Using Microcomputers at the Library SUN, 27 DEC 2009
Before my parents brought home an Apple IIgs, I could only use a computer at school (usually an Apple IIc or IIe) or at the library. And it was there I learned the early joys of using an Apple Macintosh.
Here's a scan of the "Microcomputer User Handbook" put out by the Cerritos Public Library circa 1986. My brother and I used to sign up for time slots and go to do homework and play games. Once in a while we'd try the IBM with DOS but it never seemed to work. But the Mac's were awesome and it was there we got our first tastes of typography and graphic design.
"The Apple Macintosh computers supplied by the Cerritos Public Library are equipped with two 3 1/2" disk drives, 512K of RAM, and Apple Imagewriter printers. The 3-1/2" disks hold twice as much information as the 5-1/4" diskettes used by the IBM computer."
512K of RAM! The latest MacOS (OS X Snow Leopard) requires a minimum of 1GB RAM. That's 2,048 times more memory!
Have you ever talked to someone and asked for their phone number and they give you just seven digits?
Me: What's your number?
Them: 555-1212
[silence.waiting.awkwardness]
Hello? Area code? Do you have one? Am I supposed to just know it?
I'm from L.A. and as long as I can remember there've been at least three area codes (213, 714, 909) around here and now there's a bajillion. Every time I cross a street I'm in a new area code or dealing with an overlay.
So from what hick-town-with-just-one-area-code are these people from who give out numbers without area codes?
Similary, I do a lot of print advertisements and keep seeing these ads where the designer - wait, perhaps I'm giving too much credit to begin with to assume there's a "designer" involved. Anyhow - where the "designer" has made the area code smaller than the rest of the phone number. I call it area code deprecation. It's as if the area code is less important to the phone number, which you know isn't true if you're trying to reach said number from a different area code phone, or even the same area code phone in an overlay situation. And there's the one that leave it off entirely...
Racing isn't about the money, but even when the payout is just enough to buy a spare tube, there's exponential joy in knowing you finished "in the money". Or anger and frustration when you keep coming up short.
But really, it is about the money, as in I gotta keep doing well at my day job to keep the family housed and fed.
Prior to last weekend, early season racing for me was two CBR crits, both of which I pretty much just attended. I was a low factor of the races and I pack finished.
Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Arizona was last weekend and our team headed out to defend last year's GC win by Peter Andersen.
I knew my lack of TT skills would immediately leave me out of contention, but I wasn't there for me, I was there for the team. I put in some efforts that got me dropped in the road race. I loved the crit but used my energy to help keep the race in check, not to sit and save or break away.
It takes another rotten Bank of America ATM experience to drive me to blog.
Short Story: BofA's new "scanning" ATMs suck. Don't believe me, Google something like BofA ATM scan terrible.
Longer Story: Within the last 12 months or so, BofA has replaced their ATMs with new versions that take cash and checks without the need for an envelope. Sounds good, except instead of an envelope, the new ones require you to insert cash and checks separately, and each check has to be fed in one at a time to go through a scan and verify process. With the older ATMs, you could put all your checks and cash into one envelope, make one deposit transaction, then be done.
BofA touts their new machines as a great achievement because you get machine-verified deposits that post more quickly to your account. That is great, except the trade-off is it takes much longer to run even a single check or cash transaction, not to mention much, much longer if you have several checks that have to go through the scan and verify process.
I do most of my banking online, have my paycheck direct deposited, and rarely pay cash. But still, I get checks and cash from time to time and have to deposit them. I use the ATM instead of going inside a bank and up until these new machines, it's been a great way to take care of business.
Today was the tipping point because like has happened times before, the machine wouldn't recognize an otherwise fine check. It just wouldn't take it. It tried scanning, buzzed and whirred, and then spit it out and said it couldn't accept it. And that's just unacceptable.
BofA is forcing me to do their deposit work while I stand their waiting for their machine to conduct what used to be back-office work. And then it can't even do it. Now, BofA is forcing me back into a branch where I'll have to wait in line longer because they have even less tellers working.
These new ATMs would be great if they were faster and better, but they're not. They just suck.
I put in 105 miles yesterday with the New Year's Day Ride. More miles than I've been putting in weekly. I've been eating like a pig ever since. My annual weight and body fat graphs will be posted soon (and probably won't be pretty).
In the right column of this main blog page is a ChipIn Widget for donations to Hughes Park Cycling. You might have noticed it before, but I never pointed it out because I wanted to really spice it up before the official launch. I never got around to spicing it up and it expired 12/31/2008, but I do have good news to report about the donations collected out there.
Donations Collected in 2008 via the "DONASHUN BUKIT": $72.27
Expenses in 2008: $97.43
Three 18"x24" reflective "CAUTION: BIKE RACE" signs with H-stakes, $97.43
I'm in the process of starting a new ChipIn widget for 2009 donations. Funds will continue to benefit Hughes Park Thursday night cycling with signs, lights, and whatever else helps to keep it great.
Thanks to all who contributed and care to keep Hughes Park cycling safe, friendly, and going!
Not dead, not on an extended vacation, just busy as heck.
Doing what? Well, here's the ADM Top Ten "Things I've I've Been Doing Besides Blogging":
10. Organizing my sock drawer
9. Not riding the bicycle
8. Riding the sofa
7. Gaining weight
6. Working (glad to have a job)
5. Playing (with the family, baby)
4. Facebooking
3. Waiting for gas to get back down to 99¢
2. Watching the Kings win a few games
1. Putting together my pitch to Congress for my personal bailout plan.
Cycling Wisdom You're not training right if your bike gets more miles from the car than you do on it. Ride to your next training ride.
Financial Wisdom
I've had three banks fail on me or get bought out due to impending failureL CountryWide, IndyMac, and WaMu. It appears the smart money doesn't follow mine.
SELLING: I love it, but I gotta clear room in the garage or else my wife makes me start sleeping in there. I'm selling my Team 5 Star Fish custom painted Kuota Kredo. It's on eBay right now.
I've done about 5 rides is as many weeks since the season ended. Only it didn't end and I raced the Pro race at Interbike. It was the USA Criterium Series Finale race. The course was pure parking lot, all barriers, and had it not been for the incredible night of Las Vegas excess ending just 16 hours before the race, and had I actually been holding any fitness, I might have done really well. I liked the race as long as I was in it, but I had no strength to keep chasing after being behind at least 3 crashes. At least I wasn't a casualty. I did have enough time to pull out, clean up, and call it - Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United) won the race.
Interbike was fun. Met the sponsors, past, current, prospective, a lot of other cool folks.
SWELLING: I need to stop eating cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and ride more.
Didn't see it on TV, did see it on YouTube. Never laughed, not even close. Wondered tons what the heck it was about. Definitely grossed out by the end (Bill's shorts shirking, not the Windows Vista logo).
It made me wonder how quickly I'd be fired if I blew $300 million on ad like that. It made me jealous I never landed a contract to do so little and make so much for an ad like that.
After going the whole season without, I finally updated my race results for 2008. I hope to add a win at the Interbike/Las Vegas crit to cap the season.
I did half a Hughes park Thursday night after I just didn't feel good (once again). I got dressed this morning to go ride but was unable to resist the siren song of more sleep on the couch downstairs. I slept. The season, except for maybe doing the Vegas Crit, is done.
Quick recaps of my last few races.
Brentwood Grand Prix - 17 AUG 2008 - Pro/1/2
Cool area for a race and well organized. Thanks LaGrange! The course itself wasn't thrilling - a long out and back with u-turns around the street's center dividers. My recommendation is to give us some turns and to get us up or down some of the side street hills.
The race was pretty boring for me. There were some attacks but the long stretches and headwind on the way out meant guys would rather hide in the cluster and stay fresh. It was clear to me at halfway it was going to be a big sprint. I stayed close to the front mostly because it was easier at the u-turns to keep momentum in the top 20 than any further back, where it nearly stopped. I was aloof and was shocked when I heard 1 lap to go, not having realized we were on laps any earlier. Luckily I was forward in the pack and know how to maneuver. I did fine around the last turn and felt out the forward flow well. I was getting excited, probably a little too excited, and followed Brandon Gritters' (5 Star WVO) wheel along the left about 200 meters out. He was on someone else but they both died earlier than I wished and I was left to get to the line by my legs alone. A big rush came up on the right and it was Justin Williams (Rock Racing) a bike throw ahead of Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United). I managed 16th, still a payday since the race was a generous $4,000 and 20 deep.
Ladera Ranch Grand Prix - 10 AUG 2008 - 30+
Planned to do the 30+ and Pro/1/2 races but it got hot quick and the 2+ hour gap between races was too much. So I only did the 30+ but was glad to have teammates Lance Coburn, Robert Ramirez, and Peter D'Aquanni with me.
My warmup wasn't the best but I was okay to start. We missed an early 3 man attack and the rest of the field just sat around. I put in some monster pulls to go after it and just as I pulled up from my third one, a group of four took off and bridged across. The field seemed uninterested in racing. I tried more attacking, avoided a crash, and it eventually came down to a field sprint for 7th (one guy in the break came off). I charged up the hill to the last corner, hit it with a good lead, and held it to the line. Robert came in just behind me for 8th, so we salvaged a little dignity but I was still disappointed we missed the break and ensuing brige. Norm Carter (Team Redlands) won, followed by Michale Johnson (Sho-Air/Sonance). Lance and Robert were a crazymen who jumped right into the next race, the 35+. I waited for my prize money, interviewed with an O.C. Register reporter for a newspaper article, and then went home.
FIAC National Criterium Championships - Costar Mesa, CA - 09 AUG 2008 - Elite/1/2
It was win or get nothing here since it was a race without prize money, just the chance to win a national championship jersey (albeit it a much less coveted one). Lance and I raced well early and were covering the serious moves. But I made an error in attacking counter to the rythm of some other strong racers, so as I dropped back, they jumped and I couldn't go. Nate Deibler (5 Star WVO) led the group of 3 or 4 guys away. Everyone else watched 'em roll and nobody put together an effort to really chase. They break stayed off and I stayed out of trouble, sitting up after turn three since there was nothing to mix it up for. I didn't see it, but I heard Nate got nipped in a three man sprint with the winner a NOW guy.
CBR Dominguez Hills - BAR Series Finale - 03 AUG 2008 - 30+ & Pro/1/2
Peter Andersen, Dave Bautista, and Robert Ramirez came to help me out in the last BAR series race of the year. I was sitting 5th overall, 11 points out of 4th (Joel Stangeland - Amgen-Giant) and 23 points from 3rd (Karl Bordine - 5 Star WVO). I would have to win the 5 point prime and the race overall (21 points) for a chance to move into 3rd. Karl wasn't there so this was mathmatically possible, as was at least moving into 4th. I didn't get the prime but we still raced well. Antony Galvan (NOW) and Thurlow Rogers (Amgen-Giant) traded early blow as the top two BAR series placeholders separated by just 10 points. I kept attacking and covering attacks and eventually was in a break that didn't include Joel, Tony, or Thurlow. Both ny teammates, Dave and Peter, bridged up and we took off in a break of about 14.
Our strategy changed from protecting me to going for the race win since my BAR series spot was secure and likely to be 4th. I managed a $20 prime in between. We fought for control with Sho-Air coming to the last laps. Dave selflessly attacked at two to go to force a Sho-Air chase, else he ride off for the win. His move tired out their train and Peter had us looking really good heading into the last turn. At turn 4, we got a little cut off on the inside and had to miss some pedal strokes. Danny Kam (Nu-Vision) found the right lane and sprinted for the win, followed by a resilient Michale Johnson (Sho-Air) and me on the far left, just inches back for 3rd. I was followed by my old teammate Gil Correa, and Peter behind him for 5th. I ended up 4th overall for the BAR series.
I nearly finished the Pro/1/2 race later in the day but my legs weren't cooperating. They shut down 15 minutes before the end, so I watched from the sidelines and cheered on Peter, who stuck it out for 19th.
Dominguez Hills Crit by Velo Allegro - 20 JUL 2008 - 30+ & Pro/1/2
30+ - I was in an early break with Antony Galvan (NOW-MS Society) and John Allen (Velocity) but wasn't willing to put in 1/3 of the work for a chance to stay away when I didn't think we had a real chance. I eased up and got back into the flow. Soon after, I was rewarded and thrilled when I worked my way into a strong five-man break including Antony, Pat Caro (Schroeder Iron), Thurlow Rogers (Amger-Giant), and Tom Farley (Velo Pasadena). We quickly put time on the field and I thought I was racing for a top five but that went to top seven when Karl Bordine (5 Star WVO) and Evan Teske (Schroeder Iron) bridged up. At about 5 laps to go, Caro, Bordine, and Farley attacked and I waited for Antony or Thurlow to react but they were more concerned with eachother and Teske was fine with a teammate getting up the road. They didn't stay far, but they stayed ahead and sprinted into the back of the field. Karl took the win, Pat 2nd, Tom 3rd. Antony beat the rest of us for 4th, Teske 5th. I respect Thurlow a ton but wasn't going to let him beat me in a sprint. I held him off for 6th. To his defense, it was probably his 8th race of the day.
I lasted just over an hour in the Pro/1/2 before my legs said "no mas" and I headed for the car.
Skipped Ontario yesterday and thereby skipped 102 degree temps. I even skipped riding altogether. Instead I stayed cool and had fun family time including playing in the dolphin fountain outside of Cerritos Library.
Crash at El Dorado Park Tuesday Twilight Race - Tuesday, 19 AUG 2008
I guess I was overdue. I managed to get through 17 months without a crash until yesterday's El Do. Somehow when I do get tangled up in a crash, it is often at El Do.
This one was just a week shy of six years ago, back on Aug. 27, 2002, when I was in a major pile up that landed me in the hospital. Nearly the same time of year, nearly the same place on the road.
The night was a relatively slow pace. I think a lot of guys are winding down their seasons and some of the heavier hitters were missing. Tony Cruz (BMC)was there, fresh from a 4th place at Saab USA Cycling Professional Criterium Championships at Downer's Grove. But even Tony seemed to be taking it kind of easy. (I'll save you the suspense and worry and tell you Tony avoid the crash.) I still had interest in moving into the top 10 overall for the year.
It was all together with one lap to go. Aside from being slower, it was looking to be a typical sprint finish. We got half way, over the hill, and around turn three without incident. I was in my drops and jockeying toward the front. I found my way to the left side and started my move up as we rushed past the ranger station towards turn four.
My eyes were forward as I quickly moved from about 20 back to 12. I spied and targeted a pocket that would get me in 3rd or 4th spot around the last turn - a great spot to jump from to the finish. I was easily on my way there with plenty of room and momentum on the inside.
A second later, I went from licking my chops about a great finish to licking grass. Somewhere in the middle of the head of the pack, 8-9 deep, people bumped or got tangled or otherwise f'd up. People came out at me and someone hit me hard, sending me on a path to the parking blocks lining the road. I had no time to jump, so my front wheel smacked into the parking block and I went over the top left of my bike.
I closed my eyes as I started to somersault, tucked like a good cyclist-turned-instant-gymnast, but took a 2.0 for the landing. I went from upright (call it 0 degrees) to a little more than half way around (~210 degrees), where I came back to earth, first with the back of my helmet. I knocked out for a few seconds. When I opened my eyes, I was face first in the grass.
Oh yes, the grass. Lucky for me, I was first to crash and got my pick of green grass to land on. A similar fall on asphalt or concrete probably would have knocked me out longer/worse. Based on the injuries and soreness, I figure after I hit my head, I hit my right shoulder next, followed by my back, and then I flipped on the ground one more time.
I laid still for at least a minute: my standard approach to post-crash assessment. A lot of dudes will try to pop right back up and shake it off, but I prefer to wait to see what hurts to see if I should even stand up at all. I knew where I was, I knew my name, and after a minute or so, I couldn't feel any blood gushing or instant, throbbing pain, so I slowly rolled over and sat up, facing back toward the road.
At least six or seven other riders were on the ground. To my right was Craig Miller (Schroeder Iron). Craig was clutching his hand and said "my finger's cut off." He tried to sit up but I urged him to lay back as others did the same. Plenty of people had stopped to help out and calls to 911 were being made. [Latest word is Craig's finger was severed and unable to be re-attached, but he is recovering.]
I stood up and started to take stock of my body. My head was ringing and my shoulder sore. I looked down to see both my socks rolled down toward my feet. The right one had a wad of grass in it, and beneath the grass, I had two scrapes and an achy inside ankle.
My skinsuit was grass stained on the shoulder but otherwise fine, as was the rest of me. Unlike a slide on asphalt that results in lots of road rash, this crash was a launch and munch - air then hard impact, and perhaps some sliding but on nice slippery grass.
Once I figured out I was okay, I took a look at my bike. I first noticed a large rock jammed between my left brifter lever and the hood. Weird. The right brifter was turned in. My front wheel had a long scrape and dent where it obviously impacted the parking block. The rear wheel was out of true. My computer mount broke off the handlebar and I noticed later my two waterbottles had gone flying off to somewhere.
Hector Saldana (Cynergy) offered me a ride home. I didn't hesitate to take him up on it. I was able to open the brakes up and gingerly ride the bike back to his truck.
I felt bad the rest of the night and went to bed early. My body needed recovery rest.
Today I still have a headache and my neck is a little stiff and sore, but not as bad as I expected. My right shoulder, right forearm, and ankle are still sore. I figure the right forearm is sore because I was in the drops and the handlebar top corner smacked it hard after hitting the parking block. I attribute the ankle damage to hitting the bike as I went over the top, possibly on the top tube, handlebar or stem.
I looked the bike over more thoroughly this morning and it seems it's okay. I still haven't unwrapped the handlebar to check for carbon fiber damage, but it appears mostly good news.
Crash at El Do tonight. I hit my head freakin' hard. Blacked out for a couple of seconds. Helmet is dead.
I have a bruised right ankle, an achy right arm, and a heckuva headache. My front wheel is dented plenty good from hitting one of the parking blocks that line the sides of the road. My bike appears to be in pretty good condition but I haven't looked it over thoroughly yet. I did have some turned in brifters and my computer mount broke. I'm gonna have to give my carbon fiber handlebar a good look to make sure it's rideable.
I didn't look, but Craig Miller (Schroeder Iron) said his finger was severed. He was in pain. Jim Wiznura (CBR) had some road rash. Several other bodies were strewn about and I saw at least two other well-munched wheels, including a carbon one owned by Alexi Martinez (SuccessfulLiving.com).
Thanks to Hector Saldana (Cynergy) for the ride home.
CBR Long Beach Criterium - 13 JUL 2008 - Pro1/2 Feeling good after winning the 30+ race, I drank up and stepped up for the Pro/1/2. It started fine and I was in some early moves. However, none of those I was in stuck, and as my legs started to show their wear, a big break did get off. I could only watch it roll away without me.
Strong winds kept it strung out and the relenting chase after the likes of Tony Cruz (BMC), Chepe Garcia (Toyota-United), Dan Ramsey (Time Factory), Christian Valenzuela (Successful Living), and my former teammates on 5 Star, Nate Deibler and Brandon Gritters, proved too much for about two to three guys every lap. In an odd way, I had a teammate up the road since Brandon had joined CA Pools Cycling Team for the day - he was wearing our jersey because he forgot his.
When another break from the main field rolled off, I realized I was no longer racing and riding simply to finish, so I sat up from the dwindling field at around 45 minutes and went home.
Nate and Brandon were the only teammates in the six-man break but were bested by Chepe, Tony, and Christian for the finish. Nate had a hard day the day before, taking 2nd at Aliso Viejo, and Brandon said something about sweating off some partying the night before. Figures he'd choose a bad day to be dressed as my teammate.
I'm not racing San Marcos today. I like the course, have had good results there before, but wasn't looking forward to the drive down. I also have a family event later today so it was an easy choice to skip the race. I also slept in and skipped a ride this morning. I finally have more computer time to catch up.
Photos from Aliso Viejo - 12 JUL 2008
Gray corduroy jeans, Smokin' Mos BBQ t-shirt with number pinned, hairy legs, saddle bag, and the rest of the normal gear. Here's some photo evidence.
Climbing behind Kirk Bausch (Cynergy)
This is fun (must be lap 2, before the curdoroy chaffing and hill climb effects set in)
CBR Long Beach Criterium - 13 JUL 2008 - 30+ 1/2/3 I've raced a lot of courses many times over in my career, but Hughes Park in Long Beach is the place I''ve put more laps in at than any other. Every year there's at least one and often two or three races on the same loop, and almost every week, I'm out there on Thursday nights getting my training race workout. It's my "home course" and knowing it well made the difference in this race.
Step 1: Good night's rest, treated my curduroy damage, good breakfast, and remembered all my gear, including jersey and shorts.
Step 2: Got to the race on time, got a warm-up, and felt comfortable. +2 for the Home Course Advantage: one for knowing exactly how long it takes to get there, and two for feeling entirely comfortable about being there in general. It also helped to already have a few wins out on this course and to have my teammate Lance with me. We went 1-2 at this race back in 2006 and we were looking to repeat the feat.
Step 3: Race. There were some tired legs in the bunch including Thurlow Rogers (Amgen/Giant) who the day before did two races at Aliso Viejo and won both. He probably had at least one race already in the books this day. There were also some fresh legs, like flatlander guys Evan Teske (Shroeder Iron) and Randall Coxworth (Acqua al 2/SDBC), who apparently knew better than I did and didn't go to Aliso Viejo at all.
The race was aggressive early, with Antony Galvan (NOW-MS Society) being aggressive in part to try and make up some points on Thurlow for the CBR BAR Series. I felt good and was part of every jump and serious move. I sensed it was only a matter of time before a good break would go.
About half way through the race a guy rolled up the road and I decided to jump up to him. I'm not sure exactly why, now, but it was probably because he showed some strength earlier and I thought he'd be a good worker for a break. In any case, I reached him without anyone in tow. We traded pulls for 1/2 a lap, came across the line with a nice lead and got a $20 prime bell. I yelled out, "keep going, just split it" because I'd rather have $10 than risk getting none - I was sure if we dawdled we'd get caught before coming around and it would be better for us to work together to get the prime and see how much further we could get.
We came around for the prime and took it fine. I looked back to see a chase break had formed and was headed our way. I warned my break companion to keep it going but to also ease up a bit so we'd have no problems jumping on board. When the group of eight came by, we got on and it was off we went. This was the winning break.
At first I found myself doing extra work and pulls. The organization of the group wasn't good but I wanted it to work and put in some extra effort to get everyone to go along. Soon enough everyone was taking their pulls and we established a nice lead over the field. Lance was back at the front of the pack doing his blocking magic as were several other teams, I'm sure. The break didn't have any team with multiple guys so the teammates in the field were happy to let the break get away and play out. The break included strong guys like Kirk Bausch and Tom Farley (Velo Pasadena), but notably missing were Galvan and Thurlow.
Nearing the end I was getting tired. I tried to keep aware since I figured the attacks would start coming. Gauging the competition around me, I figured I was looking at no lower than a top 4 finish if it came to a sprint. The sprint legs I was most worried about were Evan Teske (Schroeder Iron) and Coxworth. We hit 5 laps to go and no one attacked hard. It looked like it would surely be a sprint finish at two to go as everyone eyeballed eachother but no one tried to shoot off. Coming into one to go, a single rider rolled off and the rest of us kept looking for the other to go get him. I crept to the front around turn 1 and the group gave me some space. I stared over my shoulder and saw no reaction, so I made the choice to go for it all and threw it down into turn 2.
I was immediately and fully committed. +1 for the Home Course Advantage, because I knew exactly what kind of distance and pain I was in for to get to the line. I dropped into aero position, kept a swift but strong cadence, and kept looking forward to the guy off the front as I surveyed the gap behind me.
At turn 3 I knew I'd catch the guy ahead, so then it was a question of keeping the lead to the line. I passed the guy with a sharp, fast line on the inside of turn 4 (+1 for the Home Course Advantage - knowing the turn). I looked back once more to see the rest of the break charging. I got up on the pedals and started sprinting for my life. I didn't dare look back. I kept it going all the way to the line, fearing I might get nipped.
A moment from the line, I knew I'd had it. I didn't have enough time or confidence to pull-off a fancy salute. Instead, it was a fist pump of triumph and relief (~20 months since my last win).
My text message to team director Ernie Sanchez regarding today's race:
Raced in my board shorts n tshirt. Frkn hrd climber course. I popped n dropped ~40 min. No pro.1 today. 2 races tomorrow.
Ernie responds succinctly:
hilarious
Not much else to say except that yeah, I forgot my clothes in the dryer and had zero teammates or anyone else that liked me around to borrow some shorts or jersey.
I said to Chris Lotts, "Hey, I forgot my clothes, would you pin this number onto my t-shirt?" Chris laughed and said "you gotta be kidding" and then offered to have me race sans number but I insisted since the rest of the world might not realize I'm "so fo real" and think I was just a knucklehead who jumped into the race. At least now I was a knucklehead with a number. 2 legit.
I'd spent the earlier part of the time there trying to wrestle up some clothes. I did buy some cool Converse socks at TJ MAXX so my feetsies were good. But no warm-up.
The pack was kind enough to do a mellow lap to start but that was it. Thurlow and a teammate took off, the rest of the field sat around watching, more guys went off later, and I squirmed in my saddle with the seam of my shorts rubbing me the wrong way. Cobbles weren't an issue but that climb (not a bump, not a rise) was a big issue for me any many others.
I went for a prime before I blew up - didn't even get it. It was then I decided to save some for tomorrow.
I sure hope one of the many photographers got a nice shot of my t-shirt action.
And Travis (Sho-Air), you're a liar! This is nothing like San Pedro. Much harder. Hahahaha. You got me. Darn you! But good race atmosphere and course. I hope it returns for many years though I may not elect to race it.
Before I tell you about Sunday's Paramount Racing Criterium, two more things about MBGP:
I was the 5th or 6th oldest top 20 finisher. No extra pay was involved.
I was surely the hairiest legged mofo in the top 20. No extra pay but plenty of ridicule was involved.
I guess this a good time to mention my team doesn't have one, so I am seeking an individual sponsorship with a razor or other hair removal type company. I give all my sponsors great exposure. Contact me if you're interested. And YES, I WILL entertain lucrative offers from serious duct tape manufacturers.
Paramount Racing Criterium - Sunday, 06 JUL 2008
I figured a nice close-to-home race, a short 80 minute crit, would be an easy and fun way to end the three-day holiday weekend. I had a good 4th, 5th, and the morning of the 6th wasn't too shabby either. I headed to Dominguez Hills in good spirits and figured I'd been riding well enough lately that I'd probably have a good race this day, too.
I rolled into the industrial park to find it packed with racers. I expected everybody to be out of town, not here racing. Wrong. Okay, no sweat, just more guys to hide behind, except when I go to register and warm up, I keep seeing a lot of big game dudes: Rock Racing had a full squad including Rahsaan Bahati, Sterling Magnell, and Sergio Hernandez. Jonathan Cantwell and Neil Shirley were there for Jittery Joes. Kyle Gritters and Rory Sutherland represented HealthNet p/b Maxxis. Successful Living fielded three or four including Alexi Martinex and Christian Valenzuela, Team 5 Star WVO had five or six including Karl Bordine and Paul Che, and then there was still some solo hitters like Antonio Cruz (BMC) and Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United).
To put it another way, it seemed like rather than leave town, a bunch of guys stuck around after MBGP to toe up for this crit. Ralph Elliot announced a field of 123 of a limit of 125.
Good thing I got a proper warm-up, 'cause the pace picked up really quickly. I stayed near the front and was active. I tried to be smarter than faster and really chose my moves according to who was where. It paid off. I was in several moves that had shots but got shot down quickly. I missed a few others but each of those were missing key ingredients and those came back, too. The pace stayed fast but I was pretty comfortable. After the race a few guys I talked with said it was a really fast race. I didn't feel it for once - I guess it was a good day for my non-shaved legs.
Seventy-five minutes later and it's all together. 5 Star lines up at the front but loses the leadout battle to Rock Racing. I wormed my way forward and was 25ish into the last lap. I kept making spots and started to move real well on the inside towards turn four.
The legs didn't seem like they were there to punch it into the corner, otherwise I probably could have hit it top 10. Instead, I hesistated and tried to duck behind the guys on my left. I came around the last corner about 17th and started kicking. My move to get out of the wind failed as the guys ahead swung ultra wide and several of them beyond the cones. I kept on towards the line as the group swung back in front of me half way there. Off to the left, Paul Che, who'd hit the corner 2nd and was on his way to a sure podium if not the win, somehow came out of both his pedals and mashed his 'nads good 'n plenty but managed not to crash and still roll in ahead of me at 11th.
The real entertainment was ahead at the line as Cantwell, fifth around the corner and around Paul's wheel after he came unclipped, streaked to the finish and started to celebrate the win. Except he failed to realize Bahati's cone flirtation recovery and fast approach to Cantwell's right. Bahati, ever the relentless racer, lunged at the line and pipped Cantwell for the win.
Jonathan Cantwell celebrates the win while ADM fights forward...
...but Rahsaan Bahati sneeks past Cantwell on the right. ADM continues the sprint in the background.
Rahsaan points out the win. ADM gets 12th.
Seems Cantwell's a good sport about it as he acknowledges his mistake on his blog.
Well, to wrap it up, the prize money for 12th was enough to pay for my next race, but the best reward was the 12 oz. tulip shaped customized beer glass. I took mine home and didn't hesitate to enjoy it with a nice cold brew.
47th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix Presented by Rock Racing - 29 June 2008
Another year, another MBGP. I love this race and have managed to do it just about every year starting in 1994.
When I first did it in 1994, I was a Cat. 5 and it was probably only my 4th or 5th USCF/USAC criterium ever (however, I'd been racing several collegiate road races and crits during the year). The details of the race escape my memory, but I finished 3rd and have the small trophy on my book shelf to remind me. I updgraded to Cat. 4 after that.
My best finish was in 2005 when I was a Cat. 2. Back then it was a Pro/1/2 race with the 2s scored separately. I ended up 16th overall and was the 1st Cat. 2. I got to double-dip the prize money (20 deep Pro/1 and 1st Cat. 2) and I got a winner's jersey.
The past two years, 2006 and 2007, weren't as good. I upgraded to Cat. 1 (just in time for when the race became a Pro/1 only). I was just out of the money in 2006 (22nd) and, after acquiring a baby and job and working hard for my team, was 32nd in 2007.
This year wasn't bad. My goal was to finish, my hope was to top 20, and my long-term goal is to keep this kind of result up long enough so my daughter will actually get to see it and remember it and not just have to look my name up in and old race program.
It was just me and Pedro (Peter Andersen) flying the colors again for our team. Our pre-race strategy session consisted of "let's survive, okay?" "Okay."
After call-ups (none for me-WTF?), the race got underway and I felt remarkably comfortable. I made my way toward the front and sat in around 30ish.
I managed to stay toward the front and also work myself into a few short-lived moves. I kept my nose out of the wind and anticipated the usual field sprint at the end. No crazy pulls, bridges, or prime chasing for me.
A break got off towards the end but it wasn't a big threat and got chased down by Rock Racing. With 3 laps to go I worked my way forward, and on the back stretch of the last lap, I assumed my usual position, on the inside with tons of speed.
I didn't get as far as up as I would have liked but managed to get into and around the corner about 20th. Just ahead and to my left were bodies piling up. Somebody crashed and slid outward (see the crash sequence here). This is also very usual and the smart and/or familiar guys stick to the inside of the turn.
One of the smart and familiar guys is Rahsaan Bahati (Rock Racing). He's also fast. Just like last year, he took the win after diving on the inside and unwinding his quick sprint. Further back I moshed the pedals, passed a few guys, and ended up in the money at 17th. And since MBGP is a National Race Calendar event, the purse is big and the payout is nice all the way down to 20th.
My company, Storage Solutions, had a group outing to tonight's Angels game. We left after the 7th inning stretch and the Angels were down by 3 or 4. Good tailgate pre-game, good people, bad night for the Halos.
Before we left to get to the game, we checked online to see if we could bring food/snacks. I wasn't looking to carry in a large pizza, but I did want to bring peanuts and water and some candy.
Well, it seems the Angels purposefully omit mentioning on their website food is allowed. The give the okay to bringing in bottled water (no soda) but somehow fail to mention anything about food. I had to Google around and finally came upon the Ticketmaster (aka SurchargeMaster) site for the venue where it at least implies (but does not say) food is allowed. It says, "NO BULK QUANTITIES OF FOOD ARE ALLOWED."
I guess they figure if they don't tell you, you won't figure it out and instead of bringing your own peanuts you'll shell out (haha-pun) for their doubly-expensive ones. We took a chance and brought our peanuts and Cracker Jack and water and it was no problem. A lot of people in line had Subway sandwiches and they were let in, too.
I wish they'd stop playing games and just tell us what the policy is.
I'll tell you about how Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (MBGP) went tomorrow.
I also added a photo to the San Pedro GP story below. It shows what I wrote - me sitting up with my hand in the air and everyone else sprinting to the line behind eventual (perpetual?) winner Karl Bordine (5 Star WVO) who beat out Raul Frias (Vitamix/Sixtufit) and Rudy Napolitano (Rock Racing).
I participated in the San Pedro Grand Prix Pro/1/2 yesterday, the Elite State Championship race. I'd say I raced except I really wasn't racing. I was more or less just there.
I hadn't done this race before. I wasn't sure I'd like the course given the long stretches and sharp turns on each end. It turned out the turns weren't too tight and the wind not too bad.
It was just me and Peter "Pedro" Andersen for our team. Peter did a great job of winning the field sprint for 3rd in the 35+ race. Sadly, his great finish did little to inspire me for this race. He seemed to still have plenty of gas.
Peter asked, "How are you feeling?" I responded, "I'm not." The heat (no ocean coolness in San Pedro) wasn't doing anything but killing me, and for a reason I couldn't figure out, I felt flat, like a can of soda left open all day. I couldn't blame the course.
I rode top half of the field to start and never warmed up or felt good. At around 45 minutes, after a hard effort to bridge a gap, I sat up, rolled back, and nearly called it a day. However, the pack was strung out enough that once I finally caught my breath and decided I should continue, I was still able to catch a wheel. After that moment, I started to feel better, but never good, and floated frop top 10 to last ten in the pack, over and over again.
I kept spying Peter up the road, mixing it up well. I felt terrible that I couldn't help, especially after he'd already put in a race.
Rock Racing and 5 Star WVO exchanged attacks. Nothing lasted long. 5 Star WVO lined it up with 3 laps to go. Their train kind of derailled before the last lap and Rock Racing tried to take over. I couldn't find the energy to move up like usual with 1 to go. I was 20 back around the last turn and avoided a big pile-up on the left. Strangely, after dodging bodies and bikes, I found myself looking down the road with a potential top 10. But when I got up to torque it to sprint, I heard a TWANG and couldn't get it going.
My rear wheel blew a spoke and the rim was rubbing the brakes a ton. I threw up my hand and a bunch of guys blew by me - safely - thank you very much. I think I rolled in around 20ish. I didn't see where Peter ended up. Come to think of it, I didn't go back to see if he was at the bottom of that pile or not. I should call.
I got back to the car, chugged a bottle of water, a bottle of Cytomax, and a can of soda (fizzy, not like my legs).
The bad news is I'm heavier than I should be if I want to be really competitive. The good news is the donuts and ice cream haven't pushed me to new highs... yet.
This first chart shows the 7-day average of my morning and evening body weight as measured by the same electronic scale over the past six years.
The story here is I'm currently weighing in around 148.25 pounds, am the heaviest I've been in 4 years, am 4.0 pounds above my lowest weight at this time of year, and am nearly 5 pounds heavier than my lowest recorded weight.
The second chart shows the 7-day average of my morning and evening body fat % as measured by the same electronic scale using biolelctric impedance analysis (BIA) over the past six years.
The story here is I'm currently at 10.5% body fat, have the most body fat in 4 years, am 1.5% above my lowest % at this time of year, and am 2% fatter than my lowest recorded %. And although 2% doesn't sound like much on its own, 2% of 148 pounds is 3 pounds. I'm carrying around 3 extra pounds!
I had this data for some time but finally looked at it carefully and it's already caused me to go from two donuts and two scoops of ice cream to one each.
1. APR 20 - Torrance Criterium - After taking a beat-down at Garrett Lemire, I was glad to have a local crit for an easy drive and hopefully easier race. Good rest and some of the improved training I've been up to kind of paid off. For the first time this season I was affecting the race, not just surviving it. I chased Christian Valenzuela (SuccessfulLiving.com) around like a shadow while keeping a keen eye on the handful of Rock Racing guys in the mix (Sergio Hernandez, Sterling Magnell, Austin Carrol). As a result, I was in or quickly on top of all the breaks. Unfortunately, it came down to a field sprint and someone went down into turn three. I had to hit the breaks and settled for a 12th place finish. Money was 10 deep, so I missed out on cash but was glad to see some good legs and racing from myself for once.
2. APR 27 - Chuck Pontius Crit - I so very happily skipped Devil's Punchbowl Road Race the day before. Valencia was hot but there was a breeze in the air to keep it tolerable. I had teammates in the race: Lance Coburn and Peter Andersen. Both guys had already done earlier races. Peter was in an early break that looked like it might stay off. He later told me there was too many guys skipping their pulls. After that break caught, Peter and I made the second and ultimately final break of the day. Chepe Garcia (Toyota-United) was the guy who kicked it off. I struggled early as Chepe drove the pace. A few guys fell off, but some more came across. We started working well, then not, so our group of 15 or so guys nearly got caught at around 15 minutes to go. When we got 5 laps to go our lead appeared to be enough and the jockeying started. At turn 4 heading into 1 to go, a LiquidFitness guy jumped. I hesistated and so did everyone else, and he ended up holding us off for the win. I didn't bother trying to look for Peter, or him for me, as we were both pretty gased. At least he had a good excuse. I managed to get 8th in the sprint, but well off the six guys ahead of me. Peter was 12th. Lance did his faithful blocking duties back in the field.
Woohoo! My first top 10 and money in a Pro/1/2 race all year.
1. Skipped Ontario on 24 FEB in favor of lounging about the house or something. All I know is I didn't race and didn't ride.
2. Did CBR's Dash 4 Cash Crit on 02 MAR. Did fine in the 30+. Was in a break with my former teammate Chris DeMarchi (5 Star WVO). I nabbed one lap for $20. I thought our group of 10ish would stay off but too many guys weren't doing their share. We got caught, there was a big crash at two to go (or one to go?) that took out my teammate Lance Coburn. I dodged the flying bikes and bodies, rolled in for 10th. Karl Bordine (5 Star WVO) did his usual; flew up the side on the last lap and won handily.
I started the Pro/1/2, did about an hour and decided I sucked and was tired and went home. DNF.
3. Did my team's race, the Tour de Murrieta Pro/1/2 on SAT & SUN 08-09 MAR. The crit was fast, I was participating but tiring, at four to go, I was behind a pile-up in turn 1, got nailed in the calf by someone's something, and cramped up. I couldn't continue, no free laps, I technically DNFed but thought I had a good race otherwise. Jonathan Cantwell (Jittery Joe's) stuck it to Dominique Rollin (Toyota-United) and Antonio Cruz (BMC) for the win.
Sunday's road race was a tough one. Guys were dropping like flies. I managed to hang on and finish 35th. Up the road was a break of 15 or more, and it was Karl Bordine (5 Star WVO) who got the jump on the break for the win.
4. LA Circuit Race on 16 MAR. I was actually feeling good about this one. Rock Racing brought a boat load of dudes including Tyler Hamilton. My team brought me. El solo. Was doing fine until I started to have issues with my chain or pedal. No free laps, but I couldn't keep going with the problem. I pulled out and found a frozen link on the chain. Justin Beope, 5 Star WVO Director, let me use some tools in the van. I got the link loosened up and jumped back in a lap down. No chance of making it up, I just got some training in. I stayed out of the way for the sprint, but with a 12t rear, I wouldn't have had a chance on that downhill at 45+ MPH.
5. Skipped another weekend of racing 22-23 MAR which was Del Mar and Ontario. I think I watched TV.
6. Totally glad to have the field fill before I could enter the San Dimas Stage Race Pro/1/2 (28-30 MAR). I would have been killed. Ended up being a nice weekend.
7. Chose Redlands over the Anthill Crit on 06 APR. Great, freakin' fast race. All the guys who couldn't handle the stage race did the crit and put the hammer down. Three lapped: Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United), Matt Shriver (Jittery Joe's), and Sergio Hernandez (Rock Racing). I was sitting about 20 with 2 to go and there was a wipe-out on turn one (sound familiar) and I ended up moving about 20 spots back as a result. Had no legs to move up the rest of the way and that's where I finished; 36th.
8. Wasn't really interested in the SD Cyclovets Omnium so I got crazy and went to Garrett Lemire Memorial Grand Prix (13 APR) instead. I was originally going to do the Isla Vista crit the day before, too, but the I never made hotel plans after I couldn't get into GLMGP cause it was full. I got luck and unlucky when I called to see if any spots opened up. One did, I got in, I skipped Saturday to save legs for Sunday, and it ended up that I would have needed to save for a lot longer than that. I only lasted 35 minutes in the very fast, very hot race. I had fun watching the rest unfold. SCNCA.com has 78 guys listed as finishing. I only recall about half that. Maybe I should have jumped back in.
On the training front, I am getting in four days a week now. Tuesdays at El Do, Thursday nights at Hughes, Saturdays wherever, and Sundays wherever if not racing or TV+couching.
El Do has seemed incredibly sketchy this year. I keep thinking about it and wonder if I'm losing my nerve. I think the issue is there are a lot up recently upgraded guys or 3s who aren't good bike handlers and a lot of the final laps aren't fast enough to weed them out. I much prefer surviving to banging it out in a training race, but so many people take El Do too seriously. I yield to them in favor of survival.
Over a month since my last entry and I finally felt guilty enough to sit and type something. A few things.
1. There should be a law that requires sports venues to adjust the price of beer according to the home team's performance. Bad team = cheaper beer to drown your sorrows. I haven't actually bought one in a long while, but I noticed Staples Center charges $10 for a handheld bucket of suds at a Kings game. The Kings are dead last in the NHL. I don't know who's crazier, them and their prices or us for still making the trip to see them.
2. Racing: Yes I have been, just not with much result. After CBR's rainfest, I did:
10 FEB - Roger Millikan/Brea - Pro/1/2 - Lots of fast guys but it came down to a big sprint. I was happy to finish and stuck to my word of going for a ride afterward for extra training.
15-17 FEB - Valley of the Sun Stage Race - 30+ - I travelled with the team to Valley of the Sun where we dominated the 30+ race. We were the only team with a full squad. After several of our guys time trialed for great positions on Friday (Dave "Meat" Gonyer was our best, 3rd place and 5 second back), we spent the next day of road racing attacking and isolating the GC leader.
Donny Carrol (DeWalt) missed the early break but worked like a madman to try and bring it back. With our blocking, the break stuck and two of our guys, Meat and Peter Andersen, moved up overall. Peter was 3rd, Meat was 4th, and Peter Coulson (2xu) took the win and the lead.
We stuck to plan and did the same at the crit the next day. It was a short 30 minutes of fury. I hounded the GC leader, Coulson, gapping him out and making him chase around as we launched attack after attack. At two to go, a big attack turns into a gap up the road and we get the race win (Michael Williams) and the GC win by 4 seconds. Peter tops the podium, Meat was 3rd, Mike was 7th. My lack of TT skill put me 7:06 behind at 16th.
Racing in the rain on Sunday (CBR's RILYSI race) wasn't such a bad thing. Turns out it was the best wash my bike's gotten in about 6 months.
Usually the rain is only heavy enough to wet the ground and cause more gunk to stick on, but the substancial rain washed the bad stuff to the gutters and went on to wash the bad stuff, including gooey sports drink, from my bike.
Some people don't like all the controversy the Rock Racing pro cycling team is drumming up, especially through its opinionated and outspoken owner, Michael Ball.
The 2008 road racing season is here, so let's get some catching up done.
HEADLINE 1: ADM trades 5 Star Fish salt water for CA Pools & Spas relaxing fresh water!
Translation: I am on a new team for 2008, California Pools & Spas Cycling Team.
Why? My time with Team 5 Star Fish was great, but ended with my 2007 contract. I'm comfortable being honest about saying I wasn't asked to return. I'm also comfortable saying I probably couldn't have accepted an offer from 5 Star or any other team asking for a large commitment. With a baby and a job, I need to take the feet off the pedals a bit. I considered taking this year off to regroup, but Ernie Sanchez and the CA Pools Team put together an offer that allows me to race at a good, but less hectic level, with great support and with great comraderie, including three of my familiar 5 Star teammates: Dan Vinson, Peter Andersen, and Lance Coburn.
The team's focus is primarily 35+ events. I'm the "young" guy in the bunch with a racing age of just 34 this year, but there will be plenty of 30+ events for me to join in on and most of the guys will be taking on the Pro/1/2 events I plan to still work into my riding diet.
Oh, and the CA Pools & Spas Cycling Team color match my website better. :) I'll be updating my CYCLING page soon.
HEADLINE 2: CA Pools & Spas Cycling Team Nearly Drowns at CBR Race Downpour Some guys did the MLK crit last Saturday, but my first race of the season was yesterday's CBR Ride It Like You Stole It Criterium.
Rain was in the forecast but it was dry all morning. At 12:00 PM (as if the clouds waited so we could fairly say "it was dry all morning") rain began to fall. The 30+ race cued up at the line to start at 12:10, and by then it wasn't just lightly raining, it was raining. The race started out slowly, and then it was like the season never ended. Former teammate and current 5 Star Fish, Chris DeMarchi, ended up taking off with Thurlow Rogers (too many former teams to list). Other guys came and went. The difference was the rain, which went from rain to downpour.
My glasses fogged and I could barely see out of them. I took them off, only to realize it was worse to get stinging rain in my eyes than to keep the glasses on. I put them back on.
As Chris and Thurlow rode off into the sunset, Pat Caro (Schroeder Iron) was jumpy and was off in a break with others. Karl Bordine (5 Star) attacked to get across several times. I recall covering three of his moves which was two too few. On his fourth attack, I couldn't match and Karl got up the road to the break chasing DeMarchi and Thurlow. My man Peter Andersen got a ride up from Karl.
And then they called 35 minutes to go. It felt like it had already been forever. The rain sucked. It was cold. I was racing for 12th or something. I considered getting out right then. Silly me, I kept racing.
Then it got funny. Chris and Thurlow lapped us. Their presence kicked up the pace and we caught the other break, so it was Chris and Thurlow +1 lap, and everyone else together again. In the building rain, I got a laugh when I was pulling up tight alongside Pat Caro to move ahead of him and he gave me a shove on the hip. Because I missed picking up my new kits, I was wearing a plain-wrap Performance jersey and other old gear. Pat didn't recognize me and gave me the shove, assuming I was just some random racer dude. I knew it and gave him heck as I pulled up again, and we both got a laugh about it, acknowledging the courtesy reputation and familiarity give and get, or in this case, don't get when not recognized.
Back to racing. The rain came down more. The corners, especially the lowest one (turn 3), started to become rivers. The 5 lap countdown couldn't come fast enough. I was sure before that Karl and Chris would try to attach Thurlow but it never happened. Maybe Chris and Thurlow had an agreement? I figured Chris would be just as happy to let it come down to a field sprint since he'd be the favorite to beat him.
Karl sat at the back and I figured he'd try to launch with 2 or 1 to go. He was more patient than me and remained at the back as I moved up into the last lap. On the stretch into turn 4, Karl launched up the inside, hit the corner first, and went on to win the sprint for 3rd. I tried the same move after him, but didn't make the corner before about 5 guys ahead hit it tight. In dry weather, I would have killed the corner and kept rolling, but with the deep and rushing water there, I eased up and leaned up, losing valuable speed and spots. Past the turn, I started sprinting but could only salvage 9th place. Peter was ahead and took 5th or 6th. DeMarchi won.
Let's do the 100k Pro/1/2 for more miles! NO! Unbelievably, the rain got even heavier. After putting my pit wheels in the car I returned to the official's tent to check results. The 3's race was on the road and Mr. Police Officer rolled up to say he didn't think the race should continue due to the heavy and high water in the corners. The 3's race was shortened and the Pro/1/2 race cancelled.
I rolled to my car, threw the bike in the trunk, and jumped into the driver's seat soaking wet. From 5 Star Fish to CA Pools, to crazy rain in SoCal. It's crazy we all keep cycling. I'm glad I can swim.
First, let me tell you about how 2007 ended. I was tired and a wee-bit sick over the weekend. It was cold and I decided to sleep in instead of ride. On Saturday, I had gotten out of bed and into my cycling clothes but never made it down the stairs. I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to convince myself I needed to ride, but I wasn't convincing enough. I peeled off my cycling clothes, got back into my sweats, and crawled back into my warm bed.
I didn't even bother setting an alarm on Sunday. I told myself, "if I feel like waking up to ride, I will. And if I dont, I won't." I didn't and I didn't.
I worked on Monday and didn't ride but made the decision to forgo counting down to the new year in the evening in favor of bedtime at 10 PM. I wanted to get a good night's rest for the New Year's Day Ride.
Sleep is good. I woke up refreshed and anxious to get to the ride. The weather was great. It was about 58 degrees when I left the house, a good 10 degrees warmer than earlier days. It was sunny.
I was out the garage by 7:20 AM and made it to the Marina with enough time to grab a large cup of coffee before we rolled. It was windy and in my favor so I made great time down the trail. The group rolled from the Marina right at 8 AM.
I stayed safe and near the front. The quicker pace kept the ride pretty safe since the less-able riders were trying to hang on at the back. Turnout was strong but I never had the chance to turn around and guess a count. It seemed pretty safe. I didn't hear a single crash and the only close-call was coming into Newport when a few guys bunched up and bumped around but no one went down.
A lot of people turned around at Dana Point but the group that went inland was still large. The folks at the front were kind not to throttle it when we crossed the bridges on the bike trail and the pacing over the climbs was also steady. It was fast through El Toro and the wind was causing guys to gap but it stayed together due to traffic lights.
I got in the mix for the sprint at Bolsa Chica but found I had no legs to contest in the end. For some reason most of the guys kept going at 30 miles and hour back to the Marina. I sat up as soon as we crossed Warner and tooled back up PCH and then back up the trail to home.
The last 10 miles was my hardest as there was a headwind and my legs started to shut down. I got home with 108 miles.
yahoo.com
This is like a puzzle. Read the title. Know what I'm talking about? Google "
My text message to team director Ernie Sanchez regarding today's race:
47th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix Presented by Rock Racing - 29 June 2008
My company, 
Support a bum!