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Versus Tour Tracker on my iPad

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

If you have an Apple product such as an iPhone or iPad, you know it can be frustrating not having the ability to watch video from the Internet. This is especially frustrating as a cycling fan. Since we don’t get much video of cycling on our US networks, much of our opportunities to see professional cycling have to come over the Internet. Thank you, Versus for making it possible.

The video above shows the same Tour Tracker that you would access on your computer. Until recently, Versus used Flash for showing their video. With the Tour Tracker that has changed and they are using a streaming tool that allows the iPad to process the feed… and it is quite impressive.

Now if UStream and other streaming services would do the same thing, cyclists would have more options for accessing the professional peloton on the Web. For now, I’m just happy with the step Versus has taken.

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In the race, but not on the bike

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

It hit me Tuesday that on that day it was a month since my racing accident. It has been a month with very little time associated with the bike. I’ve had several times on the trainer, but I can definitely tell I’ve lost some muscle and stamina. However, that isn’t all I’ve lost.

Racing your bike means more than just going fast on two wheels. There are relationships and connections with people and with events. When you are unable to participate, your connections to these people and activities grow weaker. I really feel like someone on the outside looking in.

I haven’t shown up for any of the races. Who wants to see someone in a neck brace and hand cast when they are getting ready to put their bodies on the line in a high-speed crit? Someone did joke that during the recent Domestique race I should have gotten a chair and set it up by the spot where I crashed and wave at the guys as they went by.

Be sure to race tonight for the Low Cadence primes!

So, then I got to thinking… how could I participate and be there even if I was not there physically? Enter that element of the criterium that everyone loves… the prime (pronounced “preem”).

In the criterium there are mini-races within the overall race. As the racers go around the course, the announcer will call for various races to the line. So, as the field completes a lap he will call out, “Cash prime on the next lap! Cash prime on the next lap!” Then those who are interested in getting that prize will put out an effort to finish first for that lap. Depending on the primes, it is possible you could collect a total value of prizes that exceeds the overall winner’s payout.

Of course, there is strategy involved. First, there is the announcer. He will often use the primes to get a race organized and moving. Let’s say that the race is starting to get a little boring because one rider has built a big gap on the field. The spectators would like to see that closed up — or at least see some other riders bridge up to him.

The announcer will call for a “field prime” for something really good… cash is always nice. A field prime means that the guy off in the break is not participating in the “race within a race.” Only those chasing him in the field can win it. Of course, that means they start picking up speed to race each other. Their acceleration to win the prime brings them closer to the break and sometimes initiates a catch by the entire field or those who hold the speed once the prime is awarded.

There is also some strategy with the racers. A most common one is to use the prime as a mask for starting an attack. Let’s say there is a field prime. The group is all together and no break is up the road. Suddenly three riders spurt for the line that happens to be set up just before a corner. Now is the time.

The field reacts in different ways. Some sit up because they don’t feel like exerting the effort to sprint for a prime that they know they won’t win. Others will go for it but not be able to stay in contact. The field is what we would call “strung out.”

The third rider has no intention of going for the prime. His goal is to start an attack. He is riding the wheel of the two riders in front of him. They are exerting to race each other to the line to win the prize. He is tucking in behind them conserving energy while forming a gap on the field.

When they cross the line, the winner of the prime slows to celebrate. The second place finisher pauses to rue what could have been. The third rider accelerates into the corner and works to build a gap. The whole dynamics of the race just changed.

So, primes are an important and exciting part of racing. Besides, when you pay your entry fee, spend time training, and spend money on your equipment; it is nice to get a little return for your investment. I know what it is like and that is why I’ve been happy to provide some primes for local races during the time I’ve been laid up.

Want to see it all in action? Show up tonight to race or spectate at the 2010 St. Francis Sports Medicine Summer Race Series. Also known as the POA Summer Series at the BMW performance test track. It is a great place to spectate because you can basically see the entire course and get a better feel for the flow of the race.

Sometime, show up at a race with an extra $20. Go up to the announcer and tell him you have some cash for a prime. It is quite the rush to hear him call it and then see the racer digging for the line to win your Jackson. Really want to see them turn themselves inside out? Introduce them to a Benjamin!

As for tonight, keep your ear open for the Low Cadence primes! There will be a $20 cash prime in all four races. Of course, there will also be Low Cadence Coffee primes in those races as well.

I won’t be there, but the good news for me is I will be there for the July POA Summer Series Race! Don’t know if I’ll have the fitness to get out there, but I’ll be there without neck or hand brace. I can’t wait! Until then… enjoy the primes!

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Wreck NOT caused by BoydBikes wheel

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

This won’t be very long. I had considered taking a break today, but I learned something late last night that convinced me that I needed to get the word out about one aspect on the wreck on Saturday. Hopefully, this post will help clear the air.

The crushed Boyd 50

This is not a collapsed wheel — it is crushed.

I want it clear that the Boyd wheel did not collapse on me. I heard one story going around that the tire flatted and that caused the fork to twist in my hands and then taco the front wheel. This doesn’t go along with the eye-witness accounts nor does it match the results that show up on the wheel.

The wheel is broken in four places. Two spots out away from the initial point of contact and two smaller spots closer to the where the wheel met the concrete. In the smaller area there are markings of concrete scratches as well.

I was looking at the wheel with my brother-in-law who is a structural engineer. He pointed out that this damage could not have been caused by my weight coming over the wheel. All the signs point to blunt force trauma. The fractures bear markings of a “crush” and not a “snap” from bending.

J. Nutting taking a corner

Notice the concrete work in the bottom left of photo (Photo by Eddie J. Helton)

In the above picture you see Jon Nutting getting ready to go through “turn three”. Well, shortly after turn two there is another rain capture structure much like the one you see in the lower left of the above photo. Now, it isn’t in the same location relative to the road, but you can imagine what would happen if his wheel met that block of concrete at around 30 mph!

So, if you are going to question the integrity of BoydBikes wheels, you are going to need to find some other instance for your support. I have been very pleased with the wheels and once my bank account gets over this shock, I’ll be buying a replacement.

Show me the carbon wheel that would do any differently!

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Posted in Racing | 4 Comments »

Read this one because it is the last one

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

First, let me say thank you to the DeMaine Cycling Team for putting on a good race yesterday. The only problem with the day was that not more local riders took advantage of the event. There will be another one on June 19. So, make your plans to be there.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there… at least not on my bike. Even if I  could be on a bike, it wouldn’t be the bike I raced yesterday.  It has now seen better days.

The aftermath

Now I am attempting to write this blog during periods of consciousness. I’m sitting here in bed with my left hand in a cast and a brace on my neck. Seems that I have a fractured C1 vertebra and a matching fracture on the base of my skull. I also have two broken molars on the right side of my mouth. Other than a busted lip that is it for my head.

I have what is called Skiers Thumb and a fracture at the tip of my ring finger on my left hand. Skiers Thumb is when you chip the bone that connects the tendon that allows you to close your thumb. Right now, I can’t grab anything.

It was my first ever Category 3 race. About 20 of us lined up on the smooth nontechnical course. I wondered what would happen. I was a little perturbed because one of my teammates came down on me for riding the Cat. 3 race over the Masters 35+. “I was told to race the 3 race,” I told him. “By whom?” He asked. “By Jim (my coach),” I replied. He came back with, “Jim’s not on our team.”

Well, that made me angry, so I just closed my mouth and rode off. I carried a bit of that anger to the line and it made for some initial motivation when the racers rolled off. When they did, I knew right off that it was going to be a different ball game.

There were attacks right away. A couple of the teams had more than one rider. I was the only POA rider in the field. My strategy was to move from chase to  chase. I wanted to stay of the front, but I did want to be in position to make it into any break that looked strong.

Barley’s Taproom and DeMaine had the numbers in the field. Barley’s was very active in the beginning with DeMaine chasing them down. Thankfully, that meant I didn’t have to do much chasing on my own.

I kept an eye mainly on Eric Peterson and Jon Nutting. Along with their other teammates they were rolling a pretty good race. They were trading off testing one attack after another. Of course, Adam Britton and Jake Strasser with the Metro Team were playing a similar game to mine and I figured they would factor into the finish.

Then came a call for a prime. It was a cash prime. Hmmmm, I could use an extra $20. As we came up to the sprint zone it was me and Eric. As I slowly pulled up beside him during the sprint, I thought to myself, “He is probably laughing at you because he knows you are wearing yourself out early.” Still, I got my $20.

Eric and one other rider that is only a fuzzy memory kept the pressure on after I let up a little to recover from my effort. We started down the hill that made up the sweeping turn on one side of the course. I had a decision to make… 1) go back into the field, or 2) go after them.

I don’t recall everything clearly from that point on. I think I realized that those guys could not stay out there for the entire time remaining. I should get in the field and live to fight another day. The last thing I remember from the race was moving to the right in order to be out of the way of the field.

The next thing I remember was looking up at an EMT. I’ve heard varying stories of what happened, but I think the most plausible one (based on my last recollections and witnesses) is… I moved right to make room. I probably dropped my head to relieve tension in my neck. At that point, the road straightened out back to the left which caused me to slip over the curb.

I believe what happened then was my bike hit a drainage hole cover — those solid concrete blocks with a manhole cover in the middle. Witnesses said I then extended up in the air from the handlebars. I came down on my head, neck, and back and then bounced into the air again to come to rest on my back.

That is it. The good news is that I know I can race Category 3. The bad news is that I don’t know when I’ll be able to do it again.

I am thankful to my God that He protected me. I was just a few movements away from being paralyzed. I was also way too close to having to wear one of those halos! The doctors were discussing the possibility, but decided to hold off.

Whatever the case, this is the one and only article about this crash. So, read this one because it is the last one. From here, I look ahead. I still have plans to finish my 2010 Ride For Mike. We’ll see what happens after that.

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Hey! You are going backward!

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

The Tuesday Night World Championships shaped up last night to be lots of fun. The weather was great and there was a good crowd on hand. The old legs were feeling pretty good and I even had a little bit of time to warm up for a change before the ride started in earnest. Little did I know I would finish out the evening riding alone and backward on the course.

As usual things started out just a little slow. A small group started off right away to attempt a break. However, by the time we passed the golf course and headed for the turn onto 3M hill, John James started to move up toward the front with me on his wheel. On the hill itself Eric Christophersen went to the front to close down the gap. By the time we were reaching the next turn there was a lot of close racing. You could feel a little bit of nervousness in the group. It made it fun, but a little scary.

Things sorted out and the first lap was finished without incident. We were certainly up to speed by that time and now more people were making moves in an attempt to get some separation. The main field wasn’t having it and for much of the second lap the small gaps that would form got shut down in a hurry.

We were nearing the railroad tracks and I was in the front group of the field. A sizable group was beginning to form a gap. One by one another rider would bridge up the lead group. None of the riders in the front group were from POA. However, there were three of us in the front of the field.

My thoughts were that this early in the ride the break would probably not survive. However, I wasn’t sure exactly who was up there. If some of the better riders were up there they could use the group as cover to attack off the front and build more of a gap on us. Of course, it was the job of one of us to represent the team in a possible break, so I started to bridge over myself.

I hit the railroad tracks hard and immediately began to hear a strange thumping sound coming from my bike. I was still rolling so I didn’t think about it much and just kept spinning away to get on the back of the group in front of me. I got there soon after we reached the smooth pavement after the tracks.

It was then that the sound started to get on my nerves. My initial thought was that perhaps I had broken a spoke. Ahhhh, then I realized what it was. The speed sensor for the iBike had gotten knocked askew and the magnet hit it with each revolution.

Knowing it wasn’t a structural problem, I first decided to just keep going. The field had followed me up to the break and now I was on the front with some pretty heavy hitters. Now as we were beginning the third lap, a lasting break could possibly form. I was in a position to get into it.

Now I was on the point and setting the pace. I started to look down to assess what was going on with the sensor. The thumping was getting worse. Boyd Johnson rolled by and I heard him say, “You have the sensor turned the wrong way. That is your speed sensor making that noise.” For a second it crossed my mind to slow and reach back and adjust it on the roll. Nah, that would be stupid. Then I considered just going on with the thing banging away. However, I didn’t want to mess up the sensor — or possibly the bike.

As we neared the fire station, I went to the yellow line and slowed. My decision was to stop fix the sensor and then ride slowly until I was overtaken again by the A group. I could then at least get in at the rear of the field and get some good laps even if I wouldn’t make a winning break. I guess I should also mention it did cross my mind to fix it and then attempt to chase back on. That thought didn’t last long!

I adjusted the sensor and started off. Looking at the iBike I realized it wasn’t reading correctly. So, I had to stop again reposition the sensor once more. Finally, it was working and rolling along. Now I just had to wait to get caught.

Just as I reached the golf course I could see the pace car of the B group coming up behind me. At this rate, I could be back around to the railroad tracks before the A group caught me. I guess I would be well rested when I got back in!

Thinking about how I was going to get out of the way of the groups coming behind me, I noticed a number of riders off in the distance with similar red kits. “Hmmmm,” I thought to myself. “Why are all those Hincapie riders going the opposite direction?” I then started looking down and playing around with the iBike computer and checking periodically behind me to see how the B group was progressing.

The next time I looked at the group coming toward me, they were almost next to me. I realized it wasn’t a group of Hincapie riders. It was a number of my POA teammates. What were they doing? Maybe they had plans for an alternate ride? John was one of them and he yelled to join them. Well, that wasn’t the plan, but he was now dropping back to pick me up and I was curious what was going on.

I turned and then caught up with them. Turns out they were just finishing out the evening going backward around the circuit. I looked at my clock. I still had nearly an hour and a half to go in order to meet my training goal for the evening. Maybe I would just hang with them until the A group came by and then jump in.

Of course, we then got caught up in conversation and I was discussing iBike issues with Eric as the break off the front of the A group went past us. It crossed my mind that I could have been in that group. The field followed and I just let them go.

The next lap most of the other riders dropped off and it was just Thomas Woodson – a Gamecock Team rider – and myself. Once again we passed the break and then I saw the field with Rodney Dender near the front trying to pull them back. Billy and Reece were also still in there. I was feeling some pangs of regret that I wasn’t there helping them out.

There was nothing to do about it now. I just had to get another hour of riding in. Finally, Thomas also dropped off and I ended up doing a couple laps alone. By the time I reached the parking area the sun was starting to drop on the horizon and there were hardly any cars left.

I did ride past Steve Sperry talking to Rodney as he was driving out. I overheard, “… and your team is going around backward…” I only caught that phrase and I could only assume that Rodney was talking about the effort he put out toward the end and the fact that he had no teammates to help him out. The pang or regret hit again. Yes, I had a “mechanical” that was a reasonable excuse for stopping. However, fact is, I could have gotten back in.

Oh well, that is just the way it worked out. I’m looking forward to this weekend’s race聽 and then an opportunity to redeem myself next Tuesday night!

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I am faster than myself

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

Whew! I’m still tired after the last several days. Thursday night was the Greenville Spinners’ Individual Time Trial. Friday was a nice easy spin, but then Saturday morning rolled around and it was time for me to roll up Altamont Road for the Paris Mountain Time Trial.

Jonathan climbing the mountain

These Time Trials will give you a workout! Photo: Eddie Helton

I made it to the event with plenty of time. My coach had instructed me to get on the trainer for my warm-up. I tried to get the bike on there, but the adjuster was stuck. My bike was not being held firmly in the trainer and I didn’t want to risk messing up the trainer or the bike. So, I decided to do my warm-up on the road.

As I was out there and I wasn’t feeling so hot. My legs were pretty sluggish and my right calf muscle was feeling pretty tight and sore. It was starting to work on my mind. Then I did at 4 minute push at power over my FTP. Once done I cooled down a bit and then did a high cadence spin for one minute. My muscles were starting to feel a bit better, but my mind was still pretty apprehensive.

I pulled up for the start. It was neat to see John Cash, a pretty cool guy from Tryon. It was the first time since the lost of his son that I was able to speak in person. We were talking about it when he was called up. Then it was time to concentrate on the start.

My friends were giving me some words of encouragement. Kirk Flinte, with whom I have had a friendly rivalry on this mountain, was saying he expected a 11:05 out of me. I didn’t say it, but my thought was that I would be happy with a 11:45. Even that seemed like a challenge.

I pulled up behind the rider who would start 30 seconds before me. I waited quietly trying to get my mind blank with no thoughts of what has been, but thinking only about the next few yards ahead. My mind suddenly cleared and my confidence was pretty balanced. I wasn’t on a high or low. I was just ready to get this thing started.

Once again, I had trouble with the start due to the face that I had not done this before. Right when they said for me to go, I started my clock. About 15 feet later I started the climb and there was a timer who actually started the official clock. I knew now that my clock was going to be off.

Oh well, that was okay. It wasn’t my job to keep up with the time anyway. I put it out of my mind and focused on the task at hand.

I remembered what I was told and kept myself in check for the start up to the water tower section. I was holding things just over 300 watts. Then when I reached that first hard climb I picked up my effort just a little more. The turn following that section evens out a little, so I maintained my pressure but didn’t push.

As I was going into these turns I was trying to cut the shortest distance possible unless the turn was a hard grade. In that case, I tried to stay at the crown of the road. This is the way I kept going until I neared the halfway point. There I looked down at my clock for the first time. The numbers were clicking just past 5 minutes. I knew I would be about 5:45 at halfway. Hmmmm, I would have to keep it cranking if I wanted a good time.

He was getting ready to eat my lunch!

He was getting ready to eat my lunch! Photo: Eddie Helton

Once I passed the halfway point, I got passed by a streak of blue! It was Pat McCallion. Ha! This was interesting. I knew he would kill me, but he might be just the thing I needed to get me going. I was afraid that I was a little too mellow and I needed someone to drive me. He would certainly fulfill that need!

I picked up my pace and tried to stay near him. It was kind of funny. Before the race, I was talking with him and I mentioned that the blue pole about three fourths of the way up was my pain post. Seems like every time I reach it, I start to croak. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if he saw the post and recalled our conversation.

Whatever the case, he seemed to pick it up or I started to fade. I had to stop focusing on him and just ride my own race. Up ahead I could see the rider who started 30 seconds before me. I began to focus on her and tried to close the gap. She was doing a good job though and as I came around the turn that revealed the yellow road sign that marks my focus on “The Wall” I could see Pat disappearing around the turn that starts the straightaway of the hardest grade on the route.

I passed my rabbit just as we both turned up to start our own climb to the finish. I shifted to one harder gear and stood. It was time to leave it all out on the road. I didn’t look ahead. I just looked down at the road in front of me and pushed it up. I was afraid to look ahead because I didn’t want to be demoralized by seeing what was left!

Head down and driving for the finish.

Head down and driving for the finish. Photo: Eddie Helton

The fact that the suffering would soon be over was an incentive to keep going. It seemed to go by faster than I thought. Wow, I was almost finished?! I heard some people calling my name and cheering me on.

I continued to climb and I heard someone say something off to my right. It sounded official and for a moment it made me wonder if I they had changed to finish line. If I had any sense in my head, I wouldn’t have had any questions. However, for a moment I eased and didn’t push hard across the line.

It was only a couple seconds, but it is one of the things I would like to have back. I should have kept sprinting across the line.

I pushed the button on my Garmin and saw 11:27. Hmmmm, since I started the clock early… Looks like I would definitely get a sub 11:30!  I would be happy with that!

We waited for the result to come and I found that on this day, I was the 14th fastest rider up the mountain. My official time was 11:24! That is 11 seconds faster than my previous personal best. It is only 9 seconds slower than my goal for the year of 11:15.

Hey, would I have liked to have been faster? I would have liked to have beat Kirk — though he scorched the climb at 11:00. However, right now, I’m just glad that beat myself. I’m already looking forward to August 21!

Afterward, I learned that I’m a pretty big deal. I was interviewed my Neil Browne with the CarolinaCyclingNews.com site. He was asking about Low Cadence Coffee and I appreciated him taking the time to help me spread the word. You can check the video out here.

Neil Browne interviews me about Low Cadence Coffee

Neil Browne interviews me about Low Cadence Coffee. Photo: Eddie Helton

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Telling the truth about the race of truth

Friday, May 7th, 2010

They call it the “Race of Truth.” It is the Individual Time Trial. I did my first one ever last night at the Greenville Spinners Summer Time Trial Series. The truth is that I hated it… and loved it.

The number for my first individual time trial

The number for my first individual time trial

I realize there wasn’t a lot on the line. This isn’t a sanctioned race with all points and everything. However, I was pretty nervous. The person I was most competing with was myself. I wanted to do well and see what type of benchmark I could set for going forward.

The plan was to arrive early and take my time getting set up. I wanted to make sure I got signed up and warmed up with time to spare. Things got off to a great start.

I was early enough that there was time to go out on the course and ride it at a leisurely pace. The goal was to go out and back at an easy, but consistent pace to figure out the road and wind conditions. My thinking was that if I rode consistent I could compare the times of “out” and “back” to see which one took longest. That might help me come the real execution.

Turns out I went out and back in about 28 minutes – 14 minutes out and 14 back. Hmmm, it seemed that the wind was equally working for and against me in both directions. I tucked this information into my head and headed to the Greenville Spinners’ tent to get my number.

I would be rolling off at 6:35. The clock on my Garmin, which I was using for my timer, was several minutes off the official time. This was good to know as I saw one person miss their start and another almost arrive late. Thankfully, I had time to warm up.

Unfortunately, I was dealing with this iBike again. I’m sorry. I want to give this device a chance, but I just don’t trust it.  Every time I go to ride it, I end up trying to calibrate the thing in hopes that I can get the correct reading. In the warm up, I would look down and see either 0 watts registering or what I thought was a very low reading. Once again I stopped to do a calibration ride. Then it was time to pull up to the line.

John’s wife, Catherine James, was starting off two minutes ahead of me. An older rider doing the TT Merckx style was my minute man. Behind me was Neil Browne of CarolinaCyclingNews.com. I knew Neil was a pretty good Category 3 racer. Since this was my very first event as a Category 3 racer, I figured he would be a good measure for how I would compare with my new category compatriots. Mostly, I was hoping he wouldn’t overtake me!

My first new experience was being held at the line. What they do is get you up to the line and then they hold you there while you are completely clipped in and poised to go. “Hmmm, how do balance myself, make sure I get started strong, and start my timer without falling over?” I had visions of myself wobbling off the line and tipping over.

Thankfully, I got away okay. Though, next time, I think I will start right off in the big ring and then work my way up on the rear cassette. Still, I had the bike moving and now things were much more familiar. This was just like riding a bike and doing a 20 minute interval.

I caught my one minute man shortly before reaching the railroad tracks. I wasn’t feeling the best, but I was settling in and knew I would get a tail wind going down 3M hill. I just divided things up and focused on making it to that point. Once there, I just set my mind on making it to the turnaround.

The pace I was setting would have me at the halfway point in under 10 minutes. My mind starting wondering what that would do to me if I burned myself going out and then hit that head wind going up 3M hill. I backed things off just a bit as I started up the hill to the turnaround.

It wasn’t until I reached that point that it hit me I had never done a turnaround in a TT — I had never done a TT! What is the protocol? Are there rules for how this happens? Would I be directed what to do, or was I just expected to know what was going on?

Up ahead I could see a blinking light of a vehicle. Then I could see a cone in the middle of the road. There was my teammate Matt just passing me going the opposite direction. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see someone make the turn before me. I slowed slightly with indecision.

The cone was right at an intersection. I thought perhaps I was supposed to do my turn int he middle of that crossing. Of course, this was a little past the cone. As I passed the cone, Sam Smith was there with an incredulous look on her face. “Where are you going?” she asked. “Aren’t you going to turn around?” Finally, I got the TT rig going in the opposite direction. I’m certain I lost at least 10 seconds making that turn. Oh well, you ride and you learn!

Almost immediately after getting turned around and starting off, I felt really bad. I had made the outbound leg in just over 10 minutes. If I could have held that pace, I would have done VERY well. However, I knew I couldn’t. Now it was just a matter of hanging on and minimizing the damage.

As I neared the turn that would put me into the head wind toward 3M hill, I started to get that feeling that I often get on the second lap of Tuesday Night World Championships. It is that feeling that I am about to croak and the various body parts were saying, “You are hurting us. We can’t do this. You need to stop.” I had to put that out of my mind. My two thoughts were, “No, body parts, we have been here before and if you’ll just hang with me here we’ll feel better in a couple minutes.” The second thought was, “I will NOT get overtaken by Neil Browne!”

Coming up 3M hill I wasn’t even aware of where I was on the course. My head was down and I was only thinking about the rhythm of my pedals. As I made the turn that would take me to the railroad tracks and then the finish, I started to feel my body getting in order once again… I wasn’t feeling good, just my body parts had finally stopped their rebellion and were working together through the pain.

Just over the tracks, I caught Catherine. She was riding very strong and ended up winning the overall among the ladies. However, it is always a help when you overtake someone because it gives you a goal to aim for when you first see them and gives you motivation to show you are going fast as you ride past them.

That brought me to the dip and the finish. Going into the dip, I started to get stitches. I just kept trying to take in deep breaths and keep pushing. Finally I could see the finish. My body was again telling me, “Hey, stupid, there is the finish line. You’re basically done. Why don’t you just coast across?” Glancing at my timer I saw that it would be very possible for me to make a 23:30 time if I just kept pushing.

I did and I started to feel that nauseous sensation as I neared the line. I couldn’t push out of my saddle. I just keep the same pace across the line. I stopped my timer at 23:32 — that ended up being the official time of my very first individual time trial. The good news is that Neil didn’t overtake me. He finished 6th with a time of 23:09 and I was 7th with my time. The winner, to no one’s surprise, was my teammate Eric Christophersen. His finishing time was 21:20 – and that was after stopping to pickup his computer that had flown off going over the railroad tracks!

I’ll give some more thoughts on this act of pain called the Individual Time Trial later. I think I’ve pretty much described why I hated it — it hurts. Next time I’ll talk about why I loved it and why I’m looking forward to getting out there again.

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Helmet view of a crit

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

It has been awhile since I have put up any video of a ride. I decided to wear my helmet cam in the Spartanburg Regional Cycling Classic. It reminded me of why I don’t do that very often! It is hard to get the camera angle correct and you would be surprised how tired it makes your neck having just that little bit of weight up on your head! Anyway, here it is… for what it is.

I did flip the switch to get the finish of the race. Unfortunately, if you don’t turn the camera on ever so often, it automatically turns off. It must have been off too long, so when I went to record the finish the camera didn’t work.

I’m going to give it another try at one of the St. Francis Sports Medicine Summer Series races. I think I have a way to make it capture more of what is going on in front of me. So, stay tuned!

One last thing… my videos on YouTube have been viewed over 100,000 times. Up until this video, these videos have been sponsored by Quarq CinQo. I’m coming up with a new sponsor project that I will introduce soon. This sponsor will be featured in all the videos I produce in the next year. They will be a blog sponsor and will also get exposure on equipment. If you would like to get a head start on being this featured sponsor, you can contact me at lowcadence@pait.org.

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It was a fun ride. Time to say good bye.

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

I talked last night on the phone with my coach. We’ve both been pretty busy and this was the first chance we had to get together to talk about the weekend races. I was pleased that he was happy both with my physical and mental performances.

Then he asked the question that has been eating away at me for sometime now. “So, does this change your view on the idea of moving up to Category 3?” He asked the question in one of those ways where you know he is fishing for a particular reply.

I paused. In a few seconds my mind went through the battle all over again. I knew the answer was, “Yes, I have changed my view on upgrading.” However, just because I had changed my view didn’t necessarily mean I was ready to take action.

The last Category 4 race?

Could this have been my last Category 4 race? - Photo by Jimmy Helms

Once again in Spartanburg I was on the podium. That means out of the eleven Category 4 races I have competed in this season, I have finished 3rd or better in seven of them. The other four finishes were 5th, 7th, 19th, and 36th. Those kinds of finishes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series would have the Sprint Cup teams coming and knocking on your door.

However, I have never won a race as a Category 4 racer. I struggle with that because I want to win in the worst way. I know that if I stayed as a four, I would get that win someday. If I upgrade, the chances of winning diminish. Not only that, if I upgrade I’ll be moved into the Masters races where it will not be my job to try to win. Even the bottom level of the podium will be hard to come by.

I’m 42 and this year was the year that I devoted to training. It was my push to accomplish something in racing. I don’t know if I will be able to devote the time necessary to improve within the Masters and Category 3 ranks. My dream for the year was to get a win, upgrade to 3, and then “just race for fun” in 2011.

On the other hand, I am getting embarrassed pulling up to the start line of the Category 4 races. I know the guys around me are thinking, “What on earth is he still doing here?” Ironically (please don’t take this as conceit), I’m tired of 2nd and 3rd place finishes. I can knock off a top five finish anytime I toe the line in a Category 4 race. It isn’t conceit, it is just a fact. These guys are my friends and I don’t want to cause resentment.

It makes not getting that win just that much more miserable. Winning is not easy! But when you are sooooo close time and again, finishing 2nd and 3rd just dosen’t cut it.

I really do find myself drawn back to that challenge that I first felt going into this season. There was the unknown of where I would finish in my first race. That first one was a confidence shaker! However, for the rest of the time till now I raced in that sweet spot of knowing I had the ability to finish well, but never quite convinced of the true level of that ability.

Now, I’m not racing to see how well I can do. I’m racing to meet expectations. I guess you could call that “negative racing.” The sweet spot is gone.

So, last night, I submitted my upgrade request. I imagine that by the next time I race, I’ll have to put down that I’m a Category 3. Wow! Back in February, I would have never thought that by May I would have already accomplished that goal.

I guess I’ll have to reassess my remaining goals. Two of them unchanged — 1) 11:15 up Paris Mountain, and 2) 700 miles in 7 days. The one that will be affected was my goal to finish top five in the French Broad River Classic. I had my heart set on doing the Time Trial, Road Race, and Criterium with the goal of a top five in the Omnium. Now, what seemed very doable suddenly appears out of my reach.

That is the frustration and that is the joy… the unknown.

Coach says I have the numbers to race Category 3. He says I have flashes of the ability to race Category 2. The numbers are there. The question is whether the heart and head will be.

Goodbye, Category 4. It was fun while it lasted. I’ll miss the guys I grew used to having around me. Mostly, I’ll miss Matt and Billy. Come on, guys, it is time to upgrade!

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Always a bridesmaid – never a bride

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

You’ve heard the saying, “Always a bridesmaid – never a bride.” Of course, for me it should probably be “Always a groomsman – never a groom.” That doesn’t sound right either… maybe “Always a podium – never the top.” I lived the saying once again at the 2010 Spartanburg Cycling Classic on Friday evening.

Bib 963

Spartanburg Cycling Classic 2010

Once again I was going to attempt the double. I would be racing the Category 4 race and then pull back up to the line for the Masters 35+ race. It worked last time… this time would be different!

In this race POA Cycling Team would have Billy White, Matt Tebbetts, and myself. I was a little late getting there and only got a lap in before we pulled up to the line. It also meant that the three riders didn’t have the opportunity to talk about what we would do. Turns out, it wasn’t necessary.

Right off the bat, Tyler Crotts attacked and a couple of riders went with him. Then Matt worked his way up there.  If I wanted to win, I should have got in that break. However, Matt was there and it was early. Either Matt was going to manage to stay away to win, or he would get pulled back into the group and then I could start to work for the win. Either way POA Cycling Team wins.

Tyler Crotts leads Matt Tebbetts

Matt Tebbetts makes it into the winning break

At first I was watching closely to see what would happen in the first few laps. It wasn’t that I didn’t think Matt was strong, I just didn’t know who all the players were in that leading group. However, it didn’t take long to realize that the gap could grow if Billy and I could control the pace. So, we adjusted our approach and I began to focus on getting the win for Matt.

Jonathan Pait and Billy White

Jonathan and Billy begin to control the race

When I put winning out of my mind and started to work for Matt, it started to get fun! At first there were a number of attempts to close the gap. With each attempt I would jump up on the wheels of the attackers. It was a constant leap frog. The goal was to stay on the wheels of anyone who was a challenge, but always stay off of the front.

Matt Tebbetts

Matt Tebbetts begins to go solo

It was working… and Matt was doing his own working! The gap continued to grow. I could sense the riders around me deflating. It was as though they knew Matt was up the road, but they knew if they worked to bring him back they would only be allowing me to rest to come along to finish things off. It was like a one two punch.

However, Matt is the one that made it happen. It wasn’t long before he simply rode the other riders into the ground. Toward the end of the race, the other members in the break dropped off. Matt never let up. He actually increased his lead. Once we got within 10 laps to go, I knew he was going to win it.

Matt Tebbetts

Matt Tebbetts takes the win for POA Cycling

Everyone in the main group knew Matt was going to win. The balloon had no air in it. No longer was the field in single or double lines. We were three sometimes four across. I found it hard to stay off the front. So, I began to make my plans for the finish.

This time I had no plans to get caught in a field sprint. Already I had seen a rider go down. Once I bumped the rear of a rider as I overcame him out of turn into the slight climb on the back side. Once again I was reminded of the confidence that comes with experience. A year ago, I might have gone down. This year I simply controlled my bike and kept going.

Jonathan Pait

Jonathan takes second with a gap

I waited… and waited… and then we passed the start/finish line with one to go. I moved to the front and entered turn one with one rider. I moved wide around him and passed him in turn two. Now we were entering a slight climb and were also facing the wind. If I could get a good gap here, I could ride away for second place.

I attacked at nearly a sprint pace and then tried to settle into about a 400 – 500 watt average. By the time I reached turn three, I had it. What I didn’t know is that as I was negotiating turns three and four, a big crash happened on the back stretch. I crossed the line with a sizable gap over the main field.

The POA Cycling one-two punch was complete. There could have been a very good chance for a one-two-three knockout only Billy got caught behind the accident. That would have been awesome. Even as it was, I had to celebrate a bit after crossing the line. If I wasn’t going to win, I was extremely happy to see Matt do it.

Masters 35+ power file

Heart rate and power data from Masters 35+ race

The above graph tells the story of the Masters 35+ race. We were scheduled to start immediately after the Category 4 race. I rushed over the line and racked up with the others. Then we waited… and waited. They were still cleaning up the wreck on the other side. As we waited, my legs got stiffer and stiffer.

Finally we started off and it was a different ball game from the Category 4 race — or even the first Masters race I participated in. These guys were fast right off the line! I got in behind a Carolina Masters rider. I figured I would just follow him and mark him.

I managed to stay with him for about two laps. Then I got cut off his wheel in a turn. Before long even though I thought I was holding my own in the field, I looked around to find I was on the back! Then the yo-yo effect set in. I was hitting 600 to 800 watts accelerating out of the turns.

It was wearing my legs down. My heart rate was doing okay, but my legs started to get tired. I would work to get on the rear of the field on the straight. I would get there and then have to adjust as we went into the turns. Then it was right back to playing catchup coming out of the next turn onto the straight.

Each time the gap I had to close began to get longer. Finally, I realized that I could stay here, get dropped, and then get in the way the field; or I could get out of the race and cheer on my teammates. That is how my race ended.

I don’t feel disappointed about it. I needed the experience to see what it was like to ride in a field with speeds that rival some of the pro 1/2 races. I’ll take that experience into my next Masters race. I do know that I won’t do the double before the next one.

Thanks to Jimmy Helms for the race photographs.

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