No Excuses
[Wrap-up on the way. In the meantime, check out Ed's pictures]
Filtering by Category: Track
Results of Note
by avi For most of us, whether delivering or not, this started in the street. An event like the NACCCs just gets us where it counts...part alleycat, a little 'cross, a movable puzzle, and just plain clocking laps flat-out for 5 hours if you keep making the cut. It's something that you don't get in "proper" bike racing. Add plenty of beer, old friends, top-tier competition, and you can see why it's easy to forget about all the other racing on the calendar.
But, lest we forget, we've got some results to report.
Way back on August 21st, Al got second at Northbrook in the Cat 4 point a lap/unknown distance. But that was just a warmup for closing night at Kenosha five days later. Al came through with two victories: Cat 3 Tempo and Cat 3 Scratch. Just to share the love, he and Jeff slung their way into 3rd in the Cat 1/2/3 Madison. If you want to take notes, all the exchanges you could possibly want are here in video form, courtesy of Peloton-pix. Three races, three podia. Way to go, Al!
Next, we've got the Palos Meltdown, September 7th. Long before Adam was slinging runs in the loop, he was ripping up the dirt in the great wild woods up north. As someone pointed out in the pre-race..."You are a brave man" (nodding to his suspension-free ride). Shocks! We don't need no stinking shocks! Despite being under the weather and far from his training grounds, Adam pulled 24th in Expert class. With close to 100 racers and 32 miles of dirt to cover, not a bad day out.
However, our current title holder for the tallest trophy of the year is none other than the Irish Tornado, Max. In his first-ever mountain bike race, he was introducing the Beginner class to his little friend, Eddy Merckx. The course was pretty...uh, friendly, with cyclocrossers, mostly from Half Acre, scooping up many of the top spots. However, the pack of 6-8 year olds battling for DFL was a pretty clear sign that we really ought to be in Sport class next time around.
And yes, there's one more result not worth mentioning. I was introducing my little friend, beat-to-crap-single-speed-cross-bike, and I was off the front two minutes into the beginner race. Two minutes later, I was off the course. I won't tarnish the moment by grousing about course marking and marshaling, but every so often I'll stop by Max's trophy case with a faraway look in my eye and a thought about what Might Have Been.
Photos lifted from Naz, Peloton-pix, and a crappy camera phone.
Team Pursuit
Well. Another trip to the track and a lot of fun watching people ride on their own. Whodathunkit? Photos are coming soon. Performance was good with plenty of room for improvement. Goal time of 5:10 was beat. Al bust out a 5:19 solo effort. Adam hit 5:29 thinking Vienna Beef the whole time. Team hit 5:06 all while having to crispen that shit up. The support and love was deep, be on the lookout for photo evidence.
Thanks again to Marcus. Every time we get on that track with some bona fide equipment and guidance it's because of that man. Yojimbo's, 1310 N Clybourn.
Team Pursuit
Tonight is the night! Adam, Al, Brean and Jeff will be participating in a 4 man, 4 KM team pursuit on the track. Big shout out and personal dedication to Marcus Moore of Yojimbo's Garage for providing equipment, advice and support.
This will be quite a team showcase and hopefully we'll have something nice to report back!
Bob Pfarr
07/22/08
By Ben
On Tuesday, July 22, The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew and Yojimbo’s Track Cats decided to collaborate and invade the Tuesday night track series at the Kenosha, Wisconsin velodrome. We loaded up the Cuttin’ Cruiser with Cuttin’ Crew members; Brean Al, Andrew, and myself. We also brought Yojimbo’s Track Cats racers, mentor Chuck, and a modest cheering section.
The Bob Pfarr Classic is a track race sort of like boxing, with a huge main event, and some undercard races before it. The main event being a 150 lap, 30 mile points race. We left Chicago with a full bus, with myself at the wheel, planning on racing the lower races, and putting Al, Andrew, and maybe Brean into the main event. The trip up to Kenosha was brutal, with all of the construction on I-94. The Cuttin’ Cruiser barely fit into the narrowed lanes, and semi- trucks were passing us almost constantly. It was a two and a half-hour, hair-raising drive up the battered Tollway to get us to Kenosha. I don’t really understand why we pay almost $4.00 in tolls each way for the privilege of driving on this God forsaken, uneven, narrow, grooved, pot-hole ridden stretch of interstate highway. But whatever, we survived and unloaded the bus at the Kenosha Velodrome.
I had a really rough day of messenger work on Tuesday. I had wanted to take it easy, because I was planning on racing that night, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Two of the four drivers at my messenger company called in that day, which meant a lot of zone work, and a lot of freight, both of which wear you out during the day. After riding my bike from Logan Square to Pilsen, up to the Loop, to grab 75 pounds of mail across the loop, then up to the Gold Coast, and then back into the Loop to hold down the fort for a couple hours while the other bikers at my company are 7 miles north and 7 miles south of downtown. They finally made it back into the loop, which meant that it was time for me to go up to Lincoln Park, then to Lakeview, and finally to Humbolt Park to put a 30 pound box on my bars, and clean up back in the Loop. I’m not really complaining, because it’s my job, and it’s part of the game. But it’s hard when you are planning on a big night of racing, and you are trying not to burn any matches during the day, and you go through almost the whole book at work.
The night started out with the master’s 4/5 scratch race. Brean and I were the only people old enough on the Crew to race in this one. I realized right away that I was under geared for this race. I made my way up to the front to try to lead out Brean. He wisely stayed tucked away in the pack, and I sacrificed myself to lead out someone. It sure as hell wasn’t Brean. He fought his way up to fourth place, and I came in DFL.
I didn’t have enough time between the first race and our next race to change my cog. This was the cat 4 scratch race. Once again I stuck close to Brean, floundered around, and came in second to last, while Brean came in fourth. The announcer called him “Brian” for the second time, and we had to straighten him out.
The Track Cats did some of the Juniors races and women’s races. You have to step up your game at Kenosha, and the Track Cats had a tough time. Most of their competition has been racing in the juniors program for years, even though they are just kids. The Kenosha velodrome can also be intimidating if you haven’t ridden on it before. Kenosha is not like Northbrook, which is like racing on a really smooth, mis-shaped pancake, while a bunch of well to do suburbanites, who paid $2 to sit on bleachers watch you. Kenosha is bumpy, it has steep banks, and you have the families of people who used to work for one of the largest auto plants is North America, which closed in the late 1980’s, sitting on a grassy hill, drinking beer, and yelling at you while you try to negotiate the banked turns in a pack at 30+ mph.
I love the Kenosha Velodrome, but it was tough on the Track Cats.
Finally I got the right gear on my bike for the consolation points race. So far I had embarrassed myself In front of my Dad, my uncle, my girlfriend, a couple of her friends, and some of my best friends from my hometown. So it was time to step it up. After a bad crash by one of the riders in the first five laps, the consolation race was restarted. I gave up the first sprint, and figured that I would save myself for later sprints. But a strong breakaway had developed out of the first sprint. It looked like they might be able to make it stick, and I figured that I should try to get into it. So I started working towards a bridge. I made some ground on the front four riders, but they were making half-lap pulls, and nobody had made the move with me, so I was by myself. I tried my best to close the gap for about 10 laps, but then started to run out of gas. I fought like hell to make the gap, but then the front four started to close on the main pack. I know how the points race works, and if they made it back into the main pack, they would be a lap up, and position trumps points. So even if I couldn’t catch them, I just needed to stay ahead of the main pack to secure fifth place. They started to catch me two laps before the end of the 25-lap event, and the officials told me to move up and get out of the way of the pack. I moved up to the stayer’s line and rode as hard as I could for two laps to keep from getting sucked up an losing 5th place. I finished about 50 meters ahead of the pack, and the end of the race, I was also a lap up on the pack, and was proud to hear the announcer explain why I had come in 5th place.
Now it was time for the main event. Brean had broken a cleat in warm-up, so the Cuttin’ Crew would only be represented by Al and Andrew in the Bob Pfarr Classic. They wouldn’t disappoint. Al got himself into the first meaningful break in the race and made a lap on the field of pros, cat 2’s and cat3’s. Andrew got himself some points in a couple of sprints. I made my way into the infield during the race, and overheard the officials talking about Al.
“Who is this Urbanski?” “He’s a four on the road!?” “Look at this guy!”
After about a zillion laps, some more break-aways and a lot of points, both Al and Andrew had finished in a field of category 1,2,and 3 racers. Al secured 8th place in a field dominated by the teams of Hayes Brakes and xXx. Look out next year, because you better believe that we are sending Al up with some more help, and we are taking the Bob Pfarr Classic for the Cuttin’ Crew!
"It's Happening"
7/15/08 By Jeff
It was a Danish (Win-N-Out, first across the line at lap 1 wins, 1st on lap 2 gets 2nd, 1st on lap 3 gets 3rd and so on). It was also close to, if not the best racing atmosphere I've seen in sanctioned racing. Washington Park Velodrome in Kenosha. The field got a little scrambled after the first sprint and people were moving high. I knew the track was short, I knew the pace was still strong and I knew the guys up front weren't going to burn out so I wanted to make up for a VERY missed attempt at getting into that winning sprint and a jeopordized position for 2nd. It was time to get around some people.
The field was moving up but it wasn't until the middle of the turn that it was apparent things weren't normal. In an attempt to make that great cut around someone things got tighter against the rail and the best I could shout is "OP! OP! OP! WHOA! WHOA!" It was a frenzy as I was guided up towards the rail. While the mind is thinking a thousand things a second, there was that quick and repetitive, "Don't let this happen! Don't let this happen!"
BANG! TINK! SCRAPE! SCRAPE! SCRAPE! Slow motion (I swear) and my front wheel is right in front of me as we're both flying above the fence...
"It's happening"
It's amazing how much shit unravels after the fact. I remember even thinking right at the moment, "I hope this one doesn't go bad."
My arm knocked the protective cover off of the rail which left a chain link fence exposed. I whipped around when my arm caught a link and whipped me around to face the other direction. As things concluded I noticed that famous red Corima on the track too. Fuck. Ed White was the other one making sound effects.
I was torn up and half naked the way my suit cut, but Ed was face down and bleeding. He is OK now and walked out of the hospital but at that moment, my heart absolutely sank. I'm sure it's an ego thing of mine because every accident I'm in I can't help but feel responsible. I'm so sorry that this happened Ed, I know we aren't personally tight but I don't ever want to see ANYONE face down and bleeding, let alone you.
The fence caught alot of my skin and left my right hand the size of a softball. "I can't believe nothing broke" was the popular saying from the med staff. I got some stitches, a whole bunch of deep scrapes at every joint possible, a shitton of soreness and a good deal of guilt.
Mike Winn is a saint. He was the race organizer and MC. He handed the mic to someone to take over and never left us at the hospital. Even stuck it out 'til our midnight discharge. The man had great spirits and was a good storyteller. There's nothing I could ask more of someone who was a stranger 4 hours prior. There was another off duty firefighter that stepped in to help me when one of the new paramedics got the jitters. Dude stuck around to see that everyone was OK. Thanks to him as well. Tim from Half Acre was great for checking up on us well, thanks man. Al and Andrew were the best of teammates and friends, even gettin' me an ice cream cookie. Of course a big thanks to Jamers as well.
Ed got his ear reattached by a plastic surgeon and a bunch of stitches right above his brow. The man is so powerful he broke the unbreakable equipment but he was up and bashfully smiling by the time we were leaving the hospital.
Calls and texts started coming, thanks to the people that worried and sent wishes and thanks to those that worried and didn't want to interfere, it is always nice to have both.
The Fuji is done. Most other parts are salvageable, but the ol' Track Pro is punching the clock. That puts me down two track bikes in a month. Ha. A messenger who races track and I don't have a track bike, injustice.
Stay up ya'll. I'm going to lie down.
Peace
JP
Week in Review...
Kenosha Opening Night (Washington Park Velodrome)
Tuesday, 5/20
Photo courtesy of Half Acre's Ed White
Cuttin' Crew was aglistenin' Tuesday with Ben, Andrew, and Al
Ben ran the blocking in the Cat-4 field, helping Al get 1st Place in the Scratch Race and 2nd Place in the Miss-n-Out
Andrew hopped in the 3's Scratch and claimed 4th Place.
Northbrook Thursday Races Presented by Turin (Ed Rudolph Velodrome)
Thursday, 5/22
Photo courtesy of adam spartacus
Brynn was undefeated in her track career until the third race when she got second. At no point was she aware of what she was doing. The girl just likes to ride in circles really fast. Here's her career resume thus far:
10 Lap Tempo: First
21 Lap Points Race: First
10 Lap Scratch: Second
Phil Liggett Loves the Cuttin' Crew! Big ups to Turin and Sram for bringing him out for commentary!
Madison...Ohhh the Madison. A beautiful race. Even better if you're in the CCC jersey.
We only had two teams entered. Al and Andrew played a great game of tag to claim 1st place. Stan and Jeff played part in a "Brilliant exchange by Schultz and Perkins of the Cutting Crew" on their way to 2nd place. There's no "g" Phil, regardless, thanks for making my life.
After a great showing in the Madison, we had Brean, Daryl, Stan, Adam, Andrew, Jeff, and Al toe the line for a 10 lap tempo. Stan got his wind back to win the very hard-paced race set up by Daryl.
Not much luck in the third event of the night, the Miss-n-Out. Couldn't sneak any of the six guys in the final but it has been a long night/week...(excuses, excuses)
Big props to Stan for coming through with the best cumulative performance of the night.
Northbrook Opening Night
So last week we went up to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in the lovely Village of Northbrook. It was a chilly 50 degrees. We were in spandex. I'm sure there's something in between but I'll let the photos and results speak for themselves. (Big thanks to our flickr friends: xxxracing, Fedo and Ring, and ewwhite).
First and foremost, I'm trying to find a picture with Molly where she is NOT smiling. Awesome.
Cuttin' Crew males included Al, Andrew, Adam, Ben, Jeff, Max, Stan.
First Race was a 10 lap scratch. First one across the line after 10 laps wins, nice and simple...
Al got 1st according to the crowd, but the people with the pen and papers deemed him 2nd one across the line.
Jeff got 3rd.
Second race was a Win-n-Out...
"The race gets underway from a rolling start (usually 2-3 neutral laps.) When the riders hear the bell, they are racing for the win. The second lap is for 2nd place and so on." - Northbrook flier.
It's kind of like trying to sucker punch Mike Tyson. You just really hope your first punch works or else you're gonna be really hurtin'.
Stan came through for 2nd place.
Third race was a 15 lap points race. You get a set amount of points for every placement you get on only certain laps. Confused? Try officiating it.
Jeff pulled 2nd place.
Al claimed 3rd.
The results of the "Omnium" were as follows:
1st Place was a tie between Henry (HENRY!!!) from Team Pegasus and Al from Cuttin' Crew.
3rd Place went to Jeff
WE DEMAND FEWER RIGHT TURNS!
Thursday night, May 15th, is opening night at Nortbrook Velodrome! Here is the flier for opening night! It's FREE for race entry!!!! (Remember you must be Category 4 or higher to race Thursday nights)
Ed Rudolph Velodrome is our closest Velodrome as it is located in the northwestern suburb of Northbrook. Despite construction and planning headaches, we'll be going out there to have a big debut for the Crew. Logistics will guarantee to be another pain but we've been waiting for this for a while.
Spectator fees are low but necessary to help things like this go. It looks like $2 gets you access but, if you can print one, you should totally grab this coupon and a friend, cause they'll get in for free. Don't have a printer? Hit us up in the comments or send us one of them electronic letters and we'll have some waiting for ya!
As long as you're not feeling shy, let's take another opportunity to plug the coolest fund-raiser since sliced pie... We'll be sure to bring some for those interested.
If you're curious what it takes to race on the velodrome, definitely check their website. Also, they have a checklist of rules and etiquette for you right here.
Road Trip!
4/30/2008 By Brean
It was my nephew's 7th birthday (Happy Birthday Justin!), so I combined visiting my family with racing on my old velodrome in New York. Racing there is a little different than racing at Northbrook. The racing is paced differently since there are no lights and they have to get as many races in as possible. The fields are smaller, but the riders seem stronger. It only costs $8 a week to race, and if you are a girl or old like me, that means you can race Mondays (masters and women) and Wednesdays (the twilight series). $4 per night of racing is right up my alley.
Monday night was rained out, so I took the opportunity to head out to Montauk, which is on the end of Long Island, and help my father with some things around the house. I got some really wonderful riding in, as well. On Wednesday, it was time to head into the city, but since the riding had been so nice, I couldn't help getting on the horse and riding 50 or so miles in the direction of the track. Long story short, I just made it in time to race after stuffing some pizza down my gullet. Didn't have time to drink water all day either. Not good.
First race was a scratch. I think I've gotten too used to the pace of criteriums lately because these guys jumped at the whistle and I barely caught the last wheel. After that, I just couldn't work my way around to the front and I finished just out of the money. It was hard.
Second race was a tempo. Again, this thing went off at the whistle and I was happy to not get dropped by the pack. At this point, I didn't even plan on racing the last race of the omnium. I was tired from riding too much that day and my legs were unresponsive due to dehydration. I felt yucky.
Third and final race was a points race with three sprints. Sick of my suckage, I decided to take the bull by the balls and be the one going at the whistle. Somehow, I held off the pack for three laps and took the first sprint. After that I just stuck with the pack and made sure my points stuck.
Then, the best part of racing at Kissena -- the group ride to Brooklyn. Which for me meant two more hours riding to Staten Island because my nephew was staying up late to see me. Sweet.
Somehow, that one sprint was enough to get me 4th place for the omnium, and my first upgrade point of the season. I'll take it.