What a great day we had on Saturday at the ABR fall fling road race. The weather was perfect. We didn’t have any huge result, just had a lot of fun. There were 10 of us total. Tom M., Tony C., Jimmy H., Don H., Charlie T., Kevin M., Mark M, & Pat D. Bob B. and Dr. Phil raced in the 50s, with the other in the Cat 4 race. Both races were 40 miles long. The course is a rolling course with no significant climbs.
Our plan was to sit in for the first couple of laps, and then soften up the pack with a couple of attacks and then see if Jimmie could get away. We did all of that, and were by far the most active team. It didn’t work out but we had a blast trying to make it happen. It was fun laying out a plan and executing those plans, even if they didn’t turn out the way we wanted (podium).
On the last lap leading up the hill it was pretty much all together. Or at least there was no breakaway. I am sure there was some carnage off the back, but it was still a very large group intact. This made it a challenge to get into position for the sprint. The centerline rule was being enforced (Mark M. got thrown out) and several riders were pulled. We had a nice lead out set up with me as the designated sprinter. We attacked a bit too soon and when it was my turn to go, we were to far out for me to crank it up. I waited for some wheels and followed several attacks, but didn’t have enough to finish strong. I have never been in a better position to win a race. Thanks to my team mates for setting me up.
A high finish would have made it a huge success, but I think we learned a lot and will be better for it next time. Everyone worked as a team with a well executed plan. We even barbequed in the parking lot which was a great way to talk through what went well and what did not. What a great season we have had, everyone should be very proud of how we did as a team. We had some great results and great experiences that should hold us through till next year. Better train hard, because we have a lot to live up to after the success we had in our first year.
I think I probably finished 30th and Tom and Jim somewhere between 15th and 25th but I am not sure. Everyone else were very close to my result. Charlie Tallard had a great race finishing his first ever cat 4 (non age group) race. He may have finishied ahead of me? Pat, Mark, and Tony had several impressive attacks which I started to describe in detail and it started to look like a small novel. Try and follow Pat when he attacks, I was actually trying to tell him to slow down, but he didn’t hear me. By the way Bob got 5th in his race if you didn’t see his e-mail, Phil hung tough finishing strong in the field.
One more race next week and unless you race cross, we are done. Nice job everyone!!!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fall Fling - Tower is on the podium
Tower makes the podium.
Case Hultman and I signed up for the Fall Fling Beginner Men Crit on Sunday morning. It is a very short race - 10 laps. But, I am desperate to get a race in as I could not make the road race yesterday. The Wood Dale south course was relatively safe and most importantly no crashes. It had a couple dips and rises that made it more interesting. The race started out very quick with many surges. It settles down after lap 2. I find out later that, unfortunately, Case got gapped out of the gate when he could not get in his pedal at the line at the start during the hammer fest of the first two laps.
A Tati riders pulls to the front on the inside launching a teammate. This is where it’s nice to have teammates along for the ride. (Anyone up for next week for either the 4s or 40+?) I was about 6 or 7 back when I saw this happen. No one jumped. I considered it, but hey, its only one guy on lap 2, we’ll see him again. Even his coaches on the sidelines are saying “Not Yet.” I stay near the front following the teachings of BRB. A couple more attempts to jump, only to get eaten up within a lap. On lap 8 I am getting excited, I see a Tati uniform up ahead; we are back into a race for 1st place. We swallow up the Tati rider. Throughout the race, I see some team tactics at work from a couple of Teams. I do my best to bypass the blockers and stay up front. The effort pays off; I am riding 3rd on the final lap. After turn 2, I am riding 2nd. Before the race, I had planned on hitting it on turn 4. However during the race, I think back to the Chicago crit. – go earlier. I hit it shortly after turn 3 into the wind. As soon as I gun it, I see a line of 4 blue jerseys to my right who were in the process of passing on the outside. The first blue pulls off, I am about even with the rear wheel of the new leader now and gaining. I am feeling fresh and there is no way I am losing to this guy. I round turn 4 and give it everything and sprint the final 250m to the finish line thinking I have to keep this up just a little while longer. I pull away for a 2 length win. I did it. I won my first race. I give Case an update after the race – Tower wins. Pasquale asks how I did, I coolly mention that I won.
I wait for the results only to see a 2nd by my name. Oops! That’s not good, Turns out the Tati jersey we passed on lap 8 was a dropped teammate of the winner who had successfully held us off to the end. Kudos to the winner, he TT’d 80% if the race. My biggest regret is not finding Pasquale in time to correct my blunder. Oh well – I won the field sprint anyway. 2nd is not so bad.
P.S. Case and I had commitments and cound not stay for Pasquale's race. I am sure she did well.
-Ed
Case Hultman and I signed up for the Fall Fling Beginner Men Crit on Sunday morning. It is a very short race - 10 laps. But, I am desperate to get a race in as I could not make the road race yesterday. The Wood Dale south course was relatively safe and most importantly no crashes. It had a couple dips and rises that made it more interesting. The race started out very quick with many surges. It settles down after lap 2. I find out later that, unfortunately, Case got gapped out of the gate when he could not get in his pedal at the line at the start during the hammer fest of the first two laps.
A Tati riders pulls to the front on the inside launching a teammate. This is where it’s nice to have teammates along for the ride. (Anyone up for next week for either the 4s or 40+?) I was about 6 or 7 back when I saw this happen. No one jumped. I considered it, but hey, its only one guy on lap 2, we’ll see him again. Even his coaches on the sidelines are saying “Not Yet.” I stay near the front following the teachings of BRB. A couple more attempts to jump, only to get eaten up within a lap. On lap 8 I am getting excited, I see a Tati uniform up ahead; we are back into a race for 1st place. We swallow up the Tati rider. Throughout the race, I see some team tactics at work from a couple of Teams. I do my best to bypass the blockers and stay up front. The effort pays off; I am riding 3rd on the final lap. After turn 2, I am riding 2nd. Before the race, I had planned on hitting it on turn 4. However during the race, I think back to the Chicago crit. – go earlier. I hit it shortly after turn 3 into the wind. As soon as I gun it, I see a line of 4 blue jerseys to my right who were in the process of passing on the outside. The first blue pulls off, I am about even with the rear wheel of the new leader now and gaining. I am feeling fresh and there is no way I am losing to this guy. I round turn 4 and give it everything and sprint the final 250m to the finish line thinking I have to keep this up just a little while longer. I pull away for a 2 length win. I did it. I won my first race. I give Case an update after the race – Tower wins. Pasquale asks how I did, I coolly mention that I won.
I wait for the results only to see a 2nd by my name. Oops! That’s not good, Turns out the Tati jersey we passed on lap 8 was a dropped teammate of the winner who had successfully held us off to the end. Kudos to the winner, he TT’d 80% if the race. My biggest regret is not finding Pasquale in time to correct my blunder. Oh well – I won the field sprint anyway. 2nd is not so bad.
P.S. Case and I had commitments and cound not stay for Pasquale's race. I am sure she did well.
-Ed
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Illinois Standings
Both Doug Braun and Laurie Stork placed high in the Illinois Cup Standings. Check out the web-site at the attached link. Laurie was fourth overall in the cat 4s and Doug is 6th in the 40 + 4/5. Maybe next year we target all of the races in this series as a team to help guide us to what races are important.
Congratulations Team Tower!!!!!
http://www.illinoiscycling.org/standings/2008CupTop10.pdf
Congratulations Team Tower!!!!!
http://www.illinoiscycling.org/standings/2008CupTop10.pdf
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ABR MASTERS NATIONAL ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP
This Saturday, same course as the Fall Fling....longer distance
http://www.ambikerace.com/2008/flyers/WestlakeVillageRoadrace2008.pdf
http://www.ambikerace.com/2008/flyers/WestlakeVillageRoadrace2008.pdf
Friday, September 5, 2008
MTB race
For those interested the MTB race at Palos, the expert class is 32 miles long (over 2hrs of racing)and had plenty of spots open. Weather permitting I hope to race.
Friday, August 29, 2008
TOOB Feedback
Here is a collection of feedback from our race that was "deposited" into our race inbox...
________________________________________________________
I just wanted to say thank you for putting on a great event. It is a massive undertaking and to get it done in the time frame that you guys worked with is impressive. The course wasn't the longest, but it was really enjoyable. It was safe, and made for good racing. I know some people were running around early with the delays but certain issues are to be expected and really aren't a big deal. I hope that oakbrook chooses to sponsor the state road race next year as well.
Again, Thank you.
Dan Sochacki
Wild Card Cycling
_______________________________________________________
My teammates and I all wanted to send you a personal thanks for supporting the Tour of Oak Brook with such a generous Pro/1/2 prize purse. It was certainly one of the best road races I've done in Illinois and I sure hope it comes back in 09 even bigger and better! Thanks again,
Andy Daleyvitaminwater-Trek Cycling Team
________________________________________________________
Thanks for putting on the race. I did the Men's 40+ 4/5 and enjoyed it a lot. My suggestion is to eliminate the primes. That's soooo crit-like. In stead, do something different: a KOM points awarded at the top of the Spring Rd climb. Now that would be different. Get rid of the boring primes like a jersey and a water bottle. Get a sponsor and name the KOM prize so that you can pay for the additional cost for making it happen. Doing KOM will also make the race break up more. There will be more attacking and also will level the playing field a little more for the slightly built riders (like me!). Just a thought. Again, thanks for putting on the race.
Ken G Kabira
1-630-302-0201
KGKabira@aol.com
________________________________________________________
All,
I wanted to thank you for taking your time effort and energy to put the “Tour of Oakbrook” race on. The course was wonderful and very well run. I know that you probably only hear about the complaints, but you all took a great deal of effort into allowing us to have a very fun day. It is greatly appreciated and I look forward to next year. Please pass on to the area sponsors I enjoyed the area so much I stayed the next day and saw some of the area attractions including a Polo match on Sunday.
Thank you,
Mark Shea
_______________________________________________________
Addressed to one of our sponsors:
Dear Greg,
I'd like to thank you for your generous support of the Tour of Oak Brook this past weekend. I know that Jim Hamman and Pat Dillon put this event together on extremely short notice, and I'm sure it wouldn't have been possible or as successful without the help of sponsors like you. As a participant in the Masters 40+ 1/2/3 race, I'd particularly like to thank you for your donation of the prize purse. While I don't race bikes with the intent of eventually giving up my day job, donations like yours definitely help draw bigger fields and cover the expenses involved with the training, travel and equipment necessary to succeed in bike racing. Here's to the future of the TOOB and great sponsosrs like you.
______________________________________________________
Jim,
Thank you again for making such a huge effort to rescue the IL State RR this year. To do so much in such a short time is very impressive. I know I enjoyed the course, as well. It was great to get to race on a road we've all recognized for so long as being a unique challenge in our area.
While the course was great, because of the length and the number of race categories, I think you're presented with a big challenge to keep the races from interfering with each other. I was only there for the last two sets of races and was surprised that it didn't happen with the Masters30/40 & Cat 3 Combo of races, based on how those two groups typically race, but with such a short lap, it can really effect how people race if it's clear that any attacks will only be neutralized not necessarily by other racers, but by the need to allow one race move past another using only one lane. Please understand, I'm not writing to you for the sake of complaining, but only to bring up the point in the hope that someone might have a better idea of how to handle the issue. For instance, I know you have to have 2 races going on at once, because you only have the course for so long. I also know that the ICA dictates certain race categories, so you have to include those races. I know there's also a desire to give the upper categories of both men and women a race significant enough in distance to merit the state championships (both symbolicly as well as according to USCF rules) and that holding those races simultaneously is probably the only way to keep races starting and finishing together in unison throughout the day. You have more than enough to coordinate, but I do believe that it's worth considering the typical average speeds/lap times of each group and trying to pair them up accordingly, so as to avoid the possiblity that any group might be lapped multiple times, thus changing the personality and even outcome of the race.
Maybe one thing to consider is one or more follow motorcycles that can be used to help maintain any splits in races that might exist before that race is neutralized. By ensuring not just that the front pack is neutralized but that the chase groups are also neutralized instead of continuing to race themselves back up to the pack, one or more follow motorcycles could help to make the races more fair for everyone. Whether the motorcycles would follow the tail of a race or travel just in front of the pace car, they could be the first to recognize the need to neutralize any rider or group of riders - always in place to help with the fair control of the race. I don't know that this is the answer, but if it helps, great. If not, maybe it will start talks of other, alternative solutions.
I understand how difficult a balancing act you have and I appreciate everything you've done to put on such a great event. I also believe anyone affected by overlapping, neutralized races understands that the officials are acting in the best interests of the racers so that everyone can make it home safely. I'm writing this only in case you have a chance to include the topic in considerations for what you might do for next year and beyond, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the same great course with as few interruptions as possible. I also understand that how the officials handle the topic is beyond what you can control to some degree, but given time to consider things without the event day pressure, perhaps you can use their years of experience to help in discussions for alternatives for the future.
Thanks again,
Brian Haas
Alberto's Sport
_______________________________________________________
Just wanted to give everyone who had a hand in the race organization a “GOOD JOB” “ATTABOY!”
Besides the morning glitches (my wife raced early), you all did an AWESOME job.
My number one concern was safety of such an event in a highly urban setting. You pulled this off at a level equal to the recent pro races! I especially appreciated the course marshals late in the day!
The course was a pleasant surprise, hillier than I expected. I think a state championship on a short course that lends itself to spectating is also a huge plus. The only suggestion I have is increasing distances for some men’s categories…
Thanks also for starting to hopefully bring back a state road race championship that in the next few years might bring back the luster and prestige it once had (at least in my mind). Hopefully some of you are old enough to remember when the State RR was a Nationals qualifier and past and current state champions were revered. It would be nice to have it be such a focal point again.
Thanks also for the deep prize list in the Pro-Am. My next email today goes to Veepak.
I hope your club continues to be the host for this race in the upcoming years. Good Luck.
Scott Arrigoni
_____________________________________________________
hello,I just wanted to say that though the registration process wasa little caotic, I had fun racing and wanted to thank the organizers.I hope you do the race again next year.Thanks Sebastian
________________________________________________________
I just wanted to say thank you for putting on a great event. It is a massive undertaking and to get it done in the time frame that you guys worked with is impressive. The course wasn't the longest, but it was really enjoyable. It was safe, and made for good racing. I know some people were running around early with the delays but certain issues are to be expected and really aren't a big deal. I hope that oakbrook chooses to sponsor the state road race next year as well.
Again, Thank you.
Dan Sochacki
Wild Card Cycling
_______________________________________________________
My teammates and I all wanted to send you a personal thanks for supporting the Tour of Oak Brook with such a generous Pro/1/2 prize purse. It was certainly one of the best road races I've done in Illinois and I sure hope it comes back in 09 even bigger and better! Thanks again,
Andy Daleyvitaminwater-Trek Cycling Team
________________________________________________________
Thanks for putting on the race. I did the Men's 40+ 4/5 and enjoyed it a lot. My suggestion is to eliminate the primes. That's soooo crit-like. In stead, do something different: a KOM points awarded at the top of the Spring Rd climb. Now that would be different. Get rid of the boring primes like a jersey and a water bottle. Get a sponsor and name the KOM prize so that you can pay for the additional cost for making it happen. Doing KOM will also make the race break up more. There will be more attacking and also will level the playing field a little more for the slightly built riders (like me!). Just a thought. Again, thanks for putting on the race.
Ken G Kabira
1-630-302-0201
KGKabira@aol.com
________________________________________________________
All,
I wanted to thank you for taking your time effort and energy to put the “Tour of Oakbrook” race on. The course was wonderful and very well run. I know that you probably only hear about the complaints, but you all took a great deal of effort into allowing us to have a very fun day. It is greatly appreciated and I look forward to next year. Please pass on to the area sponsors I enjoyed the area so much I stayed the next day and saw some of the area attractions including a Polo match on Sunday.
Thank you,
Mark Shea
_______________________________________________________
Addressed to one of our sponsors:
Dear Greg,
I'd like to thank you for your generous support of the Tour of Oak Brook this past weekend. I know that Jim Hamman and Pat Dillon put this event together on extremely short notice, and I'm sure it wouldn't have been possible or as successful without the help of sponsors like you. As a participant in the Masters 40+ 1/2/3 race, I'd particularly like to thank you for your donation of the prize purse. While I don't race bikes with the intent of eventually giving up my day job, donations like yours definitely help draw bigger fields and cover the expenses involved with the training, travel and equipment necessary to succeed in bike racing. Here's to the future of the TOOB and great sponsosrs like you.
______________________________________________________
Jim,
Thank you again for making such a huge effort to rescue the IL State RR this year. To do so much in such a short time is very impressive. I know I enjoyed the course, as well. It was great to get to race on a road we've all recognized for so long as being a unique challenge in our area.
While the course was great, because of the length and the number of race categories, I think you're presented with a big challenge to keep the races from interfering with each other. I was only there for the last two sets of races and was surprised that it didn't happen with the Masters30/40 & Cat 3 Combo of races, based on how those two groups typically race, but with such a short lap, it can really effect how people race if it's clear that any attacks will only be neutralized not necessarily by other racers, but by the need to allow one race move past another using only one lane. Please understand, I'm not writing to you for the sake of complaining, but only to bring up the point in the hope that someone might have a better idea of how to handle the issue. For instance, I know you have to have 2 races going on at once, because you only have the course for so long. I also know that the ICA dictates certain race categories, so you have to include those races. I know there's also a desire to give the upper categories of both men and women a race significant enough in distance to merit the state championships (both symbolicly as well as according to USCF rules) and that holding those races simultaneously is probably the only way to keep races starting and finishing together in unison throughout the day. You have more than enough to coordinate, but I do believe that it's worth considering the typical average speeds/lap times of each group and trying to pair them up accordingly, so as to avoid the possiblity that any group might be lapped multiple times, thus changing the personality and even outcome of the race.
Maybe one thing to consider is one or more follow motorcycles that can be used to help maintain any splits in races that might exist before that race is neutralized. By ensuring not just that the front pack is neutralized but that the chase groups are also neutralized instead of continuing to race themselves back up to the pack, one or more follow motorcycles could help to make the races more fair for everyone. Whether the motorcycles would follow the tail of a race or travel just in front of the pace car, they could be the first to recognize the need to neutralize any rider or group of riders - always in place to help with the fair control of the race. I don't know that this is the answer, but if it helps, great. If not, maybe it will start talks of other, alternative solutions.
I understand how difficult a balancing act you have and I appreciate everything you've done to put on such a great event. I also believe anyone affected by overlapping, neutralized races understands that the officials are acting in the best interests of the racers so that everyone can make it home safely. I'm writing this only in case you have a chance to include the topic in considerations for what you might do for next year and beyond, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the same great course with as few interruptions as possible. I also understand that how the officials handle the topic is beyond what you can control to some degree, but given time to consider things without the event day pressure, perhaps you can use their years of experience to help in discussions for alternatives for the future.
Thanks again,
Brian Haas
Alberto's Sport
_______________________________________________________
Just wanted to give everyone who had a hand in the race organization a “GOOD JOB” “ATTABOY!”
Besides the morning glitches (my wife raced early), you all did an AWESOME job.
My number one concern was safety of such an event in a highly urban setting. You pulled this off at a level equal to the recent pro races! I especially appreciated the course marshals late in the day!
The course was a pleasant surprise, hillier than I expected. I think a state championship on a short course that lends itself to spectating is also a huge plus. The only suggestion I have is increasing distances for some men’s categories…
Thanks also for starting to hopefully bring back a state road race championship that in the next few years might bring back the luster and prestige it once had (at least in my mind). Hopefully some of you are old enough to remember when the State RR was a Nationals qualifier and past and current state champions were revered. It would be nice to have it be such a focal point again.
Thanks also for the deep prize list in the Pro-Am. My next email today goes to Veepak.
I hope your club continues to be the host for this race in the upcoming years. Good Luck.
Scott Arrigoni
_____________________________________________________
hello,I just wanted to say that though the registration process wasa little caotic, I had fun racing and wanted to thank the organizers.I hope you do the race again next year.Thanks Sebastian
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