So when Melissa comes home from work at 1:30, and asks if the race is today or tomorrow, and I'm like "ummm...tomorrow", it's kind of not good thing because the race in question was today and my start was at 2:30. Any who I made it to the race in time and got tools to tighten my cleat (thanks Gary) and rolled to the start line just in time for start. Not pre-riding the race course was probably for the best.
Blogger decided to crap on my report so this would be it for now. No time to re-type everything. Thanks Blogger!
Continued...
I didn't have time to see the B race, huge as last weekend, that destroyed the race course for us. I was expecting to see Daniel and Murray there, but neither showed up.
So I got to CMU, Canadian Mennonite University or something, 10 minutes before the start. Got tools to tighten my cleat from Gary, thanks Gary, and rolled to the start where the other appeared to be lined up already. Didn't pre-ride the course and that was probably for the best, might have chickened out otherwise. I took the start easy, because I figured, that there was lots of time...how wrong was I. Once we left the short gravel start, I sunk in the mud while Paul and the others disappeared into the horizon. To make things worse, my cleat came loose on second lap and I had to stop at my car to fix the cleat. Once I got rolling again, I was in last spot, 30 seconds behind the next rider. So yeah...didn't look too good. Lap after lap went by, I crashed every now and then, but it was pretty good. Two laps to go, an evil stick hiding in the mud, decided to hop up and destroy my rear derailleur. Quick and brutal repair operation got me going on single speed and I finished my race. These muddy races are pretty eventful for me.
It was good times regardless and I must have had good times because I'm smiling in most of the photos. Race was good but pretty nasty slog fest. How nice would it be to have a mechanic handing clean bikes every lap and have gears, brakes and other not cool or trendy or HC or credible features on your bike. Post-race food was again a nice extra.
I'll say one more thing. There will be mud this season.
More can be found here here here and here with results.
lauantai 25. syyskuuta 2010
tiistai 21. syyskuuta 2010
Wildwood Recap
Time for a recap, it was pretty awesome...even spectacular, to see so many riders out for the 'cross season opener. I think it was 65 licensed riders which is more than I'm used to seeing at these MB races. On top of this there were some new novice talent and kids making it 80 in total.
The race course was pretty much the same than before with some modifications. The jump was bit of an extra and at least that helped people take pretty cool photos. And the most spectacular crash was thanks to the jump as well...hope you're OK Dave.
Racing itself...B start was massive. I followed the group on the first lap and couldn't see the lead rider on the first straight. I don't think that I've seen a start of 40+ riders in Manitoba 'cross ever before. To me it appeared that people had good times.
A start was rather large as well with 25 riders. A race was big enough to actually create some traffic at the first hill making the hill a run up. The course was fast and fun, and even those with mechanical issues, seemed not too disgruntled.
Wildwood race results can be found on MB Cycling website
Unfortunately I have no photos to show because I was busy setting up the race course, riding with the kids race and tearing down all the tape. It was an excellent start of the 'cross season though and by far the best Wildwood race I've organized so far.
Next weekend's Menno Cross will certainly one up Wildwood. I wouldn't be surprised to see over 100 riders there. The weather is supposed to be very nice and the FGBC guys are/have been working hard to put together a great event. Poster below and check out the website mennocross.ca
The race course was pretty much the same than before with some modifications. The jump was bit of an extra and at least that helped people take pretty cool photos. And the most spectacular crash was thanks to the jump as well...hope you're OK Dave.
Racing itself...B start was massive. I followed the group on the first lap and couldn't see the lead rider on the first straight. I don't think that I've seen a start of 40+ riders in Manitoba 'cross ever before. To me it appeared that people had good times.
A start was rather large as well with 25 riders. A race was big enough to actually create some traffic at the first hill making the hill a run up. The course was fast and fun, and even those with mechanical issues, seemed not too disgruntled.
Wildwood race results can be found on MB Cycling website
Unfortunately I have no photos to show because I was busy setting up the race course, riding with the kids race and tearing down all the tape. It was an excellent start of the 'cross season though and by far the best Wildwood race I've organized so far.
Next weekend's Menno Cross will certainly one up Wildwood. I wouldn't be surprised to see over 100 riders there. The weather is supposed to be very nice and the FGBC guys are/have been working hard to put together a great event. Poster below and check out the website mennocross.ca
sunnuntai 12. syyskuuta 2010
Manitoba Cyclocross 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen!!! It's Time!!!
Manitoba cyclocross season is just one week away and I'm sure that all the parties involved have been gluing their tubulars and sharpening their teeth for this one. And again this year there will be participation series, all the usual classics like Belgian Club, Altona and Whittier Park. In addition to the guaranteed good stuff, there are new venues and for sure new racers waiting to experience what all the fuzz is all about.
During some moment of weakness, I again put my name down for organizing duties and my race at Wildwood will kick off the season and I will also organize the provincials. All this is with the help of Woodcock Cycle Works and the trusted group of friends helping out with the race.
So first things first. Below are the specs for the Wildwood Cross 2010.
----------
Woodcock Cycle Wildwood Cyclocross, CX series #1
September 18
The first race of the Manitoba Cyclocross series will be held at Wildwood Park, 271 North Drive, Winnipeg, MB.
Race course is the tested lung burner/leg buster in Wildwood Park along the Red River. Races will be fast and furious, the perfect way to get up to cyclocross speed. This is also the first race of the CXMB participation series. More info on CXMB blog.
Light food, fruit and water are available for all racers.
Race prizing to be awarded after all races are complete. You must be present to accept your prize.
Registration from 1:30pm - 3 pm at the Wildwood Community Club, washroom facilities located here. Parking on the North Drive gravel shoulder.
Registration $15, novice riders and kids under 16 race for free.
Races starts at 2pm B Race - 2pm, 30min + 2 laps
Kids Race - 3pm, approximately 15min + 1 lap (modified course)
A Race - 3:30pm, 45min + 2 laps
----------
Next one will be the provincials on November 7th at Windsor Park
Manitoba cyclocross season is just one week away and I'm sure that all the parties involved have been gluing their tubulars and sharpening their teeth for this one. And again this year there will be participation series, all the usual classics like Belgian Club, Altona and Whittier Park. In addition to the guaranteed good stuff, there are new venues and for sure new racers waiting to experience what all the fuzz is all about.
During some moment of weakness, I again put my name down for organizing duties and my race at Wildwood will kick off the season and I will also organize the provincials. All this is with the help of Woodcock Cycle Works and the trusted group of friends helping out with the race.
So first things first. Below are the specs for the Wildwood Cross 2010.
----------
Woodcock Cycle Wildwood Cyclocross, CX series #1
September 18
The first race of the Manitoba Cyclocross series will be held at Wildwood Park, 271 North Drive, Winnipeg, MB.
Race course is the tested lung burner/leg buster in Wildwood Park along the Red River. Races will be fast and furious, the perfect way to get up to cyclocross speed. This is also the first race of the CXMB participation series. More info on CXMB blog.
Light food, fruit and water are available for all racers.
Race prizing to be awarded after all races are complete. You must be present to accept your prize.
Registration from 1:30pm - 3 pm at the Wildwood Community Club, washroom facilities located here. Parking on the North Drive gravel shoulder.
Registration $15, novice riders and kids under 16 race for free.
Races starts at 2pm B Race - 2pm, 30min + 2 laps
Kids Race - 3pm, approximately 15min + 1 lap (modified course)
A Race - 3:30pm, 45min + 2 laps
----------
Next one will be the provincials on November 7th at Windsor Park
tiistai 20. heinäkuuta 2010
Late July Update
It's July 20th. I was just about to type an update but my wifey parked the truck on the street...some other date...
torstai 15. heinäkuuta 2010
Superweek
So the juniors are going strong down in Wisconsin/Illinois. Jess is leading the Cat. 3 points while Chris and Blake are up there as well. This is good news because provincials should be a tough race with these guys getting the Superweek boost right before the grand Manitoba Road Provincials. Karlee is kicking butt even bigger time taking a win, leading the amateur ranking and doing really well in sprints. Oh yeah...she's only 19. I think cycling may be the stronger sport for her.
torstai 1. heinäkuuta 2010
Le Tour de France Deux Mille Dix
I need to stop doing this. I mean typing almost entire post and then leaving it for couple of weeks. I typed the stuff below on July 1 (I think) and now it doesn't feel right to finish it.
I really want to get that serious post about differences between NA and European cycling and differences in training philosophy. Not a pro level insight, but stuff that I think are different.
---------------------
See I'm fluent in french. I just need to switch gears from watching football to watching cycling...I like watching football just as much as I like watching the Tour, so not that much but I can't miss these either. However I've been enjoying the World Cup much more than ever before and hopefully the Tour will be more than waiting to see if someone has a bad day or not. I wanna see some fireworks!
So the Tour starts on Saturday. I was really hoping to be there in R'dam to watch the prologue and see the cross wind blow the peloton in pieces on first stage. I only lived in Rotterdam for couple of months, but it is probably one of the coolest places on earth and it will be insane this weekend and has a special place in my heart. After all the strange chain of events, that lead into me suffering from temporary loss of mental sanity and that in turn got me to decide to move to Canadian prairies, started in Rotterdam. So in short I really wanted to stop over in Holland on my way to Finland this summer. However my job keeps me here in the hinterlands of road cycling for one more month, where I'm dependent on the crumbs that Bob Roll is kind enough to share with the lower beings such as myself. I will take it though and ask for more. In this case more would be the $15 versus app for your iPhone. You can watch the race on your iPhone...like p0nr for bike geeks. Just a word of caution though, this might seriously hinder your input at work and I take no responsibility if you get yourself fired staring at the 4" screen. Check it out on Versus website
Here at my end I had a rough rough ride today. I was planning to go for my training ride early in the morning but diaper changing, booking flights, phoning family back in old country etc. delayed my start and I got out at around 2PM. I planned on doing 5 x 5' at around 112-117% FTP and ride for less than 2 hours. I should have known better when I saw the temperature being 31-32 C heading out. The first 5' went fine, the second not so smoothly and during the third one, I hit the wall. OK I might have overcooked a bit on the first one, but still, I had to stop to rest. Haven't even almost puked for long time on training rides but this time was rough...holy mother... So time to scoot home avoiding any sudden accelerations and medicating my weakness with liquid gold.
Now I have my aim set at a two stage race in Finland on August 14-15. The race is basically on my dad's cabin backyard so can't really let that one go. I just need to find new legs and lungs to keep up with the animals who apparently push some frickin' 400 W at threshold. Oh well...I'll tool around and get my legs ripped off by them. Or actually I may not be strong enough to even suffer long enough to really suffer in that race.
I really want to get that serious post about differences between NA and European cycling and differences in training philosophy. Not a pro level insight, but stuff that I think are different.
---------------------
See I'm fluent in french. I just need to switch gears from watching football to watching cycling...I like watching football just as much as I like watching the Tour, so not that much but I can't miss these either. However I've been enjoying the World Cup much more than ever before and hopefully the Tour will be more than waiting to see if someone has a bad day or not. I wanna see some fireworks!
So the Tour starts on Saturday. I was really hoping to be there in R'dam to watch the prologue and see the cross wind blow the peloton in pieces on first stage. I only lived in Rotterdam for couple of months, but it is probably one of the coolest places on earth and it will be insane this weekend and has a special place in my heart. After all the strange chain of events, that lead into me suffering from temporary loss of mental sanity and that in turn got me to decide to move to Canadian prairies, started in Rotterdam. So in short I really wanted to stop over in Holland on my way to Finland this summer. However my job keeps me here in the hinterlands of road cycling for one more month, where I'm dependent on the crumbs that Bob Roll is kind enough to share with the lower beings such as myself. I will take it though and ask for more. In this case more would be the $15 versus app for your iPhone. You can watch the race on your iPhone...like p0nr for bike geeks. Just a word of caution though, this might seriously hinder your input at work and I take no responsibility if you get yourself fired staring at the 4" screen. Check it out on Versus website
Here at my end I had a rough rough ride today. I was planning to go for my training ride early in the morning but diaper changing, booking flights, phoning family back in old country etc. delayed my start and I got out at around 2PM. I planned on doing 5 x 5' at around 112-117% FTP and ride for less than 2 hours. I should have known better when I saw the temperature being 31-32 C heading out. The first 5' went fine, the second not so smoothly and during the third one, I hit the wall. OK I might have overcooked a bit on the first one, but still, I had to stop to rest. Haven't even almost puked for long time on training rides but this time was rough...holy mother... So time to scoot home avoiding any sudden accelerations and medicating my weakness with liquid gold.
Now I have my aim set at a two stage race in Finland on August 14-15. The race is basically on my dad's cabin backyard so can't really let that one go. I just need to find new legs and lungs to keep up with the animals who apparently push some frickin' 400 W at threshold. Oh well...I'll tool around and get my legs ripped off by them. Or actually I may not be strong enough to even suffer long enough to really suffer in that race.
sunnuntai 27. kesäkuuta 2010
Nationals and MTB Marathon Euro Champs
For some this was a race weekend. Road nationals taking place this weekend in most countries and European MTB marathon championships was today as well.
Canadian nationals race is starting in an hour or so and of course there are masters aged non-pros racing as well.
Finnish nationals took place in Sulkava on long loop with two hills. There's no reports out yet whether the hills were hard and many enough to decide the race, or was it just the dominant TWD team, with a dozen riders and both Finnish ProTour pros in their team, that decided the race. Jussi took the win in two man sprint or "sprint" against Kjell and the photos look pretty cool with lots of spectators by the road. It was a five man breakaway with four from TWD and Helminen from CCH. Must have sucked for Matti to try to do something in that group. He's strong but not that strong. And Tero seemed to have a good race as well finishing 7. Not bad for a guy with a full time job and a family...and who was complaining about not feeling great just a week or so ago. I'll try to find some photos that I would be allowed to post here.
But the big news of the weekend came from Veneto MTB marathon european champs. Men and women did their race today men's race being quite long 129 km. Finland had two riders racing, Pia Sundstedt in women's and Jukka Vastaranta in men's race. Pia has a solid track record in these races but her crash couple of weeks ago must have slowed down her training a bit. Jukka has been riding strong in Spanish cup MTB races and at least in his pre-race blog post seemed pretty confident about top 10 placing. The race course had only 35 km or so of trail and the rest was gravel and asphalt and no hills over 5 minutes long. In men's race Ralph Näf took the lead with ~30-40 km to go and the chase group was not able to close the gap. Jukka rode a really strong race in tough bunch and crossed the finish line in 4. spot. Maybe his own estimate of being in best form ever is not that far from reality. In women's race Pia took bronze behind Esther Süss and Gunn Rita Dahle top three finishing with one minute intervals. Good job.
Speaking of. Hopefully the rain will stop so I can go for a ride. And I finally ordered new MTB shoes. Hopefully I'll get them before next weekend's Morden Back 40. I still need new tires, Schwalbe Racing Ralph might be good or then budget option Fast Fred in 2.25". Screw big knobs here in MB, it's either hard pack or tire clogging mud so the tread doesn't really matter.
Canadian nationals race is starting in an hour or so and of course there are masters aged non-pros racing as well.
Finnish nationals took place in Sulkava on long loop with two hills. There's no reports out yet whether the hills were hard and many enough to decide the race, or was it just the dominant TWD team, with a dozen riders and both Finnish ProTour pros in their team, that decided the race. Jussi took the win in two man sprint or "sprint" against Kjell and the photos look pretty cool with lots of spectators by the road. It was a five man breakaway with four from TWD and Helminen from CCH. Must have sucked for Matti to try to do something in that group. He's strong but not that strong. And Tero seemed to have a good race as well finishing 7. Not bad for a guy with a full time job and a family...and who was complaining about not feeling great just a week or so ago. I'll try to find some photos that I would be allowed to post here.
But the big news of the weekend came from Veneto MTB marathon european champs. Men and women did their race today men's race being quite long 129 km. Finland had two riders racing, Pia Sundstedt in women's and Jukka Vastaranta in men's race. Pia has a solid track record in these races but her crash couple of weeks ago must have slowed down her training a bit. Jukka has been riding strong in Spanish cup MTB races and at least in his pre-race blog post seemed pretty confident about top 10 placing. The race course had only 35 km or so of trail and the rest was gravel and asphalt and no hills over 5 minutes long. In men's race Ralph Näf took the lead with ~30-40 km to go and the chase group was not able to close the gap. Jukka rode a really strong race in tough bunch and crossed the finish line in 4. spot. Maybe his own estimate of being in best form ever is not that far from reality. In women's race Pia took bronze behind Esther Süss and Gunn Rita Dahle top three finishing with one minute intervals. Good job.
Speaking of. Hopefully the rain will stop so I can go for a ride. And I finally ordered new MTB shoes. Hopefully I'll get them before next weekend's Morden Back 40. I still need new tires, Schwalbe Racing Ralph might be good or then budget option Fast Fred in 2.25". Screw big knobs here in MB, it's either hard pack or tire clogging mud so the tread doesn't really matter.
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