Looking Back...

It's been an exciting season of firsts...

My 1st "team kit" including my 1st bibs (from which I'll never go back)


My 1st podium...


Ellery's 1st race...



My 1st win...


...and my 1st 2nd...


...and 3rd...


...and 4th!


My 1st crash...

My 1st upgrade...


And my 1st use of chamois cream (thanks to Jay for the nudge and Gary for the gift)

The Joy of Suffering

10.3/10.4.09 Fall Fling Time Trial and Circuit Race
Cat. 3 / 12th and DNF

TT:
Just man and machine against the clock - they call it "The Race of Truth." And the truth, apparently, is that I suck at it. It probably doesn't help that my TT bike looks conspicuously similar to my road bike, but I suppose that excuse is worth little more than a few sympathy points. I truly hope to enjoy this discipline someday, but for now there remains no love lost between us. And hey - I got 12th place - which really doesn't sound that bad as long as I don't mention it was out of 13. Anyhow, the critical detail here is that I beat my dad by 12 seconds - so I've got that going for me.

Circuit Race:

The picture speaks for itself - I wasn't thrilled to prematurely pull the plug on the final race of the year, as it made for a rather anticlimactic finale to what has been one helluva fun season of racing. Nevertheless, it was a great race while it lasted. There was a lot of activity and the wind kept things interesting - and by interesting I mostly mean really hard. I blew myself up trying to make something happen late in the race and quickly found myself struggling to hang on. All of a sudden it was taking everything I had just to maintain contact. I could feel it coming...and sure enough, as soon as we hit that relentless headwind it started. Just a few feet at first. Okay, close the gap, no big deal, catch your breath. But there would be no catching of breath and no comeback today. The last wheel of the peloton slipped slowly and quietly out of reach as I resisted the temptation to shout, "Wait for me!" I rode my final lap alone - unaccompanied and reflective, surprisingly more content than disappointed. The peace, I suppose, of knowing that I hadn't gone down without a fight and, more importantly, that it's just a race after all.

1/2, 3, Go

Photo by John Glass

9.26/9.27.09 Fall Fling Criterium and Road Race (ABR)
Cat. 3 / 8th and 6th, respectively (if not respectably)

Criterium:
Smaller fields meant that Categories 1, 2, and 3 would be combined, which in turn meant that I was hoping no 1's and 2's would show up. No such luck. Rolling up to the start line next to guys I've been watching in awe for the past couple years was a bit surreal and slightly intimidating. Nevertheless, while I can't hold a candle to them, I have to admit it felt pretty cool lining up with some of the All-Stars from Geargrinder and ABD (you know, the guys whose names appear in bold print on Chicago Bike Racing all season long). I wonder if it's poor form to ask for autographs in the middle of a race? I relished the moment because I was confident (and quickly proven correct) that I would not be racing with some of them for very long. The race itself wasn't overly compelling, especially for me. I sat in and did my best to go as fast as everyone around me, knowing full well that any time spent chasing or attempting breakaways might result in me going down in a blaze of glory (or a pathetic fizzle, depending on how dramatically you like to consider such things). So I conserved as much energy as possible for the sprint, hoping that would finally be my time to shine. It wasn't. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to go faster during the sprint - not the other way around. I wish I had a better excuse than just sheer mediocrity to account for my average finish, but I can't think of a good one.

Road Race:
The State Road Race Championship a couple weeks ago was 50 miles and it nearly killed me. This one was 60 miles with another combined 1/2 and 3 field, so it wasn't at all difficult hiding my excitement. After the first few laps I had the conscious thought that 'if this pace continues, there is no possible chance I am going to be finishing this race.' Fortunately, after the breaks were established and gone, our group (3rd group/14 or so riders) settled into a more agreeable (and perhaps even sustainable?) pace. Predictably, right around the 50 mile point my legs started wanting to cramp, adding a touch of agony to an already grueling day. My thought at that point, however, was 'well at least I'll only have a few miles to ride by myself when these guys start winding things up for the last lap,' recognizing that I had little left except the simple determination to finish. Thankfully, I was able to fend off cramps and survive to the end with the group, which had slowly dwindled to 6 or 7. I couldn't help but wonder if the unusually slow and cordial finish was a show of camaraderie or simply a display of pure exhaustion. Judging by appearances afterward, it was a tough day for most.

Side Note:
Throwing my empty water bottle was a trivial but meaningful highlight of the road race. I mean, really, is there anything more PRO than tossing an empty bottle to the side of the road? Again, I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure there is some sort of transcendent transformation that takes place once you've done this - an arrival of sorts as a true bike racer. The only difference, I suppose, is that when pros do it they probably aren't thinking, "Man I hope nobody walks off with that bottle, I really need that back..."

Riding Up Grades

Photo by Gavin Gould

9.12.09 IL State Road Race Championships
Cat. 3 / 14th

The great Eddy Merckx once said, "Don't buy upgrades; Ride up grades." And that's exactly what we did this past weekend at the State Road Race Championships.

The last time I did a 50 mile road race I got dropped off the back 20 miles in and spent the remaining 30 miles daydreaming about what it might be like to still be in the race. And though I'm sure it built lots of character or whatever, I wasn't hoping for a repeat of that humbling experience. With a good bit of mileage and racing in my legs since then, I felt pretty confident that I could at least ride with the pack and maybe even mix it up in the uphill finish - if we stayed together. I was a bit anxious at the outset that a break might get away because as much as I'd love to be in it, I have enough self-awareness to know that me in a break would almost certainly end poorly (likely involving daydreaming again). And so, as the only represented member of my club and already feeling apprehensive about the distance, I was content to sit in and enjoy the ride. I would gladly let the big teams control the front and play out their strategies while I sit back like a newbie idiot trying to figure out how to eat my first Gu without getting it all over my gloves. Mission accomplished.

To my relief, it quickly became apparent that we were probably going to stay together. Save for a tricky section of climbing, the course was too fast and the pack too hungry to let anything escape. The mile-long stretch of climbs also turned out to be the best place to move up - as the only portion of the route that opened up to two lanes. My simple strategy was pretty straightforward: Move up on the climbs and conserve energy the other 9 miles. Resembling a spirited game of "Chutes and Ladders," the plan worked out nicely. I started the race at the back and by the final lap was sitting somewhere in the top 15 or 20. I knew positioning wouldn't necessarily make or break the race as the finishing stretch was wide open, but I didn't want to risk getting boxed in or end up in a wreck. Nevertheless, I was in perfect position to unleash my fury on the final climb and make everyone feel the pain. As I stood to stomp up the last hill on my way to sure victory though, the only one who felt the pain was me. Cramps shot like lightning through both legs as my body protested the past 50 miles of abuse. Left quad, right hamstring, both calves...I wasn't even sure which muscles were still available to get me up the hill. My slow motion sprint was a study in concentration as I focused all of my remaining energy on willing my legs to continue in circles to the line. Which they did, barely. I coasted slowly through the finish line standing straight up (super cool) in a final, desperate effort to keep my legs from seizing up completely and tipping over (not cool). Thoroughly and utterly destroyed - nearly as dead as the possum I dodged each time up the hill.

Despite my legs' non-compliance, it was truly a great race on a great course and provided a welcome contrast to the ill-controlled chaos (crits) that is the majority of our race offerings in this area. Just wait 'til next year - I'm going to pack an extra Gu. Then they will feel the pain...

The Man, the Myth, the Legend

Jeremy Powers.

Proving once and for all that you don't have to win to be the hero of the race.

Tour of Missouri

9.7.09
A few highlights from the trip...
(All photos by Gary "Schleck" Anderson)

Jens Voigt getting his pre-race caffeine fix


Jonathan Vaughters finalizing his race strategy. Gives us the thumbs-up after my dad says, "Good luck today, J.V."


Floyd Landis apparently hoping not to get beat up as he is escorted by his bodyguard.


#1 for the defending champion, Christian Vande Velde...who went home after crashing in the first stage. XXX'er Tom Briney representing in the background.


The "God of Thunder" on his way to the team area. Incidentally, Thor Hushovd is the only pro who appears to be built like me. In other words, he looks relatively fat compared to the rest of the emaciated pros who look like they haven't had a decent meal in several years.


"Big" George Hincapie rolls out!


Cavendish, J.J. Haedo, and Hushovd go 1-2-3 at the opening stage in St. Louis.

The biggest highlight, of course, deserves a post all its own...

Addendum

My unabashed admiration for the Jelly Belly rider who gave us "That Ain't Gatorade" prompted further inquiry into the matter. So I searched out several guys from the race and offered them all the same bait:

So and so,
A friend and I were amazed to see a Jelly Belly rider at Downers Grove piss in a water bottle and throw it to the side of the road. It was one of the most incredible acts of agility on a bicycle we've ever witnessed. Any idea who it was?? I'd love to know so I can give him full credit. I blogged about it on my site. Thanks.

The next day I got my answer:

Hey buddy, That was a great, well written funny ass article you wrote! OFF THE RECORD it was me, but I'm not sure I want people thinking of me as R.Kelly...

Finally, no more sleepless nights. Unfortunately, due to my unwavering journalistic integrity, I am the only one who will ever know the identity of the peeing professional. Rest assured, however, the next time I see him I will let him know that everyone who read the post agreed he truly has remarkable Powers...

That Ain't Gatorade...

8.16.09 Downers Grove National Criterium Championship

After a very full season of racing, I have been witness to a veritable plethora of remarkable feats performed on the bicycle. I have watched in awe and wonder displays of endurance and power that boggle the mind. I have seen horrific crashes and spectacular victories. I've watched in amazement as grown men curse each other while risking life and limb - all for a $50 payday, the thrill of the battle, and the potential glory of the win. All the lasting memories this season has gifted, however, pale in comparison to the events that transpired one rainy afternoon in August.

My friend Gary and I had returned to Downers Grove to watch the pros vie for the national championship and wandered aimlessly around the course discussing riders and the finer points of racing, pausing briefly every few minutes to see them whip by at a frantic pace before continuing on. And then, about midway through the race, IT happened. An unnamed Jelly Belly rider rounded turn seven and brought forth from his nether regions an uncapped water bottle, tossing it casually into a nearby flowerbed. As it hit the ground and a lightly-yellow-tinted liquid splashed freely out of the bottle, Gary and I looked at each other with the same unthinkable thought racing through our minds: "No...he couldn't have...it's not possible...right?" A brief brainstorming session ensued as we searched in vain for any rational explanation to what we had just seen. Coming up empty, we finally accepted the obvious and incredible truth. For the uninitiated, some context is probably necessary to fully underscore the significance of this mid-race bottle-filling miracle. The criterium at Downers has eight turns tightly packed into a mile-long course. And it was raining, adding considerable danger to the already constant risk-taking that permeates and enlivens these events. Finally, consider that even with all the corners and rain-soaked roads these pros are flying around the course at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour (speeds that even enthusiastic wannabes like myself only dream of). Bear in mind also that the simple act of drinking from a water bottle (its intended purpose) regularly causes veering, shouting, crashing, etc. in lesser races involving mere mortals. Now imagine a rider, amidst this unthinkable context... 1. Somehow managing to unscrew the top off a bottle, then 2. Getting a full-size bottle down his skin-tight bib-shorts and 3. Urinating...most of which presumably ends up in said bottle, then 4. Removing the bottle from his shorts and disposing of it properly in a roadside garden all while 5. Maneuvering several dangerous turns in a tightly packed peloton. If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I'd say it couldn't be done.

After investigating the scene and confirming our conclusions, we walked again. Glancing back a minute later to pay homage to the Bottle one last time, there it was...in a young boy's hands. In his youthful innocence he had picked it up as a souvenir - much like the foul ball from Wrigley or the jar of dirt from the Field of Dreams. We thought about it, but in the end neither of us had the heart to tell him...

Near Miss

Photo of me and the yellow tent I would eventually end the race in by Nikki Cyp
8.16.09 Downers Grove Criterium
Cat. 3 / 66th

As the pace kicked up on the final lap I found myself relegated to a twenty-something-ish position, and with opportunities to advance all but gone forever, I had begun accepting my fate. I would finish in the front end of the pack, perhaps even cracking into the high teens with a strong push to the line. That was the last thought I had before watching my life flash before my eyes as I narrowly avoided this crash. Two or three riders went down hard on turn five right in front of me and I had to quickly choose whether to 1) Join them on the ground; or 2) Hit the brakes and hope for the best as I sail into the yellow tent on the corner (filled with expensive bikes, wheels, etc., oh - and people too). Self-preservation rules the day as I lock up both brakes and try desperately to stay up on two skidding wheels. Rear wheel comes off the ground - okay - too much front brake. I cringe as I enter the wheel pit, knowing the odds are good that I'll kill someone or break something. Two Mavic reps jump out of my way, leaving a remarkably clear path through to the other side of the tent, where I finally come to a stop. Foot down, breathe again. Turn around, proceed back out of the tent and back onto the course. The whole episode lasts only a few seconds, but it's a lifetime in terms of the race and I'll be riding in alone - off the back. 66th wasn't my hope for the race but, all things considered, it's hard to complain. And, anyhow, it certainly makes for a better story than, "...and then I sprinted for 19th!"

Sssssssss....

(Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand four-letter words)

8.15.09 Downers Grove Criterium
Cat. 3/4 / DNF

Flatted with four laps to go. That's three flats in two weeks if you're counting.

Note to self: Get new tires.

DNF

8.8.09 Grayslake Cycling Classic Criterium
Cat. 3 / DNF

I've never had a flat in a race. Today I had two.

Five or six guys went off the front early in the race, and as I had been sitting in the middle of the field I was going to need to make a serious effort to bridge the gap. Me and a couple other guys jumped away from the pack to get to the break and shortly thereafter found myself, all alone, in no-man's-land - that hellish place between the breakaway and the rest of the field. I had managed to get within 20 or 30 meters of the lead group when I started feeling my rear wheel fishtailing around the corners - flat. SRAM was providing neutral support so I walked back to the start and got a replacement wheel (much nicer than mine, bonus). By this point the breakaway is crushing the rest of the field so I say, "I was just off the back of the breakaway when I flatted," in hopes that I could get back in where I was and not with the main field. So he lets me jump in as the break rolls by on the next lap and I quickly (and mildly guiltily) join the breakaway. So now I'm in the breakaway and whether I belong there is probably debatable at best. This lead group of 7 or 8 guys was really moving and I just didn't have the horsepower to be much help. So here I am - holding on for dear life, trying my best to hide my exhaustion, and taking brief pulls at the front to at least maintain the appearance of legitimacy. "Six laps to go!" shouts the announcer and all I can think is how am I ever going to keep this up for six more laps?? As it turns out, I didn't have to. A lap or two later my bike starts feeling all sloppy again - front wheel flat this time. Frustration and relief washed over me in equal measure. Then, I did what I always do when I get frustrated...I started screaming obscenities and threw my bike into someone's front lawn. Okay, actually I just walked back to where my family was watching and finished the race as a spectator - disappointed but thankful for the pain to be over.

The Smiler

Photo by Luke Seemann

8.1.09 Tour of Elk Grove Criterium
Cat. 3 / 23rd

Wind, rain, tight turns and narrow roads made for a treacherous course...resulting in multiple crashes. Luckily I managed to stay off the ground and out of trouble, however, I also managed to stay out of the money - which went 20 places deep. The long, narrow, and winding homestretch required that you be in a decent position coming off the final turn before it got too fast and packed to move up. Lesson learned. Returned on Sunday to see all the big guns in the pro race - even got to meet Chris Horner ("The Smiler") afterward!

3.

7.26.09 Chicago Criterium
Cat. 3 / 34th

My first race after upgrading my license from category 4 to category 3. Others had told me, "Oh there's not really much difference, except that it's a lot safer in the 3's because everyone's had more experience" and other things of that nature. Well it may or may not be safer, but it's definitely faster. It was easily the fastest race I'd ever been a part of (averaging 27 mph) and was a bit of a shock to the system. I was able to hang on and play along, but never really factored meaningfully into the race. Disappointing finish but was really excited to be racing at a higher level. What doesn't kill me will make me stronger - right?

Chicago Personal Photographers got a nice picture.

Future Stars

7.19.09 Evanston Grand Prix Criterium
Cat. 4 / 3rd ($55)

Got into a 3-man breakaway in the latter half of the race which was slowly reeled in and caught by the final lap. Stayed at the front after the catch and sprinted for 3rd. Highlight of the day however was the kids' race, where my niece and nephews got their first taste of "competitive" cycling.

Big Hills, Small Field

7.18.09 Mississippi Bluffs Road Race (ABR State Championship)
Cat. 4 / 1st

Great course with some nice hills and I got to race with some of the Freeport Bicycle Company guys, which is always a good time. The only problem was there were only 3 other guys in my category, which made for a fairly uneventful event. Nevertheless, I raced well and won with a decisive sprint to the finish.

Unemployment Benefits

7.15.09 Ray Basso Bensenville Criterium
Cat. 4/5 / 2nd ($65)

Not having a job sucks...except when there's a bike race on Wednesday morning. Lost to Joel Friedman, who was making a brief appearance in the 4's as he blazes his way to the top of the cycling category system (his brother is a pro riding for Garmin-Slipstream). Got to hang out afterward and see my dad ride a stellar masters race as well - retirement has its perks too.

Road Rash

7.12.09 Elgin Cycling Classic Road Race
Cat. 4/5 / 39th

Beautiful course. Beautiful day. Raced exactly how I wanted to and was right where I wanted to be heading into the final turns... And then I crashed - hard. It was my own fault, too fast into the 2nd to last right-hand turn on uneven pavement...wheels just skidded out from under me. Thankfully neither my bike nor I were broken...just minor damage to both. We lived to race another day.

Burrito Primes

Photo by Carolyn at Velosnaps

7.1.09 Soldier Field Cycling Series: Chicago, IL
Cat. 4/5 / 1st (3 burritos)

Chipotle sponsored the race tonight and was generously offering burrito primes throughout the race - my solo break for several laps earned me three foil-wrapped beauties. Nice. Breakaway effort got caught with a couple laps to go...stayed up front and started my sprint early to avoid getting robbed at the line. It worked...this time.

Home for the Weekend

Photo by Katie Leibman

6.28.09 Carl Zach Cycling Classic Criterium: Waukesha, WI
Cat. 4/5 / 2nd ($45)

I'll take 2nd any day of the week, but it was definitely a bit less thrilling than the win from the day before. Nevertheless, had a blast racing in Katie's hometown with the whole fam cheering.

Victory!

6.27.09 Downer Classic Criterium: Milwaukee, WI
Cat. 4/5 / 1st ($50)

Came around the final turn about 10 wheels back... then sprinted up the right side for my first win!

Happy Father's Day

Photo by Katie Leibman

6.21.09 Fox River Grove Cycling Challenge Criterium
Cat. 4/5 / 2nd

Sharp climb after the first turn made things very interesting. Field dwindled following each climb until there were 15 or so at the front. I tried to solo away from the pack on the last lap...went over the climb with a nice gap and then started time-trialing my way down the long and winding descent hoping to hold off the charging field. They caught me coming down the home stretch and I had to settle for second. So close...

Snoopy

6.7.09 ABR National Criterium Championships: Winfield, IL
Cat. 4 / 4th ($45)

Felt good and raced well, but just didn't have the kick at the end and lost a couple spots at the finish. I did get to pose with Snoopy on the podium though.

"Mr. Outside"

6.6.09 ABR Winfield Twilight Criterium: Winfield, IL
Cat. 4 / 4th ($85)

Won a $40 "King of the Mountain" prime and finished 4th. On the final lap I earned my dubious racing nickname and this blog's namesake, "Mr. Outside": "I’m setting up my turn and plotting my sprint for the win, when Mr. Outside, an ABD rider, goes inside on me and takes away my line. Dammit."

Breakaway That Stayed Away

6.17.09 Soldier Field Cycling Series Criterium: Chicago, IL
Cat. 4/5 / 2nd ($20)

Training crit in the south parking lot at Soldier Field, field of 75. Joined a two-man breakaway with a few laps to go and managed to stay away to the finish. Reeled in a $20 prime in the process. After pulling for the entire final lap, one of my break mates pipped me at the finish. Doh! In the end, however, I'm afraid the Pepsi Max podium girls stole any show we the cyclists might have been trying to put on.

Photos by Kevin Keeley

Podium

5.24.09 City Bikes RFK Criterium: Washington, D.C.
Cat. 5 / 2nd

Visiting a friend in D.C. for Memorial Day weekend and was lucky enough to be able to jump into the Cat. 5 race at the last minute. Tried my first breakaway. My solo effort quickly became a two-man break with a pretty decent gap. After trading pulls for a lap or so, my breakaway partner crashed around a tight turn and I was swallowed up by the pack shortly thereafter. I caught my breath, regrouped, and was able to sprint for 2nd. It felt great to finally get on a podium (one of my goals for this season).

Photo by Scott Pollock with his camera phone

A Lesson in Humility

4.25.09 Leland Kermesse Road Race: Leland, IL

Masters 30+ / 13th

Stacked field + 20mph crosswinds = Adam getting dropped 20 miles into a 50 mile road race. Luckily I was joined by a couple other stragglers who made the remaining 30 lonely miles slightly more bearable.

Photo by Ted Burger

A Brief History...

8.18.07 Downers Grove Criterium (my first bike race ever!)
Cat. 5 / 15th

8.29.07 Glencoe Grand Prix Criterium
Cat. 5 / 10th

5.24.08 ABD Memorial Day Master's Criterium (ABR)
Masters 30+ Cat. 4 / 7th (first payday!! $25)

5.31.08 Winfield Twilight Criterium (ABR)
Cat. 4 / 16th

7.6.08 Wood Dale Criterium (ABR)
Cat. 4 / 10th

7.20.08 Evanston International Cycling Classic Criterium
Cat. 4/5 / 10th

8.2.08 Tour of Elk Grove Criterium
Cat. 5 / 11th

8.9.08 Grayslake Cycling Classic Criterium
Cat. 5 / 5th

8.23.08 Tour of Oak Brook Road Race
Masters 30+ Cat. 4/5 / 24th

My very own blog.

My first post on my first blog.

Me and Ellery after a race - courtesy of my favorite photographer, Katie.