Dieter Drake Pt. 2

by Andy Shen

Here’s an interview
<i>Here’s the conclusion of ADM’s interview with Dieter Drake. Part 1 is <a href=”http://www.velocitynation.com/article.aspx?ID=1967&CID=58″>here</a></i>

DD: I’ve never worn an HRM (I know what that is) or used a power meter

ADM:  I love it.  A real traditionalist.

DD: Not even a cyclo computer on my bike these days.  I used to have one, but I stared at it all the time.  

ADM: Well, I’ve watched you ride up App Gapp at max power for about 15 minutes and then chased you last summer at the Cap Region Road Race for at least an hour (unsuccessfully).  I’d say your FT is in the high to very high range.  

DD: I guess I have good DNA (I know what that is too).  

ADM:  That’s usually the best start.  So getting back to your time at USAC, when and how did your tour of duty come to a conclusion?  I’ve heard rumours that you got into a tiff with a CX promoter from Buffalo about the state champs.  Was that part of it?

DD:  I ceased being the Regional Coordinator in October.  Let’s just say it was the result of a petty little disagreement on how best to administer the CX State Championship.  That’s pretty much all I have to say about it.  I know I acted in the best interest of the sport.  That’s the opinion of many other people as well, if it matters any.   I certainly didn’t act in the best interest of a few folks out west, apparently.  I’m sleeping at night, though.  

ADM:   Fair enough.  So can you tell us about the NYBRA?   I think a lot of people may be curious as to its purpose, function, benefits, etc.

DD:  Sure.  The NYBRA is the Local Association for NY State that is long overdue.  There has been a heated discussion going on for about 6 years now and it’s finally coming around.  The Local Association program was created a few years ago by former USAC CEO Gerard Bisceglia, I believe, in an effort to bring back control of racing (to a certain extent) to the people and places that know best how to handle their local racing scene. It’s a great model to follow.  The folks in Colorado don’t know too much about racing in NY.  And we don’t know too much about what goes on in CO, or most other places around the country for that matter.  So why should I or anyone else tell those other places how to grow the sport?  We shouldn’t, of course, and that’s what makes the LA model a good one to follow.  

The NYBRA is really taking shape.  It’s been a challenge to construct a cohesive infrastructure that makes sense for everyone involved.  We have so many different racing scenes around the state – more than most states I think.  Maybe even more than New England.  So that’s been a challenge.  Getting people to recognize that each distinct region around the state has some really good racing – especially Metro NY – is the biggest deal.   Metro NY has the biggest volume of racers and some pretty darn good racing, so that must be recognized if any progress is going to be made at all.  I raced the Harlem Skyscraper last year, brought the whole family down, and it was a really great experience for everyone.  I don’t think too many Upstaters have done that.  They should.  I plan on going back this year, and maybe sneaking down for a few more.  I mean, NYC is the self-proclaimed ‘Capital of the World’.  If cycling races succeed there, then that translates to better cycling everywhere, including Upstate NY.   

ADM: Well you’re not going to hear me disagree with that.

DD: Convincing people of this fact is a challenge

ADM:  So is NYBRA going “live” this year?

DD: It will, yes.  There are some hoops to jump through in terms of getting bylaws approved and getting accurate and equitable representation from around the state.  And without making it too intrusive.

ADM: And once it’s live, will USA Cycling cede some if its power/authority over the NYS scene to the NYBRA?

DD: Exactly.  And that’s to everyone’s benefit.  The last thing we want is a Colorado Springs of the East.

ADM: Sounds that way.  No more ski houses!

DD: lol – no comment.  NYBRA will have an elected board that will administer almost all respects of racing – permits, upgrades, assigning officials, etc.    All within NYS.  Right now we rely on a USA Cycling employee for that and, until recently, that person was from NY….

ADM: I see.  And the board will have representatives from each of the State’s separate regions?

DD:  Yes, weighted somehow to reflect the large population centers (hint, NYC) where most racers come from, and also to reflect the large quantities of events elsewhere around the state.  It’s taken a long time because there are a lot of interests to balance.  If this isn’t done right, then everything else fails.  But I’m not much interested in letting it fail.

ADM: So the cliff notes version of this is that accountable, knowledgeable and local decision makers will be calling the shots on pretty much everything effecting racers and promoters alike across the State of New York?

DD: Yes, while recognizing that NYS is a big and diverse place.

ADM: Sounds like a great idea.  Will it cost racers or promoters anything more?

DD: Not a dime more.  There had been some talk about adding racer fees, promoter fees somewhere along the way.  Bad idea and it’s pretty much dead.  USAC kicks back $10 per licensed rider in the state to run the LA.  The LA then decides where that is best spent, not CO.  There will be no new fees.  I’d be more interested in lowering them somehow.

ADM: I’m sure!  So what sort of role do you expect to play in this, and who from the NYC area is expected to be involved?

DD:  Well, I’d like to take a leadership role with the organization for sure.  For better or worse, this is something that I started so some folks have asked me to be the Interim President until real elections can take place.  All along there has been a core group of people from around the State who have been very active.  Alan Atwood has been instrumental in representing the interests of the Metro NYC area.  He’s done a very good job in reigning in the conflicts that have arisen relating to how NYC is going to be adequately represented.  There are a few other guys from that area who are involved, but I’d rather not name names yet – we’re still working things out.

 

ADM:  Understood.  As long as Dan Schmalz isn’t involved, I think we’ll be ok!  We already get enough Schmalz around here.   But seriously, I think most people around the NYC area would be supportive of Alan having a significant role.  

DD: I think so too.  Alan is a good friend to the sport, NYC, and many people.  Alan also has an involvement in the success of the Kissena track as I understand it.  That’s very important to where we would like to go with this.

ADM: Yeah, he’s done a terrific job with the track and they get great turnout every week.  

DD: Yes, it’s important for a lot of reasons … name another track in NYS ….

ADM: Watkins Glenn?  Little SPEED Channel?

DD: Bingo.

ADM: That’s my kind of track.

DD: Mine too.  But we’d like to see about changing that.  Stay tuned.

ADM:  Well thanks for being so forthcoming about the NYBRA.  I think a lot of people will be excited to hear more about it.  Please make sure to let us know when it goes live.

DD:  Sure.

ADM:  Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about you.  

DD:  It’s your interview . . .

ADM:  Ok.  So my first impression of you was based on your dedication to the Battenkill race.  Then I met you on the road and saw that your dedication didn’t end with race promoting.  You’ve been scoring in Masters races for a longtime, most recently in the 2008 Capital Region Road Race (2nd) and the 2008 GMSR (2nd in the Prologue and 1st in the Circuit Race).  Those were tough races.

DD:  I’ve been around a few years, sure.  Those were fun races last year.  August is my month.

ADM:  I guess between the snow and Battenkill’s early race date, you need to focus on races that are later in the year.  What’s your training regimen like?

DD:  Yes, I’m not riding too often this time of year.  Maybe 1-2 rides per week on a good week.  Either inside or out depending on weather.   My regimen?  Hmm.  Ride hard every day in June, July & August to get ready for the races I tend to do well in later in the summer.  I don’t follow any particular training regimen per se.

ADM: Sort of just do what feels right?

DD: Well, I do take certain steps to make sure I don’t go into the heavy training season blindly:  I do quite a bit of strength work through the spring.  Off the bike, that is.  Squats, plyometrics, etc.

ADM: Plyos are great

DD:  Yes, they are.  Unfortunately, lots of guys are sold on the weights – they’re a complete waste of time in my opinion.

ADM: Weights are ok, but Plyos seem to really build explosive power.  

DD:  You just can’t develop the twitch needed with weights.  Dry squats and plyometrics offer the ballistic movement that cyclists need to turn the pedal over.  

ADM:  Tell us what you mean by “dry” squats.  

DD:  No weights.

ADM: Ahh.  Just going through the motion.

DD: Down and back up as fast as you can.  And as many times as you can handle in a set.

ADM: I see what you mean by ballistic!  To our readers – if you’re going to try this at home, be sure to do it on a matt or something other than a concrete floor.  It’ll be a lot easier on your knees and hips.

DD: And start slow…it’s not for the feint of knee… Small sets.

ADM: So I met one of your high school buddies in the GMSR road race last year.

He mentioned that your dad was the XC coach in HS and that you were on the team, as well?  Do you still run?

DD: That was Dave.  He went to a nearby school in the same league. He helped me salvage the GMSR after a mishap in the RR. Great guy.  As for my running.  No, I haven’t run a step in many, many years.  I got to the point with the running where I had easily outgrown the sport.  I gained 20 lbs to 155 from my Junior to Senior year in HS just naturally, and found it hard to compete against the guys at 135. 

ADM: Do you think any of the training methods you learned back then have been helpful in your transition into cycling?  Maybe throw Dad a bone here?  Just for kicks?

DD : My dad was my coach, yes.  I learned through him many, many things, including that there is always someone out there better than you are, so don’t let your head get too big because “your hat won’t fit anymore”…   Also that being passionate about something positive can change many lives for the better, including your own.   And finally, that people who ‘think big’ tend to accomplish big things.  He’s right about all of these.  From a humble upbringing, he was able to become highly accomplished in the running world in terms of coaching.  And I am not talking about awards & wins, although he had plenty – he was able to influence thousands of kid’s lives for the better.  Parent’s too in many cases.  He’s an incredibly inspirational guy.  

So yes.  No question that the early training helped.  I was able to develop the cardiovascular capacity starting at a very young age. I also learned that the fastest, most talented guys don’t always win races – the guys who’ve trained in a way that optimizes their chances of winning have a pretty good shot too.

ADM: I think you see that in cycling too.

DD: I have a pretty good handle on human physiology and all the major training programs that work too.  I loosely follow some of them, but I don’t have the time to get that serious about it.  I just ride hard and often.  I tend to limit riding in a lot of groups too.  But that’s easy in Washington County…

ADM:  So last year we saw you in the Westwood Velo kit?  As classy as those guys are, I was surprised to see you riding with them.  They’re not exactly based in your neck of the woods.

DD: They’re a good bunch of guys.  I was looking to take part in a good Masters team and ride along side guys like Roger, Troy, Todd Cassan.  Those are some fast guys.

ADM: Indeed.

DD:  There really wasn’t any other team in my area that offered this.  Or many other areas, for that matter

ADM: It’s true.  Finding a team that’s both a good fit personality wise and has talent isn’t easy. So what’s the plan for next year?  WV again?

DD:  No.  I have formed a Masters-focused team up here, actually.  The guys at WWV were ok with it and it was certainly not for lack of satisfaction with riding for that team.  

[Interview paused for a couple of minutes while DD could tend to his crying baby]

DD:  Ok.  I’m back.  My 8-year old took over.  Lots of hands around here.

ADM: You have an 8-year old AND a baby?  

DD:  We have a 10, 8, 6, 3, and 9 month-old.

ADM:  Whoaaaaaa.  No wonder you only ride 1 – 2 times per week in the winter and quit running!

DD: Yes, I took up a sport where two hours per day is just getting by.  Brilliant.

ADM:   Well that’s great.   So tell us a bit about the new team.  Name?  Interesting roster?  Goals?

DD: The team is Battenkill-United.  It’s a sub-team of my Juniors team Farm Team Cycling.  We have about 40 members – mostly area guys with an interest in racing & riding together as much as possible without getting too serious about it.  Our roster ranges from my former Cat 2 cousin who hasn’t raced in 25 years, Cat 5 beginners, to some accomplished, fast guys.  There was a real need for it [up here].  I floated the idea of a Masters team on a Tuesday or Wed, and by Friday, we had 25 riders.  We’ll have some interesting notables TBA.

ADM: Well I wish you luck with that.  And we look fwd to the announcements.

Before we go, can you tell us a bit about your Juniors team.  There’s been a lot of interest in Junior Dev. in the NYC area and seems like lots of junior development teams are popping up.  Although with all those kids of yours, perhaps this was just a way to get in some riding while on “babysitting” duty?

12 Comments

Anonymous

so whats the deal with the NYBRA upgrades? I’m assuming they deal with most but 2 to 1 upgrades still go through CO?

Anonymous

so whats the deal with the NYBRA upgrades? I’m assuming they deal with most but 2 to 1 upgrades still go through CO?

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