The relentless moisture in the NYC area has provided us the opportunity to know what it’s like to live in the armpit of a chronic perspirer, or it’s a lot like living in Seattle. Either way, it’s been depressing enough to make you want to create an all flannel ensemble for yourself and groan into a microphone about the government. But let’s try to cheer ourselves up by focusing on the bright side, namely the area’s bike races.
Locally Saturday has the CRCA club race and the Tour of New York in Prospect Park. Farther out is the Nutmeg Classic Crit in New Britain, CT, and for those of you desiring to get even farther away, there’s the Oxford Road Race in Oxford, PA. Finally, there’s the Wilmington-Whiteface Road Race in Wilmington, NY.
Sunday brings the 2009 Criterium New York on the new course at FBF. Those of you who made the trip to CT might want to do the Whaling City Cyclone in New London, CT. Those of you of the Jersey persuasion can do the New Jersey State Road Race Championships in Ringoes, NJ. And finally, there’s the Saranac Lake Downtown Criterium in Saranac Lake, NY.
First
Its a long drive but a great course and pretty tough. Kind of like Unionvale loop but with a longer less steep finishing climb. One of the nicest courses I raced last year. Plus a pretty cool town to hang in over the weekend for Mtn XC, hiking etc.
Some really good Cat 2-3 racers and good guys:
Kim Riseth
Matt Serra
Rashad G
Bob German
Nick Bruno
Rob Marcinko
To name a few.
If anyone’s making the trip; see you there!!
Alan
Probably a little something called, um, LIFE. You know, work, kids, etc.
seems like a lot of people in this sport just wake up one day and decide NO MORE OF THIS!
Pavel/Quetzal (the men in black)
Daniel Byrne
Dimitri Wilkins
Every year some folks just disappear off the local racing scene. It’s damn hard to keep this up. Especially if you’ve done well and then life changes and you can’t ride as well anymore. That’s disheartening.
Daniel decided to focus on photography. I get to work with him sometimes, he’s doing great. Dmitri’s still riding, you might see him soon.
Didn’t Kim go back home?
You gotta appreciate these masters racers that having doing this for 10 plus years. Gets old fast for some. I will always love to ride my bike. Racing desire comes and goes.
people get burned out on spending 4 hours on a bike in february, or pedalling to nowhere indoors, or living like a monk in season, or risking injury etc. if it stops being fun, for whatever reason, you stop doing it.
I for one have put racing on the back burner this year. I have found it increasingly difficult to compete at a certain level and have energy to enjoy my kids, spend time with my girl friend or go sea kayaking.. let alone the expense of racing.. but you will see me out htere at Cyclo-Cross…
So good luck everyone at the remaining races of the season.
DP
ah, sea kayaking
it is way closer that the usual lancaster county races. the course kicks ass . and great distances. i did it last year it was won by Dave Taylor in great style
it is only 2 hr drive door to door
You ever go to a race where everyone is yelling at each other and bitching about how everyone else is doing something wrong and afterwards giving excuses about why they didn’t get a better result and think to yourself “These people are jerks and this just isn’t worth the effort, I could be doing something more productive and less self-centered with my time” Some people are actually able to figure this out and move on.
Haven’t won a race in a while? That is sad, perhaps you should’ve stayed a 3.
I often quit racing and pick it back up in the same workout.
Click on the "Play current story" or on Steven Marmo:
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/nyregion/1-in-8-million/index.html?ref=nyregion
The racing scene is too petty for you, but you are still posting here? Huh.
Very cool story. Great to watch in the context of the discussion of giving up racing or not. One very personal example of why people do race: the rush, the pain, the therapeutic effect. But hey, shit changes for people sometimes, and new factors make racing too hard or not worth it. Some people give it up and come back too. But jayzus, don’t blame other people for why you gave it up (like Cat 2)–make that decision for yourself.
makes me want to quit racing and sometimes quit living. Then I actually go race and it is a blast. Why do I keep reading them?
idotcy?
yea beating up people is cool
Looks like KISSENA sent the A squad for this.
Congratz on speaking out. Stay course.
Wow! No joke. They are seriously representing at Prospect. Gotta defend the home turf!
Wow great story in the Times. Thanks for the link.
See! This is exactly what I am talking about. Cyclists love to trash each other and it is really immature and gets old fast. i just made a simple post about what my experience has been and get I flamed. That’s fine, I can take it but from watching people yell at each other at races, griping after races to flaming on this site… racing in NYC just gets old and it makes it less fun than other scenes I have raced in.
For your information, I have won several races… that is how I upgraded. If I stayed a 3, you guys would probably attack me for “sandbagging”. The bottom line for me is that racing for silly results isn’t worth the time. I just want to be with nice people who aren’t so grumpy all the time and ride my bike. I don’t know if it is the bad economy or just “A NYC Thing”. I have never been able to understand why NYC cyclists seem to hate each other so much. I have always loved this sport but I can’t blame anyone who decides it just isn’t worth the time and effort.
maybe you got “flamed” because most of us share your enthusiasm for the sport and would like to defend the local scene rather than griping about it.
Not to sound like a new age kook, but the sport is way hard and everyone who is competing is doing something that most of the general public would never consider to take on. The hours of training, change of diet and the inherrent dangers of racing in a big pack with nothing on but lyrca (no leathers like in motorcyle racing)- it is so hard. Attrition happens in the sport and for the rest of us who may be pack fill (myself included) take solace you are participant and not a viewer (like most of my non biking friends who chose not to engage in life and rather watch it on a TV).
Anyway, have a great weekend. Hopefully the weather holds up.
I wish the Times would do Schmalz too. But instead of fighting he can talk about macrame.
Cat 2, the vibe you are looking for is in cyclocross. Check it out.
The more he rode the less he wanted to macramé, until one day, he walked by a yarn store and felt no urge to go inside.
Actually the truth is, he found the riding improved his focus on macrame. And then he macramed a bike case.
My first love was and remains crochet.
i ride for the pleasure of it. occasionally race just to get an adrenaline fix and stay fresh.
nothing beats the solace of early morning spin along river road at sunrise. or a casual ride with small group of friends.
ditch your powermeters, turn off the heart rate monitors, and enjoy the sound of of the chain whirring through the gears, of tires humming along smoothly paved road…
cycling is a beautiful sport, just like the ralpha says!
2K gentleman — 2K to the top 6 guys…current standings are as follows – also I have video’s of finishes
http://www.cyclefitness.com/races.htm
1) Bryan Borgia – Rapha – 64 Points
2) Chad Butts – Champion Systems – 39 points
3) Matt Baldwin – Target Training – 36 points
4) Leight Sorrells – Fioridifrutta – 33 points
5) John Funk – Cycle Fitness – 30 points
6) Pat McNamara – BR.Cannondale – 26 points
any man who openly admits to crochet vs. macrame deserves his own set of titanium crochet hooks with a carbon fiber finial.
Don’t go carbon, it might spontaneously shatter into a thousand pieces, unless, of course, it’s reinforced with kevlar.
i havent been at a race where people were constantly yelling at each other sinece i was a 4. that was my favorite thing about upgrading … how quiet it was
i agree with whoever suggested cyclocross. it (like mtb or track) will remind you that racing is fun. there’s nothing like a good road race, but for whatever reason, it seems that road racing around here attracts a large proportion of assholes determined to suck all enjoyment out of the sport.
When racing, I often break into show tunes when feeling inspired.
i honestly remember some dude in the crca b race singing ‘singing in the rain’ up HH a coupla years back
I’ll usually hum a few verses of “On My Own” from Les Miserables before I start going backwards from the main field…
I downgraded from 3s to 4s because i was tired of being ‘shushed’ like it was a library
There’s a lot of b*tching in NYC racing. A lot of entitlement. A lot of attitude. That’s New York City, though. That’s why it’s good to get out of town to race. However, it’s also remarkable that there are so many races in one area PP, CP, nearby in the Dirty Jerz…
The expense, the training, the time commitment… this is what gets me. Racing against guys who only work 40 hours a week – not to mention the guys who race for a living – is not easy. You sacrifice, and you sacrifice. For what? You get 2nd in a circuit race: 5 points to your Cat. 1, and you feel good for a few days. Half the time you get killed, though. Think about the opportunity cost and do the cost/benefit analysis.
You ever get in a break at Floyd with Schmalz? He sings ‘Double Nickels on the Dime” in its entirety. And heaven help if you stay away, because he starts in on ‘My War’
a new secret race series is starting as a backlash to all this high intensity stuff: the anti-race. weeknights starting at 7:30, starts at the bench nearest to tavern on the green on the west side of the street. 5 laps, all categories are combined, first one to complete all 5 laps loses, last one to complete them wins. points will be awarded every other lap for dropping out and sitting down on the bench. additional points awarded for buying the race organizer a snapple.
WOW Filip Capala wins Ct Coast Criterium P 123
That kid knows how to win
for full fbf results up at bikereg:
http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2009/06/09-Cadence-Tuesday-Night-Series.asp
I find that whatever’s said in the heat of racing, usually that stuff is cleared up post-race. This is an intense sport and you’re on the edge, so people yell, curse, whatever. Ever see how serious some of those fat dudes take their softball games? Anyway, look at the scene post-race at the parks: people hanging out, talking, and getting along (except for the occasional fist fight every few years). Don’t take these message boards for “the state of NYC racing.” Most people are respectful and get along with their fellow lyrca clad bike junkies.
YOUR IDOTIC!
do not worship false idots
HEY IS AVD DOING HIS NUTTY FLOYD CRIT ON SUN
Do we need a refresher course here?
You are idiotic — correct
You’re idiotic — also correct
Your idiotic — incorrect
Your idiotic uncle — correct
http://kissena.info/more.php?id=519_0_1_0_M
alan/charlie – good work putting smth on for our sisters
You missed the boat here, 1:57’s use of improper english was a not so “subtle” way of humoring the stereotypical “your” and “idot” poster. Please loosen your belt a notch…
Nutty Floyd and the Potholes, now playing at a crit near you!
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/060909_kvue_austin_cyclist_shot-tg.664ff61c.html
is this a wednesday warddrobe stroll?
The higher the category, the less bit^^in that goes on in a race. Its only in the lesser categories (as well as masters) in which people won’t shut the f–k up.
I asked about Nick Bruno from some of the Westwood riders at High Bridge. They said he burned out, having been pushed too hard. The guy was pretty young supposedly. He went from a 4 to a 2 in less than a season. His coach should have kept him in check, ruining young talent like that.
that means on my current trajectory to get to a 3, which should take another 10 years, i won’t burn out. thank god!
Not only a talent but the kid is also a super nice down to earth human being. The whole family is very passionate about racing and is one of the bright spots in NYC- which I think is a great place to race/train. Some bitching and some ‘tude but overall a great place to hit lots of races and race with some good peeps.
I think NYV just brings out some haters because they dont have to post their names.
Roadies looking for something different:
Come out to the DarkHorse 40- great single track race that is not that techy and this is a place you would be able to use that road engine to your advantage.
What are you, some amateur investigative journalist or just a gossip sniffing idiot?
Road racing is a team sport. Much of the idiocy you guys are talking about is a result of people racing for themselves. When was the last time you lined up at a race with 15 seven person teams? Your average CRCA race might have 3 large teams, each with only one, two , or three strong guys.
Every out of town race has a new cast of characters. Unlike a pro race, you may never see these jokers again. There is no incentive to shut up and race.
Racing alone attracts dicks. When you’re really LUCKY you’ll get a whole team of dicks. ‘Cross is more fun because you’re actually competing the “right” way. A local cross race will play out much like a pro race.
I dont want my October and November ruined by these guys!
there are dicks who like cross
for example = battley harley davidson.
tomorrow’s crca race winners get this special prize:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crfGXmxJ1vM
“being a big guy certainly has its advantages!”
Now that’s funny.
Point was, if everyone starts racing cyclocross, then it looses its appeal. Too many racers, in a 2 month season would be a disaster. Cross is fun with a field of 35-65 racers. Its a small dedicated group of racers who are just as happy getting lapped and heading to the beer tent as they are in the top 10. Upgrade points are not an issue.
Plus, we dont need the yelling at cross races every time a guy goes too hot into an off camber turn and crashes.
I told her not to be so sopriced. it’s just CRCA, baby.
how sopriced are people going to be if the crit NY goes off tmrw?
all for agressive riding, but taking your hands off the bars and pushing someone is way too dangerous. 5 bad crashes in new b ritain on the bell lap, bodies everywhere. No way the guys who did that, can give an acceptable answer.
…..I was no sorprice by the crash in the cat 4 “sprint” a few headed out in the ambulance….not sorprice at all…
Prospect Park results? Pics?
THE SOPRICE GAG : FAIL. NOT EVEN IN BALLPARK FUNNY.
A Field
1.Mark Alden,Blue Ribbon Translations.com
2.Lisban Quintero,Foundation
3.Josh Alexander,Foundation
4.Kyle Peppo,Jonathan Adler
5.Alejandro Guzman,Foundation
6.David Taylor,Blue Ribbon Translations.com
7.Pascal Sauvayre,Pacifico-Hincapie
8.Lewis Almonte,Foundation
Women’s Field
1.Ann-Marie Miller,Sanchez Houlihan-Lokie
2.Alejandra Madrinan,Comedy Central
3.Sarah Sauvayre,Comedy Central
4.Erica Adelberg,Radical Media
5.Colleen Conway,Teany
6.Deb Killmon,Signature RockStar
7Jamie Nicholson-Leener,Deutsche Bank
8.Cecilia Pleva,Radical Media
9.Ellen Moses,Comedy Central
B Field
1.Abraham Soler,Foundation
2.Mitchell Jacaruso,Nyvelocity
3.Leszek Sniadowski ,Organic Athlete
4.Ira Blumberg,Setanta
5.George Mastrogiannis,Sanchez Houlihan-Lokey
6.David Richman,Kingpin
7.Brian Collet,CRCA
C Field
1.Daniel Bersohn,CRCA
2. ,NYAC
3.Steve Peters,CRCA
4.Breogan Alvarez, CRCA
5.John Buenaventura,CRCA
6.,NYAC
Next week’s club race format is all handwritten numbers only. Get creative, people.
You mean upside down handwritten numbers?
That would be a great strategy to obfuscate the results! Good idea!
but are the B races faster than last year?
you are just slow as shit brah
Systematic doping in the B field. David Walsh will be reporting on it shortly in his new book, “Holdja Line: the 13 Minute Lap.”
actually, the b-field isn’t faster. its a bunch of a-field ringers with handwritten numbers. nobody can read them, so nobody can prove they aren’t b-fielders. the key is to hand-write the numbers in ball-point pen.
the schmalz was aggressive today. i also detected some viking lineage in his ancestry.
It would be systemic doping.
why don’t you look those two words up and get back to us
mainstream journalism botches the two words when describing programs. bunch of idots…
I guess if you won the sprint you shouldnt be so worry about the number of your opponent!!!! But if instead you sandbag on someone wheel be cause you got some points and think that’s enought to win the race you will be sorpriced
honestly, i wa. quite sorpriced
splain yerself.
i’m sorpiced at how many people follow the rules. common sense dictates that we should all just advance in the jogger’s lane when it is more convenient than waiting for a safer and legal time to pass. i also find it sorpicing when a team is sorpiced when they get called out for breaking rules. its like spring series all over again.
i’m also sorpiced that nobody has asked for pictures yet.
i was sopriced i gotta stuck ina downpour today. nesstime i leave with rainacoat so i no be sopriced bastich. buhwhatta bout my shoes? sopriced so squish, no good.
Funny posts.
did anyone in the A field hear that woman jogger scream bloody murder at us around harlem hill?
The only time I have encountered any “typical” roadie yelling in CX has been in larger UCI events like Gloucester when doing the B’s. A lot of guys who would normally race A’s and won’t pony up for a UCI license race down in the B’s and have their way with the rest of the mortals. They’ll occasionally yell for a line and just pass right through, but in 8 years of racing CX I have only experienced a friendly community of riders. But please, don’t do CX. You’ll hate it. Go and race the track.
See me exposing myself to the “B” field at the top of HH this morning?
why is B in quotes
safe to say, that lady was a bit surpiced. she was just yelling for 75 people in a tight pack to “SLOW DOWN!”
Solos for 20 miles for the win at Oxford RR. Just siiick! Nice job bro.
-ap
it’s funny today, most likely it will not be funny next week, or even tomorrow.
but if some drops a sorprice on me in 2010, i will laugh.
it never fails to sorprice when folks mix sports metaphors. of course its not funny in a ballpark, the whole thing started in CENTRAL park.
oh, and type IN ALL CAPS. THEN WE WILL KNOW YOU MEAN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CRCA race pictures were timely, but results were not. Now, results are timely, but pictures are not.
yeah, new britain was RIDICULOUS. super sketchy, WS-united was yelling at people like they always do in the first ten laps, major taylor was putting their bikes where there was no space, premature cat 3’s and 2’s and juniors sketching it up
and BOOM – all came together on the last lap, five crashes 15 seconds apart. two ambulances, absolutely insane if you weren’t in the top 5. INSANE.
not as sketchy as harlem though.
let me guess, you just upgrade to a cat 3 and for some reason you were the one that was yelled at. Just maybe you cause the crash too didnt you sweetheart. Those ws guys are cyclist and nice guys, just stay off their balls and move on
TOEFL
Roger Aspholm won the 35+
John Raheb won the 45+
like the fat chick you bang after too many beers in college. Fun at first, but then just plain embarrassing and gross that you keep going back for more low level entertainment. I gotta move on… Come to think of it, this site is worse than that fat girl b/c i aint drunk and it was never fun.
The fat girl was fun. She was willing to do more stuff with no effort on my part. Just show up at 4AM.
misogynist limp-dicked Idot posting at 6:19AM SOBER! I’m guessing those girls got bored of your beer breath and mini-willy.
delete that crap Shen/Schmaltz
no, i was one of the lucky guys in the top 5.
maybe you haven’t raced with the WS united. before the race, yeah. they’re all really nice guys who always say hello and are serious about the race. during and generally after, however, it changes. they are excessively aggressive, and like to get in peoples faces.
11:19 (6/13) — Thanks to Gina and others who get up way too early to take often spectacular pictures of races and share them, gratis, with the racers. It’s a great thing to do and the vast majority of us are really grateful for your photos, no matter when they come. Thanks!
Yeah, thank you Gina!!!! We love you work
Uh… I never said I didn’t appreciate Gina’s pics. They are as good as any pics of pro races I’ve seen and I very much appreciate her work. The pics that used to go up the same day were usually Andy’s when he was shooting instead of racing. Just pointing out how the pics and results have traded timing.
what field had the 5 crashes?
“Roger Aspholm won the 35+
John Raheb won the 45+”
Westwood won the 35 + 45? Geez, there is a surprise.
Raheb rides for DKNY
I thought he was disattached, or un-affiliated.
He’s in Rehab.
Cutler! Ditch the reading glasses and prepare for Cat3 PAIN little man.
No seriously dude … 20+ mile solo breakaway for the win. Epic. Even for the 4s. Happy Birthday and Happy Upgrade.
Aaron
any chance the points scored will be reported?
notice anything?
HH/CP points will be reported.