This has been the most maddening winter that I have experienced in quite a while. And since you are reading these words on a cycling site, I am going to assume that you too are experiencing feelings of annoyance and exasperation. Unfortunately I have no recommendation for a remedy to these feelings. My therapeutic game plan has been to grind my backside and anguished feelings to a pulp on my indoor trainer. I try to do my grinding in two hour sessions, and for the most part, I’ve been successful in my endeavors. Those endeavors being an unending stream of self-punishment. So, hurray for me.
These sessions are starting to wear on me though.
My trainer sessions have become so monotonous that I actually look forward to doing intervals. Yes, timed durations of physical torture have become something I look forward to. Yes, I would rather pummel myself while watching Tim Gunn wrangle fashion designers than endure another minute of tiresome "base building". (As a rule, I don’t really do any dedicated base building, if I haven’t built up enough base miles after twenty something years of racing, then I never will.)
Also adding to my winter madness is the fact that I work at home. This means that there are times where I spend long stretches not going anywhere. In milder weather, my daily rides often serve as the lone opportunity for me to be not inside for days on end. Alas, the recent Planet Hoth weather pattern we’ve been caught in has denied me my sanity preserving jaunts into the New Jersey countryside. I fear if this goes on much longer, I will finally have that psychotic break that I’ve been working towards. You know that I will have lost my mind when you see pictures of me posing in front of random cars in the street in my Facebook feed, as there is no clearer sign of raging insanity.
There, I just tore three paragraphs about nothingness out of my soul. This truly was a monumental effort on my part. I am especially proud of the fact that I didn’t once resort to writing about any bodily functions. I am now giving myself a high five.
Roman’s Beer Corner
What better way to deliver oneself from tedium than through the temporary quick fix of alcohol? Roman’s pick this week is Matt’s Burning Rosids from Stone Brewing Company. May it deliver you from the torture of indoor bike practice.
“What does that have to do with the promoter?”
Everything! He hires the marshals, he pays the marshals, he is supposed to give specific instructions to the marshals!
How long have you been around Schiatuzzo Tank?
Why anyone would consider not doing the SS is beyond the pale. It’s the only races of the season that matter.
“i THOUGHT rOCKLEIGH WAS THE ONLY SERIES THAT MATTERED?” gUESS WHO SAID IT
All you tough guys with the shut the fuck up really should shut the fuck up.
You just scared me with the TOUGH GUY reply. So now you can Shut the F-Up.
You just scared me with the TOUGH GUY reply. So now you can Shut the F-Up.
It’s New York City. I don’t expect anything to be safe.
But seriously, I don’t believe the races are unsafe because of AVD. If they are unsafe it’s usually because of the riders. Even seen was more stupid riding than I have accidents with pedestrians. Pretty sure any crash I’ve ever seen or been a part of in the SS was due to rider error.
I agree the riders contribute to part, but not all of the safety involved. IMO CRCA club races are far safer when riding within the group comparatively to Prospect and FBF. I speak to the lower categories of 4 and 5 specifically. To play devil’s advocate, it’s still a rare occasion when a break can quickly and effectively start working together.
Would it be possible that CRCA races are safer because a less number of riders are allowed to attend? There’s a number of riders who do SS, but aren’t members of the CRCA. CP with so many cat 5s is not the place to start racing.
Spring Series races don’t have the turnout of, say, Charlie’s races. Some of the danger in those races is the inevitable combining of fields when motos don’t show. Or danger that arises when a moto driver doesn’t actually know what they’re doing. Or incidents caused by the collective of stoned people AvD enlists to marshall his races. There’s no question his races are less safe than others. The reason it doesn’t prove catastrophic is lower turnout.
To each their own, but a lot of good NYC racers choose to do other races in the spring.
I think this debate doesn’t serve many. Can we get back to the problems with RHC and whether or not they plan to make changes? Does anyone know if they’re doing some things a little differently this year?
If you’re registered you probably know. If not, it closed, so who care?
The long range forecast for that season-opening CRCA race on March 1st is for temps in the 20’s with a chance of snow showers. Can’t wait to see the post-race bitching about the long lines everyone had to wait in to pick up their numbers and then shivering while pinning them on, followed by a long wait at the start because the ambulance was late. But remember assholes, you actually pay money to do this shit because you want to.
Somehow Schmalz’s basement doesn’t seem so bad, even with the pent up smell of his trainer farts every time he thinks of his next Gran Fondo. At least the air in there is warm.
From what I heard, I don’t think the are doing the Navy Yard again.
It’s your friend. Do you neanderthals know how to use the internet? No, the Red Hook Crit will not be at the Navy Yards again
Thanks for asking about the “kid” Joshua “Pro” Hartmann. He has been healing very well but still has some reconstructive surgery left to do on his face and mouth. His spirits are good for a just turned 16 yr old who still sees himself back on the road at some point. I think he will stick to track the next time around. He still has a way to go in regards to his total health but overall he IS getting better. Thanks again for all the support the cycling community showed!!! It has has been duly noted by the family and the major taylor iron riders. Thanks again!
skiing. You should try it.
Red Hook Crit is about a month away. I’m wondering if the people running RHC are making any changes for this year to improve safety. A kid like Josh (low experience Cat 4) should not have been encouraged to be racing against a strong field of 123s in a tight corner crit. Even if it was the prelim round. This is not Josh’s fault, but I think the race could make some changes to prevent newer riders like this from having to compete against seasoned 1/2s.
the promoter’s are supposed to know the riders better than the riders know themselves?
What, just because I sunburn easily I’m supposed to ski?
The promoters should provide some sort of guideline for the type of rider that can enter the race, absolutely. On a course that technical with serious prizes on the line and qualifiers just to enter people are going to go all out. 2 years ago RHC was a bunch of local track guys mixed in with bike messengers and it was fun to see. The guys who won were previous bike messengers themselves and the number of high level racers was kept to a minimum. Last year the race was full of 1/2 level riders. Guys who can take a corner much faster than someone like Josh had ever experienced. His first Cat 4 race was in April, by June he was qualifying for RHC. I wish there was some kind of warning to tell him that maybe this was out of his league. So yes, the promoters should take some responsibility and enact at least a guideline regarding experience.
The problem was that last year at the Navy Yard they only had 12 corners, and only a couple of them were off camber. RHC needs more corners and more pedal strikes. That should make it so way more clowns can brag about crashing.
the reg can use this disclaimer:
“This event is a criterium on track bikes. It is extremely dangerous. And competitive. It is very unlikely that you will win, or do well in any way. It is likely, however, that you will crash and may injure yourself badly. If you do crash the crowd will probably cheer, injuring both your body and spirit. This is probably not an event for you. If you think it is, you are probably wrong.”
A crit on track bikes is a kind of a bad idea to start with. a very technical crit on track bikes is idiotic. just because there are a handful of guys with the skills to pull it off doesn’t mean it should be done.
Track bikes are made for, we’ll, um, tracks.
On a course more technical than any real crit with road bikes. LoL at 12 corners.
rhc is an unlicensed race. all unlicensed races have ridiculously high crash counts. that’s the real danger, not the course. but either way, if you don’t want to do the rhc because you feel it’s dangerous for any reason, then don’t do it and stop droning on about it incessantly.
Spring series is now open .
I find these statements worthwhile. Yeah, if you find it too dangerous…don’t do it! But these posters are just pointing out how proficient someone must be to pull off a 12 corner crit on a track setup.
BTW, did you know that way back in the day…like when Fitchburg started, all these crits were done in fixies?
Get ready for another Van Dunk shit show. Disorganized, riders in different categories competing for the same leader jersey, getting points for pre-registering, results never being posted. I thought he retired? Why do racers come back year after year to this garbage race. If the racers just boycotted the race maybe he would just go away or hand off the series to somebody that actually cares. Racers unite – let’s all agree to just not go to Van Dunk’s races. Go to Bethel, Branchbrook, or just go training. All are better options.
Why dont you take over the Spring Series race from Van Dunk since you consider it a SHIT SHOW? If your not going to take over his SHIT SHOW shut the F-up.
Lander Torque: The original poster didn’t even mention the terrible marshalling. One year I watched a marshal stare gap-mouthed at a guy on a wheelchair crossing in front of the approaching peleton. Had no clue that he should blow the whistle or do anything at all.
Benjamin Gel: Did you inform the promoter that the marshal did not do his job correctly? If you did not say anything to the promoter 1 year ago about the marshal not doing his job correctly (shut the F-up).
Please don’t hurt me Lander!
Now, listen calmly sonny: I contacted Van Dunk about the incident. He did not reply. Anyone who writes to AVD knows this is how he operates.
Two points:
1. AVD seems like a nice enough guy.
2. AVD’s races are much more unsafe than other CP races.
Agrees. Shut up.
To those who race Branchbrook: how easy is the commute via mass transit?
How does the course/racing compare to Prospect Park?
People come back because simply the CP and P races are way more fun the Bethel or Branchbrook, etc. Bethel is the dumbest race there is. A 2 corner crit with a yellow line rule and a hill. It’s just a race up the hill everytime.
https://www.bikereg.com/NET/Events/?pid=1086
The GWB sidewalk is open again!
Prospect Park looks to have been double booked on March 16, with 7 fields simultaneously run now that would be a shit show!
Does anyone know about the pot holes in prospect park and central park? I went thru 2 sets of rims last year racing in prospect. I can only imagine the roads now and would the city even consider looking at those park roads when they have so much others to fix.
Central Park has developed some real doozies, particularly going up Harlem.
Ride lighter!
http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/LightRail/sf_lr_nlr_map.pdf
eww.
What does that have to do with the promoter?
Last years Spring Series was pretty well run (well, aside from the inconsistent posting of results) and safe too. Branchbrook is a good little race but driving/taking the train to Newark sucks and costs money. Bethel is even further. If AVD didn’t do it, there might not be anyone who would (or could get permits) Plus, those other races would be that much more crowded. So be careful what you wish for.
Ya, this snow’s rough.
Subject line says it all.
at least would give me a laugh instead of this incessant weather-borne madness.
I can Fed Ex you a fart.
Good Inson reference.
A burning rosid sounds dangerous
any update on the condition/progress of the dude from Foundation who was badly hurt on a training ride last fall? Also, what about the kid from the Major Taylor team who went down real hard at the Red Hook crit?
I think the people involved wish to keep their medical information private.
This reminds me of the time I was Organizing a Gran Fondo and thought, “My God. What have I done?”
because last years SS races weren’t poorly run. past years,yes but not last year they weren’t bad at all.
FREE CESAR
Frankly, your rationale stinks. Why settle for a poorly run race. AVD’s competition would be CRCA races and Charlie I. races. Why stifle voices and tell them to stop complaining when the Spring Series races can’t even be considered mediocre at best. Complain loudly, spread the word, and most importantly, support the race promoters who do a great job with their events.