COLUMBUS CYCLING CLUB

Promoting Bicycling in the Chattahoochee Valley

For more see www.columbuscyclingclub.org

 

******************************************

EBULLETIN (An ‘Almost’ Weekly Cycling Newsletter)

March 2, 2005

Issue # 53 - Racing News

******************************************

 

RACE REPORT - GREENVILLE TRAINING SERIES - WEEKEND # 1

By Steve Murray

 

The air was brisk and everyone who owned a bike within 200 miles was lining up to race at the Donaldson Center Road course.  Several riders from Columbus traveled to Greenville, North Carolina to kick off the season opener. This course and event have traditionally marked the opening of the road season for so many years that the whole package is now known affectionately as ‘Old Faithful’.

 

Saturday – We were greeted by temperatures in the mid 30’s with a brisk, steady breeze as we arrived at the course Saturday. 

 

The Master's group was the first to go off and Barry Carswell was our only rider in this 80+ rider group. Barry completed the 42 mile race, then immediately lined up for the Pro 1/2 race after fixing a slow leak on his rear tire, and completed the 56 mile Pro 1/2 race with another large field of 90+ riders. Unfortunately, Barry got caught up in two wrecks in this race.  The first occurred on a screaming downhill and involved the use of some serious mountain-bike skills that allowed him to rough ride over two fallen bikes, one rider’s leg, and still land on his feet.  After a quick glance at the 20-25 riders tangled on the pavement, he jumped on the bike again, and in a panic pursuit, managed a solo chase back to a fast moving pro field – seeming extremely pleased by this feat after all was over. The second wreck sent him into a somersault over a pile of 6-7 guys that went down right in front of him at around 30mph in the final 700 yards to the finish.  However, he got back on the bike and finished the race with a banged up elbow and wrist, and a nice scuff mark on his brand new jersey. 

 

The Category 5 riders were next to race.  Jeff Mayhand, Scott Matty and Paul Hein were there with just over 100 others to race the 3 laps (21 miles).  The guys struggled all day fighting that huge field - all trying to edge up the single lane of road for an early season victory.  There were a few wrecks in their field as well, and it broke the Mike's Bikes riders off the leading group.  Scott got a top 25 placing.  The strong cross-winds made for challenging group riding, as the pack shifted back and forth across the road in search of some inkling of a draft. All our guys finished in the field and got the experience of pack riding that we are all looking for at this early stage of the racing season.  

 

Category 4 – Only Steve Murray raced in the 4's field.  The field size was about 95- 100 riders.  The distance was 5 laps (35 miles), and the field size and wind were a constant hassle.  The race was a large pack finish, thankfully, with no wrecks.  Steve finished in the top 25 as the large pack finished en masse.

 

Sunday – Temperatures were colder and the sky overcast. It was a dreary, cold day with more wind than Saturday; though rain threatened, it never actually fell. Barry Carswell rode the Master's race and had the legs once again.  A group of strongmen broke away; Barry organized the remaining field and chased them down. As a result of his weekend of racing, Barry added 7 hours of ride time at race pace between the two days.  All of you mountain bikers who may be racing with Barry in your field, better look out!

 

Women's Cat 4 - Tammy Bensen took on a field of around 35 for her first road race.  Tammy rode very well and was in the main pack the entire race.  She had a good race and finished it with power to spare. It is often tough for the new women because the fields get combined due to low numbers; consequently, a new rider may have to line up for her first race against top level pro and amateur riders of all ages. Just entering can be intimidating.

 

Category 5 - Jeff, Paul and Scott took on a field of around 65 on Sunday.  They rode well.  Scott used the race to try a two man breakaway on the final lap and ran into a strong head wind.  He and an unknown helper could not stay away and Scott finished in the field.  Paul and Jeff stayed on the front of the group and waited for the sprint.  Jeff found a good alley and mashed 'em hard to take 6th place. He was cheered on by his lovely wife, Joey, and young son Tristan. Paul got boxed in and missed the opportunity to unleash those big "sprinter" thighs, finishing 16th.  

 

Category 4 - Steve Murray was joined by Eddie Lindley for Sunday's race.  Unfortunately for Eddie, his carbon handlebars snapped in half less than 300 yards into the race and he had to pull out of the race.  Steve rode most of the race in the back of the pack of around 50-60 riders.  He moved up around lap 3, but lost his position with around 3 miles to go.  The wind on the final miles was strong and there was no way to work to the front of the pack.  Steve jumped hard for the finishing sprint, but from the back, 17th place was the best he could muster for the day. The winner of the race was Nate Faulkenbery from the Auburn Flyers.

 

The good news is that everyone got to race, stayed safe and got re-acquainted with pack racing!  Everyone enjoyed a large feast at Arby’s after the race on Sunday, and then tolerated a thrilling 4 hour drive in the rain back home to Columbus.

 

******************************************

CLUB CONTACTS AND INFORMATION

******************************************

MEMBERSHIP - Membership forms can be found at any of your local bike shops:  Arnold Bicycles, Mike's Bikes, or Ride On Bike Shop or on the website. Please complete the membership form and waiver, attach your check and mail everything to the address on the bottom of the form. If you have any questions about membership or renewal, please contact us directly Annette Santiago (asantiago@tsys.com) or Barry Carswell (706/644-1783) Be sure to send an email note telling us you have mailed your form or dropped it at the bike shop, so that we can be get you added to the e-bulletin distribution list right away, and be on the look out for your membership.

 

******************************************

SUBMISSIONS

If you have anything you would like to submit to the CCC e-bulletin, contact Barry Carswell at 644-1783 (daytime) or email at bcarswel@tsys.com, or contact Annette Santiago at 649-5122 (daytime) or email at asantiago@tsys.com