No? Well it happened to me today and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Let me preface this post by saying the entire wreck was my fault. I was checking my rear wheel (well actually the wheel belongs to Brian Bradley). Someone (Brian Bradley) had told me earlier in the race that it needed to be trued. He (Brian Bradley) also said it was not too bad and “don’t worry about it”. About half way through the race I decided to check it out. I took a look near the bottom bracket and saw the biggest wobble I’ve ever seen in one of my wheels (well actually it was Brian Bradley’s wheel) without being wrecked. I did a double-take and thought, he (Brian Bradley) lied! This wheel is getting ready to rub a hole in my chain stays! I look back up find my front wheel is past the point of no return of touching the rear wheel of …………. wait for it ………………..Brian Bradley. Needless to say I ended up on the pavement. I was in the front third of the pack and knew it was going to be bad. I covered-up as soon as I hit the ground and waited for the worst. Several guys hit me. Most notably Tim Colfield, right in the head. Made me bite my tongue. It is purple on one side (beer, margaritas, tequila, salt, limes, chips, salsa and Mexican food makes it hurt, but I’m keeping a firm upper lip and working through the pain). I rode to the wheel pit and got a new rear wheel and tried with no success to straighten my rear derailer and bars. I rode the rest of the race with crooked bars and a foul shifting bike.
Seriously though, the wreck was my fault. I take full responsibility. Luckily no one was badly hurt. I’m glad for that. I know of one racer who had to abandon. I’m not glad for that. Please accept my apology and know I learn from my mistakes. Especially from the ones where Tim Colfield runs over my head.
So, on to the real race summary:
It was another good day for the Shack. We had at least a top three finish in every category we entered.
Luke improved on his 4th place finish from last week by finishing 2nd in the Juniors race, after he raced Cat 5’s.
Our 4’s have really got it going on. They are working well as a team and did an outstanding job of protecting Jim and JJ in the overall standings where they went 1, 2.
I think almost all of the 4’s jumped into the 3-4 race and helped Brett, Brian and Me maintain our dominance where it was Brian in 1st, me in 2nd and Brett in 5th. Thanks to Tall Brian, Craig, Mark, Rick, Steve, Tim, Jim, JJ…….. You all do great work.
Brian and Brett lined-up in the 1-2-3 race with me. Brian provided the lead-out for the first sprint (after which his vagina took over again). I will say Brian’s wheel is a good wheel to follow (previous statements withstanding). Brett came to the front several times and controlled the pace. He didn’t just come to the front for a little bit, he was up front for multiple laps at a time and provided the final 2-lap lead-out. Nice work Brett. I took the day and likely locked up the series, so I’m very pleased with that.
Congratulation to Steve A. He upgraded to Cat 4 this past week and is already making his mark.
On to the 3-Star Awards:
3rd Star Award goes to Brian Bradley for knocking me down. Three other people have done it before now, so Brian gets third. Is that the best you got?
2nd Star Award goes to all of our Cat 4 racers. Jim, JJ, Craig, Mark, Steve, Rick, Tall Brian and Tim. They raced very well together and then helped us in the 3-4 race. They dominated every race they were in.
1st Star Award goes to Woody. He won his first race today. Congratulations Woody! No one can ever take that from you.
I also want to say there were several guys, not on our team, that provided aid in the 1-2-3 race. Thanks to Matt, Jack, Jim, John……
Nice pedaling, bitches!
Parting comments:
I’ve always thought that I wanted to make an impression in my last Cat 3 race. Something like winning State right before I upgraded. I never thought the memorable race would be wrecking six guys at Spring Fling then getting second to the guy that wrecked me ;-). Anyway, I will be submitting my upgrade request this week. With the help of Dr. Pratt and Curt, it should go through without a hitch. I took a look back and found it was almost exactly one year ago today that I upgraded from 5 to 4 (yes, I’ve really only been racing for just over a year. It seems longer to me). I've really enjoyed this past year. It has been a kick in the pants and has gone far better than I ever would have hoped. I want to say thanks to some of the people that have helped me along the way. Woody: the guy who got me on a bike. Brian: the guy who got me on a Computrainer and training with power. Craig: the guy who kept my mind in the game. Jeff: the guy who gladly shares his vast amount of knowledge and experience. Todd and Curt: the guys who brought me up right and support my habits. Thanks guys!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
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7 comments:
Without a hitch? Be sure to tell the "upgraders" that you were lapped about three times when the cat 1 and 2 riders were present at the Spring Fling Criterium...take it easy trigger.
If you want to talk smack, grow a set and sign your name. Otherwise take a hike.
Knocking you down was the only way I could beat you.
Congratulations on your move to the big leagues.
Don't you just hate anonymous posters. No credibility. I guess SHE will just have to HIDE and watch.
Jer, I have known you long enough to know that if anyone can get it done you can!! Keep on peddling...BITCH.
BYW, do you think Brian hit the brakes?
Hey, I have a set and will sign my name no problem. A little advise for you about the sport of cycling. I'm by no means the fastest category 1 rider around but, i can tell you that you never run your mouth like this. You have put a target on your back the size of Texas. What does that mean for you? It means when the "real riders" decide to show up you will go home with your tail between your legs. I.e. getting lapped 3 times. Cycling is a sport where someone is always faster than you! You can't win them all and you won't win them all. We have seen guys like you come and go in the sport over the last 20 years and you have yet to prove yourself to anyone. In fact everyone is laughing at you right now because you are making yourself out to be some kick ass rider. The best part is no one knows who you are? I'm sure you are a talented rider but, you have yet to experience what real racing is. You have to earn the respect of your peers and you are not starting off on the right foot. A big concern about riders like yourself is you have no experience and you get an upgrade? You talk about causing a crash at the Spring Fling? How will you ride in a field of 175 ridres at Gateway Cup in the Dark at 30 MPH for 90 minutes. I would take a step back, earn the respect of your peers and you will get a lot further and faster in the sport.
Bill Marshall
Mercy Cycling Team
Bill,
Why so harsh? I think maybe you've misinterpreted some of his blog banter. In person he definitely doesn't put himself out there as some kick-ass racer.
I think its fair to say that Jeremy has earned his upgrade out of category 3. Sure, there are guys in Cat 1 & 2 that have more experience, fitness, skill than Jeremy, but as you yourself acknowledge there is always someone better. Jeremy has upgraded as soon as possible in part because of my advice. He is not going to get any better in the 3s, largely because he won't be exposed to those riders with more "experience, fitness, & skill". As you aptly noted, he hasn't yet experienced what real racing is, but he's got to upgrade to do so.
I agree with you that results at Spring Fling or domination of the 3s doesn't earn a rider any respect in 1s & 2s. In my opinion, whatever its worth, Jeremy understands this and is approaching his races in the 1,2s with an appropriate degree of humility and respect.
Sure, causing a crash is Spring Fling isn't something to be proud of, but I think he owned up to it being his fault. I don't know about you, but I can name at least a few instances where I didn't ride in the most professional or skilled manner, too.
Anyway, I think its good for the local scene to have another strong rider at the 1,2 races.
Jeff Winkler
I'm not trying to be harsh at all and sorry if it did sound harsh. Jeff, you make a lot of valid points and thanks for doing so. I am speaking out of experience about watching riders come into the ranks of 1, 2's. There are a lot of riders who upgrade too early and it bites them in the tail. Every Category 3 rider needs to domintate their peers and learn how to win and then upgrade. This is taught to all of the young riders we work with and should be applied to the old guys like us as well. Jeremy, as I stated before I am sure you are a talented rider but, it just doesn't sit well with anyone the way the blogs read. You may not mean to sound cocky but, that is how people are reading it. I am sure you will do great in the sport, I am just offering up some friendly advise!! Hey Jeff, only 4 months until Cyclocross!
Bill Marshall
Mercy Cycling Team
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