On a rainy morning in August of 1977 at the ripe old age of 8 I entered my first bike race. Despite the summer downpour, I finished second to a 10 year old Frankie Andreu with an 8 year old Jamie Carney nipping at my heels in the sprint – all riders from the Wolverine Sports Club – a team I joined the next year.
In those few moments I established a pattern for my life that has persisted in some form for the 30 years hence.
30 years later and I devised in a momentary lapse of reason that I would try to return to the highest level of the most popular form of domestic cycling: the Pro 1/2 criterium circuit. At the end of the 2006 season I finally moved up out of Cat III and entered my first Pro 1/2 race since my final year as a junior 20 years prior. And still – I’m a Wolverine – the club that still holds nearly 20% of U.S. National cycling champions… ever.
One more year… That’s what I keep telling myself – one more year of racing and suffering in the Pro 1/2 ranks before I retire to play nice with the Masters… Unless, of course, I don’t reach my goals.
Goals for 2009? The same as 2007 & 2008:
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To podium on a Pro 1/2 stage at the annual International Cycling Classic (better known as Superweek)
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To Win Downer’s Grove Nationals
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To win the annual Tour de Villa Italia Pro 1/2 race in Windsor, Ontario over Labor day.
Odds of any of these happening are… low.
John,
I am happy to hear you have set lofty goals for yourself this year. The reality is – to get there, you will need some help from Hank. I have been lapped out of enough citizen and cat 5 races that I think I am entitled to offer you some racing advice.
First off, don’t allow the whistle from the USCF ref intimidate you. If he is blowing the whistle and screaming at you to drop out because the pack is riding up on your ass, ignore him. When you hear the screams and cheers from the crowds for the guy in first place that is only 20 yards behind you, envision yourself in the lead and even throw up your hands in victory to take it all in. This could give you the final boost of energy you need to make up a lost lap.
Second, focus on diet. Twinkees offer essential vitamins and minerals that are lost in a race. I think being 30 pounds over weight is not only healthy, it can give the other riders a false sense of security in thinking they are more fit than you. Buy a jersey two sizes too small and let your gut roll over your shorts. It is uncomfortable at first, but after a while, it feels kinda cool.
Lastly, train with cycling superstars. Learn from the best and you will be the best. Finishing dead last in a race is winning in my humble opinion. Bask in the fact that you drafted off not one, but all.
Good luck JC. I look forward to seeing you at Kenosha, Downers, and Whitefolk Bay.
Hank