July 12, 2011, Boxwood Criterium #11
Nanaimo BC

Our 24 hour summer ended abruptly and it was back to temperatures in the low to mid 60s with clouds and dodging periods of rain during the last week (with one day getting cut short due to the rain). The forecast for the upcoming week is to be even colder and wetter. Tuesday at race time showed 62 degrees for the 7 pm start time and the clouds were big and a 70% chance of precipitation. I wish I had brought my clear glasses as my sunglasses made things too dark. Although I dressed with my heavy jacket and leg warmers at the beginning of the warmup, it warmed up a bit during the race and it turned out I was slightly over-dressed. The conditions may have had an affect on the low turnout of only 11 racers.

The disruptive bystanders from last week had already shown their faces and the meet organizer had spoken with one of them. They voiced their opinion that they still thought that our racing should not be allowed and Peter called the police to inform them that there might be trouble again (they said they could do nothing until a wrong had been committed). With this in mind, Peter changed the race from his original 43 laps to be 45 minutes plus 5 laps, which allowed him to gauge the exact time of the race better. He followed us in his car for the first 40 minutes to keep an eye on things.

Photo of my bike prior to a race:


We started fairly slowly for the first 3 laps, even though they were not neutralized, only doing about 23 mph. It then picked up to a steady pace, averaging 25 mph, making it very easy for me. As I expected the bell for the first of four primes was rung at 12 minutes into the race. Warren went for it early and got a huge lead for the win. However, Ian chased him down before the line and then passed him and kept going. Last week showed me that I could afford 15 seconds on these guys and I'd have the ability to close it down immediately if I was rested, but it seemed easier to jump up to Ian now rather than put out the larger effort. As soon as I got behind him, he eased up, which was fine by me as I did not want to share in 50% of the work for then next 40 minutes of the race.

The pack pretty much stayed together, averaging 25 to 26 mph. We had no problems with motor vehicles. At 28 minutes into the race, the bell for the next prime was given. This time two guys snuck off the front right after the bell and got a fairly good gap. As we came around turn 4 the two seemed to have the win in hand, but they started playing games with each other for the win. Warren went really hard from 220 meters out and was able to pass them for the win.

Occasionally a solo rider would gain a small gap, but none that really had a strong potential of succeeding. The steady pace continued and the third prime bell was given at 41 minutes. This time Mike snuck off the front and nobody contested his escape in the back stretch. By the time we rounded turn 4 it was obvious the he finally was able to win some prize money. Surprisingly, Warren took off again and demonstrated a great burst of speed, but was still well short of beating Mike to the line and drifted far past him after the line. Warren being a sprinter was not expected to continue solo, so there was no threat for him to be far off the front at this stage of the race.

Soon the lap cards came out for 5 laps to go and the bunch was still all together. As I expected, with 3 to go the bell for the final prime was given. The bunch was still intact as we hit the home stretch and Ian and Warren fought it out, with Warren being victorious for the third time of the evening. I kept close without having to put out too much energy, but their speed was impressive and I was a bit concerned as to if I would have the ability to be a contender for the final sprint.

With one to go we were all together and the speed was not high, which can make it dangerous as everyone will try to get near or off the front. I was on Ian's wheel with one to go, but then another rider squeezed me out on turn 2, while Warren was even further up ahead. I felt that Warren was the bigger threat and was able to maneuver myself onto Warren's wheel as we went through turn 4. The speed had still not greatly stepped up and heads were starting to look back as we approached the 200 meter to go traffic cone on the side of the road. Knowing that these guys generally hit it hard just past the 200 meter mark, I made an early surprise jump at 220 meters to go, riding up Warren's draft and slipping off the left side. I got a good lead and felt strong; fortunately the shorter length allowed me to escape the torment of any cramping. I kept to the far left to limit the chances of someone slingshotting up my draft as I felt I hit my top speed and could only hold it there when I saw Warren coming up on my right with about 50 meters still to go. I kicked the gear up by two teeth in the rear and tried to squeeze out some more speed, but Warren was a rocket and there was no stopping his taking the victory. I was able to keep ahead of Ian for second place. I only hit a top speed of 37.1 mph in this sprint, but still hit my 189 bpm heart rate max. Only 53:30 for the duration of this race, covering 22.1 miles at just under 25 mph average.

Last lap:

The win gave Warren another 12 points, while I collected 10 and Ian 9 for the series. Ian is in the lead of the series with 95 points, I have second at 86, Warren is third at 78, tied with Mike also at 78.

I haven't worked out with the weights since my accident last year and I'll need to incorporate that back into my routine to get the better top end needed to beat these guys that are half my age. That will be disrupted however, as we are busy packing to move back to Arizona in August and I'll not be able to finish out the series.

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