Ag3r - ButlerHealthSystem

2011 Wrap Up

2012-01-25T19:01:00.005-05:00

Here are the final "Numbers" for the 2011 season including both Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem and FoxVelo racers.

It's all a BLUR :)

Boulder is...

2012-01-25T18:32:00.003-05:00

...still there. Kirk Morrison checked :)

-----------------------------------------
Good morning! I am back from Boulder.

Sammy came through with a bike loan (his old C'dale F29 1x10 MTB) which allowed me to ride 2 HC climbs in 2 days (about 3,000' each, starting from 5,500' elevation in Boulder).

The MTB ended up being perfect for the climb to Gold Hill since the last 6 miles were dirt/mud/ice (although there were a few sections where I would have liked a 2nd chainring ...).

These rides, combined with daily hikes accompanying the Lovely Leslie left me a bit tired but ...

I couldn't resist a final day climb up Flagstaff Hill (Cat2, proposed for a mountain top finish in the August Pro Cycling Challenge stage race) continuing over to Gross Lake.

I was "mid-crack" on my way back when I saw a snow storm hit on the neighboring mountain. This was great motivation to get myself off the top before the storm caught up with me (which I did).

Kirk

CX Masters Worlds - Wrap Up

2012-01-19T11:45:00.002-05:00

Story by Kirk Morrison:
The course conditions for my Saturday championship race had changed dramatically since the qualifying heats on Thursday. The 2-3” of mud on the flat sections had frozen solid as the temperatures dropped below 20F for two nights. Unfortunately, this left the course completely covered by deep, tire width grooves that were frozen as hard as concrete. These grooves proved to be very difficult to ride as racers of all levels were constantly falling and taking out course stakes and tape as they lost control. The consensus was that the only way to ride the course was “newsboy style" ; riding diagonally from edge to edge as if delivering newspapers to houses on opposite sides of the road.

The officials were continuously working to improve the rideability of the course by moving stakes and tape to try to include some grass lanes. They also removed 3 of the “run up / run down” hills since they were so deeply marred and iced as to be unrideable (and barely “walkable”).

I started my final race in 59th position (based on the finish positions from Thursday’s Heats). In light of the adverse course conditions, I was fairly happy with my racing speed and bike handling (there were some great crashes as we entered the “grass” section of the course). We were starting to see some mud since the temps reached 30F by race start (11:20am). Pittsburgh racing friends Todd Schoeni, Steevo Cumming and Mike Mihalik were kind enough to pit for both Gunnar and me. This was my first chance to execute a running bike change (I didn’t fall !). Unfortunately, there wasn’t any bike washing going on since the water hoses were all frozen.

I ended up being lapped by race leader Stephen Tilford at about 30 minutes (of our 40 minute race) and was pulled at that point for a Finals finish placing of 56th place

http://www.louisville2013.com/site/images/stories/results/men%2050-54%20final%20results.pdf

Below is a link to the results where I finished 30th in Thursday’s “Heats” .

http://www.louisville2013.com/site/images/stories/results/1b%20men%2050-54h2%20result.pdf

Gunnar Shogren and Kevin Hines battled the entire race for 2nd. After lots of back and forth as well as several crashes, Kevin ended up getting a small gap on Gunnar before the finish stretch. Gunnar ended up with 3rd (the only podium finish for racers from our area)

Betsy took 4th in the W35-39 (finishing on her SS after mechanical damage from a crash on bike #1), Steevo placed 5th and Mike Mihalik took 8th in the M30-34, while Todd placed 23rd in the M35-39 class.

While this was a big time commitment, I’m happy that I traveled to this world championship event. I’m hoping to head back to Louisville for next years races as well ! Now for some “offseason” !

Thanks,
Kirk

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Below are a few other links....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-masters-cyclo-cross-world-championships-2012/day-3/results

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/01/news/cyclocross/gallery-uci-masters-cx-world-championships_203458

...and some final pics by Kirk not previously posted:

-------------------------------------------
Pedestrian Bridge over Ohio River into Indiana

Louisville Mementos

Run-Up side of "Fly-Over"

UCI Chief Commissare Phillippe Marien

Next Year's Elite/Master's Logo

CX Master's Worlds - Saturday

2012-01-13T16:58:00.003-05:00

Next Up:

Women 30-34 Final (9:30 AM)

Women 35-39 Final (10:20 AM)
Betsy Shogren

Men's 50-54 Final (11:20 AM)
Kirk Morrison
Gunnar Shogren (2nd Place in Qualifying Heat!)

Men's 45-49 Final (1:00 PM)

Men's 40-44 Final (2:00 PM)

Men's 35-39 Final (3:00 PM)
Todd Shoeni (5th Place in Qualifying Heat!)

Sleep Well. Sleep Warm!

CX Master's Worlds - Friday

2012-01-13T11:32:00.015-05:00

As Kirk Morrison sends updates and photos today (while he works "Support Crew" for other Pittsburgh Racers), I will be posting them here!
----------------------------------
From: CX Worlds.
Thanks for racing in the 2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships. Please guarantee that you are in compliance with all policies and procedures. The Doping Control Station is located just after the finish line, on the right. It is each rider's responsibility to check immediately after the conclusion of the race whether he or she has been selected for doping control.
From Kirk:
It’s cold enough today that the specimen might freeze and crack the cup! No tests for me so far.

-------------- (Men's 35-39 Qualifier) --------------

Todd Shoeni (ProBikes) on the Fly-Over....takes 5th Place in his (M35-39) qualifying heat today!

A result of the course turning from Mud to Ice...

Checking Todd's Tires.

Course Shots.

Numbers.

The Start.

Todd at the Start.

Fly Over Steps.

Muddy/Icy Ruts.

------------------------- (Men's 30-34 Final) -------------------------

Mike Mihalik Opening a Gap

Steevo Cummings digging deep(er) than the mud itself!

Mike "Dropping-In"

Mike deciding IN or OUT of the saddle!

Three Cheers for our Boys!
Steevo = 5th Place
Mike = 8th Place
Mike Jernigan = 13th Place

Steevo's new Hardware!

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Stay Tuned for more Kirk Morrison updates!

Master's CycloCross World's

2012-01-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

While the rest of us (coasted) into the off season, Kirk Morrison stayed on the GAS with a focus on the 2012 Master's World Championships being held in Louisville , Kentucky.

Here is a (Thursday) Race Report from Kirk, direct from Louisville!
-------------------------------
Today was the 1st day of racing at the UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships and the event was kicked-off by my age group (50-54). Our group was scheduled to race 2 “heats” to determine the placings for the Championship race on Saturday morning. The course conditions had deteriorated considerably since my pre-ride on Weds morning. The 1.5” of rain over the last 24 hours turned the flat sections into 2 to 3” mud so even these have slowed considerably. Conditions at race time were 40 degrees, a moderate breeze and a light rain. The course includes 2 sand pits, a staired bridge over the course (with a steep downhill), a set of barriers followed by a definite run-up and a single section containing about 5 steep “ups and downs” that are impossible to ride (with the slick conditions). Everyone is running !

The start order was determined by random draw and I ended up in 31st position (out of 35 starters). Ours was the first heats of the day with heat 1 starting at 9:30am and my group (heat 2) scheduled for a 10:10am start. However, based on the slow lap times from the mud (3 laps were scheduled) my heat started almost 15 minutes late. As a side note, all of the subsequent heats for the day were reduced to 2 laps.

I experienced some mechanicals early in the race as a rear brake pad kept slipping inside my wheel. These required some stops to repair at inconvenient times. The alignment looked OK but the slick mud must have provided enough lubrication to allow the pad to slip to the inside. A lap later I was able to switch bikes which fixed this problem.

I was able to pass a few racers and ended up in 30th place. I would have liked a better result but was happy that I didn’t get lapped (!).

Note: I see that the results see me finishing 1 lap down. In reality, I wasn’t lapped or pulled (and I rode the entire 3 laps). I believe that the finish line officials just stopped recording our finishes since they had started the next heat before we came across the finish line. Oh well …….

Next up is the finals on Sat at 11:20am. The conditions could be totally different since the temps are dropping and it’s snowing (as I write). Tonight we are under a winter weather advisory with 40mph winds forecast and low temps of 24F. Things stay cold and windy on Friday and low temps for Fri night are forecast at 21F so we may have more frozen ground (which could be an improvement …….. as long as there’s not too much ice).

Tomorrow I’ll plan to spectate and perhaps help “pit” for Todd (M35-39 - heats) and Steevo (M30-34 - Final). The UCI officials have been very helpful and reasonable. Disappointingly, my name didn’t come up on the “post race drug testing list” that was posted after the race.

Little Washington CX

2012-01-13T11:19:00.004-05:00

The final race of the 2011 Appalacian Bicycle Racing Association (ABRA) CycloCross Series took place in Little Washington, Pa.

HUGE THANKS to Fred Jordan for his committment to cycling and his great photos!

To celebrate this special event, Diedre York flew in special from Boulder, Colorado to fly Ag3r colors!

...bringing along her luggage-boy/driver Sam Morrison, who unfortunately had a broken wrist from a CX race in Colo-RAD-o!

The end result of the day & SEASON, from riders meeting the minimum series requirement of starting 6 of the 8 races were:

Team Standings (Series Final) - Click HERE

3rd Place - Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem

Men's 50+ (Series Final)

2nd Place - Henry Dimmick

3rd Place - Rich Allen

5th Place - Kirk Morrison

6th Place - Ray Sielski

Men's 3/4 (Series Final)
8th Place - Steve Brewer

Single Speed (Series Final)
8th Place - Kirk Morrison

Competing is a Series is a BIG COMMITTMENT (clcik HERE) ...but we had some fine results ...and had lots of FUN ...that we are glad is over :-)

Raccoon Park CX

2012-01-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

Playing (Blog) catch-up, here are a few pics from this next to last race of the 2011ABRA CX Series:

Thanks to Mike Briggs, West Liberty Cycles and as always(!) Fred Jordan for the excellent photography!

Murrysville CX

2012-01-12T18:11:00.003-05:00

For the 4th year in a row, the Murrysville CycloCross Race was Promoted by Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem and the Freddie Fu Cycling Team.

What this means is that we show up on Saturday to set up the entire course, then return on Sunday to make any and all final preparations before the first race, handle all course marshalling duties during the (6) races, assist Team Fu with various race administration duties, (hopefully get to race?!!!), then after everyone has gone home for the day, tear the course completly apart and clean up.

A long weekend, to be sure....for Brian Hopkins, Dan Schar, Hannah Brewer, Steve Brewer, Kirk Morrison, Mark Briercheck, Mike Maher, Rich Allen, Steve Marlette and Henry Dimmick.

Below is a collection of photos from the day. Thanks to Fred Jordan, Suzanne Atkinson and the Allegheny Cycling Association and Sonic Imaging for the photos.

Marilla CX

2011-12-30T14:40:00.008-05:00

DESTRUCTION:
25 derailleurs/chains and 3 frames ...2 of them carbon.
COST: ~= $10,000.

THIS sums up what a muddy course leading into a pea-gravel pit can do to a bicycle.

WARNING #1:
DO NOT try this at home :(

-------------------------
A cold morning...

...did not deter a few riders from wearing "special kit" during the first race of the day....setting the tone for what would come for the rest of us!

WARNING #2:
The following images are intended for "Mature" audiences!

..."uniforms" that may "look" cute, but do not lend themselves well to crashing...

..."uniforms" that should have been "ticketed" by THIS guy...

...and "uniforms" that should have been disqualified by THIS guy!

--------------------------
Anyway ...on to some RACE RESULTS.

Men's 40+ Open
Mike Maher - 3rd Place

Mark Briercheck - 10th Place

Men's 50+ Open
Rich Allen - 3rd Place

Henry Dimmick - 4th Place ...running the last half lap after his derailleur broke off.

Kirk Morrison - 6th Place

Men's 3/4
Steve Brewer - 13th Place ...after wrestling with a squirrel's nest!

Single Speed - Open
Kirk Morrison - 12th Place

Women's Cat 4
Hannah Brewer - 1st Place...Queen for the Day, AGAIN :)

Amity CX

2011-12-30T13:49:00.001-05:00

Continuing the trend of DRY cross races this season, the Amity (W.Va.) CycloCross race went off under sunny skies!

----------------------------
Story by Kirk Morrison
For November, the weather was amazing with sunshine and temperatures in the low 50’s.This was a fast, fairly dry course with a run-up (which could have used a rope ….. DX style !), some off-camber mud, and a steep downhill with a challenging off-camber right hand turn at the bottom.

The anticipated stream crossing (cold water!) was eliminated with the race-day construction of a make-shift running bridge.

Our group size was limited by the need for team members to set-up for tomorrow’s Murrysville CX (which Ag3r Promotes)...so "thank you to all the team members that actually “worked” this day instead of racing".

However, we were still able to make a good showing. Hannah had the top podium spot of the day. Nice job Hannah !

A summary of our finish spots are as follows.

Women – Cat4:
Hannah - 2nd Place

Masters 50+:
Rich - 4th Place

Kirk - 5th Place

Ray - 8th Place

Men – Cat3/4:
Steve - 14th Place (11th Cat3)

Men – SS Open:
Kirk - 10th Place

Another excellent race from JR and Gina at ABRA racing. Great fun !

Ghostly Grey MTB

2011-12-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Timed perfectly with the FIRST SNOW of the season, Kirk Morrison and Mike Maher decided to do a mountain bike race over a rocky & wet course! While we all aspire to be Smart, and Fast, and Tough, most of (us) are happy with 2-out-of-3 : )

------------------------------------
Tale by Kirk Morrison

Mike and I headed over to Camp Lutherlyn (Prospect, PA) for the annual 30K Ghostly Gray MTB race (3 laps of a 10K course). This is a fundraising event (including 5K and 10K trail runs) to benefit the PA State Police run “Camp Cadet” which is held every August at this camp.

The conditions were challenging with temperatures in the low 30’s, while rain & wet snow fell from above, leading to lots of hiking on the hills due to the slick, muddy conditions.

Mike had a great start and was part of the group of 3 lead riders. Unfortunately, Mike flatted about halfway through his first lap. I passed off my CO2 cartridge when I passed but unfortunately, his tire had suffered an irreparable torn sidewall (which forced him to abandon the race).

During the 2nd lap, I was able to pick off a number of riders to move up into 10th place when I finally made contact with the group of 4 riders that were in front of me. Unfortunately, I then started losing air in my rear tire. With the 3 or 4 stops to pump-up the leaking tire, I was not able to stay with this group. However I was able to hold onto my 10th position which ended up as my finish placing.

While the trails were extremely muddy and slick, the 7 stream crossings/lap actually helped to clean off some of the accumulating mud. Well marked trails, enthusiastic volunteers with pizza and a warm fire at the finish ! Excellent race. Highly recommended (12 minutes from Butler !).

Results link is below:
http://www.smileymiles.com/2011/RES%2011%20GHOSTLY%20GRAY%2030K%20MTN%20BIKE.HTM

Kirk

The Curse of Success

2011-10-28T13:53:00.013-04:00

Did you ever notice... that when someone asks you to do something, and you do a good job at it, that they keep asking you to do it again? Well, this post is not exactly about that...!

So, road season is over, and CycloCross season is in full swing. This is normally the time when we can finally let our regimented training slip a bit, in hopes of recovering the FUN of Cycling that got us into (all this) in the first place.

And heck, if we can do "all that" while satisfying our addiction to "competition", while drinking a few beers, then straight up...
...Life is Good, right?

Problem is, many of us have done a good job so far, and now are HANDCUFFED to race EVERY WEEKEND to stay in the hunt. And for what?

First, let me tell you what we WON'T get from this success: Not Fame, nor Fortune ...and certainly not some higher state of Domestic Bliss at home!

Nope.

We do it for a chance to be on the Final Series Podium ...
...cash in one hand...
...champagne in the other...
...flash bulbs going off all around us...
...and "The Bitches" kneeling at our feet!!!

In other words: 1,800 miles of driving, $350 in gas, $200 in entry fees and approximately 120 hours of time we will never get back... all in search of OUR 15 minutes of FAME :)

Weird thing is ...we can't wait to race again!

---------------------------------

Appalachian Bicycle Racing Association
CycloCross Series STANDINGS
...after Round #4 of 8:

TEAM COMPETITION
4th Place - Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem (-20 pts Off Podium)

MEN'S 3/4
3rd Place - Steve Brewer
18th Place - Brian Hopkins (-37)

MEN'S 4
24th Place - Mike Maher (-65)

MEN'S 40+
16th Place - Steve Marlette (-64)
18th Place - Mike Maher (-73)

WOMEN'S 4
8th Place - Hannah Brewer (-57)

SINGLE SPEED OPEN
6th Place - Kirk Morrison (-29)

MEN'S 50+
1st Place (tie) - Henry Dimmick
1st Place (tie) - Kirk Morrison
4th Place - Rich Allen (-3)
6th Place - Ray Sielski (-30)

Bruceton Mills CX

2011-10-27T15:13:00.001-04:00

Despite all the rain recently, the Bruceton Mills round of the ABRA CycloCross Series was ALMOST a dry round... "MUD speaking"...

...but NOT a dry round "liquid CARBS" speaking!

Photos by Sonic Imaging

Women's 4
Hannah Brewer - 2nd Place

Photos by Fred Jordan

Single Speed Open
Kirk Morrison - 10th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 40+
Mike Maher - 7th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Steve Marlette - 12th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 50+
Rich Allen - 1st Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Henry Dimmick - 2nd Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Kirk Morrison - 3rd Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Can you say, "SWEEP" :)

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 3/4
Steve Brewer - 5th Place

Photo by Dirt Rag Magazine!

Photo by Fred Jordan

After racing, we all just MONKEYed around...

Photo by Fred Jordan

...while cheering on everyone else as they raced.

Next Race: Marilla CX

Morgantown Monsters

2011-10-21T13:25:00.002-04:00

The Morgantown Monster is a 2-day, hard core, sacrifice all other personal life responsibilities, CycloCross event in Morgantown West Virginia!

...and only 3 of us were Monster enough to attend BOTH days!
Ray Sielski, Kirk Morrison and Brian Hopkins.

MORGANTOWN MONSTER DAY #1
Single Speed Open
Kirk Morrison - 9th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 40+
Dan Schar - 8th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 50+

Photo by Dan Schar

Henry Dimmick - 2nd Place (Team Competiton Points)

Photo by Rick Plowman

Rich Allen - 3rd Place (Team Competition Points)

Photo by Fred Jordan

Kirk Morrison - 5th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Ray Sielski - 6th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

Men's 3/4

Photo by Dan Schar

Steve Brewer - 4th Place (Team Competition Points)

Photo by Fred Jordan

Brian Hopkins - 10th Place

Photo by Fred Jordan

MORGANTOWN MONSTER DAY #2
Men's 40+
Steve Marlette - 8th Place (Team Competition Points)

Men's 50+

Kirk Morrison - 4th Place (Team Competition Points)

Ray Sielski - 5th Place (Team Competition Points)

Men's 3/4
Brian Hopkins - 13th Place

All in all...and awesome weekend of SUNNY racing, even if the event wasn't very "DRY"!!!

Photos by Sonic Imaging

North Park XC MTB

2011-10-20T18:28:00.000-04:00

Kirk Morrison and Rich Allen set aside their CycloCross bikes to take in a X-Country Mtn Bike Race in North Park as part of the 2011 Month-of-Mud Series.

Rich Allen - 7th Place (Men's 45+)

Photo by Mike Briggs

Kirk Morrison - 12th Place (Men's 45+)

Photo by West Liberty Cycles

-----------------------
The World According to Kirk:
After last weekends MoM North Park Cx MUDFEST, Rich Allen and I again headed down to North Park (on Sunday) for a MUCH drier XC Mtb race. The weather was spectacular with blue skies, light winds and temps in the high 60’s/low 70’s throughout the race.

Rich and I competed in the Masters/Sport race which covered the same 2 lap, 18 mile course (2200 feet of climbing) as raced by the Expert class.

This was a fairly fast course, through some colorful, early-fall scenery. While there was quite a bit of climbing, the technical sections were not too challenging (for the talented riders). I ended up falling twice on my first lap as I experimented with using more front brake on the steep descents (no falls on the 2nd lap !). Unfortunately, I banged-up my right thumb on the first tumble which made rear derailler shifts quite painful. I ended up using the palm of my right hand for most shifts for the balance of the race.

Clearfield KOM TT

2011-10-13T18:30:00.002-04:00

Randy McCracken headed East & Up to the Clearfield KOM TT.

What makes this TT a KOM TT is that the 5 mile course has 1000 feet of elevation. That's the BAD NEWS!

However, Randy reports that the GOOD NEWS was that the weather was perfect (sunny and 68 at race time) and the road was newly resurfaced.

Well GOOD must have triumphed over BAD this day, because Randy finished in 3rd Place of the Men's 50-59 Category, with a Personal Record of almost 40 seconds better than last year.

"You Go, GOOD"!

IRON +

2011-10-13T18:14:00.001-04:00

Mike Maher & Brian Hopkins have very short memory spans!

As a result, they again took on IRON CROSS, in it's annual 9th edition as America's Hardest CycloCross Race!

...and as always, a battle broke out between these two "friends" , a battle that was won this year by Brian on TIME and by Mike on PLACING!!!

Brian Hopkins - 34th Place (Men's U40) at 4:59:07

Mike Maher - 25th Place (Men 40+) at 4:59:23

You can READ ALL ABOUT IT on Mike's Blog HERE

Someday, they will be successful talking (the rest of us) into racing "The Cross" ...NOT :)

North Park CycloCross

2011-10-06T17:36:00.003-04:00

The Month of Mud North Park CX race turned out EVEN MORE MUDDIER than the day before's ABRA Kick Off Cross! "Unbelievable"

Photos by Mike Briggs

Ray Sielski posted to HIS Blog HERE...

...with Mark Briercheck and Kirk Morrison telling THEIR stories below:
---------------------------------
Mark says:
North Park, Pittsburgh, PA - Cold. Grey Skies.Rain. Mud.

Yeah...it's cross season!

With air temps in the 40's and rain all around, Ray Sielski, Kirk Morrison, Rich Allen, and I signed up for the 45 minute Masters/Sport Category in the Month of Mud North Park Cyclocross Race.

We were all optimistic that the noon start time would bring about the warmest temps of the day but as soon as we sat at the start line waiting for Gary to arrive with his coffee the rain started up again. The entree of the day was MUD with a side of groul and a dessert of muck!!!

Photo by Mike Briggs

Tires and tire pressure didn't matter because the whole course was like a skating rink. Traditional flat sections quickly turned into extended run ups because the mud was too thick and too deep to ride.

I hit the ground at least four times during the ride and easily added 2 or 3 lbs of mud to my bike on each crash. Besides the muck, the course was really great. Definitely not fast...but lots of challenges and a decent turnout of spectators despite the mess. I was eventually able to get into a groove. After crossing the line on the final lap I discovered the reason I was so exhausted - our entire drive trains and brakes were so clogged with mud that the wheels could barely move.

Photo by Mike Briggs

Yep - what an awesome day for a race!

-------------------------------
Kirk adds the following:
The mud on this course was quite extensive and quite a challenge which resulted in LOTS of running. In fact, most of my “passes” involved me running past riders who were struggling to “ride” the mud sections!

Photo by Mike Briggs

-------------------------------
The Results for the day were:

Masters - Sport Race
45 mins - 45 Starters Combined

Mark Briercheck - 8th Place Sport. 11th Place Overall

Photo by Mike Briggs

Rich Allen - 5th Place Masters. 19th Place Overall

Photo by Mike Briggs

Kirk Morrison - 6th Place Masters. 24th Place Overall

Photo by West Liberty Cycles

\Ray Sielski - 9th Place Masters. 33rd Place Overall

Photo by Mike Briggs

Kick Off Cross

2011-10-05T18:00:00.005-04:00

The 2011 Appalachia Bicycle Racing Association (ABRA) CycloCross Series got off to a WET & MUDDY start at the Kick Off Cross just outside of Mt. Morris, Pa. on the West Virginia border.

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Photo by Mike Maher

With Ag3r riders in almost every class, the Results for the day were:

Men's 4

8th Place - Mike Maher

Photo by Kirk Morrison

11th Place - Rich Allen

Photo by Mike Maher

Men's Single Speed
13th Place - Kirk Morrison

Photo by Mike Maher

Men's 50+
1st Place - Henry Dimmick

Photo by Mike Maher

4th Place - Rich Allen

Photo by Mike Maher

5th Place - Kirk Morrison

Photo by Mike Maher

9th Place - Ray Sielski

Photo by Mike Maher

Men's 3/4

8th Place - Steve Brewer

Photo by Sonic Imaging

...and as usual, Steve had problems with his bike. In fact, he had problems with BOTH bikes!!!

Photo by Sonic Imaging

All in all, a good day... since ANY DAY that you end up on the Podium is one to be remembererd, even if it's the Men's 50+ Podium :)

Photo by Steve Brewer

Kent State CX

2011-10-04T13:07:00.009-04:00

Also racing a DAILY DOUBLE, in fact racing an energizer-bunny-worthy DOUBLE-DAILY-DOUBLE, were Kirk Morrison and Mike Maher.

On Friday Night, Dirty Mike held his Annual Double Cross Race Party. Attending this 2-Race event (Race #1 at DUSK. Race #2 in the DARK of Night!) were Mike Maher, Brian Hopkins, Ray Sileski, Kirk Morrison, Mark Briercheck, Henry Dimmick, and Jim Miller. With the party wrapping up at ~midnight, Kirk and Mike began readying themselves to race CX in Ohio the following day! That would make THREE races in two days.

HardCore? ...or Stupid?!

You be the judge...after you read that they actually raced FOUR times :)

---------------------------------------------------------------
Kirk vagely recalls the situation as follows!
After this Friday night's Double Cross III races, Mike Maher and I headed over to the Kent State (Stark Campus) on Saturday morning to “double up” at the NEOCX #4 races in N. Canton, Ohio.

The weather was perfect for this 4th edition with partly sunny skies and temps in the low 70’s. This was a fairly fast course with lots of grass, a paved section, one long climb and practically no mud or sand.

In the noon race I competed in the SS Open class, while Mike raced in the Masters 45+ Cat3/4 event.

Kirk Morrison - 8th Place (SS Open)

Mike Maher - 8th Place (Master's Cat 3/4)

Afterwards, we both raced in the 1:15pm Cat3/4 Open race. Unfortunately, our legs began to feel the effects of being called to perform in their 4th race in less than 24 hours (with about 3 hours of sleep for Mike !). After a quick start we found ourselves a bit “off the back”.

Photo by Jeff Gernert

Mike and I rode most of this race together until he couldn’t take being passed by another 1/2/3 woman (they started a minute behind us) and he rallied for a strong finish.

Photo by Jeff Gernert

Meanwhile, I was content to cheer on the fast gals as they cruised by!

Photo by Jeff Gernert

Mike Maher - 20th Place (Men's B Cat 3/4)

Kirk Morrison - 22nd Place (Men's B Cat 3/4)

Complimentary post-race refreshments included Subway sandwiches, chips and cookies …….. very nice ! Nice event, good course (but not even close to Mike’s amazing DCIII course) and a great time with teammate Mike.

Kirk

Wendy Park CX

2011-10-03T13:13:00.007-04:00

After racing in a Individual Time Trial in the morning, Henry Dimmick and Ray Sielski drove from (~Akron, Ohio) to Cleveland, Ohio to join Steve Brewer and Mark Briercheck to compete in the NEOCX Wendy Park CycloCross race that same afternoon!

A true DAILY DOUBLE :)

Wendy Park is a great venue for a race...

...made better this year by being able to ride THROUGH a tent still set up from a wedding the day before!

Since we all raced at the same time, we have no RACE pictures...

...BUT we do have Race Results!

Steve took 4th Place (Men's B <35)
Mark took 14th Place (Men's B 35+)

Henry took 3rd Place (Men's B 50+),

...with Ray taking 8th Place (Men's 50+).

NOTE: Since Wendy Park is ON Whiskey Island, bottles of Jim Beam were given as Podium Trophies...and chugging from the bottles was MANDATORY before leaving the podium!

After watching the A race (so our buzz could wear off!)...

...Steve and Henry convoyed home...

...but not before pigging out on UN-EAT-ABLY LARGE burritos from Chipolte :)

What an EXCELLENT DAY :)

East Ohio TT

2011-09-29T14:01:00.008-04:00

Ray Sielski, Steve Marlette, Henry Dimmick and Randy McCracken took part in an 8am start, moderately windy but sunny, Race #5 Finale of the 2011 East Ohio Time Trial Series.

On the line leading into this race was (1) Steve's lead in the Men's 40-49 Series Standings, and (2) Henry's Podium Position in the Men's Fixed Gear Series.

By the time the suffering was over, the results of the race, and the series, shook out as follows:

Race #5
Men's 40-49:
1st Place - Steve Marlette

Men's 50-59
2nd Place - Randy McCracken

5th Place - Ray Sielski (P.R. by 20 seconds)

Men's Fixed Gear
1st Place - Henry Dimmick (P.R. by 80 seconds)

...then the awards ceremony turned to the...

2011 Overall Summer Series:
Men's 18-29
3rd Place - Steve Brewer

Men's 40-49
1st Place - Steve Marlette
8th Place - Donnie Panizales

Men's 50-59
2nd Place - Randy McCracken
9th Place - Kirk Morrison
11th Place - Ray Sielski
17th Place - Henry Dimmick
19th Place - Rich Allen

Men's Fixed Gear
1st Place - Henry Dimmick

Afterwards, Randy held Steve from falling under the weight of ALL his 2011 Series medals...

...and ALL the Series winners got to pose for a photo :)

A great series run by Brian Baird ...and a great way to END the ROAD season!

From here (~Akron, Ohio), Randy headed home...Steve headed to Ireland for a warm Guinness...

...while Henry & Ray left for (~Cleveland) for a 1pm start CycloCross race!

Stay tuned for these DAILY DOUBLE results to be posted next!

Snake Bite CX

2011-09-28T15:03:00.005-04:00

Kirk Morrison, Hannah Brewer and Steve Brewer ventured to Elyria, Ohio to compete in the North East Ohio CX Series (NEOCX).

...and guess what? YUP. You guessed it, Steve had a mechanical during the race...AGAIN!!!

------------------
Kirk tells HIS side of the story like THIS:
I joined Hannah and Steve Brewer at the Snakebite NEOCX race #2 in Cascade Park, Ohio. The weather was much cooler for this second edition of the Series with temps in the high 70’s. This was a fairly fast course with lots of grass, a paved section, two climbs, and NO SAND!!!

However, the MUD BOG was almost a foot deep which made it pretty much unrideable (as I demonstrated by trying to ride it ....... several times...

Photo by Gregg Brekke

To add further insult to injury, my photo appeared publicly on the NEOCX site HERE:

http://neocx.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/cascade-park-cx-results

In the first lap of the SS race, I met rider in front of me as he was running back into the mud bog to retrieve (as in “dig out”) his shoe which the mud had claimed for its own.

Hannah took top honors for the day from our group with a 5th Place finish in the Womens Open Race.

Photo by Gregg Brekke

Steve was on his way to a top 2 finish in the Cat3/4 Open race when he had the misfortune of a flat front tire. Unfortunately, Steve was snakebit again as the front wheel that he borrowed to get back in the race flatted too (which ended his racing day)...DNF.

Photo by Gregg Brekke

I raced in both the SS Open race finishing in 7th Place, and the Cat3/4 Open race (w/gears!) finishing in 15th place.

Below is a link to the results page.
www.snakebiteracing.com/Newsletter/CascadeCrossResults.pdf\

The weather took a drastic turn midway through the subsequent Cat1/2/3 race when a thunderstorm hit with heavy rain, wind and lightning.

While we were envious of the chance to ride in the “new mud” created by these conditions, this race ended about 15 minutes early as a result of the lighning.

Nice event, good course and great teammates !!

Kirk

Erie TT

2011-09-23T13:01:00.000-04:00

Steve Marlette, Ray Sielski, Donnie Panizales and Randy McCracken attended the Iroquois Sports Presque Isle Time Trial...a race that has long been held as the END OF THE ROAD SEASON!!!

In order of age...top down(!)...

Ray finished in 19th Place (M50-59) & 49th Place Overall
...setting a new Personal Record by 5.4 seconds!

Randy finished in 11th Place (M50-59) & 26th Place Overall

Steve finished in 4th Place (M40-49) & 11th Place Overall

Donnie finished in 13th Place (M40-49) & 46th Place Overall

Let the CX Season begin!

West Virginia State TT

2011-09-22T13:09:00.000-04:00

Dan Schar returned to the 2011 Appalachian State TT Championship as the 2010 Men's 40+ Champion.

http://ag3r.blogspot.com/2010/09/wva-state-tt.html

This year, despite having a faster time by 12 seconds, Dan ended up in 6th Place Overall.

Congratulations on your Personal Record Dan :)

Strongland Road Race

2011-09-22T12:52:00.002-04:00

Day #2's, road race in the Strongland Chamber of Commerce's racing weekend was enough to attract Brian Hopkins to "come home" in order to line up beside Mike Maher ...just like the good ole dayz :)

Representing Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem can be accomplished in many ways. Brian and Mike selected Way #3b... which came with it's own unique "challenges"!

~12th Place - Brian Hopkins
~13th Place - Mike Maher

------------------------------
Mike recalls:
Brian and I attacked off of the back spectacularly on the first major climb.

Brian then soft pedaled for a mile or two until I bridged up.

I then spent the rest of the day suffering twice.

Once trying to hang onto his wheel, and then again having to look at his ass for that long!

Strongland MTB

2011-09-19T21:51:00.005-04:00

Mike Maher and Kirk Morrison got their DIRT-WORM on at the day#1 mtn bike race of the 2-day (mtn/road) Strongland racing weekend.
-----------
As Kirk tells the story:
Mike Maher and I raced in the Intermediate II Class at the Tour de Strongland Mtb race at Roaring Run Park (near Apollo).

This was a well attended race with fairly treacherous trails (lots of wet rocks and roots). The course was technically challenging (for me anyway) with spectacular scenery.

Mike got off to an early solo lead and rode smart (and fast)...

...to a 1st place finish in both the Overall and Masters (40+) categories.

I was further back in the pack and ended up finishing in 2nd place in the Senior (50+) category as well as 15th place in the overall Intermediate II field.

The results should appear at the following website
(http://www.strongland.org/bikerace.html).

After taking advantage of the local stream for some cleanup...

...I enjoyed some Uncle Charlie’s (the sponsor) burgers before the award ceremonies. Excellent event ……… I’ll definitely be back.

Attached are a few pics taken by Mike and me.

CX Season Team Bug #3

2011-09-14T17:44:00.005-04:00

Another contender has thrown their name in the hat for the position of Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem CycloCross Season Team Bug.

Spicebush Swallowtail Catepillar
Contract Negotiations by Joy Claypoole

As worthy a contender as this BUG may be, (his?/her?) success is threatened by metamorphosis!

The others who have applied remain:

(1) http://ag3r.blogspot.com/2011/08/team-bug.html

(2) http://ag3r.blogspot.com/2011/08/bug-resumes-rolling-in.html

Final selection will not be made until the ABRA Kick-Off Cross...so keep those Resumes coming :)

Camp Manatoc CX

2011-09-13T17:59:00.004-04:00

The name of this race makes it sound like "A Day in the Park", when it was actually more like "A Day at the Beach"!!! After what appears to be more running than riding...

Hannah Brewer finished in 6th place of the B2 Womens Cat 1,2,3 Race

Steve Brewer finished in 7th place of the B2 Mens Open Cat 3,4 Race

Brian Hopkins finished in 8th place of the B2 Mens Open 3,4 Race

...and Kirk Morrison finished in 16th place of the B1 Masters Men 45+ Cat 3,4 Race. No pic :(

-----------
Kirk says:
Despite temps in the mid 90’s I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join Hannah, Steve and Brian at the NEOCX Camp Manotoc cyclocross race.

Camp Manotoc Boy Scout Camp is located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (between Cleveland and Akron) and is only open to bikes during this one week/year. This was a well attended day with the camp opened to Mtn bike trail rides and about 10 vendor tents including a large Specialized factory booth (with loaner bikes).

The course was fairly flat with an extensive, u-turn sand pit, one set of barriers and two tight technical sections through wooded areas. The days biggest challenge was the heat and high humidity (with a heat index of almost 100 degrees).

I rode in the 1pm “B1 Masters Men 45+ Cat 3,4 race” which ran before the combined 2:15pm “B2 Mens Open Cat 3,4” and “B2 Womens Cat 1,2,3” races (which Hannah, Steve and Brian raced).

After my race I found a shady spot near the sand pit to cheer on Hannah, Steve and Brian. In the spirit of Cx, I was offering beer handups to my teammates (Shockingly, I noted that I was the ONLY spectator offering this (!?)). As their finishing places demonstrate, my teammates were more interested in being fast than my handups...so "I" had to drink them ALL!!!

Attached are a few pics that I was able to take near the sand pit area (including one of Brian after a tumble in the sand pit …….. a gallant effort to ride where almost everyone else was running). Also, a video that shows Steve riding the sand pit. While many tried, Steve was the only person I saw who was (pretty much) successful at this.

B1 (Master's) Race Video
Kirk running past at: 37 sec, 3 min 33 sec & 5 min 35 sec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xGvdrGZElw

B2 Race (Men's & Women's) Video
15 sec - Brian and Steve running the pit
1 min 10 sec – Hannah running the pit
1 min 54 sec – Brian running & Steve riding (most of) the pit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7L_nCN0SRE&feature=related

Below is a link to the results:
http://lakeeffectracing.com/2011-cyclocross/big-valley-results

Well organized event with great attendance. Highly recommended but, Cx races are definitely meant for cooler weather !!

Kirk

Henry Clay 30K MTB

2011-09-12T18:09:00.004-04:00

Kirk Morrison and Rich Allen traveled down past Morgantown to Coopers Rock State Park for the Henry Clay 30K Mtb XC race ...with the following Results:

10th Place - Rich Allen

11th Place - Kirk Morrison

---------------
Kirk Writes:
The weather was great with partial clouds and temperatures in the low 70’s for the noon start. This race is put on by Gunnar and Betsy Shogren who did a super job at organization. This was a super race with pizza and pop at the finish. Thanks to Gunnar, Betsy and the rest of their volunteers !

Rich and I both competed in the Men Sport Master (45+) category. The course was fairly fast with some tight single track and a few rocky climbs. Unfortunately, I had an early spill shortly after our race group funneled into the first trail section.

This was my first “mass start” XC race and I obviously need to work on my ability to ride in a tight group, at speed, over rocky, rooted trails. After picking myself up, I lost about 15 places as I waited for a break in the line of racers to allow me to jump back in.

From there I worked my way back up through the group only to discover that Rich had flatted at about the halfway point. I stopped to give him a “Big Air” canister (he had used up his little CO2 cartridge) and continued. Rich repaid my kindness by passing me a few miles later and giving me a rabbit to chase for several miles!!!

Attached is a pic of the WVMBA flat screen monitor which provides an instantaneous race results status. Very cool.

Yellow Creek MTB

2011-09-12T17:51:00.001-04:00

Hannah Brewer was accompanied by Steve Brewer and Mike Maher to the latest edition of the Yellow Creek Grassroots MTB Race.

2nd Place (Women) - Hannah Brewer

11th Place (Men) - Steve Brewer
12th Place (Men) - Mike Maher

Rumor has it that Steve was hiding behind a BIG TREE along the trail, waiting for Mike to race by... then sprinted around him to take 11th Place!!!

Getting CROSSED

2011-09-10T13:12:00.002-04:00

Chris Mayhew (http://jbvcoaching.com/ChrisMayhew.asp) and ProBikes (http://www.probikesllc.com/) have sponsored a CycloCross Clinic & to date, two weeknight CX practices in Frick Park to get ready for the upcoming CX Seeason.

So far, Dan Schar....

...as well as Kirk Morrison and Rich Allen have attended at least one of these events. As Kirk writes, the night Richy went, things did not go quite as smooth as he would have liked!

---------------------
From: Kirk Morrison
A Tough nite for Rich !

1. Forgot his helmet (Todd sent over a shop loaner)
2. Forgot to switch out his cassette (from 9 to 10). He realized this when he shifted into his spokes.
3. Pulled a calf muscle which sidelined him for most of the practice.
4. Ripped out his valve stem while experimenting with tire pressure.

His CX season can only IMPROVE from here!!!

Swinging the Chains

2011-09-07T20:53:00.005-04:00

This reporter has uncovered that Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem rider Steve Brewer has signed a contract with Cannondale Bicycles to help develop a new Shaft Drive Bicycle.

An un-named source from the bike's development team said, "By breaking 6 or more perfectly good chains per year, Steve and his Sequoia sized tree-trunk legs made him a perfect test subject for this project. When we are done with him, the Government has expressed their own interest in experimenting on Steve."

The bike has been named "The Harpoon".

Ag3r teammate Brian Hopkins was quoted as saying, "No one is happier than me that Steve has finally gotten the SHAFT"...!

Well said, Brian :)

PMVC Master's Criterium

2011-09-07T16:59:00.002-04:00

Henry Dimmick and Kirk Morrison were joined by Ken DeFurio at the final PMVC Friday Night race of the 2011 Season. While these races were shorter than (normal) due to the fading daylight of a late August evening, they were no less intense..as the only old guys that show up for this stuff are the FAST OLD GUYS!!!

50+ Criterium
6th Place - Kirk Morrison
8th Place - Henry Dimmick
Mid-Race Prime Winner - Henry Dimmick

40+ Criterium
8th Place - Henry Dimmick
10th Place - Ken DeFurio
16th Place - Kirk Morrison
Mid-Race Prime Winner - Henry Dimmick

...and then we hung out in the Police Parking Lot (replenishing our carbos) until 10:00pm!

5 Hour SMILES?

2011-08-30T17:23:00.003-04:00

Read all about it at:
http://wagthestick.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-cant-write-stuff-like-this.html

BUG Resumes Rolling IN

2011-08-24T18:50:00.003-04:00

Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem CX Season Team BUG Candidate #2:

Photo by Leslie Boehmer

THIS candidate comes with the name: Hickory Horned Devil.

Negotiations are being conducted by Leslie!

Colavita East Ohio TT

2011-08-23T18:35:00.006-04:00

One a Month...and One to Go.

The Colavita East Ohio Time Trial, near Akron Ohio...takes place on a rolling and often raining out and back course!

The August event found Ag3r/FoxVelo riders Steve MarleTTe, Henry Dimmick, Randy McCracken and Donnie Panizales all braving the RAIN and LIGHTNING for a chance to ...get wet!

Warm-Ups on the bike were more like Warm-Ups in the Pool! We all noticed that our tires were slipping on our trainers; the resistance was light. So we told ourselves we were STRONG like BULL!

Photo by Sonic Imaging

After all the others had left for the Start, Henry noticed his resistance go up, and when he took the bike off the trainer for the start, he realized he had worn the rubber off the center of the tire. With no time to spare, he headed for the line. After the race, while telling the story, they all looked at the tire to see THIS! Randy commented that it was a good thing the race wasn't (twice) as long!

Photo by Sonic Imaging

At the end of the day, we all had won something:

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Steve Marlette
2nd Place - Men's 40 to 50yrs Division
Door Prize - Water Filter

Photo by Mike Briggs!

Henry Dimmick
2nd Place - Men's Fixed Gear Division

Photo by Mike Briggs!

Randy McCracken
3rdPlace - Men's 50 to 59 yrs Division
Personal Record by 6 seconds!

Photo by Mike Briggs!

Donnie Panizales
5th Place - Men's 40 to 49 yrs Division
Door Prize - Road ID

Photo by Mike Briggs!

Afterwards, Steve and Donnie recovered using unrecognizable bio-engineered solids and liquids from a Laboratory, while Randy and Henry recovered "The Traditional Way"!

Photo by Sonic Imaging

-----------------
In the Season Points Series, with ONE RACE left to go, the standings are:

Men's 40 to 49 yrs Division
Steve MarleTTe - 1st Place
Donnie Panizales - 6th Place

Men's 50-59 yrs Division
Randy McCracken - 5th Place
Kirk Morrison - 9th Place
Henry Dimmick - 14th Place
Ray Sielski - 16th Place
Rich Allen - 17th Place

Men's Fixed Gear
Henry Dimmick - 3rd Place

Hopefully the September Finale will be dry!

Team Bug!

2011-08-23T09:55:00.003-04:00

Steve Brewer is in negotions with this critter to become the Official 2011 Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem CX Season Team Bug!

If the deal goes through, what nickname shall we assign said BUG?!!!

NOTE:If you are having trouble leaving a COMMENT using your gmail-loggin, don't fret. So are we. Try commenting using "Anonymous" ...that is how WE are solving the problem :(

Track Bike Night

2011-08-19T16:03:00.004-04:00

Newbie-to-Fixies, Kirk Morrison, made his debut at PMVC's Friday's Track Bike Night.

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Not keen on missing a chance to see Kirk forget NOT to stop pedaling, Henry Dimmick tagged along for the fun :)

Photo by Kirk Morrison

As usual, the competitors were a mix of dedicated racers, bicycle couriers, and hipsters! But by the time the beers came out, the evening had shaken out as follows:

----------------------
Results Report by Oscar Swan

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Results of Friday Night Track, August 12, 2011 A beautiful night. Not much of a turnout for the last event of the year, but everyone who showed up got a good workout. Thanks to Henry Dimmick and Kirk Morrison for providing after-event beer.

Event A:  2-Lap Time Trial
1st Place (Tie) - Kirk Morrison
5th Place - Henry Dimmick

Event B:  1-lap Chariot
2nd Place - Henry Dimmick
5th Place - Kirk Morrison

Event C: 10-Lap Handicap
2nd Place - Henry Dimmick
4th Place - Kirk Morrison

Event D:  Miss 'n Out
3rd Place - Henry Dimmick

Event E:  Olympic Sprint
1st Place - Dimmick/Andreyo
4th Place - Morrison/Aderholt

Event F:  Chariot of Last Men Standing
2nd Place - Henry Dimmick
4th Place - Kirk Morrison

OMNIUM WINNERS

2nd Place Overall - Henry Dimmick

Photo by Kirk Morrison

5th Place Overall - Kirk Morrison

...which is pretty good for a Newbie, eh?!!!

X-Terra Appalachia Triathlon

2011-08-18T14:09:00.001-04:00

Hannah Brewer is becomming a (Dirt) Worm!

------------------
Hannah writes:
The Xterra Tri was a VERY muddy, but super fun race. I'm slowly getting away from the road and getting into the dirt!

I finished in...

1st Place - Women's 25 to 29 yrs

3rd Place - Women's Overall (Link HERE)

26th Place - Event Overall (Link HERE)

...and you can go their FaceBook page HERE

Run with the Deer Flies

2011-08-18T13:45:00.000-04:00

Shouldn't the race be named, "Run FROM the Deer Flies"?!!!?

Anyway, Hannah Brewer not only ran away from the flies, but RAN away from most of the field in this year's Run with the Deer Flies, 15k, off-road running race.

Hannah finished in:

2nd Place - Women's 25-29 yrs

7th Place - Women's Overall (33 total)

14th Place - Event Overall (57 total)

Only Tarzan can catch Hannah in the woods :)

ACA 50 mile Criterium

2011-08-16T17:42:00.005-04:00

YIKES...!!!

Kirk Morrison choose to spend his Saturday morning pedaling 100 Laps around-and-around the Bud Harris Track on Washinton Blvd in Pitsburgh, Pa.

Kirk ended up in 15th Place in what he referred to as,
"...a Long Race around a Short Course"!

--------------------------
The Hook
by Chris Popovic:
The ACA is proud to announce a 100 lap, 50 mile race at the Bud Harris Cycling Track on Saturday, August 6th, 2011 starting at 9:30 a.m. As most of you know, the Bud was resurfaced last year. We've seen most every time record fall now that the track is free of bumps and cracks. One record that remains unset is the 100 lap, 50 mile test. We'd like to address that by inviting out any USA Cycling Category 1-4 rider next Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

-------------------------------
The Line
by Kirk Morrison:
Chris Popovic and Nick Rossi hosted this event since it appears that the Mass Start 100 lap record had never been set at this venue. This unique race started at 9:37am in a light rain with about 20 riders. CAT Racing had the biggest team with 6 racers followed by Sette Nove. The initial pace was brisk with a few team and individual breakaway attempts to lap the field in the first 50 laps. None of these were successful.

However, with coordinated team support a 3 rider mixed-team break comprised of Ray Russell (Sette Nove) and 2 CAT riders (including Samson McHugh and ?) lapped the field with about 25 laps remaining (good team tactics). In the end Samson McHugh took the win.

While it was a well run event, I'm not looking to enter another of these round and round races again in the near future !

99 laps to ride at the Bud
99 laps to ride
Spin one 'round
Hammer and pound
98 laps to ride at the Bud...

BTW - Did I mention that it RAINED the whole time(?)!!!

Sorry, no pics !

-------------------------------
The Sinker
by Oscar Swan
A respectable 100-lap record was established at the oval yesterday:

50 mi.; 100 laps; 1.58.20; 25.3mph; Samson McHugh; 8/6/11

It has been posted to:
http://polish.slavic.pitt.edu/pmvc

PMVC 10 mile TT

2011-08-15T17:32:00.002-04:00

With the summer winding down, the Pittsburgh Master's Velo Club conducted it's last 10 mile Individual Time Trial of the year. In attendance were SIX one way, a half dozen the other way, Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem & FoxVelo riders!

3rd Place - Steve Marlette
Personal Record by 8 seconds!

12th Place - Kirk Morrison
4th Place - Men's 50+
Personal Record by 22 seconds!

15th Place - Donny Panizales
Personal Record by 2 minutes & 44 seconds!

21st Place - T. Lyle Ferderber
8th Place - Men's 50+

23rd Place - Ray Sielski
9th Place - Men's 50+

24th Place - Rich Allen
10th Place - Men's 50+

Pittsburgh Triathlon

2011-08-15T12:43:00.002-04:00

FoxVelo member Jim Miller pedaled the bike leg for Team BOB.

This year, they finished in 7th place of the International Triathlon Relay category, with a total time of 2:35:38 for the 1500 meter swim, 40k bike, and 10k run.

Excellent effort Team BOB!

Eric Paszkowski (Run)

Craig Dietz (Swim)

Jim Miller (Bike)

Their Overall Results can bee seen HERE

Their Splits Results can be seen HERE

Lost Race Report

2011-08-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

Mark Briercheck wrote a race report for the ACA Criterium where Steve trashed his kit (bad boy Steve!)... but I somehow let it get buried in my InBox :(

I inserted what Mark had to say at the bottom of the original post on the race.

To read Mark's story, go HERE

Pro Bikes Criterium

2011-08-04T21:50:00.002-04:00

Kirk Morrison added Criterium Racing to his racing repertoire. In particular, the Appalachian Bicycle Racing Association (ABRA) Criterium Series... and as it turns out, his effort was worth a SERIES PODIUM position!

Congratulations Kirk!

-----------------------------
COMPLETE Race Report, Links & Pics by Captain Kirk!
This past Saturday’s Pro Bikes Criterium was the 5th and final race of the ABRA Criterium Series. The race course was a 1.5 mile loop through an industrial park that has been used in past races (near the Ohio River in W. Aliquippa).

As usual, JR and Gina did a great organizational job assisted by officials Chris Popovic and Doug Riegner.

The conditions were HOT (over 90F) at the 1pm start with sun and a light breeze.

I had a 5th place finish in this race ...

(the results state 6th but Jack Neyer had a flat on the last lap and DNF’d)

...which gave me a 2nd place overall ranking in the series for the Mens 50+ age group!

The fact that I was able to compete in all of these races was a key factor in my final placing in this series. I was pleased with these results since this seasons ABRA Crit Series opener in early April was my first Crit race (held in downtown Clarksburg, WV). The introduction of some mid-season sprint intervals really helped my ability to hang with this fast group of riders.

Thanks to JR, Pro Bikes and all of his volunteers for a great series !

Attached are a few pics from the race. They are from Fred Jordan unless indicated otherwise (Mike Briggs) in the title.

Results Link: http://www.abraracing.com/Results/2011ProBikesCrit.html

The overall series online point totals haven’t been published online yet but they should be available soon at the following link: http://www.abraracing.com/Results/2011ACSstandings.html

Thanks,
Kirk

PMVC 25 mile TT

2011-08-02T14:53:00.001-04:00

The LONG race of the year...the Pittsburgh Master's Velo Club 25 mile Individual Time Trial is always when I schedule my out of town vacation!!!

Luckily, those stuck behind properly "represented" Ag3r :)

3rd Place - Steve Marlette
Personal Record by 29 seconds!

7th Place - Donnie Panizales
Personal Record by 7 minutes & 54 seconds!

12th Place - Ray Sielski
1st Place 50+

-----------------------
Text by Stephanie & Oscar Swann:
RESULTS OF 25 MILE TT
It was one of those nights when you say the air was heavy, but it didn’t prevent some good times.

Gray Patton broke her existing women’s record by more than a minute, and she went on to establish a women’s one-hour record of some 25.7 miles. We’ll measure the distance carefully during the week.

Four people got into, or confirmed their membership in, the One-Hour Club.

Steve Marlette posted both a personal best and established the most times under one hour (12 total)during the 10 years the Friday time trials have been held.

Congratulations to all finishers.

Colavita TT

2011-08-02T14:06:00.001-04:00

One of our new favorite TTs is the Colavita East Ohio Monthly Time Trial Series. The July race ended up as follows:

1st Place (Men's 40-49) - Steve Marlette
2nd Place Overall

3rd Place (Men's 50-59) - Randy McCracken

DNF* (Men's 50-59) - Kirk Morrison

--------------------
Story by Steve MarleTTe:
Photos by Steve & Kirk Morrison:
It was a nice summer morning in Ohio at the Colavita TT. I was concerned about a slow leak in the tire on my disc. Kirk kindly offered to lend me his disc, but I was able to seal the leak with some Stan's sealant.

Unfortunately, *Kirk then found a roofing nail out on the course and needed ride back in the promoter's car.

Randy put in a good ride and landed on the podium!

Skip and me were were still feeling the effects of the Friday night 20 mile TT. We both struggled to put in a good effort but we both got top podium finishes. Skip managed to beat me by 4 seconds for the Overall Title. I think he has some psychic power to know just how many seconds he needs to best me! I was still lucky enough to end up on the top step for my Age Group!

Church Creek TT

2011-07-31T13:25:00.000-04:00

Brian Hopkins attended the Church Creek 40K Individual Time Trial.

His effort has him positioned in 1st Place of the Mid-Atlantic Time Trial Series!

You can read all about it on Brian's Blog HERE

PMVC Friday Night TT

2011-07-31T13:09:00.002-04:00

Brian Hopkins was in town for the PMVC Friday Night 20 mile Individual Time Trial... and he made his presence known!

-------------------
Text by Oscar Swan:
Results of 20m TT
A fast night with fast people. The men's record was broken twice, first by Brian Hopkins with 43.25, and then by Paul Carlson with 41.44. Gray Patton broke her 1-year-old women's record with 46.39.
-------------------

The weirdest part, is that this is the SECOND TIME Brian has set the track record at this distance, then later in the evening had someone else break HIS record...leaving him BRIDESMAID again :)

The results on the evening were:

2nd Place Overall - Brian Hopkins
2nd Place Men's Open
Temporary Track Record
Personal Record by an incrediable 1:46!

4th Place Overall - Steve Marlette
3rd Place Men's Open
Personal Record by an just as incrediable 1:39!!

12th Place Overall - Dan Schar
8th Place Men's Open

16th Place Overall - Kirk Morrison
5th Place Men's 50+

17th Place Overall - Donnie Panizales
10th Place Men's Open

21st Place Overall - Ray Sielski
6th Place Men's 50+

Also... Steve Brewer was in attendance as a SuperFan to cheer everyone on!

ACA Criterium - CRASH

2011-07-27T13:43:00.011-04:00

Steve Brewer hitched a ride from Indiana, Pa. to the Allegheny Cycling Association Wednesday Night Criterium....and as it turns out, was glad he had a driver for the trip home.

After successfully making it into a 10-man breakaway, just as the break group came out of Turn #4 heading for the finish, another rider had a mechanical malfunction that caused him to veer right into Steve, crashing them both completely OUT.

Steve's jersey was torn, his helmet was smashed, his bike saddle rails were broken...

...he "pulled" a spoke out of his deep dish carbon wheel...

(WARNING: The Following Link contains Graphic Content!)

...and ultimatley Steve needed stiches to his
"achilles webbing" ...to close a tear in the skin big enough that you could see his achilles tendon. (See for yourself!)

While (all of us not there) were worried ...Steve soon began FaceBook posting from the hospital ...so we all knew he was "mostly" OK...! Ain't technology great?!!

PS -
They also did a CAT Scan on Steve (since his helmet was broken) ...and found that he DOES in fact have a brain!
Mystery solved :)

PSS -
Mark Briercheck was there too ...pulling up when the main group came upon Steve after the crash.

PSS -
Thanks to Mark Nichol for looking after Steve.

--------------------------------
Mark Briercheck's FIRST HAND story:
Steve Brewer and I headed down for the weekly Wednesday nighter (7/13/11) A Criterium at the Oval. Our original goal was to set the one lap mass start record by me leading out Brewer and then Brewer firing the after burners on his awesome sprint. Unfortunatley, due to our mis-understanding of the officiating, we found out the officials weren't quite prepared to check records for each lap. So we scrapped the record setting idea for the night and just decided to focus on the race.

The A race was a decent sized group with 35+ riders in the field. The pace started fast and stayed fast for most of the 55 lap race. Brewer and I kept tabs on each other taking turns staying towards the front and watching the breaks. A number of opportunities arose during the evening for breakaways (as both Steve and I each got into at least two solid escapes)...yet the strength of the field was showing its form and reeled it back every break.

With one lap to go Brewer was positioned towards the front of the field and I had started to drift back to watch Steve win it all. Then, after rounding turn number 4 just as Brewer had full clearance and a clean line of sight to the line....

**BAM**

I see Brewer and one other rider in red go down hard. I sprinted over to see Steve lying on the ground not moving. Bob Gotlieb is the other guy who went down. After a few moments Steve started to move around and just had the look of "What happened?". Turns out that Gotlieb broke something on his drive train and just went straight down. As a result he hit Brewer from the side.

Steve never saw it coming.

As Steve stood up and looked around lots of people pointed out that he's bleeding a lot. His response: "Is my bike ok?"

And yes, that's Brewer Bike Racing: Hard. Fast. Bloody!!!

After a quick trip to the ER and hopefully only minor bike repairs - Brewer will be back in action.

PMVC Track Bike Night

2011-07-27T13:02:00.002-04:00

FIXIEs ...are a major workout!

Steve Brewer and Henry Dimmick took out their single speeds and headed to the PMVC Friday Night at the Track for some high-rev racing. Because of the need for a moderate gear to get up the front straight, heading down the back straight into Turn #3 can be a 125-150 rpm experience! Tears your legs right OFF.

The Final Omnium Results were as follows:

2nd Place - Steve Brewer (15.5)
5th Place - Henry Dimmick (6.5)

-----------------------------------
Text and Individual Races results by Stephanie Swan:

Friday Night Track Night is the best-kept bike-event secret in town.The quality of racing is good and evenly matched, and the chance for anaerobic training is unmatched.

It seems that the existing records for the 200 meter flying and standing start are not that bad, as no one broke either one. Steve Brewer came awfully close to the standing start record of 17.61, with a time of 17.64.

Steve Bedillion made a valiant try for the standing-start 1-lap record, but fell short by a little over a second. Here are the results:

RACE A: 2-lap TT
3. Steve Brewer 2.19
7. Henry Dimmick 2.25

RACE B: 10-Lap Handicap
1. Steve Brewer
5. Henry Dimmick

RACE C: Sprints (2 heats + repechage)
2. Steve Brewer
4. Henry Dimmick

RACE D: Win and Out
4. Steve Brewer
5. Henry Dimmick

RACE E: 2-Lap Olympic Sprint
2. Dimmick/Ferrar
3. Brewer/Peterson

Tour of the Valley

2011-07-24T19:42:00.002-04:00

Kirk Morrison was BAITED :)

Dan Schar got everyone all charged up to do the 2011 Tour of the Valley, then after Kirk signed up (and paid), Dan realized that that his son's Birthday was that weekend (?)!!!
Anyway, Kirk dutifully headed to Youngstown solo, Friday, then Staurday, then Sunday for the TT, the Road Race and the Criterium.

-------------------------
Kirk recalls the blur of the weekend as follows:

This past weekend was my first, 3 day stage race (the Tour of the Valley) which was held in the Youngstown area. The series started with the Friday evening TT where I finished in 14th place (out of 23 competitors for the Masters 50+ group). This was staged from the beautiful Mastropietro Winery with a scenic, rolling 9 mile, out-and-back course over fairly narrow, country roads.

photo by Mike Briggs

The second stage was the Saturday RR where I was able to hang with the lead group until about mile 25 where my lack of “hot weather” (90 degree temps at the 11am start) training caught up with me. This stage started and finished in downtown Columbiana, Ohio. I finished this 45 mile RR stage in 18th place which left me 17th in the overall standings.

photo by Mike Briggs

The final Sunday Crit was very fast (reminiscent of the Steel City Showdown) with a short, block length, 10-12% grade on every lap. This course was in downtown Youngstown with the start line adjacent to the Youngstown State Univ campus. The pace was very fast through this 6 turn course where I finished in 15th place out of 25 competitors.

photo by Mike Briggs

My final standing for the Omnium (all 3 events) was 18th place.

The organization was outstanding (one registration for the entire weekend !). I look forward to coming back next year with some “faster legs”!

- Kirk

ACA Criterium

2011-07-24T19:14:00.001-04:00

FoxVelo rider John McClintock is training the next generation of riders!

Here is a brief report on his activities from a recent Allegheny Cycling Association Tuesday Criterium:
-------------------------
I just wanted to pass along a race appearance for me, my son, and a friend of his. We went to the oval on Tuesday. My son and his friend raced in the Jr/Women's race and I did the C race.

My race was 38 laps. I rode 36 smart laps and 2 stupid laps and ended up in 16th Place!

My juniors had a great time, with my son Tyler McClintock finishing in 10th Place, scoring 2 points!

We all want to go back soon!

- John McClintock

PMVC Friday Night TT

2011-07-21T16:59:00.003-04:00

Lots of Ag3r & FoxVelo peeps attended (this week's) Pittsburgh Masters Velo Club, 15 mile, PMVC Friday Night Time Trials.
...just not me :(
-------------

THANKS to Fred Jordan for all the following photos:

-------------
It was a FAST NIGHT, and the Overall Placings were:

4th Place - Steve Marlette (Personal Record by 2 seconds!)
6th Place - Dan Schar (Personal Record by 35 seconds!)
14th Place - Mark Briercheck
15th Place - Randy McCracken (first time at this distance)
16th Place - Kirk Morrison (Personal Record by 21 seconds!)
19th Place - Donnie Panizales (first time at this distance)
21st Place - Ray Sielski (Personal Record by 21 seconds)
26th Place - Rich Allen

...When Viewed by Category:

Mens Open

Marlette – 3rd place

Schar – 4th place

Briercheck - 12th place

Panizales – 13th place

Mens 50+

McCracken – 3rd place

Morrison - 4th place

Sielski – 6th place

Allen – 7th place

ACA Criterium

2011-07-21T10:42:00.001-04:00

Mark Briercheck soloed an Allegheny Cycling Association Wednesday Night Criterium (A Race)... a great way to stretch the legs mid week.

After animating the race in and out of a few breakaways, he settled in near the finish to stay out of the sprint chaos, ending up in a safe 19th Place!

Butler (Running) Road Race

2011-07-20T18:17:00.004-04:00

FoxVelo member Roger Lutz got out his running shoes (again) this summer for the annual running of the BULLS(?) ...AND of the Butler Road Race(!), which he completed in Personal Record Time!

Roger finished in 11th Place of the Men's 30-39 Division, and in 95th Place of 268 total finishers, despite wearing racing number #93!

THEN, upon reflection on his effort and result, AND the completion of his Cummings Coffee Double Espresso, he proceeded to immediately go out and buy a brand new bike!

He ain't dumb :)

Welcome back stiCk!

You can check out the stories of Roger's comeback HERE

The Butler Road Race is Presented by Butler Health System!

Hilly Billy Roubaix

2011-07-20T17:55:00.001-04:00

Dan Schar was headed into Hilly Hill Billy territory to race the much dreaded (and respected) Hilly Billy Roubaix. Unfortunately for Dan...he could not carry enough spare tubes with him!

----------------------
In Dan's SHORT Words:
Well.
My 1st ever Hilly Billy Roubaix race didn't go according to plan... at all. Not even 20 miles into the seventy mile race I already had five flats.

Yard Sale by Dan Schar!

At the last one I was out of tubes and patches, and the sag wagon was right behind me (indicating I was the last person on the course at that point). Nothing I could do but give up the ghost. It's still stinging as I really wanted to finish it. Next year for sure!!!

photo by Dan Schar

--------------------------
To read much more from Dan, go HERE

PICC Erie TT

2011-07-20T17:18:00.001-04:00

FoxVelo member Donnie Panizales elected to attend the Presque Isle Cycling Club, Rick Gorzynski Memorial Time Trial on a day when everyone else was somewhere else! Too bad for Donnie :(

However, since Individual Time Trialing is a race (against yourself...and the clock), I guess all he really needed was himself...(?)!!!

When the dust settled...and THIS TIME, there IS DUST at this race venue(!),...

Donnie finished:
11th Place in the Men's 40-49 Division
43rd Place Overall

PMVC Track Bike Night

2011-07-18T19:02:00.001-04:00

Steve Brewer took his new Fixie Track Bike out of his holster for the first time...and proceeded to spin at 150 rpms until his legs and lungs exploded!!!

--------------------
Words by Oscar Swan
The rain held off, sort of, until the last event. Everyone got points. Ties were decided by 2-Lap times. A nice tight group of riders. Next time, everyone bring someone else. Points are indicated cumulatively.

Race A. 2-Lap TT
5. Steve Brewer 2:16 (1pts)

Race B. Miss N Out
3. Steve Brewer (4pts)

Race C. Sprints
2. Steve Brewer (8pts)

Race D. Snowball
6+ Steve Brewer

Race E. 2 Mile Handicap
5. Steve Brewer (9pts)

OMNIUM (Overall)
5. Steve Brewer (9pts)

Carlisle TT

2011-07-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

Brian Hopkins is an "outcast"...!

Actually, it's not that he's been "cast out", but simply that he lives 4 hours away from the rest of us in Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.

The upside (besides not having to ride with us all the time!), is that he is able to attend many good "out-east races" that we are too lazy to travel to (regularily).

This time, it was the Carlisle Individual Time Trial... where according to Brian, he made "...every mistake possible leading into this race."

....then went ahead and WON the RACE anyway! Silly Brian :)

Read more about it HERE

Colavita TT

2011-07-14T18:21:00.002-04:00

Steve Marlette did an Individual*Individual Time Trial at this month's running of the Colavita TT.

* - Steve was the only Ag3r Racer in attendance :)
------------------------
In Steve's Words:
The Colavita TT went well for me this Sunday.

1st Place in my Age Group.
2nd Place Overall

The only thing that could of made it better was if my three dogs would have got me something for Father's Day!!!

BTW, The guy who placed first set a new course record (he broke his own record). 28.7MPH avg speed-wow!!

Bailey Hundo - Lauchpad

2011-07-13T21:58:00.005-04:00

Sam Morrison raced a 100 mile mtn bike race called The Bailey Hundo.

Racing the Men's Open Pro Division, Sam turned some heads when he finished in 7th Place Overall...!!! Check the Results HERE.

Afterwards, the following thing happened:
------------------------------------------

Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem

Press Release!

Moving On Up?

We are NOT talking about George Jefferson here...but Sam Morrison! Due in part to this result, Sam has received and accepted, an offer to begin riding for the Epic Pro Cycling Team.

Epic Pro is the (pro) arm of the Epic Endurance Cycling Team. Their emphasis is on the (long) mtn races like the Bailey Hundo, Transylvania, Breck Epic, and more.

While this is not Sam's first offer to ride for another Team, this is his first Pro Team offer, and one that is (scheduled) to provide him with much more, and "local" (Boulder Area) support than Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem can.

You can learn (a little) more about both groups at:

EPIC PRO:

www.epicprocycling.com

Epic Pro on FaceBook

EPIC ENDURANCE:

www.epicendurancecycling.com

Epic Endurance on FaceBook

Congratulations Sam :)

-------

Sniff, Sniff.

Our little boy's all growed up, Mah...!

PMVC 10 mile TT

2011-07-07T18:23:00.000-04:00

On a beautiful mid-June night, a handful of Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem riders headed to the Bud Harris Track on Washington Blvd for the PMVC Friday Night Time Trials.

After the "pavement" settled (as there is no dust at the track!), the boys all finished in good standing!

4th Place Overall - Steve Marlette
10th Place Overall - Mark Briercheck
16th Place Overall - Kirk Morrison (2nd 50+)
19th Place Overall - Ray Sielski (3rd 50+)
22nd Place Overall - T.Lyle Ferderber (4th 50+)

...a SLOW night, with no Personal Records set :(

Terrible Two (Hundred)

2011-07-06T17:46:00.002-04:00

YIKES -

FoxVelo rider Luke Scrivanich rode 200 miles while climbing 16,000 feet during the Terrible Two, the second of three rides making up the California Triple Crown!

------------------
Luke narrated the following due to being too weak to actually type the words himself :)

A road report from the June 18th Terrible Two double century ride. Objective: Finish the ride before 10pm to procure an 'I Did It' t-shirt and get credit for California Triple Crown series.

This epic ride was billed as the most challenging of the double century CTC series and it met all expectations. Several experienced long distance specialists commented during the event that the TT difficulty surpassed the Devil Mountain Double (2 highest paved peaks in San Francisco Bay Area) and the notorious Death Ride.

I barely slept the evening before, anticipating the upcoming event and the 3:45am alarm. Out of the house by 4:15am, registered , and ready to roll at 5:30am with early morning cool temps in low 50s. We started with 251 riders, including 3 tandems. This ride started innocently enough in Sebastopol, which also happens to be home base for left wing of N. CA and where many of the Haight Ashbury hippies gleefully retired.

The course crossed through Santa Rosa, a short ascent on Bennett Valley Rd and then first major ascent (at 25 miles) of Trinity Grade, which was featured in the old Coors Classic stage race and more recently in the Tour of California. I lost contact with the lead group on the Trinity ascent, never to be seen again. The descent off the back side of Trinity is steep and twisty, and is followed by a short ascent over Oakville Grade and then a quick descent into Napa Valley.

The next 40 miles roll through the picturesque vineyards and meadows of Napa and Alexander Valleys. We formed a 10 person paceline near St. Helena, which swelled to almost 25 riders by the time we hit the first rest stop in Calistoga (mile 55). The next major climb began at Geysers Road, with the twin-summit peaks at miles 81 & 84, topping out at 2700'. The Geysers is in the Mayacamas Mt range, and contains the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world, with naturally occurring steam field reservoirs just below the earth's surface.

The descent off the backside of Geysers begins with an extremely steep drop of about one mile, then a gradual downhill through Sulfur Creek Canyon with steep, unstable terrain. After passing through Cloverdale, a short climb and a descent into Dry Creek Valley led us into the midway lunch stop at the Lake Sonoma Dam (mile 110). It is now 12:30pm and 7 hrs into my ride. I'm thinking I should be able to finish this thing in under 14 hours, right? However, this was WISHFUL THINKING . . .

That's because after lunch is when the Terrible Two gets truly terrible. The first half of the TT climbs 7500' in 110 miles. The second half climbs 9000' in 90 miles, 5000' of it in the first 30 miles after lunch. We headed out onto Skaggs Springs Rd which is a 35-mi road the Army Corps of Engineers built to bypass Lake Sonoma in 1981 and access the coast. It has a classic saw-toothed profile, with endless series of steep, sun-baked climbs and false summits. Temps rose to the high 80s at the summit of the first 2000' monster. This was followed by a very steep descent into a deep canyon, followed by another 2000' grinder. Along the way I passed at least a dozen cyclists pushing their bikes up the steepest grade. I was thanking the lucky stars that I recently changed out the 11-25 rear cassette to a 12-28. I saw one guy throw his "*#$&ing-bike" into a ditch, announcing his day was done! There was carnage in the back of the field and it was time for me to move forward to catch some of the folks who actually had a chance of finishing this ride!

After a long descent into coastal region with towering redwoods and coveted shade, we hit the final assault prior to the coastline with a wicked 1.7 mile, 900' wall. After a rest stop at the crest, we did a tricky descent followed by a short climb, then down to the coast at Stewarts Point. The course turned south on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) and we caught a slight tailwind as we headed down the coast along the phenomenal scenery of rugged rocky cliffs and pounding surf for 15 miles. Although this Hwy 1 section is considered easy, it actually added nearly 1000' of climb to the total before reaching the next rest stop at Fort Ross (mile 162) at 6:30pm. At this stop I learned that 50 of the 251 cyclists had already abandoned!

The climb on Ft. Ross Road is 2.6 miles and climbs 1500' - it averages 11%, but has sections over 15%. At this point I could barely keep the pedals moving, but vowed not to dismount and push my machine. Fortunately it was shady most of the way, and I actually started to cool off approaching the summit. This peak was followed by a bumpy, narrow descent, a more gradual climb up Black Mt, and a then a long, technical descent into Cazadero. During this descent my front tire flatted - I was unable to find any embedded road debris and hoping this was simply a pinch flat from the densely pot-holed road.

I rolled into last rest stop in Monte Rio (mile 184) in a small group at 8:20pm, where I installed lights that were pre-delivered to the stop, and was urged to get back on the road quickly or lest I may miss the 10pm cutoff. I had come so far and was certainly not willing to surrender my main objective! However, I couldn't afford another flat, as it was getting dark and I would lose time trying to repair in the dark STRESS!

I found a riding buddy as I headed up the Bohemian Hwy towards Occidental and the group eventually grew to 3 musketeers desperately trying to find our way, with limited visibility, back to Sebastopol. Fortunately, I know these roads well and we didn't miss any turns. We finally finished at 9:43pm, with 17 min to spare! The final 90 mi had taken me over 9 hrs!

This ride ranks at the top of my list for most physically demanding events I've ever engaged in. My total time for the 201 mi and 16,500' was 16:13, with 14:04 in the saddle for average of 14.3 mph. Not exactly a blistering pace, but considering this was my first TT and second double century ever, I was immensely satisfied with the result!

Overall I finished 144th out of the 251 registered. 178 actually completed the ride.

Posts "Off the Back"

2011-07-01T16:35:00.001-04:00

I am behind in Race Results Postings... due to traveling much of the last 2 weeks.

See RESULTS posts off the back ...for what will be coming your way (very soon)!

Pa. State TT Championship

2011-06-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

Brian Hopkins did it AGAIN!

He WON the USA Cycling Pennsylvania State Category 3 Individual Time Trial Championship!

Read all about it HERE :)

Middlesex Mad Dash

2011-06-17T18:27:00.000-04:00

While yinz guys were toting the real lumber at the 2 x 12, I RODE over to my township building and RAN their annual 5K.

Since most of the folks at the rest home had slept in, I brought home a little hardware, and got a door prize to boot.

- T. Lyle Ferderber

2 x 12 Duo MTB

2011-06-17T17:58:00.015-04:00

In the quest to keep things interesting, promoters are always coming up with new race formats. THIS particular race was held at The Big Bear Lake Campgrounds outside of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia....and shaped up like THIS:

12 mile Mountain Bike Loops
2 person Teams
One rider at a time
Baton handoff between riders
Rinse and Repeat for 7 hours!
4 Laps for Sport; 6 Laps for Expert
Each rider has to ride 1/2 the laps

The whole "thing" started from Sam daring us to enter this race if he and Deidre came home from Colorado. Since we don't take kindly to this young punk trying to push us old guys around, we accepted his challenge ...and the ball was set in motion!

Entering the Coed Expert Duo Division:
Deidre York and Sam Morrison

Entering the Men's Master's Sport Duo Division:
Kirk Morrison and Mike Maher
Rich Allen and Henry Dimmick

Coming along for the ride, so to speak, was Steve Brewer - SUPERFAN :)

When we arrived, Dirty Mike had already set up (his) camp...about 71 miles from the Finish Line(!)...so we plopped our stuff down and added on!

Photo by Sonic Imaging

The START began OFF course, and made the first riders (Sam, Mike and Richy) pedal up the Campgrounds Entrance HILL before going through the START/FINISH Tent and out into the single track.

Photo by Deidre York

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Photo by Deidre York

Once in the single track, shade helped ease the pain of the race-pace and the challenge of the roots and rock gardens of the course!

photo by Sonic Imaging

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Photo by SpokenChain.com

From then on, it was all "Tag Team Riding" for the next ~7 hours!!!

At the finish, was this really unique "catwalk"...

Photo by Sonic Imaging

...into a spiral back underneath the overpass...

Photo by Sonic Imaging

...back into the START/FINISH tent.

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Photo by Deidre York

Photo by Sonic Imaging

The Results ...at the end, were:

Deidre and Sam finished in 5th Place (Coed Expert)
(14th Place Overall from 31 Total 6-Lap Division Teams)

Photo by Sonic Imaging

Rich and Henry finished in 4th Place (Master's Sport)
(18th Overall from 50 Total 4-Lap Division Teams)

...with Kirk and Mike finishing in 5th Place (Master's Sport)
(24th Overall from 50 Total 4-Lap Division Teams)

Photo by Guest Shooter - Colleen O’Neil :)

In true backwoods flavor, there was a pair of ChainSaw Artists making and selling their wares! The turtle went home with Henry!

Sam & Deidre heading back to Boulder!

2011-06-16T15:02:00.003-04:00

PMVC Track Record(s)

2011-06-14T16:51:00.011-04:00

There was a time (2008) when Ag3r held FIVE Track Records at the Washinton Blvd "Bud Harris Track" in Pittsburgh Pa. Since then, other teams have come back with lots of strong guys to trim our record count to only ONE (2009).

However, Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem soon began it's comeback (2010), which was then heavily boosted this past Friday by Steve Brewer ...to bring our count back up to FOUR (2011 June).

Fresh off his explosive winning of the field sprint at the ACA Criterium, Steve unleashed TWO RECORD SETTING RUNS of the track, setting first the 1 Lap (0.5 mile) Standing Start record...

...then later, the 1 Lap (0.5 mile) Flying Start Record...both made possible by a TRIPLE FOCUS on his speed, his speed, and his SPEED!

----------------------
As posted by Stephanie Swan to the ACA MailGroup:

Results of Friday Night Track Night, June 10, 2011.

...In between the night’s Track Bike events Steve Brewer powered his way to new records in both the standing-start and flying start 1 lap. His standing-start time would have been even faster had he managed to get out of his little chain ring. His time was averaged among three stopwatches. Take a look at his mph:

Old Records:
1/2 mi standing start;   56.99;   31.6mph;   Joe Papp;           7/24/99
1/2 mi flying start ;      57.83;   31.2mph;   George Yoder     7/2/04

New Records:
1/2 mi standing start;  55.59;  32.38mph;  Steven Brewer;  6/10/11
1/2 mi flying start;       54.52;  33.01mph; Steven Brewer;  6/10/11

----------
Ag3r's other still standing Track Records are:

Brian Hopkins -
15 miles;   31:20.0;   28.72mph;   7/2/10

...and...
Henry Dimmick -
200 meter flying start;  13.07 sec;  34.1mph;  8/29/03

----------
You can see ALL the Track Records HERE.

ACA Criteriums

2011-06-13T18:38:00.002-04:00

Sam Morrison & Steve Brewer headed into Pittsburgh to race the Allegheny Cycling Association's Wednesday Night Criterium at the Bud Harris Track.

Thing is, the two of them got there in DRASTICALLY different ways!

With Sam in training for a 100 mile Mtn Bike Race, a race now only 2 weeks out, he somehow convinced his dad, Kirk Morrison, to RIDE to the track, on their bikes ...from Butler! THEN, Sam planned to jump into the A-Race to accumulate more "chamois time"!

Meanwhile, Steve Brewer and Henry Dimmick headed to the track (in their trucks!) to prepare for Steve's Friday Assault on the 1-lap Track Record. As the oval started to fill with racers warming up for the evening's events, Henry headed back to Butler and other obligations.

------------------------------------

As Kirk watched on as Ag3r SuperFan...

A-Race
Sam animated the A-Race with multiple attacks and covers, ending up a respectable 16th Overall.

B-Race
Steve saved his energy for the the final laps of the race, and while 2 brekaway riders ultimately escaped, Steve found himself in (14th) coming our the final turn.

Just then, one sprinting group went left while another group went right....and Steve found himself looking straight up the line as the EXACT same moment he lit his afterburners. It is said, that at that very moment, there were two claps of THUNDER as Steve passed everyone in front of him to WIN the field sprint for 3rd Place Overall.

Aliquippa Criterium

2011-06-07T18:51:00.004-04:00

Kirk Morrison and Mark Briercheck both attended the Beaver Valley Velo's only 2011 running of the Aliquippa Criterium.

-----------
Kirk tells the Master's Story:

Photo by Fred Jordan

Today's Aliquippa Crit was #4 in the ABRA series. I raced in the Masters 40+/50+ field which included a total of 23 riders while Mark Briercheck raced in the 1/2/3 race.

The conditions were good with temperatures in the high 70’s and a light north wind. The pace was fast with attacks starting on the first lap. None were successful as the peloton chased down every one. All of this action ended up giving an average speed of 25.2 miles/hour for this race. I was happy that I was able to stay connected to the main group through these chases as I ended up finishing in the main group in 7th place for the 50+ group.

Photo by Mike Briggs

(Note: The results incorrectly show me in the 8th spot …. In reality I finished in 7th place since Fred Baldassare was lapped, rejoined the field and finished just ahead of me (one lap down)).

After the race I stopped by the registration to fill my water bottles. While no water was available, I was happy to fill my bottle from the keg of hop-enhanced electrolyte replacement drink (Belgian Saison, home brew – 8.5%). Very refreshing !!

Photo by Kirk Morrison

This was an extremely well run, smooth event. Jeff Grimm and his crew did a great job of organization while Gary Bywaters and Jean Cronyn handled the officiating duties with the great efficiency. Highly recommended.

-----------------------
Mark tells the Cat 1/2/3 Story:-----------

Photo by Mike Briggs

The Aliquippa Criterium as seen through the eyes of Mark Briercheck:

The Cat 1/2/3 race finally rolled out at 12:30pm. With a decent breeze and a hot and sunny day I knew this would be a race that was affected by conditions. I did a LOT of pre-race hydration and had a gut feeling that this 1 hour crit would be easily be a two bottle race.

After sizing up the field and seeing some pretty big teams I chose to not chase any breaks. I figured that I would let the GPOA, CAT, Steel City, and Fu guys do all the work. When you're a lonely only you gotta watch out for yourself.

Photo by Fred Jordan

The first few laps of the 1/2/3 stayed together but it didn't take long for the attacks to really open up. With a nice tail wind on the backstretch we consistently would ride 31 - 33mph.

Less than ten laps in a 5 or 6 man man break went away and I thought the race was done.....

...but Mother Nature trumps all.

From the headwinds on the front stretch to the unseasonably warm heat...riders began to fade and only two guys were able to stay away. Most of the field re-assembled and held together for a bunch sprint. I tried to grab wheel but the heat took its toll on me too. I lost the lead group in the final 100 meters but was able to roll in with a 13th place out of 30.

After the race I was cross-eyed and nauseated...but luckily had a cooler full of ice water that offered a refreshing parking lot bath. All I can say is:

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE!!!!!

Philadelphia Amateur Time Trial

2011-06-07T18:22:00.000-04:00

Flyin' Brian Hopkins raced in the Philadelphia Amateur Individual Time Trial... and spent less time on his bike than anyone else in his division!

Brian finished in 1st Place (Cat 3), with the 3rd fastest Overall time behind the first and second placed Pro/1/2 riders!

You can read more about it HERE on Brian's Blog "BIKENURSE"

PMVC 5 mile ITT

2011-06-06T19:44:00.001-04:00

NOW the summer has really started :)

The Pittsburgh Master's Velo Club's "Friday Night at the Track" is one of the best ways to start a weekend!

On Opening Night, Steve Marlette, Steve Brewer, Mark Briercheck, Henry Dimmick, Kirk Morrison and Ray Sielski were joined by SUPER-FAN Hannah Brewer for the first in a Summer Series of time trial events at the Bud Harris Washington Blvd Track.

STAY TUNED for pictures coming from Hannah via Steve's Camera!
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Steve Marlette took 6th Place Overall
Setting a New Personal Record by 6 seconds!

Steve Brewer took 7th Place Overall
1 second back from Marlette!
Setting a Benchmark Time at this Distance

Mark took 14th Place Overall
Setting a Benchmark Time at this Distance

Henry took 17th Place Overall
4th Place 50+
...21 seconds off his PR

Kirk took 26th Place Overall
7th Place 50+
Setting a Benchmark Time at this Distance

Ray took 32nd Place Overall
8th Place 50+
Setting a New Personal Record by 9 seconds!

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Afterwards, Steve Brewer attempted and UNOFFICIALLY SET a new Track Record for the Standing Start 1-Lap (o.5 mile). THIS Friday, he will be returning to the track to set it OFFICIALLY!

Hello Boulder?

2011-06-06T12:50:00.001-04:00

We hear you calling our names....!

...or is that just you calling, Sam?!?!!!

Yellow Creek MTB

2011-06-05T22:01:00.005-04:00

With Ag3r Mtn Biker Rich Allen leading the way, roadies-turned-temporary-mudders Henry Dimmick and Hannah & Steve Brewer headed into the woods for the Yellow Creek Park North Shore mountain bike race.

Despite Steve getting off to a S L O W start on the day...due to some LATE night beer "tasting", Hannah was able to roll him out of bed and get him to the start line in less than 30 minutes!

There was a slight delay of the start while the promotors figured how to handle a few trees that had come down in the previous 48 hours.

After some warm up riding we headed for the start.

The course had LOTS of narrow trails with a fair amount of rocks...and lots of gushy mud in many of the corners... but as we neared the swimming area and finish, the trails turned to full width "roads".

In the end:

Hannah took 1st Place in the Women's Division, while in the Men's division

Steve took 12th Place

Rich took 16th Place, and

Henry took 20th Place...

As always with mtn biking, stuff goes wrong!

After we got washed off IN the lake(!), all four of us went for pizza and beers at a small Sandwich Shop that had helped Sponsor the race. While we THOUGHT we were well off the beaten path, Doug Frost drove right past the shop with his family on the way home from the Pa. State High School Track Meet...

Small World!!!

Tour of Tucker County

2011-06-03T15:33:00.008-04:00

Kirk Morrison and Dan Schar headed for the hills...

...the hills of West Ver-ginny-ya, that is, to do sum climin' there!

ALSO see a related post from Dan Schar's "On the Schardar" under Biker Blogz.

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Kirk Writes:

I enjoyed the chance to compete in this race for the 2nd year in a row. The weather was perfect with temperatures in the low 70’s and partly cloudy skies. Attendance was up with a total of 233 racers. As usual JR, Gina and their crew ran a smooth event with excellent organization.

This race is billed as being one of the 10 toughest one day races in the USA. This is due in part to the final climb which covers about 2,000 ft of vertical in the last 4-5 miles of the race. There is one other major climb (about 7 miles long) as well as lots of potholes and gravel sections (the total vertical climb is almost 4,500 ft over the 33 mile course).

Of course, at the top of every hill, every where, is either a cemetary or a windmill!

There were a number of crashes with some serious road rash and even stitches being administered at the finish area. As a new twist, there were also reports of horses on a section of the course.

Dan Schar and I were in the same starting group where he was competing in the Masters 40+ field while I was in the Masters 50+ field. This race starts with a 4 mile neutral roll as we descend to the bottom of the finishing hill climb for the official staging and starts. As with last year, I saw over 6 riders flatting due to hot-rim issues on this neutral descent (!?).

After seeing the numerous crashes during the race I decided to take it easy on the descents since I had taken a spill earlier this week and was still carrying 7 stitches in my lip and a bit of road rash.

Thanks to our sponsor

Butler Health System

for the excellent medical care!

In spite of my face, I was able improve my finish time by 2-1/2 minutes over last year!

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In the 2011 Tour of Tucker County:

Kirk finished in 8th Place (50+)

Dan - 15th Place (40+)

In the 2011 ABRA Overall Road Race Standings:

Kirk is in 5th Place (50+), while
Dan is in 6th place (40+)

All photos courtesy of Fred Jordan

WPW 10 mile TT

2011-06-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

Steve Marlette capitalized on his Home Court Advantage at the Washington Blvd Oval, by taking 1st Place in a 10 mile individual time trial conducted there.

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In Steve's Words:
I was not planning on racing this past Saturday, but the Western Pennsylvanian Wheelmen were putting on a TT at the Bud Harris track. This was a nice low-key event, with no entry fee and no prizes, just the fun and pain that comes with a TT.

I had done hard interval training (on that same track) the Thursday before and was planning to put in another hard training effort on Saturday. Instead I signed in at the Wheelmen's 10 mile time trail. I ended up with fasted time of the day, but there were a number of young riders who put in some fantastic times and will surely be guys to watch in the future.

The results are posed on the Wheelmen's site http://wpwbikeclub.org/?p=300

Superior Morgul Classic (Colorado)

2011-06-01T13:14:00.004-04:00

(Not so young anymore) Sam Morrison finds himself now competing in storied races most of us only READ about!!!

This past weekend Sam competed in the Pro/1/2 Superior Morgul Classic - Summit Criterium on Saturday.

Photo by jenDZ Photography @ SmugMug

Then on Sunday, both Sam & his roommate Nate Wilson raced the Pro/1/2 Morgul-Bismark Road Race.

Together, these two were all about the attacks. While Nate got away early enough that the peleton gave them (presumably) enough rope to hang themselves, Sam made it into every attack by the chasing teams who were trying to reel-back Nate and his breakaway parner. Of course, Sam remained in each chase only to cover, not to participate in catching Nate.

So while... none of those chase groups successfully made it across the gap (not good for Sam)... none of those chase groups successfully made it across the gap (really good for Nate!!!)

The result? Nate won the Pro/1/2 Morgul-Bismark Road Race on Sunday!!!

Photo by DailyCamera.com

Click HERE to read about Nate's "long road" to this terrific WIN :)

Photo by DailyCamera.com

Dan Spencer Memorial Road Race

2011-05-24T19:03:00.000-04:00

Brian Hopkins installed his Interval-Lungs in order to compete in the Dan Spencer Memorial Road Race!

Apparently they worked quite well, since Brian finished in 13th Place of the Men's 3/4 category.

Stay Tuned to RIDER BLOGZ for a post from Brian.

Sonic Boom Crit

2011-05-24T18:53:00.001-04:00

Sam Morrison set off a SONIC BOOM (with his rear tire) during a criterium in Colorado.

The reason was likley due to the tire (and knee tape) being a mis-match in color to his front tire (and kit!)...or possibly due to a hasty last minute tire change right before the race(?)

YOU decide!

Tour de Montour

2011-05-24T18:43:00.000-04:00

Hannah Brewer got MORE than she bargained for when agreeing to ride the Tour de Montour!

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Hannah Writes:
I rode the 75 mile Tour de Montour this Saturday, commonly referred to as the "MonTourture." Check out the elevation!

This was my first time riding 75 miles...ever..but my mother signed me up for it, so I had to go! Turns out the course was actually 77 miles!!!

It was a fun course and there were some fast downhills that helped make the climbs worth climbing! It was a tough course and there were some dirt sections of road but there were BEAUTIFUL views after every climb.

For the "75-mile" distance, I finished 1st place in my age group and 6th overall for women.

...and TMR Roofing is popular in Eastern PA too because one rider passed me and said Oh, TMR! Do you know Mike Maher?!?!?!

Pittsburgh Half Marathon

2011-05-24T18:28:00.001-04:00

Hannah Brewer RAN further today than seven of us RODE our bikes. Men are WEAK!

During this year's Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Hannah finished:

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Hannah Writes:

While my teammates were pedaling 12.6 miles at yesterday's tt, I was running 13.1 miles in Steel City!!!

It was the third year in a row that rain graced the Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon. By now, it wouldn't be the Pittsburgh Half if it wasn't raining! As always, it was a well-organized event and the crowd support was amazing!

I ran an 8:39 pace and finished in 1:53:10. This was the third year that I ran the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon and apparently I keep getting slower. Yet, I am pleased with my pace since 90% of this year's training was on my bike.

2009: 1:48:12
2010: 1:51:57
2011: 1:53:10

Every year at mile 9 I vow to never sign up for a race longer than 6 miles again UNLESS it is on my bike. I don't know if its the popularity of the event, the peer pressure from all of my lady friends, the excitement of crossing the finish line, or sheer stupidity, but no matter what, I always give in and decide that running 13 miles will be fun.......and for the most part, it is :)