and our wish to free the flying squirrel. Then we started preparing to get some great shots of the race. We made our way around to some of the best parts of the course to get our shots, and saw the awesome technical skills of the top riders. At the first tunnel we wanted to get shots of Jay and John. We waited for a while and started to wonder if something happened to Jay. The last time we saw him he was doing extremely well and should have come through already. When John came through we asked if he had seen Jay, and he informed us that Jay’s frame had broken.

We went to the finish line to find Jay, watch the rest of the racers come in, and see the awards. Jeremiah Bishop came in first with a time of 6:52:07 setting a new record, followed by Harlan Price in second, and Tinker Juarez in third. John Majors took first in the Men’s Masters clenching the endurance series title. After the awards we decided we had one more mission this weekend and that was to buy the squirrel’s freedom. We gained the support of John and Jay and went into town to buy a six-pack, hoping that Jack would accept it as trade for the squirrel’s freedom, and journeyed over to Jack’s. We pulled into the driveway only to find that Jack was not home, so we went back to Coburn Park. Disappointed by our failed mission we all went to bed. Overall the weekend was a success we got some great shots, and although we didn’t free the squirrel we have faith that Jack will release it before he ventures back to California. To see more pictures of the of The Wilderness 101 and also Ole Bull Midnight Madness visit www.serenafranck.com. Race report written by Eric and Serena Franck

Matt Tomb's first road race

Saturday, August 11 I raced in my first road bike race. I raced in the Mansfield Campus Criterium race. It was an awesome day for racing. Although not too many riders came out to the race, it was still a fun day.

I was feeling a little nervous about the race because a few of the corners on it were pretty sharp. After pre-riding it a dozen times I lined up on the line feeling pretty good. After everybody wished each other good luck we were off.

I went off the front at the start, not really knowing what I was doing. It only stayed that way for about a lap then the lead pack caught me and Josh Beals gave me a quick word of advice. He told me to try to stay out of the wind. But I wasn't able to keep with the lead pack. They were just too fast. I was just able to keep them in sight on the long downhill. Slowly they started getting farther and farther ahead. I would see Tom every lap and he would tell me that they weren't that far ahead and that I could catch them. This just made me work a little bit harder.

I never could quite catch then but I was able to finish 4th over all and 1st in my age group. Josh was the winner of the B-race, only winning by 5/100ths of a second. I had a lot of fun at this race, it was the most fun race that I’ve ever done. I really hope to do it again next year.

- Matt Tomb

Race Reports

I have been slacking the last week or so and I am just getting my race reports up. You can check them out using the following links if you want.

Mansfield Campus Crit
Kinzua Classic
Ole Bull