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My Last Cross Race of the Year?

With frost still hanging from the trees I left with my devoted cowbell ringing fans, Katie and Garrett, for a golf course on a mountain overlooking Binghamton, NY. The last race in the Central New york Cyclocross series would be my best finish. OK there were less people racing, so of course I did better. You won't see my name in the masters final standings, that's next years goal. This years goal was to race, have fun and get stronger. Those goals were achieved! I finished five of the seven races.

Each race has been different and this one saw us tearing up a public golf course on cold, crisp Sunday morning. Spectators could stand on a hill side and see the entire course as we raced around a mostly grass track. Great pictures are here http://picasaweb.google.com/jim.danvers/DPanellaCrossRaceNov2007

The course included a dirt pile, slippery downhill grass track, sewer pipes that most riders hopped ( I couldn't), a set of barriers in the wettest part of the course, the spiral of confusion, watch out for the pond, and climb the hill, scream at the announcer. Lather rinse repeat 7 times. I only fell once on a left hand turn in the grass track, still can't do those well and oh yeah once during the warmup I fell unclipping before the barriers. That's how my socks got wet!

Like every cross race the race is won or lost in the first five minutes during the hole shot. I actually did well and passed people heading into the dirt pile. The chokepoint of the dirt pile spread out the field. Say goodbye to the greybeards Bobby. Next year I may not catch Glenn Swann or Ernie Bayles ( may have to Cinzano those two) but Mark Shenstone and Billl Erickson I have your number. Emanual, Jack, and Dave rest in peace. Yes I will admit I was bested by skinny grey bearded professor types from that 6 square mile city surrounded by reality. If eating Tofu makes you faster I don't want to be fast!

My kids thought I finished fifth and gave me a big cheer. It was hard to admit them to them that the four guys who finished ahead of me had just lapped me on the final uphill. At least they didn't lap me twice like they did in the Swandrome race. I ended up 19th my best finish to date.

Lessons learned from the cross series.
1. Dry socks are your friends
2. Mall food tastes better after one hour of pain.
3. Yes I really needed a new cross bike!
4. I am not just slow because I didn't adequately warm up.
5. Cross is addicting

Next week is the New York State championships in Delamr NY. No I didn't qualify and I don't even live in NY, but maybe I need one more cross race to get this out of my system.........

And next year I expect some teammates to help me drink a beer when I get some points in this series. Congrats to Glenn Swann and Ernie Bayles for their one two finish in the masters series. Ad Stabel from Holland finished fifth is a true a Flahute.

Syracuse Grand Prix

Sunday was my 4th race and the most technically challenging race yet. I traveled to Syracuse with Vanessa and the best cow bell ringers in the world my kids. I was on an actual cross bike for this race. I bought one of those $99 Leader frames that I saw at the Ommegang race. With lots of hustle the frame arrived last Thursday and I had it all together by Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Paul and Sloane for helping me through the hard parts like bottom bracket, fork and brakes. Yeah I hear you what exactly did you but together Bob. My old Raliegh is now a naked frame and it's parts are on the Leader. Paul and Sloane suggested that I didn't deserve to be on a bike called The Leader. I suggested the Follower, they suggested the Bleeder and the funniest one was the Bleater.


So you want more pictures of my new bike

Creative rear brake hanger


Creative front brake hanger


A front view


Ok enough already give us a race report. Course was tough. Short paved zone, single track, grass, then barriers. Oh and on the first run over the barriers I got spiked in my calf with a chainring from this this guy

Think he mumbled sorry " Told Him I'll remember you!"

OK lost a few places after being distracted. The course then had a mud hole, a sideways a cross a hill, a downhill, more mud and the dreaded sand hill. Right before the hill were two barriers forcing us noncross gods to dismount and carry.

Here is Vanessa doing the barriers before the hill




Next run or push your bike up the hill


Yup thats me and I end up passing the guy ahead of me on the climb
Maybe I am getting better at this. A quick drop in gravity returns you to the start line. Lather rinse repeat as often as possible.

I ended up in a small group at the rear. Thanks to my kids cow bell ringin at the top of the sandhill I was able to pass them. I'm still chasing the graybeards of the FlCC, three races to go in the series. Maybe I'll catch them! The results are here I was 22 out of 33. Vanessa in her first cross race was 9th out of 13.

Another pic of Vanessa. How come they took so many of her and only one of me?



After it's over

Next week is an off weekend for cross and then I we are off to Rochester for Park Ave Bike Halloween Cross Cross race and costume contest. Maybe I can win the contentest if I dress up like Floyd Landis.

Doc Reilly Memorial Road Race

Saturday saw 3 Big Horn Velo riders in action at the Doc Reilly Memorial Road Race
Brian Klotz, Tim Carlson and myself. Also there and thinking of joining our team in the women's division was Michelle Beyler. Working the feed zone for us was Vanessa McCaffery. Vanessa is also expressing an interest in racing with us next season. Any and all women or men are always welcome to join us.

We did the 2 hour 15 minute ride in our trusty team van and arrived early enough to preride the course. The elevation profile was not lying. Not the hardest race we have done but challenging. The course was 17.6 miles. Tim and I elected to do two loops, hard man Brian would do three and race against Doug Carlson.

We got there and were directed were to park by guys in leather jackets turned out they were bikers for Jesus. Tim had a run in with one who was pacing our race when Tim wanted to go faster then the biker and the biker said he couldn't do that. Guess you are not suppose to be faster then a fat Christian on a hog. We even registered in the bar (very cool) There were 31 in my group and the course and the course immediately went up hill. I was smart and had installed my wheel with the 13-29 cassette for this race. I hung on till the top of the first hill this included the 15% climb ouch. I mad my normal mistake of not warming up enough and I was too far back in the lead back. A little gap and the pack is gone never to seen again. I feel like quitting but I settle down and ride my race. I eventually chased down two guys who also were spit off and convince them to work with me. One was Glenn a Clydesdale who reminded me of Mark Hogan and a skinny guy John from Albany who was doing his first race. We had made fun of a car with a Lemond bike on it's bike as not be a great race bike on the way up. Chasing John on his Lemond came back to haunt me.

Eventually my group caught the next three guys down the road, two guys with Maxpower Jerseys. For some reason I take delight in passing those guys. John immediately wanted to pass these guys. I held him back and we sat in on the rolling hills back to the start finish line. Did I mention. Nice 15mph head wind through out the course. Ouch. We go through the feed zone and I get a bottle from Vanessa and another bottle of water from the volunteers. This was the first race that I have done that gave neutral water, very cool. I do the pro move and dump the entire liter of water over my head. Out of the feed zone and time for the climb. I can't hold John back he attacks, I follow. The 15% climb hurts for me but more for John who is climbing in a 12-25. I love my 13-29! We drop our little group of 4. Continue climbing and we finally make the top both of us working together in the wind. Time for a wicked downhill. I make my move I know I can descend faster then John. My max speed was 50.2 mph. At the bottom I look back I have a nice 15 second gap. Back to the rollers and nasty headwind. John dips into his suitcase of courage and tries to catch my wheel. I stand and attack when I can. He's catching me. Wow! I go again and take back his gain. He charges again. This guy is relentless and the wind is killing me. Ok race smart Bobby. I let him catch with a mile to go. I am ready to attack and crush him. John is spent. "What's the etiquette in a situation like this he asks. I know you can beat me in the sprint." I smile and look back there is no one behind us. We finish together I say. We cross the line same time. Great race!

I ended up 17th out of 31. Tim Carlson was up the road from me and finished 5th. Nice job Tim. One of the finishers came up to me and thought I was Tim and started complaining how many attacks I made. I smiled and told him Tim's nickname is Vino. Vino always attacks. Tim got $10 for the effort and even shard the take with me. Now that is classy! Doug Carlson was 6th in his race. Brian had a bad day. Think he was dehydrated from the hot week. He isn't listed in the finish results but I think he finished 19th about 12 minutes behind the leaders. Michele kicked major butt and won the women's race against 5 other riders. Her finish time puts her only about 3 minutes behind me. I got to draft I think she was out front her entire race. Wow! Great job Michele. Here are the full results http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2007/08/04-Doc-Reilly-Memorial-Road-Race.asp

Next race is the Mansfield crashterium, I did not misspell the word! Michele is going to Albany to race and Tim Carlson will be in action at Little Falls

London Calling

Good Morning

Having fun in sunny(no that's not the right word) rainy(not really)occasionally spitting (yes that's it) London. We arrived Tuesday in the midst of an airport security lock down. Plane arrived early but we spent an hour waiting for a parking stand. We finally got off and the airport was a nightmare. Terminal 4 was closed to outgoing flights. Angry people on blue mats every where. Someone left and unattended parcel. In NJ the message is unattended packages may be destroyed or damaged. In London the message is they will be destroyed. Subtle difference. We got out of there as quick as possible. Found the tube and road to King's cross. Waited about 20 minutes to get a cab. London was busy on Tuesday night for some reason. Finally got to Sean and Kathy's about 11:00. Great pizza and beer!

Wednesday up and out with Kathy. She is walking to work and will point us in the direction of the Tower. Need money, stop at a bank machine. My atm won't work. Weird I called bank before I left so it would work! Try another machine Kathy says. Doesn't work. Just try the third. It eats my card! We go in and try to argue to get my card back. Bank can't do it it is against the law! Oh well I borrow money from Kathy and continue on. Steve and I have a great day at the Tower. Lots of history. Amazing to be in a place 800 years old. Lunch was at the the George. Good food and beer. We get a card, drink beer in eight pubs and get a free wallet. We drank in three as we stumble back to Kathy's. Quote of the day "Bob I am half in the bag and it's just the afternoon!" Back to Kathy's for lasagna and more beer. Mmmmmm Lasagna! I think I will have a piece for lunch today. We watch Big Brother on the telly. Kathy and Shawn are addicted.

Sleep in till 10:00 on Thursday! Turn on the TV and you can watch Big Brother live. They are sleeping. Like watching water boil. This is must see TV? Head off for St Pauls The audio tour was incredible. Cool to hear about the volunteers who saved St. Pauls during WWII. We had lunch at the Wattling. I had Toad in a Hole. Sausage, potatoes, veggies, and Yorkshire pudding. Mmmmmm good. hey they have a beer contest too. Drink in five bars and get a tshirt. We have a new quest! We meet Katy at the Globe Theater and see Loves Labor Lost. Stand in the pit for five pounds. Funny play about not falling in love and how women trick you and it happens. That never happens. We made it to intermission before tired legs took us to a pub.. Dinner was before the play with Pawny at his local Panasian watering hole. Nice cheap meal. On the way home we stop at the Jerusalem and the Belgium pub. Quote of the day, "loud and happy is the stereotypical American" Hey I resemble that remark. I drive Kathy nuts with my bad Shakespeare impression on the Millennium bridge. "do you always embarrass your kids like this?"

No one is hung over today. How did that happen? Yeah right. Kathy is already talking about detoxing after we leave. So far we are not as bad as Laura and Chris. Have to make up for that today. We need 5 pubs for our wallet and four for our tshirt. Plan is to boat ride today and see the opening Tour ceremonies tonight. Prologue is tomorrow and Sunday is the 1st stage. Plan on Sunday is to watch the Tour parade out of London and then hop a train to see them smelly and racing in the country.

Ok that's all from London. Kathy and Sean are the greatest! We promise to drink moderately(yeah right) and stay away from Podium girls(fat chance we have of meeting any way).

cheers

Bobby


Hello from London

Took a boat ride to Greenwhich yesterday. Had another great lunch of pork belly and coconut rice. Saw the observatory. Steve got a certificate that he was at the prime meridian. Great boat ride back we all took a nap on the way home.

We saw the opening ceremony yesterday in Trafelgar square. Weird French dancers. Discovery was introduced third and we left to follow them to their bus. I was not stalking Johann Brunnyeal their coach! We were part of handful who choose to do this weird. Saw Johann, Vino ,Oscar Frierre, Valvadere, Sastre, kloden, Boonen, all up close.wow! Just missed Discovery getting in the bus. Kathy thinks Oscar Frerre is hot All the riders were cold and ran into their buses Look for us today on the teli today we will be wearing BHV jerseys. Almost forgot I shook Phil Liggetts (versus sports commentator) hand. Told me "Don't look back, your making the race!" not sure what that meant.

Afterward we caught up with Pawney and Kathy's friend Leslie. Nice Indian dinner and pubs afterward. Favorite beer is Strawberry Fruli. Love Belguim beer.

We will be back next Thursday fat and out of shape from too much fun. Oh wait we left that way.
Plan is to chase the Tour tomorrow and see them in two places, on the Blackfriars bridge and in Tumbridge Wells.

Talk to you soon

Bobby

I feel the need to relate the true story of Bobbo and Johann Brueneil. As most of you know, Bob and I are in London England to view the Tour de France. On Friday we went to the opening ceremonies. After team Discovery left podium, Bob had the brilliant idea of seeing where the team buses were parked. Little did I know Bob had ulterior motives. Shortly after leaving Trafalger Square Bob spotted Johann, and the chase was on. Before I knew it, we were stalking Johann. The sight of Bob dodging from tree to tree, bush to bush was really rather amusing. But Bob was on a mission from God..he was going to obtain Johann's underwear at any cost. Finally, after chasing Johann for what seemed like hours, Bob cornered Johann at the tour bus. Bob begged and begged Johann to meet and discuss team tactics but alas....Bobbo was shot down by Johann. Bobbo then sunk below his normal respectful demeanor and asked for an autograph, and once again Johann shot him down. Bobbo finally resorted to trying to de-brief Johann...Bobbo thought the least Johann owed him was a pair of his boxer-briefs. The next thing I know, Bobbo had tackled Johann and had Johann's pants were down around his knees. Security and the bobbies showed up and were dragging Bobbo away. Out of no where a fat man with a german accent and t-mobile hat show up and talk the bobbies into releasing my good friend. Afterward Bobbo bought me and our new friend, Jan, a pint of ale in a local pub. So now you know the true story of the Johann saga.

Stay tuned for more stories of our adventures in London......

Steve

Jan called me Mallorca, before he left for London, just to see what's up n stuff. I mentioned to him that you two were going to watch the first couple days of the Tour. I told him that my friend Steve is a level headed guy and would be fine at the show, but on the otherhand I was worried about my pal Bobbo. I had an inckling that he wouldn't be able to handle himself amongst so many cycling celebs and perhaps Jan could keep an eye on him from afar. Jan said "you got it" and I told him I owed him one but he just laughed and said he could never repay me for all I've done for him. Whatever. So I guess I was right, Bobbo flips out and goes for Johan's tighty whiteys and needs to be bailed out. But, Steve, Jan kind of over did the rescue, he was supposed to let Nunnick go to the slammer until just before your flight was ready to leave, and Jan was going to let you borrow his Porsche and hook you up with some retired podium girls he knows and have them show you around London while Bobbo had a tea party with the other hooligans in the klink. Oh well, maybe next time

pk

TVC Cat 4-5

It rained, it poured, I sang in the peloton. Another Rafi fan from FLCC even helped me sing Mr. Sun when it started raining. It worked as it usually does and we had a dryish finish. Have to admit I am still excited by my best ever road race finish. Maybe I have found my niche. Maybe my strength is circuit races. Reading the race results today I am even more excited by my finish. I beat the college guy from VA Tech in the orange skin suit and aero shoe covers who I had followed the entire race. Who'd a thunk it?

Only three of us from Big Horn Velo, Jeff Frutchey, Ryan Morales and I, were able to race this weekend. We got there early and Jeff and I did about 4 warm-ups laps. I stretched in the van and had my usual preface red bull and half a cliff bar. I'm trying to gut down on dope I know. Two gus in my pocket and two full big water bottles. It was hot and humid and I sweating already. We lined up early at the starting area and Jeff Poulin of TVC came over "You guys look ready." Augie Mueller of STBC came over and liked our jerseys. It was very relaxed. Two women from SVCC raced with a pack of about 40 men. I was surprised when they were asked how many laps they wanted to do that they were going to ride all 20 with the men.

The now very familiar Kirwood Industrial race course was the venue for this race. 1.5 mile circuit. Nice little downhill, a windy back stretch and a small climb just at the start finish line. Race starts out quickly but today’s pack has more experience then our last time here. Our nemesis from last time here racer 79 thankfully was in the ESG qualifier race. Dark clouds from the east are bearing down on us. I give two to one odds we are going to get wet to the riders in the pack. The bet is for gu and you have to have it in your jersey pocket to bet. No one takes the bet. 3 to 1 odds. Still no takers. It rains so hard it hurts. "I don't think the really hard stuff will be coming down for at least 30 minutes"

A few riders try to sneak away but the pack constantly reels them in. The pack holds together very well. Nicely surprised that the women from SVCC are right there with us. Jeff and Ryan have been behind me most of the race but work their way forward with about ten laps to go. The prime bell rings and next time around Jeff crosses the line first. He needed a new hat!

3 laps to go the pace starts to creep up. There is a breakaway on the front. I yell at the pack to go chase them down. "If you’re so strong why don't you do it yourself?" OK I go to the front and drag the pack to the break. I let them swallow us back up. Rest recover and prepare for the finish. Last time around all still together. I warn the women stay near the yellow line it's safer.

On the last hill during the sprint I rocket forward like Cippolini chasing down drunks in an RV who've stolen his bike.

Cookie rider Charlie Hamilton cleared my path up the hill. I go to the right. Don't hit the start finsih sign. Throw the handlebars at the line and I beat Ryan. Was it me or was finisih in slow motion. I was 6th Ryan 7th and Jeff was 10th. A good finish, average speed was 22.98 mph. The women of SVCC were all smiles and said how nice we all were to them until the finsih when we were all elbows. Next week is the Wellsboro Flyer.

TVC Cat4-5 Results

Juniors:
1. Adam Farabaugh
2. Eli Robinson, #81
3. Hannah Sick, #80
4. Adam Luban, #82

Women Cat 4:
1. Christine Kananogh, #8 SVCC
2. Youlin Diaz, #7 SVCC

Men Cat 4-5
1. Ad Stabel, #364 Central New York Cyclist
2. Mike Kumiega, #351 RUUD Racing Team / TVC
3. Kurt Woodruff, #367 RUUD Racing Team/Tioga Velo Club
4. Charles Hamilton, #366 FLCC/Chris Cookies/Swan Cycles
5. James Randall, #361 team Scarr-ommegang
6. Robert Nunnink, #350 Big Horn Velo
7. Ryan Morales, #347 Big Horn Velo
8. Sam Corcoran, #342 VA Tech
9. Phillip McCarthy, #357
10. Jeff Frutchey, #349 Big Horn Velo
11. Gregg Drumm, #363
12. Scott Ouderkirk, #368
13. Mike Meier, #370
14. Peter Blenkiron, #353
15. Ben Pritchard, #374
16. Jeff Swing, #346
17. Keisuke Ingue, #355
18. Judd Speer, #359
19. John Ormsby, #344
20. Joe Walker, #343
21. Jack Ruckhum, #371
22. Pete Kocher, #375
24. Gary Graham, #372
25. Wayde Herneissey, #354

Hollenbeck Spring Classic Road Race

What a beautiful day! Once again Big Horn Velo was smiling. In the above team picture is left to right; Paul "Bjorn Riis" Kingsbury, Brian "Tom Danielson" Klotz, Dave "Thor Hursvod" Prugh, Bobby "Julich" Nunnink, Jeff "Ryder Hesjedal" Frutchey, Ryan "Ivan Basso" Morales, and Danna "Yarolsalv Popovych" Carr. Not pictured but present today was Tim "Vinokurov" Carlson.

We arrived early and were able to pre drive the course. This was one time that it may have worked against us as all the orange marks pointing out holes kind of unnerved us. It was chilly lining up and waiting for the start. Off we go. Nice pack today lots of experience no bad riders at all. The first hill is coming. To do well in this race stay with peloton on the first climb, to win the race lead the second climb. To finish in no mans land get spit off the back early. Here I go. Am I napping! Where did they go? Ouch that hurt.

I have no excuse for my poor performance. Ok I road a little too hard with Steve yesterday and I went to a wedding with Terrie and danced till midnight. What song was going through my head during the race? Shake your Boggie by the Mojo Boggie Band

I think I need to pick a faster song next time. I got caught in no man's land and had to time trial in. I have to thanks Dave from Watertown for keeping me pedaling. I caught and past the Team Terrie girls who started five minutes ahead of me. I caught two youngins from Cortland College. "You pull like an animal!" "We need to attach a tow robe to you" That made my race. Uphill finish, get a cookie. I’ll have sign a copy of our Team Picture to our dedicated BHV race volunteer Bill Lodico.

Ryan and Dana stayed in contact with the leaders most of the race. They ended up just out of the hunt with a bunch of wheel suckers who refused to work to get them to the leaders. Next in were Brian, Jeff, and Tim. Paul and Dave road in the masters race which started five minutes after us. Paul finished looking strong with the leaders, he almost caught me at the line and Dave was not far back at all. Dave is getting stronger every race.

Jeff finishing strong. Yes the finish is steep

Final Results

12 (4 - Cat5)

Dana Carr

0:58:13

16 (7 - Cat5)

Ryan Morales

0:59:43

20 (11 - Cat5)

Brian Klotz

1:00:39

27 Masters

Paul Kingsbury

1:01:52

25 (15 - Cat5)

Jeff Frutchey

1:02:09

26 (8 - Cat4)

Timothy Carlson

1:02:34

42 (25 - Cat5)

Robert Nunnink

1:05:10

32 Masters

Dave Prugh

1:06:

We got a cookie and drove home stopping for Chicken Barbeque in Newark Valley. And Dave brought Mexican beer! Good friends, a cookie, chicken barbeque, and beer. It doesn't get any better then this!

BHV training food!

Jeff Frutchey looking good
The BHV team bike rack
Ryan and Brian packing up.
Jeff ponders Dave's advice that water is the prefered pre race drink.

Next week is Bristol, don't thing the entire team will be there. We may take the next two weeks off to work on personal relationships and lactate threshold. See you soon.

Binghamton Circuit Race

Second race of the year and great results once again! Picture should be what would Kingsbury do? Absent from the race, still playing hokey Paul I mean hockey, but he was there as my personal muse. Paul gave us the strategy. Race smart, stay near the front but conserve energy. We raced first in the cat 5 race at 11:15.

Same team as last week, Ryan Morales, Brian Klotz, Jeff Frutchey, Dave Prugh, and myself Bobby Nunnink. It was cold and rainy when we started but the day got nicer later. We sat in and tried to play it smart. Course was not too hard. Dave and Jeff were up front with me protecting our younger riders. Dave may have spent too much time on the front. I lost him in the back and he eventually fell off the back on lap 7 or 8^th. He rightly reminded us he was not lapped! Prem lap was rung fairly early and Brian whispered in my ear Bobby needs a hat. He tried his hardest to lead me out and I was barely hanging on. We were caught half way up the hill by Ryan and some other speedster. Ryan barely lost at the line. Why did I do that? Ok recover hang on. Thankfully the pace was not too hard.

Who is that BHV rider in the middle? Photo courtesy of Velochimp

Crazy rider 189 made it a challenge. Passing over the yellow line, all over the place a threat from the time the flag dropped.. I told him if he made me crash I would punch him in the face. He dropped back a little. Brian flats! We had a spare wheel at the line but he lost the pack. 15 laps went by fast.

Final climb to the finish we are still together. Crash to the right of me. I moved to safety over the yellow line. Corner of my eye I see Jeff endo over the wreck. I passed four riders on the final climb. Ryan was 6th. Looking strong! I ended up a respectable 1oth out of a field of about 40. Brian and Dave muscled it out and finished ahead of 10 riders. Jeff got up the hill. Blood on a knee and some cuts on his hand. Bike was ok I think. Mountain bikers are tough! Average pace for the ride was 20.5 mph!

There's Ryan on the far left finishing sixth! Photo courtesy of Velochimp

We rested, ate some, and prepared for our next challenge at 1:45. Ryan, Brian and myself had registered for the cat 3 4 5 race. We were joined by Doug Carlson and Scott from Addison who has ridden with us on some Thursday nights.

The drink of choice for Big Horn Velo Race Stars that do two race is Sobe Adreline Rush.

Second race and my muse is speaking to me again. Hang on, stay up front, but don't lead. The gas is on from the moment we start to pedal. A small group tries to sneak away immediately. Hang on Bobby. The peloton reels in this small break. We settle down, but the pace is still fast. 22.9 mph for average in the end yikes. I get into a rhythm. Up the hill, recovery drink, fast draft down the hill, accordion up the bump, another drink, and time to climb again. I'm hanging on!

Ryan cramps, I feel for him and pedal on. Last lap time. The pace whips up on the downhill. Hang on Bobby. I love the way my Madone goes down hill. Brian falls off the back of the peloton. 1/2 mile to go I'm just a little too far back. Ok move up now Bobby. Doing good on the outside up to about 6th before the climb. Here is the climb. Ouch Ouch Ouch. Bumped but I don't go down. I don't have it for the uphill sprint. Finish about 17th out of 60. Kind of shocked how well I did.

Another great day for Team Big Horn Velo. Next race is Hollenbeck. You racing Paul?

GVCC Bloomfield

"To prepare for a race there is nothing better than a good pheasant, some champagne and a woman." -- Jacques Anquetil

"Ride lots." -- Eddy Merckx

First race of the year with excellent results.

Cat 5
Ryan Morales 2nd
Brain Klotz 7th
Bob Nunnink 19th missed 18th by 700ths of second
Jeff Frutchey 20th
Dave Prugh 23rd

We left Sayre at 5:30 the five of us traveling together to Bloomfield NY about 6 miles east of Canandaigua. Good timing and excellent map reading skills by Dave & Ryan allowed us to pre drive the race course. The course was described as a circuit race with each lap about 11 miles. The course is rolling hills the most Recommended gearing 11/12 - 23. Each group will have a neutral start from the staging area. Racing will begin at Gauss/Oakmont road intersection.

Looked like this

On the Preride we all decided this was not going to be as easy as described. Lots of ups and downs. Not many areas to rest.

Checked in and registered and even got timing chips for the bikes. 9:00 am we are off, 50 riders total. Neutral start was about 2 miles and included some nice hills. We were all very warm for the start. Beautiful temps in the 60's. Ok where do we start racing. It ended up being right near the finish line tent but it didn't really matter. The peloton is off

Basic stategy is to stay near front of pack, conserve energy, cover any breaks larger then 3, oh and not crash. This is a cat 5 race.

Pace first lap is easy and the peloton is realxed. Anyone from Canada? It doesn't matter if you loose the race if you kiss a Terry Girl.

How cool are pink wheels!

People shouting out slowing, next turn coming up, do you think Basso will ride the tour NOT!, All the usual stuff. Game plan is working. We are together as a team and protecting each other. Ryan was further back nicely situated.

Brian "Where's Dave?"

Bobby "We lost him beginning of second lap, pedal on"

I think i remember uttering a prayer Don't let me fall off the back. Lots of up and down surges. The worst was slowing by the leaders on tops of hills and the peloton having to brake while going uphill.

One rider is getting away too fast and it's about 5 miles from the finish. Dave and Ryan rev up the pace on the front and reel him in. Nice to see BHV leading the peloton. Cost energy though.

GVCC guy (one who was all over the road couple of times) tries to go through the middle. Rejected! Crash. Am I still up? That was close. Almost took me out! I later bandaged him at the finish. Even idiots get medical treatment from me. I did ask for his insurance card and his copay, however.

Three miles from the finish people start to take off. I tried to stay on the back. Jeff and I fall off with about 1/2 mile left in race. Ryan and Brian cover the attacks. Tough up hill finish. Ryan is just nipped by another rider who sat in just a little more then he did.

Jeff and I are finishing together. Anyone around us? Pretty far back. Get up the hill and finish Bob. Look over , were did he come from? Try to shift to sprint. Legs fail to cooperate. 19th instead of 18th.

We ride down the hill to the van. Couple of beers and a sandwich. Great race can't wait for the curcuit race in Binghamton next week. Come join us!

1st Tongue Dragging Thursday Night Ride 2007

Thursday night rides started last night with a nice dedicated group showing some awesome early season form. The Group included, Darryl "on the road to fitness" Henckle, Paul "separated at birth from Bjarne Riis" Kingsbury, Eric "Frozen Peas" Burns, Dave "when did he get afterburners" Prugh, Mark " I don't need no fing Nickname" Sheehan, Jermey " Gonna be Daddy is the only way you are gonna beat me up the hill" Wheeler, Cliff "check out my legs" Thoma, Steve "I can beat your ass on MTB" Burlingame, Ryan "last out of the parking lot first up the hill" Morales and myself Bobby " pass out any more nicknames and somebody is gonna stick a pump in your spokes'' Nunnink " The group did the Dutch Hill route a 23 mile torture test of some the best terrain Elmira has to offer. As Phil Liggett would say, "this was 23 miles of pure purgatory"

We were led out of town by Darryl at a nice leisurely 15 mph pace. "We stopping for ice cream on this ride?" As usual the pace accelerated once we turned onto Pennsylvania Ave. We quickly broke into two groups. Paul, Jeremy, Dave, Ryan, and myself pushed the pace to a very challenging 26mph. "This is a pedigree group of men, they are holding on by the skin of their shorts." Catching our breath at Sagetown we sort of did our first regroup. Thursday nights it is understood we will slow but not wait very long. Paul laid the blame firmly on my shoulders for not waiting for Darryl and Steve. Nice transferal of your own guilt Paul. Ended up Darryl elected to just do the flats and Steve tried valiantly to catch back on to the Cliff, Eric, Mark group. Steve would turn around and retrace the route out back into town. Mark as usual did not slow and led his group up Stauss. I've used that very same tactic myself before. It makes you stronger and the waiting group can't see the tears of pain on your cheeks.

After a short wait. "Digging into our suitcase of courage" we proceeded to chase Mark's group up hill. I remember this climb from some of my early rides with BHV. Yes that was me puking in the ditch at the top. Who was first up the hill? Not sure, where exactly is the top of this pain. I know I took the county line sign. That counts for something right? A quick regroup and Mark continues on. " Watch out for the gravel on the descent" of Dutch Hill. Paul and I catch the leaders on Hendy. 34 mph in a two man chase. Is my speedo working? Mark is still away. The five horseman give chase. Almost catch Mark on the bridge before Water St. Mark peels off onto Church we continue on Water Street. "And hats off to him as well"

OK the ride is over we will just spin easy back to the shop. Yeah right! The sign says Town of Elmira, I see Jeremy smile as he passes me at the line. We continue down Water St. That next acceleration by Jeremy and Ryan was meant to break us. We all hang on. Have to remember to draft behind Dave more often. Where's Paul did we loose him? Another acceleration where the hell is that town line sprint. ahhh there it is finally. We go for it. I wonder if this place where Reedo crashed last year? Not a good thought for sprinting. Boy that city line sign is far away. Paul is in the gutter. Where the hell did he come from? "now this move is gonna cause panic in the bunch" Lungs burning and I am cold all of a sudden. My job was to be leadout man I peel off. Yeah right! At the line it is Paul, Ryan, and then Dave. Spaghetti and beer followed at Manzaris.

Can't wait to do again next Thursday. Come join us.

OH Madone

2006 Trek Madone 5.2

Complete Specifications

Frameset

Sizes		56
Frame		OCLV 120 Carbon Aero
Fork		Bontrager Race X Lite, carbon

Wheels		Bontrager Race Lite
Tires		Bontrager Race X Lite, folding, 700x23c

Drivetrain

Shifters		Shimano Ultegra STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur		Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur		Shimano Ultegra
Crank		Shimano Ultegra 53/39
Cassette		Shimano Ultegra 12-25, 10 speed
Pedals		Crank Bro eggbeaters

Components

Saddle		Bontrager Race Lite Lux(the LUx suxs swapping it for a flite)
Seat Post		Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon
Handlebars		Bontrager Race Lite w/BzzzKill, 31.8mm
Stem		Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset		Cane Creek S-3 w/cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset		Shimano Ultegra w/STI levers
Extras		Bontrager BzzzKill harmonic dampers by Mathews

Weight 17.8 lbs

No excuse not to be first up the hills now.

My New Coach

Nega-Coach - A fresh approach. Our program is based on three fundamentals: Exercise, Diet, and Ridicule. Need I say more. You are a worthless peice of filth. What are you doing reading this! Get on your bike and ride.

Commuting

I always wished I had a job I could commute to by bicycle. Commuting makes you strong.
As a gear nut I love to see peoples pack lists. If you follow the link you can see a description of what is in the bag.

BHV 2007 Race Calendar