Team Roaring Mouse

Team Roaring Mouse http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com GTTM posterous.com Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:40:02 -0700 Sea Otter Classic - Cyclocross http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/sea-otter-classic-cyclocross http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/sea-otter-classic-cyclocross

Here a quick race report from the Sea Otter Cyclocross race :)

Category W3/4
Field Size: 20

Warm-up: I set off about 45min before my start time to check out the course. It was still being built!! A little confusing but I got a pretty good sense of the course and obstacles.

There were two sets of barriers, a deep gravel section to run through (or ride if you have mad skills), one short run-up, an off camber down hill through a turn (which I ran down) and a really fun "roller" section. There was lots of flat on the dirt along the race track to power through which was nice for me.

We roll to the line and I start getting the nerves. Julie came to watch me race and reminded me how good I look in black and yellow! :)

We're off for our 30min race and I sprint hard to get towards the front. We quickly hit the 180 and head up the hill. I'm sitting 5th and keeping the girls ahead within reach. I'm sticking to my position and just going as hard as I can. I can tell the girl in front of me is tiring after going out fast and I pass her going through the start/finish coming into our second lap. I can see her sitting on my wheel drafting and while I would do the same thing in her position, it really pisses me off. No free rides in CX!!! I take the inside line through the turn and hammer up the hill as hard as I can and get a gap to open up. Its so hot out there and towards the end of the second lap I'm getting tired. I convince myself that I can go all out for 30min, no problem, and slowing down is not an option. My last lap was definitely a little slower and my "skills" were falling apart. I nearly face planted into the gravel when I didn't clip out all the way, I was sloppy dismounting and getting over the run-up and my last set of barriers through the beer garden was especially embarrassing as I was tripping all over myself. Pretty typical CX race for me! ha!

I loved having Julie and Izumi there cheering for me each lap, along with my mom. It was a hard race and Strava generously gave me a "Sufferfest" Suffer Score, which is completely accurate.

It was so fun to do an "off season" cyclocross race!!

Finished 4th!! My best result of the weekend (raced Crit and Circuit Race previous days)

It must be the black and yellow skinsuit ;)

GTTM

Adrienne

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:56:10 -0800 I wanted that Cup!! http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/i-wanted-that-cup http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/i-wanted-that-cup

Santarosacup2

Santa Rosa Cup #2
Category: Womens B

After Cisco kindly told me that this course was not going to be the flat dirt crit like the first one and my heart sank.

I went to the Bike Monkey site to check things out and I see this picture of the Cup you win if you have the lowest combined score from both races.

Forget about what the course may bring...I want that Cup!!

Dane and Thom were had already raced when we got there and gave us a good run down of the course. I, of course, was terrified by their description. However, Thom had already won his series Cup and I was inspired to do the same. Marissa and I head out to pre ride and its not so bad! Then we hit the short steep slick downhill with a sharp right turn at the bottom and Marissa goes flying off her bike and slide out right behind her. Yikes! After a second pre ride lap we both decide that we will get off and run down. I do each lap and don't loose any time doing it :)

I'll have better skills next year!

We take off and I'm trying to hold onto the leaders wheel. With lots of rocks, narrow single track, and some short climbs and scary descents I just could not stick with her. I get passed by another rider but thats it. I wasn't giving up any more spots and hammered on the flats trying to get a little gap. After the 2nd of 6 laps I was all by myself. I got into a great rythum and was having a blast just doing my thing. The course was super fun and had a little of everything. It was perfectly challenging (for my skill level) while still having some power flats.

50min later I had finished 3rd. Good enough to take the overall series win!

I GOT THE SANTA ROSA CUP!!!!

*mission accomplished*

Congrats to Thom Fox who also won his series Cup! Nice work! (especially after flatting and having to chase back on, still finishing 2nd place)

After the race I was standing near the reg tent and some guy says "that Roaring Mouse guy I race with in the Masters is a monster!" Me: "Yes, yes he is."

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:11:22 -0800 CCCX #7 - Toro Park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-7-toro-park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-7-toro-park

Adrienne

Category: Womens B
45min

Got to the race and desperately tried to avoid warming up, as usual, but I did do two pre-ride laps and was feeling pretty good about the course. The only tricky places for me were the two sections of really loose sand. Yuck!
We start and I'm putting in some effort but for some reason the scramble at the start of a cross race is not my thing and I don't fight hard for position. I'm patient and decide that I will just work my way up as we go. Not always the best strategy.

We ended up doing 5 laps, each lap I was feeling better and better and getting into a good rhythm. I hated the big sand pit before the run up, even falling in it on the first lap, but was making up time and passing people each time up the hill. Girls were wheezing! haha
Over the two "barriers" I was slow, still unable to properly remount. I loved the tight turns and the little power hills. I do feel that on some of the flats I could have pushed harder. I never felt like I was breathing that hard or that my legs were really burning. I wish we'd have gone around more times!! Clearly I had more left in the tank. Maybe next race I will try racing in the big ring. Yeah, I always race in the little ring. What can I say, I love granny gears!! :)

Cool things:
Dropping my chain on the fast descent and shifting it back on! awesome trick!
First time this season beating my Funsport Cycyles rival! been trying to do this all year!
Getting heckled about my awful remounts and then doing my first "real" remount today! I'm tired of sucking!
(thanks Ian)

I ended up in 5th. Better next time!
Adrienne

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:01:00 -0800 BASP #3 GG Park Master 45+A http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/basp-3-gg-park-master-45a http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/basp-3-gg-park-master-45a

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This was my first BASP race of the season and only my third 45+ A race of the season. The start of my season did not go so well and the fitness was lacking but thanks to Coach Paul Page Hanson and bike fit Julie my legs and bike fit have been feeling better lately and I had high hopes of doing well at the hometown race.

Started near the back with Dane, Paule and Hans Kellner. This was good. One, I would have some good wheels to follow and Hans would have it all on video. Before the start Paule tells me that we can go around or over the log on the second turn. Considering that I am near the back I have already made the decision to go over the log expecting a major cluster at that point.

Log_hop

log hop from the Hans video.

Up and over the log I go and I immediately pass five riders. Feeling good about this I keep the effort maxed out for the first half a lap then settle into a nice pace. Coming into the backside road section Paule passes me and encourages me to get on his wheel. I stick to Paules wheel for another half a lap but my fitness and lack of racing the past three weeks will not allow me to stay with him for long at that pace. I back off and settle into my own pace and start planning how to pass as many riders as I can before the finish.

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One of the few places I am able to make up time on people is the little ride up out of "the bowl" below the start/finish line. The crowds are crazy and it's one of the best parts of the course to ride and pass riders. I was able to ride it all but one time and passed two people walking up so that felt good.

I passed a few more riders before the finish ending the day 33rd out of 45?. Happy with my race I get in some good recovery at the mouse tent and get ready for the real work of tearing down the site in less than an hour.

GTTM!

Steve

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1217269/5219411089_a96e78467b.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heNYwEJ4gNhPQ Steve Anderson monterey mouse Steve Anderson Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:46:00 -0800 Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/single-speed-cyclocross-world-championships http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/single-speed-cyclocross-world-championships

By Dane Grant

Ole0

Qualification Saturday:

Five Feats of Strength were scattered into a tour of SF to cut the 250 entrants down to a manageable 150. Small groups of 10 were formed at random with designated ride leaders in charge of the competitors and sent off in waves every 10 minutes. Cisco and I were volunteered to be ride leaders (surprise!) and we lead around our group that included four riders who either are pros or are former pros (Mary McConneloug, Don Myrah (current MTB National Champ), Tim Cannard and Christina Begy) and an elite level rider from Rock Lobster named Alex. There was also a girl who was recovering from a knee injury (note: Single Speeding may not be the best knee rehab available). Three rides did not show up. We also had a couple along for the ride who had actually ridden the course, so we would not get off course.

First Feat of Strength:

Race to the top of California Street, west bound. There were no rules, we disregard the law, hang onto cable cars, whatever it takes. First Block was not very steep and there was a red light with tons off traffic, so we all stopped and waited. Then Alex jumped through a small gap in front of a bus and held opened up a big gap. Second hill was steeper, 3rd and fourth were STEEP! I ran block #3 because I didn’t know if I could make it to the top and remounted for the last hill. “Death wish” Alex won, then Tim, then Myrah. I came in just behind Mary Mc who was slowing down to a crawl.

Second Feat:

Run 50 yards to your bike, put on your front wheel, hook up brake and run or ride over mulch and grass another 50 yards. I came in third for this one thanks to my wheel/brake install going surprisingly well. I can say I beat Don Myrah at something!

3rd: Race three uphill blocks on your bike to the bottom of Lyon Street steps, shoulder your bike and run the two blocks of steep steps. These steps are famous and I can see why, gnarly. I fell into 5th place and again was gaining on Mary but couldn’t close, strong with the force is this one! Pros are ruling.

4th: Dollar Grab: I practiced this on my bike before the race and was so ready, then I found out we had to do it on foot, game changer! I had a bad course strategy and left my gloves on. Two times I looked in my hand and there was no dollar there after a grab and half way to the next beer bottle. D'oh! A costly 6th place on this stage.

Riding through Sea Cliff, knee recovery girl was apparently in tears climbing up to the Palace of Legion of Honor and pulled out.

5th: Beach run. Yeah I can do beach runs, Ocean beach is my turf. They had us stand in calf deep 53 degree water (shoes optional, I chose barefoot) with our shouldered bikes, then run all the way across the beach (fairly far!) and then up a sand dune. I had a good start, but Christian Begy was showing her Colorado high country running form and was leading. Tim Cannard passed us both by the bottom of the sand dune and I was neck and neck with Don M. We finished in that order and they gave me the tie with Don for third. Another victory over Mary who tried to ride the wet part of the sand.

After the last feat, we pedaled back to Mojo Cycles through Golden Gate Park and turned in our score cards.

This qualification ride was super fun and we all bonded pretty well under the banner: Lucky Group 13.

Points were awarded for your finishing place in the feats of strength (1 point for 1st, 2 for second etc.) and the lowest point totals had the best shot at making the Sunday World Champ race. If you ended up in a strong group, you had a very hard time making the qualification. I figured you needed an average feat score of 4 to get in and I had 4.4! So I figured I was right on the edge of qualification.

Turns out I didn’t make it (Damn group of pros!) and had to try to get in with the sixth feat at the part Saturday night. I figured this would be drinking games, but I was way off: Pixy Cross! They made a tiny taped off CX course in the Sports Basement Parking lot and had us compete on tinny bikes (one step up from strider bikes, I mean freaking tinny!). I was in heat three and got a back row start (four riders per heat, very little passing opportunity). I had worked my way from last to second when others crashed, but my forward progress was undone by a band of plastic food wrap held across the course after the downhill. It stopped you dead and I failed to break it fast enough and the people behind must have gone under it and got past. Game over, no qualification.

Then along comes my guardian angel (Dennis from our team) and said Roaring Mouse has a couple of entries to the Championship race since they are a sponsor, and boom, I’m back in! I didn’t feel too bad getting in via the back door because my qualification group was so stacked and some people had very few people show up in their groups (as little as four in one case guaranteeing qualification for all!) making it much more easy.

Sunday:

World Champ race, 2:00. Sheepishly accept my entry to the main event, hope to not embarrass myself and sponser. Weather report said “Showers in the morning then clearing in the afternoon”. Well, I don’t call steady rain from 7:00 to mid-day “showers”, but it was sure wet. I heard the course was sloppy and getting worse. During my warm up on the polo fields track with team mates TIMEEEY and Mike, I was not feeling very warm in the rain and was glad my costume of choice was a wetsuit! It had short arms and legs so I would not over heat, but it was looking like that was not going to be a problem. The rain also undid the hair spray keeping the wig hair out of my eyes, so I was battling the shaggy dog effect on my vision. Right during staging for the main race, the sun burst out and the rain stopped, incredible timing, but too late for my hairspray! The video copter buzzed the cheering racers and the mood was high.

Paule (race director/dictator) started us down in a meadow of grass before the “run up from hell” with our bike laid down on the street above the run up. Someone said go (Paule?!) and we all took off. The muddy, slippery run up was not very wide, so you can imagine the crush to get through to find your bike. I followed a couple people up a side path and made reasonable time to the bikes. It was a good day to have a day-glow green bike and I could see it from a mile away. Once on, it was still a traffic jam though with many riders and still some bikes still on the ground. We finally started rolling and soon experienced mud…

Deep, gooey, sticky mud with riders going everywhere, pretty crazy. We then looped back in front of the finish line and our laps began. Right off the first turn we met the “log barriers from hell” (Note “from hell” theme here). Three waist high, big ass logs in a row on an up hill. how do you approach that? Not on my skill practice list. Once over those, I begin to settle into a more of a rhythm. Many riders are flailing in the deeper mud sections and I found I could take things at medium speed and maintain momentum and make a lot of sections that others couldn’t. I started the general trend of passing people and only a few riders got by and stayed in front of me. I came across Timmy who was have been having sand/speedo chafing problems and encouraged him to grab my wheel. Then I came up on Mike who’s pink bunny “Onesie” PJ’s were causing core melt down as well as no traction on the run ups. I started overheating too without the cooling rain and pulled my wetsuit down around my waist while riding (another skill not on my practice list!) leaving only my Lycra rash guard on top, much cooler. I was liking my costume choice at this point!

The cheering in certain sections on the course was amazing, I’ve never experienced anything like that in my racing days. The biggest noise was at the water tough where you had to run through knee deep water about 20 feet then climb out the other side. There were some pauses for beer drinking in the water for some, but I wasn’t up for that, so just slogged on through. Many people were calling my name out, but the crowds were so big I couldn’t even begin to see who was cheering, thanks every one! Another unusual obstacle was a tunnel made of scaffolding over a mud bog that you had to get very low on your bike to avoid getting smacked in the head. Two people did hit their head including Andrew Yee from CX magazine who had a nice gash on his nose and overall win contender Aaron Bradford.

I made it through all the obstacles without incident but managed a few “oh shit” moments when I slid out from my line and almost hit a tree, and once when my wheels slowly slipped out from under me and I fell onto my hip in the soft mud in slow motion, pretty funny.

I finished the race without any other drama other than having about five of the leaders pass me in the last lap. Pretty amazing to see how fast these guys power through the muck.

Mary Mc ended up getting 3rd place in the women’s championship race, so I don’t feel too bad losing out to her on California Street and Lyon St. Stairs, go Lucky 13!

Then came course teardown till dark, tired yet?

This was one fun weekend, and I’m definitely glad I coughed up the money for the el-cheapo single speed conversion and wig!

Thanks to Paule, Julie, Dennis, Murph, Emily and Lauren Fletcher who worked their tails off.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:39:00 -0800 Why I'm sore today http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/why-im-sore-today http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/why-im-sore-today

Leg cramps hit in earnest at an unfortunate moment at Stafford Lake CX yesterday.

Fun event on a new course, though!

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hcGHExpEYY15M brianort brianort brianort Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:15:00 -0700 Surf City Cyclo-X #1 Aptos High School http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/surf-city-cyclo-x-1-aptos-high-school http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/surf-city-cyclo-x-1-aptos-high-school

Another great turn out for the first of the Surf City Series of cyclocross races at Aptos High School in Santa Cruz with highlights including podium finishes for Jule Bates in the Master Women 35+ category, and Dane Grant in Master Men 45+ B.

Fantastic photos by Tim Westmore and Ted Ketai.

Julie Bates:

Bev Chaney:

Tim Simanski:

Dane Grant:

Alex Braunstein (photo by Ted Ketai):

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Steve Anderson:

Christopher Kelly:

Paule Bates:

Jeff Hane:

Peter Brisbo (photo by Colleen Logan):

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Ian Gillies (photo by Ted Ketai):

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Thom Fox (photo by Colleen Logan):

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:11:00 -0700 CCCX #5 Toro Park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-5-toro-park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-5-toro-park

By Christopher Kelly.

Last Saturday I finished 6th in the men's Elite race at CCCX round five, Toro Park.

I finished just under 90 seconds back from race winner Aaron Bradford, and within 6 seconds of 4th and 5th place. Being as this only my second season of cyclocross, this is a really great result for me.

It's taken Scott Saifer of Wenzel Coaching 11 months to coach me to this point. As you might imagine, I'd highly recommend his and colleague Paul Page-Hanson's services. Team Roaring Mouse members receive a generous discount, get in touch now!

Many thanks to Steve Anderson and Tim Westmore for the wonderful photos.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:04:00 -0700 CCCX 4 Manzanita Park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-4-manzanita-park http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-4-manzanita-park

A selection of Team Roaring Mouse racers in action last Sunday at Manzanita Park. Photos by Tim Westmore.

Jeff Hane leading Tim Simanski and Tom Taylor:

Mousetrain

Dane Grant:

Luke Shenefield:

Cisco Moran:

Bev Chaney:

Adrienne Belliveau:

Elaine Minton:

Paule Bates:

Christopher Kelly:

Ian Gillies:

Photos by Colleen Logan. Mike Morgenfeld:

Steve Anderson:

Jeff, Tim & Tom battle it out, this run up was much steeper than it appears here!

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:31:00 -0700 CCCX 2 - Back in the saddle again http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-2-back-in-the-saddle-again http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cccx-2-back-in-the-saddle-again

Race: CCCX #2
CAT: 45B
Teammates: Dennis McGovern

It's been a tough year. A crash at Nationals left me with three broken ribs and a collapsed lung and 5 days in the hospital. My lung didn't heal right, a second surgery that became "complicated" landed me 5 more days in the hospital. But I have to confess that I'm a doper... I lost a lot of blood so I took EPO to help boost my red blood cell count in hopes of avoiding atransfusion(the EPO worked!) So 3 months and lots of narcotics later, I was riding again! Started feeling better in July and then caught some kind of respiratory infection(unrelated to the accident) and just finished the last round of meds last Friday. All which does not add up to great fitness.

Needless to say I was a bit nervous about starting to race again. But I have a nice, new Ibis Hakkalugi that I was very excited to try out, so got the Lugi setup, cleanup the old bike, glued a tire and was ready to go for Sat. Showed up a bit late so didn't get the warmup I was hoping for but at least got to see how the Ibis handled on the dirt. There were only two goals, don't crash(thus avoiding the wrath of Shannon) and finish. Thought it was a good idea to drop down to the Bs this year so was glad to see Dennis there when we lined up. He jumped to the front row while I was just hanging in the back.

My heart is pounding and off we go! Hit the first hairpin, then some people get tangle up going over a log, but I make it around them and I'm now mid pack. I have to say compared to what I am used to, the speed at that start was quite comfortable and I knew I would be able to last at least one lap. We make it back around to the start area and I've managed to get behind Dennis on the runup, unlike me he is riding it but it's loose so I give him a little boost to make sure he stays on the bike.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel to bad and just made a big effort to ride within myself. There were two small inclines on course that were great for me since they were short enough for me to stand and power up and not blow up by the top. I was actually catching the occasional person and passing them, a different experience than I have had in the As the last couple seasons. Anyway, last lap come sooner than I expected and I think I have a good gap on the guy behind me so I'm not working to hard. About halfway through the lap I realize the guy behind me isn't some A warming up, they guy behind has close the gap. ARGH. We hit the final little hill and I drill it and gap the guy then hold it to the finish. Got lucky there.

Anyway, I thought the race went well but didn't even bother to check the results right after the race. I eventually drag myself over there and am more than a bit surprised to find out I got 5th!! Well, I guess that covers the goal of just finishing and I didn't crash so everybody is happy! The Ibis was AWESOME and I'm looking forward to the next race. It's good to be back!

jeff

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:36:00 -0700 A Mouse and an epic ride at the BORP Revolution 2011 http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/a-mouse-and-an-epic-ride-at-the-borp-revoluti http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/a-mouse-and-an-epic-ride-at-the-borp-revoluti

This was year #9 for the fundraiser ride,starting at the Trentadue Winery in Geyserville,CA. We had an epically, awesome time at this year's BORP Revolution ride. It was by the far more challenging than year's past, as there were more hills, gravel and heat than years past.The ride had routes ranging from 10 -66 miles.

In all the years I’ve participated, the most awe inspiring experiences are those when I actually get to ride along side hand cyclists and visually impaired riders. Over the years I’ve even had the honor of riding with a few Paralympic athletes out on Sonoma’s country roads!

The ride is a fundraiser for the Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program(BORP). The goal of this organization is to improve the health, independence, and social integration of people with physical disabilities through sports, fitness and recreation programs.

As our dear teammate and friend, Matt Peterson was known to say, "It doesn't have to be fun to be fun." But when you are a sicko like me and you like climbing then it's a ton a fun when the roads turn up.

Cheers,
Isaias

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1550101/ijobins_singular.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hgWhdcdBeCi5Y ijob ijob ijob Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:52:58 -0700 Oakland Grand Prix http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/oakland-grand-prix http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/oakland-grand-prix

The Oakland Grand Prix yesterday was my last road race for the year. It was a blast!

I did this race last year and its such a tough but great course, I had to do it again. I have to admit that I was a little sore and pretty tired from racing CCCX Saturday. I am not used to running, lifting and carrying my bike! Ouch.

I raced in the Womens 3/4 race, a nice field of about 24 riders. Its started out quick and stayed pretty fast and steady. There were a couple strong 3's on the front that kept the pace mostly high. I would say for about 3/4 of the race I was hanging on the back, struggling to get my legs in the game. I just couldn't move up and stay up. Then the mind games start and I think about dropping out. No way! Just finish. Then, as usual, with 3 to go I get it together and move up. With 1.5 to go there is a 4 woman break and I hop on the wheel of a strong women who sets out to chase them down. I stayed on fast wheels and we were slowly catching the lead group. I have a good last corner and sprint up the hill to take 5th!

Phew! Thank goodness it over! Done.....and a free t-shirt. :)

I ended up staying to watch all of the racing. Anyone who didn't stay or come to watch the Men's Pro 1/2 race really missed out! It was amazing. The most exciting race I've ever seen. Damn those guys are strong and fast! Inspiring.

Can't wait to do it again next year! (in the P1/2/3 Championship race) ;)

Adrienne

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:50:00 -0700 Custom Swiftwick Team Roaring Mouse sock now on sale http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/custom-swiftwick-team-roaring-mouse-sock-now http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/custom-swiftwick-team-roaring-mouse-sock-now

For a very limited time only, a custom Team Roaring Mouse edition of the fabulous Swiftwick Performace Four sock is now on sale to the public. Team tried and tested, the Four is the cycling sock and will be available to all at the bargain price of $10.

Head over to our team site and buy yours now.

Swiftwick_mouse

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:54:00 -0700 2011 Tuesday Night Track Racing Finale! http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/2011-tuesday-night-track-racing-finale http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/2011-tuesday-night-track-racing-finale

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I had a blast this past Tuesday night at Hellyer!

It was the last Tues night of racing for 2011 and I was heading down for some hard efforts, fast racing and lots of fun.

Mission Accomplished!

The women's field was relatively small but with Bev and two fast juniors there was no shortage of hard work!

15 lap Points

12 Lap Scratch

20 lap Points

Bev came in her mouse skin suit and I had a teammate! Rockin'!

We schemed up some tactics and strategy and gave it our best, though nothing really worked. Fun to try though!

Not sure how things ultimately resulted but I was looking more for giving my best efforts and not so much where I was ending up.

By the end of the last Points race I was toast. Totally done.

What a great way to end the season!

I made it down to Hellyer for a total of 10 nights of racing, 3 races each night = 30 races!

I learned so much about racing and about my own strengths and weaknesses as a racer.

Plus, I just got plain stronger!

Thanks Mateo, Jay, Dan, Steve A, and Cathy who were super supportive of my first year on the track and gave me great race advice and encouragement out there.

Can't wait for more next year! I'll definitely be back in 2012 for Tuesday nights....and Friday Night racing ;)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:04:30 -0700 Folsom Cyclebration Road Omnium http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/folsom-cyclebration-road-omnium http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/folsom-cyclebration-road-omnium This past weekend I competed in the Folsom Cyclebration Road Omnium. If you've never done this race before...you should!

Category: Womens 4

Saturday:

Race #1 - Folsom Challenge Criterium

40min

I roll to the start after taking a quick lap around the course and something just doesn't feel right. I look down and I have a front flat! WTF! I have a moment of panic followed by feeling super bummed. I asked if there are neutral wheels....nope. I just stood on the grass listening to the race instructions thinking that my omnium was over before it started!

Then, random dude rolls up and offers me his front wheel! Yes! I do a quick switch and I'm back at the line with a few seconds to spare. Phew!

Race starts and I'm feeling really good and racing mostly smart. There was some attacking and break attempts but nothing sticks. There were 5 primes during the race and I went for the last one and took it easily, earning 2 points towards the omnium.

This course was unusual and the back of the course just sweeps around to the finish. Its the last lap and I'm towards the front. The Red Peloton train slowed and I was on the inside. I could see a surge on the left and with 400 meters to go I shifted down and jumped. I knew it was WAY to early but thought if I could get a gap then maybe I could hold everyone off. Well, that didn't work. I became the perfect lead out for the winner and the other two girls who went around me with ~200 meters to go. I was dying but held on for 4th place.

Thanks again "wheel guy"!!

Race #2 - South Canal Time Trial

11 mile out and back

I clip on some TT bars and I'm ready to go! haha

Time Trialing has not been my strong suit but I decided to go out there and give it my all. I saw Liam before my start and he warned me about the headwinds on the second half so I was mentally prepared for it to hurt. It did.....really bad. All I could do was try to keep the legs moving at the same tempo despite the burning. It was tough but ultimately I enjoyed it. I had little expectations going in but finished in 3rd! Nice!

Sunday:

Race #3 - Willow Creek Circuit Race

40min

I checked the overall standings pre-race and I'm in 2nd overall! Whoa! I checked some other names and knew who I had to beat in order to hold my standings and get on the podium.

This was a great course and I was feeling rested and ready to race. I wasn't feeling much fatigue in my legs from the day before and really wanted to get a good result. The course had one tricky spot for me and it was at the round-about. Ugh, I lost time there each lap. However, I just paid attention and made note of where I was making and loosing time and decided that I was going to be patient today (lesson learned in that Crit!). I stayed on wheels and out of the wind. Did very minimal work and overall the race seemed to be at a pretty mellow pace.

I get towards the front for the last lap, remaining patient, not panicking and staying on wheels till about 200 meters to go. I accelerate and then sprint around, crossing the line in 2nd!

Final Omnium results for Women Cat4:

1st: Adrienne Belliveau - Team Roaring Mouse

Yea! So excited about this win!

Great way to start closing out my 2011 road season.

GTTM

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:03:00 -0700 Cross Season Begins http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cross-season-begins http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/cross-season-begins

By Christopher Kelly

Photo credit: Steve Anderson

Last Saturday saw my return to short courses, drop handlebars and skinny tyres for the first of the CCCX cyclocross series in Monterey. The hard packed sand at Fort Ord makes for fast and exciting racing favouring those with mountain biking skills and I had an absolute blast. Twelve Team Roaring Mouse racers in attendance at a race over hundred miles from our home town, how about that for enthusiasm?

Photo credit: Ted Ketai

My Wenzel coaching plan made the switch from mountain to 'cross back in August, and I've only recently started to add back some high end intensity. The pacing strategy was simple: push hard for a fast start, settle to a few beats below threshold and stay there for an hour. Easier said than done once the whistle blows! The start was ridiculously fast, and I really only got the briefest of glimpses of winner Andy Jaques-Maynes of Bissell Pro Cycling. Finishing on lap nine with the race leaders? Result.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/1kvBvjZTeT6N cck197 cck197 cck197 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:57:00 -0700 Tuesday Night Track presented by Team Roaring Mouse http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/tuesday-track-presented-by-team-roaring-mouse http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/tuesday-track-presented-by-team-roaring-mouse

This last Tuesday was the 5th and final race Jay & I put on at Hellyer Velodrome this year. Definately one of the cooler things I've done as an amatuer cyclist. Many thanks to Roaring Mouse for the way cool Roaring Mouse pint glasses to use as primes.

Before racing there is registration and here Jay shows how it's done. Schedule, forms, pens, pins, numbers & primes all on display.

4/5 prime winner Vaughn displaying his winnings

W234 double prime winner Shannon (I forgot to ask this speedy Junior if it was ok to post her picture, hence the happy face)

P123 prime winner Mark (right) shared with Dave (left) for the leadout

Last time I had Hernando in the booth with me, this time it was Rick & John Simmons. No Pressure!

See ya in 2012!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1240336/_MG_3898_Mateo_Ortega.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hesQWT7nDS2sq Mateo MateoAO Mateo Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:32:00 -0700 Fast and Furious Crit http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/fast-and-furious-crit http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/fast-and-furious-crit

Mice: Tyler, Sean, and myself (Hack)

Starting field: 50 riders

This was the inaugural edition of the Fast and Furious crit in downtown Pleasanton. When Tyler and I arrived plenty early for our 11:30am start time I was really impressed by both the abundance and cleanliness of the porta potties. That, and the fact the event seemed to be of professional calibre. There were barriers lining the sides of the entire course, an expo area, plenty of downtown eateries with outside seating, random and happy spectators milling about, and the cops carried both firearms and non-lethal tasers in case, as Ed Ceaser would say, "Shit got real."

Even warming up at this race was fun. Instead of the typical looks of disdain and bewilderment I'm so used to getting from townies -- including my friends and family -- Tyler and I were entertained by friendly motorcycle riding policemen, a 5-hour energy drink lady with free samples, and several interested citizens who asked us if we were professionals. Clearly.

As the race started Tyler saw Young Sean, and after a brief chat with him came to tell me we were working for him. Thus began awesomeness. Sean stuck to my and Tyler's wheels for a good portion of the race, and seeing two teammates ride like that gave me a warm feeling in my tiny heart. Here's me hiding in a draft with Sean on my wheel and Tyler lurking in the distance.

(Credit: Tim Westmore, Argentum Imago)

It even emboldened me to try and learn how the finish might go by using a prime as a test run. With a headwind on the back straight and tailwind on the long finishing straight I wondered how far out we'd need to go or how many wheels back Sean would need to be in the final run in. With Tyler in place to block and let a gap go I jumped near the 3rd corner getting around it alone and with a gap, but saw two riders chasing me.

(Credit: Tim Westmore, Argentum Imago)

On the finishing straight I hammered to keep away but was soundly defeated by two guys, one of whom had already submitted his Cat 3 upgrade (the Italian in the Form Fitness kit)

Fast_and_furious_crit_2011

Ah well, this gave me the important information to wait, wait, wait for the final sprint and go into the corner 5 or so wheels back. Unfortunately, as you may be able to see in my posture I've just been slaugthered like a pig in Kansas. I was pretty shattered and could never find my way back to the front to give Tyler and Sean the hard-if-not-stupidly-earned information. As I suffered to keep with the pack I could see Tyler escorting Sean around the course in true Julian Deanish glory. Unfortunately again, Tyler put in some big efforts and had to pull out of his lead out role before the end. Sean was too far up too early (which I should have prevented! Bad Hack!) and got passed by a few guys in the finale. He still ended up with a well-fought, and pretty well-placed, 8th.

All in all, a fun day racing with and for teammates, and a few lessons learned: don't kill yourself in primes, if you're picking up info like this for a teammate, make sure to have enough energy to put it to use, and for the love of all that is holy do a few push ups. I'm pretty sure that one picture reveals I actually have NO muscle in my arms.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/he6mn1X1obBWy hackattack hackattack hackattack Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:58:59 -0700 End to a beginning http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/end-to-a-beginning http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/end-to-a-beginning

Howell_mountain

After a not so good race at Downieville, I kind of rolled into Howell Mountain somewhat " Bottled up " if you will! I wanted to go hard for along time, build that pain threshold and just hammer! Being the last race of this season, I figured why not! After all, I felt good!! Also, this being my last Clydesdale race as I change Cat. next year, I wanted it to be a good one! My game plan for this course was to get a good 40 minute warm up as I wanted to go hard in the beginning to get ahead, stay ahead and roll into the ST before the slower technical riders do! This is a course where you benefit getting in the woods early! The course starts out with a little road climb into some double wide dirt with a hike a bike climb in the beginning which then leads you to a gravel/dirt road before you get to the fun stuff!! you have about 2 miles to get ahead then you are golden! There are places to pass on the course but its just more fun not to have to worry about it!

Off we go and I started out hard in the lead until the hike a bike and was passed by the winner in my cat ( he beat me by 8 minutes, he races Cat 1 too ) He was pealing away at a pace that I could not hold quite yet! Another chap and I battled a bit for 2nd until we got into the single track. I just let him lead until we arrived to the woods. I noticed that his skill in the woods was a bit sluggish, took advantage of that and pulled by him. I was able to gain a good lead on the guy chasing me and was able to hold it the entire race with an AVG Hr of 178!!! What was awesome about this race is that I was only passed by 3 people and they where pro or Cat 1! Another racer from a different Category than I, had the whole course to ourselves and worked with each other just to hold the relatively high pace that we had! Great guy to ride 20 miles with! Once again, I want to thank my coach Paul Page Hanson and Wenzel for the great coaching! Also want to thank all the team-mates ( Ian, Elaine, Tim, Mike, Katie and Tom ) who hung out just to watch me podium! Class A people!!! I look forward to racing/riding with you guys soon! Hello " Le Ruta " 2012!!

Chad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1161854/dizzy.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heOjFH985W0nU barron360 barron360 barron360 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:28:56 -0700 Well, was all the sacrifice worth it?......... http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/well-was-all-the-sacrifice-worth-it http://blog.teamroaringmouse.com/well-was-all-the-sacrifice-worth-it Yes! Absolutely! 100%

Earlier this year in January I few of my swim teammates were talking smack before practice and said that they were going to sign up for an Full distance Aquabike. They challenged me to do it and not thinking they would actually sign up I said "Bring it boys!". A few weeks later I checked reg and there were their names. Oh man, I've really got to do this!

A Full Aquabike race is a 2.4mile swim followed with a 112mi bike.

I was really getting into the racing groove, doing track every Tuesday night and trying to make as many Crits as possible. Just racing and having a blast.

It was May and with only a few months to go till the 'big race' I had to make the decision: continue to focus on the shorter 'sprinting' races or focus on endurance.

I cringed at the thought of letting go of Track racing, Crits, and my pursuit of a Cat 3 upgrade. Though at the end of the day I wanted to be successful at this Aquabike thing and time trialing 112 miles poorly prepared was just too hard to imagine. So, I committed myself to focus on base miles and endurance.

Its been SO tough sit out all the racing the last few months. Just painful.

However, I have to say that I've enjoyed my many many miles out on the road the last few months. I'd been asking for 'more' all year and I finally got it! (careful what you ask for!)

Its finally race day. I'd never done an endurance event before and I'd been having anxiety dreams all week. I was super nervous and a week of that sluggish taper feeling doesn't help. I barely slept the night before. I went into the race mentally prepared for the work and pain ahead, knowing it was gonna be tough. I also knew that I had worked my ass off and was prepared.

Race morning at the Russian River, 6:51am and off we go. I won't bore you all with the swim details but I will say that I exceeded my goal time! I can't believe that I churned out the swim so fast. I normally loathe any open water swimming but I really enjoyed it! A good start and I was in 2nd place overall (women) and out of the water in 1st in my age group.

2.4mi : 56:45

Now, onto the bike. I'm feeling great and the rolling course has SO much easy speed. Its comparable to paradise loop but 56mi and with one longer 'climb' that you hit at mile 50 and 100. I had a solid plan going in as far as pacing and nutrition. I stuck strictly to it! I've never eaten so much on a ride! haha I was like a machine out there. Totally focused. I did keep a higher heart rate than 'recommended' but I just couldn't help myself. I had to push it. Like I said, I felt great the whole time, though there were moments where I almost thought that I may blow up in a few miles, but I never did. Phew! I think it was mental too. The idea of bonking and then having to ride 20-30miles was just too much to bare. No, I was NOT going to blow up. The miles just ticked away and I was having a great time! At mile 70 or so I see Izumi, Seth and Cathy riding the other direction and gave a loud mouse shout out! It was so fun to see you guys out there! I'm finally at mile 108 and with 4mi to go I decide that I'm ready to be done and go for it. I get in my tt bars and hold 20-21mph to the finish. It felt great to finish so strong. Again I cross the line and can't believe I've finished so fast!

112mi : 6:19 (avg 17.7mph) not too shabby!

Total time was 7:19.50, long day!

I ended up finishing 2nd in my age group (25-29). Cool!

HUGE thanks to my coach Marissa who prepared my perfectly and was so supportive of my goals. I couldn't have done this successfully without her.

Thanks to all the mice and former mice to rode with me for all or part of those long Monday rides.

Also thanks to Cathy, Izumi and Seth who came up to cheer me on and sat in the sun forever waiting for me to get my award.

Again, it was worth the sacrifice. It was a great experience and the process of training for it was just as amazing. I learned tons about myself as an athlete. I may be more suited for short intense racing but this has also confirmed that I could be a decent all-around rider if I do the work. I may have missed out on some great racing the last two months but as a new cyclist I feel that getting all these miles in my legs will help me tremendously in the long run. I've got years of racing ahead.

Now, a week of rest and then I make my return to the Track Aug 9th! Yes!!

I'm back to Crits and Track racing through September and I can't wait!

BRING IT!!! :)

-Adrienne

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1391264/AdrienneBelliveau_fly.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hckYJt0cip8zo adrienneswim adrienneswim adrienneswim