The Internet of Bikes: Cyclemania Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #3)

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The Cyclemania Time Trial is a 14 mile loop around Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is the third race in the Maine Time Trial Series and conveniently located in Frame and Wheel's home village. The course features long gradual climbs on open roads, some shorter steeper climbs on the back roads of Cape Elizabeth, and some turns that require the rider to maintain navigational awareness. Conditions were dry and the wind was light, but temperatures were in the mid forties. About 60 riders started the race. Frame and Wheel tracked the race with and Android smartphone to provide viewers with a better sense of the course. Total moving time is 38 minutes (including rolling around the parking lot), total distance is 14 miles, average moving speed is 23 miles per hour, maximum speed is 36 miles per hour, total elevation gain is 451 feet and maximum grade is 4%.

Frame and Wheel sets off down the very familiar Route 77 and immediately notices that the road seems longer and straighter than ever before. There is a headwind and the 30 second rider is a speck in the distance. Frame and Wheel pushes through the open and rolling terrain and successfully makes the first right hand turn onto Fowler Road. The road is rough and narrower. A truck pulls out in front of Frame and Wheel and begins creeping up the road, but it gives way and Frame and Wheel is able to pass safely. Fowler Road is relatively flat but it goes on for longer than anticipated.

Frame and Wheel makes the right turn back on to Route 77 south and pushes through its interminable straightness and openness. There are a few riders in sight which provides some relief. The traffic at the local eateries is still light at this hour and there are no turkeys crossing the road by the strawberry fields. Frame and Wheel concentrates on making the right turn on to Spurwink Road, and does so successfully although Frame and Wheel must over ride a navigational instinct to stay on Route 77 south.

The roads are smoother, but the terrain is steeper and there are no more riders to be caught. Frame and Wheel pushes through a pair of tough rollers which are perhaps the decisive hills on the course. The legs are protesting and the section after the rollers is rough again and it is longer than expected. 

Frame and Wheel makes the sharp right turn onto Route 77 and has a moment of recovery on the big downhill that precedes the final roller into the town center. Frame and Wheel attacks the last roller and the finishing right turn comes into view. Frame and Wheel makes the right turn and follows with a short effort to the line. The race is over. Frame and Wheel completes this course with a time of 30:06 which is the fastest time of the day. Frame and Wheel is pleased with the result and returns to the parking lot to warm down and eat a sandwich. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a great event and congratulates all the riders on their willingness to travel and contest this race.

The Internet of Bikes: 2011 Lake Sunapee Bike Race

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The Lake Sunapee Bike Race is a road race held in Newbury, New Hampshire. The course is 23 miles long and it circumnavigates Lake Sunapee. The course features long gradual climbs on open roads, short steep climbs on narrow roads, some fast downhills and an uphill finish. Conditions were dry for most of the race with temperatures in the 60s and a moderate wind coming off the lake from the south. In previous years, the race has been characterized by very hot temperatures or very cold and wet conditions. One year it was cancelled due to snow. It is nevertheless a regular event for the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team. Frame and Wheel entered the Pro123 race. There were about 50 riders in this category racing about 70 miles or three laps around Lake Sunappee.

Frame and Wheel tracked the race with an Android smartphone and inserted some labels along the course in the hopes of giving the viewer a better sense of how the race went. Total duration is 196 minutes (This includes about 30 minutes of rolling around the parking lot or warming up. Frame and Wheel doesn't want to bother fiddling around with a smartphone at the start of the race and simply starts it early), total distance is 70 miles, average moving speed is 23 miles per hour, maximum speed is 49 miles per hour, maximum elevation is 1,258 feet, total elevation gain is 4,478 feet and maximum grade is 15.2%. The smartphone held up fine and obtained a GPS signal without too much trouble.

The field plunges off of Mount Sunapee Ski Area and onto open road where a break soon forms. A chase group forms too and for a while the race is in three groups. The break soon disappears from sight and the wheel van soon follows. The chase group remains in sight of the peleton and eventually is caught. Frame and Wheel hears an observer say that the break is two minutes up the road. 

The field pushes the pace on the longer hills, but the pace slows in between. The steep hills on the north side of the course stretch the field out in some places and perhaps a few riders are shed here, but no breaks form. It begins to rain and visibility goes down sharply, but the rain is not the frigid sort of previous years. Frame and Wheel expects that the third lap will be fast and takes the view that if the break is caught it will be on that lap towards the end, or not at all. Frame and Wheel settles in and lets the big boys do the work, which they do very well.

There are no breaks during the last two miles to the traffic circle as riders want to conserve some energy for the finishing climb. Frame and Wheel concentrates on getting to the front and staying there so that position will be good for the moment when all momentum and speed disappears at the bottom of the finishing climb. The lead riders get to the flat section before the final climb to the finish and the sprint begins. Frame and Wheel can get to clear road only by going into the gutter and passing and thoroughly surprising a slower rider from another category on the right. Frame and Wheels closes on the lead rider and passes him and pushes on for the line. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with being first in the field sprint at this race, a first in seven years of trying, but can tell by the silence of the spectators that they do not share the excitement Frame and Wheel is feeling: the break finished minutes before and they have already used up all the cheers that were available. Frame and Wheel finishes in seventh place and is pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a well run and challenging race and is grateful for the support and camaraderie of the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team, and congratulates them on their great performances at this race.

The Internet of Bikes: L.L. Bean Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #2)

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The L.L. Bean Time Trial is an 18 mile point to point time trial that is held in Freeport, Maine. It is the second race in the Maine Time Trial Series. The course features a long rolling section on U.S. Route One, a southbound section full of twists and turns through the woods of Freeport and some tough climbs towards the end of the course. It is the longest time trial in the series and the most cerebral. Conditions are wet and foggy with temperatures in the 50s. About 120 riders enter the race.

Frame and Wheel tracks the event with an Android smartphone and includes some labels to the map to give the viewer a better sense of the course. The topographic chart makes interesting viewing. Total moving time is 48 minutes (includes rolling around the parking lot), average moving speed is 24 miles per hour, maximum speed is 40 miles per hour, maximum elevation is 134 feet, total elevation gain is 744 feet and maximum grade is 10 percent.

Frame and Wheel successfully finds the worst place to cross the railroad tracks on Park Road. A short hard effort up the hill at the end of Park Road and Frame and Wheel is northbound on U.S. Route One. It is foggy and the lenses are collecting moisture, reducing visibility. Route One starts out fast, but a gradual climb eats up speed and the legs start to protest. A white car abruptly pulls out into the road some 50 meters in front of Frame and Wheel, but fortunately does not require an adjustment is speed or course.

Frame and Wheel pushes on through the false flat of Route One and the fog. The section goes on and on. There is finally some respite on the big downhill. The climb to the right hand turn grinds on. There are no cars in the intersection and Frame and Wheel is able to maintain speed through the S turn and carry it down the following mild descent. Frame and Wheel pushes big gears here.

Frame and Wheel eases through the wet right turn and attacks the following rise that leads past the old school house. The following section is fast all the way to the next right turn which is wet and very sharp. Frame and Wheel loses some speed here and tries hard to regain it on the following section, which is increasingly narrow and windy and characterized by very rough pavement. Each bump seems to throw off rhythm and drain speed. One year a cat leapt out of the woods and ran across the road. Frame and Wheel dimly expects the creature to return.

Frame and Wheel races down the sweeping left turn to the bridge, hanging on tightly as the pavement is rough this year, and ensuring that the line is straight as can be. The momentum carries through the following rise, but that is about it. Frame and Wheel attacks the next climb and is feeling the effort. The pavement is rough and the bike is taking a pounding. The next two climbs receive the same treatment, but recovery is difficult and the drool is beginning to flow. There is some traffic at the intersection at the bottom of the hill but the marshals hussle the cars through just in time. Frame and Wheel notes thankfully the writing on the road indicating two miles to go.

The final hill is rough and long and deceptively hard. Frame and Wheel makes one last effort here. The line is in sight and the orange cones beckon. Frame and Wheel races through with a time of 40:13, which is thirty seconds slower than race winner and time trial expert Dean Phillips (Fit Werxs). Frame and Wheel is nevertheless satisfied with the result and heads to the parking lot in search of something to eat. Frame and Wheel congratulates all the riders on their accomplishments at this race and thanks the organizers for putting on an event that is on its way to becoming a Spring classic.

The Internet of Bikes: Pen Bay / YMCA Time Trial (Maine Time Trial #1)

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The Pen Bay / YMCA time trial is a 16 mile out and back time trial held in Rockport, Maine. It is the first time trial in the Maine Time Trial Series. The course features a rolling out bound leg, a long tough hill to the turnaround and a rolling and windy return, punctuated by some tough hills. Temperatures were in the 50s and conditions were dry, but windy. There were 45 riders in the race. 

Frame and Wheel tracked the event with an Android smartphone and added some labels so that viewers can get a sense of the terrain and the drama. Frame and Wheel recommends a look at the elevation chart in the map, as it shows quite clearly the challenging nature of this course. Total moving time was 43 minutes (includes rolling around at the start area) and total distance was 15.8 miles. Average moving speed was 22 miles per hour and maximum speed was 40 miles per hour. Maximum elevation was 185 feet and total elevation gain was 700 feet. Maximum grade was 5%.

Frame and Wheel gets up to speed and concentrates on staying aerodynamic, hanging on to the bars tightly, keeping the RPMs reasonable and remembering which gear is being used. The first mild hill saps some momentum, but Frame and Wheel is able to catch riders here. The terrain becomes flat to mildly downhill and Frame and Wheel is able to push some big gears, but it is hard to sustain. The downhill by the Christmas Tree farm offers some time for recovery. The police do a great job of keeping the intersection clear of cars and Frame and Wheel negotiates this without having to slow down. The fast descent to the river has Frame and Wheel reaching 40 miles per hour. A cross wind grabs at the disc and the deep dish front wheel.

The climb up to the turnaround is hard, but it is a great place to make up time. Frame and Wheel gets to the turnaround and is squired through by attentive marshalls who are clearly aware that simple instructions can be hard for a time trial cyclist to understand. Frame and Wheel rounds the turnaround and on the way down the hill spots time trial expert Tim Mitchell (CCB) closing fast. Frame and Wheel recovers a bit and pushes hard on the hill that passes through the intersection, and the mild incline that follows. The wind is blowing and it is becoming harder to catch and pass riders.

Frame and Wheel prepares for the decisive hill of the race: this is a climb at mile 11 that is steeper and harder than it appears, perhaps because the openness of the road and lack of perspective tricks the rider into believing that momentum from the preceding descent can be carried right over it. It is easy to misjudge and lose time here. Frame and Wheel pushes hard up this hill and is feeling the effort and the drool is beginning to flow.

The remaining section is flat to perhaps mildly uphill and it seems to go on forever. Frame and Wheel tries to accelerate wherever the terrain allows, but there are few opportunities and it is not so easy to do. Frame and Wheel keeps hoping that Route 90 Lighting, the two mile landmark, will come into view, but it never seems to materialize, and when it does Frame and Wheel does not notice. Somewhere around Tolman Pond, Tim Mitchell passes Frame and Wheel at an impressively high rate of speed. Frame and Wheel tries to prevent the gap from getting too big, but is not able to do much. The Reduced Speed Ahead sign marks the last few hundred meters of the race and Frame and Wheel makes one last effort to the line, barely able to state the race number to the official at the finish.
Frame and Wheel finishes with a time of 33:45 good enough for second place overall, but well behind a very fast time of 32:09 by Tim Mitchell. Frame and Wheel is pleased with the effort and the promise of a few bagels, which are always on offer at the end of the race. Frame and Wheel congratulates all the racers on their willingness to compete in such a difficult race and thanks the organizers for putting on a great time trial.

The Internet of Bikes: 17th Annual Sterling Classic Road Race

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The Annual Sterling Classic Road Race is a road race held in Sterling, Massachusetts. The course is an 8 mile loop that features a short steep climb to the start/finish, a series of rolling hills and a long, relatively flat straight away section that leads back to the start/finish hill. The race this year featured dry conditions and temperatures in the 60s, a stark contrast to last year when the race was soaked by a torrential downpour and temperatures were in the 50s. The image at the top of this blog is from Sterling 2010, a race that ranks close to the 2011 Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race on the Learn to Suffer Index (LSI). Sterling is a regular event on the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team race calendar, and Frame and Wheel joined by team mates Aaron Buterbaugh, Steve Edwards, Joe Lynch and John Meerse in the 35 plus category. There were about seventy riders in this field racing 48 miles or six laps.

Frame and Wheel tracked the race with an Android smartphone and inserted some labels that try to help the viewer get a better sense of the race and the course. The total distance (including rollout and return to the school) is 51 miles and total moving time is 136 minutes. Average moving speed is 23 miles per hour and maximum speed is 43 miles per hour. Total elevation gain is 2,863 feet and maximum elevation is 655 feet. Maximum grade is 13.5 percent. The batteries on the smart phone held up fine.

The field hits the start/finish hill hard and the pace remains high right through the following climb, which is more gradual, but longer. No breaks form and it becomes clear to Frame and Wheel that the field is not going to let this happen, at least on the first lap. The field flies through the following rollers, with some attacks coming on the gradual climbs on the back side of the circuit. The field enters the wind swept straight away and the pace eases up. Frame and Wheel gets to the start/finish climb first and holds on to perhaps win the King of the Mountain or more accurately, King of the Hill (Frame and Wheel is not entirely sure that the KOM/KOH was on lap two and forgot to check at the end of the race).

No breaks form despite attacks from a number of strong riders on the second part of the climb. The field is single file, but nothing snaps. The field races through the rollers again, with some attacks coming on the fast downhill corners, and on the straight away, but again no breaks. 

On the straight away, Frame and Wheel's front wheel is clipped by a rider seeking protection from the wind. Frame and Wheel is simultaneously nudged by the rider to the right and then is off balance and tipping over to the left while the front wheel buzzes against the rear wheel of the rider to the front.  In a moment of weirdly calm clarity, Frame and Wheel sees the spot next to the yellow line where Frame and Wheel will land. Perhaps in that same moment, Frame and Wheel's front wheel slides off the rear wheel of the other rider, and the bike rights itself with such force that Frame and Wheel's left foot unclips. A chorus of nervous laughter and a comment about "no place to go" from behind suggests that Frame and Wheel would have had company in this "mishap". Frame and Wheel is through with trying to conserve energy by sitting in during this frequently twitchy section of the course and decides to ride at the front for the rest of the race.  

Bill Yarbroudy (Narragansett Bikes) savagely attacks the start/finish hill the next two times around and opens up a gap each time. Frame and Wheel hangs on and hopes that one of these efforts will stick. One of the attacks opens up a dangerous gap, but once again it is reeled in by a strong field on the following rollers. Frame and Wheel keeps the pace high on the gradual climbs on the back of the course and follows a few attacks on the straight away in the hopes that the field will let one of these attacks go just long enough for it to have a head start on the start/finish hill. This is clearly not happening today and Frame and Wheel dimly begins to think that the race is more like a criterium than a road race. The last lap witnesses a signature surging attack from Johnny Bold (Corner Cycle) that brings Matt Mitchell (545 Velo) and John Meerse (OA/Cyclemania) perhaps ten seconds out in front of the field on the straight away. Frame and Wheel is finished with this race and observes from a safe distance as the field inexorably closes on the three riders, absorbs them near the beginning of the start/hill and then shoots up the hill to the finish. Frame and Wheel creeps over the finish line as a statistic, but is pleased with the effort and the fact that Frame and Wheel is in one piece and not hypothermic as was the case in 2010. Frame and Wheel is grateful for the support and camaraderie of the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling team and congratulates them on their great efforts. Frame and Wheel is also grateful to be able to compete in a category that is characterized by such great competition.

Hitting the hill hard, but unable to get away.

The Internet of Bikes: 2011 Bennington Race Weekend Stage Race

The Bennington Race Weekend Stage Race is a new race located in Bennington, Vermont. The event features an 11 mile time trial and a criterium in downtown Bennington on the first day, and a road stage that goes through the mountains of southern Vermont on the second day. It is promoted as The Tour of Dragons which is a reference to the hills that the riders must climb. Frame and Wheel entered the Pro 1/2 race.  The temperatures were in mid fifties or low sixties, it was dry and it felt like Spring for most of the weekend. There were about 80 entrants in this category. Frame and Wheel tracked the stages using an Android smartphone and posts the maps with some more detailed labels about the various sections below.
The Android smartphone ran out of batteries during the road stage and thus it only recorded the first 60 miles of the 98 miles Frame and Wheel had to race. This highlights a weakness of The Internet of Things and in this case the Internet of Bikes: making public data relies on batteries and good GPS and wireless connections which are not always readily available. Frame and Wheel suspects that an application was inadvertently activated. Normally, the Android smartphone running the Google My Tracks application alone can last for five hours. Nevertheless, the device captures speed, distance and elevation changes very well. The topographic charts in the maps give the viewer a better sense of how steep the climbs are, although the exact numbers might be off a bit.

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Frame and Wheel sets out at 11:06:30 after a solid warm up. Frame and Wheel catches a 30 second man on the gradual climb. The sharp turns are handled successfully and more 30 second riders come into view and are caught. On Barber Pond Road, Frame and Wheel is caught and quickly passed by 30 second man, Brett Tivers (Louis Garneau). Frame and Wheel labors through the Barber Pond Road climb and enters the last three kilometers with the usual ropes of drool on the chin and the tunnel vision. A cautious driver is in the way, but passed in the final 500 meters. Frame and Wheel's official time is 25:14:59 which results in a 4th place position in the general classification. Frame and Wheel is surprised and very pleased with the result.

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The criterium begins at 5:30 pm. There are 80 riders ready to race 53 laps around the 1.1 km circuit. The race begins and in the time it takes to clip-in, there are dozens of riders pouring into the first turn. The group stretches out into a single tentacle that wraps perhaps one quarter around the course. It seems to remain this way until a crash breaks the long chain of riders into two groups, the second of which is soon lapped. This group includes Frame and Wheel who loses two minutes. Frame and Wheel recognizes that more practice is needed with this discipline.

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The race starts at 8 am on Sunday. It is cold, but the sun is gaining strength and the skies are clear. The pace is high at the start, but settles down after the sprint competition ends at mile eleven. The peleton hits Mount Rupert Road. This section is dirt, steep and it winds up along a ridge. The pace is high. The group is stretched out, but most of it comes back together on the descent. The next climb is perhaps just as steep, but it is paved. It is a climb that goes up into the sky and it is very steep and fast. The group breaks up again, but comes together on the following descent which is very fast. The group tracks to the southern part of the course and starts up Morse Hill Road, which is not nearly as traumatic as the first too hills. The climb up onto Route 11 is a tough one and the group comes apart again, but stragglers manage to catch on during the following descent. This becomes a feature of all the climbs: huge effort followed by recovery on the descent that gives the stragglers a chance to catch back on. At the last 5 kilometers, there are only thirty riders left in the main group. Frame and Wheel finishes with the group and in 14th place in the general classification and is very pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel is grateful for the generosity, dedication and camaraderie of the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team and congratulates them on their efforts and triumphs during this race. The Tour of the Dragons is a well organized race and a very challenging one, and Frame and Wheel hopes to compete in it again next year.