IGVENTURE
- Thread starter pooriggy
- Start date
kush
Active Member
- Nice work iggy. Like I said you had nothing to worry about. I know you are a damn good climber as you and I are really very similar in ability. Help me train for the Killington race; lets hit up Lebanon 96
- Yea, don't talk to me before my warmup! But I was really happy to see you during the race.
- We kept attacking on every key juncture. We were of like mind in wanting to thin out the pack early on. That jump 2 miles before FZ1 was kinda silly though. There weren't all the guys in there that were needed to stick, and I was like "hey guys its a mile before FZ1, whatcha doing?" But I kept with them because, well, I was having fun going fast.
- about the paceline. we did this several times to grind the pack, and it was fast and organized. however, guys get so freaking lazy, we do like 2 minutes, and then guys hide. it was a bit frustrating.
Only a handful of riders are strong enough to paceline early on for a significant amount of time without the risk of folding later in the race...you were one of them.
There were times when the pace seemed to slow to a crawl but its not worth taking the workload on to thin the herd. The CRCA team had close to 20 guys doing that race, they should be doing the work.
Congratulations Iggy! Nice write-up, great race!
Here's the info on that PA series I was talking about. It's a bit confusing, but Mt. Nebo is supposed to be awesome, and Oxford was great last year. Similar to the course profile at BKill, but much shorter (4 or 5 laps) and NO DIRT.
Here's the info on that PA series I was talking about. It's a bit confusing, but Mt. Nebo is supposed to be awesome, and Oxford was great last year. Similar to the course profile at BKill, but much shorter (4 or 5 laps) and NO DIRT.
Thanks Sean. I am confused with that link, its gonna take me awhile to figure that thing out.
After talking to you Saturday I thought this was the series you mentioned.
http://www.bikereg.com/events/?pid=3831
Have you done any of these races?
After talking to you Saturday I thought this was the series you mentioned.
http://www.bikereg.com/events/?pid=3831
Have you done any of these races?
THAT'S the right series. I'm caffeine deprived this am. (I did Oxford last year, which shows up as a Crit on the link I gave you. Ignore.) It was well organized and the course was well controlled. Yellow line rule, etc., but no craziness. Lots of riders. If they're not doing Mt. Nebo, I'm sure they've substituted something just as evil. To get a sense of the terrain, etc., there's this video preview of Mt. Nebo from last year... I turned down the music.
Thanks Sean. I looked at the dates for those races and it looks tough to fit this in with my mtb racing. I don't like to do more then 2 races a month. I am looking at the tour of adirondacks. This really fits my schedule as there is nothing going on in September since I dont cx race. Hopefully some teammates can join me, then I would definetley do the TOA.
https://www.bikereg.com/Net/12963
For next year I'd like to be more prepared for Battenkill. It may mean missing some of the ST races in March to put more time on the road bike. I say this now but once you start doing those ST races its tough to stop. I really enjoyed that March racing on the mtb and being with teammates. You can't do it all I guess. But damn next year I'd like to stay with the lead group up Wrights rd/Meeting house rd. That was the race. That Juniper rd climbing, everyone in the lead group had fresh legs. By the time we got to mile 44 the guys who put some hard training miles on the road bike over last couple months were able to turn the screws up Wrights rd. If you look at the pic of Ilya on that climb on fb he was not in the pain, the guys 2 minutes back were hurting. Next year I'd like to be able to smile at that guy taking the pic's on top of that climb. But like I said...u can't do it all. I'm not sure what I'm going to focus my training on next spring.
Its been a good week of training, Battenkill got me hopped up to work the bike. After seeing all the cool bikes at that race it also has me wanting a new bike...next year. I don't know how I'm gonna do it but I gots to have me an EVO.
So here is what I've done this week.
Monday- I had to take my dad to the Dr., but was able to get out in the morning and enjoy the countryside while pedalling. I added miles to my Lake rd. loop to get me to the 4hr. mark. It felt good to break out of the 3hr. mold by adding that extra hour. Plus its good to mix and match some of the loops I do, I gets old doing the same rides after awhile.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760688
Tuesday- No HG A ride for me, after Battenkill my legs needed a break from going fast. I gained some mbu by taking J to soccer practice in Morristown with the added benefit of hitting up Lewis Morris on the Mtb. This was the first time I've had the SS out in quite awhile. After being on the road bike this thing felt clunky. It took about 20 minutes to get used to it again. I did one lap of the race course. My legs took awhile to loosen up, SSing up some of the puncy climbs at Lewmo is work. The trails are still there after the burn the state did but some sections are not very clearly defined as to were the trail is. I know were it is because I've ridden there before but I can see riders putting in alterernate line because they can, everything is wide open were they burned.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760681
Thursday- I took off Wednesday so I would have legs to put in a tempo ride on Thursday. The legs felt good enough as I headed out after work in Upper Freehold. There was a steady 7 to 12 mph wind to keep me working as I pedalled toward Princeton. How do I know what the windspeed is? I know because we have a weather station at work, so at least I got that going for me. If you ever want to know weather stuff for Upper Freehold I'm the dude to ask, just make sure you ask me when I'm at work doe.
My hrm was going crazy for the first 20 minutes until I built up some sweat lube to make a good connection with my hr strap. I kept my output in tempo and was able to hit a solid avg. as I made my way out past Princeton. After reading Pearls re-cap of the Halters ride last night I realized I was on some of the same rds...518. I did an out and back to neutralize any wind advantage. On the way back before I crossed 206 I flatted. At this point I am more then 30 miles from work so I make sure there is no glass imbedded in my tire since I have only one spare tube and no patch's. Tire is good and I put in new tube to finish the cruise home...must have been one of those mystery flats.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760679
https://www.bikereg.com/Net/12963
For next year I'd like to be more prepared for Battenkill. It may mean missing some of the ST races in March to put more time on the road bike. I say this now but once you start doing those ST races its tough to stop. I really enjoyed that March racing on the mtb and being with teammates. You can't do it all I guess. But damn next year I'd like to stay with the lead group up Wrights rd/Meeting house rd. That was the race. That Juniper rd climbing, everyone in the lead group had fresh legs. By the time we got to mile 44 the guys who put some hard training miles on the road bike over last couple months were able to turn the screws up Wrights rd. If you look at the pic of Ilya on that climb on fb he was not in the pain, the guys 2 minutes back were hurting. Next year I'd like to be able to smile at that guy taking the pic's on top of that climb. But like I said...u can't do it all. I'm not sure what I'm going to focus my training on next spring.
Its been a good week of training, Battenkill got me hopped up to work the bike. After seeing all the cool bikes at that race it also has me wanting a new bike...next year. I don't know how I'm gonna do it but I gots to have me an EVO.
So here is what I've done this week.
Monday- I had to take my dad to the Dr., but was able to get out in the morning and enjoy the countryside while pedalling. I added miles to my Lake rd. loop to get me to the 4hr. mark. It felt good to break out of the 3hr. mold by adding that extra hour. Plus its good to mix and match some of the loops I do, I gets old doing the same rides after awhile.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760688
Tuesday- No HG A ride for me, after Battenkill my legs needed a break from going fast. I gained some mbu by taking J to soccer practice in Morristown with the added benefit of hitting up Lewis Morris on the Mtb. This was the first time I've had the SS out in quite awhile. After being on the road bike this thing felt clunky. It took about 20 minutes to get used to it again. I did one lap of the race course. My legs took awhile to loosen up, SSing up some of the puncy climbs at Lewmo is work. The trails are still there after the burn the state did but some sections are not very clearly defined as to were the trail is. I know were it is because I've ridden there before but I can see riders putting in alterernate line because they can, everything is wide open were they burned.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760681
Thursday- I took off Wednesday so I would have legs to put in a tempo ride on Thursday. The legs felt good enough as I headed out after work in Upper Freehold. There was a steady 7 to 12 mph wind to keep me working as I pedalled toward Princeton. How do I know what the windspeed is? I know because we have a weather station at work, so at least I got that going for me. If you ever want to know weather stuff for Upper Freehold I'm the dude to ask, just make sure you ask me when I'm at work doe.
My hrm was going crazy for the first 20 minutes until I built up some sweat lube to make a good connection with my hr strap. I kept my output in tempo and was able to hit a solid avg. as I made my way out past Princeton. After reading Pearls re-cap of the Halters ride last night I realized I was on some of the same rds...518. I did an out and back to neutralize any wind advantage. On the way back before I crossed 206 I flatted. At this point I am more then 30 miles from work so I make sure there is no glass imbedded in my tire since I have only one spare tube and no patch's. Tire is good and I put in new tube to finish the cruise home...must have been one of those mystery flats.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/169760679
SSaP
I am looking forward to racing the SS this weekend up at Stewart. This is a fun, must do event put on by the guys at Dark Horse cycle's. Like the Dark Horse 40 it draws a big crowd, the post race atmosphere is party central. I remember Fred did an impromptu Dancing Queen solo last year that was pretty funny. I think Norm said he is bringing the flame thrower this year, that thing is always a ball of laughs. See u SS fags this weekend at Stewart.
Weekly Recappage
Let me give you the highlights. Monday night I took Jamie and his buddies to the last Nets home game in Newark. J is a huge Nets fan, despite the fact that they suck. Next year they're moving to Brooklyn, which means we are not going to many basketball games. When they were in Newark it was 20 minutes from my house, I don't want to think about going to Brooklyn.
J is the short one
Tuesday night was the High Gear A ride. I am not going to bother giving the play by play details, Utah and Norm gave a good description in their posts. This is a great ride to do during the week, its the pick-me- up that I need. With work, commuting and various bullshit to deal with throughout the day, a general malaise can set in which leaves me feeling lethargic. I often wonder wtf do those people do that don't ride bikes? I find getting on a bike renews my energy and keeps the bastards from wearing me down. Shit after the A ride I feel like I am ready to conquer the world, or at least face another day of work.
I am looking forward to racing the SS this weekend up at Stewart. This is a fun, must do event put on by the guys at Dark Horse cycle's. Like the Dark Horse 40 it draws a big crowd, the post race atmosphere is party central. I remember Fred did an impromptu Dancing Queen solo last year that was pretty funny. I think Norm said he is bringing the flame thrower this year, that thing is always a ball of laughs. See u SS fags this weekend at Stewart.
Weekly Recappage
Let me give you the highlights. Monday night I took Jamie and his buddies to the last Nets home game in Newark. J is a huge Nets fan, despite the fact that they suck. Next year they're moving to Brooklyn, which means we are not going to many basketball games. When they were in Newark it was 20 minutes from my house, I don't want to think about going to Brooklyn.
J is the short one
Tuesday night was the High Gear A ride. I am not going to bother giving the play by play details, Utah and Norm gave a good description in their posts. This is a great ride to do during the week, its the pick-me- up that I need. With work, commuting and various bullshit to deal with throughout the day, a general malaise can set in which leaves me feeling lethargic. I often wonder wtf do those people do that don't ride bikes? I find getting on a bike renews my energy and keeps the bastards from wearing me down. Shit after the A ride I feel like I am ready to conquer the world, or at least face another day of work.
ok i'm pissed, I typed a whole recap but the thing got lost on the internets. oh well just as well, it was verbose and bordering on Robism status.
The excitement came down to the last 40 minutes of the race when Jeremy passed me and I kept him in sight till the end of the race. Two other guys were behind him, a Dark Horse guy and a NY kit guy.
The 4 of us made it out to the fire road before the last single track. I was able to pull ahead of he DH dude and the NY guy and hold them off in the single track. Jemermy finished in front of me at 25th and I got 27th? Not sure how that happened , I didn't see anyone behind Jeremy...who knows. I am happy with my race.
Post race- I like racing because of the challenge and the opportunity to push myself to the limits. I also like hanging out with friends and getting stupid. Todays event provided both, Thanks Dark Horse Cycles!
If anyone is thinking about doing a race jump into a DH race or MTBNJ race(stewart 6 pack). They are as entertaining as racing gets.
The excitement came down to the last 40 minutes of the race when Jeremy passed me and I kept him in sight till the end of the race. Two other guys were behind him, a Dark Horse guy and a NY kit guy.
The 4 of us made it out to the fire road before the last single track. I was able to pull ahead of he DH dude and the NY guy and hold them off in the single track. Jemermy finished in front of me at 25th and I got 27th? Not sure how that happened , I didn't see anyone behind Jeremy...who knows. I am happy with my race.
Post race- I like racing because of the challenge and the opportunity to push myself to the limits. I also like hanging out with friends and getting stupid. Todays event provided both, Thanks Dark Horse Cycles!
If anyone is thinking about doing a race jump into a DH race or MTBNJ race(stewart 6 pack). They are as entertaining as racing gets.
HG A Ride Recap
Well I didn't do the A ride last night, instead I met Chris Santa-lu-cia, Utah, EricO, Bill, and Jermy at Wayway for a preride of Sundays Cat 1 racecourse.
It was good to see Bill all decked out in Mtbnj attire, he even had the socks on, if we were to have a uniform inspection he would have passed with flying colors.
Well we were supposed to take it easy after SSaP but with Bill and Utah up front I found my HR in the red zone quite a bit last night, not as high as the A ride but this was no leisurely pace either. Bill had a new Trek Rumblefish that he made go like a Willies in 4 wheel drive.
The course starts out with a lot of pavement before it jumps into some double track. The double track has climbing and some technical rock areas that will seperate and spread the pack out. Of course its wayway so there is a fair share of rocks mixed in, which will favor the better technical riders. But as Bill pointed out you're almost better off easing up a bit in the technical sections to stay smooth on the bike and push yourself on the pavement and climbs. Going up Lookout and down through Sitting Bear in reverse of last years H2H is more fun imo. Well maybe not fun, but definitely different and more flow.
It was refreshing to meet these guys on a weeknight for some fun mtb riding instead of the typical Tuesday night murda A ride. I think I'm gonna join Utah at Jungle next week to get ready for the race there in 2 weeks. Hopefully these guys and other teammates can join us. I need to work on getting better at Jungle, I always suck there.
Well I didn't do the A ride last night, instead I met Chris Santa-lu-cia, Utah, EricO, Bill, and Jermy at Wayway for a preride of Sundays Cat 1 racecourse.
It was good to see Bill all decked out in Mtbnj attire, he even had the socks on, if we were to have a uniform inspection he would have passed with flying colors.
Well we were supposed to take it easy after SSaP but with Bill and Utah up front I found my HR in the red zone quite a bit last night, not as high as the A ride but this was no leisurely pace either. Bill had a new Trek Rumblefish that he made go like a Willies in 4 wheel drive.
The course starts out with a lot of pavement before it jumps into some double track. The double track has climbing and some technical rock areas that will seperate and spread the pack out. Of course its wayway so there is a fair share of rocks mixed in, which will favor the better technical riders. But as Bill pointed out you're almost better off easing up a bit in the technical sections to stay smooth on the bike and push yourself on the pavement and climbs. Going up Lookout and down through Sitting Bear in reverse of last years H2H is more fun imo. Well maybe not fun, but definitely different and more flow.
It was refreshing to meet these guys on a weeknight for some fun mtb riding instead of the typical Tuesday night murda A ride. I think I'm gonna join Utah at Jungle next week to get ready for the race there in 2 weeks. Hopefully these guys and other teammates can join us. I need to work on getting better at Jungle, I always suck there.
ha...dont blame me..I would have been happy to roll around at 5mph..bill was beating me like a red headed step child last night....This usually happens after every good race result I have...its followed by a ride with bill where he will again remind me that he is yoda and im at best luke skywalker in episode IV 🙂 Good times! We do need to do this more often.
Definitely good to meet up with everyone. I was planning on the HiGAR but as my season has dictated I found myself on the MTB again.
That Rumblefish is fun. It's not light (not heavy either) but it still climbs good and it tears through rocks like a monkey with a firecracker in its ass (I appologize in advance to PITA). I have a near DH tire on the front so I think I'm carrying an extra pound or two but I can go without regard through said rocks. I would consider racing that thing on the right course.
I tried to push pretty hard and the whole group responded amazingly. It was nice to see everyone nearly wheel to wheel in most sections and on the climbs. I really went hard in Sitting Bear and like I said the Rfish kills that sh!t.
Fun stuff. I could be persuaded for Jungle too.
That Rumblefish is fun. It's not light (not heavy either) but it still climbs good and it tears through rocks like a monkey with a firecracker in its ass (I appologize in advance to PITA). I have a near DH tire on the front so I think I'm carrying an extra pound or two but I can go without regard through said rocks. I would consider racing that thing on the right course.
I tried to push pretty hard and the whole group responded amazingly. It was nice to see everyone nearly wheel to wheel in most sections and on the climbs. I really went hard in Sitting Bear and like I said the Rfish kills that sh!t.
Fun stuff. I could be persuaded for Jungle too.
A-wella' wella' wella' wella' welcome back. I don't sell bullets and I don't sell crack.
Ok thats my tribute to mca from the Beastie Boys, its funny how I can remember these lyrics from like 20 yrs ago but I can’t remember what height we cut the putting green on the golf course I work at. It’s one of those weird numbers that starts with a decimal point.
Wayway Recap
Sunday morning I meet Kirt and Clapper at the DD in Booton off of 287, this is the perfect rendezvous point since its easy access to 287 in both directions. I load up my gear and hop in Kirts car and we roll to the race and get caught up on girl talk.
We get there with plenty of time to warm up and bust balls with everyone. At 10:00 the pro’s go off then the cat 1 age groups, they get to the 40-49’s and we’re off. The roadie start is pretty tame, my buddy John Kuhn bolts to the front and pulls everyone into the double track. From here the pace pics up and guys start fumbling over the occasional rock garden.
Kirt bolts around me to get past this mess and John Kuhn goes from 1st to like 15th in a matter of 10 minutes. I am hanging back with John at this point, I just don’t have the gas to hammer plus I know the climb up red dot is coming.
Once we get to the climb I am still holding my position, unable to make the definitive move I need to blow past people. I am somewhat surprised that there are that many guys able to push this hard up this climb. Knowing we still have another lap I sit tight at 15th place and wait for my opportunity to start making moves.
After about 30 minutes we finally get off the fire roads and into the twisty rocky single track on Gasline. I feel at home on this, Fishermans, white dot (Overlook) and Sitting Bear. I’m not saying I don’t take an occasional dab but I am making up ground and passing people at this point. I really like this section and remember racing it from the BS50.
As I come around for lap 2 I was able to shake anyone on my tail and felt good about not having to do the prologue again. This lap is where I usually find myself in races…alone. I am not strong enough to hang with the really fast guys but just slightly better then the mid pack dudes. This was how my finish’s went at the ST series at Mooch.
Hoping to catch someone in my class I keep the hammer down and don’t let up. I like the new H2H format at this race of doing only 2 laps. Knowing I am on my last lap I leave it all out there. Climbing Lookout the second time around was tough. I ended up walking a lot of the rock climbs because my legs were spent and the rocks were more slippery on this lap. This is where I caught Jermy in the 30-39 class. He was having a tough day and I was having a good day. Jermy has good tech skills, if he was on he would have been up there in his class.
Before the entrance to Sitting Bear I buzz past Vreeland who is sitting up and pedaling, as I pass I say TT. I had to say something. The last 15 minutes was uneventful, I passed no one and did not get passed. I rolled across the finish line 10th out of 25.
This is a good finish for me and an improvement over last years placing. Over the winter I worked on my mtb skills by putting in a lot of time at Ringwood and Wayway with good technical riders like Kirt, Utah, and Woody. It definitely gave me more confidence in the technical areas to pass people and make it stick during this race.
I am looking forward to racing Jungle in a few weeks. This place always gives me trouble but I am hoping to get more flow for this race and stay smooth. My training is not very structured these days, other then to get ready for the next race. I should be doing more distance training to get ready for Bearscat but I am having too much fun just winging it and training by racing. I enjoy going to races and seeing everyone, the new H2H series is way better and I don’t want to miss these.
This is near the end of lap 1, Matty B took this pic. I remember asking him how far up Kirt was, his reply...he's way ahead. I just had to shake my head like Lurch on the Adam's Family. Thats a SS dude behind me, I think VanWart. He ended up passing me.
Ok thats my tribute to mca from the Beastie Boys, its funny how I can remember these lyrics from like 20 yrs ago but I can’t remember what height we cut the putting green on the golf course I work at. It’s one of those weird numbers that starts with a decimal point.
Wayway Recap
Sunday morning I meet Kirt and Clapper at the DD in Booton off of 287, this is the perfect rendezvous point since its easy access to 287 in both directions. I load up my gear and hop in Kirts car and we roll to the race and get caught up on girl talk.
We get there with plenty of time to warm up and bust balls with everyone. At 10:00 the pro’s go off then the cat 1 age groups, they get to the 40-49’s and we’re off. The roadie start is pretty tame, my buddy John Kuhn bolts to the front and pulls everyone into the double track. From here the pace pics up and guys start fumbling over the occasional rock garden.
Kirt bolts around me to get past this mess and John Kuhn goes from 1st to like 15th in a matter of 10 minutes. I am hanging back with John at this point, I just don’t have the gas to hammer plus I know the climb up red dot is coming.
Once we get to the climb I am still holding my position, unable to make the definitive move I need to blow past people. I am somewhat surprised that there are that many guys able to push this hard up this climb. Knowing we still have another lap I sit tight at 15th place and wait for my opportunity to start making moves.
After about 30 minutes we finally get off the fire roads and into the twisty rocky single track on Gasline. I feel at home on this, Fishermans, white dot (Overlook) and Sitting Bear. I’m not saying I don’t take an occasional dab but I am making up ground and passing people at this point. I really like this section and remember racing it from the BS50.
As I come around for lap 2 I was able to shake anyone on my tail and felt good about not having to do the prologue again. This lap is where I usually find myself in races…alone. I am not strong enough to hang with the really fast guys but just slightly better then the mid pack dudes. This was how my finish’s went at the ST series at Mooch.
Hoping to catch someone in my class I keep the hammer down and don’t let up. I like the new H2H format at this race of doing only 2 laps. Knowing I am on my last lap I leave it all out there. Climbing Lookout the second time around was tough. I ended up walking a lot of the rock climbs because my legs were spent and the rocks were more slippery on this lap. This is where I caught Jermy in the 30-39 class. He was having a tough day and I was having a good day. Jermy has good tech skills, if he was on he would have been up there in his class.
Before the entrance to Sitting Bear I buzz past Vreeland who is sitting up and pedaling, as I pass I say TT. I had to say something. The last 15 minutes was uneventful, I passed no one and did not get passed. I rolled across the finish line 10th out of 25.
This is a good finish for me and an improvement over last years placing. Over the winter I worked on my mtb skills by putting in a lot of time at Ringwood and Wayway with good technical riders like Kirt, Utah, and Woody. It definitely gave me more confidence in the technical areas to pass people and make it stick during this race.
I am looking forward to racing Jungle in a few weeks. This place always gives me trouble but I am hoping to get more flow for this race and stay smooth. My training is not very structured these days, other then to get ready for the next race. I should be doing more distance training to get ready for Bearscat but I am having too much fun just winging it and training by racing. I enjoy going to races and seeing everyone, the new H2H series is way better and I don’t want to miss these.
This is near the end of lap 1, Matty B took this pic. I remember asking him how far up Kirt was, his reply...he's way ahead. I just had to shake my head like Lurch on the Adam's Family. Thats a SS dude behind me, I think VanWart. He ended up passing me.