San Dimas Stage 2--I killed it today

I straight up dominated today.  I had read several reports (1, 2) from last year's race so I expected this to be a tough race not nothing out of my grasp.  This course is notorious for cross winds and natural attrition due to the climbs.  Also, the KOM and Sprint points on the line tend to keep the field together.  Looking at it, I didn't think it would be that bad.  Plus, I had some business to take care of after yesterday's sub-par TT.

So, race goes off, the pace is high but not unbearable.  "The climb" comes and goes.  If this is considered a climb these people need to go ride some 'real' roads.  Yes, there's a small 13% pitch in there but this thing is short.  Next lap is the KOM.  Speaking of which, the KOM is about a 200m before the summit and descent so all the climbers immediately sit up before actually cresting the summit.  KOM 1 comes and I'm with the lead group.  Everyone sits up and I attack off the front.  I get my gap on the descent and they let me just ride off the front.  The tailwind pushes me all the way through the finish line and I'm gone.  The entire field just sat up and looked at each other, waiting for someone else to chase.  Over the next 6 laps I built up a 4 minute lead and I think the field forgot about me.  40+ miles off the front, in the wind.  I'm now holding the overall with a 2:37 lead over second place.  Assuming I can just finish the crit tomorrow I've got this thing in the bag.

Right.  Want to read what really happened?  Jump past the break...

San Dimas: Glendora Mountian Time Trial--Disappointed

Today reminded me of one thing:  I need to work on time trialing.  I know I have the physical strength, now I need the mental component.  I went into this race with both a time and wattage goal, I didn't hit either.

a look at one of the switchbacks

San Dimas Stage Race: holy crap, this is happening

Here I sit in Southern California, still amazed that this trip is actually happening.  When I was initially presented with this trip proposal I thought "yeah right, there's no way that could happen" and then things started falling into place.  Next thing I know I'm on a plane and then riding along the California coast.

You know those places you see pictures of with palm trees, resorts on the ocean and surfers everywhere?  This is it.  Ok, I'm a few months early but you get the picture.

PSU Collegiate RR

Been sitting on these pictures for a few days with the intention of writing something in more detail but I realize that's not going to happen.  Below are a few pictures from the collegiate race last Sunday (3/20).  I used this race as practice and finished 9th out of 19.  The major accomplishment was staying with the group and learning exactly how these guys work together--good prep for San Dimas.  Well, enjoy and I'll keep you updated as to how San Dimas goes.  

All pictures taken from Wheels in Focus.

San Dimas Stage Race

Holy s*** this is actually happening.  You know how you dream about something happening but never really believe it will and somehow everything falls into place?  That about sums it up.

March 24-28 I will be in lovely Southern California.  Yes, I realize it's "So Cal."  Think about it, I've been training and racing in the snow, sleet, ice and rain for the past few months.

Forecasts for tomorrow:
Portland:  100% chance of rain (aka, rain all day); high of 55; gusts as high as 34
San Dimas:  Mostly sunny; high of 77; calm wind

F-yeah!
A HUGE thank you goes out to Team Oregon and Lana Atchley for making all this happen.  I would not be able to do this without all of you.
More details later.

Crosswinds Blow

I pride myself in being able to ride and race in just about any condition.  Yes, part of it comes from necessity if racing in Oregon but through racing cyclocross I've realized that if you can capitalize on the conditions and psych others out you've already beat them.

Climbs, descents, gravel, mud, snow, freezing rain and excessively long races:  I'll do them all.
Cross winds:  f*** that.

Banana Belt 2 and breakthrough

After our previous attempts at a plan we went into this race without one.  No protected rider, no designated sprinter, just ride hard and make people hurt.

this picture tells the story of the day.  Drowned rats, that's all
(courtesy of Oregon Cycling Action)

To tell you the truth, the weather took care of that last part pretty well.  Cold and rain, hello Oregon road racing, about time you returned.

new kits and Banana Belt 1

Alright, Team Oregon.  I know you created a huge stir back in the winter when you presented the new kit design without even informing anyone it was in the works.  Also, I thought it was one of the ugliest designs I'd ever seen.  That said, I would like to change my opinion and state that the new design is pretty freaking sweet!  I thought I'd miss the red-orange but this new grey-scheme is pretty sharp (see below).

a teammate modeling the new kit
(courtesy of Oregon Cycling Action)

Cherry Pie race report

Yeah, I know this is late.  Get over it.

Nope, not me.  One of our teammates looking a whole
lot more badass than I ever could
(courtesy of Oregon Cycling Action)

Let's just say I put off writing this because Cherry Pie didn't quite go as planned.  We (Team O) went into this race thinking it would stay together and that we'd be able to set up a decent leadout for the uphill finish.  Heck, we had 3 guys who could contest it so we were bound to put someone in the top 5, right?