The Internet of Bikes: 2014 Tour of the Catskills

The Tour of the Catskills is a three day stage race held in Windham and Tannersville, New York. The race features a 10 mile out and back (up and down) individual time trial, a fast 65 mile circuit race and an epic 109 mile road race that includes 8,000 feet of climbing and the infamous Devil’s Kitchen climb at mile 100. The race is a personal favorite because of its challenging terrain and its proximity to family. I joined 55 riders in the Pro 12 Omnium category. Weather for the weekend was dry and calm with temperatures in the 70s. The main feature of the individual time trial was the new pavement on Route 23 and the five miles of climbing on the outbound section. Despite the short and long hills, the outbound section went by very quickly. Inbound was almost all downhill; the only way to make time was by pushing the 55T through some flat sections. There was traffic at an intersection which slowed things down a bit, but I was nevertheless able to catch three riders and a ghost rider and finish the course with a time of 21:14 which was fast enough for 6th place. 

The main feature of the circuit race was a two kilometer climb at the beginning of each loop (20 miles per loop). This climb stretched things out each time through, but never caused a break; a long downhill on the other side ensured that the field always came back together. The compact was very useful: the low gearing allowed me to spin up the climb with the field and accelerate sharply to close any gaps. There was a break of four riders up the road after the final climb. At this point the Kelly Benefit Strategies eight man team moved to the front and rode down the break over the course of 12 miles (the pace was a sustained 28 to 30 miles an hour). Coming into the final three miles, the there was a crash as a result of a cone in the road marking a pot hole; of course, no one could see the cone. The field raced on leaving bouncing and skidding bikes and riders in its wake and charged up the last climb into the Windham parking lot. I finished with the group in 29th place and thus maintained my position in the general classification. Another pleasing result: I did no work except for a few efforts on the climb and felt very fresh. 

In retrospect, the strategy of sitting in and conserving energy (a strategy relayed from Dan Vallaincourt) was clearly the right one. The road race was longer than previous versions (109 miles compared to 90 miles previously) and climbed out of Prattsville rather than descending into it. The field broke up going into the switch backs and the pace did not slow on the following climbs, some of which were eight to ten percent in sections and long. I was gapped at one point and watched the field power up a climb. I was about to resign myself to a solo ride, but it turned out there were enough riders behind me to form a groupetto; we successfully chased back on. This is when I realized how difficult this race was going to be: we had covered only 35 miles. 
The following descent is long and very steep in sections; sight lines are very good and thus speeds top out at 55 miles per hour. In 2013, I had to ride this descent in the pouring rain which was stressful. This year, conditions were dry and the field seemed relaxed and keen to recover. Unfortunately, someone touched wheels and about four riders went down at terrific speed. This was unsettling and the field was in full chatter mode on the next climb trying to figure out how that could have happened. The next crucible was the five mile climb back up to Windham. This climb was hot and ground on relentlessly at three to six percent; it was a big ring climb. There was a rider up the road on this section so the pace was fast. Riders were cracking and getting dropped; I managed to keep up by marking strong wheels and trying to keep a steady pace. I got through it but it was very hard. 
The race pushed on back up into the elevations and down the screaming descent and made its way to the Devil’s Kitchen. At the base of this climb, there were about 30 riders remaining; I was tired and keen to get up and over this difficult climb. I managed to do so using very low gearing (34T x 21-28). This allowed me to set a steady pace that was fast enough to make gains on other riders and avoid blowing up and turning into a paper boy (weaving from side to side of the road). I lost time as the lead elements of the race were able to get up the steep climb very quickly. I recovered at the top and pushed through the final miles with two other riders to finish in 14th place. I lost time and slipped in the GC to 11th place, but was very pleased with the result nevertheless: there were so many opportunities get dropped during this four and half hour ordeal that to finish within four minutes of the leaders felt like a significant accomplishment. The Superleicht Carbon Limited ran very well, and set up with a compact and a set of Zipp 202s, it adopted mountain goat characteristics. The Catskills is a very nice place to spend the weekend racing and the event was well run. Many thanks to the organizers.

Superleicht Carbon Limited

tt Carbon Limited

The view of the Kitchen from the kitchen

Germantown

Heading home

Tribute to a Superleicht

I rode my Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 for the last time on 30 June 2014. Fit Werx 2 built it up in early 2013 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 derailleurs and shifters, Shimano Dura-Ace cranks and brakes, 3T Rotundo Team bars and a Fizik saddle. I used a variety of wheels during that time including Zipp 303 tubulars, Zipp 202 tubulars and FOS 38T tubulars. I raced and trained 20,000 miles on it. Notable victories on this bike include 2013 Tour of the Battenkill Masters 45 plus and the 2014 Lake Sunappe Road Race Pro 123 in addition to many satisfying finishes (Silver medal 2013 USA Cycling National Championships, 11th place 2013 Tour of the Dragons, 10th place 2013 Tour of the Hilltowns). Epic rides include Mount Diablo double, Sandy Hook Ride on Washington and RideXme to name a few. The bike received heavy use on the rough roads of New England and the numerous dirt road sections in updated New York and Vermont. It held up very well through it all. 

From the very beginning of this adventure, I decided that I would not ask anyone to ride or race a bike that I would not ride or race myself. I feel that I have made good on that decision and can firmly say that the frame, fork and seat post meets very high standards of quality and durability. I did not have any speed wobbles on this bike, I never had a problem with the front fork, the head set, the drop outs or the bottom bracket and it always felt comfortable and stable. I believe that it is as well made as any other bike on the market, if not better. 

The graphics and the finish are another story: I matched the color of my steel Austro-Daimler using a Pantone board and sent that along to my supplier, along with a single schematic showing where to place the lettering. Although I was very pleased with the color, I learned that I have to send over a detailed schematic for each frame size as positioning of logos change with each frame size. Thus when the frame sets arrived I was hung up on very minor details about placement and positioning as well as some minor mistakes. These concerns faded quickly as it was the color that made the greatest impact and I was really the only one who noticed. 

The A-D Bikes adventure continues with the introduction of the Superleicht Carbon Limited. I am very pleased with this frame set both with its features as well as its graphics and I look forward to posting a review about it soon.

2014 Killington Stage Race

2014 Hunter-Greene Summer Classic

2014 Tour of the Battenkill

2013 Tour of the Catskills

2014 Killington Stage Race

2013 Tour of the Battenkill Masters

2013 Tour of the Battenkill Masters

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 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

The Internet of Bikes: Tour of the Catskills 2012

The Tour of the Catskills is a three day stage race held in Hunter, Windham and Tannersville, New York. The race features a 12 mile individual time trial, a 65 mile “Epic” stage that includes the infamous Devil’s Kitchen climb, followed by another mountain stage that features the cryptically named and extremely steep Airport Road climb. Frame and Wheel has family in nearby Germantown, New York and is thus able to justify the long but easy drive to participate in this great event. Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon for the time trial. It has been running very well and Frame and Wheel is pleased with its performance. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Brezza bars, Zipp Disc and Zipp 404 front (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a SRM power meter. For the road stages, Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2. The bike is light at 14.6 pounds  and the electronic shifting is easy and quick. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Rotundo bars, Zipp 202s (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a compact crank set for the event. Frame and Wheel enters the Masters 40 plus category along with fifty other riders from around the region and Canada and tracks the rides using Strava for Android.

Frame and Wheel’s start time for the time trial is 11:59. Temperatures are in the low 80s. Frame and Wheel warms up just enough to break a sweat and activate the system, but once this is done, staying cool is the priority. Frame and Wheel sets off on time and in correct order and gets up to speed. The outbound route is mostly downhill, but it is a very mild grade and there is a head wind. Frame and Wheel concentrates on staying aero and on top of the right gear, which turns out to be a 53 x 11 in many sections. Frame and Wheel catches a few 30 second men and is not holding anything back. The turnaround is on a downhill. Frame and Wheel recklessly locks up the rear wheel (to the amusement of the marshals) and negotiates the cone. Inbound there is a tailwind, but it is all uphill. The climbs are gradual but long. Frame and Wheel is able to catch a few more riders, but towards the last mile, there are no more riders in sight and the drool is beginning to flow. Frame and Wheel is very conservative on the last corners and gives up many seconds. Frame and Wheel pushes to the line and finishes with a time of 25:57 which is slower than the previous year (2010: 25:29) but fast enough for fourth place. David Gazsi of Team IFG wins the day (25:10) followed by Ron amos of Ride with Randall (25:45) and Christoffel Prinsloo of CRCA/ FinKraft Cycling (25:56). Frame and Wheel heads for Germantown and a cool bath.

Stage 2 begins in Tannersville. Temperatures are moving into the 80s. The 40 Plus category sets off at 11:30 and right from the start there is a break that includes break away artist Carl Reglar and five other riders. This break soon has 2 minutes on the field and the wheel van has disappeared up the road. The peleton does not seem too concerned as there is a lot of climbing ahead as well as the Devil’s Kitchen. Frame and Wheel is aware that riders can get away and stay away on this course, if there is enough of a gap for the break to ease its way up the Devil’s Kitchen climb. Frame and Wheel’s experience with the Devil’s Kitchen to date has been one that results in complete detonation of body and mind and thus Frame and Wheel hunkers down with peanut butter sandwiches and Gatorade (straight up). 

The field arrives at the Devil’s Kitchen. The wheel van is back with the peleton and although the break is out of sight, it is not far up the road. Frame and Wheel matches the pace of the lead riders. Soon there are only three riders: Erin Korff (CRCA/Axis) and Roger Aspholm (Finkraft Cycling Team) and Frame and Wheel. Aspholm is moving relentlessly up the steep; Frame and Wheel clings to Kroff’s wheel. There are riders from an earlier category walking their bikes up the climb. It is warm. There are spectator shouting encouragement, but Frame and Wheel does not understand what they are saying. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 with maximum effort, which in some sections results in a spontaneous wheelie. Frame and Wheel recovers at the top and is able to chase Aspholm who has now caught Carl Reglar and Bill Shattuck. It takes a maximum effort and perhaps some willingness on the part of the chased for Frame and Wheel to finally close this gap. Kroff is unable to hang on and the break reforms with four tired riders pushing for the line over the last 6 miles. Frame and Wheel is at the front and in yellow as the four bear down on the last section to Main Street. Frame and Wheel opens the sprint and is well aware that there will be some one coming by at any minute. Bill Shattuck (Corner Cycle) comes through in a great show of strength and panache to take the stage win. Frame and Wheel has survived the time warping effects of the Devil’s Kitchen for the first time and is very pleased to be in the yellow jersey. Frame and Wheel heads for home and another cool bath and some real food.

Stage 3 begins at Windham Mountain Ski resort. Temperatures are warm, but there are clouds on the horizon and rain in the forecast. The field starts off at 11:00 am. FinKraft Cycling Team moves to the front and drives the pace up Route 23. There is some respite on the two mile descent. FinKraft puts the pressure on again on Route 145. The field is stretched out; the pace remains high on to the Potter Road climb. Frame and Wheel gets to the front where on this section where there is more room. The KOM contenders are at the front and in the final meters, there is a surge for the line. Soon after the KOM, it begins to rain very hard. It becomes very dark; water is flowing off the roads in sheets. It is very hard to see. The lead elements of the KOM have a gap and are riding fast down the descent through the pouring rain. Frame and Wheel struggles to get to the front of the chase group; everyone is surely struggling with visibility and confidence about the road surface. The rain eases and the two groups come back together, except for Roger Aspholm who is up the rain soaked road. The field eventually catches Aspholm and makes it way towards Prattsville.  

There are a series of attacks here from FinKraft Cycling and Verge Cycling. Frame and Wheel is nervous about hanging on to the yellow jersey  and does not like the idea of a break getting away and gaining minutes on the field. Frame and Wheel covers the attacks. The field passes through Plattesvillle and heads up Airport Road. John Van Funk (Verge Cycling) and Ralk Warmuth (FinKraft Cycling Team) are up the road.  Airport Road is very steep and wet too; some riders are spinning out on the climb. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 and gaining time; without a compact Frame and Wheel would be in trouble on this climb. The field fragments a bit but as the climb eases the field comes together again and catches Funk and Warmuth. The field navigates that last few descents and climbs and arrives at the base of Windham Mountain for the up hill finish. There is a strong cross wind and there is a fence flapping across the final 100 meters. This does not stop Monte Frank (Verge Sport) from surging for the line and winning the day, followed by a very strong Mark Miller (Favatas Trt Bicycle) and John van Funk. Frame and Wheel creeps over the line in sixth place which is good enough to stay in yellow in the general classification (6:17:19). Roger Aspholm wins the King of the Mountain competition and finishes second in the general classification (6:18:04) followed by Bill Shattuck in third place (6:18:18). Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and grateful to be able to compete in a category that is characterized by such great competitors. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a fine race. A very fine weekend of racing and the peak of the 2012 season for Frame and Wheel.

Austro-Daimler tt and road

Aspholm, Thomas, Shattuck on the podium

Sunday's rain clouds

Germantown