Cold & Wet

With temps in the hi-50's and showers all day, I normally wouldn't consider racing my bike. But with the season ending race on the line tonight - and the fact that we've finished 3rd & 2nd the last two races, watch out we're intent on closing it out on top.

9/1 update: So the track was wet, but not raining, and the temp's were OK with the intensity high enough for the short duration (35 minutes) that it was actually not unpleasant. I usually hate to use a double negative to describe a situation - but to say that it was comfortable would be overstating it. A small turnout of the tough guys willing to endure the wet showed guaranteeing a fast race. My tummy wasn't cooperating fully but my legs felt OK. Our tactics worked fairly well as we initiated & covered breaks and then secured 2nd in an attack on the final lap; which was probably better than it may have worked out in a bunch sprint.

Shoes

It's all about getting the equipment straight for the various races that I do. A key component of that would usually involve footwear. Yesterday for my 1st triathlon in ages I needed 2 sets of shoes - the first for my bike segment & the second when transitioning to the run segment. My triathlon shoes are an old pair of Carnacs that are EZ to slip on & off using a single large Velcro closure across the top. These aren't as secure as my regular bike shoes, but allow for quicker entry & exit which is more important (particularly in sprint tri's - see pic at left).

After my early morning tri yesterday I had visions of racing an afternoon regular road race up in nearby Carnation and thus had a another bike & a separate bag-o-stuff for that. That race didn't happen (for several reasons) and I transported all my crap home in the back of my SUV.

This afternoon when going up to the season ending race at Seward Park I thought I switched all the necessary above mentioned road bike & crap to our van (for kiddo transport). Upon arrival getting all kitted up and ready for racing I pinned on my WSBA number to my jersey, got dressed, took the bike off the roof, checked the tires, set out my helmet on the handlebars, yada yada... and had that curious feeling that something was missing. Then it occurs to me, DOH!

In sorting through my stuff in the SUV for what to transfer to the van and what to leave behind, I remember placing my regular bike shoes off to the side - for some reason that made sense then, but doesn't now - and left them where I placed them. Well having all the other stuff is great, but I can't get too far or be very competitive in the running shoes I had on during a bike race (especially with the small lollipop pedals I use). Double DOH!

So the lemonade part is that the kiddo's had fun with their bud Sammy & I sorta got to watch a bike race and cheer the Killer Robots snatching a few primes in their aggressive style AND almost win the whole enchilada with a hard 4 or 5 lap solo effort toward the end by Jamie ---though it wasn't destined to be (and it may have had something to do with shoes).

4 pts = $9

A line too far - after leading out the sprint from the bottom of the hill (not in sight - though see additional pics here 229-237) I placed best of the rest at PR last night. Fun times w/PruDog beating up on the old guys.

185

The scene - Austin, TX; 8:30AM, temp in the mid-80's w/humidity to match (and only to get worse).

The show - A local shop (not owned by the guy who's won 7 TdF's) for what was advertised as:
One of the largest group rides in the country leaves every Saturday from the shop. In a case of dogs and cats living together, you can witness roadies and tri-geeks battling head to head and somehow all getting along. 30 or 50 mile loops. Hope to see you there. Wheels down at 8:30am!

The group - 50+ guys split between high end roadies and TT bikes.

The ride - This is the edge of Texas Hill Country and we rolled out peaceful enough though as road turned up the pace did to. I didn't feel too bad but was surprised to see my HR already in the mid-160's. I was placed near the back of the pack keeping track of things and getting a lay of the land. I was in the gutter of the shoulder swerving by guys who were getting popped left & right. A little gap opened as a couple guys in front of me drifted off the back of the main group ahead. Not wanting to get dropped I was trying to go around and close this one last gap as we neared the top of the climb when I noticed my HR at 185 - the highest I can recall ever seeing on the bike.

The end - And then my rear tire punctured. "Dude you've got a flat" was the call from the guy on my wheel - well no s*%t master-of-the-obvious Sherlock!

I wasn't sure if this was a crushing blow or a huge relief. So after a much too long fix - I continued on solo at a much more pedestrian pace. I never found out whether they did the short (30-ish) or longer (46-ish) mile loop. So I did the long loop. By the end I was totally wasted - probably due to my lack of acclimation to riding that hard in those weather conditions.

It always seems as if/when I go on a ride with a group in territory I'm not familiar with I get a flat. I think this is due to the fact that I don't know the roads and their particular pitfalls. And I can't see the dangers (glass, thorns, whatever) with riders ahead. Combined these with the fact that I'm usually riding far right (in the gutter) to avoid being pushed out into traffic - and you have a perfect storm for punctures.

O2K reunion

I will be in Steamboat Springs this weekend in spirit.

My 5-year Racer Bob showdown will have to wait until we meet again (triathlon next summer perhaps?). I'll have to wait another time to hear further about RAAM from Charlie. All the other fun catching up that is best done in person (Pat's Italian adventure). And to the mystery person who pies TK's smiling face - post pictures please.

Why races disappear

The umpteenth annual Black Hills Triathlon, a staple in Pacific NW, will not take place this September - not a victim of the economy; but because of a reaction by a 2009 participant to the unawares transgression of a non-participant vehicle.

This is a perfect example of how an up-your-ass adrenaline fueled I'm-too-important-with-having-fun-here-so-get-outta-my-way attitude can ruin it for the rest of us. The sad part is Mr (or Ms.) too-important probably doesn't even realize who he (or she) is. If the race director knows - they should name names.

A statement from course director Jon Atherton of AA Sports:
"In 2009 an older couple entered this very busy park and stopped to read an informational sign just inside the main gate. A participant who was returning to the park near the end of the bike segment of the race was forced to slow down and go around the vehicle. While passing the stopped vehicle, the participant shouted a series of expletives at the driver who was not even aware of the cyclist's presence - all of which transpired right in front of the Park Ranger. The result – the event can happen ONLY if the Transition Zone can be moved to the small grassy area at the park entrance, which is simply not feasible. This course modification would have made the venue disjointed and would degrade the quality and safety of the event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused the athletes aiming to participate in this year's event."

Hooked

Wifey wife competed & completed 1st triathlon today (pics here):

Total time 01:44:39

Overall Place 908 / 3320
Division Place 85 / 260
Swim 00:24:06 Swim rank 2007
Trans1 00:04:26
Bike 00:43:04 Bike rank 790 Mph 16.7
Trans2 00:03:05
Run 00:29:55 Pace 00:09:39 Run rank 626

Can you guess what her strength is? Next up Lake Sammamish

Bite worse than his bark

PruDog rocks. Extended ban not really that hurtful since it protracts into the off-season - but sends a clear message.

I know I'm old when....

...I'm explaining of how I fell over in a slow speed bike crash like Arte Johnson from Laugh-In at the Tuesday night World Championships; and they don't know #1 what Laugh-In was, and #2 who Arte Johnson is?

Goodnight Dick!

half wits

I went to the Special MEC meeting (our local airline union governing body) this afternoon to offer my 2 cents worth (mostly aimed at the outpost guys) on why their inclination to discuss the disposition (recall) of the MEC Chairman must not be taken lightly & to consider all the potential ramifications before taking drastic action. I also pleaded my case as to why the meeting should remain an open forum. I think they only heeded 1/2 a cent of my advice and then promptly closed the meeting; what don't those idiots understand about the democratic process?