White Rock Stage Race

[JasonK]

I finally got my chance to race with all the pro's at the White Rock stage race last weekend. It was a big goal of mine to be able to do this race. I have to shake my head now as I've never hurt so bad. I know I say that every time I write a race report but these races seriously keep getting harder.

There were three stages: HC, Crit and RR. The HC was a little different as they had us start in pairs. It was still a TT but made it more exciting for the riders and especially all the fans to race side by side up this climb. The start was moderate and then it kicked hard near the top with a short flat section to the finish line. I knew I had to pace myself on the bottom section and lay it all down for the steep part. That was the plan until the rider I was racing with hammered it off the start. That made me get a little excited but I still tried to focus on a moderate pace. Once it kicked up I still had lots to give but sure had a hard time making it to the finish on the flat section. I was happy with my time and with all the fans lined on the road and cheering sure made it fun.

The crit was 60 laps with 4 corners and a climb. I felt pretty safe in the corners but the pace seemed crazy fast to me. My average HR was super high for the whole race.  My main goal for the Crit and RR was to not get dropped. Unfortunately I ended up riding at the back but managed to stay in contact for the entire race.  I was in pretty rough shape at the end and especially after the race.  I was sick to my stomach for a few hours after.  I was very pleased to not get dropped but definitely have to work on riding further up front and not hanging on at the back.  Easy to say but so hard to do!

I actually felt pretty good the morning of the RR.  The course was shaped kind of like the letter B.  There were two loops that were connected in the middle.  Each loop consisted of solid climb.  One loop was shorter and steeper while the other was longer and more gradual.  After a certain amount of laps they closed one of the loops and then the race continued around the longer climb loop for  the remainder.  The race started to splinter apart somewhere around the second lap.  At one point I thought I got dropped from the pack but before I knew it there were at least 15 of us chasing.  It got a little confusing when there seemed to be a breakaway group, 1st chase group and 2nd chase group.  I just kept riding as best as I could in my group.  Racing in the 1st chase group would have been best but it was nice to ride and work at the front of the group I was in. 

As usual I cramped up really bad again.  I would cramp badly on the first climb.  The second climb came shortly after and I could make it up with almost no cramping.  Then it was a long ride on the flat and down hill until we started the first climb again where I would get the bad cramping. 

The weekend was a very positive experience for me and I was so happy to not get blown out the back.  I will have to spend more time thinking about my long term goals but a top 10 overall finish at White Rock would be a dream come true!

[Schulzy]

Extremely impressive results Jason!!!! The White Rock race is so incredibly tough and you were right in the mix!!!! The hill climb is steeper than anyone can imagine... so steep that if you don't pace yourself you might not physically make it to the finish line!!!! And the hilly crit and crazy RR don't allow any rest for the wicked!!!! Next year we should go down as a team and do the entire Superweek! Stephen needs to attend a few hill climbs to get his upgrage points!

Jen

[GinnySellars]

Jason, you raced brilliantly! You just got into this level of racing earlier this season, and have proved that you truly deserve to race with the 'big boys'. It must be nice to see your name higher than Tuft on the hill climb.

I wonder why you were sick to your stomach. The effort? Hot day? Actual sickness?

If anyone has ever been to White Rock, it's exceptionally hilly. That course certainly reveals the best climbers, and there is no where to hide. Great job Jason. I'm glad you are dreaming big for 2011.

[JasonK]

Thanks guys,

Ginny, I actually feel sick to my stomach after every hard effort.  I have no idea why and have always felt that way since I started riding.  I've tried a few different products in the bottles and have eat a variety of different food but nothing seems to help.  This only happens on a really hard ride. 

[GinnySellars]

I was reading in an ultra-running magazine yesterday, that many of the runners rely on ginger to calm nausea. Apparently it's a very common occurrence for ultra runners, and they try and use the purest forms of ginger, so not ginger ale, but candied ginger can work.

I seem to feel nausea when the calorie to water ratio is too high. I've begun to use more and more pure water while racing. Obviously the calories are important, but when possible, I'm consuming WAY more water than ever before.