Mad Cow Classic Weekend

Saturday's RR: Long, windy, with a whole lot of grinding false flats ...

...and the guy on the ATV looked to be having more fun as Ciclistas riders suffered through and finished in the latter half of the field.

Sunday's Crit: Windy and Fast. We averaged 24 mph in spite of the 30+mph wind gusts. The group stayed pretty much together with the race coming down to a sprint finish. I took a flyer with 1/2 lap and three turns to go. I led into the finishing straight, faded, and was overtaken by a group of six in the final 30 meters. We met and raced with a Dr. Steve, a friend of Jim Hanosh's. Nice guy who comes to the 4 Corners from time to time to work with Mac Wyman. Later I learned that woman you can see is Tiffany Pezzulo, a former National level crit rider, described by my friend Renee, who's a national champ on the track, as "really freakin' strong."

Steve chasing hard and wondering: "Just how exactly does 45 minutes in Fruita translate into 12 hours at Mesa Verde? "

Mad Cow Classic results?

How did everyone make out up in Grand Junction? How were the racing conditions? Did everyone enjoy the race? Please update those of us who couldn't make it with all of the details.

Thanks
Jeff Fox

Hill Laps, anyone?

Thinking of doing some laps on CR31 above the high school on Wed eve. Meet at Flanders park about 5 'til 6:00, short warm-up ride out 145 for 5 miles and back, then 3 laps up and down the hill. I usually do 1 sitting all the way, 1 standing all the way, and one however I feel. See you there!

Riding with NM Velo Sport Cycling

When I found out I would be traveling to Albuquerque for Easter weekend, I started looking for a group ride I could join in with so I could get my miles in this weekend. On the NM racing series website I found group rides for the state and the NM Velo Sport club sounded like a good bunch to ride with. I emailed a club officer about it and he said I was welcome to join in. I met up with 21 other riders at 9am at a parking lot next to Perfection Honda used car lot at the intersection of Academy and McKinney. I was one of only a couple of people who drove there as most of the other people rode their bike to the start. After a little discussion between members about which route we would take that day (some wanted to climb and some wanted to roll the flats) it was decided we would climb on this day. The route was as follows -McKinney to San Pedro to Tramway at the Interstate- up Tramway to Central -East to Tijeras and then South up Tijeras canyon. Once we topped out on a mesa up Tijeras canyon we turned around and retraced our route back to the start. It was right at 70 miles and 3hours 45 minutes of hard riding. They ride hard but they do slow down and regroup at the top of any big climbs although getting that many people through traffic lights is challenging. It was a good ride and I met a lot of really nice people and I would reccomend this group ride to anybody that finds themselves in Albuquerque on a Saturday morning with a little time on their hands. Hope you guys had a good ride on Sunday and I will see some of you in GJ this weekend at the Mad Cow Classic.

Steve

Tour of the Gila update

As of this morning, there are only 36 slots left in the Men's 4/5 category race (cap at 85). This race has always filled, so make sure you sign up soon!

Group Ride for Sunday, March 9

With the Spring Road Season now upon us, it's time to make the Sunday Ride a little more purposeful.

First, we need to extend our saddle time a little.

Second, we need to focus on maintaining a solid rotating tempo. (See C Carmichael for explanation about long pulls/tempo http://www.trainright.com/articles.asp?uid=3296)

Third, we need to continue to ride safely. Winter has left the roads gritty and potholed.

So, I propose the Sunday Ride leave Dolores at 11:00 AM > over Summit to Mancos > Mancos to Cortez > South along the Mesa > North to 491> to Arriola > Road S to Lebanon School House > up to 184 > Dolores.


Bring plenty of food and drink.