21 Sep 2014 Connecticut Cycling Festival

With the impending approach of autumn and whispers of cyclocross strong in the breeze, the 2014 US road season has come to an end – but not before I got in one final race. Being in New England for the TD Bank Mayor’s Cup, I decided to head 100 mi (160 km) south to Hartford, Connecticut for the CCAP Connecticut Cycling Festival the following day.

The festival included trials demonstrations between races. Photo from CCAP

Awakening at some unreasonable hour, probably disturbing even the earliest birds of the dawn chorus from slumber, Tiffany caught the red-eye flight back home, leaving me to fend for myself on this one. Angry skies dominated throughout the morning, eventually giving way to patches of blue. With nothing further on the rain radar, it looked to be a dry race, the pavement nearly dry by race time. Eight corners on a tight figure-eight circuit promised an exciting course to finish off the season. A small but quality field and generous prize pool ensured an aggressive race... That is, until the rains resumed.

Puddles on Corner 1 after the rain. Photographers tend to hide while it's raining! Photo by Jeff Cote

The burst was short-lived, lasting perhaps 15 minutes, but entirely unexpected. Unprepared, we were left racing with tire pressures too high for the now glassy corners and slick paint. A series of crashes replaced attacks as several rides slid out on multiple corners with domino effect. The pace came down considerably, the goal temporarily shifting to safe lines and preservation of skin. Soon the sun re-emerged and with it, dry patches of road. We began to push the pace once again, resuming the flurry of attacks. But nothing stuck, too strong was the field. With several classy sprinters in the race, I knew that my best result in a field sprint would be about fourth or fifth. I definitely wasn’t satisfied with that.

Single file, Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) chasing a rider up the road. Photo by Chris CT

Approaching the start/finish, two laps remaining, I sprang out of the bunch. Attacking, out of the saddle, with everything I had left. I settled in around corner one, whipping through corners two and three, relentlessly optimistic of victory. Corner four, my legs began screaming and my lungs burning. I catch a glimpse of the bunch rounding corner three, closing in. Around corner eight and I’m caught, gasping for oxygen, legs lactic, desperately seeking recovery. One lap to go.

Leading the charge. Photo by Chris CT

On the back stretch, the definitive move of the race is made into the final two turns. The slight rise in the road is agony. I stand to sprint. My legs are maxed out. Everyone flies past. The legendary Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) claims the win, followed by Amber Pierce (Optum) -- back from injury!, and Sam Schneider (TIBCO). I finish twelfth. “A” for effort? On the positive side, I was one of only a few who did not go down. I’m thankful for that. Great race to finish on. Not a great result, but not a great season. Another positive: I’m left hungry for an awesome season in 2015!

Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom) takes the win. Photo by Chris CT

Thank you to up-and-coming Canadian talent Marie-Soleil Blais for transport between Boston and Hartford; Dave Schneider between Hartford and Chicago (all mammoth 18 hours!); my mom between Chicago and Crystal Lake (at a very early hour in the morning!); Sam and Skylar Schneider for sharing space in the TIBCO mobile (without me there, sleeping during the 18-h trek would’ve been a whole lot more comfortable for them!); Chris CT and Jeff Cote for lots of great photos; and the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP) crew and event sponsors for making this race happen and offering up an awesome prize purse, including equal prize money for the men's and women's races. The CCAP is a charitable organization that gives kids access to cycling across Connecticut. The event supports the CCAP. Please come out and support this excellent event next year!

20 Sep 2014 Mayor’s Cup

From the rugged Rocky Mountain backdrop of Salt Lake City, my next destination took me 2500 mi (4000 km) directly east. Traveling across the US until land met sea landed me in Bean Town. Famous for beans slow-baked in molasses, which was the traditional Sunday meal for early settlers in the area for nearly 200 years, Boston is similarly famous for hosting numerous events in the American Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and the signing of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776, as well as the TD Bank Mayor’s Cup: this year, the final race of the 2014 USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar (NCC).

Mayor's Cup pace car towing TD Bank Trapezoid Guy. Photo by Katie Busick

The overnight flight left me feeling completely drained. To help get my sleep-deprived brain back on line, Race Director Sara Bresnick took me on a rejuvenating ride to see Lexington Commons, famous for being the site of the “shot heard ‘round the world”: the first shot of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.  Despite being 7-months pregnant, Sara’s pro mountain biker legs still set a perfect pace to combat my travel-weary state.

Fresh off the plane, hanging out with Co-Race Director Winston Porkchop.

The race on Saturday was held on a 0.7 mile (1.1 km) circuit around Government Center, in the heart of historic downtown Boston. City Hall Plaza was jam-packed with thousands of spectators to cheer us on. And the field was jam-packed with talent. Tiffany and I teamed up one last time for our final go of the season. Unfortunately, it didn’t go so well.

Buildings towering above the course, Downtown Boston. Photo by Katie Busick

It wasn’t that bad really. Just not the way we wanted to finish up. No major catastrophes (thankfully!). We simply weren’t on our game. Right from the gun, I felt off. My lungs were burning straightaway (still recovering from the dry air in Vegas, so fragile from illness earlier in the year). Irritation in recent weeks of an injury sustained in March left my left hamstring screaming in unhappy protest.  My legs felt dead and I was back to riding through molasses. The wide-open straight-forward course was definitely not my forte. A torturous hour of my life it was. Tiff, too, had been feeling a bit under the weather all week and didn’t have much in her tank.

Tiffany with Custom House Tower overlooking. Photo by Katie Busick

Despite suboptimal circumstances, we definitely gave it our all. The race was certainly fast-paced and action-packed, with hundreds of dollars in primes on offer every few laps. And Tiffany and I went for just about all of them.

Rounding the corner four. Photo by Katie Busick

One really cool part of the race was that we set up well for primes on several occasions. But without much snap in my legs, I was twice nipped on the line.

No doubt a painful moment, Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) locked on my wheel, bunch chasing. Photo by Katie Busick

We completely botched up several times, setting up way too early. Tiffany finally found success on one of the goes, but it was a bit bittersweet, our finish being less than we had hoped.

Tiffany in the bunch. Photo by Katie Busick

Not having good awareness during the race, my account of how it all unfolded is a bit foggy.  Despite several solo efforts off the front from various riders, including a bold last-lap flier from Holly Matthews (TIBCO), the finish came down to a sprint with Coryn Rivera (UHC) adding another win to her season tally, followed by Sam Schneider (TIBCO) and Tina Pic (Fearless Femme).

Race Podium. Photo by Boston Bikes

Thank you to TD Bank, Boloco, the Mayor’s Office and City of Boston, and Boston Bikes for sponsorship and organization of this incredible event; Katie Busick for fabulous photos; Lauren LeClaire and Steven Hopengarten for host housing, transport, guided tours, and new found friendship; and Sara Bresnick who was absolutely amazing in helping me and Tiffany organize our trip to Boston. Check her out at Pedal Power Training Solutions.

11 Sep 2014 Las Vegas Pedal PaLooza

Flaming mantis at Container Park overseeing Las Vegas Pedal PaLooza.

From the thick, humid air of the US Southeast, I headed for the arid, parched landscape of the desert Southwest; destination: Las Vegas. I arrived in Sin City late Sunday night, the City the Never Sleeps an island of stark brightness in a quiet ocean of barren black. The morning left me confused as to my location. Was I still in North Carolina? Plump, heavy raindrops streamed down in great gushes from an angry sky, thunder rumbling in the distance.

Thick clouds blanket Las Vegas Valley in the wake of Norbert. Photo by Chase Stevens

All day the deluge continued, compliments of Tropical Storm Norbert, dumping record amounts of moisture into the drought-ravaged land. The same storm left a path of devastation all the way across the US, bringing severe storms to the MidWest; even reaching New England and the Northeast. A consequence of all this rain was a lot of flooding. Serious flooding. The kind that washes away whole swathes of roads. Major roads. Like a 20-mile stretch of the only interstate access into Vegas.

Road damage on I-15 north of Las Vegas in the wake of Tropical Storm Norbert.

With the huge international bike exposition Interbike kicking off in Vegas on Wednesday, heaps of people were impacted by the road outage, most importantly (from my view point) VK teammate Tiffany, heading in from Salt Lake City.

Red Rock Canyon the day after Norbert. Photo by Kirk Nix, Your Take

Fortunately, within a day, alternative access routes were established, adding only a couple of hours to the drive. Tiff split the drive over two days, heading down part way Wednesday and then finishing the trek Thursday to arrive in plenty of time for the women’s race at Las Vegas Pedal PaLooza, scheduled for 8:20 Thursday evening. Located in the old-town entertainment district of Vegas on Fremont Street, the newly built Container Park served as an excellent venue for a high-energy Vegas crit. The 8-turn course offered plenty of challenges: tight corners, variable lighting, abrupt width transitions, slick turtle-like Botts’ dot lane markers in the middle of turns.

Start-finish for Las Vegas Pedal PaLooza in the Fremont East Entertainment District.

Pepper Palace got the race off to a fast start. The field was keen to race, with attacks going off the front on each successive lap, Pepper bringing back the gap each time. Eventually I got free of the bunch, countering a dig from Tiffany. After a lap I was joined by a second rider and we began working well together. A lap later, the race was brought to a halt, a wayward pedestrian having walked out onto the course and collided with a rider.

Rounding Turn 8 onto Fremont St. at Las Vegas Pedal PaLooza. Raised Bots' dots mark the turn lane.

After much deliberation and discussion amongst the officials and riders, the decision was made to cancel any further racing for the evening. The topic has many complexities that remain under discussion so for now I'll leave it at that. Though disappointed, I was incredibly fortunate that my trip to Vegas was not all for naught. I had a wonderful four days of catching up with family and seeing the sights, including a beautiful ride through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Entering Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Friday morning, Tiffany and I headed north to Salt Lake City, taking in the breath-taking backdrop of the Valley of Fire State Park along the way, part of the alternate egress from Vegas, compliments of Norbert. I enjoyed a few days in Salt Lake before heading back across the country to New England where I am currently in Boston for my final weekend of racing of the season

Road through Valley of Fire. Photo by Steve Perry, Backcountry Gallery

Thank you to Mike Olsen and Vegas Bike Racing for lots of hard work in putting together the race, Zappos.com for incredible support and sponsorship for the race and cycling in general, especially women's cycling; my very awesome cousin Annie Manderscheid for fabulous host housing in Las Vegas and her Bichon Saddie for keeping me company during my stay; Si, my Aunt Cathy, and cousins Doug, Stacy, and Annie, Vanderkitten boss Dave Verracchia, and mechanic Dan for coming out to cheer us on at the race; and Tiffany, Steve, and Dmitri for hosting me for an excellent revisit to Salt Lake.

Salt Lake City Capital Building from City Canyon Creek.

7 Sep 2014 Carolina Cup

Attacking through the woods at Greensboro Country Park. Photo by On the Rivet

Taking advantage of the excellent opportunity to fit in two races to our North Carolina weekend, Tiffany and I followed up Saturday’s USA Cycling Criterium National Championship in High Point with the Carolina Cup, only 30 minutes away in Greensboro. In its 42nd year, the Carolina Cup is the longest running bike race in the south. With good reason too. The winding course around Greensboro Country Park is a real gem, featuring a picturesque, 1.6-mile (2.7-km) loop road meandering through dense, mature woods around two oblong recreational lakes.

Drawing of Greensboro Country Park by Harry Blair. The actual course is a bit more windy, but I thought this drawing was cool!

Joined by North Carolina-native Vanderkitten VIP Mollie Brewer, the three of us presented a formidable force, playing perfectly off of each other’s attacks. Mollie lit up the race with the first attack of the race, sprinting through the start finish and carrying a good gap up ‘mean greene hill’ just one lap into the race. Debbie Milne (Finish Strong) went in pursuit, charging up the hill, me on her wheel and countering her effort when we reached Mollie near the top of the climb.

Me with Debbie Milne (Finish Strong) on my wheel on the hill. Photo by On the Rivet

As the bunch closed in, Tiffany countered, launching off the front, the bunch hot on her heels. Just as the catch was made, Mollie launched again with perfect timing. And so the race went, with relentless riding from the Vanderkitten trio. Despite many tired legs and weary bodies, with much of the bunch having put forth a grueling effort at Nationals the previous day, the race was incredibly aggressive and constantly animated, exciting to the very last meter.

Driving a three-rider break. Photo by On the Rivet

Coming into the fast, downhill finish, Tiffany got the jump on the bunch, beating Columbian sprinter and speedskater Jennifer Caicedo (Finish Strong) by barely half a wheel to take an exciting and satisfying win -- her first of the season, highlighting her return to top form following injury that has sidelined her for much of the season. Mollie and I got tangled up in traffic in the approach to the line. Extricating myself on the final rise heading into the finish, I was able to make up several positions in the final 100 m with a fierce sprint to round out the podium in third, Mollie not far behind in ninth.

Tiffany jumping out of the bunch to take the win. Photo by On the Rivet

The day didn’t end there! We quickly packed up our bikes and sped off to the airport that evening, me off to Las Vegas and Tiffany heading home to Salt Lake City for a few days before joining me in Vegas for our next racing adventure. The hectic schedule simply would not have been possible without Mollie's assistance, making our lunch while we packed up and getting us to the airport on time. Greensboro Velo Club put on an excellent race. Further thank yous to Michael and Mary Brewer for host housing and Jimmy Campbell from On the Rivet Photography for capturing the race in photographs with some outstanding shots.

Awesome shot of me and my Colavita off the front. Photo by On the Rivet

6 Sep 2014 USA Cycling Criterium Nationals

For 2014, High Point, North Carolina, played host to the Smart Choice USA Cycling Criterium National Championships. As the "Home Furnishing Capital of the World", High Point features a twenty foot tall chest of drawers. The building, originally the local bureau of information, now houses the humanitarian organization, the High Point Jaycees.

High Point's gigantic chest of drawers.

Mere blocks from the chest, in the heart of downtown High Point, the sound-funnelling, covered corridor along Commerce St. served as the start-finish straight, forming part of one of the best race venues I’ve experienced. The fast, flowing, six-corner course coupled with a competitive, high-class field made this animated, high-energy race one of my favorites of the season, accentuated all the more by the voice of Chicago-based announcer Todd Busteed on the mic. The field was dominated by strong teams from United Health Care (UHC), Colavita, Pepper Palace, FCS Cycling, and Fearless Femme, each fielding five or six-rider teams. Not wanting to miss out on the excitement, teammate Tiffany Pezzulo and I joined forces to form a two-some against the more sizable powerhouses.

Power-packed field. Photo by On the Rivet

With positioning off the line being no doubt an important factor in conserving energy in the initial stages of the 90-minute race, I lined up early to ensure a spot just behind the call-ups, allowing me unencumbered progress through the corners and rapid response to early moves.

Awaiting call-ups, ready to grab a good spot on the start line. Photo by On the Rivet

Within a few laps, Mary Zider (Colavita) attacked, establishing a good gap on the bunch. UHC quickly took control of the chase effort, establishing, over the course of the ensuing three laps, the entire team of six at the front of the bunch to reel in the escaped rider. Positioning ourselves just behind the train, Tiff and I awaited the catch. 

United Health Care with all hands on deck for the chase. Photo by On the Rivet

As UHC ever so slowly closed the gap to bring the break back in sight, a second rider leapt out of the bunch to join Zider. Progress unhindered, UHC continued to draw in the now two riders. As we neared the catch, I readied for the counter. With brilliant execution, UHC launched 2013 US Criterium Champion Alison Powers while the remaining five teammates spread clear across the road, blocking the response of any rider in the peloton. Zider, being in front of the blue and white barricade, was able to latch onto Powers’ wheel.

Mary Zider (Colavita) in the sites of the UHC chase. Photo by On the Rivet

The barricade caused but a moment of delay in the response from the field, but that was enough to allow Powers to escape from the bunch. Amy Phillips (Pepper Palace) was the first to extricate herself from behind the obstruction, me on her wheel, Debbie Milne (Finish Strong) in tow. After a lap on the front chasing hard, Phillips realized that Debbie and I were unlikely to help with the chase, being as we were from small teams, and gave up the effort. Powers and Zider disappeared from view. 
Eventually Zider dislodged from Powers’ wheel, no doubt spent from her gargantuan efforts thus far in the race. Powers, being the incredibly powerful rider that she is, took a bit longer to reel in. But eventually, she was brought into the fold. All further attempts to initiate breaks were thwarted and, with ten laps to go, the field was all together.

Tiffany driving hard. Photo by On the Rivet

Two laps later, the announcers rang the bell to announce a $500 prime. Sitting about mid-pack at this point, I found some clear road along the left side of the bunch and moved up swiftly on the back side of the course, thinking all the while that it would be really dumb to try for the prime given the number of strong teams in attendance. Approaching the final corner, UHC in control at the front, I threw caution to the wind. Not feeling any response from the field, I launched off the front and sprinted my heart out along the now seemingly endless start-finish straight.

UHC on my wheel. Photo by On the Rivet

I think perhaps surprise at my audacity gave me enough room off the front to prove triumphant over the line. But by corner one I had a UHC rider latched on my wheel, keeping me in check – which was, to be honest, probably unnecessary since I didn’t have the ability to go anywhere after that effort!

Checking out what's behind me. Photo by On the Rivet

I drifted to the back, concentrating on minimizing my efforts to effect a rapid recovery in the few laps remaining before the finish. Four laps to go and teams began to organize at the front, setting up their designated sprinter for the win. Three laps, a crash on corner one took down four riders, including top contenders Alison Powers (UHC) and Tina Pic (Fearless Femme). Tiff, her momentum disrupted by the chaos, found my wheel as I came past and we re-established good position amongst the jostle at the front of the race. One lap to go, I lost position and ran out of steam in the chase effort on the exposed back stretch, and limped in for twentieth. Tiff, fighting hard, managed to keep in amongst the finishing foray, sprinting to twelfth.

Tiffany keeping god company. Photo by On the Rivet

Claiming the championship jersey was the speedy Coryn Rivera (UHC) – absolutely well-deserved considering the amazing season from this young rider – followed by Erica Allar (Colavita) in second, and the extremely talented Sam Schneider (TIBCO) in third, Sam’s accomplishment accentuated by the fact that she was riding solo, without support from teammates.    

Coryn Rivers (UHC) claiming the win in front of Erica Allar (Colavita) and Sam Schneider (TIBCO).

To make the race extra special, Tiff and I were joined on the start line by Vanderkitten VIP rider Mollie Brewer who, being a High Point resident, was the local favourite. The race was exceptional for her, having upgraded to a Cat 2 rider barely a week ago and being only her second Pro/1/2 race.

I am grateful to Dave Schneider (TIBCO) for providing transport to North Carolina – driving 12 hours through the night to get us to High Point; Jimmy Campbell from On the Rivet Photography for amazing photographs of the race; Michael and Mary Brewer for wonderful host housing; Daryl at High Point Bicycle and Hobby for excellent attention to my bike, including straightening my rear derailleur which, as it turns out, was the cause of my sluggish riding at Gateway; and Mollie Brewer for being a fabulous tour guide, chauffeur, host, and teammate.

29 Aug - 1 Sep 2014 Gateway Cup

To celebrate the long Labor Day weekend, I headed back down south to St. Louis, Missouri, to race the Staenburg Group Gateway Cup, this time joined by Utah-based teammate Tiffany Pezzulo. Together we tackled the four-day omnium series, which also served as the penultimate race in the USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar (NCC) Series. While we escaped any serious misfortune over the course of the four days, suffice it to say that luck was not balanced in our favor.

Twilight start under the lights at Lafayette Square.

The series commenced with a twilight crit around Lafayette Square. Deep shadows permeated the tree-lined streets, lending an almost spooky quality to the wide-open four-corner course. Starting out at the back of the bunch, I found an express lane to the front to take the first prime of the series, only a few minutes into the race. Good thing too. With five laps remaining, free laps just having finished, a rider went down along the start-finish shoot, crumpling into the barriers on the left side of the bunch. I came to a stop just in time to avoid barreling into her. The fall reverberated across the bunch, spreading halfway across the road and bringing Tiffany and a handful of other riders to the ground. We chased in earnest, but to no avail. The bunch was too far up the road. And so we began the series, no result on day one and already out of contention for the overall standings. We were fortunate, however, to escape both injury and rain. Within 30 minutes of finishing, the skies opened in a drenching squall.

Tiffany amongst the shadows at Lafayette Square. Photo by Dan Singer

The following afternoon, the series moved to Francis Park, an area known for its beautiful churches and gingerbread bungalows. I made several valiant efforts towards securing one of the multiple primes, all thwarted. Not much pounce in my legs today. Late in the race, two laps remaining, I hit a deeply recessed manhole cover just right (or wrong!), leaving my rear wheel misaligned in the frame. Tiff and I found each other briefly to set up for the finish, but with the resistance of my wheel too great to maintain good position amidst the high-paced jostling of the final laps, I finally ran out of steam and dropped like a rock out the back of the peloton with half a lap remaining. Tiff held strong to finish twelfth.

The bunch spread across the road at Francis Park, me far right. Photo by Dan Singer

Sunday the series moved to the Italian ‘hill’ district of St. Louis, featuring, you guessed it, a hill. Really more of a rise on the four-corner rectangular course, but given the repetitive nature of crit racing, ascended enough times to be a factor none-the-less. The day brought with it all the ferocity of summer in the southern Midwest: sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity; forward movement almost inhibited by the thick, suffocating ocean of moisture-laden air. About mid-race, I put in a huge effort to launch for a prime.

Making a move up the right side. Photo by Matt Wyczalkowski

 
I came up triumphant, but the effort cost me as my core temperature skyrocketed, soon followed by the chilled skin and goose-bumped flesh that accompany overexertion in the heat. I spent much of the remainder of the race in attempted recovery at the back of the bunch, leaving Tiff to fend for herself. As the laps remaining dwindled, semi-successfully having brought my body temperature back into functioning range, I found my way once again to the front of the race, vying for the wheels of the speedy sprinters. Three laps to go, a crash at the top of the course left me out of position (but thankfully still upright) and chasing. Two to go, I put in a humongous effort on the hill to regain position at the front, but the venture left me spent and unable to stay with the surge of speed one last time up the hill. Tiff, fighting in the foray as the field splintered in the mad rush for the final corner, claimed a brilliant and hard-fought eighth.

Tiffany driving it at the front. Photo by Matt Wyczalkowski

Monday, Benton Park played host to the final race. Here, a whole succession of events made this the most disappointing race of the series. A rider missing her pedal left me in poor position off the start line. Being at the back on the technical 10-corner course meant a huge effort, sprinting out of each corner as the riders at the front flew through unencumbered by the accordion effect experienced at the back. With the course favoring a solo rider, multiple break attempts ensured a high-paced race, stringing out the field along the narrow course and adding to my challenge of getting to the front. I had progressed forward to about midbunch when a crash three laps in held up my advance and left me chasing again. Finally, with five laps remaining, I could see clear road in front of me just as United Health Care began to organize their leadout train. Tiff and I were both in perfect position just behind the train.

Tiffany in the mix. Photo by Matt Wyczalkowski

Then, with three laps to go, you guessed it: a crash toward the front of the bunch disrupted forward progress. I somehow dodged the rider sprawled on the road in front of me, barely sneaking past her head as a rider behind rammed my rear wheel. Tiff too, took a hard knock to her rear wheel but remained upright. Chaos. We chased hard, two of many fragments in the now splintered tail of the peloton. Regaining the bunch, we fought back to the front, re-establishing behind the UHC ‘blue train’, ready to rock the finish. One lap to go. The pace slackened through the start –finish and the bunch swarmed into corner one. I lost position. Two corners remaining, the speed ramping up, Tiff realized that the impact to her wheel had knocked it loose. At risk of crashing, she was forced to sit up. And so, grateful for what good fortune we did have, we look forward to better results to come.

Thank you to my dad for the continued generous use of his car, which allows me to do so many ‘local’ races, Dan Singer for many awesome photos of the series, Matt Wyczalkowski excellent shots of Giro Della Montagna and for putting on a fabulous BBQ, and Dana Gray and Jerry Basye for being sensational hosts for the weekend – I especially enjoyed the Michael Jackson dance party, yummy blueberry pancake feast, and apple-peeling frenzy. We quite possibly peeled every apple in the county Sunday morning. OK, maybe not. But it sure felt like it!

23 Aug 2014 IL State Criterium Championship

Illinois State Criterium Championship podium.

As the month September looms near, it’s difficult to believe that the end of summer is close at hand. Even the weather seems a bit caught out, rising up in protest, puffing out a bout of steamy, stifling air to punctuate an otherwise mild Midwest summer. I haven’t used an ice sock all season!

Concurrent with the confused weather, the approach of September also brings a winding down of US road racing for the year, and, in many regions, state championships to close out the season. In addition to being able to attend the Edwardsville/Belleville races the previous weekend, a second happy consequence of my shortened visit out west was the opportunity to race the Illinois State Criterium Championship, this year held in downtown Bloomington IL.

Warm reception from downtown Bloomington businesses.

The second year hosting a race, Bloomington boosts an exciting figure-eight style course with a bit of a climb on the back side, a couple of tight corners, and a superfast downhill finish. I love figure-eight courses, not only because figure-eights have more turns than basic shapes like squares and rectangles, but also because spectators standing in the middle of the course get to see riders twice each lap – and riders similarly get to see the same fans twice each lap – which is cool because the ones who plant themselves in the center location tend to have amazing enthusiasm for racing, projecting passionate cheers of support and encouragement!

Cyclists in one of the races blur through the streets of downtown Bloomington. Photo by Cycles In Life

The 3-hour drive to Bloomington was wet: black skies, bucketing rain, gusty winds. The early races would’ve had miserable conditions on the semi-technical course. Huge kudos to all who braved the squalls. Morning had greeted the day with absolutely sweltering heat, the oppressive air almost dripping so heavy was its load of moisture. A positive outcome of the deluge was a precipitous drop in temperature, the heavy water-laden air replaced by a light, almost cool breeze.

Maria Larkin (Chicago Cuttin Crew) braving early rains to win the Women's Cat 3/4 jersey - and then race again later (with some excellent attacks!) in the Women's 1/2/3. Photo by Chicago Cuttin Crew

I was fortunate to catch a ride down to Bloomington with ex-teammie, good friend, and master PSIMET wheel builder Leah Sanda. By the time we arrived in Bloomington, streets were nearly dry, the sun trying its best to peer out from behind the veil of imperious grey.

The race got off to a fast start, with several successive laps of attacks, multiple riders keen to split the field. Many times the field splintered and regrouped, the pace ebbing and flowing every few laps, riders at the front weary of putting forth an effort that might come to bear later given many strong legs in the bunch; trailing riders doggedly determined to remain in contention.

Streaking by, too fast for focus, no doubt chasing an attacking Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) or Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew), Anina Blankenship (Balanced Bike) and Sierra Seibenlist (Scarlet Fire) in pursuit.

As the race wore on, my legs beginning to fatigue from thus far unsuccessful efforts to ride by myself, I became suddenly aware of cheers from a throng of spectators (I never did figure out who they were!) at the barriers in the middle part of the course urging me to attack, to light up the race – possibly spurred by my performance in Edwardsville last weekend? The realization of the personal attention brought a huge smile to my face. I even spent several laps rubber necking, inspecting the crowd in attempt to attach identities to the ardent cheers.

Me smiling in response to cheers from fans while Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew) drives the pace at the front. Photo by Cycles In Life 

The key move of the race came with about five laps remaining. Following a flurry of attacks on successive laps, a prime was announced. I was too gassed to attack on the hill – and apparently so was everyone else, the pace slowing to a crawl on the back side of the course. Stuck at the front with no one willing to come around, I slowly ramped it up and then jumped at the top of the course, carrying speed through the tight turns. Clearing turn seven, I heard the horrible cacophony of carbon meeting concrete behind me. I have a horrible habit, when hearing this sound, of pausing mid pedal stroke. I snuck a quick peak under my arm to see Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) sprawled on the ground, fortunately (I later learned) uninjured and thankfully the only rider down.

Attacking, Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) hot on my wheels. Photo by Cycles In Life

 Coasting momentarily, I debated the morality of carrying on with my attack. Eventually I decided racing is racing, and put my head back to the task. Driving hard for the remaining laps, I increased the distance over my pursuers, who were now working together and chasing in earnest. My late race effort was enough to give me a comfortable margin in the final lap for what was an exciting and hard-fought win.

Finishing solo - I was a bit confused, unsure if it was the last lap!

Thank you to all the amazing organizers, volunteers, and sponsors that made the Bloomington criterium possible, and the fans and fellow racers who made it awesome; to Matthew and Ashley Jarrett for so many excellent photographs of the event; and to Leah Sanda for sharing the drive. Big shout out to the Illinois women who got registered early to show support for the race and ensure equal payout for the men’s and women’s races. This race has a seriously impressive payout! Combined with an exciting course and passionate fans, this is one not to miss in 2015!

Race podium: Anina Blankenship (Balanced Bike), Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew) and niece, me, Sierra Siebenlist (Scarlet Fire), Ellen Ryan (xXx)

Finally, I want to put in a plug for the gifted race announcers in the Chicago area: Todd Busteed, Greg Bliss, Kenny Labbé; further south, Aero Froese. Each having a huge knowledge-base of racing, and familiarity with the names of many of the local riders, these guys really know how to engage the crowd and can, simply by virtue of their talents, impart upon a small local race a distinctly professional feel. For cycling events, announcers make a big difference to the spectators and racers alike, often making the difference between awesome and amazing.No race is complete without a strong voice behind the mic.