Copper 'Cross Race 9/14/08

It's been 7 years since I last raced Cyclocross. The main reason I stopped is because my chronic back pain hurts the most when doing 'cross. I also needed a break after racing road and crits all spring and summer. And finally as the weather gets colder and wetter (perfect conditions for 'cross aficionados) I get less interested. But it's mainly the back issue.

Why did I attempt this hardcore intense racing discipline again? Well, I bought a new 'cross frame to be my new winter bike since my old Litespeed Appalachian was looking at retirement. And after building up a pretty nice Salsa Chili Con Crosso it was just screaming at me to race it at least once. The Salsa couldn't "just" be a rain bike. It's a bewdy with decent components and I thought I'd give it a go.

I practiced my mounting and dismounting with Rick up at St. Ed's. I just couldn't seem to hop on the bike. I always did a little stutter step or dragged my foot behind. After about 50 attempts with Rick suggesting I start really slow and simply swing my leg over I finally started getting it down.

Initially I was riding my 700x35 tires with 60 psi up at St. Ed' but Rick talked me down to about 52. When I showed up at the race yesterday a teammate talked me down to 44 and I'm glad he did. I was nervous about running low, but it was fine. It helped absorb all the bumpy terrain and helped with traction in the corners. No pinch flats.

I pre-rode the course a couple laps and thought it was great. There was lot of fun single track with a few swooping corners and some fun downhill stuff. Of course there were a couple run ups and one was very long, loose, and steep. And the infield near the finish had two barriers to dismount for. I enjoyed the warm up with no back pain.

At the start I hung at the back of 20 guys cuz I figured this was just for fun and I wasn't going to be in contention for a podium spot anyway. As soon as we hit those first barriers (less than a minute) I wished I had gunned it for the front. I got stuck behind a big cluster bungle of riders falling all over themselves. I got into a rhythm and was able to ride a short steep hill that followed a loose downhill with a 180 degree turn. Most everyone else was having to dismount. Right after that was one of the two "real" run ups so had to shoulder the bike. Soon after that I was cruising through the single track and riding fairly well, but my HR was basically through the roof! I was nearly at my max most of the first lap and probably came across in 11th or 12th. My back held up.

For the second lap I couldn't keep up that intense pace so backed it down a notch or two and got passed by a couple guys. I have a whole new respect for 'crossers now. I can't believe the high end cardio you have to have to finish well. It's way above what my system is capable of. During the second lap my back started hurting which I expected, but it wasn't too bad yet. On my pain scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain imaginable) I was at a 6 by the end of lap 2. I was in about 15th at this point for the third and final lap.

Shortly after starting the final lap my back hit a "8" and I was done. An 8 for me means I'm having trouble pedaling let alone going hard. I basically was forced to soft pedal the last 2 miles and came in 18th out of 20.

(In four of the races throughout the day our team had 4 wins)! Rick had one in the Masters 1/2.

All in all I'm glad I did the race, but probably won't do any more unless I can get Redd and Mo to join me for one. Or if my back didn't kill me so much I'd be inclined to do a couple more. I'm starting some new PT for my back. Hopefully that will help.

Locks of Love Donation

I spent the last 2 years growing my hair out longer than I usually wear it. The intention was to donate the minimum 10" to Locks of Love for the disadvantaged kids who lose their hair due to different illnesses. I didn't want to cut my hair short like all the typical males afraid to express themselves, so I wanted it to be at least shoulder length. I managed to get 13.5" to help enhance the life of someone less fortunate.

Seward Park Summer Crit June '06

Ravensdale Race Report July 9, 2006

Wow, it's so cool to have so many Zoka teammates getting such great results! But like J Dub said, as long as you're having fun out there that's what counts. Well, maybe our sponsors wouldn't think that, but you know what I mean.

So, case in point, I did not finish well but I consider my race yesterday the best one I've had all year. It was a great course, the weather was awesome, people stayed upright, it was well organized, it was about 20 miles further than I've ever raced before, my back held up, and as Tom and Christine mentioned I had a great chase back to the field.

Both times up the Wall I felt relatively fine and passed most people around me, but I was toward the back when we started and got totally blocked by several slower people. After the second time up Tom, Gary, and I had a little ground to make up and we did that no problem on the down hill.

At about the 45 mile mark some vice grips flew up from the road and took a hold of my left hamstring. I actually yelled in agony as I literally couldn't pedal. I coasted to the shoulder trying to release the lock jaw grip on my leg. One of the follow cars asked if I needed help as I looked like I was having a seizure as I tried to straighten out my leg. I watched the peloton ride out of site.

I managed to get back on the bike and slowly got back up to speed. I put my head down and just kept at it. I reached way down deep in the race wallet. My only hope was if the pack slowed up for a bit which had been happening previously. I gave it everything I had for 4 miles and finally started closing in on them. My last effort to reconnect was spurred on by the 3 follow cars as they cheered me on out their windows!

Once in the pack I was able to recover. But at mile 60 going up the final hill with only 2 miles left my right quad decided to go for the death grip and once again I was off on the shoulder absolutely unable to pedal. Damn, 50 meters more and I would've been over the top and finishing with the pack.

I was well hydrated leading up to the race and drank plenty during so I think it was probably my lack of training at that distance. Most of my races this year have only been about 40 minutes.

I must mention I felt bad for Gary since he wasn't in the break and nobody would really work with him to bring it back. I went to the front once and worked with some Ti guys, but if I had any hope of finishing I wouldn't be able to do much with Gary. So, Gary, being the cool guy he is, helped us C/D guys out in the end and Tom got that great placing!

I'm always amazed that usually less than 1/4 of the guys out racing (that don't have a teammate in a break) won't go to the front and help drive the pace. I really can't believe it. And I can say this cuz I generally do go to the front and do what I can. But so many guys never go to the front and they also don't place at the end either. Oh well, it's up to us I guess.

For you PR regulars I'm skipping tomorrow night. My back and legs need a little more recovery. Cheers.

Z "cramp from hell" Dog

Time to update. Finally!

It's been over 6 months since I've posted anything here. I had an issue with my PC, but beyond that I've had more pressing matters to attend to. Stuff won't be sequential but I'm going to start adding pics/posts as time permits from the last half a year. Oh, and Liza is sick and tired of having her butt be the centerpiece of my blog for so long!

Liza's butt

The steepest ladder on the route.

First beach section

Seward Race Report 6/18/06

Written by a teammate, Trevor.
That was a hoot! Zoka places two in the top 5 and takes all 3 primes at the Master's State Criterium in the C class. We had no real plan before the race, other than to be attentive and see who was motivated. Ken "The Animal" quickly demonstrated he was ready to go by attacking the first lap. Two laps later, Z is charging up the hill. The rest of us get to sit in. Nice.First prime and I drift to the front. I jump hard and the pack promptly throws in the towel. Drift to the middle and let Ken, Z, and Tom control things. Second prime and Z puts in a big attack. Tom follows along behind a TI Cycles, just in case. Score: Zoka 2, pack 0. Chris and I continue cruising along mid-pack. Third prime: Ken jumps hard only to have his chain start skipping. He's lunging and cursing like Lance on Luz Ardiden. We figure his chain is busted and he's gone. Suddenly, like the Phoenix, Ken arises from ashes and claims the prime!Now it's three to go and everyone's getting twitchy. Chris and I start moving forward. Bell lap and Ken moves to the front, while Z brings me forward. Two riders are away, but they're coming back quickly. I jump a little late, chasing a Byrne and a MoMoney up the hill. Close, but not quite and I'm in for third. Chris is right behind in fifth.

Start of the first trail. 1.4 mi down to the beach.

Eliza, Mitch (Annastasia), Boo, Bet, Jack

The start of our hiking/camping trip along the coast

Albert is behind me trying adjust some things better. I had way too much with me and a new misadjusted pack. Pretty much a newbie to extended primitive camping.

Warmin up out of the rain at Longbranch

Greg, Trevor, Brian, & Don.

Race Report from Longbranch, WA

Masters State Road Race Championships

Masters C, about 45 riders?, four 10.5 mile laps, 8 Zoka brothers, and two finished in the lead group top 12-15 or so.

There really wasn't a chase group of any kind. The other 30 or so riders had already been dropped. All the men in brown worked hard, but it was a tough race.It rained most of the time, but it wasn't near as cold as TST so I wasn't facing hypothermia this time.

The big hill was long, steep, (relative terms I guess) and I had a difficult time in a 39-25 by the third time up. And that's all she wrote. Plain and simple I didn't have the fitness, but I also had my worst back pain of the season and my left cleat was about to fall off so that didn't help matters.The follow car went by and there was no hope of catching back on. About half the field had already been dropped by this time, but I didn't find anyone nearby to ride with. I finished out the 3rd lap and went to the car to change out of my soaked clothes and watch the finish. (Luckily we left the key behind this time).Brian G and Don S were the sole Zoka survivors. Great job, guys!

z "hopin to avoid anymore rain races" dog

The End (of bus pics)

Fierce competition between the drivers!

A driver does his inspection.

Bus Roadeo

Bus Roadeo

The last weekend in April I flew down to CA (Irvine) for a "Bus Roadeo". Sportworks was a sponsor so I was there to wave the company flag. Bus drivers from all over the country compete on a course made up of turns, stops, tight back ups, etc. They also do a pre-drive inspection of a bus that has "bugs" planted a ead of time. Our rack was on the buses and the pivot bolt had been taken out. Above are a couple pics. Note to self: next time research better where the hotel is. I didn't have a car and there was no place to eat nearby.

TST Race Report

The following is what I sent to my team after last Saturday's (4/16) Tahuya-Seabeck-Tahuya road race. 65 miles, 4,000' of climbing. Winter conditions.

Short version: The weather conditions were bloody miserable. In a decade of racing that was the worst weather experience I've ever had. It sucked. I almost froze to death. I got dropped on the Seabeck hill and I think Jason took3rd.

(Really) Long version:Even though Rick and I had planned to leave at 7:30, pick up Christine, and get there in plenty of time for a good warmup that didn't happen at all. We left late, I needed gas, we stopped at Safeway (inBelfair), and before we knew it we were scrambling to get ready on the road near the church. I think Rick got 6 or 7 minutes on the trainer and I had maybe 12.

It was pouring down rain with no sign of it letting up. So much for the little sun breaks we saw halfway there. It was also very cold. We lined up and waited what felt like a half hour as we got soaked before even starting. Once we got going and the road spray came up I was totally soaked except my saving grace. Thank Buddah/God/Your Choice that I decided to wear my clear rain cape. That really saved my torso.

There was a lot of talk leading up to the race about all the big hills, but I was really concerned with the first one that didn't get talked about. It's only about 3 miles in and it's not major, but enough that other people I talked to said a lot of people get dropped right there and never catch on again. I sure as hell didn't want to get dropped 3 miles after the start and it was a real concern of mine. So, I made sure I was right near the front going up it and pushed it hard so that when I faded back I'd still be able to hang with the pack. That worked and I thought I'd at least make it to Seabeck now.

As we rolled along I went to the front and put in a hard effort to speed things up a little and to try and get warm. After that I drifted way back and was worried I was toast already. I rested up and went back up near the front. There were a lot of Byrne guys at the front. Two of them had gone off and had a gap. I didn't see any other Zoka's nearby except Rick. I thought, well, this is my job. Go get those guys now as they had been out there awhile and we weren't gaining on them while some Byrne guys were blocking. I asked Rick to get around the two blocking Byrne guys, and I grabbed a Second Ascent guy too. The 3 of us worked together for a bit and the SA guy was quite strong so I began slipping back into the pack again. Other SA guys came up and took over.

About 25 miles into it I looked back and saw that a lot of people had bailed out already. I was feeling pretty frozen at this point with my hands being the worst off. I had chemical toe warmers in my shoes so that helped a little, but my hands were going numb.I saw Adam nearby and asked him if he wanted to go get warm. He said yeah! So the two of us worked our way up to the front and began working together for a couple miles to bring the pace up again, but the main reason was to simply try and heat up our bodies. After that hard effort I felt okay except my hands. So we hit the Seabeck hill and I couldn't hang on anymore. It didn't help that my legs were having"cold" cramps, but we were all in the same boat, or water I should say. And by the way, it's pretty much been pouring this whole time! Visibility was very poor too.

I hooked up with a Garage guy and we worked it for a while with the pack just a hundred yards in front of us but we couldn't close the gap. At this point about40 guys had already been dropped or simply abandoned. And there were only 5 or 6 Zoka's left in the leadpack. The Garage guy dropped me on Anderson and then I pulled over at 44 miles because I absolutely could not feel my hands at all. I couldn't operate the shifters or brakes and could barely tell if I was holding the bars. I was envisioning frost bite and my fingers turning black and having to be amputated! I forgot to mention that it started snowing as well! I fumbled for some food and drink and tried rubbing my hands between my legs. I started getting a little blood flow back and my hands were stinging so bad I wanted to lay in the ditch and die, or at least cry. Okay, so I'm a wimp with the cold. But it was BAD!

Now I'm thinking how am I ever going to ride another 20 miles back to the finish. I really didn't think I could do it. Just then a car comes by and the window rolls down and I see Adam. He asks if I want in and I say, Yes, Please!! So this local guy that had picked up Adam makes room in his junky old car full of garbage, which I don't mind at all, and I jump in. The heat is cranked, but Adam and I were shaking uncontrollably. Thank you,Adam, for having this guy stop for me!!

This guy ended up being really cool, not to mention a life saver, and we was actually interested in the race and not pissed off that cyclists were all over his roads. He said the temp was 35 degrees! We caught up to the follow car and watched more and more riders get dropped going up Dewatto. A few more Zoka's were coming off, but I thought we still had a couple in the lead group. There was a flat bed truck/sag wagon of sorts in front of us and I could see several riders under a tarp with all their bikes strewn across the flatbed. There was a Zoka arm poking out, but couldn't tell who it was.

So in the end a solo guy won, second place was alone as well, and then our dedicated team leader, Jason W, outsprinted a few he was with to take third. I could be off on that, but I think that's what took place. Christine was at the finish line and said less than 15 people actually finished anywhere near the winner. I think a couple other Zoka's will be in the top 20 or better. I'm done racing in the rain this year!! Although, if it had been 55 today instead of 35 that would've made a huge difference.

Z "Soggy, Frozen, Frostbitten, Black Fingers" Dog

Stats from the CA Trip

Total Days gone: 18

Total Miles Driven: 3,325

MPG: 16.3-19.5 (not very good, eh)

Price per gal: $2.33-$3.08

Money spent on petrol: $510

Days ridden on bike: 14 out of 18; 9 road bike, 5 mountain bike

Miles ridden on bike: 375

Nights spent at friends: 16

Nights spent in a hotel: 0

Nights spent in my car: 1

Road Kill: 37

Car wrecks seen: 6 (all in LA)