Tripleshot Cycling

From Dave (now in the Race Report section :

I don't (can't) write a detailed race report and i'm sure someone will write a report and post the stats. But do want to give a pat on the back for the first timers, Jen, Mike and Steve who all did well. Rode out raced and then rode home. And another pat on the back to Jeremy and Sarah (who rode out and back) and all the other Tripleshot nuts that dragged their familys out to give support (or to have a laugh at our expense). For all you other team members, if you have the time and would like to give it a shot but are not coming out to the race because you think your not fit enough,ask todays first timers, anyone who rides on the Tuesday/ Friday rides can do this, yes it's hard but it's short, fun and now that we have so many "A"s we need more "B"s.

Don't be shy!

From Steve:

I agree Dave, I had a great time and I think anyone could come out and give the races a go....
Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us, particularly Jeremy who told me the sweet lie "Looking good Steve" every lap when I was climbing!

and Bill:

Great Job all!!!!!!

Thanks to Dave for helping Sarah. Now you have raised the bar. Now I am not sure if I like you anymore. Couldn't leave well enough alone, eh?!

Now remember if you race there is a sweet deal for a Mavic Carbonne SSC....

Me:

So many Easter bunnies on course that they had trouble scoring us! We confused things a little by entering both groups.

I think it was Bill (maybe Roland) who remarked that the A race seemed smoother than the B races did. No dramatic speed changes, just a steady pace up and down the hill. I didn't have the confidence to look around much - just stayed on the wheel of whoever was closest and concentrated on recovery during the down hills and flats - Newton Heights really a two part lap. Climb, recover, repeat 15 times (12 times for the B group). The only way I knew who (in TS) was nearby was by listening to the encouraging words from Sarah et al. "Good going Bill, Roland, John, etc." As the race progressed the list of names slowly changed so in the end I knew Bill and I were left in the "chase" group. Roland was there most of the race, but got a flat with about three to go. Peter was there too and dropped back somewhere around lap 11 of the 15 lap race. Gavin joined the A group too - didn't look too happy about that at the end!

I put chase in quotations because we weren't really chasing - just trying to stay with the pack that was behind a few break away riders. Bill made a fantastic attempt to stay with Bob Cameron during the final sprint and ended up 5th, right behind Bob. I knew that if I'd tried to stay on their wheels I might never have made it to the line. Being a wimp worked because they did demolish one guy that I was then able to pass for 7th. Peter got tenth, a second or two out of 9th. He sprinted hard and that is an accomplishment after 15 laps of Newton. I think it was Steve Munro who just beat him to the line. Those two were running at the same speed as the rest of us about 50 seconds back. Roland re-entered the race and was just out of the top-ten.

Someone else can tell us what happened in the B race. The A's never caught the lead B's, so it must have been fast.

We're in the game in the A's and that's encouraging. And, more and more Triple Shot people are racing for the first time. That's amazing.

JT

I'll throw in my thoughts & thanks! I can't fill you in on the B pack from personal experience but I did hear post race that another team liked the TS strategy from last week so much, they wanted to try something similar this week!

I must say that not only does this club have some talented riders but some talented writers as well! I'm impressed on how much of the race and the details that people remember afterwards. All I remember from this morning was riding up a big hill, lots of people cheering (which was great & very encouraging!), and then another slightly less brutal hill, then a bit of down to some flat, with a small up (which seemed steeper as the laps went on...), and then a downhill before some flat, and you were facing that crazy hill again to be rewarded with more cheering at the corner! Time seemed to become warped throughout the race - the flat/downhill sections seemed to disappear quicker, and I was back at the bottom of the hill again all too soon. I rode mostly on my own, and will try to strategize better next time to work with others. I did try to catch a wheel or 2 as they went by on any flat or downhill sections. For any data geeks: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28293265

I echo what Dave S said: a huge thanks to all those who came out & cheered, whether from the side or on the race course itself! For myself that was the best part - it's great to be involved with such an encouraging & fun group of people! There was a ton of cheers from the corner after the big climb, and the support from the other baby blue on the course was great! Dave S let me sneak in front of him when the B group was lapping me, which was a huge help. Thanks to those who rode out & back and made sure I didn't fall off along the way, and for Sarah for buying post-race coffee!

I dropped by with the family for laps 3-9 (or so) and we hung out on the corner yelling as the Easter eggs went by. It was my first time even spectating at a bike race and it was exciting. I gotta say, though, that nobody came up that hill and turned the corner with a big smile on their face; everyone appeared to be in a world of hurt! Note to self: maybe try a less hilly race for starters.

Gavin joined us at the sidelines complaining of a lactic headache and cursing like a longshoreman for racing A. Fortunately our girls hear plenty of cursing at home so this was okay.

The best moment during our brief visit, however, sounded something like this:

Me: "Look, girls... there's a woman in the same costume that Daddy wears. Let's cheer her on. GO JEN, WOOHOO!!"
Eva (age 4): "Cool! I'm gonna be Jen!"
Me: "Hey, and there's Steve. YEAH, C'MON STEVE!"
Sereine (age 2): "I'm gonna be Steve!"



We had to head out to fit in a hike to the "big white dome" (weather station) on Mt. Newton before lunch, but I'm looking forward to trying a race some time this season. Congrats to everyone who took part!

pics are up
http://duanebc.smugmug.com/Sports/Victo ... 5710_LqrdR

and race results
http://duanebc.com/raceresults2010/VCL% ... _28_10.htm

Well done everyone! Sounds and looks like you had tons of fun (speak 'pain'). I'm really sorry ( ) that I missed out on it!

Rolf, you'd better check the smallest size of jersey's for our new superstars!

I stayed with the A group almost the entire race, then with 2 to go I get a flat. It was really annoying, I should have scored some points. It sucks to work that hard and then not even get a chance to contest the sprint.

My stats: http://connect.garmin.com/player/28291530
Wow was that hard!! I am also more than a little afraid of the Moose....

more poetic race report below:

Victoria Cycling League – Round 2 – The Hilly Criterium

On Sunday, as the skies cleared and the sun peeked out the gathered cyclists got a good look at the course they were about to suffer their way around. It was Newton Heights. The 1.7km loop gets harder and harder the more you do it. It has only 2 “parts”. There is the flat & descent and then there is the climb. The 600m climb is itself in 2 parts with a shallow lead in which quickly ramps to over a 10% grade and increases to a maximum of 16%. Then the course turns right and the grade softens to a “mere” 6% for the second half of the climb. After going over the top it’s a matter of trying to get back up to speed quickly and recover as much as possible in the all too short a time before you hit the bottom of the hill again and doing it all over again.

Sunday’s race saw the A field set out to do 15 laps and the B field tackle it 12 times. The A field consisted of about 15 riders with a solid field of about 20 B riders setting out a few seconds behind them. Mixed in with the B field were also the 5 women who came out to contest the event.

The A race saw the return to racing of perennial winner Bob Cameron (IRC) after losing almost a year due to injury. Also racing were strong men Cory Wallace (Kona-Freewheel), Ralph Lalumiere (Russ Hayes) and Steve Bachop (IRC). New to the A field were 4 riders from Tripleshot Cycling who moved up after strong performances last weekend in the B Race. The A Race was decided when Cory Wallace and Ralph Lalumiere made a decisive move going up the hill and they took the first 2 spots from a hard charging pack. The main field was led in by Steve Bachop followed by Bob Cameron (IRC) and Bill Ethier (Tripleshot Cycling). Others suffered their way alone through the finish including your intrepid reporter who has never been so happy to see a finish line after being shot off the back of an uncaring pack half way through the race!

In the B race there was talk about how after Tripleshot rode away with the win last week using brilliant team tactics that the others should look to do the same. The B Field was quickly off and hammering around the course with a few more riders being left to fend for themselves with each successive ascent of the hill. At the end the B podium was Matt Pieterson (unattached) over James Cameron (Pro City Racing) and Aaron Dusseault (Russ Hayes). More fodder for the A’s perhaps? Other notable mentions in the B field are for both Michael Lawless and Steve Young (both Tripleshot Cycling) who took on Newton Heights in their first ever VCL race. Talk about trial by fire!

In the women’s race 5 ladies were duking it out for hill supremacy. It was clear that the successful tactic was to stay with the main field of the B race for as long as possible as once you were out of the draft of the pack it was really tough slogging. The top 2 stayed with the men for the race with Shaillie Sanbrooks (Russ Hayes) taking the win over Megan Rathwell (Blue Bikes). Rounding out the women’s podium was Marcy Brunett (Dirty Girlz) with Jen Erlendson (Tripleshot Cycling) and Sarah Clarke (dEVO) also staking a claim for overall points.

Results:

A Race – 15 laps (25.5k)

1 Cory Wallace Kona - Freewheel
2 Raph Lalumiere Russ Hayes
3 Steve Bachop IRC
4 Bob Cameron IRC
5 Bill Ethier Tripleshot Cycling
6 Jeff Drew Victoria Wheelers
7 John Taylor Tripleshot Cycling
8 Brian Ebert Schwalbe
9 Simon Tremblay Pedal Your World
10 Steve Munro IRC
11 Peter Lawless Tripleshot Cycling
12 Roland Rabien Tripleshot Cycling
13 David Hilhorst Schwalbe

B Race – 12 Laps (20k)

1 Matt Pieterson Unattached
2 James Cameron Pro City Racing
3 Aaron Dusseault Russ Hayes
4 Tom Malczynski Pro City Racing
5 Andy Pitre Unattached
6 Jon Johnson Unattached
7 Alex Hui Russ Hayes
8 Brad Smith Unattached
9 Steve Lund VCA-Aviawest
10 Colin Hayes Riders Cycles
11 Dave Spiers Tripleshot Cycling
12 Casey Ryder Schwalbe
13 Steve Young Tripleshot Cycling
14 Michael Lawless Tripleshot Cycling

Women – 12 Laps (20k)

1 Shailie Sanbrooks Russ Hayes
2 Megan Rathwell Blue Bikes
3 Marcy Brunett Dirty Girlz
4 Jen Erlendson Tripleshot Cycling
5 Sarah Clarke dEVO

Full Results: http://duanebc.com/raceresults2010/VCL2010results.html

Photos: http://duanebc.smugmug.com/Sports/Victo ... 9839_wWCCr

Thanks for the great write-up Peter. Minor correction - Cory rode away from A's on 2nd or 3rd lap and Raph and Steve Bachop attacked together later; Raph dropped Steve, but both finished significantly ahead of the A pack.

I added comments to the photos this morning to help you follow along if anyone has that much time on their hands.

Thanks Duane. Edited version follows:

Victoria Cycling League – Round 2 – The Hilly Criterium
On Sunday, as the skies cleared and the sun peeked out the gathered cyclists got a good look at the course they were about to suffer their way around. It was Newton Heights. The 1.7km loop gets harder and harder the more you do it. It has only 2 “parts”. There is the flat & descent and then there is the climb. The 600m climb is itself in 2 parts with a shallow lead in which quickly ramps to over a 10% grade and increases to a maximum of 16%. Then the course turns right and the grade softens to a “mere” 6% for the second half of the climb. After going over the top it’s a matter of trying to get back up to speed quickly and recover as much as possible in the all too short a time before you hit the bottom of the hill again and doing it all over again.

Sunday’s race saw the A field set out to do 15 laps and the B field tackle it 12 times. The A field consisted of about 15 riders with a solid field of about 20 B riders setting out a few seconds behind them. Mixed in with the B field were also the 5 women who came out to contest the event.

The A race saw the return to racing of perennial winner Bob Cameron (IRC) after losing almost a year due to injury. Also racing were strong men Cory Wallace (Kona-Freewheel), Ralph Lalumiere (Russ Hayes) and Steve Bachop (IRC). New to the A field were 4 riders from Tripleshot Cycling who moved up after strong performances last weekend in the B Race. The A Race was decided when Cory Wallace (Kona-Freewheel) made a decisive move going up the hill and soloed home. That was followed a few laps later when Raph Lalumiere (Russ Hayes) And Steve Bachop (IRC) tried the same thing. Raph stayed away with Steve dropping back to the main field where he ultimately led them in followed by Bob Cameron (IRC) and Bill Ethier (Tripleshot Cycling). Others suffered their way alone through the finish including your intrepid reporter who has never been so happy to see a finish line after being shot off the back of an uncaring pack half way through the race!

In the B race there was talk about how after Tripleshot rode away with the win last week using brilliant team tactics that the others should look to do the same. The B Field was quickly off and hammering around the course with a few more riders being left to fend for themselves with each successive ascent of the hill. At the end the B podium was Matt Pieterson (unattached) over James Cameron (Pro City Racing) and Aaron Dusseault (Russ Hayes). More fodder for the A’s perhaps? Other notable mentions in the B field are for both Michael Lawless and Steve Young (both Tripleshot Cycling) who took on Newton Heights in their first ever VCL race. Talk about trial by fire!

In the women’s race 5 ladies were duking it out for hill supremacy. It was clear that the successful tactic was to stay with the main field of the B race for as long as possible as once you were out of the draft of the pack it was really tough slogging. The top 2 stayed with the men for the race with Shaillie Sanbrooks (Russ Hayes) taking the win over Megan Rathwell (Blue Bikes). Rounding out the women’s podium was Marcy Brunett (Dirty Girlz) with Jen Erlendson (Tripleshot Cycling) and Sarah Clarke (dEVO) also staking a claim for overall points.

Results:
A Race – 15 laps (25k)
1 Cory Wallace Kona - Freewheel
2 Raph Lalumiere Russ Hayes
3 Steve Bachop IRC
4 Bob Cameron IRC
5 Bill Ethier Tripleshot Cycling
6 Jeff Drew Victoria Wheelers
7 John Taylor Tripleshot Cycling
8 Brian Ebert Schwalbe
9 Simon Tremblay Pedal Your World
10 Steve Munro IRC
11 Peter Lawless Tripleshot Cycling
12 Roland Rabien Tripleshot Cycling
13 David Hilhorst Schwalbe

B Race – 12 Laps (20k)
1 Matt Pieterson Unattached
2 James Cameron Pro City Racing
3 Aaron Dusseault Russ Hayes
4 Tom Malczynski Pro City Racing
5 Andy Pitre Unattached
6 Jon Johnson Unattached
7 Alex Hui Russ Hayes
8 Brad Smith Unattached
9 Steve Lund VCA-Aviawest
10 Colin Hayes Riders Cycles
11 Dave Spiers Tripleshot Cycling
12 Casey Ryder Schwalbe
13 Steve Young Tripleshot Cycling
14 Michael Lawless Tripleshot Cycling

Women – 12 Laps (20k)
1 Shailie Sanbrooks Russ Hayes
2 Megan Rathwell Blue Bikes
3 Marcy Brunett Dirty Girlz
4 Jen Erlendson Tripleshot Cycling
5 Sarah Clarke dEVO

Full Results: http://duanebc.com/raceresults2010/VCL2010results.html

Photos: http://duanebc.smugmug.com/Sports/Victo ... 9839_wWCCr

All photos credit: Duane Martindale