Comments on: Cherry Pie: 1 Part Crash, 3 Parts Chase

By: In Loving Memory: Sublime Sublimity - The Everyday Athlete

In Loving Memory: Sublime Sublimity - The Everyday Athlete — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:24:46 +0000

[...] In Loving Memory: Sublime Sublimity Tomorrow, the Hardest of the Hard Oregon racers will tackle a meat-mincer of an early-season race: the Sublime Sublimity Circuit Race. May the force be with them – that bad dog is about a ***, as documented by last year’s race report. In honor of their suffering, I present a re-run. Death by Sublimity: A Race Report 25 [...] Related posts:Cherry Pie: 1 Part Crash, 3 Parts Chase [...]

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:22:02 +0000

The unfortunate thing about racing is the rule that you are going to crash..it’s inevitable and certainly not limited to Cat 4 women. Look at Levi yesterday: crossed wheels with Lance, Levi looks down, Lance adjusts his line, Levi goes boom boom. I’m just happy that nothing happened when we were at higher speeds.
After dealing with the crashes, I really have to hand it to you for keeping your cool (although you may not think you did), regrouping and getting yourself back to the front. Tenacity, focus and the ability to learn from a bucket load of crap thrown at you is what will give you the results later in the season. I have my list of shoulda, woulda, couldas that I am bringing to the next outing.

Thank the powers that be we don’t have early season crits!!!

By: Kristin

Kristin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:17:18 +0000

>I’m interested in exploring how this category can be a better learning environment for new racers, instead of just a dangerous hell-hole.

I think that’s what Cat 5 is supposed to be… we don’t have the numbers for a whole new field, except maybe in the beginning the season. Seems like that’s what the PIR novice races are for, it just sucks that they don’t start until the bulk of the road races are over.

By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:23:56 +0000

I may be big, but goddess is a bit strong… You had one heck of an unlucky race yesterday, but you were strong enough to make up for it and you should be quite proud of yourself for that. Also, I think it’s only fair to point out that you did a considerable amount of pulling to get us back on the pack, and I am so glad you did. I would have felt like even more of a dumbass if I got us both dropped while trying to help you fix your bike (note to self: keep your head up!)

Also, thanks for saying I have a nice draft, it makes me feel a little better about the ‘winter’ weight.

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:43:23 +0000

Erik: I am ticking the mistakes off one by one, yes?
Kat: Eva is goddess. Period!
Kristin: I know, you’ve got a point. But I think of it like driving a car – if you’re behind, you’re responsible. No matter what. I think the Cat 4 field, with it’s pace fluctuations and extra-sketch factor just introduces a whole new set of racing factors. The situations was fucked up, but I’m still bent on taking responsibility.
Eric – well put. I’m interested in exploring how this category can be a better learning environment for new racers, instead of just a dangerous hell-hole. I want to get out, but there’s a reason where I am where i am. There are skills and experience to be gained.
NoPo: Thank you for that. I just swigged a gulp of wine in cheesy agreement. really, though, your comment about my account being “truthful” means a lot.
DavidS: You speak the truth. I was tense in this race. Eva noted it in mile 2. She said, “Relax, Heidi!” and I appreciated this. I was drafting off line when I went down – the rub that took me down was about two-inches cross-wheeled, rubbing side to side. The initial rub was an outright bump, which was no big deal… but I was spooked and I probably didn’t handle the second rub as well as I could have.
Rookie stuff. Learning. It’s hard to admit wrong-doing and imperfection, but it is what it is.
Thank you for the support!

By: DavidS

DavidS — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:30:06 +0000

Last year during the first Tuesday PIR (“one time at band camp”), I had a rider chop my front wheel in the S-curves on the west end of the track. I instinctively hit the rear brake only, did a BMX style slide, and leaned into his wheel. Somehow I stayed upright at speed. Much to the cheers of the four or five guys behind me who needed their shorts changed.

A panic situation doesn’t always mean a crash. Also when in the pack you can get just a much of draft riding off line (slightly to one side) of a riders wheel. Just be aware of the overlap or chop if they come back and over.

Good luck and good racing!

By: NoPoGirl

NoPoGirl — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:15:45 +0000

Heidi, why are you such a better writer than me? *le sigh*

As always, excellent writing and very truthful. There is always a next time and next time, we will help each other. Because in the end, it’s just a race, but it’s the people you get to race with that make it all worthwhile.

OMG that was so cheesy. I am going to have more wine now.

By: eric

eric — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:19:22 +0000

I love reading your blog and watching your progression as a racer.

I would be a little less hard on yourself about the initial crash. A cyclist should be able to maintain his or her position either in or out of the saddle, as well as during the transition from sitting to standing and back. My best advice to you – keep training, get fitter, get faster, and get the hell out of the Cat 4′s.

Good luck – keep riding, racing and blogging!

By: brian

brian — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:04:13 +0000

ours is a strange sport with real consequences. but it sure adds to a life fully lived. and always remember what john wayne said: “courage is being scared to death, and still getting on your saddle.”

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:39:50 +0000

Way to be tough and stick with it!!!