Saturday, December 29, 2007

Where's Fast Albert?


Be the first to correctly locate YBR's hunkiest 'cross star in this photo from 2005 'cross natioanls and win a valuable prize from the YBR prize stash (which is, in realty, a bag a left over crap from Iron Cross)!

Send those answers to woodcrest21@gmail.com!

M.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Cadence TV

From Mike Kuhn:

"Happy Holidays YBRers!

Since Brett asked about indoor training videos I thought I'd mention this little ditty we're getting ready to launch -- CadenceTV.

CadenceTV is a monthly subscription based web broadcast of our indoor training sessions. Through CadenceTV you will have the opportunity and ability to "tune-in" to our live classes throughout the week or choose an on-demand workout from our ever growing library of training sessions to do at any time. There is no software to download, you just log in and take class by means of your internet browser. Every class is led by one of the Cadence coaches and each week's class changes focus slightly as we progress through the year.

I got the chance to take a class on CadenceTV from home a week or so ago. I certainly appreciate and espouse the virtues of the classes we offer here at Cadence - they are a fantastic one hour focused workout (in the spirit of full disclosure, I'm a little biased since I'm write most of our classes), but part of what has made them a great training enhancement is that you're here in the training center with a coach. I was a bit apprehensive about exactly how our indoor class would translate across the internet and into athletes' homes, but was very pleased with the results when I tuned in and had a very similar experience to the classes I've taken in-house (great info, the hour passes quickly, its a dang good workout, etc). In fact, not having to drive in to the office made the CadenceTV class experience even better than a training center class for me!

The interface shows the class throughout and displays count down timers for each interval and portion of the session. You'll hear the coach offer advice on technique and training tips and are alerted to the upcoming interval by way the screen. You also have the ability to customize the screen based on your lactate threshold power and heart rate numbers. You input these numbers into your athlete profile and then your training zone for each and every interval is displayed on your screen keeping you in the right place at the right time. Now, you do not have to input this data to use CadenceTV (the coaches will direct to you the proper level of effort in other ways) but we highly encourage you to do so as it's use offers you a very high level precision and individualization in your training. If you do not know your lactate threshold numbers we can help you determine them through a lab or field test ----- or give Josh a call and book some testing time on his CompuTrainer!

We're looking at a full scale launch in the first month or so of 2008 and are finishing up beta testing; I'll send more information your way as we get closer. We'll also update the website (www.cadencecycling.com) with info as the launch date approaches.

Hope you all had a great holiday and best wishes for a wonderful New Year and check out CadenceTV!

Cheers!
Mike

Mike Kuhn
Director of Coaching Programs
Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers, LLC
Philadelphia/New York
mkuhn@cadencecycling.com
www.cadencecycling.com
"

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Disc fixy cogs by Tom Miller


From Tom Miller:

"Hey All,

the website:

http://tomicog.blogspot.com/

the purpose:
To supply disc fixy cogs to a small niche market
in order to support my racing endeavors.

Need to add the purchase option/shopping cart dilly
to the website, then it'll be good to go. Target is to
take orders and begin shipping the first production run
first week of January. Final price is gonna be maybe $25,
maybe $30 ea, 4.95 to ship up to four.

Will spam again when it's all official.

peace,
Tomi"

Sunday, December 23, 2007

This Fire


This fire was well earned. I was all prepared to have a great set-up for those brave souls who ventured out for the event.
  1. Tent- check
  2. Firewood- check
  3. axe- check
  4. matches- ummmmm......say what?
I fully realized the pains of my disassociation. No Matches! Well I couldn't NOT have a fire when everyone showed up. I started scrounging around the car for anything I could find to fuel this inferno. I searched in vain for a lighter that I was certain I had. I found a shotgun shell. I proceeded to disassemble the projectile into its seperate entities. Hull, shot, wad, loose powder, little cardboard disc, and ignition powder. I piled the powder into a meticulously formed mound of instant ignition. I positioned the cut-off hull over the mound and proceeded to emit a desperetly needed spark from the primer with a screwdriver and hammer. No such luck. Despite my hard work and many attempts, I failed at producing that necessary spark.
Back to the drawing board....... Jumper cables, yes of course! I have a spare battery in my trunk to feed my stereo system. At that point it was only a matter of trying. The jumpercables and battery alleviated me of my grief and need of fire.
Behold my miraculous mass of flaming stuff!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Uncle Don's Unnationals Report


Five showed, four rode, one got temporarily lost when downed trees detoured him to Possum Lake (which was gorgeous in its ice-covered splendor). The weather was chilly, but the riding was fantastic and the scenery downright awsome. Ice encased every tree branch, leaf, and blade of grass, and transformed the woods into a shimmering, glistening wonderland.


I got sidetracked on the way when a crew detoured motorists toward Possum Lake due to a downed tree that blocked McClure's Gap road. I drove right past Mr. Laser who was traveling incognito in Mrs. Laser's Taurus. Trees were bent over at crazy angles from the weight of the ice, and I had to swerve all over the road to avoid smacking into them. When I realized I was at Possum Lake, I pulled over and snapped a few pics. While I was engrossed in the sights, I heard loud cracks all around me. Ice was causing trees and branches all around to snap like toothpicks, but the sound was deafening. Pretty cool, but scary at the same time. I got going right away, but had a tough time finding McClure's Gap Road again, and by the time I arived at NF Gary Kelley was on his way out. He'd scouted the area, but decided he didn't want to be bouncing his noggin' off the ice covered trails. Wise choice G-Dawg, but good to see ya out.


Mark, Zach, and Josh were already tooling around on their bikes when I got there. I quickly dressed and we rode for well over an hour, exploring every trail we could, and some we probably shouldn't have. As the ice began to melt a bit, we got completely soaked as we were constantly smacking into the foliage that was bent over and into our path from the weight of the now melting ice. We still had a blast, and I can't wait to get out there again. Zach lead a great ride/race, Mark delivered humor and entertainment the entire time, and Josh had to be peeled from the icey underpinnings when he flipped backwards after an errent attempt at a wheelie. Mr. Laser awed us with his skill as he shredded the super slick trails on his cross bike!


Thanks to Zach for coming out and putting it all together. Hope to see more fish out there next time. I snapped some pics of the scenery - no action though, sorry! They can be found here: http://singlespeeder.smugmug.com/gallery/4033201#234778919


Uncle Don

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Joel's PA State CX Championship Report

PA State Championships/Wonderland Cyclocross---Lancaster,PA

Way before the alarm went off, I awoke realizing that today was the last race of the 2007 cyclocross season. I lay thinking of earlier races, rolling the highlights over in my head. Thinking that I hadn’t really had that race where everything came together. There were some good races, like Granogue and Wissahickon and there was a few I would rather forget---Fairhill CX. Recalling last years race at this venue in Lancaster, I began making mental laps of the course until it was time to rise and shine, and begin the Prerace Ritual.
I picked Nathan Goates up in Shippensburg and after some ice dancing , we headed to Lancaster County. I had heard from a co-worker , that Lancaster didn’t get any snow.------WRONG.--------We arrived to see the course covered with about an inch of icy slushiness with temps in the upper thirtys. I new right then the technically skilled racers would have the upper hand. As I readied my bike and body for the pain train, the early races turned the course into a brown quagmire. “Definitely going with the Mud 2’s at about 28 psi.”We yelled as Cathy Large raced to a 2nd Place Overall and Silver Medal for the PA State Championship in the B Women category.
After a pretty good warmup session on the trainer, one tall dark, half a can of Monster Energy drink, half a powerbar and a bottle of Cytomax, I made my way to the start area. I stripped off all the layers down to the skinsuit and arm warmers, the Icy-Hot finally steaming “hot” after an hour. There were no call-ups and attentively , I got a good start position amidst the 17 entries for the B Men contest.. Sitting on the top tube several minutes waiting for the official, I really wanted to get on with it. My “dangling carrot” was 2 positions to my left, we are in the front row. The plan was to try to hang with him……….
The whistle blew and off we went. I was in one too hard a gear and didn’t get the jump I normally get out of the start and ended up around 6th or so into the first turn. In which some knucklehead darn near took out my front wheel. As we got to the muddier off-camber section, I made some passes by keeping down close to the trees and hopping the log that was obviously left there on purpose.The next turn and straight were rideable but way faster to run---keep in mind this is flat ground with 4 inches of mud. Next came a rideable turn into a straight section with a set of barriers. At this point my heart rate is thru the roof and breathing is fast and furious, but I’m hanging with my carrot…….the rest of the race is a blur of numb feet, searing pain, mud, sand, and trying to stay upright…..Until I realize I’m in 4th.I passed into 3rd on a sweeping, off-camber right that led into a sharp climb into a set of barriers.After that stuck, I set sights on 2nd place(my “dangling carrot”) and started gaining on him. I’m riding the sand pit and gaining a couple seconds each time.Two laps to go and I’m within 5 seconds! Now I’m really pushing it---Michelin’s barely hanging in the turns---------I thought “Don’t’ want to go down now!” Ten seconds later-------too much rear brake and I’m on my can. The “carrot” must have seen me go down, because he has opened up an attack and added 15-20 seconds to his lead. Back on and still charging, we get the bell lap and I give it as much stick as I can --whenever I can. Once again I started to close the gap, but there was not enough turf left to catch him. I pushed on to the line were I was met with applause and the “carrot” saying, “Way to go dude, you got the State Championship.” Turns out 1st place was from Delaware and “the carrot-Chad” is from New Jersey.
That is my story of how blind pigs do find an acorn now and then.-----------Joel Moats

Monday, December 17, 2007

Uncle Don and Rider Big E are Famous!


From Uncle D:

"Here's something kind of neat that happened for both Big E and myself: I guess a month or 2 ago I got an email from a website designer stating that she was designing a new site for Privateer Bicycles, the brand that Big E rides, and wanted to purchase a photo I'd taken of Earl at one of your YBR TTs. I was thrilled that they wanted to use one of my photos, so I said Hellzyah, but I didn't feel right "selling" it, so I gave it to them in exchange for the credit, which I guess is common. So Big E is famous, and graces the website's home page. Check it out at http://www.privateerbicycles.com"

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Unnationals Update!


Howdy, racers!

Not going to Nationals or just looking for something fun to do this weekend? We've got you covered...on Sunday, Yellow Breeches Racing is hosting "Unnationals" at the Carlisle Y's New Frontiers Camp, north of Carlisle.

We'll race on a tasty 'cross/MTB- friendly course with nary a spec of pavement - expect a fun race with lots of holiday spirit, arbitrary time bonuses and penalties, a mandatory feed zone, and guaranteed appearance fees for all racers.

That's right, the race is free and if you race, well give you $1.

One race, one start time - noon on Sunday the 16th - first-come, first-served 50 racer field limit. If you're in, e-mail Zach Adams at deer478@hotmail.com.

Directions: Mapquest the intersection of Stone Church Road and McClures Gap Road (Carlisle PA 17013). When you arrive at that intersection turn, left onto Stone Church Road. Turn left at the top of hill. There will be signs on the left of the road.
The venue is 10 minutes from the mean streets of downtown Carlisle.

Unnationals will be a fundraiser for the Furry Friends Network (a great organization in Carlisle that matches unwanted pets with new owners), so we'll pass the hat for that...

http://www.furryfriendsnetwork.com/

Oh, and you have to make your own number. Doesn't matter what number it is, just make a number and attach it to yo' rig.

If we get REALLY heavy snow (like, 6" plus), we'll move Unnationals to next Sunday, the 23rd. Watch the YBR blog for weather-related news: http://yellowbreechesracing.blogspot.com/

See you on Sunday!

Z!, Marc van der Lasser, and the YBR Crew
(Photo from www.icebike.org)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

YBR Unnationals and NYE Resolution Race (5 km)

Howdy, folks:

In addition to next Sunday's YBR Unnational 'Cross and Trail Running Championships at New Frontiers (noon), don't forget about the New Year's Eve Resolution Race - 5 km throughout the holiday lights at the Carlsile Fairgrounds (starts at 5pm on the 31st).

The NYERR is sponsored by long-time Iron Cross supporter Galbraith Pre-Design.

Expect more about Unnationals later this week - the course was marked this morning and it is SWEET, I tell you! ...expect a mountain bike-ish 'cross race with numerous arbitrary time bonuses, penalties, and so on...may even have a MANDATORY feed zone...please come out and join us!

M.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Snow = Go


From El Bretto:

"
So, what the heck do you do when it's been snowing all day it looks like there's 4-5 inches piled up outside your door and everyone who said they would ride backed out on you? Go to some sweaty spin class? Nah. Just wait for Zach to call. And then go ride!
I was thinking the ride wasn't going to happen last night when the phone rang and Zach was there---"Are you still riding?"
"Everyone backed out."
"Yeah, but are you still riding? I want to ride."
"If someone shows up, I'll ride."
And about an hour later, Zach pulled in the driveway and we got ready to roll. The start down Michuax road was pretty sketchy and slow and cold but it got better once we hit trail, went thru the deerfence, down thru Corkscrew and into a bunch of stuff on Lower Rattlesnake. Saw rabbit, fox, deer, and mouse tracks . . . I think I heard an owl . . . and we were the only ones cutting tracks through the fresh powder. Tooled around and then back up and thru the deerfence, across Michaux road, and down Dynamite Shed to Old Ship. Cut in a driveway into some more trail and then completed the loop back out Bunkerhill to Michaux and back to the house. We both had our share of falls--I think Zach had more than his share--and had fun trying to clean snow-covered logs. Heck, Zach even supplied the necessary bass beats for some sections that I was just oh-so-missing from spin class... Total ride time: about 1:45 or so.
Spin Class Pros:
techno beats
M. Laser lookin' sexy in spandex
pools of sweat running across the floor
look ma--no brakes!
Snow Ride Pros:
soundtrack by DJ Amish
snow covered white pines
what the heck animal was that?
look ma--got brakes but no control!
fresh air
sweat steams off you before it gets a chance to pool anywhere
first tracks in virgin powder
you wanna talk spinning perfect circles? here you go--the punishment for not spinning is a quick trip to the ground. ask Zach.
great slow-speed bike handling practice--slightly faster than a spin bike
you're outside.
you're outside.
did I mention you're outside?
Snow ride wins! But I'm a little biased.
Brett"

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Funky Friday Spin & Ironmasters Mansion TT Series


Howdy, chums:

Funky Friday Power Cycling classes start this Friday (the 7th) at the Carlisle Y @ 5:30pm...I'll be your task master, treating you to an hour (give or take) of indoor cycling with the funkiest soundtrack this side of Prince's house.

If you aren't a Y member but want to check it out (or you want more info), let me know and I'll guest pass U.

+++++

...and there's only four months until the 2008 IMTT Series begins! We'll move back to Thursday nights this year, with a 10-mile out and back course starting at Mountain Creek Campground (last year's turnaround).

As always, the series is open to all and is free. This year, we'll divide the series into Spring (Apr-Jun) and Summer (Jun-Aug) halves.

+++++

Are any YBR folks doing regularly scheduled weekend or weeknight runs?

M.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

First focus triathlon of the '08 season...

Hey guys!

OK so it is winter and I am a summer person so I need something to look forward to while a freeze to death on my bike.

To kick off the racing season, our first focus race is going to be Mt. Gretna at the end of May. I have to talk to the race director but I want to set up a pop-up tent for YBR and E-town College members only. It will be a little hang-out before and after the race. I will supply Gatorade, coffee and bananas before the race and I can do a pancake breakfast afterwards. Maybe we can even recruit members! But... I highly recommend you do the race because it is going to be a bunch of fun!

Sarah

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Fast Albert's USGP of 'Cross Report

USGP of 'Cross - Trenton, NJ

I’ve had some trouble writing race reports but I will give it another try. Its is not just lack of time but also lack of mental focus….. lack of mental focus.

My first impression of the course was its flat and that isn’t a positive statement for me. It turned out that it was a lot of fun and actually very interesting. Two of the most interesting features were the very long deep sand pit and the flyover. The sand pit wasn’t very ride able unless a grove formed from riders riding the same line. I chose to run the entire sand pit and don’t think riding it was much of a benefit. It was definitely a crowd favorite and any rider that made it thru cleanly received a huge cheer. The flyover had stairs up one end and a very steep ramp down the back. The flat transition was very short so you had to mount the bike quickly and hope you clipped in. I rode it a few times not clipped (I did have my feet on the pedals) in and didn’t have a problem but the thought of slipping off the saddle and landing on the top tube at speed scared me. The rest of the course had a pretty interesting flow with some tricky off camber sections and many tight turns that required riders to slow down and then accelerate back up to speed.

The first day the course was relatively dry – not dry like the dust bowls we have seen for most of the season. The 2nd day it was rainy and they changed the course to add a few more tight turns. It was a lot of fun to ride a more technical course with all the off camber areas and most of the turns were much trickier. 38 degrees and rain on Sunday so waiting at the start was the worst part of the weekend. Once up to speed the cold wasn’t an issue.

I rode the 4th cross bike this season and I haven’t even done that many races. I had ordered a frame from Hot Tubes in MA (my old frame cracked in 2 places) and when I asked the builder if he was going to be at the Mercer Cup he said he was and that he could probably have the frame done by then. Things didn’t work out to share a room so I had a room to myself. I decided Saturday night was the perfect time to build the frame so I brought everything I needed (I hoped I did – that rarely works out). The only thing that really crossed me up is the builder brought a 10 speed derailleur – guess who still runs 8 speed? Actually I have mostly 8 speed with a 9 speed chain. It turned out that my friend’s bike (the one I have been riding) had the right derailleur. Amazingly I got the bike built up and even had time to put my friends bike back together (I had put some of my parts on his bike). I even did things I haven’t done before like cut a carbon steerer. There is always something that comes up and this time it was the brake stud on the fork would become unscrewed. The way my brakes work they torque the stud when the brake is applied. I snugged it up while not trying to stress the fork and the thing ended up holding. I didn’t have any problems with the bike the entire race. It is hard to say the difference with the bike because the conditions were so much different but it seemed to be more balanced.

Watching the elite classes was so much fun. It is so cool to watch the experts ride the same course that you did earlier in the day. It was a really strong field with Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, Jeremy Powers, Tim Johnson, Todd Wells, Adam Craig, Kabush, and Chris Horner to name a few. A very deep field. The 35+ field was incredibly deep and fast. I was more appropriately racing in the 45+ field. Kevin, Nunzio, Joel and I were the YBR crew in attendance and everyone seemed to really enjoy the race and had good races. Nunzio gets the tough man award for venturing out racing both days with a sinus infection.

I don’t know if they are going to have the same race next year but I would strongly recommend the venue.

USGP of Cyclocross – Mercer Cup near Trenton, NJ

Monday, October 15, 2007

Iron Cross V is History!




...and race winner Rob Jebb of Team Wheelbase (UK) has set a new Iron Cross course record!

Iron Cross V results, blogs, photos, and GPS data (we'll keep updating this list as we get more links!):
(thanks to Bina B. for the photo above)

Results:

IC Lite:
http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2007/10/13-Iron-Cross-Lite.asp

ICV:
http://www.prologsoftware.com/proracingtiming/results/r10_14_07BikeFinal.htm

Blogs:


Aaron H.:
http://hofelt.blogspot.com/2007/10/iron-cross-v.html

Anne G:
http://speedychix.blogspot.com/2007/07/iron-cross-plus.html

Anne G:
http://speedychix.blogspot.com/

Cara "Crash" McCauley:
http://caramccauley.blogspot.com/

Chris (fixed gear SS):
http://lockringnotincluded.blogspot.com/

Cyclochris:
http://cyclochris.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/half-blind-and-undertrained-my-ironcross/

Danielle M. (and Naomi):
http://daniellemusto.blogspot.com/

Darren B:
http://www.thebikeandmore.blogspot.com/2007/10/ironcross-v.html

Liz S:
http://bikevoice.blogspot.com/

Kevin H:
http://kevinhorvath.blogspot.com/2007/10/ironcross-5.html#links

Marc W:
http://marcwinder.blogspot.com/2007/10/i-finished.html

Ron G:
http://racingyenski.blogspot.com/

Serotta forum clips:
http://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33613

Steven L:
http://cyclingmanimal.blogspot.com/2007/10/ironcross-race-weekend.html

Central 757 tripower blog post:
http://757ironcross.blogspot.com/

Photos:

IC Weekend, by Uncle Don:
http://singlespeeder.smugmug.com/

IC Weekend, by Ian's Bina:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lemansgtman/sets/72157602585490396/

IC Lite, by Kevin Dillard:
http://velophotos.phanfare.com/album/448356

ICV, by Chuck Armstrong:
http://www.elementoftheeye.ifp3.com/

ICV, by Tom Miller:
http://tomi.smugmug.com/gallery/3649121#208212122

GPS data from Anne G:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=4246215

See you'uns next October at Iron Cross VI!

+ The Iron Cross Crew +

(Photo by Uncle Don Pagano)

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

MABRA Breast Cancer Awareness 'Cross Results



October 8 - On Saturday, the Carlisle Family YMCA's Yellow Breeches Racing cyclocross team travelled to Hagerstown, MD for the third race in the 2007 MABRA cyclocross series. Hundreds of racers from all over the Mid-Atlantic competed on a tight, bumpy, hard-packed course that wound through the Hagerstown Fairgrounds. Making the course difficult was a steep, short climb, numerous off-camber turns and a deep, loose sand pit.

YBR racers fared well...Nunzio DiBiasi led the way for YBR, winning the Men's 55+ race, after finishing 32nd in the Men's B 35+ race. Also in the Mne's B 35+ race, Joel Moats finished 12th, followed by Kevin Breckenmaker (18th), Chris Schaeffer (24th), Mark Laser (28th), and Michael Taylor (34th). In the Men's C race, Chuck "C-Bu" Buczeskie, finished 34th.

Next weekend, YBR racers stay home to host the Iron Cross race weekend to benefit the Carlisle Family YMCA and the Blue Butterfly Fund. Detailed race information can be found here: http://www.yellowbreechesracing.org/ironcross/ . All racing (biking and running) will be staged from the YMCA's Camp Thompson in Pine Grove Furnace State Park south of Carlisle.


Great photos (like the one above) by Kevin Dillard here: http://velophotos.phanfare.com/album/438314

M.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Ed Sanders 'Cross


October 1 - On Sunday, the Carlisle Family YMCA's Yellow Breeches Racing cyclocross team travelled to Buckeystown, MD for the second race in the 2007 MABRA cyclocross series. Hundreds of racers from all over the Mid-Atlantic competed on a tight, twisty course that wound throughout the grounds of a lilypond farm. Making the course difficult were steep run-ups and drop-offs, deep gravel, and man-made barriers. YBR racers fared well...in the women's B race, Cathy Large, in her first-ever "'cross" race, led the charge for YBR, finishing in 6th place, followed by Mary Fetrow (14th), and Laura Jones (15th). In the men's Masters B race, Joel Moats rolled to a fine 10th place finish, followed by Mark Laser (29th), Chris Schaeffer (31st), and Michael Taylor (54th). In the Junior race, Josh Bard finished 3th and in the Masters 55+ race, Nunzio DiBiasi finished x4h.
Said Large after the race, "this could become addicting!"
YBR travels to Hagerstown, MD for MABRA race #3 next weekend.
Contact: Mark Laser (245-2423) or woodcrest21@gmail.com. Photos by denS (www.dennisbike.com).

...and here's Laura's take on things:

"Earlier this year during a training ride with Mark, I was lamenting my painfully lackluster road season. At some point, Mark raised the topic of cyclocross. (I know, I was suprised too.) Since I was suffering from a delirium caused by lack of oxygen and low blood sugar, I don't remember the entire conversation, but it went something like this:

MARK: You should do 'cross! It's LOADS of fun and it will build up your power and aerobic fitness for next year!

LAURA: Yeah, I've heard that 'cross is good winter training. But I'm not very coordinated. I don't think I'd be able to get over the barriers....

MARK: Oh don't worry about that! 'Cross isn't very technical and it's mostly flat! You'll love it!

LAURA: Really? Well...OK....

Fast forward 3 months, and I arrived at Lily Pons with my very own 'cross bike, still bearing the collection of bruises that I had amassed while falling into and around the sand pit and barriers at Charm City. This time, I knew how to get through the barriers (thanks to the apt instruction of Mark and Zach) and there were no sand pits. Convinced that the mechanical difficulties at Charm City were the only other obstacle to my complete domination over the cyclocross world, I made my way to the registration tent.

Mark and Michael met me at the registration tent and offered to take me on a pre-ride of the course. As we threaded our way around the lily ponds, Mark pointed out places that offered a good line through corners. It was flat, there was no sand and, armed with Mark's advice on cornering around the ponds, my confidence grew. At last, I would do well! A top five finish was mine!

But then we came to the cliff. I had heard this particular topographic feature described previously as a "run up" and a "drop off". Because I don't yet speak 'cross, Mark and Zach translated for me: "It's a short, steep little hill. You run up and then drop down the opposite side. It's nothing to worry about." I had watched a Utube video of the dropoff again and again during the week prior to the race. Somehow, though, the perspective in the video didn't quite do justice to the wall of dirt and rocks that I was staring up at on the back section of the course dubbed the "party zone".

I began lugging my bike up the cliff (aka "run up"). Meanwhile Mark and Michael casually dismounted and bounded, antelope-like, up the wall, scissor-kicked in the air, remounted, and hurled themselves down the opposite side, emitting cries of "Yeeha!" and "Woohoo!". I, on the other hand, stood at the top, looking down at the litter of weeds, rocks, and dirt at the base of the cliff, trying to recall whether my current benefits package would allow me to be treated by an out-of-state healthcare provider, or whether I would need to have my husband cart my broken body back to Pennsylvania before I could be pieced back together.

Mark and Michael stood at the top of the rise opposite the dropoff calling for me. There was an awkward pause. "Are you kidding me?!" I called. After realizing that I was having second thoughts about throwing myself off the top of a cliff, Mark and Michael graciously returned and tried to coax me down off the ledge. "Don't think about it!" "Just put your weight on the back wheel and let go!" Mark and Michael, in an effort to convince me that this was all carefree fun, ran up and threw themselves down the hill 2 or 3 more times, whooping and yeeha-ing. "See? Nothing to it!"

A traffic jam of riders began to build behind me and a small crowd of on-lookers began to gather. I kept waiting for the chant: "Jump! Jump! Jump!" Everyone began offering advice and encouragement: "Just don't think about it!" "They have excellent hospitals in this area!" "Don't hit the brakes on your way down!" "If you start to lose it, throw the bike!"

Michael and Mark, in an amazing show of team support, stayed with me. By then, I'm sure they felt like witnesses at a car accident. Mary rolled up. "Come on, Laura, you can do it! You gave birth to 2 kids. This is nothing!" I pointed out that childbirth was much slower and involved no rocks. Apparently, this didn't convince Mary, and down she flew with an enthusiastic "Woohoo!"

I stared down at the rocks and tangle of weeds again and began fishing for excuses to graciously bow out. Mark, however, was not accepting excuses and he and Mary came back up the hill. I rolled up to the edge, wondering if it would be bad luck to tell someone to have my husband bring the car around in order to avoid the pesky wait for the ambulance. I let go. I did it! WOOHOO! (Apparently, all of the whooping is a shout of thanks for returning to sweet earth unharmed.)

I managed to cause a traffic jam only once more when I came back to the hill on the first lap of the race. Fortunately, Diane Vettori, accompanied by a group of women that I had just passed on a flat section, rolled up behind me and offered inspiration: "MMOOOVVE!" That worked, and I was off.

Everything after that is a blur of lilypads, gravel, and the sight of that hill over and over again. I finished the race and didn't even come in last. I successfully went down the cliff 4 or 5 more times (I lost count--as I said, it was a blur)."

Monday, September 24, 2007

It begins...


September 24 - On Sunday, the Carlisle Family YMCA's Yellow Breeches Racing cyclocross team travelled to Baltimore, MD for the Charm City Cyclocross Race - the first race in the season-long MABRA series. On a very dry, dusty, fast course, YBR's riders competed with hundreds of other racers from all over the Mid-Atlantic.

In her first "'cross" race, Laura Jones finished 16th in the Women's B race, despite being slowed by mechanical difficulties. In the 90-racer Men's Masters B race, Joel Moats was the top YBR finisher, in 32nd place, followed by Kevin Breckenmaker (34th), Mark Laser (35th), Fast Albert Greene (38th, despite a flat tire near the end of the race), and Michael Taylor (61st). In the U-16 Junior race, Josh Bard finished 3rd and in the Men's 55+ race, Nunzio Dibiasi finished 4th.

Said Jones, "While on the course, other riders were trying to guess where the noise on my bike was coming from and I still haven't figured it out. I was only able to apply power to the pedals for about a third of each pedal revolution, so I'm glad I finished where I did!"
YBR's 'cross team travels to Maryland again next weekend for round 2 in the MABRA series.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

TT Results and Pure Sweet Hell...


Hi, racers:

I've uploaded this year's Ironmasters TT Series and Pine Grove TT results to:

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ironmastersmansiontt/

...does anyone what to get together for lunch Sat at the Carlisle Coffee Co. for our traditional pre-'cross season screening of "Pure Sweet Hell"? If so, I'll make the arrangements...note that the PSU v. Michigan game doesn't start until 3:30pm...

MvdL

Sunday, September 16, 2007

One 'cross race down, lots more to go...




Under the cover of darkness, I left Carlisletown this morning and headed for Pittsburgh for a meeting on Monday and, even more important, a 'cross race today.



The race was the first in the "Month of Mud" 'cross and MTB racing series. I thought it would be good to get in a race before Charm City and I'm glad I did this one! The course, laid out by Iron Cross star Gerry Pflug, was a (very!) twisty turny tight dizzying up and down off camber affair with a few grassy power sections, 3 sets of barriers and one run-up. Good times were had by all!



The weather was perfect, the course was pretty dry and the racers were a fun mix of seasoned 'cross racers and MTB racers just trying to get through the race! The vibe was laid-back and grass-rooty, just like the good ol' days. I felt pretty good, the bike worked great, I managed to stay helmet-side up for the whole race, and had a blast...

I punished myself for 45 minutes and now I'm sprawled out in my hotel room feeling beat up but happy. It was good to see Gannar, Betsy, and 'cross promoter/racer Gary Dugo...



Charm City should be fun!



I wonder how the Pine Grove TT, Teaberry, and Yuasa went for the other Fish?



M.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Good luck this weekend, Fish..



...at the Pine Grove TT, at Teaberry, at the Yuasa Crit, etc...

Do any race attendees have a handful o' Iron Cross windshield flyers that they can distribute?

If you haven't seen the IC website, check it out...it's looking great:

http://www.yellowbreechesracing.org/ironcross/

(Thanks, Cass!)

M.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Help Tara Llanes

From Fast Albert:

"Mark,

I stole this link from another blog.

http://www.tarallanesroadtorecovery.com/

Maybe you could add it to the YBR blog?

Albert"

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Ironmasters Mansion TT Series Finale Photos


From Uncle Don:

"The pics from Thursday night are up. There are lots of them, as usual, since I'm incapable of determining which ones are stinkers and which ones are keepers. Singlespeeder.smugmug.com."

Great shots, Don!

M.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Josh's 2007 Zofingen Race Report


"The Zofingen Experience

This is the big one, at least in my book. It’s the one I spend 364 days a year pushing pedals, pounding pavement, and countless hours daydreaming about. It’s Powerman Zofingen. It’s a tremendous race throughout the Swiss countryside that has a brutal 10k opening run, a 93 mile bike ride with 6100 feet of elevation change, and finishes up with 30k (18.6 miles) of trail running/walking/crawling with 2000 feet of elevation change. In short, the race is a near death experience, but the atmosphere and surroundings make it more than enjoyable.

This year Jan and I packed up two bikes- one for me and one for her. We also had two suitcases of loot to go along with us. Perhaps the organizers of the race should add a luggage run, because Jan and I got quite good at wheeling 250 pounds of junk around busy airports! I’ll spare you any airport stories…traveling now is pretty difficult.

After 7 hours of a direct flight to Zurich, we were greeted with the keys to a rather beat-down rental car that I quickly dismantled in an effort to pile our belongings in it. With the rear end sagging of our tiny dented tin can of a car we took off towards our homestay family, which lives just outside of Zofingen.

Now many intense athletes use these homestays as crash pads for them to sleep, eat, and train- no more. Jan and I have stayed with Walter, Pia, Manuel, and Leandra for 4 years and once at their house you automatically become part of the family. It is so fun! For me, that means playing soccer, speedmitten, jumping on the trampoline, and in the case of last year, mowing the grass. It’s not that they make you do these things, it’s that they are so fun you want to. Sure we got our rest, but hanging with the Pfaffli’s is our favorite part of the trip.

Like every other year, we had a “special” lined up by Walter and Pia. This year all 6 of us piled into the van and took off towards the Alps. A couple of mountain passes and a gondola ride later we were at the top of a 8000 foot mountain. In a move that would make just about any other serious athlete cringe with fear, we all donned helmets and raced down the mountain on scooters! Much to other tourists shock, the six of us flew down the mountain on paved trails at 35 mph. When you are with the Pfaffli’s nothing is done slow, so this activity soon becomes a race to see who can get to the bottom first without flying into the Swiss countryside. Fortunately no one did and we even did it a second time.

I could write a book about our experiences with the Pfaffli’s, but I’ll spare you and move on to the race!

Come Friday night, the opening ceremonies kick up and everyone gathers to see the parade of nations. This year 27 countries were lined up. There is no other feeling like seeing a small Swiss kid carrying the ol’ stars and bars up to the front of the room. This year we had just two Americans, myself and John Phillips, competing so it was important to me to represent the US the best we could.

Saturday came and went in the blink of an eye. I did watch the Powerkids race, which brings all the local kids out in their mini racing suits and bikes to compete over a small course. It’s a blast to watch them all and to see the parents racing around the block to see where their kid is in the race.

Then it’s time to go off to the races! My race started Sunday morning at 8:58 am. This is 58 minutes after the women. Like other years, there is an overall prize to the first person to cross the line, be it man or woman. It was really nice to not have to wake up at 4 am to eat before a race. It was also really nice not to have sixteen layers of clothes on and warmup in the rain! This was the first Zofingen I had done where it was not raining and cold, which I thought was a disadvantage for me.

The first run starts out on a steep (like pitches up to 15%) 800 meter hill before it weaves its way through the forest. Once the gun goes off it’s a mad dash for the first 400 meters, with just 6 of us pulling away by the top. I knew all the favorites were in this group, so I stayed at the back and kept pace the best I could. It was, after all, going to be a long day!

After going up countless false flats we dove back down towards the city to start our second lap. By the middle of the second lap I was content to keep my pace 50 meters of so behind the leaders. I raced into T1 with a 31 minute and change 10k, which is crazy fast by my standards. I changed, threw down a powergel, and took off on the bike.

My strategy on the bike, after a few years of experience, was to ride behind the two leaders and ahead of the looming pack that would pace each other. This way I could be out of sight and out of mind to both groups. That strategy worked until the end of the first lap, where a pack of 12 caught me. I was bummed that they caught me, but glad that I wasn’t burning up matches trying to stay away from them.

The rules say that you must have 10 meters distance between the rider in front of you, so that there is no drafting. When you take 12 guys, 10 meters apart, there is a definite draft going on! This group had 8 guys that did absolutely nothing but sit in the rear and eat rice cakes all day. I was at the front trying to keep everyone moving, especially since the leaders now had an 11 minute lead on us. I didn’t want to settle into racing for second place, even though a lot of guys were content with that. The second lap was animated by some hard climbing; especially on the Bodenberg by a few local Swiss stars. I kept pace and worked hard to keep my bottle consumption going, as it was getting near 90 degrees.

On the third and final lap I gave it some gas on the Bodenberg in an effort to split our group up. My tactic worked and our group was down to just 7 sets of tired legs instead of 13. I ended up downing 16 bottles of fluids, 7 gels, a Clif Bar, and a banana during my 4 hour and 2 minute ride. I thought that would be more than enough to get me through the last 2 hours of torture!

In T2 I downed a Pepsi and a gel just to start things off and started the ascent up the mountain. By the top I was in 4th place and I was feeling good. I remembered my blowup last year, so I kept the pace back a little bit and dumped water over my head at every aid station. Finally I came out of the forest and saw my cheering section, which made things seem like they were going a little faster. That was a good thing, because it was getting really hot and I needed to wrap this thing up before I turned into a big pile of American goop in the middle of the forest like last year.

As the long descent at the end of lap one arrived I was hurtin’. It happened so fast! I went from seeing straight and being completely in tune with my body to thinking about rolling myself down the hill. I did everything I could to find some kind of relief. I dove into the bushes to go to the bathroom. I dunked my head in an enormous water fountain. I started dumping coke and Gatorade over my head along with the water. My legs felt like were as big as straws and my muscles felt like guitar strings. I had to start walking, and not just walking, I was mall walking! I can’t imagine walking slower than I was going. I made it halfway through the second lap this way, trying to just finish this blasted race and get my T-shirt and go home. Finally, with Jan’s encouragement, I started jogging in the forest. It was more of a shuffle, but it was forward progress. My dreams for this year were shattered, but at least I burned out bright. That was the only satisfaction I could give myself as I wrapped up my mega-long 2 hour and 35 minute second run. I crossed the line, grabbed my shirt, and tumbled on the ground next to John, my fellow American who finished in his fastest time ever.

After a few minutes of trying to spit out complete sentences to the Pfaffli’s and Jan, I started to realize that I was lucky to just finish. I finished in 7 hour and 9 minutes, which is more than respectable, just not by Josh Beck standards. An hour ago I was thinking about how stupid this race was and that I couldn’t believe that the same thing happened to me as last year. Now, after 30 minutes of rest I was ready to tackle a new training program for Zofingen 2008- as soon as I could walk again!

To wrap it up, I finished 20th on the day out of 250. I was bummed that I got cooked by the heat again, but the rest of the trip more than made up for it. This year more than ever we had more fun than we could handle. The race was awesome…great running trails and epic climbs that have hearty crowds and enormous cattle staring you right in the eyes. It pushes you further into your “pain cave” than you ever though possible. To do it while flying the stars and stripes and in front of a Swiss “family” makes it all the more rewarding.

Now it’s time to go back to work- and training too!

Thanks for reading!

Josh"

Monday, August 27, 2007

Josh and 'Cross Clinic/Practices


Josh news: http://www.insidetri.com/portal/news/news.asp?item=110590

It is my pleasure to announce the 2007 Carlisle 'cross clinic and practice schedule...

Sunday Sept. 9 @ 3:00 p.m. - 'Cross clinic presented by Mike "Hebe". Dinner and/or beers to follow.

Thursdays @ 5:30 pm starting Sept. 13 - 'Cross practice (starts, off-camber shenanigans, relays, barrier work, etc.).

We'll do these thangs at the Carlisle Fairgrounds:

http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/guest/directions.asp

Enter at Gate 3.

Don't forget about Iron Cross V race weekend Rocktober 13 & 14 and Carlisle 'Cross on December 1.

http://www.yellowbreechesracing.org/ironcross/

Mark
Historic Carlisletown, PA

Saturday, August 25, 2007

TT pics and points standings



From Uncle Don:

"pics are up on singlespeeder.smugmug.com from Thursday's TT. The trail run murdered my legs! I'm still sore...sucks to get old and outa shape."

...and here are the YTD points standings, with one race to go:

Shaffer SMVC M 1904
Hankins SMVC M 1705
Laser YBR M 1663
Hartnett SMVC M 1391
Large YBR W 1225
Fesler World Cup M 1205
Kaehler SMVC M 1076
C-Bu YBR M 866
Gassert YBR M 859
Rohrbaugh SMVC M 850
Kurz SMVC M 826
Hartpence YBR M 619
Ahrens YBR M 558
Kuhl Sakonnet M 505
Flora YBR W 492
Miller Ski Whitegrass M 469
Mark, D. YBR M 456
Rennels YBR M 450
Adams YBR JM 350
Gault WildBlues W 345
Bateman, L. YBR JM 345
Goates Faulkner Honda M 335
Daly YBR M 313
Camp The Bike Line M 290
Baum Unattached M 175
Watts Memphis Blues/Wildware W 175
Mark, M. YBR W 170
Beck YBR M 165
Hammaker Cadence M 165
Bonora World Cup M 165
Polensky YBR M 160
Murphy Unattached W 160
Cusick Memphis Blues/Wildware M 160
Taylor YBR M 152
McClain Team Plum Pox M 148
Mansberger YBR M 144
Starr YBR JM 141
Hise YBR M 135
Schultz TBD M 130

M.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Ironmasters TT Results

Dark, gloomy night that was great for racing! Some of our racers (C-Bu, Cathy, Rick, Uncle Don, Cory...) even went for a run after...

Hard to believe, but there's only 1 TT left in our series! Double points and series awards Thursday, Sept. 6 on the good ol' Ironmasters Mansion course!

Here are last night's times:

Fesler World Cup M 30:48
Kurz SMVC M 32:06
Shaffer SMVC M 33:20
Kaehler SMVC M 33:49
Hartnett SMVC M 35:18
Taylor YBR M 35:55
Laser YBR M 36:06
C-Bu YBR M 38:00
Rennels YBR M 38:00
Large YBR W 39:32
Flora YBR W 43:51

M.

Ironmasters Mansion TT Results

Dark, gloomy night that was great for racing! Some of our racers (C-Bu, Cathy, Rick, Uncle Don, Cory...) even went for a run after...

Hard to believe, but there's only 1 TT left in our series! Double points and series awards Thursday, Sept. 6 on the good ol' Ironmasters Mansion course!

Here are last night's times:

Fesler World Cup M 30:48
Kurz SMVC M 32:06
Shaffer SMVC M 33:20
Kaehler SMVC M 33:49
Hartnett SMVC M 35:18
Taylor YBR M 35:55
Laser YBR M 36:06
C-Bu YBR M 38:00
Rennels YBR M 38:00
Large YBR W 39:32
Flora YBR W 43:51

M.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Rick Goes Racin'

"My day started with a early morning call. Ate some Breakfast and then was on the road. I decided to leave Carlisle as soon as I had some daylight. I rode my bike out to Pinchot Park to start the race. Something around 30miles. Nice steady effort. Got to the race around 8am signed up. Setup transition and was ready to race.
It was a 3loop swim which worked to my advantage. First loop I was 4th out of the water then in the short distance of running I Jumped to 2nd. Held that till the finish of the swim. Got out on the bike and Caught the lead guy at the top of the park exit. (No Flats this time.) From this point on I had a steady first loop bike. Didn't feel great but felt steady. Second loop I laid the hammer down seeing some one was on my six. Once I started hammering that was it.
Came into transition and held 1st overall throughout the run. To win in a time of 1hr14mins.
After awards and a lite massage from Mike Walters . I was on the road again to ride another 40miles till I got home in Carlisle. Then I got a good 6mile run after ride. All to complete my big Race/Training day for the Hawaii Ironman.
Rick F."

TT and Trail Run Schedule Change


Howdy,

We'll TT this week on the Pine Grove Masters course at 6:00 pm on THURSDAY...and we'll follow up with a run on the Iron Cross Trail Run course at 7:00 pm.

Best place to park is the Laurel Lake parking lot...

See you Thursday!

Mark

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Carlisle GP a Success!

Wow, what a day of racing! Here's the letter we're sending to The Sentinel:

"On behalf of the Carlisle Family YMCA and Yellow Breeches Racing, we would like to thank the sponsors, emergency services personnel, landowners, racers, and residents along the race course who made Saturday's Carlisle Grand Prix a great success.

The race, held in Penn Township southwest of Huntsdale Fire Company, was the 2007 PA state women's road cycling championship. Female racers from all over the state came to the event and were pleased to find a challenging and safe course, outstanding volunteers, courteous motorists, and beautiful surroundings.

Special thanks to the Huntsdale Fire Company, the South Fairview First Church of God, Friendship Hose Company, and Penn Township Special Police for their time and facilities.

VERY BIG thanks to the Carlisle Regional Medical Center, to L.B. Smith Ford, and to Sturdy Girl Cycling for their generous support of women's racing.

Yellow Breeches Racing's women made us proud at the race - Laura Neal finished in 10th place in the category 3 race while Cathy Large and Michelle Young finished 8th and 11th respectively in the category 4 race.

Competing in her first-ever cycling race, Annie Bohlen, Boiling Springs high school graduate and junior at the University of Virginia had the ride of the day - Annie finished in second place (and won the PA gold medal) in the women's category 4 race.

A sincere thank you again to everyone who made the race a success - we're already planning next year's race!

Mark Laser, President, YBR
Ray Peske, CGP Race Promoter
Laura Neal, CGP Race Promoter"

Complete results are here: http://www.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2007-2007

M.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Changes in MABRA 'Cross Series, Yo

BIG CHANGES FOR 2007 BikeReg.com MABRAcross SERIES

More $ for Women, New Elite and Master Class Structure for 2007

Press contact information:
Ken Getchell, MABRAcross Media Director
kenmacpr@yahoo.com, 610-397-1950

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 17, 2007; Conshohocken, PA, USA: Big changes are on tap for the 2007 BikeReg.com MABRAcross series as the burgeoning Masters class will be split in two and the Elite Women will be racing for roughly the same prize money as the Elite Men, . “In 2006, the BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series had top women competitors like Dee Dee Winfield, Georgia Gould, Melanie Swartz and Lisa Vible, who won last year’s championship,” said MABRAcross Series Coordinator Chip Sovek. “In fact, Dee Dee first exploded into prominence when she beat Georgia at our season-opening Charm City Cyclocross in Baltimore last year. We want to build on that and develop an even bigger women’s presence in cyclocross generally, and in MABRAcross specifically, by establishing parity in the Men’s and Women’s purses. While several races within the series have already been exceeding the minimum payout for women, the additional assistance we are receiving from BikeReg.com will allow all the races to bump up to this level.”

On the men’s side, the competition for that prize money will be tougher than ever, thanks to the new “Double M” format. At the MABRA promoter’s meeting in February, it was agreed to split the Masters class in two based on the new USAC license categories, with the elite-level 35+ racers competing head-to-head with the open-class elites in the Men’s Feature race. “This change means that the Men’s Feature race at every BikeReg.com MABRAcross event will be more competitive and deeper in talent than ever before,” says series Media Director Ken Getchell. “Finally, all of the fastest racers will be on the track at the same time.” Like the Under 23 Espoir riders in many UCI races, the Elite Masters will be racing as a subset of the Open Elite Feature race, not as a separate class, and will be competing against the Open Elite “young guns” for the same purse at every race -- as well as for special “preme” prizes offered just to the “old” guys. The top Elite 35+Masters, like “nearly undefeated” Richard Mihills and Kris Auer will also be trying to dethrone Sean Galegher as the overall Elite season points champion, as well as competing for their own age-graded season points championship.

Conversely, now that the elite racers (who often entered the Pro/1/2 race anyway) are racing in the Feature, the ordinary “working class Joe’s” who make up the bulk of the Master’s division (and for whom the division was originally created) will now have the class to themselves. Under the old system, a recently-retired World Champion, like Lance Armstrong or Marty Nothstein, could have come out of retirement and beat up on the weekend warriors in the Masters class instead of racing with other elite-level competition. “We’ve closed that loophole,” says BikeReg.com MABRAcross Coordinator Chip Sovek. “Yes, the Cat 1,2,3 masters will have to race one or two additional laps, but for the Cat 3,4 masters this will open the competition up for them!”

With these changes, the BikeReg.com MABRAcross series expects to maintain its leadership as the fastest growing cycling series in America. For more information on the 2007 BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series, see www.mabra.org or contact Director Chip Sovek at cyclox@mabra.org.

Carlisle GP and 'Cross Ride

Hi, Fish:

Hope to see you on Saturday either racing or volunteering at YBR's Carlisle Grand Prix - the 2007 PA State Women's Road Race Championship.

If you're racin', GOOD LUCK! and be sure to sign up by noon today at www.bikereg.com.

If you're volunteering, that's great - we still need helpers - please make sure that Coach Ray knows - riverboat_ray@yahoo.com.

Thanks to Ray and Laura for all of their hard work - and for saving the race from the brink of cancellation!

...and don't forget Sunday's 9:00 a.m. 'cross ride from the Y.

It's going to be a great weekend for riding...

M.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Carlisle Grand Prix is a go!

From David Mitchell of the PA Cycling Association:

This race is going to happen!!!

Thanks to the support of the Pennsylvania Cycling Association & the tireless efforts of Ray Peske, Yellow Breeches Racing and all the sponsors!

The final push….

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Carlisle Grand Prix - PA State Women's Road Race Championship

PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY!!! New Later Start Time for the Cat 4 ladies! Unbeatable, Low Entry Fees!

All Distances Upgrade Worthy!

Register here by noon Friday:

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Genius!

Right you are, Fast Albert!

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007/08/bsnyc-2008-dream-bike-shootout.html

M.

Great news for junior 'cross racers!

supaFan.com SPONSORS MAC JUNIOR CYCLOCROSSERS

Free Entry For Junior Class At All 2007 MAC Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact
Mid Atlantic Championship Cyclocross Series
Ken Getchell, Media Director
kenmacpr@yahoo.com, 610-397-1950

August 14, 2007; Conshohocken, PA, USA: supaFan.com, home of "the coolest fan gear on the planet", has announced that it will be joining the coolest cycling series on the planet by sponsoring the Junior division of the Mid Atlantic Championship Cyclocross Series in 2007. The immediate impact is that riders in the U19 Junior category will be able to race completely free of charge if they pre-enter MAC events in 2007. "We want to have more courageous kids put down their video games and come out to see what 'cross is all about," says MAC Technical Director Kelly Cline. "We want kids to feel the comradery, meet skilled racers, get dirty -- and have fun!"

Any U19 Junior rider, male and female, who pre-enters the specific "supaFan.com Junior class" at any 2007 MAC race will have their entry fee paid completely by supa-Fan.com. Juniors who wait to register on race day will, however, still be responsible for the standard $10 late registration surcharge. According to J.D. Bilodeau, owner of supaFan's parent company Pioneer Event Productions, "I think it will be a great way to showcase my company and support one of my favorite causes -- junior racing. We want to get more kids to try cyclocross. Hopefully, eliminating the entry fee removes one more obstacle in getting riders to come out to the races. And, because the MAC has some of the most supportive racers and exciting racing in the country, we hope that once juniors try 'cross, they'll be hooked."

supaFan.com is the online source for all cycling collectables and carries hard-to-find cyclocross fan gear, in addition to road and track collectables. supaFan.com joins a growing list of corporate sponsors that support the powerful MAC, which features UCI sanctioned Elite racing for men and women at every race.

For more information on the supaFan.com - MAC Junior Incentive Program, contact MAC through its Media Director at kenmacpr@yahoo.com.

Carlisle GP and Baby News!

Hi, team:

If you're planning on racing at this Saturday's Carlisle GP, please sign up asap; see the note from Ray below:

" *** ATTENTION RACERS***
Thus far the numbers for the race are below what was anticipated to be holding the race. YBR and it's sponsors may have to cancel the race if the field sizes don't increase. We would like to have a minimum of 100 total racers by Tuesday August 14, 8:00pm or we will have to cancel the event."

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=5147"

...and here's some GREAT news from YBR's Tom Shomper!!!

"My wife had the baby on August 10th at 6:19 PM
Could you please put it in a news YBR news blurb.

Gender: Boy
Name: Jackson Cavey Shomper
Weight: 8 pounds 1.5 ounces
Length: 20.5 inches.

Baby has big hands and feet.
He will be snacking on cinder blocks anyday now.

Wife and baby are doing well."

M.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Good 'cross ride today!

This morning, Fast Albert, Joel, Z and I left the Y and went to Pine Road, up Cold Springs Road to Ridge Road, descended 233 to Pine Grove Furnace, went up Bendersville/Slate Quarry to Piney Mountain Ridge, descended Bendersville, cruised to Camp T, went up Cold Springs Road to Ridge to 233, down to Huntsdale and back to Carlisletown.

Good ride, good company, and wonderful weather.

We'll probably do something similar on the 19th...and I'll have replaced my shabby tyres by then!

Be like Katie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4xbrn_EmuQ

Wow!

M.

Friday, August 10, 2007

'Cross ride Sunday, Wednesday's TT

Howdy, team:

Sunday's MTB ride has morphed into a 'cross ride...we'll roll from the Y at 9:00 am for some paved and unpaved fun!

Regarding Wednesday's TT:

Jim: 2-man tt-this will be on road bikes-right?
Mark: Yes, road bikes, with no aerobars.

Jim: How long will the race be?
Mark: 2 laps x 5.5 miles

Jim: Is the easiest way to get there just going to the Mansion and up over rt.233? How far down the other side is the fire company? Any additional directions info?
Mark: Yep, from the Adams County side of 233, descend the mountain and turn R on PIne Road. We'll meet at the Huntsdale Fire Co. the race starts at the church at the intersection of 233 and Southside Drive.

If you'd prefer to do the TT solo, you can do that, too - but your time won't count for the YBR vs SMVC race. For TT series points, we'll score male, female, and co-ed teams.

We'll do a practice lap of the course so that everyone knows what we're doing...meet at the start at 6:00 p.m.

Let me know if you have any Q's!

M.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Go, Michelle!

The YBR road team turned out in full force on Saturday! Michelle and I did the women's race and met up with Ray for some strategizing and a pep talk. The whole rest of the women's road team came out to cheer: Sharon (who is recovering from a knee injury); Toni Flora (our newest teammate who is just beginning her training); and Chris (who is just returning to training after her stint as RAAM race support for Team Endeavor). I got off the front for the first lap but baled out half-way through when I started to feel my brain baking, although I'm pretty sure my performance was due more to my "robust" physique than the heat! Michelle, however, did a great job! She has really been working on her hills and it showed. She took 2nd in the field sprint and 5th overall. Everybody greeted her at the finish line with cheers and high-fives. Yeah, Michelle!

Sunday's team ride was great also. Everybody met up at 8 at Rossmoyne (in their YBR jerseys no less) and we worked on cornering and got everyone used to riding together. We also got to see Chris's shiny new Orbea (and new shoes to match)--pink, pink, pink!

We're meeting up again this Sunday at 8 AM at Fort Hunter (on Front St in HBG). We'll be riding out toward Ft Indiantown Gap & working on pace lining this Sunday. Come on out & join us! (Please wear your YBR jersey!)

L.N.

Monday, August 6, 2007

YBR Adopt-A-Highway

Thanks to Toni Flora for signing on as YBR's new Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator!

M.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Welcome to the Cross Crusade!

Here it is everybody, my ambitions in black and white for all to see. No excuses this fall. After a 2 week hiatus, I'm back in the hunt. Time to stop walking around the subject, I'm making a run for worlds. Yes, WORLDS. I'm going to be chasing a spot on the junior national team to go to Italy in January for the 2008 cyclocross world championships. In doing so I will be doing the full US Gran Prix of Cyclocross Schedule and Nationals. That means races in NJ, Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas. I'm taking no chances this year, full concentration. This is my best chance to go to worlds, so I can't afford to mess it up.
Years ago I started this addiction called cyclocross. I fell hard into the abiss of mud, rain, run-ups, and barriers. It was 4 years ago at the ed sanders cyclocross race. Marc Van Der Lasser explained to me how amazing this sport was and that I should try it. I did. It was the Muddy year at Lilypons. Hit up the junior race and got second. Loved it. I submerged myself in a full season(very unfull by my current standards) of 10-12 cross races. I was hooked. I came back the next year to take the Mabra series in the junior category. At the end of the season I met the FORT-GPOA team director.

I started the 06 season with the FORT Factory Team, learning from some of the best in the Mid-atlantic(and nation for that matter). Gained alot of valuable experience racing the elite junior 17-18 fields(third fastest category in any national event).


So this year I', ready to go for it. Anybody who would like to do any cross specific training, let me know. I'll share the any wealth of knowledge I have and we can make some discoveries on our own. Cross workouts, exploratoriums, and runs. Leave me a message or call and we can get together and train, one and all. Join me on my road to Treviso.
Zach Adams
448-3228


Friday, August 3, 2007

Cathy's road and 'cross racing questions


Cathy,

Keep those questions coming - we've ALL been there!

C: Can I race in the women's state championship? Would you recommend it? Am I getting in over my head?

M: 1) Yes 2) Yes and 3) No - you're fit, fast, and ready to roll, sister! Sign up for the Cat. 4 race and go for it!

C: Also, do I need to get a license to race 'cross? If
so, where do I go to get it?

M: You can race entry level 'cross (or road) by purchasing a $10 one-day racing license at the venue on race day - or you can buy an annual license at a race or at www.usacycling.org

Mark

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Carlisle Grand Prix Course

Here you go, racers:

(Note that the start/finish line will be at the intersection of Rt. 233 and Southside Drive!)

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/newville/666359358

Good luck!

Mark

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Survey results, eh!

Hiya, Fish:

Thanks for responding to the survey; we got some great feedback...and
thanks to Rick for arranging yesterday's ride - and for dragging us
back into Carlisletown at a high rate of speed!

Fast Albert and C-Bu were the closest in our photo contest - the YBR
racer is Amber...she's chasing Nat'l MTB champ Georgia Gould at the
'04 Capital 'Cross race in Reston, VA. Amber's beau Jason won a
Cannondale 'cross bike after the race for racing in a Santa costume
and dressing up their dog as a reindeer but that's another story.
Bob's Salsa for Fast Albert and C-Bu! The photo now posted
shows what was goin' on on that day in December...

Runners and multi-sporters, if you're interested in getting some speed
in your legs, remember that we do track workouts at the Dickinson
track Wednesdays at 6:30 pm - c'mon out and keep Rick company!

Computrainer for $100?! Wow!

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/products/product.asp?id=39972

We're still looking for an Adopt-A-Highway coordinator to take over
for Simon, who's now safely across the border in the Great White
North.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECvsgeO9rvc

Okay, the survey:

Areas of importance to YBR racers...

Team focus races 29
In-season training events 27
Social events 18
Off-season training events 18
Pre-season training camp 14
Uniform discount 14
Gear discounts 13
Race reimbursement (partial) 12
Improved communications 11
Improved website 11
Sport-specific clinics 8
Trail advocacy 3
Mentoring 3
"Highly motivated" team concept 2

Suggested focus races...

Adventure MteC 2
Adventure Cap City 2
Adventure Savage 1
Cross Carlisle 'Cross 4
Cross Granogue 3
Cross Iron Cross Lite 2
Cross Charm City 1
Cross Wissahickon 1
Cross Iron Cross 1
MTB Michaux series 6
MTB 24 Hrs Big Bear 4
MTB 24 Hrs 7 Springs 3
MTB MASS series 3
MTB RCST Bash 1
MTB Greenbrier 1
MTB Marysville 1
Road Crits! 2
Road Tour de Ephrata 2
Road Carlisle GP 1
Road Faulkner Honda Crit 1
Road YBR TT Series 1
Road PA State TT 1
Road Mt. Joy 1
Road YBR vs SMVC races 1
Road White Rose Crit 1
Road Tour de Christiana 1
Running Turkey Trot 1
Running C-burg Half Marathon 1
Tri Catfish 1
Tri Pinchot 1
Tri Mt. Gretna 1
Tri Quakerman 1
Tri Black Bear 1
Tri Anthracite 1

We'll take a look at how we can address your primary concerns...keep
those ideas and suggestions coming in, especially suggestions for
focus races...

Mark

Friday, July 27, 2007

TT'ing and HC'ing...

Uncle Don got some nice shots at Wed's TT:

www.singlespeeder.smugmug.com

...and the SMVC lads spanked YBR like so many circus monkeys last night:

"HC -Results 1.Scott Kurz-25:03; 2.Pat H.-25:30; 3.JimH.:26:47; 4.Joe
K.: 26:54 ;5.Craig Hise 27:00 ; 6.Mark:28:25; 7. Rich S.: 28:30 ;8Tim R.
28:54; 9 Cathy Large 28:59 ;10. Chuck B.: 30:20 Take care Jim"

Ouch!

Tentative schedule for remaining TTs is looking like:

8/15 2-up TT on Carlisle GP course (can do solo, instead, of course)

8/22 TT on Pine Grove Furnace TT (PA State Masters) course

9/6 Ironmasters Mansion TT * Season Finale * double points with series awards to follow at the Pine Grove Furnace General Store!


M.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Carlisle Grand Prix!

Good Afternoon Fish and Fishettes!

As you are hopefully aware by now, YBR is hosting the PA State Women's Championship Road Race on Aug 18. As with all the other YBR events, we want this road race to be a success so that we may quite possibly continue to host this race for years to come. With doing any bike racing event, it doesn't happen by will but through the graciousness of the volunteers. This race gives us the opportunity to show case our club again and what we can offer to the cycling community. It helps to build bridges with our neighbors. And it brings attention to the fact that road racing is as alive and well in YBR as much as Iron Cross is. I know I asked for volunteers before but I didn't get enough and if we can't cover the volunteer grid, then we won't be able to host this wonderful event. Please let me know if you any of you are available to help us out.

Thank you sooooo much!

~Ray

Ps. If you intend to also race in an event, please indicate so. You can race for free if you volunteer too. Remember, the fields are sr. women and masters men. Sorry guys and juniors. Not this year.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

YBR event/e-mail database

From Greg S.:

Hi All,

This is just a little note to remind people that everyone is able to
submit events at https://freefall.homeip.net/ybr/

Don't be shy. If you are going for a run / ride / hike / whatever, and
want some company, put it in the database for everyone to see. Of
course, the mailing lists work too, but personally I can't keep track
of things through email, which is why I wrote this for the team in the
first place.

The idea is a place for *everyone* to share stuff that they are doing
or know about. It's a great resource, but it only works with your
contributions!

If you have any questions about using the database, or have a feature
suggestion, just let me know!

Yes, I realize that my server key is expired and that it is not signed
by one of the CAs that you have to pay money to for the signature so
that you don't get warnings in your browser. I'll fix the first one
eventually ;-)

See ya on the trails!

--g

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Uncle Don's Curse of Dark Hollow Report

I don't train. My diet is less than optimal. My pre-race beverage has a "born on freshness" label affixed to its container. I have an expensive, super light,?high tech full suspension race bike that spends a lot of time alone in the garage. And, I don't race much anymore these days. A poor example of a YBR fighting fish, I needed some redemption. I missed the first race in the Michaux series, the Maximus, and instead hung out and snapped pictures. It was fun to cheer on the racers and watch others suffer for a change. So for some reason I awoke early last Sunday, loaded up the van, and headed for Big Flat. After I'd signed up and chatted with the cool folks there to race and or hang out, I got around to getting dressed and attempting a warmup. Chuck, Joel and I had pre-ridden the course earlier in the week, and my legs were still fried from the near race pace Joel and Chuck maintained the entire time. Nothing new, I usually feel like crap on race day. Probably one of the reasons I don't do it much anymore!

This year the Gettysburg Cycling gang devised a simple way to break down categories: you have a 10 mile race, a 25 (give or take) mile race, and a long race (100k for the Curse). I choose the 25 miler, which was laid out much like the sport/expert courses of years past. One of my least favorite sections, which included a long, grinding climb, was removed and instead some neat stuff was substituted, so all in all this year's course was "cake". Especially when compared to the suffer-thon 100k race. Nope, not me. I'm a wimp. I'll leave that stuff to my hero, Fast Albert Greene.

You know how I mentioned I don't train? Well, that tends to hurt you in a race. The start is a long climb on fire road to the upper parking lot, across the lot, then into Wildcat. Lets just say I had a bad start. Really bad. Awful. I felt worse than a Dick Cheney hunting partner. It seemed as if everyone started with a full on sprint. Actually, that wasn't too far from the truth, as many were fading fast and I found myself back with most of the pack by the time I reached the top. I'd chosen my trusty singlespeed, and while it wasn't the best thing to have on the fireroads as I was forced to either stand and mash or spin wildly, the bike is very capable if its pilot's legs are up to task. Mine were on strike for most of the start, but I got them back - at least for a little bit - once on Wildcat. By the time I'd made it to the bottom, I was in the lead. Love them 29er wheels. The ensuing climb was rough, but I passed a lot of people before getting into the singletrack known a s Abigayle (sp?), though the eventual winner passed me at some point on that climb. Once I got past the climbs I found a groove and the singlespeed was wonderful. By the time I'd reached the reservoir I was in the lead again, but I'd get passed once again on a long section of fireroad climbing. A pattern of regaining the lead on downhill or technical sections only to lose it on climbs was established, and eventually TEW (the eventual winner) put a gap on me that I couldn't make up. In fact, at one point on a steep fireroad climb I was attempting some conversation (did I mention I'm not taking racing that seriously anymore?) and it didn't go over too well. TEW endured a few moments of socializing and then told me that he was going to put a gap on me now, and off he went, glancing often over his shoulder. I know Phil Ligget would have been disappointed that I didn't give chase, but I was in a spot of bother at the time (did I mention that I don't train?). I caught him a time or two after that , but in the end he crushed me by several minutes (I finished 3 minutes sooner than the time recorded - don't know why, doesn't matter).

Funny thing about the Curse is that the first third is so much fun (once past the initial climbing) that I always go out way too hard and suffer for the remainder of the race. Sunday was no exception, and I suffered a lot. But like I mentioned, the course was changed a bit from prior years and that one nasty long climb was omitted and I was happy for that. I did have lots of gastro issues, and realized at one point along a stretch of fireroad that I had to answer the call of nature. I was completely alone, so inspired by the boys in the Tour de France, I attempted an on bike fluid?voiding maneuver. In other words,?I tried an old roadie trick where one does not stop to take a leak. It did not go well. I will not attempt this maneuver again. I was indeed forced to stop to finish the deed. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful for me, and I was quite surprised to have enough gas to climb the powerline without stopping. I ended up second, and was happy and quite pleased with myself until I realized that Fast Albert had done the 100k race on his FULLY RIDGID singlespeed. Al ended up in the top ten in a field that was stacked with pros and semi pros. Way to go Al, you are my hero!

And speaking of accomplishments, Chuck B shredded the course in under 2:40 and took fifth in a very tough Vet field, and Greg Spath won his 10 mile race, bad hip and all! Just think how fast Greg will be once that hip heals. And the ankle. And the neck. And...

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see more Fish at the races either competing or cheering on fellow fish. I hope to be at the TT this Thurs to snap pics and watch others suffer. Its great fun!

Some of my venue pics are at: singlespeeder.smugmug.com (Dale Fitzsimmons has some there as well). And check out Tom Miller's awsome shots of the 100k race at: http://tomi.smugmug.com/gallery/3160737#173723758?


dp

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