Strawbuger's Racing Log

[Strawburger]

Sounds like a lovely ride ,at least it can't be worse weather next time... what did the top guys in M2 average?.

They did it in a touch over 32mins, or 42.5km/hr. Most of their gains were through the headwind (confirmed what I was reading in the training bible the other day).

[Strawburger]

Assuming we end up in the same grade, can you drive me there in style?

Absolutely! Gave the car a bit of a run last weekend to charge the battery for this coming weekend!

[philip]

Kurrajong grades are out: http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=47796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Strawburger]

Big fields, it's going to be a fast race!

Mike - we are both in div 3, 66kms

Phillip, was hoping you were in div 2 this year

[Strawburger]

Date: 9 Sept 12
Venue: NSW State Championships - Road Race
Conditions: Sunny, Slight breeze
Grade: M2
Result: 37th from 47 starters
Report:

My aim for this was to hang in for a lap of the course (4 laps of a 29km lap) and hopefully being dropped with another rider thus not finishing last! I had a good warmup and lined up for the start. Looking around I saw lots of familiar faces, familiar due to them standing on steps of podiums during the last few years in the road opens. I wasn't nervous but was concerned how long i would last being an E grader in amongst the quality A-C graders. These guys are class. We rolled out and cycled at a decent speed through the neutral zone. I soon found myself at the rear of the field and almost being dropped on the first hill in the neutral zone I regained focus and got to the rolling start and we were off. Pretty quickly the speed increased but i was comfortable sitting in the last few of the peloton. As the kms of the first lapped ticked away i thought this may not be as hard as i thought. At the first turn around point a guy 3 up from me slid out and caused a huge split as the pack attacked out of the corner. My race was almost over but i dug in for the next 3 odd kms and just got back on. I was already stuffed as were another six as we tried to get some composure at the back. Approaching the first lap i looked to survive, and was prepared for the quick acceleration out of the turn. I got back on and my goal had already been reached!

Once getting my breath back i reset my goal to aim to get to the next turn point without being dropped. The pack surged as a breakaway was attempting to get away up the small hill. I hung on and even did ok on this turn as we headed back to the start/finish/half way point. The lungs were burning but the legs were fine. I was getting the hang of these turn points, even though i was wasting so much energy jumping back onto the pack after each turn point. I ate and drank lots on this lap to make sure i didn't bonk. Finally someone was dropped so i wasn't last! I tried on occasions to get further up the pack but as soon as that happened i found myself being passed and pushed back to last wheel.

I got to the half way point and thought, maybe i can get through another lap! At the start of lap 3 the big boys slowed for a natural break. I could finally get the HR down, give the legs a bit of a rest have some water. The breakaway was still out and increasing their gap, the pack wasn't interested in chasing by the looks of it, it seemed as though it was every man for himself. We really slowed this lap, so i hung on again and got to the bell lap!

No shame from here, i had to finish no matter how long it took for the final lap. My goal was to hang on as long as i could and coast home. We got to the small hills just before the turn to home and the pack exploded! They decided to chase down the breakaway which looked like they were fading. The peloton splintered and i had nothing in the tank. My race was over but i put in a huge effort to try and latch on to other dropped riders. We formed a bunch of about 6 of us and got a rolling paceline going. We started swallowing other riders after the turn point. The legs were screaming and i couldn't really hold down any water. My body was in agony and everyone within 10km probably ould have heard it too . A few of the 12 strong autobus helped me out on a more than one occasion with getting me over a few of the slight inclines on the way home as everyone realised their race was over and were cruising. I rolled over the line in 3rd to last spot (of riders to finish). The breakaway hung on by 30 odd seconds, and our bunch only lost 3.5mins on the eventual winner

My initial goal was exceeded, i am ecstatic with being able to finish this race. It may not look good in writing, but this rates as the my best result ever achieved. I am looking forward to next season already and have the knowledge on what it would take to participate next year!

dist - 116kms (+3.6km neutral)
time - 3hrs 8min 56sec (official time 3:09:02)
speed - 36.8km/hr avg (64.3 max)
cadence - 89
heart rate - 168 HR avg (193 max)

[mikesbytes]

Kurrajong grades are out: http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=47796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is a big field. Eugene is the oldest rider

[philip]

Kurrajong grades are out: http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=47796" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is a big field. Eugene is the oldest rider

I was talking to him yesterday and he was pretty keen to ride div 2. Wouldn't be surprised if he puts himself up.

[mikesbytes]

I don't think he's quick enough for Div2. Though he's good at hauling his 48kg's up hills

[Dave388]

Hi guys. Haven't ridden kurrajong before and have been put in division 3. Do you know if I can put myself up to division on the day? Thanks.

[philip]

Hi guys. Haven't ridden kurrajong before and have been put in division 3. Do you know if I can put myself up to division on the day? Thanks.

div1? I'm not sure about that since that's the state champs and they've said no late entries into that. I know you should be able to put yourself into div 2 no problems, just turn up early (since div 2 starts 2 hours earlier) and ask.

[Strawburger]

Hi guys. Haven't ridden kurrajong before and have been put in division 3. Do you know if I can put myself up to division on the day? Thanks.

Yeah, like philip said turn up for the early race. Speak with the commissars and fingers crossed they let you ride. I think they have the process on the kurrajong news page on the cycling nsw website.

[Dave388]

Thanks guys will be there early as traveling out with other riders. Will try for div 2 thanks for info

[mikesbytes]

Well done Strawbuger, first race where your average speed was faster than mine !!!!!!!!

[Strawburger]

Well done Strawbuger, first race where your average speed was faster than mine !!!!!!!!

Thanks mike! Though with your flu, my form and the course profile the odds were just stacked in my favour for once!

Report coming soon. If the gross inaccuracies of strava are to go by, apparently I can climb at a high cat 2 level

[vander]

Well done Strawbuger, first race where your average speed was faster than mine !!!!!!!!

Thanks mike! Though with your flu, my form and the course profile the odds were just stacked in my favour for once!

Report coming soon. If the gross inaccuracies of strava are to go by, apparently I can climb at a high cat 2 level

Better off looking at your time and then seeing what the div 2 riders did to see if you can ride that level strava power is hopeless. I believe if you can hold similar w/kg that you say you can up a climb you would of been ok in div 2.

Congrats on the ride.

[ldrcycles]

dist - 116kms (+3.6km neutral)
time - 3hrs 8min 56sec (official time 3:09:02)
speed - 36.8km/hr avg (64.3 max)
cadence - 89
heart rate - 168 HR avg (193 max)

Damn that's a solid effort, well done!

[philip]

Here's my kurrajong div2 race on strava if you want to compare:

http://app.strava.com/activities/22853965" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

97.5km, 39.5km/h average. I wasn't feeling good at all on the climbs, I think my problem was I was eating just before them, won't do that again. On the 2nd lap I was feeling hot and dizzy, could only just keep up with the front group which had guys in it that I can normally easily keep up with. 3rd lap I didn't eat and was feeling much better up the climb but legs were a fair bit more tired.

[Strawburger]

Thanks for the link Philip. Vander/Philip, my climbs on sunday were done comfortably (as comfortable as you can be in a race situation), i may have been able to hold on and tail off in the last few metres for div2. The problem i would have in div2 are the bits between the climbs, something i desperately need to work on during the summer if i want to improve for next season.

[Strawburger]

Damn that's a solid effort, well done!

cheers ldr. it hurt so much, not sure if it was so much solid but damaging!

[Strawburger]

Date: 23 Sept 12
Venue: Kurrajong Classic
Conditions: Sunny, warm-hot
Grade: Div3 - 66km (2 Laps)
Result: 10th from 63 starters
Report:

Finally a race with a decent climb! I was feeling pretty nervous a few days out for the first time before a race. Mikesbytes and I arrived in style, with the radio blaring and the v8 purring. The nerves settled down once it was time to warm up. A small showing of DH riders for this race and what seemed to be every registered rider from NSCC in our division meant it was going to be tough.

We rolled out and I made sure i was in a good position for the decent. There was a lot of jostling but once we hit the downhill 3km into the lap the pack strung out. The climb straight after was done at a good pace. I passed quite a few riders and found myself cresting in the top few riders. We managed to drop a significant amount of riders, however another small bunch behind caught us soon after. Our group of 15 or so riders set about trying to distance ourselves from the rest, however a few unsuccessful paceline attempts failed. By the time we rolled around for the bell lap, a small group of about 10 riders caught us and sat on.

The next 5 or so kms could have been decisive so i got myself near to the front for the decent. Perfectly positioned, i led the group up the climb. I felt great and considered having a go off the front for the KOM. I got into a rhythm and had my revenge on the bigger guys who put me through such misery throughout the year on the rolling courses Just as i entertained the idea of jumping off the front, i saw a red flash blast straight past me. A team-mate was having a go on the KOM. I slowed down a touch to give him some space and to disrupt any others, unfortunately one other jumped and pipped him on the crest. Job done as i crested in about 5th place (certainly top 10) and with our man out front with a 30sec lead, my job now was to keep out of the wind. The group of about 15 had a decent rolling paceline going, one of our other teammates was doing his best to break it down but the breakaway was caught with 8km to go.

No sign of the group behind, so our bunch slowed slightly for the next few kms. This let in a small group of 3, and the pace was lifted slightly in anticipation of the finish. I was on the best wheel in the bunch - a 90odd kg 6'+ rider from CCCC. He made his way to the front and i followed. With 2km to go there was a slight uphill. I had a crack at a breakaway as the pack slowed. I gave it enough to worry the group but they had my wheel in no time. I slowed up but had to settle in for pacemaking duties. With 500m to go, sprinters were lining up. I relinquished the leadout. I fell into 2nd last spot in the group once the sprint started, however i started my sprint with 300m to go and passed quite a few to finish in 10th!

So my positioning in the bunch is improving, my climbing is still there, i just have to work on the bits in between climbs and getting in the best position for the sprint finish! Still, very happy with the improvement throughout the year and with some promising results. Looking forward to a good break now (after the National Masters ITT) and perhaps into some crits during the summer... Or perhaps just kicking back and relaxing.

dist - 65.12kms
time - 1hrs 43min 50sec (official time 1:43:43)
speed - 37.6km/hr avg (79.7 max new PB)
cadence - 81 avg
heart rate - 173 HR avg (195 max)

[Strawburger]

Date: 7 Sept 12
Venue: Australian Masters Championships - ITT (Breadalbane)
Conditions: Warm and sunny, Headwinds out, tailwind in
Grade: M2
Result: 19th from 19 starters
Report:

It was a day to forget but will remember for a while. As soon as i went down the ramp into the headwinds i knew it wasn't going to be pretty. The legs were still like jelly from Saturday's MAP test, plus a practice ITT on the indoor trainer followed by a hard commute didn't help things. I struggled to keep any pace up in the first 5kms, but slightly better than the ITT last month. With no-one in front of me again, i found it hard to pace myself. Milostic Seiper & Tollhurst didn't end up catching me until about the 11km mark this time

As the km ticked by so did the clock, a lot faster than i would have liked. My turn around point was half a minute slower (28.7km/hr compared to 29.4) and on quick calcs there was no chance i would be able to beat last months time. The wind wasn't as fierce, so coming home was going to be harder. My legs struggled with the pace my brain and heart were wanting to go, no matter how hard i pushed they just didn't seem to want to give me more power. Motivation to go that little bit harder wasn't to be seen. I rolled in 2mins slower (40.5km/hr compared to 45., thus giving me a time way over 40 mins. I missed out on 2nd last place by a measly 2sec. I'm pretty embarrassed about having a poor result in the nationals but at the end of the day my legs went on holidays a few days before the rest of me will be on saturday.

Looking forward to a long break to give the body a well deserved rest (i'm exhausted!). It's been a huge season for me: results, intensity & kms done. Hopefully the improvement continues next season!

dist - 22.75kms
time - 40min 44sec (official time 40:41)
speed - 33.5km/hr avg (56.8 max)
cadence - 92
heart rate - 172 HR avg (180 max)

[mikesbytes]

Strawbuger just before the start

[Strawburger]

Haven't been racing yet this season, been too busy putting in the base km's. However for all my efforts last season I ended up getting a nice suprise at the dulwich hill bc awards night! Was totally unexpected and am honoured to receive it with such a huge amount of talented masters riders at the club. Still shaking my head in amazement.

[foo on patrol]

Good one Strawbuger!

Foo

[Strawburger]

My 1000th post, not that i'm counting... With another year of racing!

Date: 6 April 13
Venue: Sydney Road Titles, Penrith Regatta Centre
Conditions: Overcast, wet in patches
Grade: MMAS1-2 Combined (18 laps) = 90kms
Result: 22nd out of 29 in MMAS2, 36 out of 48 Combined
Report:

This race would not be suited for your typical climber (hence my first time), however i was encouraged by the previous years results with the average speed of around 38km/hr. I pulled the trigger and entered to use it for sharpening up for other events coming up. With 4 months of base training under my belt and 4kg leaner from last season, i thought i may be able to survive the first hour and "see how i go".

With a pack full of larger strong riders, I soon found myself dangling around the back in the first lap. With a great view of the peloton, I noticed I was the smallest rider in the field. The explosive power the big boys have out of corners is outstanding. My best bet was to pick a wheel and try to hold on. The accelerations were most aggressive at the last corner before the finishing straight so my whole survival plan was based around this. Lap after lap ticked over and each time i picked a different wheel until i figured out who was best to follow. There were plenty of attacks but nothing substantial. The preme came and went and the laps kept ticking by. With 5 laps to go, we caught the elite women on their preme lap. The bunch still overtook and we were strung out. They then overtook us and both races were side by side heading down the back straight. With rain spitting, the track was getting a little slippery. I was stuck at the back when one of the women slid out coming into the final straight. I slowed and avoided, looked up and saw the last wheel was 40m ahead. I put the head down and drilled myself into the ground to get back on. I was shattered and could barely hang on. Then another split occurred when the two bunches arrived at the bridge after the start finish line. This time i had company so i latched on and we got back. The next few laps were survival and fortunately things slowed down with no attacks to speak of. Coming into the final straight I got myself up a few wheels and unleashed the "climbers" sprint to overtake a handful of riders and not finish last!

I got off the bike stoked i survived and noticed the finishing time. It was 4km/hr faster than last year, my best average speed by the same margin. My parents came and watched, the first thing dad said was "you didn't really pedal much", and mum said "you weren't really going that fast". At least the wife congratulated me hehehe.

dist - 89.4kms
time - 2hrs 07min 42sec (official time 2:08:07)
speed - 42.0km/hr avg
cadence - 89 avg
heart rate - 169 HR avg (189 max)
Power - not saying