TRI'ing Something New!

This past weekend was one of Morgantown's most popular events, the 7th annual Sprint, Splash and Spin triathlon present by Mon County Habitat for Humanity. For the past four or five years I have been the iPlayOutside.com photographer for the event and more than once I said to myself I should have signed up and took part in the race. Well this year I did just that.

Most folks know that I am pretty good on a bike but swimming and running?! I didn’t even own a pair of running shoes and would I make a fool out of myself trying to swim in the pool for all to see? These were the questions I was faced with days before the event. I was still going to be the iPlay photographer for the race so first I needed to find someone to step in for me while I was out on the course. Luckily Julie Black (owner of iPlay) was more than happy to get up at 6:30 am and come down and take photos for a bit. Thanks again Julz! Problem solved.

At 8:30pm the night before the race I found myself in a shoe store trying to find something to wear on my feet for the next day. Probably not the best idea waiting till the last minute to find some shoe but free time was at a minimum the weeks leading up to the race. After searching for a whole five minutes I picked a pair of shoes and headed out of the store wearing my new shoes like I was 5 years old again (thought maybe they would break in a bit, lol!). My wife said that the shoes looked funny on me because I never wear running shoes. :/

After my last minute shopping for shoes, Gina and I headed over to Jay’s Getaway for a congratulations party for Laura Kelley who defended her dissertation that morning. GREAT JOB Dr. KELLEY!! I looked at my wife before we stepped into the bar and said, “Two beer maximum for me, got to race at 7:30am”. Well we all know how that goes, let’s just say more than two beers were had. We left the bar at around 11pm and there was still enough time to go home get some sleep and then get up around 6am to prepare to race.

I was nervous about the swimming and running. I was not sure I could complete the swim in 10 minutes and run 5k because I had never done a race like this before. At 4am I found myself lying in bed wide awake. I didn’t fight it, I just got up made some coffee and breakfast and started my day (for those who know me, I never get out of bed before 9am). As much as I hate getting up early it was nice to not be running around trying to get ready an hour before the race started.

Photos by Julie Black/iPlayOutside.com
Fast forward to 7:15. I found myself standing in the pool area at Marilla wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into. Racing bicycles was pretty normal for me but this was going to be totally different! 7:29! I was in the pool making nervous talk with the lifeguard who was in charge. Then before I knew it he blew the start whistle! ACK!! My swim was not a thing of beauty and was a little slow but I finished it in 8 minutes and 4 seconds. I was so happy to finish it before the maximum limit of 10 minutes and headed to the transition area feeling pretty happy. Goal one, complete!

The bike leg was where I had hoped to make up some time. Heading into the race I was shooting for a top 40 time on the bike. I had a slight disadvantage because I was not using aero bars but hoped I could overcome that. In the first mile I started passing folks who exited the pool before me and I was riding well. Even though I was putting in a good effort, I still was able to appreciate what a nice morning it was for a ride. I enjoyed it so much! In the end I finished the bike leg with the 29th fastest ride of the day. Goal two complete.

Photos by Julie Black/iPlayOutside.com
During the ride I was thinking about the upcoming run. It had been at least 10 to 15 years sense the last time I ran, plus I just bought my shoes the night before. “This could be a disaster”, I thought to myself. As I dropped off my bike and headed out for the run I had no clue how my body was going to react. I started out with a very easy pace and tried not to blow myself up. Further and further down the trail I was going and I was still able to run. I was kinda surprised. I got to the halfway point and was still able to run! Hmm I thought. This is new. I was able to finish up the run without walking at all and I was pretty happy with that. Goal three complete! In the end I could/should have going a bit faster on the run but I didn’t know what to expect.

Photos by Julie Black/iPlayOutside.com
I finished the race in 1 hour and 12 minutes. That was good enough for 85th place out of 265 racers. I was extremely happy with that! After a quick change of clothes it was off to take over for Julz and finish up the event photos for iPlay!
I had so much fun doing the race and I hope to do it again next year! Now I just got to get the TRI folks to do my Time Trail race on Sept. 18th!

Thanks to Dynamic Physical Therapy, Cannondale, Kenda Tires, Camelbak, Swiftwick, Ergon, I9, Mike Miller DDS, Edward Jones, Performance Coaching Services, Pro Gold Lube and Pathfinder for letting us race on the best equipment in the business.

Pedal for pints Week #3 Recap.

he word has gotten around about Pedal for pints I would say. Tonight at week #3 we had a total of 20 riders and 2 spectators show up for PfP and John Pillo even showed up afterwards to socialize. As par for the course lately it was hot. This weeks course was much like last weeks but with a few little changes here and there for the better I think. We also, because of the growing number of riders marked the course with barricade tape at all the intersections (thanks to Mike, Marc, George and Andy for taking it all down afterwards). I don't think anyone got lost this week! The 6.5 mile course was fast, flowing and fun and I am pretty sure everyone really enjoyed themselves.

GPS data: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=717530

The racing was hot and heavy up front (from what I hear) as Marc, Andy W., Gary R., got away and duked it out for the lead.. However in the end Marc "I aint made of" Glass made it 3 for 3 in wins at PfP. Can anyone stop this madman? Behind that James and Vanderburg had a good battle going for the final podium spots.

Top Rookie Award: James B.
Top Birthday Girl: Traci R.
Top Pathfinder Employee: James B.
Don't Drink Scotch Before Award: Steve S.
Most laid back: George, Andy B. (tie)
First Timers: James B., Andy Gorby, Andrew W., Scott R., Jon E., Anthony B., Laura K., Sequoya M., Tricia L., Auvid M

In the end we all ended up winners cause everyone got to pick from the cooler after the race. It was really a nice seeing all 20 some folks just hanging out after the ride. Thanks everyone it was really cool.

Also big props to the women's "special" ride for showing up.. Also known as the women's super secret ride.

Special thanks to Guest Host Trail Boss Andy W. and James B. for doing results.

Next week we will be doing tonights course backwards. That should be interesting. So in case you live under a rock Thursday's at 6:30, White Park Ice rink parking lot.. All levels are welcome, but don't forget your pint of something as a entry fee.



This weeks results:
1) Marc G.
2) Andy W.
3) Gary R.
4) James B.
5) Mike V.
6) JR
7) Andy Gorby
8) Andrew W.
9) Scott R.
10) Traci R.
11) Steve S.
12) Andy B.
13) Chris C.
14) Jon E.
15) George
16) Anthony B.
17) Laura K., Sequoya M., Tricia L., Auvid M. (tie)

A day with my wife..

Gina and I have been spending much more time lately ride our tandem so we thought we would give racing in the Barbour Detour a shot. The Detour is much flatter then most WV road races so it was the best course for us and our boat archer to make our first racing attempt on. I am pretty sure Gina was a bit nervous as the start approached cause she had never been in a bike race before. I was pretty excite and nervous for the challenge of us trying to get around the roads and not get lapped by the Cat 1/2/3 field and be dead last.

In the first 1/4 of the course you hit the only real long climb of the day. The race officials were nice/smart and had us start with the Cat 4/5 field and not the Cat 5 field which started last on the day. Had we stated with the Cat 5 field we would have been off the back in the first 1/2 mile and would have not seen anyone else the rest of the day. However starting with the 4/5's put us in the middle of the race and we got to see some of the action as we rode along. What fun!

We made it up the first hill much easier then I had imagined before the race and was really excited about the rest of the race as it was rolling the rest of the way out. As we progressed we tried pedaling hard over the top of the rollers and then taking it easy on the downhills because with the tandem's weight it goes downhill fast with out much effort. This worked pretty well for us.



As we reached mile 20 of 31 the heat day and weight of the tandem started to catch up to me. My knees really started to hurt from pushing the pedals so hard (this was a new pain for my that somehow only the tandem brings out). Gina was also getting tired but was hanging tough. Every time I asked her to pick up her pedaling, she did. We also received a huge cheer from the folks sitting on there porch on Route 38. That was really cool!

As we reached the final descent into Philippi for the finished we even passed a racer (only one of the day), and the Cat 1/2/3 field was still no where to be seen behind us. "We are going to finish with out being lapped", I told Gina WOOT! As we head towards the line I asked her over and over again to look back for the 1/2/3 because we didn't want to get in the way of their finishing sprint but that never became an issue. We crushed the other tandems out there that day. Of course there were no other ones but no one needs to know that.



At the beginning of the race Dave Burns asked me, "what time you guys hoping to finish in?" I through out 2 hours and 5 minutes thinking that it would be hard for us to make that time, but we finished in 2 hours and 4 minutes! Another WOOT! It was hard but it was also a lot of fun to do that race with my wife. We even rode the tandem two out of the next three days, guess we both had fun?! Will have to see if we get a chance to race "Big Red" anymore this year. :)

Great work Gina, love ya!



Thanks to Dynamic Physical Therapy, Cannondale, Kenda Tires, Camelbak, Pyro Apparel, Swftwik, Ergon, I9, Mike Miller DDS, Edward Jones, Performance Coaching Services, Pro Gold Lube and Pathfinder of Morgantown for letting us race on the best equipment in the business.

Till next time!

A brand new Hilly Billy Roubaix video

Tweeting the 100 miler.

We are going to tweet our way through the Mohican 100. Follow the adventure @ByBc on twitter.

The Billy is coming!

Women’s Road Cycling Clinic May 22nd..

The Steel City Endurance women’s cycling team will be hosting a clinic at the Washington Blvd Cycling Oval on Saturday May 22. The clinic will teach the basics of riding in a group and will be an excellent event for meeting other local women cyclists. Any woman at any experience level is welcome. The cost will be $20 per person. Must provide your own bike and helmet. There will also be prizes!


Directions to the oval. For more information, contact coach[at]steelcityendurance.com.

Morgantown RR Recap and May Contest #6!

ABRA May Newsletter 2010
May 2, 2010
Morgantown RR Recap and May Contest #6!

Success at Morgantown Road Race Presented by Pathfinder!

As you most of you know unseasonably warm temperatures and high winds made an already tough MRR course an epic this month. Conditions were tough to say the least. Throw in the occasional falling tree and things looked like a war zone some riders reported. “I have never seen so many seasoned riders pushing their road bikes as I did today!” stated Betsy Shogren (Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling).

Some riders however, dug deep and conquered the difficult race and conditions. Nick Waite (Kenda Pro Cycling) took the Men’s Cat 1/2/3 win in a sprint finish with our buddy Tim Rugg (Battley Harley-Davidson) and Jacob Tremblay (Team Nature’s Path). Jason Meidhof (Clean Currents) was just a few minutes back finishing fourth in a time of 2:10:11. Rounding out the top five in the Men’s 1/2/3 field was Todd Hesel (Kelly Benefit Strategies) crossing the line in 2:10:26.

In the Women’s Cat 1/2/3 race it was Anna Barenfield (Minuteman Road Club) going off alone just a few miles into the race and never looking back. The rider from Massachusetts finished the 45 mile course in 2:33:11. Local hero Betsy Shogren (Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling) took second of the day in a time of 2:38:43 followed by Katherinr Klauing of Washington D.C. in third with a time of 2:43:30. In fourth was veteran road racer Barbara Grabowski (Steel City Endurance) in 2:48:55 followed by Emily Moy (WVU Cycling) in fifth at 2:52:15.

In the Men’s Cat 4/5 field Brad Dodson (WVU Cycling) took the win in a time of 2:13:22. Brad was followed by Chad Hill, Nate Annon (Pathfinder/Cannondale), Brian Maclean and Lukasz Majewski. Sixth went to Jason Craper (Global Ride) and 2009 defending 4/5 race winner Rob Lochner (Iron City Bikes) was seventh. The great performance by Dodson and Annon gave them both enough USAC points to upgrade after the event and both riders did. The upgrade of those two riders sure will change things up in the ABRA 4/5 series points race. Good luck in the 1/2/3 fellows and congratulations on the upgrades!

The women’s Cat 4 race was controlled by the Steel City Endurance team and its leader Patricia George. George who is really coming into her own this season took the win followed by Nina Wilczek (Global Ride) and Tina Kirk was third. Forth was Pam Milavec (Steel City Endurance) followed by her teammate Stacie “the bull” Truszkowski in fifth.

Kyle Kukieza took the win in the junior’s field, while Jeremy Edwards (Evolution Cycling Club) won the Cat 5 class. It was a sprint finish for the Men’s 40+ field as Ace McDermott (ABRT) just edged out his fellow teammate Michael Brown. Both riders finished in a time of 2:16:30. David Osborne and Gerry Pflug (Salsa/SPK/Pro Bikes) had their own sprint finish for third and fourth with Osborne crossing first in 2:18:05. Local boy Marc Glass (Breakaway Velo) put on a great ride against some heavy hitters to take fifth in 2:19:35.

Ad Bax (Clean Currents) took the win in the 50+ class just ahead of Kean Bird (Breakaway Velo) of Morgantown. Third went to Paul Mittelstadt (Clean Current) with William Ehler (UMPC Cycling Performance) fourth and long time ABRA supporter Mike Spinnler (AVC/ Team Hagerstown-Washington County Tourism) fifth.

What a great day it was despite some very hard course conditions. The next event that I will personal be promoting is the Tour of Tucker County and I hope to see you all there for the toughest single day cycling event in America.

Photos of the event by Jason Clark are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-clark3/sets/

Results can also be found on the ABRAracing website at http://www.abraracing.com/News.html

Also series standings to be posted week after round number two.


Tour of Tucker County Road Race APRRS #3
On May 29th the toughest single day road race in America returns for its third year. The event that includes three seven mile climbs for the Men’s Cat 1/2/3 has been a soul crusher in years past and that is the way we like it in ABRA land. Here are some photos from the 2009 event - http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-clark3/sets/72157619267300207/. Besides being a challenge event this course offers some of the best views you will ever see on a bicycle. Registration is really starting to fill up with just four weeks to go before the race. The men’s Cat 4/5 and Men’s Cat 5 field will most likely fill up for this event like the MRR so DO NOT DELAY if you want to take part in this race. Register on-line at http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9279
Race Facts:
Men’s Cat 1/2/3 Course Record – Sean Barrie 2:51:41(2008)
Men’s Cat 4/5 Course Record – Wes Schempf 1:50:57 (2009)
Men’s Cat 5 Course Record – Justin Hovatter 2:10:09 (2009)
Women’s Cat 1/2/3 Course Record – Betsy Shogren 2:04:36 (2008)
Women’s Cat 4 Course Record – Ruth Dickinson 2:10:54 (2009)
Men’s 40+ Course Record – Gerry Pflug 1:55:59 (2009)
Men’s 50+ Course Record – Tony Bilotta 2:05:37 (2009)
Junior’s 12-18 Course Record – Elias Husoy 2:02:39 (2009)

Here are a few blog posts from past participates:
Pro Bikes Cycling Team - http://probikespittsburgh.blogspot.com/2009/06/tour-of-tucker-county-road-race.html
Team Traveller.com - http://www.teamtraveller.com/2009/tucker.html
Team Ninja Turtles - http://ninjaturtlesracingdiary.blogspot.com/2009/05/pre-ride-2009-tour-of-tucker-county.html
MoTown Velo - http://teamrowman.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-update.html
Hope to see your there for the toughest race in America!


New Martinsville Road Race Details
Thank the lord baby bi-atch I have race details for New Martinsville.

Here's a link to the race course- http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/wv/new-martinsville/836127040221892257

There will be two laps for the Men's and Women's 1/2/3 and Masters 40+. One lap for all other classes.

Start time will be noon and registration opens at 8.

More info at 304-771-0445 in case anyone wants to call.

The start and registration will be in front of baristas cafe and pub, 326 Main Street. New Martinsville, WV (www.baristascafe-pub.com)

ABRAracing.com May Contest
Tell ‘em what they’re playing for this month Rod! Sure Bob, it is a new car! WAIT WHAT! We can’t afford that! Ok ok. How about a FREE entry into the Tour of Tucker County, plus a prize pack from our friends at Spoke Art? That is more like it! (I tend to talk to myself a lot if you don’t know me).

That right folks, this month’s contest winner will receives a free entry into May 29th ToT “The Toughest One Day Race in America”, plus a gift pack from Spoke Art.com. This month we are going to go old school with a little Q and A. First one to answer ALL the questions correctly is the winner. One answer submission per person please. Here we go!

1) Address for Joey’s Bike Shop?

2) Final climb of ToT is called what?

3) Winner of ABRA’s first ever road race “High Roller Road Race”

4) How many APRRS races are being held in Philippi, WV by Promoter Thad Kelley? And name them?

5) Lance Armstrong just became an owner of what ABRA sponsor?

6) Who was the 2009 ABRA Men’s Cat 1/2/3 Cyclocross Champion?

7) Name one sales person at Superior Ford in Morgantown? (feel free to call and ask)

8) What is the name of the former road pro who is now a coach of the Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling Team and his company is an ABRA sponsor? Hint.. He holds two USAC Colligate National Titles.

9) My nickname? Hint. Deals with my size.

10) Who finished second in the Men’s Cat 1/2/3 at this year MRR?

11) Winner of the 1944 Tour De France?

12) ABRA Series Championship is held in what West Virginia town in 2010?

Hope you all are enjoying the year so far. If you have any further questions please feel free to email us!



Thanks again to our 2010 ABRA Series Sponsors!
Superior Ford - Cannondale - Hammer Nutrition - Swiftwick - Speedgoat.com - Panaracer - Pathfinder of WV - Pro Bikes - Performance Coaching Service -Global Ride Productions - Twin Six - Smith Optics - Planet Bike - Wamsley Cycles - Dynamic Physical Therapy - Honey Stinger – Verge Sport - Race Face -Sierra Summits Skin Products - Joey’s Bike Shop - Camelbak - Fat Tire Cycle - Dirtbean.com - ProGold Lube - Kenda - Spoke Art - iPlayOutside.com – Rising Creek Bakery & Café -Mountain Roaster – Sports N Spokes – Chris King Precision Components

Dentist to the Cyclist!

If your a big baby like me the thought of the dentist's drill always sends a shiver down your spine. That was the case for me until last year when I needed my first root canal. I was so worried about how much it was going to hurt I almost didn't want to get it taken care of, however the pain from the tooth made me go through with it. Luckily I knew of Dr. Mike Miller from bike racing over the years. Dr. Miller has been around the cycling scene for many years. I first met him as a mountain bike rider as we both competed in the Clydesdale class in the last 90's. I also have to credit Dr. Miller for giving me the idea to finish a road bike race at the top of Sugar lands Road which is now the Tour of Tucker County. However this was going to be my first visit to see Dr. Miller the dentist, not the cyclist. After that day however I became a big fan of him as a dentist.


He completed the root canal for me and I felt zero pain during and after he was done. It was a miricle in my mind. I had heard some horror stories from other folks about their root canals with other dentists, but my experience was a walk in the park. Between his solid work and his really warm and friendly staff I gave them two thumbs way up!


Fast forward to 2010 and Dr. Mike Miller Dentistry is a sponsor of Dynamic Physical Therapy Cycling. Not only is he a sponsor but we are clients of his because of his great work. Unfortunately this week I had a tooth crack in half and another trip to Dr. Miller's office was in my future. I was able to get right in to see him and you are all in luck because he agreed to take some photos for the blog!

"Mike you sure you need that big of a needle?"

Luckily for me he said that he would be able to save the tooth after a quick look over the x-rays of my tooth. However 1/4 of it was totally chipped off and was only held in place by my gums. "That is going to have to come out!", he said. After my last trip with the root canal I felt pretty safe with whatever he said and wanted to do. "Yank it Doc", I told him.


Just like with my visit before I felt nothing. I was not even sure he had taken it out till he said something about it. Dr. Miller is 2 for 2 when working on me. I will have to go back and get a crown on the tooth and I am thinking a gold crown would be cool. It is all about the bling ya know.


Take my advice, if you have a need for a dentist or know someone who does it is well worth your time to visit Dr. Miller office. Dentist to the Cyclist!

Happy Birthday Chrissy!

Hilly Billy Raughbikes Prelude Scouting #2

2010.01.23 Hilly Billy Raughbikes Prelude Scouting and Such

So this is the race-
http://www.abraracing.com/Schedule.html
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9791

Now the exact course has not been decided, but certainly the type of course has.
It will be mean. It will be fun. It will be quite possibly different
than anything most of us have ever done, let alone race on it.

We put out the word that we were going to do a scouting mission,
actually the second one so far, but I didn't document that one, just
yet.
Only me, Betsy, JR, Ryan, and then finally the ever-late but
ever-present Jaybo took the bait.
As you can see from the pics, it was a bit sloppy, then it was a bit
nasty, then the hills were oppressive and finally we had some
crackage.


Any longer and I suspect there may have been more than just
Ryan drooling, but w/ the setting sun, lack of places to get food and
other aid (beer to numb the pain), we were all quite happy to have
ridden as much as we had.


Found a few little areas that we are going to happily include, found a
possible new way down off a highwall, meet up w/ some very pleasant
and encouraging folks, and of course there was one jerkwad (but that
was okay cause his road wasn't as good as the next, Hah! you turd).
Anyway, here's what we most of us rode. Jaybo didn't start until
Mylan Park and of course Ryan could only make it to the big bag of
Fryz at Sheetz-


http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=480752

Some of the expressions are apt at telling the true tale indeed.
And don't the new kits look rather swell, before they got pretty dirty
and stinky that is?


Look for notice of an opportunity to find out what the rest of the
route will be soon!

Hilly Billy Planning Ride Adventure #1

2009.12.27 Hilly Billy Planning Ride Adventure
By. Nars

So it was a decent day, so JR and I grabbed RobbieL, BrentS and JohnP,
and off we went.
Off to see just how bad John Fox Rd. was, to see how awesome Little
Indian Creek Extension (JR calls is ICE) was, and something else that
I forget, it was last year you know.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=480745


John Fox was pretty bad. Snowy, icy, slushy. Not too much traffic though!
RobbieL had to clean house w/ the anticipated return of LauraK (and I
think he had enough of the crap we call cool dirt roads). He missed
out on a treacherous and nasty ICE.



JR sliding down the hill w/o his bike, me looking like I knew what I
was doing, but w/ one foot out it was just slightly controlled chaos,
and enjoying making everyone cross the stream in that weather.
At the end JohnP swears he doesn't remember ever being on River Rd.,
and BrentS as usual just laughs and smirks (I don't think he
remembered much of it either).


JR really liked John Fox (Betsy and I had ridden it a week earlier or
something and thought it might "make the grade" for the Dirt Road Race
JR had planned).
Thus began the turning wheels and scheming.

The IT Crowd

I usually don't make posts about silly things like this, so that should tell you even more how great this show is. I stumbled upon this show (The IT Crowd) on netflix. In about a weeks time I watch all 3 season. Check it out.

Samples:
New 911 number

dont type google into google

Birthday Ride! Dec 14, 2009

Videos from the Dirty Dozen.

Good video of all of us climbing Canton Ave.




I get some good camera time on Bousted Street

The Dirty Dozen

Saturday Gunnar, Betsy and I headed north to Pittsburgh for the 27th Annual Dirty Dozen. If you’re not familiar the DD here is how it began. In 1983, Dan & Tom Chew and Bob Gottlieb wanted to showcase Pittsburgh's steepest and toughest hills in one ride, never getting more than 10 kilometers away from the center of the city. So on Saturday December 17, 1983, the first Dirty Dozen ride was held in 27 degrees F with snow flurries. At that first DD there were only 5 rides, however it has really grown in recent years as 181 riders showed up for this year’s event.


Gunnar (a former DD winner) had no plans on trying to compete this year due to a broken rib or two, that occurred racing cross the weekend before. However Betsy was in it to win it, and I was there to try and become the heaviest person to ever finish the event. On the ride up Betsy and I were super nervous and we both laughed at how silly were being about it in the car. Gunnar probably thought we pretty dumb. An hour and half after leaving Morgantown we found ourselves pulling into the parking lot in Pittsburgh. The place was packed with riders and a record turnout had registration running a little behind so the start was going to be a little late. I sure didn’t have a problem with that cause I used the extra time to make my rounds and talked to all my Pittsburgh friends that I don’t get to see that much. Suzanne, Steve-O, Powers, LA, and a whole gang of other seemed pretty happy to see the WV crew up in their neck of the woods.


After about a half hour delay we were ready to head out. Ryan Post, Kean Bird and Scott Benson also made the trip up from Morgantown to try their hand at the monster climbs. We all rolled out together and only Gunnar really knew what was ahead of us so in our group the nerves were running a bit high. The start was a blast. A 181 person peloton through the streets of Pittsburgh is very cool. It was only a few miles or so before we came to our first climb of the day. Center Ave was a shock to the system. It was long steep and painful. Halfway up I wondered what had I gotten myself into. There was a reason no one heavier than me had ever finished the event. As the snot poured from my nose because of the cold morning air I suffered to the top. However I received a really warm welcome from Gunnar, Betsy, Montana, Sticks, LA and Don to name just a few. That put a smile on my face even after all the pain from the climb.


Next we headed for Sharps Hill. I am not going to give a full recap of every hill because we would be here forever. Sharps’ was however in my mind ever harder than the first hill. UGH! The ride to the third hill seemed to be a good 3 or 4 miles. It was a well needed recovery for my legs. Climb three was Berryhill. It’s not a long hill maybe 200 yards long but it is steep and tricky. There is a steep descent leading into the hill but then the beginning of the climb shoots straight up. By the time I arrived at the hill many had already made their attempt. IT LOOKED LIKE A WAR ZONE. Bikes and riders were lying on the ground, people off to the side of the road looking shell shocked, it was crazy. I however somehow gathered myself and slow and steady climb to the top. For me short very steep hills like Berryhill are not so bad and I was happy to have clicked off one of the 13 climbs with not much pain.


To not write a book lets fast forward a bit. Sycamore Street was climb number eight and to get to it we had to ride right through downtown. This was one of my highlights of the whole day. Picture this, 181 riders not stopping at any lights and just hailing between sky scrapers downtown. All the folks on the sidewalks were even cheering for us. What a cool feeling. Sycamore Street takes you up to the well known Mt. Washington area. You know the shot of the incline going up the mountain, seems like you see this image just about every time you watch a Pittsburgh football game on TV. It was a beautiful view of the city once to the top. However I started to feel some real fatigue in my legs on the way up and worry started to settle in. I still had five serious climbs ahead of me, and next was Canton Ave. This hill had a 37 percent grade and Betsy and I expressed our worries about that one on the car ride up. If you are ever board look up Canton Ave on youtube you will find some funny stuff. Not only will you find videos of the Dirty Dozen but also folks trying to climb the hill in cars with little success.


I had to make a pit stop on the way to Canton because my bladder was full, and by the time I got there folks were already literally lying on the road. Oh boy I thought to myself. This was going to be the make or break hill of the day. If I could just get to the top my chances of finishing would go up dramatically. I waited a minute then saw Ryan Post jump out to make his attempt, so I darted off behind him. The beginning was paved and not so bad, but about a third of the way up it was cobbled. It got harder. Halfway up, pain, pot holes and more cobbles. Three quarters of the way up I started to think I can do it, as I heard a massive amount of cheers for me coming from the top. As I crested the top of the hill Gunnar gave me a smack and I could tell his was pretty happy for me and big cheers came from the folks at the top. That was probably the number moment of my cycling life. As I sat the bike to the ground I had to take a minute to slow my heavy breathing from the huge effort, but I was on cloud nine!


After all the excitement of watching folks try to finish the Canton climb we still had a lot of work ahead of us to finish. Boustead Street and then Welsh Way both hurt but I managed my way to the top of both. Two more to go and then I would accomplish my goal! Then we came to Barry/Holt/Eleanor Streets which all made up the second to last climb. This was a monster for me, 100 yards from the top folks dove on to side streets to rest their legs for the rest of the climb up. This is totally legal but I couldn’t let myself do that. I pushed further and further up the hill and I think I felt pain I had never had before. Can I make it, I thought to myself. I could not fail on the next to the last climb! I pushed and I finally made it to the top. It hurt me and I knew it. As I tried to ride a bit and recovery the race organizer Danny Chew said, “Hey 240 lb guy, you make that?” I gathered enough energy to say yes.


The ride from climb 12 to climb 13 had some bonus hills along the way. I say bonus because they were not steep enough to make it into the DD but were painful enough with my worn out legs. A few miles later we started the finial climb as a lady who looked to have been taken some hard core drugs yelled at us from being on the road. I told her to shout up. That defiantly is not my usual personality, I sure the ride was starting to get to me at that point. The first half mile of the climb was manageable however it didn’t end that way. The finish line was atop a steep, steep pitch! I was going to finish I thought to myself. However half way up the final 100 yards I felt pain in my legs like never before and my brain was telling me to STOP! I started to zip zag up the hill just to try and help make it a bit easier, however it didn’t feel like it help much. All of a sudden I heard Gunnar yelling for me that I can do it. Somehow not sure how but I made it to the top. I am well known by many to always be smiling no matter what is going on. Hell I smiled after finishing the Wildness 101 but I had no energy to even do that now. After a few minutes I started to get my breathing calmed down. I did it I thought to myself! I was extremely happy and proud. I can now call myself the heaviest person to EVER finish the Dirty Dozen!


Betsy didn’t do too bad herself. She won ever climb except for one and tied the course record with the highest point’s total. Gunnar since he was unable to really race spent the days riding with her a bunch and supporting her, as well as a side race between him and Mr. Post. Kean and Scott well we lost them somewhere in downtown Pittsburgh. They pulled off to do some Christmas shopping I think. I was a blast of a day. It was great to get to ride and talk to some many cool people and challenge myself at the same time.

Next year, well will see.

Finale on the Farm

Finale on the Farm
By J.R. Petsko
Photos at www.NaturesEssencePhoto.com

On Saturday afternoon, cyclocross racers from all around the area headed to the Parks Farm outside of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia for the final WVCXS race of the year. This marked the sixth year for the event and each year the number of competitors taking part has increased. This year was no different as a record number of racers showed up to get their cross fix. A few folks were there to try their hand at their first ever cross race, but the majority was there because they wanted to place well in their respective WVCXS classes.

With much warmer temperatures than the previous year, race #1 competitors gathered at the start line. Race #1 included (as it has all year) the singlespeed, the women, and the masters. GO! Jon Martin (WV Night Club) took the hole shot as he does on many occasions. He was followed closely by the rest of the singlespeed field which included Stephen Rowand (Wamsley Cycles), Montana Miller (Pro Bikes), Morgan Miller (Colorado University) and Justin McKeel. Martin held on strong for the first lap but then an attack came from the Montana Miller ride and Rowand was quick to jump on his wheel. The pace was more than the rest could hold and quickly it was a two-man race. Rowand would attack, Miller would counter. It was like a heavyweight fight watching the two riders go toe to toe. Rowand had the experience of winning the Marilla Cross race earlier this season, in which Miller finished second. However Montana clearly wanted his own win in the 2009 cross season as he attacked with three laps left to go and was able to put a gap on Rowand. Miller would continue to push his fixed gear machine through the remaining laps to take his first series victory of the year. Rowand hung tough in second, followed by Morgan Miller in third. Martin, after his hole shot effort, eventually fell to fourth, and rounding out the top five was Justin McKeel. Despite finishing second on the day, Rowand took home the title of WVCXS singlespeed series champion.


In the women’s race, Betsy Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing) was looking to make it a clean sweep of WVCXS events in 2009 by trying to capture her fourth win in four tries. However, Kristy Lanier (Dirtbean.com), Emily Moy (WVU Cycling) and Laurie Johnston (WV Night Club) were going to try and have something to say about that first! At the start Shogren found herself mid-pack amongst the singlespeed and masters riders and Lanier was not far behind. However by the third lap Shogren found herself out front of the women and running third overall in the entire field. Things never changed after that. Shogren took the win and the women’s series title. Lanier finished second on the day as Moy and Johnston finished third and fourth respectively.


In the masters race there were points on the line and a series to win as Fritz Kessler (Breakaway Velo) and Joel Harris held the top two spot in series points. At the start Kean Bird took the lead followed by Bob Vernon who was sporting a super cool vintage Whitetail bicycles jersey. Wish I still could find mine. Vernon was seen following Kean for the first few laps but the course was suited for a cross bike and not a mountain bike. This was in Bird’s favor. Bird finished first and captured his first series win of the year. Vernon took second followed by Kessler who used the great ride to claim enough points to take the masters series title. Fourth went to Scott Mabry and fifth was Jeff Bernstein. Sixth went to Joel Harris which gave him the runner-up spot in the series.


Race #2 was the Men’s B and the Clydesdale/Tandem class. From the gun it was Bill “Sticks” Westover (Thick Bikes) and Rob Lochner (Iron City Bikes) out front and riding hard. Westover, who was wearing jeans, was feeling good and turned the screw 25 minutes into the race and dropped Lochner. Behind the two leaders the racing was excellent. Scott Benson, Duncan Oliver (WVU Cycling), Robert Chaney and Danny Welsch (Western Maryland Wheelmen) all took turns battling for the third through sixth position. “Just when you thought someone was gapped and behind you, here they came again”, Welsch said. Westover went on to the win followed by Lochner. Benson was able to push his way to the front of chase pack and score his best finish of the year in third. Oliver, last week’s winner, rallied back after a slow start to finish in fourth. Chaney was fifth followed by Welsch in sixth. On a side note the best race was between Ryan Post (WVU Cycling) and James Braswell (WVU Cycling); the two rode the entire race neck and neck. The crowd was into it just as much as the two riders. In the end Braswell took eighth and Post was ninth. In the series, the top spot went to Oliver followed by Welsch, Benson, Chaney, and Post.


The Clydesdale/Tandem class saw the duo of Betsy and Gunnar Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing) take their fourth series victory of the year along with the overall series title. Second on the day went to Mike Miller (Miller D.D.S.) which also helped propel him into second in the series.


The final race of the day was the Men’s A class. Series points leader Brad Schmalzer (Bikeman.com) had the series in-hand; all he needed was to finish the event. That was a thankful fact to Schmalzer who had fallen ill with the flu just days before the race. I asked Schmalzer had he thought about not racing: “you couldn’t have kept me away from this race”, Schmalzer said. Behind him in the series there was much left to be decided. Jason Cyr (Cannondale), round number 1 and 4 winner, held a one point lead over Gunnar Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing) in third. Cyr gave Shogren all he could handle in Davis and he was going to need to do it one more time to hold him off in the series points. Also racing on the day was Gary Rodosta, Gerry Pflug (Speedgoat/SPK), Ed Krall, and Nate Annon (Cannondale/Pathfinder). Montana Miller, Rob Lochner, and Bill Westover also decided to pull double duty by racing their second event of the day.


From the start it was Pflug out front and looking to run away with the race. Pflug has been having a year to remember. With wins in cross, road and XXC racing, to say the newly crowned NUE singlespeed series champion is on fire would be an understatement. However just when it looked like it was going to be a cake walk for Pflug, Montana Miller tried to bridge the gap between the leader and the chase group of six riders. Miller was unable to make the jump but he did launch Shogren out of the chase group to make a successful bid to bridge the gap. All of a sudden it had turned into a two-man race.

For the next forty minutes the two leaders put time into the rest of the field making sure no one else was going to challenge for the win. With just three laps to go Shogren came across the start finish line alone. What had happened to Pflug? “The hills were starting to burn me up”, Pflug said. He had stopped at the pit for a bike change and grabbed his geared bike. The former UCI Police and Firemen World Cycling Champion was back on Shogren’s wheel one lap later and attacked. Pflug’s attack worked as he rode home to victory with Shogren second. Behind the leaders Rodosta was in his own dog fight with Krall. The two riders looked to be in pain as each rider took turns attacking one another. If you remember just one week before Rodosta was in a similar battle with Brad Schmalzer in which Schmalzer got the better of Rodosta. However Rodosta was not about to let history repeat itself and used a great attack on the final lap to take home the third spot. Jason Cyr rounded out the top five with Schmalzer in sixth to clinch his series title!


All in all, it was a great race and a great series! If you have not heard yet, things are going to be bigger in 2010. Check out the new series information at www.ABRAracing.com

Also I want to thank everyone who came out to race and all the folks who helped set up and tear down at each race. Thank you!!

Last but not least I want to thank the series sponsors one last time!
Spoke Art
Pathfinder of West Virginia
Hammer Nutrition
iPlayOutside.com

Blackwater Cyclocross was a Miracle!

Blackwater Cyclocross was a Miracle!
By J.R. Petsko

Weeks leading up to the Blackwater Cyclocross was full of excitement for me. I had a vision in my mind of exactly what I wanted the course and the event itself to be like. However, H1N1 had a different idea. The week before the event I was hit hard by the pig flu! Needless to say all my ideas didn't happen, and if it wasn't for the help of all my friends, the race itself probably wouldn't have happened. The morning of the event more than a dozen racers showed up early just to help me setup. Thanks everyone! I owe you all a big one!

One thing did cooperate, and that was the weather! Mid November in Davis, WV you could easily have a foot of snow on the ground, but the racers were all welcomed to town with sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperature. I did have that going for me!

Race #1 saw a large group of racers consisting of the Single Speeds, Women Open and Masters Class. Out front early was a group of five SS riders that included series point’s leader Marc Glass, Steve Rowand (Wamsley Cycles), Joey Riddle (Joey's Bike Shop), Robbie Loehr (Cannondale/Pathfinder of WV) and Steven Nutt. The group looked to be pushing the pace each and every lap. The pain was clearly written on each of their faces. Glass was the first to not be able to continue the hammering pace and Nutt was soon to follow. However, for the final three, it was going to go down to the final lap. Robbie Loehr has a magic touch on his side when it comes to racing Davis; you see Loehr has not lost a SS race there since 2006. That was one record that he was not going to let end on this day. Finding what strength he had left, Loehr put a small gap on Rowand and Riddle and was able to take the Single Speed class victory! Morgantown Cyclocross winner Steve Rowand was second followed by Joey Riddle who made his first appearance at a WVCXS event this year.


The women’s race had another large field that included 11 women racers. The field included Pam Milavec (Steel City Endurance), Emily Moy (WVU Cycling), Laurie Jonston (WV Night Club), Kristy Lanier (Dirtbean.com), Mandi Riddle (Joey's Bike Shop) and series leader Betsy Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing). As she has at every series event this year, Shogren took off and put her may years of cross racing skills to work. However, behind her a good race was being had for second through fifth. Lanier, in her second ever cross race, was able to hold onto the runner-up spot. She was followed by Riddle in third. Moy riding in her first ever cross race was able to pull out a solid fourth place and Milavec rounded out the top five.


In the Masters division Mike Buchness took the win over Matt Marcus and Cory Smith. Kean Bird took fourth just in front of series rival Fritz Kessler (Breakaway Velo). Kessler however still hold a lead in the series overall and looks to become the first series masters champion after this weekend’s Bruceton Mills Cyclocross.

In race #2 it was the Men's B racers and the Clydesdale/Tandem class out on the course. I sure was disappointed to miss out on racing due to the flu. Out front early was Duncan Oliver (WVU Cycling) but lurking not far behind was the Tandem duo of Betsy and Gunnar Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing). After the race Gunnar said, "Did we win? I don't remember getting around Duncan?!” You sure did Gunnar. The Shogren Tandem not only won their class but won the Race #2 overall. Impressive! Second in the Clydesdale/Tandem class was Bill Miller and third was Mike Miller (Miller D.D.S).


Even though Oliver was not strong enough to hold off the tandem, he was however able to keep the rest of the B riders at bay. Danny Welsch (Western Maryland Wheelmen) improved on his third place at Marilla Cross by taking second at the Blackwater. Ryan Post (WVU Cycling) rode to a fine third place finish. Fourth went to Robert Issem who was followed by Rob Chaney in fifth.

The final race of the day was the fast guys, the Men's A race. At the starting line was series points leader Brad Schmalzer (Bikeman.com), Andrew McKeegan, Gunnar Shogren (Cannondale Factory Racing), Jason Cyr (Cannondale), Gary Rodosta, Nate Annon (Cannondale/Pathfinder), Robbie Loehr (Cannondale/Pathfinder of WV) and Joey Riddle (Joey's Bike Shop). The pace was hot early with Cyr, Shogren and McKeegan riding together at the front. However Cyr being the local was looking to make good in front of his home crowd. Just 25 minutes in the 60 minute race he leaped off the front and quickly put 30 seconds into Shogren and McKeegan. Shogren lightened his pace some to try and pull back Cyr, which cause McKeegan to fall back.


The three seemed to be locked in their respective positions until about 15 minutes left in the race. All of a sudden Shogren seemed to be pulling Cyr back some and then the unthinkable happened...Cyr was forced to pit with a flat tire. It looked that luck was not smiling on the local but from my point of view it looked as though the flat inspired him to ride even harder. Behind Cyr, the smoke was starting to roll off Shogren who was feeling the effects of winning the B race on the tandem. Shogren said, "My plan was to just sit up a bit and wait for Andrew to bridge up". Shogren later admitted that plan didn't work because as soon as McKeegan bridged he counterattacked and Shogren was unable to match. At the finish Cyr took the win and title of Blackwater Cyclocross Champion. McKeegan was second followed by Shogren. In fourth was Schmalzer who had his hand full all day battling it out with eventual fifth place finisher Gary Rodosta!


The day started off with me wondering how in the world we would get everything done in time for the race, but thanks to you all (my friends) it turned out to be a huge success!

Thanks! Ps.... Series standings have been updated!