Picture Day -- Saturday 6/28

Team Tower,

Tomorrow (Saturday 6/28) is PICTURE DAY and MOVIE DAY for the team. As such, a few changes will be made to the normal ride (and time)…

Team Picture: Let’s plan to meet at the Tower at 6:50am with your Tower Kits for a group photo. If you don’t have a kit, please ask someone to borrow one. This picture will only be of those wearing a Tower Kit. Bob Berg has kindly volunteered to coordinate the picture and thus after the team photo, we will ride back with him to his house (or wait) so he can drop off his camera.

MOVIE: For our website, we are planning to have a 30second introduction video clip of our team during a group ride paired to music. Pat Dillon’s son, Chris, is a college student and has expertise in this regard and has volunteered to help edit and execute this for us! Please thank Pat and Chris when you see them tomorrow! For reference, check out: http://www.rockracing.com/watchthis/

A few important items with regards to tomorrow’s ride:

1) Slower and Together. Chris (and a friend) will follow us in a car and take video as we ride the standard Saturday Bluff loop. Some footage will be as they are driving next to us. Some footage will be where he tries to get ahead for stationary shots. The idea here is that we will try to keep the group together for the entire ride and this ride will NOT be a hammerfest (so plan accordingly). Parts of the ride we may want to do a single pace line, other parts will be a rotating pace line, but please do not look or wave at the camera :)

2) Tower Only. I’m the first to advocate that we maintain ourselves as an open group. HOWEVER, to make this an effective/cool video clip, we can have only those in Tower Kits on this group ride. So if others show without jerseys/kits, then we will need to send them ahead, or keep them out of the group. If you know someone that is planning to show that doesn’t have a kit, ask around to borrow a jersey/bibs for the day. The more people we can get with Tower Kits on the ride, the better!

3) If you prefer a Hammerfest and/or a longer ride, then feel free to join me and others at 5:15am. We will depart promptly from Starbucks in Hinsdale. The reason for the earlier time is to make it back to the Tower in time for the group photo. Expect a fast pace and a hard earlier ride.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in Tower gear at 6:50am tomorrow!

Let me know if you have questions/issues.

Jim

P.S. Please forward to anyone that I may have missed!

State RR Championship

CHECK OUT WHERE THIS RACE IS BEING HELD GANG!!

It is right in our back yard............. 

I did not think a race could get closer to us than Downers

Get ready Tower Racing.

Gary C

Doug's win at Fox River Grove

Just want to say it was great to read Doug's write up and see the photo of him standing on the podium. I checked early yesterday afternoon hoping to see the race report. It was worth the wait.

Like Mark, I too wondered if Doug had left too much out on Saturday's training ride but was glad to see he hadn't. Sounds like the course suited him perfectly. Great tactics! Great sprint!..........When's our next hilly race?

BRB

Tower Racing 1st place Fox River Grove Masters 30/40+!!!!

Race report.

I headed North Sunday morning into the rain and storm clouds(Spring Prairie) again to race at Fox River Grove. The courses main feature is a 400 foot climb each lap at 12-15% depending on what corner you took. The roads on the climb were very narrow but opened up for the decent, and the course was closed so you could use the whole road. As I arrived at the race the sky's cleared and the sun came out. I spent over a hour warming up and riding the course a few times to get ready for the race. By the time we lined up I was ready to go.The Masters 30/40+ field was 39 deep with the majority of riders 40+, and all the major teams represented.

The gun sounds and we are off, 100 yards then a sharp left and up the hill for the first time, you can hear gears popping all around, riders are weaving all over the road, and the heavy breathing and suffering starts right away.. I stayed near the front and crested the climb with two very strong riders from XXX. We bombed the descent diving into corners at 30mph+ trying not to touch the breaks at all.
I never looked behind, but I imagined the fast pace from the start would shatter the field. Each time up the climb a few more riders would fall of the pace, the guys from XXX were setting a devastating pace. Finally after 5 or 6 laps the group is down to 5 and I was sitting 3rd wheel the whole time. I tired to pace my self up the climb and recover on the decent, but bombing at 30+ left little time for recovery. The climb was lined with people shouting encouragement every lap, I tried to stay on the outside of the turns on the climb, because the ramps on the inside were probably 3 to 4% steeper than the outside. This continued for a few more laps and we all realized we gone for good. From there I started counting down the laps and watching for attacks. Finally 2 laps to go, the pace picks up even more, the bell lap, up the climb the climb a 2CC rider attacks I counter and over take him. We crested the hill with a good gap and drilled it, one quick look behind and I know we are gone. We each pulled into the headwind on the back part of the course. Coming into the last corner he was on my wheel but I could see his shadow, so as soon as he jumped I went too. We had a nice drag race to the line and I beat him by a good bike length. One good fist pump and hoot and Tower Racing is on the board a win!!!!

4/5 open.
Time for more pain and suffering. Almost 50 rides lined up and a soon as I saw Chris from Pegasus and a few CC, and other XXX racers knew this was going to be a sufferfest. I was not sure how I would feel after effort in the first race,and the worst part for me was the 15 minute break between races. After the gun sounded and we started the climb for the first time my legs locked up and I struggled up the climb mid pack, We bombed the descent and up the climb again and my legs felt the same and I was now loosing ground, finally towards the top I started to feel better, but I was already well back, on the third trip up I put in a good effort and bridged to the lead group
of several riders, from here I tried to settle down and recover, after a few more times up the climb the group was down to 6 and Chris attacked on the descent , no one wanted to chase, and I couldn't so he was gone for good. Each lap went by and the climb seemed to get steeper and longer, I would stand one lap, and sit the next time up to try to relax the legs. Another guy attacked on the climb with about 4 laps to go and he was gone too. Finally 2 laps to go and I funny thing happened, I started to feel pretty good, so I decide to attack the on the final climb, I did not think I would have a good sprint left against 3 other guys. So after the first turn on the climb I stand and go. I was able to get a gap and then tired to stay away on the descent. Coming into the last corner they caught me and I had nothing left for the sprint. So 6th place for me in the second race. I felt good knowing I left it all on the course and tried. I also wanted to thank Mark for staying and cheering me on in the second race. I could hear hiss words of encouragement before the climb each lap. It was great to have a teammate helping me.

In the end I am very happy to put Tower Racing on the board with its first win!!

Doug

Tower Racing's Braun Wins Gold at Fox River Grove

Doug Braun won the Masters 30/40 at the Fox River Grove Cycling Challenge, to bring home the first victory for Tower Racing in 2008 midwest master's racing. We all know Doug is a great climber, but he laid down the law, and won this race in a contested field sprint.

This was a USAC event, that featured a climb at the Ski Hill at the Norge Ski Jump in Fox River Grove. The climb was similar, but a little shorter to the climb at the Spring Prairie Road race. The descents were similar to the first two curves coming down the first part of Bluff Road, but consisted of about 6 curves. The masters 30/40 race had a field of 29 racers from teams across the area, with 27 racers finishing.

I raced with Doug in the Masters 30/40 and came in 13th. I could not offer any real support to Doug, who was in the lead group throughout the race.

Doug did not stop there. He raced back to back in the Cat 4/5. This race started with 45 riders, many of whom got crushed. About half of the riders got waved off, and about half of the riders that finished got lapped. Doug was in a group of five riders that were chasing the leader, and was in second or third place most of the race. He just missed another podium, and came in fifth.

Before the races, I mentioned to Doug that I thought he may have over done it at yesterday's training rides (rode too hard the day before a race), but he came through any way.

Great job Doug!

Fox River Grove Race

Racers

I plan on racing the Masters at 11am, then the 4/5 at 11:45. Chicago Bike Racing has a description of the course. The main feature is a steep climb up the "ski hill" every lap. Let me know who is interested.

https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2008-750

Doug

Chicago Crit 5’s filling up

Only five spots remain in the Chicago Criterium Cat 5’s. Register now! For the July 27th event in Grant Park.

Kit and gear reordering due June 25th

This is your chance to reorder new team kits and other Tower Racing gear. Because Voler has a 7 week turnaround we are asking to respond to me via email by completing the attached form (send me an email at TowerRacing@hotmail.com I will send you the form). Please respond no later than Wednesday June 25th by noon, so we can get this back still this summer.

We will get the same price per item, as the original order, however they have a minimum quantity requirement of 25 "like" items. So tell me what you want and if Voler will try to work with us if we are close on quantity minimums. So we can't guarantee you will get everything you order.

If you are a race member, you will pay cost (plus shipping), affiliate members will pay cost plus $10 for each top and bottom (plus shipping). Just fill out the form (excel spreadsheet) email it back to me, and we will bill you later and you can send payment to our PO Box. If you are new to the club you will have to sign a waiver as well. Final bills and waivers will go out after when send in the order.

If you have defective or damaged gear, also please drop off at my house (38 Chestnut CH) by next Wednesday at noon, as I will ship back to Voler. Defective merchandise (i.e. broken zipper or loose seem) will be covered via the guarantee, however if you have holes or abrasions from an "incident" Voler will make a best efforts to repair at no charge. If you are unsure my suggestion would be to send it in.


Terry O'Grady

Horribly Hilly is up Plus some old Westlake Village 2007

The Hilly Hundred pictures are posted. Also had some photos from the 2007 West lake Village road race. This is a good course and it should be on every ones calender. It is part of the fall fling by ABR and most years their are two road races, one before and one as part of the fall fling. You are looking at the start finish area of the race. Pat and Kevin are represented in the pictures. Pat is wearing a Endure It kit while Kevin is in his Irish get up. The group photo is Bob, Ed E., Dr Phil, John, Tony, and Tom. Check out the slide show mode of the pictures, it puts them all full screen, and you can stop the action if you want to look at a single photo and then move on.

Cobb Park Criterium

I am wondering if anyone is game for this event.  It is a nice little race around a park in Kankakee.

Would be great to have some mates out there.

Gary C.

BackPack Bill, Grand Canyon, Drinks -- 6/18, 7:30 pm

As a lot of you know , ( Backpack) Bill Noll is planning an epic bike journey, completely unsupported, from the Canadian border to the Grand canyon this summer and he plans on leaving in one week.. As someone who has done Backroads and TrekTravel trips, I have a hard time imagining completing a days ride without a cheese tray and choice of wine or beer being served. Bill has been a great friend, mechanic and source of knowledge to many of us. Many on the HHH ride this weekend communicated that they would value the opportunity to show up and pass on their best wishes for a safe journey.

As a result, I am taking the role of facilitator to assemble a gathering for a nice send off this Wednesday, June 18, at Tracy’s Tavern, 401 55th StClarendon Hills, IL at 7:30 pm. Please plan on stopping by for a drink.

I know we all have busy schedules, and it is a weeknight so we do not anticipate a late night , so show –up , have a drink and show Bill your support.

One additional incentive, first $100 in drinks are on me---so be on time! ( or close to on-time).

Best,
Mike Meagher

Horribly Hilly Update

What a great time we all had on the Horribly Hilly Hundred. There were over 20 of us on the ride and we had to be the most represented team. I can’t say enough about the course, how challenging it was, and how much fun we had doing that ride. Although not a race we rolled along at a challenging pace and the hills took there toll on me. As you know I am not a climber. The only thing saving me was no one wanted to go too hard due to the looming finish up to the top of Blue Mounds state park. You may think the Mid-west is flat, not in this part of the state of Wisconsin. The course takes you up and around the blue mounds area and there are some steep challenging grinds where we all kept clicking for an easier gear. One of the pictures I will be posting shows a guy on a single speed just behind me, some people just are gluttons for punishment.

That last climb was a killer and I had to walk up a bit of it. When I got my legs back there was our unofficial Tower Photographer and affiliate Tower member (my wife) Karin taking photo’s by the side of the road. She jumped on and we both climbed up that last killer section to the top. On the way up that last section some people wrote out encouraging words like “beer ahead”, “don’t stop now, your almost there”, and that really kept me pushing. Plus a few spectators yelling encouragement where last year people told me they had to get off, I was able to keep it going.

Saris leant me a power tap and I can’t wait to see my profile for the ride. I talked to the rep (Pat, Todd’ brother in law) and he said he would love to come down some Saturday with his truck full of wheels and do a power demo for one of our rides. If you think that is a good idea I will try and coordinate that through Todd. This would cost nothing and give us a great educational introduction into power meters. Having that on the ride really allowed me to manage my ride and especially climbing to make sure I wasn’t going past a manageable speed up those climbs. At certain points it didn’t matter because it was pretty much every thing you had to get to the top of some of the really steep sections. I typically stayed around 300 watts, with 400 to 600 watt surges to get over the hump.

Anyway, I will post the pictures either Monday or Tuesday after I have Dan at boss on-line set up a folder for the ride. Any one else that has pictures can post them there as well.

Spills & Thrills on the Southside

Jim H. did a nice summary of the Sherman Park criterium. I will add a few comments from my perspective. The field was huge, but the course easily handled this size of a field. At least a quarter (maybe even a third) of the field was XXX riders as their team sponsored the race. After a couple a laps, a prime was announced. I figured riders would be blasting off to take the prime. I was at the back of the field in my familiar tailgunner position. About halfway through the lap, no one had launched so I pulled out into the wind and accelerated up the right side and heard riders calling out my attack. I then reached the front and surged, no one covered and I took the prime by maybe 50 meters. The peleton quickly reeled me in on the next lap. At this point, I did not know that Jim had hit the floor. I rode up next to Case who told me what had happened. Case was forced off the course and did some cross country riding on the grass, but managed to stay upright. Because of the crash, Case lost contact with the main field and was down a lap.

For the next 20 minutes or so, I sat in and recovered. There were a couple of attacks, but all were brought back. With about 2 1/2 laps to go in the race, I was feeling good so I attacked hard again from the rear of the peleton. The field chased and they came up on me with about 1 1/2 laps left. However, no one passed me - they just sat on my wheel. So I attacked again. Seconds later, I heard the unforgettable sound behind me of tires blowing out and metal and bodies hitting the ground. I had a decent gap on the field as I came up to the line (around 50 to 75 meters) - what a thrill to be in the lead with the bell ringing for the final lap! But it was not to be - I had burned too many matches with my earlier attacks and the field caught me with about a half a lap left in the race. It felt great to shake things up a bit. I feel bad for Jim and hope his shoulder is OK.

I won a pair of socks for the prime (whoopee!!) I know we pledged to give our winnings to charity, but I am going to give the socks to Jim H. - not because he crashed, but because he was wearing some sort of funky white cotton tube socks!! I'm just glad that Pat D. did not have to witness this fashion felony!!

Sherman Park -- Crash, Boom, Bang

On Saturday, Tony C., Case H. and I went down to compete in the Sherman Park Crit in the masters 4/5, 30+/40+. The day started off with perfect 75 degree temps and the course is an 1 1/2 car lane, 1mile, oval/circle that is sheltered in the middle of a city park.

As safety zealot, I choose to do this race as the course looked safe (no hard turns) and it was a Master's Race, so it had the right ingredients to be a good race...

It was well organized and run on time and at the start looked like a full field (70-ish riders). My plan this race was going to be simply to sit-in and enjoy life in the peleton and cover moves where necessary.

The course was littered with small imperfections in the road and the starter did a good job at informing people to be careful and hold their lines when approaching these imperfections while in the peleton. I'm not sure if guys were paying attention to this important announcement, and the starter may as well been whistling in the wind as no one heeded his advice. The race was dangerous in the peleton as everyone was swerving and moving to avoid these minor imperfections...it was crazy.

I should have known better and moved to attack off the front to avoid these moves in the back...

Crash. 10 minutes into the ride, 1 knucklehead in front of me tried to swerve in the middle of the peleton and hit the guy on his left. Both go down. Me, moving at 25+ mph with no where to go, and despite my best efforts to "protect my front wheel" smacks into one of the guys on the ground. Next thing I know, I remember seeing a few stars and awake on my back on my bike. I was probably out for a few seconds, but have no recollection of hitting the pavement or how I got there.

My big mistake was not collecting myself. I immediately got to my feet, looked down to make sure all body parts were still in tact. I put my chain back on and my brain screamed "GO"! So after the peleton I chased. (Doh! I should have stopped to get my free lap, but I think that i was still in shock of crashing and couldn't believe that it happened to me!)

After a number of laps by myself in hopeless desperation to catch the group, my shoulder started hurting. I looked back and realized that I had ripped my Jersey and with a nasty bloody gash on my shoulder. I've never quit a race and decided that I would ride on and at least make a good workout of the time remaining. Eventually, the peleton caught me and passed me. I snuck onto to back to catch a breath.

Boom. In front of me to the left was another nasty crash. I moved right and narrowly avoided this crash. Geez, guys be careful... I remember thinking.

Bang. As I moved right to avoid the previous crash, 10 feet in front of me was yet ANOTHER crash. Swerving further right and onto the grass, I escaped the third crash of the day, coming to a complete stop.

I hit the gas and caught back onto the rear of the peleton just to finish the race, and since I was lapped, my place didn't matter, but this was ridiculous in the number of crashes. Frankly, I thought Master's races were intended for people that have raced before. I can guarantee that MANY of today's riders had no idea how to behave in a peleton and shouldn't have been in this masters race.

That being said, this is bike racing and it happens (though it shouldn't!). My helmet was cracked (as I landed on my head), jersey torn, and my gash was 1/2 inch away from my collar bone (whew! and least I'll live to fight the battle another day). There were, however, a number of guys that were banged up from this race including the older guy from Albertos (a very nice guy that many of us have raced with in the past) whom they needed to call an ambulance for. I hope he is okay.

The good news of the day, Tony won a prim -- a fancy pair of socks which I'm sure he'll be donning soon. Nice work Tony.

Hope you guys did much better at Horribly Hilly!

Spring Prairie Pictures Posted

I finally posted the Spring Prairie pictures. Check them out. Big thank you to Bossonline for such an great web-site. What a great way to share stuff and communicate. Thanks BossOnline, what a great sponsor!!!!

Picture/Movie Day -- June 28th

Before the season escapes us, let's plan for a picture day on June 28th capturing as many Tower Riders as possible. Please be prepared to show-off your Tower Kit! As well Pat Dillon's son, Christopher, will also be filming us for part of the ride and will construct a short video clip for the website with music and action shots!

Hope you'll be there to obtain your 5 seconds of fame!

Team Work Pays again -- 3rd, 6th at Spring Prairie

7 Tower Members showed up to do battle in Spring Prarie. After a few passing orange/red blobs on the radar, the cat 4/5 race was delayed by a half hour and only ran 5 out of the prescribed 6 laps. By the start of the race, the rain had thankfully passed.

For those of you who have not raced at Spring Prairie before, the course is run on smooth country roads and is a 6.5 mile square with one big/steep hill (think the wall at bluff x 4) along with a few rollers. There were some teams well represented with XXX having over 13 riders registered and I noticed other strong riders present including Peter Strittmatter from XXX and Chris Padfield from Pegasus, among others.

The first lap was uneventful with the group staying together. … On this course, the hill was a big seperator and upon our first trip up, the peleton was quickly strung out. I was in the middle of the pack (got stuck behind some slow moving traffic) and noted that I had to work hard in the flat after the hill to get back toward the front. Frankly, I was surprised that the lead guys didn't keep high tempo after the hill to string the field out. I figured this would a great spot to launch a future attack.

One of the highlights was that in the SECOND lap, our Non-WI peleton passed the Cheeseheads who had a 5 minute head start – so much for their state championship. Upon the second trip up the hill, I was 10th-ish but there were two guys who opened a huge gap in the flats after the hill, including Peter from XXX. I kicked it into full gear and finally caught the first two guys by the first turn. I dragged one with me and the four of us decided that we had good representation to make a run to the finish.

Doug Braun and Mark Misicko did an awesome job keeping control of the peleton and allowed the four of us to gain a good gap on the field. Thanks Doug and Mark! We were a well organized break with each guy taking equal turns in a nice paceline. It felt like a solid, hard Saturday Tempo ride, but was great to be away with at least 3 other guys in a race.

By the third lap, we were out of sight of the peleton and held a steady pace. We agreed that we wouldn't drop each other and that we would let the final hill decide the winner.

On the last lap, a smile started to creep over my face as I realized that we would not be caught and was finally part of a breakaway that succeeded! Keeping a high tempo we hit the hill for the last time (finish line 100 yards beyond the hill) and I was last up the hill, but was able sprint for a 3rd place finish.

Doug was second to finish in the peleton for a 6th place overall; I didn’t see the places of everyone else, but Ed E., Pat D., Mark M., Case H., and Don H. also had good days on the bike. Ed E. had (another) race flat but still finished strong. So a very respectable day for the Tower!

Most importantly, it was great to be with the Tower crew and everyone rode a safe and smart race. My hats off again to the Tower guys in the peleton for covering any bridge attempts and letting the breakaway go. Good team work pays again!!

Spring Prairie Update

Seven Tower Racers and an affiliate member (My wife Karin) braved the rainy weather forecast and headed up to Wisconsin for the race on Sunday. As we got close to the course it wasn't looking good. There was a line of thunderstorms coming hard and fast from the West. The parking lot (farmers field) was a swamp, if Ed and I didn't have four wheel drive we may not have gotten out. Just as we pulled in the rain hit and hit hard. The racers that were out on the course came in on their own because of the thunder/lightning and torrential rain. But after one more wave of rain they were off to finish their race and we got rolling about 45 minutes late at 12:45.

There is a neutral/rolling start here taking you from the parking lot up the first hill. It would have been nice if the pace car would have controlled the pace up that hill every lap because after the second time up it (6.5 mile laps) I realized that I need to lose another 10-15 pounds. I got gaped off the back, by just a fraction, and in bike racing that's all it takes. So I ended up in a group of 6 or 7 which made the remainder of the race more manageable. After the 6th, one neutral and five times up that hill, it was nice to see the finish line. Didn't see my results but I had to have finished somewhere between 30th-40th range.

My wife Karin came along yelling encouragement which you will have to trust me helped quite a bit. She also got some great pictures which will make it onto the web-site soon.

Turns out that Jim got into a breakaway on either lap 3 or 4 and stayed away thanks to some blocking assistance from Doug and Mark. Jim did some blocking work for Doug down in Indiana so he was returning the favor. Both Doug and Mark looked very strong and were at or near the front the whole race. Ed E. flatted and jumped back in a lap down. He was able to chase me and my group down and hearing his voice and having him with me in my chase group motivated me to work harder than I may have otherwise. Ed looked strong and would have been with the lead riders without that bad luck.

So your probably wondering, come on cut to the chase. Jim ended up on the podium in third, Doug was sixth, I didn't see where Mark finished. Case and Pat finished after me. We only had a little rain during the race and we were all glad we did the race. It was wet in places but the way the couse is laid out there are no high speed corners. Let's all try to plan on doing this race next year. It was tough, but what a great course. Maybe the calender will be kinder to Tom, Fran, Tony, Terry, and Dr. Phil next year. They all would have done well on this course.

Stay tuned because I will post or Pat will post for me some great pictures that my wife took. The best ones of the group that I have seen to date.

Sherman Park Criterium

I know that many are riding in the Horrible Hilly on Saturday, June 14th. For those who are not, I am interested in racing in the Sherman Park crit on Saturday. This race is put on by the XXX team and is held in Chicago. The race I would enter would be the Cat 4/5 40+ which begins at 9:30 am. Let me know if anyone else is interested.

Matteson Returns June 10th & Illinois State Road Race

The Tuesday evening criterium races start up again (for 3-weeks) June 10th. See Chicago Bike Racing web site for details.

Also saw that there will be an Illinois State Road race championship Aug 23rd but the location is yet to be determined.

Those that have not done a race yet the Matteson series is the perfect place to start. The B race is not that fast, 22 mph avg. speed depending upon who shows up. It is a safe low key way to introduce yourself to racing. Anyone that can hang in the Saturday ride would do well in the B race. The B race field size was 15 riders when I did it last, this may grow as the weather is nicer. Race with the A's if you want simulate what a fast cat 4 race is like. It is probably faster than a hard cat 4 race.

Spring Prairie Road Race (Sunday)

Racing Fans (I took this line from Eddie B)

As most of you know this coming Sunday is the Spring Prairie Road Race in Wisconsin. This is probably one of the best road races in the Midwest this summer. I know I have been pounding many of you to go to this race just for the simple fact that the course is like a Saturday morning Bluff ride. For those of you who haven’t gotten your four races in yet this race will give you the opportunity to perform to what your fitness is use to. Plus be able to spend your day with friends and family. I know some of us are bringing our wife’s and children. Furthermore, I know there is talk of a Barbeque after the race.

https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=2558 Sign up link.

https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/files_flyers/2558.pdf Event flyer link.

This is a list of who is coming.

1. Pat D.
2. Jim H.
3. Eddie E.
4. Doug B.
5. Don H.
6. Case H.
7. Mark M.
8. Fran C.

Chicago Time Trial Series

Here is your chance to do a time trial in your backyard on the hills of Willow Springs Road. This goes up the same hills as our Sunday ride from Archer Ave. This is a 30K Time Trial on June 15th and is a USCF sanctioned event hosted by Beverly Bike Club. Web site as follows: https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2008-1650

50+Masters ABR Championship

Hey Racing Fans,
First of all I was pretty happy with my fitness until Sunday.That race was the hardest race that I have been in to date.Last year I had no trouble keeping up with the peleton.This year the top guys were out for blood.We were sprinting up that hill.There was no going to the small ring .It was big ring in the drops for me every time up the hill.My hats off to Dr. Phil.That hill did me in.After I got dropped on the hill I just decided to just TT by myself as I saw nobody coming up.My last time up the hill the front guys caught me and I got to see Team Mack workin it on the last lap.They had a lead out of about 3 to 4 guys drilling it up the hill and somebody on the team was barking out orders.The strangest thing I thought was all the guys that had got dropped in the first few laps were tacked on to the back of the peleton. In my head I'm thinking what the hell.Oh well I've known my biggest limiter has been my weight, but I have not weighed any less in almost 15 years and I just can't justify liposuction.I wonder if those guys that are way fitter then me enjoy just riding as much as I do.Sorry I couldn't stick around after my race but I had to rush off to work.I heard you guys were aggressive in your race and thats great from the kid that works at the shop.He took 2nd Saturday nite and 14th on Sunday.He also weighs in at 135 lbs.I bet I could take him in a wrestling match.
Eddie b.

I checked my email this evening when I got home and found a message from Eddie B. The first thing he said about Sunday's 50+ Winfield Crit was, “ Wow, were those guys fast.” Yeah Eddie, I'm a bit depressed too. I guess we'll have to start training for real if we expect to hang with the old guys. Each lap I couldn't help but wonder who was pulling this train. Finally, about twenty some minutes in I'd had enough of climbing that hill at warp speed and decided to watch the sprint from the sidelines. Almost as soon as I sat up I regretted it. Not that I've pulled out of more than a couple of races over the years but doesn't it always seem that the pace eases just after? Had I known we were chasing a break I'd have dug in for a lap or two more.

On a more upbeat note, Dr. Phil did a good job just hanging after three hours in the saddle on Saturday morning plus the Twilight Crit Saturday night. Until next race, he's my hero.

As for the rest of you, you all looked great.

BRB

Puttin it down.....

Nice job!

Spring Prairie Update

The following guy's have committed in some sort of fashion. Pat, Jim H, Doug B, Case, Eddie E, and myself (Don Hanke). I went out to the pre-registration and found that only three have actually pre-registered. Those would Doug Braun, Case, and me. You have three days left to pre-register.

Don't want to sound like a nag, but if you are committed to doing this race I would pre-register. I would hate to drive up there and find out that I drove 2 hrs and the race field limit was met and I couldn't race. Plus you guy's are making me nervous. I am not the best climber and need your encouragement to stay in every lap. The more green and blue in the field will keep me in the mix.

There are at least 12 XXX riders pre-registered so where is the love?

Mountain goats, this is your race!!! You should live for this race!!!

I know Dr. Phil has personal commitments as does Tom M. Where the heck is Greg Sandman? Calling Sandman, and mountain goat Mark!!!

Winfield Criterium Championship CAT 4

Day started cheering Ed, Phil and Bob in the 50+ race. Racing against former world champions, is always a great way to start your racing season, glad I am still in CAT 4!! All three should be commended.

Fantastic feeling warming up with 8 Tower racers for the CAT 4. About 65 racers started, which immediately went into blistering pace. About three laps in, Jim attacks on the base of the hill to see if he could shake things up. After a big groan came out of the pelaton he was covered by a XXX rider. They were able to stay away for three laps. As the pelaton found their prey, the pace quickened again. Two laps later Mark M, launches an attack, however this time the pelaton was ready for the pain to be inflected by the green and blue squad. The next five or six laps everyone just sat in, trying to work their way to the front for the big finish. I was just trying to stay on wheel has my heart rate monitor finally stopped alarming on the crest of hill, as Jim, Tom and I rode together.

Everything was cranked up on the last lap; I dropped 10 spots in turns 2 with a poor line. All the big guns were making their way to the front; the pelaton was eight riders wide going up the hill for the last time. I found a seem on the right and hit the gas and was able to get about 15 positions back to my favor, until a rider blew up in front of me and sent me into the gravel coming out of turn 3. Interesting thing about this course, your position coming out of turn 3 is critical, as it is almost impossible to pass from there to the finish. I hit 36.5 mph in the drops, coming down the hill to the finish but was unable to move up on this very strong field. Finished 19th.

Rode the entire race in my small chain ring (except the down hill sprint finish) and spun a high RPM up the hill which I believed saved my legs. Ran an 11-23 cog, so on the down hill used the 11 cog, got aero and sucked a wheel, this forced me not to pedal. No easy race, avg heart rate 181, max 193 with 10 minutes above my target threshold.

Terry O'Grady

Winfield, Sunday Crit (Cat 4)

You could not have dreamed of a better weather day then yesterday for a bike race. Tower racing was represented in many of the cycling categories. As most of you know the course was pretty tuff along with the competition. The hill on the course took its toll on many of the riders by the middle to the end of the race. I raced in the Cat 4 with 7 other team mates.

I did not see Bob & Kevin’s race but heard you guys did really well, congratulations!

I watched some of the 50+ with Eddie B, BRB and Dr Phil, what a tuff field. All you guys did an awesome job!

In the Cat 4’s I was thrilled to be with so many talented Tower guys plus a field of strong cat 4 racers from numerous other teams. My race was over after the second lap, I’m not sure what happened to my fitness but I could not keep pace with the peloton yesterday. Tony was trying his hardest to encourage me to keep up but I just didn’t have the wherewithal to stay in the race. (Tony thanks for your kind words of encouragement) I felt like I had a 200 hundred pound weight on my back. Strange thing about myself, I’m either on or I’m off not sure why this happens. I pulled myself from the race after the main peloton lapped me. With two laps to go I pulled off the course and watched the finally with BRB and Dr Phil.

Tom McNulty you were my hero yesterday, you haven’t been out riding or training as much as others but you looked like you were on top of your game. Why to go Tom! All you guys did a great job and it was terrific to be with you all yesterday.

I know some of you were concerned with my quick departure and thought I was upset with my performance. That was not the case, last week I had mentioned in an email that after the race I had to leave ASAP. Before leaving home yesterday my wife had reinforced to me about getting home in ample time. I had my wife’s parent’s 57th wedding anniversary which was starting at 3:00 pm at a downtown restaurant. So needless to say, my quick departure was one of survival.

Pat.

ABR 50+ Criterium Sunday

Having hammered 70 miles saturday a.m. and then racing that night I decided anyway to show up for Sunday's 50 + race. Like Gary in his post, at my age this is as much about comraderie and fun as it is racing. The race was definitely hard but having the short climb helped me. I was in a group of 5 off the main group of 12 or so and we tried to bridge for 4-5 laps but maintained around 15 sec back. There were 2-3 of us that did most of the work especially a guy from Vision quest who I later learned may have placed 2nd in the race last year. Eventually we got within about 40 yards and he said " I've got them" and blasted it up the climb with me on his wheel. Took everything I had to hang on. We gaught the lead group and things settled down into the last lap. On the final climb I think my hard riding on Saturday caught up to me (as well as the chase to get back to the main group). I got crampy at the last turn and had nothing for the final sprint so I coasted in at the back of the group. In all I was pretty happy as there were some major names at this race. I also wanted to say that I definitely could hear all the encouragement from the Tower Racing Team and fans! It gives you extra incentive to push yourself to the limit. I echo Gary's comments, we have a great group. Now if we could only get a tent and a grill..........

ABR National Criterium Championship

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know how great todays race was for myself and tower racing.  If I did nothing else with this group, I would have accomplished everything I set out to do today.  

The race was in Winfield on the south course,  a long rectangle with good climb on the third turn.  It was a beautiful day with awesome temps.   I was excited, because I would be out there with multiple teammates.  This is an extremely calming feeling.  There is something to be said about having the guys that you train with out on the course fighting for the same thing.  I believe we had 8 or so riders in the 4'S race.  I am not sure if any other team had the kind of representation we did.  Fantastic is what I say.  Not to mention 5 other racers entered in other events.  

As for the race.......... it was tough. The climb lap after lap wears on  you.   I hung in there and did what I could for the final sprint.  I made a mistake and hit the breaks too hard in the final turn and made it difficult to connect with the top 20 or so riders for the final sprint.  I figure if I could finish in the top 20  I am happy.  I was outside of that by 12 or so riders.  Oh well.

What I will take away most from this race are the things that did not have much to do with racing.  Our caravan to the race.  Having familiar faces to talk to and get ready for the day.  Lining up for the start with 65 other riders, but all you could see are the familiar Tower colors.  We had a rider off the front at many points during the race.  Jim you should be pleased with your effort.  In my opinion it shows how strong you really are and not to worry sir, your efforts have already paid off and will continue to.  I saw a bunch of tower guys trying as hard as they could, doing something that is difficult to do.  What sticks out in my mind most is the time I spent with some pretty cool people enjoying a great day, some beverage... chips if you wanted and conversation post race.  This to me is the real juice......I had a great day to say the least.  Thanks to all that showed up, tried as hard as they could and hopefully had some fun.

Remember there is only one winner in these races, for everyone else it is personal victories, accomplishing goals and looking back and feeling proud of what you attempted.  If things did not turn out as planned, it is back to the drawing board.  Time to reevaluate and get back on the horse and start working again.  Tower was represented well today.  Nice job to all, and thanks for a great time.  I appreciate being on this team.

Have a great day

Gary C.

Winfield Sunday Crit

Bob and I did the Cat 5 - Heat 1 race this morning.  It was a pretty good crowd of only 25 to 30 riders.   The course was approximately 1 mile lap with a short steep hill.  Not too bad though.   Bob and I stayed competitive throughout.  Prior to the last two laps we were hanging between the 2nd to 10th spot.

With 1 and 1/2 laps to go I said to myself, "I had enough of this" and decided to make my move. I pulled out in front and started giving it my all.  As I was cruising along in first place a thought came into my head -it was Fran of all people.   The thought was Fran pulling out early during one of our Clarendon Hills weekly morning sprints.  What usually happens when the first person makes a jump early?  Well you know how the story ends....I could only keep it up for a one lap and blew up.  I ended up 11th and bob came in 13th.  We had fun though and would do it again.  

Kevin "impatient" McCann