X-Pot

ok, I just realized I forgot to update on X-Pot, so for that it'll just be a quick update:

The Road race was seriously like Pro-Level, with the ridiculous climb that I ended up walking up the first lap. The Second lap I was able to get up, barely. I got pulled out of the race after the second lap, so I could not do all three laps. I'm almost thankful for that, because I don't think I would have wanted to do the hill again.

Criterium: Definitely not a criterium. More of a circuit race with a wheel pit. I somehow managed to get placed 22nd out of 50+, but I'm almost certain that is a mistake. I got lapped by the field but they let me still race the last two laps. 22nd, really? Oh, I did beat out two RIT guys in a final sprint. I even caught up to a guy who was in front of me by about 20 yards or so, but I'm pretty sure he was a lap ahead of me. I just felt like working on my pursuit/sprint.

There it is in a nutshell. I'll be posting about the Penn State weekend later tonight or tomorrow morning. I've been so busy with the last week or two of school that everything has just been stressful and overwhelming, and I haven't been able to do my regular updating. However, I'm officially done with classes today, and with no finals I have a little more time to myself. Just got a few more hours for my internships and I'll be done.

MIT weekend

Last two years as you may remember, the Boston weekend was usually the Boston Beanpot Classics that was hosted by 2 or 3 different Boston-area schools. Well, this year it is only MIT hosting what is now called the X-Pot.

We are staying with a host this weekend, should be nice. I hope they're hockey fans because I wanna watch the Flyers' game Saturday night after they had beaten.

Anyways, Saturday is the road race for us. 27 miles total starting at 10:35. Each loop is 9 miles, with what looks to be a big climb for about .75 mile between the 3rd and 4th mile. Never did this course, so my only plan is to just to get a good warmup in, and then fight to stay towards the front. I think it could go somewhat slow during the first lap, but then once we come around and every knows what the course is like, it'll pick up for the second and third lap.

Sunday is the Criterium. 1.1 miles per lap going for 30 minutes at about 10:40. The course looks a little difficult according to the elevation chart, but I'm going to make sure we get there early enough so I can ride the course a few time, and then get a really good warmup in just like at Philly. I'm going for a few prime points throughout the race. Then I want to finish top 15, although top 9 will guarantee at least one point. I'm going to start making something of myself for this weekend and next weekend at Penn State, the last two of my collegiate career!

Taking my laptop to the house, but not sure if they'll have wireless access. If they do, I'll post. Otherwise, wait until Sunday afternoon or night.

OH SNAP!

Today my rear derailleur cable snapped at the shifter on the handlebar, and when I took it to the bike shop they tried to fix it in the 20 minutes they were still open, however some pieces of the wires from the cable got jammed into the shifter somehow, and now they need to take my shifter apart. So no racing on Saturday for me most likely, because they said it could be Saturday when they have it done.

Sucky, but now I can get on the track with the better weather we'll have the next few days. Supposed to be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, and in the 70s on Saturday. Kind of pissed about the 70 because I'll be heading home, most likely without my bike, and I'm supposed to officiate a basketball tournament for most of the day. Ugh, good day and gonna be stuck indoors.

Here's to hoping my bike gets done before Friday!

Cherry Blossom race a possibility?

Next Saturday in New Jersey is the Cherry Blossom Challenge circuit/road race. It's part of some county festival that is a few weeks long or whatever, and on this Saturday is the race. If it's like any other festival races, it could very well draw a huge crowd of spectators.

The location is about an hour and a half away from school if I have the right parking lot according to Google Maps. I'm going to see if one of my teammates wants to go, since we are not racing at Dartmouth next weekend. I'm just debating now if I really want to get up that early for a 7:00 start (would be about 4:30 departure to get there by 6ish).

Now, I may still be going to Dartmouth with the Kutztown University team, but I'm going to think about that this week. If I decide not to go to Dartmouth for whatever reasons, then I will debate on doing this Cherry Blossom Challenge at Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. I emailed one of the race directors/promoters for a few more details of the course, to make sure it is worthwhile going if I/we do. More on this in a few days.

One last thing, I've posted on the right column information about the 2009 Track season at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Be sure to check it out!

Change of plan

After talking with a teammate, looks like it'd be best for me not to go to West Point with the team with a stomach virus in me. This would be better, I wouldn't want to infect them with my sickness.

So, all I can say is Good Luck to Taylor and Kim. Kick some ass this weekend!

Race against the virus

This weekend is the Army Classics at West Point, NY. However, a new race has been presented to me, as I got violently sick last night with a stomach virus. I'm almost certain I will not be racing tomorrow in the Circuit race, but not sure about Sunday yet. I will just see how I feel all day tomorrow and Sunday morning.

We leave early tomorrow for West Point, and then will be staying at a Courtyard in Fishkill, NY. I will post more when I get there tomorrow night. Until then, wish me well in my recovery.