On Tuesday nights during the summer - provided they're not cancelled due to rain - you'll find me at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT for the summer criterium racing series sponsored by the Capital Velo Club. In many ways, it's typical of Tuesday or Wednesday Night "World Championships" held all over America. It's a great weekly workout and it's always fun to see the familiar faces. Despite its being a "training" race, it's still hotly contested. Unfortunately, due to weather cancellations, there have only been two races since the series started at the beginning of May.
Unlike last year, I don't have any pressing goals or aspirations for my racing. Sure, I'd always like to do more - and perhaps add some variety occasionally (ahem,road races, cough) - but I'm enjoying the safer racing as a Cat3, and don't have the time to train to try to become a Cat2 (not to mention the ability). One thing different about this year though, I'm attacking a lot more, trying to get into breaks, and discovering what my body can do.
The two races we've had so far are good examples. Both times I went to the race feeling "meh" and not really all that motivated to race. I was excited to see everyone and be part of the scene there - but actually racing? Not so much. So both times I started off just planning on hanging in and getting a fast ride. And both times, I ended up getting bored with that and either attacked or chased.
Nobody is as surprised by that than I am.
It's LOTS of fun though - no pressure of having to win, just out to get a good workout and practice. That's what a training series is best for. And it's what the Rent' Races do best.
So, instead of a detailed play-by-play of the races (mostly because I don't remember many specifics - you'll have to see SDC for that), I'm going to post a selection of the pics we got/took. Hopefully they'll give you a sense of what it's like to Race at the Rent'.
The first race was covered in fine fashion bySteve Yau (good thing, cuz I forgot the camera that night).
There were a bunch of EXPO guys out that May 11 - the Cat4s (along with a couple 5s I think) dominated the B race which went off before us. 4s can race the A race too and a couple joined us in the later race. This is me and Drew sitting in for the time being, keeping pace.
I love cornering but my inside pedal shouldn't be in this position. Glad I got away with it. This is the last true corner (90 degree) - corner 3. The final corner is a long, sweeping turn.
Fast race that night. Of course, they ALL feel fast.
Field all broken up, trying to stay on a wheel.
Drew on the attack.
SDC in the break.
I thought the Rent' track was pancake flat. Guess not.
Mrs. Suitcase missed that first race and was as disappointed as I - maybe even more so - when the races kept getting cancelled. She looks forward to them as much as I do, especially the after-race dinner and socializing with friends. Fortunately, she was able to join us last night - and she brought her camera. Be sure to click on the image for a larger version. Mrs. SOC is becoming quite the photographer, but she still doesn't have a telephoto lens.
Higher-than-average turnout last night, but not by too much. Lotsa pent up racing vibe goin' on. Beautiful night for racing, but VERY windy.
The attacks started right away and those, along with the wind, made for a tough race.
Even I got into the act a couple of times. But I can't stay solo (shhh... don't tell anyone. Though it's probably no secret), so I inevitably go back to the pack - or let them catch me - at some point. Keeps things broken up though. As you can see, I like cornering.
Strung-out field = fast. And this is against the headwind on the start/finish straight.
Nice shot of the train coming around turn 4. Central Wheel had a strong presence and look very pro heading the field like this.
More attacks. A couple of times, I got in a break. Unfortunately, I didn't get in the one that eventually stuck (and proceeded to lap the field).
Attack. Recover in the pack. Repeat. SDC at the apex of Corner 1. Me toward the back, trying to recover.
Nice overview of a typical Rent' Race - smooth pavement (cleared courtesy CVC), namesake stadium in the background, closed course. A snake eluded the volunteers' clearing act, but I think s/he kept from getting chopped in half by a 23c tire...
I thought this break might stick.
I was wrong. Painfully wrong. Unfortunately, I didn't realize yet that we were doomed. Fortunately, Mrs. Suitcase got a great shot of me cornering - shortly before we were caught.
Despite his protestations to the contrary, even SDC got into the act, attacking the field - even winning one of the primes. He's on great form this season and it's showing. We've always known he's a great sprinter, but I think folks are taking his attacks more seriously lately (to win that prime, he attacked on the back stretch and held it all the way to the finish, clearing the field by a good 50-75 meters by the line).
I'll end this (not a) slideshow with Mrs. Suitcase's favorite shot of the night. She likes the effect of the sun on my wheels. I like how aero my new position is - great in the wind. Too bad we'd already been lapped at this point. Ah, well.
So that's a typical Tuesday Night World Championship in our little corner of the country. All fun and (mostly) safe. I know there've been some occasional crashes there, but that - unfortunately - is expected in bike racing. Fortunately, they're rare. Tuesday Night at the Rent is one of the safer series I've raced. Unfortunately, last night was an exception. There was a crash in the B race that required an ambulance and a shortening of the race. I'm not sure what happened, but the rumor was that he may have broken his clavicle. Even worse, I think it may have been the guy's first race - this season anyway. I know a couple of my EXPO teammates were caught up in it too, but nothing serious from what I heard. Hope Jason heals up quick (and gets a new helmet). And to the guy who got the ambulance ride (I'm sorry I don't know your name), welcome to the Collarbone Club. Get well soon.
Hey, FWIW, re: the inside pedal being down...
Out here in Cali, in the 1-3's & masters races, we almost always pedal through the corners. We holler if you don't! We like to maintain our speed. It's those accelerations that sap our energy. Only time we don't pedal through is if they're 180-deg corners, or we're just going too fast and have to really lean into 'em. We all just have to learn how far we can lean before we have pedal-strike.
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Posted by: Mkadam68 | June 09, 2010 at 07:08 PM