The cat 3/4's had a great weekend of racing at the PTO. This event has been a huge success since it's inception one year ago. I am amazed at how many good riders show up for this race and the numbers keep growing. This year the 3/4 was huge fielding some 70+ riders in both the crit and road race. Friday nights crit in downtown lexington is definitely one of my favorites. Extremely fast course with wide corners added to the almost 27 mph avg. Besides being one of the biggest fields I have ever raced, I was surrounded by more teammates than ever before. With me was Grant Lawyer, Jerry Rebo, Rick Lee, Michael T., Steve Brumley, Justin Joyce, Preston Anderson, and Matt Chambers (I hope I didn't leave anyone out!). Hats off to all the guys for a great race, especially to Grant who really flew the colors well at the front. Several others made good showings as well. I believe Grant landed a top 20 finish which is really impressive given the amount of work he put in!
Next day M.O.B. was again very well represented at the TT with myself, Rick Lee, Jerry Rebo, and Steve Brumley. I do not have the final results but I know that both Steve and Rick had very good days on the bike and placed in the top 10.
The 3/4 road race was also very well attended with again 70+ in the field. M.O.B. had myself, Grant, Preston, Steve, Chip, Jerry, Rick, and Matt. The race started off fast and did not really let up as we had a really short rr of a little under 40 miles. This course is perfectly suited for racing and the hills at the end of clodfelter made things more interesting. Once again hard efforts were made by Preston, Steve, and Grant to cover attacks and keep things together. It was great to see some many teammates in one race and I believe a good time was had by all. Hats off to both Jerry and Rick who took 12th and 15th in the final sprint.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Piedmont Triad Omnium Criterium: Keeping it Safe
Last year I was asked by Jim Martin, organizer of the Piedmont Triad Omnium, to manage the course marshals for the 2009 PTO Friday night criterium. My first thought was I felt honored to help such a worthy cause, but my second thought was how will I ever convince enough people to help as course marshals!
Well, six weeks before the event I knew it was time to start asking for volunteers! What a surprise…as soon as I sent the e-mail I had immediate responses…and in a week I had a list of volunteers!
As racers you all know how important these group of individuals are to a successful criterium race…well this year’s course marshals were incredible! They kept the course safe for the racers and more importantly, the many spectators who showed up for the evening’s events.
I can’t thank these volunteers enough…please share you appreciation for these individuals by thanking them the next time you see them on a ride or just out and about!
Here’s the list of course marshals, all our women team members from the Mock Orange Racing team – Julie Paisant, Katie Gill, Rip Nicholson, Sirena Lundsford and Theresa Dawson.
In addition, Monti Beasley from Piedmont Velo, Jordan Martin and Justin Martin helped out on the course.
And finally a big thanks to members of the Mock Orange Syndicate team – Bill Messenger and his daughter, Laura, Cathy Rhodes, Gary Willis and his daughter, Ginny, and Patti Patridge.
Well, six weeks before the event I knew it was time to start asking for volunteers! What a surprise…as soon as I sent the e-mail I had immediate responses…and in a week I had a list of volunteers!
As racers you all know how important these group of individuals are to a successful criterium race…well this year’s course marshals were incredible! They kept the course safe for the racers and more importantly, the many spectators who showed up for the evening’s events.
I can’t thank these volunteers enough…please share you appreciation for these individuals by thanking them the next time you see them on a ride or just out and about!
Here’s the list of course marshals, all our women team members from the Mock Orange Racing team – Julie Paisant, Katie Gill, Rip Nicholson, Sirena Lundsford and Theresa Dawson.
In addition, Monti Beasley from Piedmont Velo, Jordan Martin and Justin Martin helped out on the course.
And finally a big thanks to members of the Mock Orange Syndicate team – Bill Messenger and his daughter, Laura, Cathy Rhodes, Gary Willis and his daughter, Ginny, and Patti Patridge.
MOB at the PTO
MOB really come thur in fine fashion with support and racing the PTO this past weekend. The PTO is the biggest Cycling event in the in the State and apears to be growing int0 the biggest event in the Southeast. With the added street sprints there was the opportunity to race 4 times in 3 days with the crit Friday night, Time trial Sat. morning, Street Sprints Sat. night and then the Road Race on Sunday.
I wanted to say a big THANKS to Ken and Angela Craven as well as others like, Steve Golinski, Jerry Rebo, Preston Anderson, Blair Palmer, Rick Lee, Julie and Paul Paisant, Jeff Varner, Ken Gulledge, (I'm sure I"m leaving someone out) with the task of set up and tear down for Friday night. Ken was very organized working with shifts of folks from the Team to get everything set up in a very efficint and timely manner. Ken better watch it or Neil Boyd will want his set up skills for Cross Roads in Aug.
All weekend long, every event ,from the Categories, age graded and women there were very strong fast fields. With the crit Friday night in the 35 / 45 + 123 race we had Pete Cannell, newly crowned national time trial champion, Daryl Rains, Kelly Holms and myself. This race started hard and fast from the gun. With in the frist hand full of laps Pete was in a move off the front and would go on to finish 4th, 3rd in the 35+ while I held on to 14th and 7th in the 35+.
For the Time Trial Sat. morning we had a nice rain shower prior to the start so there were wet roads to contend with. I got a good warm up and a good start thinking that I would be able to make good time on the backside of the course on Ridge road but with the head wind it seemed the harder I tried the slower I went. I finished 5th just 2 sesconds in front of Chris Thomas who was in 6th. Then it was time to recover and get ready for the Street Sprints. This was a new experience for me, something that I had never done so I was not sure about the approach except sprint as hard as you can and hold it to the line. Two initial heats of 6 were whittled down to one finale of 10. I really had a bad jump but managed a 7th with all these slow twitch muscle fibers I have.
So it was on to the Road Race were Rich Melencio and myslef were in the 35+ ranks while Daryl and Kelly repsented the 45+. With the afternoon start the heat and humidity would be a factor. Hydration was the key. Thanks to my wife Nancy, Kathy and Blair Palmer, Michelle Melencio and Diana Whitt, Rick Creeds wife for being there in the feed.
There were several moves that took place during the first 2 laps but to no avail until finishing lap 3 when a break went up the road with Charlie Brown, Ryan Jenkins, John Patterson and Rick Creed. I missed the Carolina master's train so it was came down to the field sprint for me with about 40 of my cloest friends. I managed to finish 9th in the 35+ , not real sure about the overall. So for the weekend I had a 7th in the crit, 5th in the time trial, 7th in the Street Sprints and 9th in the Road Race. This was my best omnium weekend. Certainly was lots of fun and I'm looking forward to the French Broad omnium in Asheville next weekend.
Thanks again to Team MOB and all their support of this wonderful event.
I wanted to say a big THANKS to Ken and Angela Craven as well as others like, Steve Golinski, Jerry Rebo, Preston Anderson, Blair Palmer, Rick Lee, Julie and Paul Paisant, Jeff Varner, Ken Gulledge, (I'm sure I"m leaving someone out) with the task of set up and tear down for Friday night. Ken was very organized working with shifts of folks from the Team to get everything set up in a very efficint and timely manner. Ken better watch it or Neil Boyd will want his set up skills for Cross Roads in Aug.
All weekend long, every event ,from the Categories, age graded and women there were very strong fast fields. With the crit Friday night in the 35 / 45 + 123 race we had Pete Cannell, newly crowned national time trial champion, Daryl Rains, Kelly Holms and myself. This race started hard and fast from the gun. With in the frist hand full of laps Pete was in a move off the front and would go on to finish 4th, 3rd in the 35+ while I held on to 14th and 7th in the 35+.
For the Time Trial Sat. morning we had a nice rain shower prior to the start so there were wet roads to contend with. I got a good warm up and a good start thinking that I would be able to make good time on the backside of the course on Ridge road but with the head wind it seemed the harder I tried the slower I went. I finished 5th just 2 sesconds in front of Chris Thomas who was in 6th. Then it was time to recover and get ready for the Street Sprints. This was a new experience for me, something that I had never done so I was not sure about the approach except sprint as hard as you can and hold it to the line. Two initial heats of 6 were whittled down to one finale of 10. I really had a bad jump but managed a 7th with all these slow twitch muscle fibers I have.
So it was on to the Road Race were Rich Melencio and myslef were in the 35+ ranks while Daryl and Kelly repsented the 45+. With the afternoon start the heat and humidity would be a factor. Hydration was the key. Thanks to my wife Nancy, Kathy and Blair Palmer, Michelle Melencio and Diana Whitt, Rick Creeds wife for being there in the feed.
There were several moves that took place during the first 2 laps but to no avail until finishing lap 3 when a break went up the road with Charlie Brown, Ryan Jenkins, John Patterson and Rick Creed. I missed the Carolina master's train so it was came down to the field sprint for me with about 40 of my cloest friends. I managed to finish 9th in the 35+ , not real sure about the overall. So for the weekend I had a 7th in the crit, 5th in the time trial, 7th in the Street Sprints and 9th in the Road Race. This was my best omnium weekend. Certainly was lots of fun and I'm looking forward to the French Broad omnium in Asheville next weekend.
Thanks again to Team MOB and all their support of this wonderful event.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
MOB in Roanoke, VA
So, Kelly and I drove up to Roanoke to do the 3 day omnium. Matt Chambers joined us for a few days and Jay cruised up for some fun on Sunday. Kelly raced the masters 40+, while I did the 3/4 races along with Matt. Jay did the 1-2-3 race on Sunday.
Day 1: Uphill TT: 1.9miles at 11% ave. Kelly was killing it, coming in under 11min, while I held my own at 11:38 (26th overall 3/4, 9th in the cat4) for the Cat 3/4 . Not sure where Matt ended up time-wise, but he put in a great ride.
Day 2: 0.7 mile crit (6 corner) technical with a small backside hill and a LONG finishing straight. Kelly stayed in the front the whole time, laying it down, getting 2 primes, and sprinting for 4th. I ended up 21st in the 3/4 (6th in the cat 4 group). Matt retired early, but put in a great effort.
Day 3: 3/4 mile technical crit with a 1st turn 180 degrees leading to several brick sections on the back side. It was pouring rain...and lead to some hard fought racing. Again, Kelly was pushing the front, and finished 4th. I ended up flatting with 2 to go...in a field that only finished 12...DAMN. Oh well. Jay came up for the maddness and finished strong in the field...having to maneuver around multiple wrecks and gaps from others dropping out. All in all, Kelly finished 2nd in the overall omnium for the 40+ guys. GREAT JOB!!!!!! Great job to Jay and Matt as well.
It was fun to hang out with the MOB guys and get in some good hard racing. I'm not sure where I finished up for the omnium, but the DNF on Sun didn't help my cause. More so, I knew Kelly wasn't going to post what he did this weekend, because, well, if you know him as well as I do, you know he just would say..."well...you know...I did alright." He was a force in those races, and the announcers were calling out MOB racing several times. It was a great showing for MOB racing.
Also, for me, it was an education. I was able to pick his brain and discuss all sorts of tactics and technics, including how the hell to race in the slop on Sunday, with the hairpin turns, esses, and brick sections without crashing...where to be and when, and what to look for, and who to watch out for. I learned a ton and had a blast.
One last plug, thanks to Pete for getting my sorry cycling self into shape to be able to compete with these guys. I'm getting there....SLOWLY!!!!!!!
So, if any of the less seasoned guys have a chance, get out there, and talk to these guys who have been doing it for a while, DO IT! They'll teach you how to go faster...just by using some common sense....and I promise it won't hurt nearly as much as hopping on the trainer for what is know in some circles as.... "the Cannell 2x20 death intervals!!!" :)
It was great racing with you guys this past weekend! Thanks again KHo.... See everyone this weekend at the PTO!!
Jerry
Day 1: Uphill TT: 1.9miles at 11% ave. Kelly was killing it, coming in under 11min, while I held my own at 11:38 (26th overall 3/4, 9th in the cat4) for the Cat 3/4 . Not sure where Matt ended up time-wise, but he put in a great ride.
Day 2: 0.7 mile crit (6 corner) technical with a small backside hill and a LONG finishing straight. Kelly stayed in the front the whole time, laying it down, getting 2 primes, and sprinting for 4th. I ended up 21st in the 3/4 (6th in the cat 4 group). Matt retired early, but put in a great effort.
Day 3: 3/4 mile technical crit with a 1st turn 180 degrees leading to several brick sections on the back side. It was pouring rain...and lead to some hard fought racing. Again, Kelly was pushing the front, and finished 4th. I ended up flatting with 2 to go...in a field that only finished 12...DAMN. Oh well. Jay came up for the maddness and finished strong in the field...having to maneuver around multiple wrecks and gaps from others dropping out. All in all, Kelly finished 2nd in the overall omnium for the 40+ guys. GREAT JOB!!!!!! Great job to Jay and Matt as well.
It was fun to hang out with the MOB guys and get in some good hard racing. I'm not sure where I finished up for the omnium, but the DNF on Sun didn't help my cause. More so, I knew Kelly wasn't going to post what he did this weekend, because, well, if you know him as well as I do, you know he just would say..."well...you know...I did alright." He was a force in those races, and the announcers were calling out MOB racing several times. It was a great showing for MOB racing.
Also, for me, it was an education. I was able to pick his brain and discuss all sorts of tactics and technics, including how the hell to race in the slop on Sunday, with the hairpin turns, esses, and brick sections without crashing...where to be and when, and what to look for, and who to watch out for. I learned a ton and had a blast.
One last plug, thanks to Pete for getting my sorry cycling self into shape to be able to compete with these guys. I'm getting there....SLOWLY!!!!!!!
So, if any of the less seasoned guys have a chance, get out there, and talk to these guys who have been doing it for a while, DO IT! They'll teach you how to go faster...just by using some common sense....and I promise it won't hurt nearly as much as hopping on the trainer for what is know in some circles as.... "the Cannell 2x20 death intervals!!!" :)
It was great racing with you guys this past weekend! Thanks again KHo.... See everyone this weekend at the PTO!!
Jerry
MOB Racing Team Makes Front Page News!
The month of June has definitely been a great month to see the MOB kits around locally. There have been many opportunities for our team members to volunteer with local charities. The beginning of June, team members were spotted at the MS VIBE ride held in Kernersville. The ride is held annually as a Tour to Tanglewood training ride for participants who raise over $1000 for the local MS chapter. During the middle of the month, MOB kits were seen at the Pedal the Piedmont charity ride. A well put together ride that raises money for the Kernersville Rotary club. (Also, we made front page news for the Kernersville newspaper.) The Tour to Tanglewood training ride held at the shop brought out many of our team members helping out with marking the course, assisting participants with parking and general ride support. The list doesn’t end here…this upcoming weekend will be the Piedmont Triad Omnium. I know many of our team members will be racing…but we have team members that will be helping out with race course set up and as course marshals. The Piedmont Triad Omnium is not only a fun weekend but it’s an excellent opportunity to help out with such a worthy event. The money raised from the weekend racing goes to the Central NC MS chapter. (Also Ken and I want to express our thanks to everyone who will be helping out with Friday night’s events…the responses we have received for volunteers have been impressive.)Finally, I have really enjoyed participating in the above events. Not only are we helping out with local charities… but it gives us the opportunity to meet other cyclists in the area and to get to know your team members.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Strong showing of MOB at Tour De Kale
Mock Orange Bikes had great repersentation for the 10th annual Tour De Kale. This event has grown over the past 10years to the best organized ride / race in the south east. This due to the efforts of Chris Skeen and the entire Denton Community. There is no better support from parking to reg. to traffic control and food afterwards.
We had over 15 riders this year to include Daryl Rains, Kelly Holems, Rich Melencio, Rick Lee, Steven Brumbley, Ken Gulledge, Paul and Julie Paisant, Teresa Dawson, Frank Mullins, Jerry Rebo, the return of Matt Mason, my wife Nancy and myself took on the hottest day of the year with close to 400 other riders.
At the start I looked around to see who is here challenging for the Summitt prize money and it is the whos who of cycling. Scotty Weiss came all the way from Minn. just for this event as well as Mark Heckman, National Crit champion, Chris Harkey and company as well Ryan Jenkins, John Patterson, Charlie Brown and a host of the Carolina Masters team. There were aslo about a dozen rider from the under 23 junior national team that had just gotten back from racing over in Belgium. To say the least it would be a fast day and inturn a hard, hot day on the bike.
With the added KOM $50.00 cash prize 13miles in we were assured that things were going to very interesting very quickly. Once out of the Farm Park a small break that contained John Patterson, Scotty Weiss, Mark Heckman and three others were up the road. Mark Heckman won the KOM and would go on to win the Summit Challenge as well. As the rest of the field is approaching the KOM I see Daryl moving up on the Left with Sara Tussy in tow. Sara followed Heckman's lead and did the double as well, taking the KOM and the Summitt Challenge prize.
With a break of 8-10 up the road there were several attempts to bring them back with a fine effort of Steven Brumbley and Rich Melencio. The break was with in15sec but with Teams represented in the break controling the situation it was not to be.
Coming into Denton Chris Harkey put in a real hard effort with his Teammate Darren Fuller following whose wheel I was able to latch onto. Harkey then put in a strong pull to seperate us from the remaining field as well as did almost all the work to the gate at the neighborhood. That was enough of a gap to keep the three of us away to the Summitt. This would be as Harkey called the "Old man train" as Chris would get 1st in the 40-49 age group, I finished 2nd and Darren Fuller finished 3rd. In the way of awards Teresa Dawson was 3rd while Julie Paisant was 1st in their respective age groups. All in all a very hot day but a very good day for MOB. Looking forward to a report of the State Games and to next weekend as we host the Tanglewood trianing ride from the Shop. Should be fun. Rodney
We had over 15 riders this year to include Daryl Rains, Kelly Holems, Rich Melencio, Rick Lee, Steven Brumbley, Ken Gulledge, Paul and Julie Paisant, Teresa Dawson, Frank Mullins, Jerry Rebo, the return of Matt Mason, my wife Nancy and myself took on the hottest day of the year with close to 400 other riders.
At the start I looked around to see who is here challenging for the Summitt prize money and it is the whos who of cycling. Scotty Weiss came all the way from Minn. just for this event as well as Mark Heckman, National Crit champion, Chris Harkey and company as well Ryan Jenkins, John Patterson, Charlie Brown and a host of the Carolina Masters team. There were aslo about a dozen rider from the under 23 junior national team that had just gotten back from racing over in Belgium. To say the least it would be a fast day and inturn a hard, hot day on the bike.
With the added KOM $50.00 cash prize 13miles in we were assured that things were going to very interesting very quickly. Once out of the Farm Park a small break that contained John Patterson, Scotty Weiss, Mark Heckman and three others were up the road. Mark Heckman won the KOM and would go on to win the Summit Challenge as well. As the rest of the field is approaching the KOM I see Daryl moving up on the Left with Sara Tussy in tow. Sara followed Heckman's lead and did the double as well, taking the KOM and the Summitt Challenge prize.
With a break of 8-10 up the road there were several attempts to bring them back with a fine effort of Steven Brumbley and Rich Melencio. The break was with in15sec but with Teams represented in the break controling the situation it was not to be.
Coming into Denton Chris Harkey put in a real hard effort with his Teammate Darren Fuller following whose wheel I was able to latch onto. Harkey then put in a strong pull to seperate us from the remaining field as well as did almost all the work to the gate at the neighborhood. That was enough of a gap to keep the three of us away to the Summitt. This would be as Harkey called the "Old man train" as Chris would get 1st in the 40-49 age group, I finished 2nd and Darren Fuller finished 3rd. In the way of awards Teresa Dawson was 3rd while Julie Paisant was 1st in their respective age groups. All in all a very hot day but a very good day for MOB. Looking forward to a report of the State Games and to next weekend as we host the Tanglewood trianing ride from the Shop. Should be fun. Rodney
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MOB WOMEN PUT THE PRESSURE ON in Salisbury
The M.O.B. Women were on fire this weekend in Salisbury. Rip took on the 30+ Women's race with no teammates on Saturday. She won the race in the sprint finish. Way to go Rip! That is not the end of it. On Sunday we had Rip, Sirena, Julie, Theresa and Angela in the Cat 4 race. We had the numbers but not much experience working as a team. With the help of Rodney, we planned a strategy for the race. Rip was going to attack early on in the first lap to see who would bite. Repeated attacks by MOB and counter attacks ensued. The pace rarely let up. We never let anyone get comfortable. The pack splintered down to the last 14 women that barreled towards the final sprint. Once again Rip won in the sprint with Sirena in 3rd. Honestly, that was the most fun I have had racing this year....well, except for ALL of Cyclocross! I thought we worked really well as a team. Congratulations Rip! Our new NC State Road Race Champ (x2).
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