Bill's Blog (Web Log)
Show Must Go On
Submitted by Bill on Sat, 05/05/2007 - 6:40am
Hello from Missoula where I am sorry to say I am not at Starbucks heading out of town. I am in no hurry any more since learning of the conditions in Anaconda. I will race today but not go camping. Some of the abrupt change in my plans this weekend are due to the fact that my alarm did not go off this morning and I am running late. My plans were to go camping. Instead I will go to the Georgetown Road Race and then return. I just got word that even the race is in peril
The Highlands Road Race will still take place, albeit shorter distances. There was 10
Kicked Out Of Masters B
Submitted by Bill on Thu, 05/03/2007 - 10:29pm
As many of you know I don't even have a road bike. I have been riding my cross bike with road tires. Also this is my first year ever racing road bikes not forgetting a couple road bike races that I tried back in New York and Vermont. Being all the facts as they are I have a cat 5 road racing license. I feel like I would not get enough competition at cat 5 so I have been racing in the harder Masters Division due to my age qualifying me to do so. Well those days are over when I read a welcome email from the president of Montana Cycling.
One other item (before it becomes an "issue"): I've been advised to urge you to (strongly) consider riding with the Masters A group, rather than the Bs. And, from what I've seen, you're certainly well qualified to do so. Normally, the Master B division is for those (often-, but not always) older masters racers who aren't quite as competitive as their (often-) younger peers. And, since we allow our Masters fields to be self-seeding, the Bs usually race (by agreement) for glory only -- i.e. no prizes. This way, "sandbagging" doesn't become a concern. You're welcome to race in whichever group you like, but be advised that you're probably better suited to the A group...
Montana Velo Road Race Breakaway
Submitted by Bill on Sun, 04/29/2007 - 10:44pmHello from Missoula Montana were I have been home since around 4 tonight. I worked on my bikes and went for a late MTB ride up the fire road. Earlier today I was in the Montana Velo Road Race [map]. The course was a 20 mile flat course with a gravel road section and a small set of rollers by a lake. Here is my recollection of how it went down.
We rolled out to start the race in a comfy group of 20 riders in our group. We had the usual hard work at the front with a couple attempts at breaking out early. I stayed at the back and just bid my time and tried to rest and just take in the situation until it was time to go to the front to work.
As we approached the half way point of the first lap I was told to push the pace a little because we were about to hit the dirt and I shouldn't be in the back. I did try to move up a little bust stayed back in the pack so I wouldn't get tricked into doing the work at the front. A NRO rider broke out hard and his fellow team mates slowed the pace.
I was stuck in the pack for about three miles. by the time I could get a clear run to the front the rider that broke away was a half mile ahead. I notice a corner coming up and everyone started to swing left and slow down. I hit the hole hard and sprinted free of the peloton.
Blueberry Scone Finally
Submitted by Bill on Sun, 04/29/2007 - 9:04amHello from Starbucks in Helena Montana where I await registration opening of the Montana Velo Road Race. I finally landed in a Starbucks that has blueberry scones. So I got two! And a Grande house coffee! So now it is just moments before the morning go juice starts to work its magic. The sun is out, the weather is beautiful, and its a good day for a race.
I came up to Helena yesterday but no before stopping off and exploring a dirt road up on the divide. I was able to get out with Marcy for a walk which only lasted 30 minutes. There are no hiking trails in Helena or near Helena. What is up with that?
Sitting here I have ran into a fellow competitor and we chatted about the race and the wireless signals here in Helena. There is one called the guest network. What it is is free wireless but with a small donation. You have to give them your phone number and email address. No thanks! I believe what I believe so don't go calling me with your governmental propaganda! Right?
My training week did not go off as planned and I have plenty hours that I did not train that I wanted to. the MTB season is two weeks away and I better get serious. Well today is a race and even though it is on the road it is a race one-the-less so it is a good day.
Montana Velo Road Race
Submitted by Bill on Mon, 04/23/2007 - 7:46pmThis weekend I will be traveling to Helena Montana for another road race in prepairations for the up and comming mountain bike season.
Pocatello Tax Day Circuit Race
Submitted by Bill on Sun, 04/22/2007 - 9:23amHello from the Green Hanger in Missoula Montana.