Reflections on road racing

After re-reading yesterday's post about the Keller Rohrback/Eatonville Circuit race I realize that I came off like I knew what I was doing and that everything went exactly as we'd planned it.

yesterday's hard man (Adam E.) finishing in the snow
(photo courtesy of Catherine Cooper)

Let me tell you, when I came across that line ahead of the field, and in fifth place no less, I was as surprised as anyone.  I'd always been the racer that would throw in a few halfhearted attacks, yet always be content with sitting in the field and letting someone else go off the front.  In the lower categories I could get away with this because teams never really worked together (or understood the tactics of team racing) and I was smart, and strong, enough to get myself into a "good enough" spot for the finish.

Keller Rohrback/Eatonville Circuit Race

Instead of doing the equivalent of slamming our head against a wall and racing the Jack Frost TT six of us traveled up to Eatonville to race Washington's season opener, the Keller Rohrback Circuit Race.  The forecast predicted 39* with 3" of snow on the way.

Almost every one of us admitted to being willing to pull the plug on the race, none of wanted to be "that guy" so there we were, racing.

6.5ish mile circuit, 8 laps, one big-ring climb.  After pre-riding we thought it would be a race of attrition with no real break being able to stick.  With this in mind we formulated a plan of who we needed where and when.    Eli described the day's racing style as "passive-aggressive."  Heck, we're from Portland, we can manage that.  Just like last week, our plan went to total shit after about a lap.  Instead of sitting around with our hands in our jersey pockets like last week, we adapted.

Cherry Pie: still a lot to work on

First road race of the year.  We had a plan and we followed it as best we could but as we all know, that means we accomplished about 10% of it.  A break of two established itself  early at the start of the second lap (I think?) and a solid chase effort never solidified.  That is until we managed to set up a beautiful little chase effort with a TIA guy, an Ironclad rider, two teammates and a sitting-in Gentle Lovers rider.

Chase 1.
Photo courtesy of Mary Stephens

Cyclocross

As a true crosser I feel an obligation to share this with all.  Enjoy.

stolen from Cyclingdirt.org 's facebook page

Those of you that are out there traveling and racing every weekend from September through December will fully appreciate this.

and the season is upon us

Seems like we just wrapped up cross season and here we are, a week away from the first road races.  We've been doing some huge rides lately (see below) and hopefully it all pays off.  That said, this year is all about balance, both on and off the bike.  Somehow I'm still managing to put in almost the same amount of hours I did last year but I'm both happier and stronger when it comes to it.  I've heard so many people talk about FTP numbers and TSS scores but they rarely remember to factor in one thing:  life.



Some may be wondering why all this talk about this thing called 'life' and why I'm taking a more laid back approach to things this year.  Well, I'll tell you, this happened.

courtesy of Katie Doyle Photography

Bikes are awesome and all but they only last so long.

That said, here's to another awesome season with one of the best teams around.  2012 road season, here we come.  2013 cyclocross season, hurry up and get here already.