The Internet of Bikes: 2013 USA Cycling National Championships Masters Road Race Mount Bachelor, Oregon

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 USA Cycling National Championships Masters Road Race Mount Bachelor, Oregon

The USA Cycling National Championships Masters Road Race (45-49) is the last major road race of the 2013 season for Frame and Wheel. The event is held at the Mount Bachelor Ski Area which is near Bend, Oregon. The course is a 55 mile loop through Deschutes National Forest that features a long fast descent off of Mount Bachelor, long straight and flat sections, winding roads through lush forests and long sections of climbing at high mountain elevations. The start is at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Thus conditions are cloudy, wet and windy. Temperatures are in the low fifties (These conditions are an improvement on the wild and dangerous weather conditions of the previous day that produced hail and 60 mile an hour winds and resulted in the postponement of the event). Frame and Wheel is dressed for a spring classic in New England: a base layer, a jersey, a wind vest, arm warmers, gloves and a hat. Frame and Wheel joins a field of fifty riders at the start. Frame and Wheel is riding the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 and running Zipp 202 wheels with Vittoria EVO 23 tubulars. The bike is light, clean and running smoothly and the Champagne finish provides some cheerful brightness to the wet and gray.

The field sets off at 11:00 am and immediately arrives at the four mile descent off of Mount Bachelor. The road is wet, but wide and in very good condition. Frame and Wheel is at the front and moving at 55 miles per hour. The field arrives at the turn onto National Forest Road 45 and more descending follows, but the grades are not as steep.  The field now has the whole road. The attacks begin from the left and the right side of the road. Frame and Wheel maintains position near the front. The sight lines on some of the sections here are very long and straight. All of the attacks are covered. The field makes the right turn onto National Forest Drive 40, which is the back section of the course. The road narrows and winds and the road surface becomes rough. More attacks come and some riders stay away for a few moments before the field closes in. 

The field breaks up on the first climb of the race. This is a gradual climb that winds on for three miles.  Paul Bourcier (Veloce Racing p/b Smith & Nephew – Eugene, Oregon) accelerates. Frame and Wheel covers the move and soon the two have a gap. Paul Thomas (White Mountain Road Club – Tuscon, Arizona) bridges up and states “This is it!” which suggests that the gap is holding and that the field is not chasing hard. Frame and Wheel lifts the pace and uses the left side of the road to try and stay out of sight. Thomas and Bourcier are keeping up and ready to take turns at the front. The break summits and keeps up the momentum on the following descent. There is a long straight and flat straight away following the descent. The break is visible and the gap is only twenty seconds. Frame and Wheel concentrates on keeping the pace high through this section. Thomas and Bourcier are working hard and pulling through. 

The break arrives at the turn onto the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which marks the beginning of the twenty mile climb back to Mount Bachelor Ski Area. There is a tailwind that helps move the break along. The gap increases to 30 seconds and the break is no longer visible to the field. Frame and Wheel, Thomas and Bourcier continue to work together to stay away. Bourcier has team mates in the field and the hope is that they are doing everything they can to prevent the field from bridging up to the break. The gap increases to 40 seconds. Soon after, the gap increases and holds at one minute. Frame and Wheel dimly recognizes dozens of Model T automobiles that have been halted by the marshals. These cars are lined up on the shoulder of the left lane. The occupants regard the break with muted curiosity.  Frame and Wheel, Thomas and Bourcier are keeping a steady pace. The climb by Deschutes Pond is long and it rises more sharply than previous climbs. Frame and Wheel feels the effort. The temperatures are beginning to cool again as the break heads towards higher elevations. The gap is now one minute forty seconds. It is certain that the break will arrive at the finish together. 

The break clears the final and steepest climb near Elk Lake. Frame and Wheel is at the front and accelerates up the short rise before the turn into the final one kilometer. Thomas and Bourcier are waiting. Thomas unleashes a sprint at 500 meters. Frame and Wheel slowly closes the gap at 200 meters and is in second position with Bourcier in third position. The three round the final bend and the line is in sight. Frame and Wheel breaks to the left of Thomas and sprints for the line. Bourcier breaks to the right. The gantry is less than 100 meters away, but it seems so far away. Frame and Wheel is producing maximum effort but it is not enough to hold off Bourcier who slowly but steadily moves up to clear the line first. The race is over. Frame and Wheel finishes in second place with a time of 2:10:50. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result. It is the second trip to the podium in as many days. It also represents the realization of a sentimental vision to compete at a national level on an Austro-Daimler Superleicht,  the same bike Frame and Wheel raced as a sixteen year old youth, and the muse for Frame and Wheel s bicycle company. Frame and Wheel congratulates all the riders on their results and thanks the organizers for putting on a great event and making all of us feel like professionals. The Road to Bend has been exciting, challenging and a great deal of fun, and it represents a deeply satisfying conclusion to what has been for Frame and Wheel a great season of bicycle racing. 

Thomas, Bourcier, Frame and Wheel

The descent off of Mount Bachelor

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 USA Cycling National Championships Masters Time Trial Prineville, Oregon

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 USA Cycling National Championships Masters Time Trial Prineville, Oregon

The USA Cycling National Championships Masters Time Trial (45-49) is the last time trial of the season for Frame and Wheel. This year the race is held in Prineville, Oregon. The course is an 18.5 mile out and back route that features flat terrain (350 feet of elevation gain) long sight lines, some gradual climbs and beautiful western scenery. Frame and Wheel brings the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne to Oregon for the event. The bike survives the journey and meets USA Cycling regulations after a few adjustments to the aero bar extensions. Frame and Wheel is without a trainer and must warm up on the road. This represents a new feature to the pre race routine, but it goes smoothly. Conditions are calm, clear and dry and favorable for a time trial. Temperatures are in the 70s. Frame and Wheel arrives at the starting area with time to spare. The officials check the bike measurements again. The bike weight is checked too (18 pounds 6 ounces or 8.6 kg). This causes a brief moment of panic. Frame and Wheel has not checked to make sure the bike meets the 7.5 kg weight limit (16 pounds 8 ounces). Frame and Wheel enters the busy staging area. Names and numbers are being read in random order; riders and their bikes are being organized. It is hard to hear over the music and the announcer. Frame and Wheel is moved into the the line by the official and then called to the start house. Frame and Wheel is in the gate and being held by the official. There are two ghost riders in front of Frame and Wheel so the wait is long. Frame and Wheel sets off at 9:57:00. 

Frame and Wheel has not used a starting ramp in a long time and thus nearly rides off the edge of the ramp due to poor gear selection. Luck and skill reserves are deployed to avert disaster. Frame and Wheel gets up to speed and begins the internal monologue. Frame and Wheel clears the first hill and enters a decisive two mile straightaway with good speed. Frame and Wheel concentrates on pushing the 55 x 11 through this section. It is hard work, but speed is maintained at or above thirty miles per hour. Frame and Wheel is alone and there are no riders in sight. Frame and Wheel concentrates on maintaing speed on the rolling sections that follow. Frame and Wheel loses some time in advance of the turn around. The landmarks do not look familiar and thus there are a few moments of hesitation. Frame and Wheel uses every inch of road to navigate the turnaround cone and almost goes off the edge of the road. Luck and skill reserves deployed again. 

Frame and Wheel is inbound. Riders are now visible. Frame and Wheel catches a rider and another is in view. Frame and Wheel is maintaining good speed and closing fast on a clutch of more riders. Frame and Wheel dimly realizes that the right extension bar is slipping. This is affecting the precision of the shifting. Frame and Wheel is approaching the final hill. This hill is steep, but it is short. Frame and Wheel is out of the saddle on this hill and pushing hard. Drool is present and the legs are feeling the effort. Frame and Wheel passes one more rider here and rides hard through the final mile for the line which is visible in the distance. Frame and Wheel is out of the saddle again and producing a maximum effort. The race is over. Frame and Wheel posts a time is 38:07. This time is faster than reigning champion Rob Garwood (38:22.2) of Harrisburg, Virginia (Final Kick Racing p/b Fortress) and Paul Thomas (38:37.6) of Tuscon, Arizona (White Mountain Road Club) and fast enough to win the day. 

Frame and Wheel spends a few minutes waiting for the announcer to confirm the results and is unaware that results will only be confirmed after Frame and Wheel reports to doping control. Frame and Wheel figures this out and begins the surreal process of being tested by US AntiDoping Agency (USADA) for performance enhancing drugs (a topic for a separate blog post). Frame and Wheel is very pleased and a bit surprised with the result and amused with the notion that this victory has been achieved on an Austro-Daimler (the same bike Frame and Wheel raced as a sixteen year old). Frame and Wheel is released from the doping control tent after an hour of rehydration efforts and testing administration. The parking lot is empty. Everyone has gone home. Hank and Beth Pfeifle are waiting patiently. We load the truck and make the drive back to Bend. Frame and Wheel is now feeling the effort. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful drive. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a well run time trial and congratulates all the riders in the category on their times and dedication to the time trial discipline.

Inbound

Start gate

Roemer, Harwood, Thomas, Thomas, Muzzio

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Team Velo Grande / Wholesome Fitness and Nutrition Maine Time Trial Championship (Race 9 of the Maine Time Trial Series)

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Team Velo Grande / Wholesome Fitness and Nutrition Maine Time Trial Championship (Race 9 of the Maine Time Trial Series)

Team Velo Grande / Wholesome Fitness and Nutrition Maine Time Trial Championship is race number nine of the Maine Time Trial Series. The race is held in Topsham, Maine. The course is a 20 mile out an back course that features long straight sections, rolling terrain and 800 feet of elevation gain. It is the final race of the Maine Time Trial Series and the Maine Time Trial Championship. It is also Frame and Wheel’s last time trial before the USA Cycling National Championships in Bend, Oregon.  Frame and Wheel is riding the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne. The bike is running very well. Conditions are calm and dry and temperatures are in the seventies. About 40 riders start the race. Frame and Wheel sets off at 9:15:00 and gets up to speed. The first climb occurs at mile two, but it is short and seems to go by very quickly. Frame and Wheel has riders in view and concentrates on closing the gaps. The road rolls on through the shadows and the sun. Frame and Wheel is able to push a big gear in many sections and maintains thirty miles per hour or more. The climbing starts again at mile six. Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort. A long descent to the turnaround provides some needed recovery. Frame and Wheel is inbound and painfully aware that there is still ten miles to go. Frame and Wheel concentrates on reading the terrain of the road, knowing gear selection and maintaining an aerodynamic position. The final two miles seem to go on forever. Drool is present. Finally, the line is in view. Frame and Wheel is out of the saddle and pushing hard to gain additional speed. The finish is fast. Frame and Wheel clears the line with a time of 42:39.5. This is fast enough to win the day, the Maine Time Trial Series and the Maine State Time trial Championship. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and with the stuffed animals and the chocolate lobsters. It is a best effort and hopefully good enough to be competitive at a national level. Frame and Wheel congratulates all the riders at the event on their times and their commitment to the series and the discipline, and thanks the organizers for arranging and promoting a very fine event.

Fred Thomas with Austro Daimler tt Carbon and Mooses

Mark Carron, Fred Thomas, Doug Chaisson

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Team Velo Grande / Jerrys Bike Barn North Berwick Time Trial (Race 8 of the Maine Time Trial Series)

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Team Velo Grande / Jerrys Bike Barn North Berwick Time Trial (Race 8 of the Maine Time Trial Series)

The Team Velo Grande / Jerrys Bike barn Time Trial is race 8 of the Maine Time Trial Series. The race is held in North Berwick, Maine. The course is an 11 mile loop that features winding country roads, fast descents and some tough climbing (700 feet of elevation gain). Frame and Wheel is riding the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne. The bike is running very well and getting plenty of use. Conditions are dry and calm. Temperatures are in the seventies. There are 25 riders in this event. Frame and Wheel is the last to start. The first five miles of this course is all uphill and most of it almost imperceptible. Frame and Wheel feels the effort but concentrates on pushing through to the third turn where the terrain flattens and the descent begins. The descent is very fast and the road is narrow. There is a corner where sight lines are blind and another corner that is fast. The corners are well marshaled, but Frame and Wheel is conservative and giving up some time. The final section of the descent is steep and fast and ends with a sharp right turn onto Route 4. Frame and Wheel eases through this section taking the view that it is better to give up time here than to over shoot the turn and end up out of the race. Frame and Wheel pushes hard through the final flat section to the line. The race is over. Frame and Wheel  finishes with a time of 25:24.7 which is 54 seconds behind World Champion Masters Time Trial Champion and New England Time Trial Champion Tim Mitchell, (CCB Racing) but faster than Frame and Wheels time the previous year. Frame and Wheel is pleased with the result in light of last years time and the previous days effort at the New England Time Trial Championship, and views the weekend of time trial competition as great preparation for the USA Cycling Nationals in Bend, Oregon. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizer for putting on a challenging and well run time trial and congratulates all the riders on their times and for turning out for the event.

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 New England Time Trial Championships Wood River Junction, Rhode Island

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 New England Time Trial Championships Wood River Junction, Rhode Island

 The New England Time Trial Championship is a late summer time trial held in Wood River Junction, Rhode Island. The course is a 13 mile loop that features rolling terrain, narrow roads, some tough climbing (550 feet of elevation gain) and great competition. This is the first time Frame and Wheel has competed in this event. Conditions are dry and calm. Temperatures are in the 80s. More than 100 riders are starting this event. Frame and Wheel is riding the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne. The bike is running very well. Frame and Wheel sets off and gets up to speed. The first section is flat and fast. Frame and Wheel is able to push a big gear. The first turn is not as sharp as an anticipated. Frame and Wheel loses some time here. The climbing begins soon after. Frame and Wheel catches some riders here. The following descent is gradual but fast. Frame and Wheel is able to push a big gear and gains some time. Frame and Wheel negotiates the next turn smoothly and at good speed because it is clear of cars. More climbing follows. The road narrows and winds and sight lines shorten. Frame and Wheel concentrates on keeping speed up over the short and sharp climbs. The final mile is fast and Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort. Frame and Wheel can see a group of riders up the road and pushes hard to catch them before the finish. Frame and Wheel almost succeeds, but has gained some time nevertheless. The race is over. Frame and Wheel completes the course with a time of 27:17.2 which is fast enough to win the 45 to 49 category and secure second place overall (56 seconds behind World Champion Masters Time Trial Champion Tim Mitchell / CCB Racing). It is a fine day for Maine riders: Hank Pfeifle wins the 60 to 64 category (29:51), Dave Znamierowski (29:15) and Ed Sebok (29:58) finish first and second, respectively, in the 50 to 54 category, Mark Caron (29:31) finishes third in the 45 to 49 category and Anna Caron wins the the Junior Women 13 to 14 category (13:13) and the Junior Women 15 to 16 category (44:57). Frame and Wheel congratulates all the riders on their results and thanks the organizers for arranging a fine and well run time trial.

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Tour of the Catskills Stage Race

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Tour of the Catskills Stage Race

The Tour of the Catskills is a three day stage race held in Windham and Hunter, New York. It is billed as Americas Toughest Pro/Am Stage Race and it is part of the Great American Cycling Series. The Pro 1/2 race features a 12 mile out and back time trial, an 88 mile road stage that features the steep Airport Road and a 93 mile queen stage that features the famous Devils Kitchen climb. The event features 17,000 feet of climbing, wildly fast descents, strong competition and beautiful scenery. There are about 80 starters. Frame and Wheel is the only OA / Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team in this category. Frame and Wheel is riding the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne in the time trial and the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 for the road stages. Both bikes are running very well.

Conditions for the time trial are dry and calm. Temperatures are in the seventies. Frame and Wheel starts at 2:30 pm and gets up to speed. Frame and Wheel is familiar with this course and knows that it is possible to push a big gear on the outbound section of the course. It is mostly downhill and there is a light tailwind. Frame and Wheel catches a few riders and concentrates on maintaining speed. The turnaround is new this year and runs through a small park. Frame and Wheel negotiates the section safely and does not lose too much time. Frame and Wheel is inbound and concentrates on maintaing speed on the gradual uphill sections and gaining speed on the flat section in between. This is hard work and Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort. Frame and Wheel negotiates the last turns to the finish carefully. This section sucks up momentum and speed. Frame and Wheel is over geared in last 500 meters to the finish and loses more time. The race is over. Frame and Wheel finishes with a time of 24:56 which is fast enough for third place and one second out of second place. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and amused that the cumulative age of the first place (Jordan Cheyne - Russ Hays p/b Accent Inns) and second place Jimmy Schurman (Champion System p/b Stans NoTubes) riders is less than Frame and Wheels age. It is a great start and Frame and Wheel hopes to minimize losses over the next two days.

Conditions for the Windham Mountain stage are dry and calm. Temperatures are in the seventies again. Frame and Wheel has moved up into second place in the general classification overnight. Jimmy Schurman is penalized thirty seconds for riding to the right of the white line for more than fifteen seconds during the time trial. This rule is easily overlooked. Frame and Wheel could have easily incurred this penalty and is lucky to have ridden in the correct section of road while under the observation of the officials. The field sets off from the Windham Mountain Ski Resort at 11 am. The pace is fast. Frame and Wheel is trying to stay near the front. It is hard work. On the rise just before the long descent to the valley floor, a two man break including Erik Levinsohn (Bike Reg.com) forms. The field hesitates. Frame and Wheel hesitates too despite having witnessed Mr. Levinsohn’s climbing abilities at the Tour of the Dragons and Tour of the Hilltowns. The rationale is there is a long fast descent coming up and another 80 miles of climbing to go after that. Additionally, Mr. Levinsohn is down two minutes in the general classification. Frame and Wheels stops thinking about strategy and focusses on the upcoming descent. The field sweeps down the road approaching speeds of 50 miles per hour. The break is in sight on the following rolling sections, but soon the field slows and the break is gone. Frame and Wheel settles in and concentrates on riding a steady race. 

The field arrives at the Durham climb. This section is about two miles long with about 1,500 feet of climbing. Air temperatures are cool. Frame and Wheel is working hard, but feeling fine. The compact gearing is an essential choice for this race. The field does not thin out much. The race continues back into the town of Windham and heads back towards the descent to the valley floor. Frame and Wheel tries to stay well fed and out of the wind. At mile 55, the field again arrives at the town of Durham and the climb that follows. This time the field shrinks. The race leader is dropped. Frame and Wheel reaches the summit with a much smaller group. The pace picks up on the rolling sections that follow. There is an attack on a short climb. The field shrinks again to about fifteen riders. Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort. This group plunges down the descent into Prattsville and heads for the Airport Road climb. Three riders get away on the flats before the climb and are soon out of sight. Frame and Wheel is low on food and in no condition to use remaining energy on a futile chase. 

The Airport Road climb is very steep. The pace slows and riders are grinding up the climb. Frame and Wheel is in the lowest gear. Frame and Wheel feels muscles and tendons in the legs that have not been felt before. A few riders zig-zag across the road. Frame and Wheel is in the molasses zone. The group reaches the less steep sections and comes back together. The pace picks up again. The three other riders are out of sight. Frame and Wheel recovers on the fast and sketchy descents that follow. The groups passes through Jewett and pushes on for the finish at the Windham Mountain Ski Resort. Frame and Wheel is feeling better, but does not have much for the uphill sprint. The dash for the line is another slow motion experience. Frame and Wheel finishes in 13th place (3:53:03) and is very pleased with the result. Erik Levinsohn and the three man break have made up a lot of time and thus Frame and Wheel has slipped to 3rd place in the general classification. Frame and Wheel is tired, but not exhausted and thus this result is wildly well ahead of expectations. Frame and Wheel waits a grueling two hours for two of the race finishers to clear doping control in order to participate in the podium ceremony. Frame and Wheel heads back to Germantown for some real food and rest.

Conditions for the Hunter Mountain Queen Stage are variable. Temperatures are in the seventies, but there is rain in the forecast. Frame and Wheel is recovered and ready. The race starts at 11 am. The field leaves Hunter Mountain Ski Resort and immediately starts a tough climb that leads towards the townof Windham. A break including riders from Champion Systems forms here. Bike Reg.com riders are forced to chase. Somewhere between the town of Hensonville and Windham the break extends its lead. The field begins the climb out of Windham. It is not long, but the grades are steeper. It is hard work as Bike Reg.com riders are trying to close the gap on the break. The air temperature is cool as elevations are approaching 2,200 feet. The descent into the town of Durham is very fast. The road is narrow, but the sight lines are good. The field descends at speed over 50 miles an hour. Frame and Wheel hopes that none of the residents choose to exit their drive ways with horse trailers or combines. The field safely makes the right hand turn at the bottom of the descent. The air is filled with the scent of burning carbon. The pace remains high as the field pushes on through rolling terrain to the three mile climb back up to the town of Windham. Some riders from the break trickle back to the filed. Frame and Wheel is thinking too much and fumbling for the right gear and drops a chain as a result. Frame and Wheel is immediately out the back, but is able to get the chain back on the chain ring with out stopping. 

The field passes through the town of Windham again and begins the climb. This time there are clouds and it is beginning to rain. The smaller field reaches the summit and is informed that the break has a three minute lead. The downpour begins just as the field begins the fast descent into Durham for the second time. Visibility drops to zero. Brakes are useless. The field is strung out.  Frame and Wheel takes the view that it is better to risk losing some time here than to end up on the pavement or in a resident’s front yard. The descent continues. It is cold. One rider flats and is remarkably able to stop safely. Frame and Wheel makes the turn at the bottom of the descent and works hard to close a big gap that has formed. The field does not slow; the break passed through the descent in dry conditions and has likely extended its lead. Bike Reg.com is keeping the pace high; the field charges through the remaining flats that lead up to the Devil’s Kitchen climb. It is hard work. Frame and Wheel sits in and tries to conserve. The sun has returned and temperatures are warmer.

The field arrives at the Devil’s Kitchen climb and shatters. Frame and Wheel concentrates on riding a steady pace on this very steep climb. It is very hard work. Frame and Wheel is able to pass riders who are struggling, but many riders are up the road and out of sight. Frame and Wheel pushes through the steepest section and concentrates on avoiding “blowing up”. Frame and Wheel is again in the molasses zone. The grade eases, but the climb continues; it is very humid. There is a group of riders in view and Frame and Wheel is able to close the gap. Frame and Wheel and this group pass through the summit and begin the final miles to the finish. Frame and Wheel has recovered and is able to keep a steady pace through the rolling sections that follow. Frame and Wheel produces a tepid sprint for the finish. The race is over. Frame and Wheel finishes the stage in 32 place (4:04:47) and is simply pleased to have finished this stage. Frame and Wheel has lost more time and slipped to 9th in the general classification. Frame and Wheel is nevertheless very pleased with the result: in the three years of racing at this event in the Masters 40 plus category, Frame and Wheel never imagined racing in the Pro / 1 / 2 category and only wondered how anyone could race such distances over such terrain. Frame and Wheel never thought a top ten finish in the Pro 1 / 2 category would be possible. Upon reflection it is clear that Frame and Wheel rode the race rather than raced it; this is a function of not having any team mates and lingering intimidation caused by the terrain and the much younger competition. Nevertheless, the result is a significant confidence boost for the nationals event in September and future competitions. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a great event and congratulates all the riders on their results. Frame and Wheel packs up the car and heads for home.

TT podium: Schurman, Cheyne and Thomas

Here there be Catskills

Champagne visibility

The view from Germantown

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Western Maine Androscoggin time trial (Race 6 of the Maine Time Trial Series)

The Western Maine Androscoggin time trial is race number six of the Maine Time Trial Series. The race is held in Bethel, Maine. The course is a 19.5 mile out and back route that runs along the Androscoggin River. It features open road and long sight lines on Route 2, rolling terrain and beautiful scenery. Frame and Wheel is racing the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne. The bike is built up with Shimano 7900 group set  (55T/42 chain ring) Zipp 808/Disc 900 wheels, Stages Power meter and 3T Brezza II bars. The bike is running very well. Temperatures are in the mid 60s at the start. Conditions are dry and calm. About 40 riders start the race. Frame and Wheel sets off and gets up to speed. The road is smooth and open and for while there are no riders in sight. Frame and Wheel arrives on the long flat straight away and sustains a big gear through it. This is hard work, but it helps Frame and Wheel get to and pass the one minute man. Other riders are now in view and Frame and Wheel concentrates on catching and passing them too.  This provides much needed distraction from the open and long sight lines of the course. Frame and Wheel crosses the Androscoggin River and is now inbound. The road is rough, there are shadows on the road and there are hills. Frame and Wheel loses momentum on the first big roller. The downhill sections are rough and Frame and Wheel must concentrate on finding the best line. The final few kilometers are flat and Frame and Wheel is able to maintain great momentum. The finish is fast. The race is over. Frame and Wheel completes the course in 40:37 which is fast enough to win. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a new, challenging and well-run race and looks forward to returning to the area for more great cycling. 

The view from outside Bethel, Maine

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Tour of the Hilltowns

The Tour of the Hilltowns is a classic mid-summer road race held in Windsor, Massachusetts. The race features hot weather, 7,000 feet of climbing, fast descents, rural scenery and the famous climb up East Hawley Hill Road. The Pro 1/2 race includes an extra loop along Route 116 and Route 9 and is 97 miles long. Conditions at the start are dry and calm. Temperatures at the start are in the mid 80s. Frame and Wheel joins about 60 riders. Frame and Wheel is running Zipp 303 Firecrest Stallion build tubulars with Vittoria EVO Corsa 24 mm tires on the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 Champagne and is very pleased with the combination.

The field is neutral for the first seven miles. Racing begins on Route 116 and is characterized by a series of attacks that are promptly reeled in. A break finally forms and includes about 15 riders. It is out of sight, but not more than one minute and a half up the road. The field begins to sit up until a Jelly Belly riders inspires some energy with colorful language; it has the desired effect. On Route 9 the break is in view. Frame and Wheel follows a few riders who are pushing the pace on the three mile climb to the start finish. Frame and Wheel is soon alone in the purgatory that is the space between the break and the field. Frame and Wheel is unable to reach the the break and is joined by the field soon after the turn onto Route 8A. The field is much smaller now and a more organized and faster chase group. Frame and Wheel recovers on the descent on West Hawley Road which is fast and characterized by technical turns and some rough road. The field is small so this section is not as stressful as it can be when the group is big. 

East Hawley Hill Road marks the beginning of the climbing. Frame and Wheel is able to get to the front and bridge over to a rider who has created a gap on the field.  Frame and Wheel holds this wheel up the switch back and the gradual climb that follows. At the end of the climb, the field consists of seven riders. This group works together on catching the break for the next 30 miles. This is hard work. The rotations are fast and recovery time is limited. Frame and Wheel feels the effort and is convinced that this is the hardest part of the race. What is left of the break is in view for a moment when the chase group arrives at the base of the three mile climb on Route 9. Frame and Wheel is at the front and keeps the pace high after other riders decline to pull through. At one kilometer to go, Ben Wolf (Jelly Belly) attacks followed by Ryan Serbel (Aetna Cycling Team). Frame and Wheel is able to catch on to the acceleration, but that is it. The pace is fast all the way to the line. The race is over. Frame and Wheel finishes in 9th place (2011: 19th) and is very pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a classic and well run event.

Here there be towns in the hills

smooth stiff ride

The Internet of Bikes: Cyclemania / Portland Velo Club Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #4)

The Cyclemania Portland Velo Club Time Trial is race number four of the Maine Time Trial Series. The race is held in Cap Elizabeth, Maine. The course is a 13 mile short loop within a long loop that features long straight flat sections, long grinding climbs, short steep climbs and some winding roads. Frame and Wheel is racing the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne. The bike is built up with Shimano 7900 group set  (55T/42 chain ring) Zipp 808/Disc 900 wheels, Stages Power meter and 3T Brezza II bars.  The bike is running very well. Temperatures are in the high 60s. Conditions are dry and calm and clear. About 65 riders start the race. Frame and Wheel mentally reviews navigation once again: take the first right the first time around. Take the second right the second time around. When concentrating on making a sustained maximum effort, it is easy to get confused about theses turns. Frame and Wheel sets off at 8 am and gets up to speed. There is a light headwind. Frame and Wheel’s 30 second man is far up the road, but in sight because the road is straight for a mile. Frame and Wheel makes the correct turn and dives into the winding section that is characterized by rough roads and a false flat. Traffic is light. Frame and Wheel keeps up the momentum. Frame and Wheel catches the first 30 second man on the following straight away and is moving well. Frame and Wheel catches the next 30 second man soon after. The gradual climbs are becoming very hard. Frame and Wheel correctly makes the next right and pushes on towards the two short but steeper climbs. Frame and Wheel keeps a steady pace but is feeling the effort. There are about three miles to go. Frame and Wheel recovers on the final descent and is ready for the final push up the last gradual climb before the finish. This climb lasts for ever and sucks up speed. The turn to the finish is in sight. Frame and Wheel crosses the line with a time of 28:37 (2012: 29:19) which is the fastest time of the day and a new course record. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel congratulates all the riders on their results and thanks the organizer for arranging a well run and challenging event.

Turning right

To the finish

Maybe its the hair

The Internet of Bikes: 2013 Tour of the Dragons stage race

The Tour of the Dragons is a two day stage race held in Bennington, Vermont. It is billed as the “Most Challenging Racing in New England”. The Pro 1/2 race features a 10.7 mile morning individual time trial and a 64 mile afternoon circuit race on the first day, and a 125 mile road race on the second day. The time trial features 1,000 feet of climbing, technical turns and a very fast descent. The circuit race features 4,000 feet of climbing and 25 miles of dirt roads. The road race features 9,500 feet of climbing, numerous dirt road sections and fast descents. Frame and Wheel is the only rider from O/A Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team at this race, but is lucky to have the great company of the Fit Werx 2 Racing Team (Dean Philips, Derck Treadwell and Kieth Kelly) on and off the bike. Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 on the road and the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon for the time trial.

Frame and Wheel starts at 11 am and is the second rider out of the gate. Conditions are dry and calm and temperatures are in the 60s. Frame and Wheel sets off and gets up to speed. The first climb begins and the thirty second man and the lead moto is in sight. Frame and Wheel catches the thirty second man by the barn and heads down the back of the climb to the the sharp right turn. The turn is negotiated smoothly and a section of flats follow. Frame and Wheel keeps up the momentum and gains some time. Frame and Wheel treats the next sharp left turn cautiously and loses some speed on the short sharp climbs that follow. Frame and Wheel eases through the final sharp turn on the course (a left hand hair pin) and begins the very fast descent. Frame and Wheel quickly hits 45 miles an hour and is bearing down on the moto. Fortunately, the moto stays away and no traffic emerges from the side roads or numerous driveways. Frame and Wheel arrives at the base of the final climb (by the pasture) with plenty of momentum. Frame and Wheel stays in the big ring and makes an out of the saddle effort that maintains the momentum The final two miles are a gradual descent over some some rough road. Frame and Wheel pushes through to the finish with a time of 24:33:43 which is fast enough for 5th place. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result, but is very aware that maintaing this position through the circuit race and the road race is going to be very difficult. Frame and Wheel heads back to the hotel for some lunch and a nap

The circuit race begins at 3:30 pm. Conditions are calm and dry. Temperatures are in the upper 60s. Frame and Wheel learns from the previous waves that the course has been altered and now includes 7 miles of dirt for each 16 mile circuit. Thus, the dirt road sections become the primary feature of the circuit race. The dirt roads are very dusty and rough and the dirt is sandy and deep in some sections. The KOM is also on a dirt road. There is an attack right from the start. The field chases and soon arrives at full gallop on the dirt section. It is rough riding. There is a lot of dust. One one steeper section, the deep sand requires some riders to hop off their bikes and run. The field begins to breaks up just after the KOM, but it regroups on the following down hill. The second time around, the pace is slower as the break has formed. Nevertheless, the riding is rough and the field is being stressed. There are numerous flats. The field is shrinking. The third time around there is a horse back rider at the base of the KOM climb. The field stops perhaps remembering the startled horse at the Tour of the Catskills in 2010. The horse is startled but the rider is in control and the field is able to push on. The pace surges again and the field gets smaller. Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort and is resolved to stay with the group and conserve energy as best as possible. It is hard to do. The last lap through the pace is high. Frame and Wheel is keeping up but is more rattled than tired. A rear spoke on the Zipp 202 is broken. There are potholes on the descent. Riders are fish tailing on the dirt road. Frame and Wheel wants to get to the finish. This happens soon enough. Frame and Wheel finishes in 23rd place and has lost seven minutes to the winner. Frame and Wheel has slipped to 11th place in the general classification, but is relieved to have completed the race and pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel heads directly back to the hotel for some real food and much needed rest.

Glad to have the Paves

The road race begins at 9 am. Conditions are dry and calm. Temperatures are in the 60s. Frame and Wheel has switched out the Zipp 202s for Zipp 303s running Corsa Evos. This turns out to be a smart move. The trauma of the circuit race has weakened the tires and wheels on many bikes and thus there are many riders suffering flats and mechanicals in the first few miles. The field arrives at the first climb. The brisk pace cuts the field in half, but it regroups soon after. The following dirt section results in many more flat tires and mechanicals. The field shrinks again. The climbs continue. The roads are rough. It difficult to know where the race is on the course. It is getting warmer. The hydration and nutrition is going fast. Frame and Wheel glances at the clock and sees that only two hours of racing has gone by. There are still three hours to go. The KOM climb, the dirt road climb and the other climbs are all very hard, but Frame and Wheel is able to stay in contact. This becomes the character of the race: grim attrition, punctuated by very fast descents and a particularly tough and windy grind across a valley floor. At about the four hour mark, and on the last time up the grinding dirt road climb, the field of about a dozen riders breaks up. The break is in sight at the KOM hill, but Frame and Wheel is in no condition to try to bridge across on the toughest climb of the race. Frame and Wheel joins Tim Mitchell and one other rider for the last 25 miles. Frame and Wheel struggles to keep up on the descents and is out of water and nutrition. There is the occasional twinge of cramps. Frame and Wheel is pleased and amazed to have endured this long and simply wants the race to end. This happens finally. After some five hours of racing, Frame and Wheel finishes in 9th position and maintains 11th position in the general classification. Frame and Wheel is one of 16 riders out of 86 starters to complete the race. It is among the toughest races Frame and Wheel has ever contested. It takes most of a week to recover from the effort. Nevertheless, it is a highpoint of the season and the career: Frame and Wheel has made a dent in the scaly skin of the Tour of the Dragons.

Heading into the corner

Too tired to put the bike on the roof

Here there be Dragons

The Internet of Bikes: Tour of the Battenkill 2013

The Tour of the Battenkill, also known as “America’s Queen of the Classics”, is a road race held in Cambridge, New York. The race features 4,500 or more feet of climbing, dirt road sections, rural scenery and Paris-Roubaix spirit. Around 2,500 amateur and professional cyclists from all over the country turn out for this event. The race is the first major road race on the OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team and a wonderful spectacle and celebration of local community and competitive cycling. Frame and Wheel and Hank Pfiefle (2012 USA Cycling Road National Champion 60 Plus) make the five hour journey through the slush covered roads of New Hampshire on Friday, which leaves time for registration and a quick preview of the course finish.  Frame and Wheel is racing on Saturday in the 45 Plus Masters category along with Ron Bourgoin and Mike Claus. This is the fifth time in five years Frame and Wheel has entered this race and the first race for the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 Champagne.

The weather has improved significantly on race day. It is dry and temperatures at the start are in the mid forties. It is overcast with some wind. There are eighty-six starters. The race begins at 11:20 am. Robert Lyons (Finkraft Cycling Team) and another rider head up the road after about five miles. They are soon out of sight. The field sees the silos and the rush for the bridge begins. Frame and Wheel is swarmed and crosses the bridge in the belly of the peleton. The field continues its charge over the first dirt section. Frame and Wheel gets to the front of the field and attacks on the steep section of Perry Hill road. A gap forms. Frame and Wheel arrives at the turn onto Juniper Swamp road and can see one of the riders from the break. A glance over the shoulder reveals that the field is in view and not far behind. Frame and Wheel catches the dropped rider and  Robert Lyons and attacks again on the steep section of Juniper Swamp Road. The legs and the head are screaming and the lungs are heaving. Frame and Wheel takes comfort in knowing that a gap formed on Perry Hill Road can be increased a lot on Juniper Swamp Road. It is very quiet; there are no spectators and the pace car has scrambled up and over the hill. Frame and Wheel clears the top of the hill and with a glance over the shoulder can see that a gap remains. 

Frame and Wheel arrives on the rolling hills of Newman Road. The field will have long sight lines and will likely be able to see Frame and Wheel. There is a tail wind which makes the work of staying away slightly less demanding. Frame and Wheel consumes some nutrition and then concentrates on keeping a steady pace. The chocolate nutrition hits the spot.  Before the fast descent into Salem, Frame and Wheel looks back again and sees what appears to be the field. There is no moto advising about time gaps, and the wheel van is not lurking a few meters back, all suggesting that the field is not too far behind. The smell of manure heralds the imminent  climb of Cemetery Road. It is hard work and the summit is deceptive, but at this point Frame and Wheel has stragglers from the previous race to target. This helps. Frame and Wheel has three bottles of hydration and passes through the feed zone without stopping. The spectators there offer some muted but needed encouragement. 

Frame and Wheel attacks Joe Bean Hill. The logic is that the field is likely to attack here too. It is hard work and Frame and Wheel is feeling the effort. The final stages of Joe Bean seem to have increased in number since last year. Frame and Wheel is passing stragglers, but the speed is down. Frame and Wheel recovers and pushes on through dirt roads and rural scenes. The climb on Route 29 is rough and long and it seems new to the course. Somewhere at this point in the race, there is a navigational crisis: the pace car turns right at an intersection, but the arrows on the road, the riders from the previous race, the Battenkill signs and the police officer at the intersection are all pointing or going left. Frame and Wheel hesitates and feels a moment of dread, and then makes the left turn. Frame and Wheel can hear the pace car catching up with siren blaring and is expecting it to pull along side any moment and begin frantically issuing instructions to turn around. This does not happen. Frame and Wheel has thankfully delayed membership in an elite club of riders who have been led astray by their pace cars during big races.

Frame and Wheel passes the previous field and recognizes that this represents an advantage in addition to being out of sight and out of mind. Frame and Wheel is nevertheless feeling the effort and has consumed all nutrition and is getting down to the last bottle. Frame and Wheel concentrates on keeping a steady pace. Frame and Wheel passes through the feed zone area and is encouraged by the spectators. “Looking good”, “Keep it up, brother” and “Go Fred” penetrate the mask of concentration and caution. Meeting House Hill arrives. There is a long stream of riders on the road which provides motivation and additional camouflage. Frame and Wheel gets clear of Meeting House Hill in good shape and begins to think for the first time that the break might stick.  

The flats in advance of Stage Road go on forever. Frame and Wheel is out of hydration and nutrition and is hoping that the various concoctions consumed are enough to hold off cramps and provide the necessary energy to get over Stage Rd quickly. The first section of Stage Road sucks ups all momentum and is a reminder of the struggle this section presented in previous years. The idea of a final surge up this road is quickly dismissed. Frame and Wheel settles down and concentrates on catching stragglers who are making their way up the climb. The descent off of Stage Road provides needed rest and exhilaration as it marks the beginning of the home stretch. The final kilometers go by so slowly. Frame and Wheel makes the final turn for the finish and pushes on until the “chute”. Frame and Wheel salutes the small crowd and crosses the line in 2:55:23 (+ 3:16). The race is over. Ron Bourgoin finishes in 10th place with the chase group andMike Claus finishes in the next group in 23rd place. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and surprised that what started out as an effort to create a break away turned into a solo victory. Frame and Wheel joins Robert Lyons (Finkraft Cycling) and Roger Aspholm (Finkraft Cycling) in second and third place, respectively, on the podium, and relishes a moment of glory. Frame and Wheel is very thankful for the generosity, the camaraderie and the dedication of the OA / Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team and congratulates all of them on their great efforts during this race. Frame and Wheel is also grateful for the opportunity to compete in a great category that is characterized by such fine competitors.

At the summit of Joe Bean

Go To Meeting House

 Champagne salute

Lyons Thomas Aspholm

The long road to Battenkill

Frame and Wheel reviews Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne time trial bike

Time travel

Time trial bikes were not common thirty years ago. Indeed, Frame and Wheel never raced in a time trial as a youth and the few aero bikes around at the time were not very aerodynamic and just beginning to emerge in events such as the Tour de France. Presently, time trial bikes are ubiquitous and there are time trial events on every race calendar. Frame and Wheel competes frequently in time trial events nowadays and is pleased to be able to do so on an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. Frame and Wheel raced a white one in 2012 and is training on a Champagne version for 2013. 

It’s about a frame set

The frame set features Austro-Daimler 41TT front fork, Austro-Daimler dual position aero seat post, integrated head set and TRP brake set. The frame features aero down tube and seat stays, cutaway aero seat tube, oversized chain stays, BB86 press fit bottom bracket, chain stay mounted rear brake with faring, internal cable routing, riveted front derailleur hanger, horizontal alloy rear dropouts with adjustable axle bolts, two water bottle cage mounts (for the triathlete), distinctive “champagne” finish and down tube Austro-Daimler logo. The 52 cm frame set weighs 2.7 kg (6 pounds). It is designed for mechanical shifting and cannot accommodate electronic shifting. The seat post collar has been improved and now includes two tightening points compared to only one previously. Mechanics report that building up the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is very straight forward. 

Built up with Stages Cycling power meter

An important point to recognize about the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon frame set is that it does not accommodate SRM or Quarq power meter cranks: the diameter of the opening around the spindle on the power meter plate is not wide enough to fit onto the BB86 bottom bracket. Frame and Wheel likes to use a power meter on the time trial bike and discovered that the Stages Cycling power meter works fine on the frame set and is an attractive alternative: it is refreshingly less expensive (which leaves more resources available for GPS and social network enabled power control units), the difference between 400 watts and 410 watts is immaterial to Frame and Wheel (both are hard for Frame and Wheel to maintain for a long period of time) and Frame and Wheel has always preferred alloy crank arms (Shimano Dura-Ace) over carbon. Frame and Wheel notes that traditional crank sets will work fine on the frame set. 

A fine wine

The Austro-Daimler tt Carbon offers variable seat tube geometry ranging from the more aggressive time trial position (77 degrees) to the more comfortable triathlon position (74 degrees). The desired geometry is obtained by moving the seat clamp forward or backwards along rails on the top of the seat post (This is much easier than pulling out the seat post and reversing it). The ride is smooth and the bike feels stable. Frame and Wheel’s Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is built up with Zipp wheels (900 Tubular disc rear and 808 Firecrest tubular front), a Stages Cycling power meter with Garmin 810 control unit, Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 drive train with 55T/42T chain rings, 3T Brezza II bars and an Adamo seat. The bike weighs eighteen pounds. Fit Werx 2 in Peabody, Massachusetts did the build and the fit.

The voice

Every bicycle has a voice that speaks directly to its rider. For Frame and Wheel, the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon speaks of a mature passion for the time trial discipline. For others, the tt Carbon will perhaps speak plainly of originality, performance and value. For others, no voice will be heard. Frame and Wheel’s view is that the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is a fine and fast time trial bike that uniquely combines the new with the old. Frame and Wheel looks forward to racing it in 2013.

Specifications

Brand: Austro-Daimler

Model: tt Carbon

Material: Unidirectional high modulus carbon fiber

Design: horizontal top tube

Series: time trial / triathlon

Front fork: Austro-Daimler  41TT

Seat post: Austro-Daimler carbon

Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Bar-end shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Cassette, bottom bracket, chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Crank set: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 170 mm 55T/42T 

Power meter: Stages Cycling Power Meter 

Power control unit: Garmin 810

Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 SL Carbon

Bar and stem: 3T Brezza II straight bend and 3T ARX Team alloy stem

Seat: Adamo Racing

Wheel set: Zipp 900 Tubular rear Zipp 808 Firecrest front tubular

Tires: Vittoria Corsa EVO CX 23-28 tubular 

Total weight with wheels: 18 pounds 3 ounces (8.2 kg) size 50 cm

Rider: Fred Thomas OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team

Build and fit: Fit Werx 2 Peabody, Massachusetts

Frame and Wheel on Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne in 2013 and sample in 2012

Frame and Wheel races Austro-Daimler tt Carbon sample in 2012