July 29 Thursday night Crit

[StephenU]

hey Ya'll,

Another good BPR showing...
Jason and Simon hammered it off the line for a few laps off the front...  Once they came back to the pack, I went off the front for 3 or 4 laps with a KC rider. Things were going to plan as BPR was in most of the races moves and breaks!!  Great visibility!
I suffered real bad and eventually self-dropped from the break 1/2 lap before they were caught.  I think the extreme heat of the day raised my HR by 12-15 beats in attempt by the heart to send more blood to to the skin to try and cool it down. I noticed this riding out to Winfield and was super high compared to matt, jen, and Ian.  I was really redlining in the break and this is not normal!!!
So, anyways, after a few laps of recovery, I really did not feel well at all so I just survived the rest of the crit.

Hopefully someone else can fill in the rest of the details of the night because I was in "The Cave" for the last 15 mins of the race. 

anyone??

[JasonK]

Yes, super riding everyone!  Simon and I let it rip right off the start line for 3 laps.  Simon was a machine and we worked super well together while taking turns pulling.  As Steve said once we were caught Steve was out there in the next break and Matt was watching the action from near the front of the chase group.  Once Steve was back Matt jumped for another break. 

I thought I learned my lessen a few weeks back when I sprinted to the line with three laps to go???  I couldn't even finish the race.  Last night was almost worse when Steve led me out perfectly for the last prim only to cross the line and then see that Sean was on a solo breakaway!  Oh well, good training I guess but definitely does show how important it is to communicate with each other and always be aware of what is happening during the race.

After I recovered from my super 2nd place prim I jumped on Jen's wheel, we started from the back of the pack and were at the front when we crossed the tracks.  Jen went hot into the second corner and I jumped on the way out with a KC rider on my wheel.  We caught the break of anther KC rider and a Giant rider.  The four of us worked super hard together and it was starting to look like we were going to make it.  Every time I'm in a break I think we are going to make it stick but it never does.  After about 4-5 laps they put up the 2 laps to go sign and I couldn't see the pack behind us.  The Giant rider let it rip half way up the backside hill and dropped one of the KC riders.  I was in a perfect position into the bottom corner but just couldn't out sprint the Giant rider. 

I've been wanting to make the winning breakaway at these cirts since I started riding.  Last winter while I was spinning for hours on my trainer I would stare at the wall and electrical panel in front of me and visualize making the winning breakaway.  Making the winning break has always been more important to me then actually winning the crit!

Super riding everyone!!! I'm already looking forward to next week!

[Andrew]

The best thing I see when reading these posts is how excited everyone is about riding as a team. Enjoying their own personal triumphs, and putting in fantastic personal efforts, while still being pumped up to be part of a bigger group. THAT is what has been the goal of BPR this year, and has been very rewarding frmo my point of view.

I saw a short note from Simon on Facebook, so I knew the team did well, but it is more fun to read the details of how everyone felt about the race.

Very impressive reports from Stephen and Jason. I think the Quails observation on the impact of heat on the cardiovascular system is very insightful. And if this is a limiting factor to performance, then the extra stress due to the heat might explain the feeling he had in the break. Overcoming this will take first some recovery, then soem focused cardiac stroke volume work, and finally a very disciplined approach to hydration in the preceeding days leading up to the race.


We all know Jason has been getting stronger every week, and it si great to see him meet one of his goals by finally surviving in a break. And impressive that Jen was able to help get you back into position after the Prim.


I look forward to next week, when I can be a part of the action, and hopefully bring Tom Stewart along for the fun. Any word from Joel and Peter?

[kiwichris]

Congrats Guys - sounds like a wicked night of racing for BPR!!

Keep up the insightful comments and reflect on what went well/poorly to have a partner for that break.

Chris

[Joel J]

I'm sorry I missed the action... I will do my best to be there next week!
Awsome job guys!
XD

[PeterW]

Good work guys,
I was really stoked to make it out to this one and see a BPR train out front. Hopefully next week the turnout will be huge!

On tuesday morning I couldn't get out of bed after my back seizing right up. A summer of bending and yanking weeds out of the ground is finally getting to me! I'm still waiting on gettin full ROM back... but I should be good to go Thursday. Back on the wheels tomorrow morning!

[Andrew]

Next Thursday will be a BIG night for BPR. Come rested, hydrated, and early enough to warm-up and discuss our plan for the evening. With the reappearance of both Peters, Joel, and pretty well everyone within driving distance, we should be able to have a great night.

I am pretty sure TR will be back in force after a few weeks away at races, so we should be both mentally and physically ready to deal with the increased speed that brings.

We will plan on doing a couple of easy laps together once everyone has registered, so watch for the growing BPR train to join in as you arrive.

Looking forward to it.

Anyone who is feeling up to it should try to make it out towards Armstrong for the Masters Road Race on Monday. Looks like it will only be about 60km in length and a pretty hilly course. Would be fun to have a BPR train working at the front...