Strawbuger's Racing Log

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Strawburger
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:07 pm

Date: 17th July 16
Venue: NSW TTT championships, Nowra
Conditions: sunny, mild wind
Grade: M150+
Result: 7th / 24
Report:

This year my team looked slightly older than previous years. With our crack hillclimber heading over to the US to chase fame and fortune in Hollywood, it was decided to retain our TTT track team for the road event.

We had a solid 6-8 weeks of dedicated training under our belts, there were no excuses for being under prepared. We were ambitiously chasing a medal, but with the quality lineup this was going to be tough!

Our basic plan was for me and MarkL to drag the team up the hill for 18kms, Craig and Mikesbytes to bring us down the 18km fast descent and all of us to drag us home for the final 4kms.

Our plan came unstuck 4km into race when mikesbytes fell off the back. He was on antibiotics in the lead up to the event and as much as he tried it wasn't to be his day. We soldiered on and about 10km in MarkL was also struggling. He sat on whilst he gathered his breath. Soon after Craig said he can't go uphills so it was up to me to drag the team up to the turn around point. We were ahead of schedule and looking good for a medal (2015 times accounted for)

On the downhills, MarkL rolled when he could, Craig unleashed the big dog: 55:11 on the fast bits, and I rolled some big turns too. We got to the bottom ahead of schedule. Both Craig and Mark were spent. My legs were shot but i was responsible for getting the team home. The last 4kms were excruciating, it felt like forever! We crossed the line in a sub 1hr, way above expectations and 3 mins ahead of schedule.

As the results came in we ended up 7th. A great result, a new PB and the fastest DHBC team in the day by over 3minutes. Personally, 3 in a row for DH club victories!

dist - 39.4kms
time - 59min 52sec
speed - 39.4 km/hr avg (64.4 km/hr max)
cadence -93 avg (120 max)
heart rate - 174 HR avg (182 max)
Power - 245NP

at the start with the team
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and we're off!
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:07 pm

Date: 18th July 16
Venue: Nowra to Sassafras, Nowra
Conditions: sunny, mild wind
Grade: div3
Result: 21st / 40 odd, bunch finish
Report:

I was treating this as a learning exercise. I was feeling good so I decided to smash myself a bit. It's a funny race this one. A bunch of time triallists wanting to finish with a bunch sprint. I'd see if I could change it up for once :) .

I positioned myself near the front and observed. A few attacks went and were !! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !! down. I eyed off a contender, someone capable of getting away. About 10km in he went off the front. I countered, caught him and said "what do you reckon?" He said he's testing his legs. I sat up and said let me know when you're ready. We kept the conversation up throughout the race. On each incline either he or I attacked. It finished with every attack of ours closed down. We were relentless. If we weren't on the front, we were attacking. At the turn around point, 33kms in, I attacked and had a decent lead, but unfortunately the downhill followed and was caught. I decided to sit in for a bit. Others attacked and were eventually reeled in, a solo rider lasting a solid 5kms until he was chased by an organised peloton. I went again with 10kms to go, this one was more substantial. I God a good lead and had old matey with me. I thought that was the winning break. Alas, the peloton wanted a sprint finish and closed us down with 5kms to go. :( . I decided at that point that my race was done...

Well, that thought lasted all of about 3kms. With the bunch sitting up waiting for the sprint into the breeze, I thought, let's have one more crack! I went, no one reacted. I put my head down and got a good lead of about 10 seconds. I looked around and no one wanted to chase... This is it!!! I settled into a rhythm and tapped out a power I could sustain after 80 odd kms of attacking. A reaction came from the bunch. It was from fresh teenage legs... They closed me down with 500m to go. Boooooo! I rolled in with the bunch, mid pack.

Happy with what I achieved. Banked my learnings and will take those into the next lot of races.

dist - 72.8kms
time - 1hr 55min 36sec
speed - 37.8 km/hr avg (71.1 km/hr max)
cadence -90 avg (119 max)
heart rate - 168 HR avg (188 max)
Power - 249NP

getting ready to attack... again :)
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:08 pm

Date: 6th August 16
Venue: Mark Dwyer Handicap, Mudgee
Conditions: sunny, mild
Grade: bunch 6, +11mins to limit, -19mins to scratch
Result: bunch finish
Report:

After a few decent training weeks leading up to the TTT, I backed off training afterwards to give the body a mini break, to move house and to prepare for the house renos. I came into the weekend underdone but with a favourable grading. Somehow in a few weeks my state handicap has slipped from C3 to D3. Bummer.

Not really that much to write about in this one. We rolled for 50odd kms somewhat organised but with only a handful of riders contributing for the entirety. We finally caught the bunches ahead and kept pushing. We were caught by the bunch behind with 10kms to go. As we turned for the final 2km straight, scratch caught us and they lit up the straight with huge speed. I sat on, got sucked along and finished mid pack. No timing chips so no accurate placing data.

Decent average speed too, got off the bike pretty fresh though. My training rides had more intensity :(

dist - 91.5kms
time - 2hr 20min 04sec
speed - 39.2 km/hr avg (66.6 km/hr max)
cadence -91 avg (119 max)
heart rate - 165 HR avg (182 max)
Power - 225NP

getting ready for action
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at the finish with the team
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:09 pm

Date: 7th August 16
Venue: Mudgee 80km Scratch, Mudgee
Conditions: sunny, cold (for me)
Grade: Div 3
Result: 2nd :) / 41 listed riders
Report:

Woke up after a 5 course meal with matching wines and a few beers feeling surprisingly good. Got the legs going in the warmup and thought I might actually finish today :)

A big field of 40 odd riders were excited and raring to go. The DH contingent had 4 riders: MarkL, Raph, Peter and yours truly. We all had separate goals for the race, but mostly we just want to beat each other :)

2 laps of 40kms, with the finishing straight from yesterday. The first lap had one guy from Dubbo head out chasing the KOM about 15kms into the lap. Some interest but not much from the field. I sat mid field to check on things, but decided to stay there for the time being. To be honest, it was like a slow paced coffee ride the first lap. Not much to report... Lap 2 I drifted back to the rear of the field and spotted MarkL for the first time. I was actually surprised he was in the race! We had a bit of a chat, he mentioned that things will heat up on approach to the 2nd KOM.

With that fast approaching I made my way up the field and sat about 6 riders back. At the base, 4 riders took off after a solo rider (another Dubbo rider) that broke away just after lap 1. It had Raph in it, plus another couple of decent riders. I was in two minds to go or to stay. Another rider from Jet cycles took off and got a gap. I spotted him as being a decent rider from yesterday. Looking at the front of the peloton, they seemed like the disinterested type, so I counter attacked. I bridged to him as he was fading. I passed him and I got on the back of the breakaway chasers with Jet cycles in tow. We recovered and then organised the group. Between us, we talked up our chances and motivated the bunch.

Approaching the KOM we were reeling in the solo rider. He kicked again and took the money. I headed the chase group over the top to 2nd. The solo rider sat up and joined our bunch. 20kms to go, the peloton out of sight, we drove the pace, each rider pulling turns.

We ticked over the kms as the weaker riders started sitting on. Jet cycles, Dubbo, Raph, a Tolland rider at least half my age, and I were pulling turns. The nth sydney guy and the Randwick botany guy were starting to struggle and sat on and pulled a rare turn. At the 75km mark, we were thinking we had it, but there was no 5km to go sign in sight.

I started checking the quality of riders on offer here. I analysed if we would stay away, who would win, who's got the legs. I made the judgement and the plan if it were to go down in the sprint.

The Nth Syd and RBCC rider had no chance of a breakaway. The Dubbo guy was probably spent from the KOM. I can beat my mate Raph. That leaves Jet cycles and Tolland.

We kept rolling, ever closer to victory. Still no km markers in sight, nor the peloton! 80km ticked over, finally got the 5km to go at the 85km mark. We look around and the peloton was out of sight. 35kms in a breakaway and the legs were jelly. It was when we rolled around to the 2km finishing straight that we knew we had the victory. Tactics then came into play. Raph was first wheel. I sat at the back on Tolland's wheel. I raced against him last year at Wagga and knew he had a kick and a great sprint. We rolled slowly up the straight after a mini attack from RBCC I think got closed down. Everyone was waiting...

With 500m to go, Raph got itchy feet and jumped. Dubbo went as did Jet. I remained calm and sat on Tolland. Nth Syd wanted a piece of it but I retained my position on Tolland's wheel.

With 200m to go, Jet was ahead. Tolland lit up and kicked away. I was suffering but kept on the wheel. He took the lead. With 75m to go, I went out of the slipstream and went for the win. Tolland was way too strong and crossed the line 3/4 of a bike length in front. I threw my bike over in 2nd place, about 20cm ahead of a fading Jet Cycles.

Very happy with the result, extremely happy with how I sprinted!

dist - 89.7kms
time - 2hr 26min 09sec
speed - 36.8 km/hr avg (69.0 km/hr max)
cadence - 89 avg (121 max)
heart rate - 158 HR avg (183 max)
Power - 216NP

the winners
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby mikesbytes » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:55 pm

Congrats on the second place. Well ridden and a smart finish
If the R-1 rule is broken, what happens to N+1?

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby ft_critical » Wed Aug 17, 2016 7:44 am

Nice report Strawburger, well done on being in a successful break and then finishing it off smartly at the end. A memory to keep you motivated through the lonely miles and disappointments.

I know the NSCC rider, a strong rider and a very nice guy.

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Thu Aug 18, 2016 8:30 am

Thanks mike and ft. Yes, some memories to keep after all the failed attempted breakaways this season!

Got a training block now. The changed format to a sprinters paradise that is the tour of Canberra is somewhat disappointing, then off to the Nationals in Griffith which is also flat. May need to work on a few things before then!
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby ft_critical » Thu Aug 18, 2016 2:14 pm

Strawburger wrote:the Nationals in Griffith which is also flat
Flat eh! All about perspective I guess :lol:

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby mikesbytes » Thu Aug 18, 2016 4:08 pm

When's the Nationals?
If the R-1 rule is broken, what happens to N+1?

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby foo on patrol » Thu Aug 18, 2016 7:47 pm

Well done Strawbuger, you will need to ride smart, at the Nationals. :idea: :wink:

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Thu Aug 18, 2016 10:24 pm

ft_critical wrote:
Strawburger wrote:the Nationals in Griffith which is also flat
Flat eh! All about perspective I guess :lol:
The tour of bright is just about right for me, as in its got the right amount of hills :) that's my perspective!
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Thu Aug 18, 2016 10:24 pm

mikesbytes wrote:When's the Nationals?
Long weekend in October. Heading out this year? Hopefully another DH'er will travel!
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Thu Aug 18, 2016 10:27 pm

foo on patrol wrote:Well done Strawbuger, you will need to ride smart, at the Nationals. :idea: :wink:

Foo
Yes absolutely! Not in great form and not suited to a climber. Got roasted two years ago at buninyong but hopefully I'm better prepared. Smarter I am, competition is hot though!!!
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby mikesbytes » Fri Aug 19, 2016 3:51 pm

Strawburger wrote:
mikesbytes wrote:When's the Nationals?
Long weekend in October. Heading out this year? Hopefully another DH'er will travel!
Suppose it depends as per our recent conversations, ie if I'm back where I should be.

Flat would suit me
If the R-1 rule is broken, what happens to N+1?

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Derny Driver » Sun Sep 18, 2016 10:49 pm

Congrats Simon, fantastic result !! :D :D :D

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:39 am

Derny Driver wrote:Congrats Simon, fantastic result !! :D :D :D
Thanks Marcus! I had to roll the dice... It paid off. The TT training also helped :)

I'll write up a report soon.
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:52 pm

Date: 17th September 16
Venue: Tour of Canberra aka National Capital Tour Stage 1
Conditions: overcast, cold, breezy
Grade: C Grade
Result: 13th / 28, +10sec on GC

Report:

Coming into the Tour of Canberra after a big training block and reading into the stages on offer, I decided that this weekend was going to be a continuation of the block. Analysing the course, it would be three sprint finishes: a flattish kermese for stage 1, a hilly course with a finish 20 odd flat kms for stage 2 and a criterium for stage 3. Nothing much for a pure hill climber.

In the lead up, I focused on my TT's due to the state (elite which I'm riding in the masters division) and masters nationals in consecutive weeks the week after Canberra. The thinking was that if I could get away on one of the stages I might pinch a few seconds on the sprinters.

So, stage 1 and a 10 lap kermese. We rolled off under neutral and soon we were off proper. Most riders were keen to check the course out on lap 1. As we hit the back section, the hills were short and sharp... Perhaps this may offer me something! But what goes up must come down, the last 2kms were fast!

Attacks came and went, no one got away for long enough to worry about. Each lap someone tried to attack on the climb but nothing ever came of it. I found myself drifting to the back toward the rear of the bunch on the downhills but making my way up the front by the base of the climb.

This happened for 7 laps.

The commisaire's car came up on the hill on lap 7 announcing the race would be cut short! 2 laps to go... My plan was to attack at the base with 2.5 laps to go but it wasn't to be... Instead I changed plans and decided to hang on until the bell lap. More attacks on the 2nd last lap but we were all together for the bell.

Everyone was waiting... And waiting. But nothing until the base. Then it exploded! Lots went but the attacks were neutralised. I got to the front and heard lots of puffing. I was spent myself, but thought I'd have a go. I went and quickly had 20m, the pack hunted me down and caught me. As soon as they caught me I went again. This time they held my wheel. I dropped to the back out of the way of the sprinters. I rolled in 13th, same time as the winner. Time bonuses meant I was +10sec for stage 2.

dist - 56.4kms
time - 1hr 27min 53sec
speed - 38.5 km/hr avg (64.4 km/hr max)
cadence - 86 avg (137 max)
heart rate - 169 HR avg (187 max)
Power - 236NP

Comparing under garments... It's cold!
Image

Checking it all out from the back
Image
Last edited by Strawburger on Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:53 pm

Date: 18th September 16
Venue: Tour of Canberra aka National Capital Tour Stage 2
Conditions: overcast, very cold, light drizzle for a short time
Grade: C Grade
Result: 1st / 28, lead by 1:03 on GC

Report:

Got to the start area about an hour before, not knowing they pushed back the start time to 7:30am. Oh well, the extra warmup suits me.

On the start line, the commisaire explained the course. I turned to one guy confused, he said they had changed the direction. Sweeeeet! The course is now in my favour. All my preparations and plans would need to change. However, the 12 months of cursing, regrets, disappointment and strategising the winning move for next time had suddenly paid off. Of course, I tried to hide the happiness, but I still had to get a winning margin from the sprinters...

We were off in the cold. I had a few layers of clothing on including a rain vest, arm and leg warmers for good measure. The first few kms were easy, our comms car hadn't shown up so we were riding without guidance. It finally showed up only a few kms before the one lane bridge!

The easy descent followed Mount MacD. An easy 4-5% for 4.5kms. The bunch took it easy and only the big bloke(s) fell off the back. We then headed towards the Brindabellas, two 5% climbs and a false flat, generally uphill. At about 3kms from the turn around point, two riders went off the front. The bunch let them go, setting their own climbing pace. The breakaway turned with a healthy lead and the pack then decided to chase. I was cruising and lost concentration, soon enough I was off the back on the descent. Sheeeeet. Fortunately there was an uphill bit before the really fast 10km of false flat downhill, otherwise I would have been toast. I got on and sat on the back for the climb, scheming for a win ;)

The bunch started to panic as the two breakaway riders were getting too far ahead. They formed a paceline and attempted to pull it back. We were rolling at 50 odd km/hr. A Hunter CC rider came to the back and barked at me to start working, saying it wasn't a club ride. I had other ideas... I casually mentioned to him that I'm the one that can climb, I'll catch the leaders by myself, and that I have no issue with them being there thank you very much :) I don't think he was happy with that hahaha.

Onto the descent of Uriarra. I know this one well, having ridden it on at least a couple of dozen times. It's not easy pulling up for the sharp turn at the base at the best of times, let alone in the wet. I lost my nerve here last year, this year I held my position in the bunch. I told myself the race is there for the taking and be cool, there are no scary bits left. The breakaway was in sight. I made my way near the front.... When should I go?

The climb is in 3 parts, called the 3 sisters. Two steep sections, 9% for 500m each, with a small descent between them, then 6% for 1km.

I waited for the bunch to get over excited and red line. They did that on the first sister. As the bunch slowed for the 2nd sister, I attacked! I pushed out some mega watts and gapped the field. I turned around to view the damage and I watched the pack try to follow including Mr Hunter CC who was trying desperately to join me but no one had the legs. Phase 1 complete!

I caught the breakaway at the base of the third sister. The pack was still chasing but were a distance off now. I slowed for a second to catch my breath. I thought I'd be letting them think I was there to help plus the peloton thought I can be caught, so I jumped off the breakaway and went for it. I distanced one but the other held my wheel. Phase 2 complete!

Now I was thinking, if I stay away I have a podium. I can't win the sprint with this guy on my wheel so I'll try to ride him off my wheel... 10.5kms to go... Rolling hills. I have suffered so much on this stretch of road, my training rides have finished on these, usually about 110kms into the ride with me almost crying in the heat of summer. This time I was feeling fantastic. I had to draw on the TT training/suffering recently to put my well made plans into action.

2kms into the rollers and I could hear the guy clearly struggling to hang on, he was suffering with heavy breathing. I thought he was having a heart attack! I gave him hope "come on, just get over this one and we're home". Each rise I hit him harder than the previous one, checking to see if he was still there. Finally after the 4th attempt I broke him. It was now me vs the road. Phase 3 complete!

I got into an aero position and tapped out a good rhythm. I was starting to suffer myself, I was riding off feeling rather than stem watching, but a casual look at the computer suggested I should be easing off. I decided to not look at the computer much after that ;)

Each corner I positioned myself out of sight, hoping that the pack would give up. They weren't. I needed every second to defend on stage 3. I started to vomit, fortunately not over the bike!!! I kept going, knowing by previous painful rides how long there was to go. A had a quick glance around with 5km to go, the peloton was nowhere to be seen. 3km to go. Still nothing. Downhill from here to the finish line, it was that moment that I knew I had it in the bag!!! I eased off heading into the crit track/finishing loop, making sure I made the turn. Job done! I kept glancing around once on the track, seeing how much time I had. I rolled around the finish straight and gave everything in a sprint. It wasn't much. I crossed the line as they entered the track. I celebrated after crossing the line, making sure I had every second count for stage 3. The bunch rolled in 1:03 after I finished. The guy who sucked my wheel picked up 2nd place in a bunch sprint. Chapeau!

People were congratulating me, I had no energy to realise what I just achieved. I couldn't get off the bike. It was draining to say the least.

We hung around for about half an hour for presentations. The last time I won something there wasn't even a presentation, so I was pretty excited to get on the top step!

dist - 58.3kms
time - 1hr 40min 07sec
speed - 35.0 km/hr avg (69.8 km/hr max)
cadence - 88 avg (122 max)
heart rate - 158 HR avg (182 max)
Power - 246NP

... Not a single photo of me :( still looking
Last edited by Strawburger on Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:53 pm

Date: 18th September 16
Venue: Tour of Canberra aka National Capital Tour Stage 3
Conditions: very cold, constant rain
Grade: C Grade
Result: 19th, win by 50sec on GC

Report:

All I had to do was to remain upright. It's in the bag. Congrats you've won. No one can take a minute in a crit. That's what everyone was saying. Hmmmm, everyone except for the other riders!

It started to really rain hard as we were starting. I'm not a crit rider. I was leading but could I hold on? I proudly had the leaders jersey on and hoped that I could pull something out of the bag.

20 laps of a course that looks more like a phallic symbol than a race track. Lots of bends but fortunately wide corners and a smooth surface.

The start was signalled and straight away two riders attacked. Crap! They can get me from here. No one else was interested in chasing so I jumped on the front and chased as hard as I could. 2 laps later I caught them. About 10 seconds after the catch his teammate went with a Nowra rider. Off I go again. I chased that down too. My legs were burning from the effort in the morning... Then more attacks by Vikings this time. I was starting to struggle and fortunately a guy who I was chatting to in the morning from RBCC came to rescue me. Thankfully he chased that one down. One more went but that was quickly shut down. Already we had done 8 laps. By my calcs, I could chase anything down under 10 laps, so all I had to do was to remain calm. The 9th lap came and went.

The rain was really teaming down now. Lap 10 passed and I was now in the survival mode. Remain upright and things will sort itself out. The pack slowed momentarily as I was counting the corners down. Just got to get through the next corner. Don't go in too fast. Don't pedal strike. Don't hit the front brakes. This went on for every corner. I slowly dropped to the rear of the field.

The bunch was in realisation that they were racing for the stage win. Attacks came and other riders shut them down. Lap 15 and I could hear the crowd cheering me on. Keep going! A DHBC rider was in the bunch and turning around to check if I was ok. I said I may need you if it keeps surging. He hung around me to make sure I was ok. That was nice of him to sacrifice his chances to make sure I finished.

More attacks, more surging. More stressing about keeping upright. Lap 16... Lap 17... Lap 18... Bell lap. Relief, I survived!

The bunch really lifted and by the back straight I was off the tail. I knew from the previous stage that they needed almost the full lap to beat me. I kept it upright into the final corner and sprinted to the finish line. lost 13sec but I didn't care. I had won the GC!

dist - 24.8kms
time - 36min 12sec
speed - 41.0 km/hr avg (52.9 km/hr max)
cadence - 87 avg (116 max)
heart rate - 167 HR avg (179 max)
Power - 226NP


No action shots yet... Still looking for them!

Getting off the bike, grubby!
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Podium shot, winner winner
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The interview
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby mikesbytes » Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:40 pm

Wow

Super congratulations

The year I raced the winner won exactly the same way, attacking on that 3 stage hill and then he only lost 20 seconds in the time trail, which was the equivalent of the crit you did.

I should of been there to support you in the crit
If the R-1 rule is broken, what happens to N+1?

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Derny Driver
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Derny Driver » Wed Sep 21, 2016 9:52 pm

Simon I hope people reading this take note of the aggression that is required to win a race. When everyone is hurting, that is the time to dig deeper than your rivals and go deeper into the hurtbox. To do what you did on Stage 2 is something you should be really proud of.
Getting the lead is one thing, defending it is another. Its never easy especially if you don't have teammates. In that situation you have to control the race yourself and cover every attack. So many people dont understand that.
Not many people can lay claim to winning a tour or an Open. Pretty special mate.

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ft_critical
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby ft_critical » Thu Sep 22, 2016 7:50 am

:D Congratulations Strawburger. It has been really involving to share the journey you have taken to get to your victory. It will be great for your confidence into the Nationals - see you there. Also very nice of the TOC organisers to arrange a leaders jersey that so well compliments your hair :D

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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby vander » Thu Sep 22, 2016 3:04 pm

Congrats mate! Awesome result they were some pretty strong fields on the weekend. What a way to win it solo off the front!

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foo on patrol
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby foo on patrol » Fri Sep 23, 2016 9:45 am

Strawburger wrote:Date: 18th September 16
Venue: Tour of Canberra aka National Capital Tour Stage 3
Conditions: very cold, constant rain
Grade: C Grade
Result: 19th, win by 50sec on GC

Report:

All I had to do was to remain upright. It's in the bag. Congrats you've won. No one can take a minute in a crit. That's what everyone was saying. Hmmmm, everyone except for the other riders!

It started to really rain hard as we were starting. I'm not a crit rider. I was leading but could I hold on? I proudly had the leaders jersey on and hoped that I could pull something out of the bag.

20 laps of a course that looks more like a phallic symbol than a race track. Lots of bends but fortunately wide corners and a smooth surface.

The start was signalled and straight away two riders attacked. Crap! They can get me from here. No one else was interested in chasing so I jumped on the front and chased as hard as I could. 2 laps later I caught them. About 10 seconds after the catch his teammate went with a Nowra rider. Off I go again. I chased that down too. My legs were burning from the effort in the morning... Then more attacks by Vikings this time. I was starting to struggle and fortunately a guy who I was chatting to in the morning from RBCC came to rescue me. Thankfully he chased that one down. One more went but that was quickly shut down. Already we had done 8 laps. By my calcs, I could chase anything down under 10 laps, so all I had to do was to remain calm. The 9th lap came and went.

The rain was really teaming down now. Lap 10 passed and I was now in the survival mode. Remain upright and things will sort itself out. The pack slowed momentarily as I was counting the corners down. Just got to get through the next corner. Don't go in too fast. Don't pedal strike. Don't hit the front brakes. This went on for every corner. I slowly dropped to the rear of the field.

The bunch was in realisation that they were racing for the stage win. Attacks came and other riders shut them down. Lap 15 and I could hear the crowd cheering me on. Keep going! A DHBC rider was in the bunch and turning around to check if I was ok. I said I may need you if it keeps surging. He hung around me to make sure I was ok. That was nice of him to sacrifice his chances to make sure I finished.

More attacks, more surging. More stressing about keeping upright. Lap 16... Lap 17... Lap 18... Bell lap. Relief, I survived!

The bunch really lifted and by the back straight I was off the tail. I knew from the previous stage that they needed almost the full lap to beat me. I kept it upright into the final corner and sprinted to the finish line. lost 13sec but I didn't care. I had won the GC!

dist - 24.8kms
time - 36min 12sec
speed - 41.0 km/hr avg (52.9 km/hr max)
cadence - 87 avg (116 max)
heart rate - 167 HR avg (179 max)
Power - 226NP


No action shots yet... Still looking for them!

Getting off the bike, grubby!
Image

Podium shot, winner winner
Image

The interview
Image
Winners are grinners, bloody well done mate! 8) :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Foo
I don't suffer fools easily and so long as you have done your best,you should have no regrets.
Goal 6000km

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Strawburger
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Re: Strawbuger's Racing Log

Postby Strawburger » Fri Sep 23, 2016 9:27 pm

Thank you all for your kind words!

Continuing on what Marcus (DD) said, this was no fluke. I trained bloody hard and have been focused on these events. It hurt the entire weekend, the competition was fierce and never gave up. It does feel very special for the dedication and well made plans to come into fruition. It's not easy to achieve, I never thought I would achieve it but glad I have!

The thing is, I could not have done it without the comments/advice by you all on here, especially Marcus and Gary. I very much appreciate the free advice you give to us all.

Anyway, today's hero is tomorrow's chump. I'll be taught a lesson or two this weekend in Goulburn and then out in Griffith on the long weekend. Mr Milsotic doesn't seem to slow down.

See you in Griffith FT... I think the shirt was reflecting onto the scalp. Not much hair up there these days :)
n=10 (2013 & 2004 roads,2010 track,2x 2009 foldups,1990 hybrid,1992 trainer,2007 rental,1970's step through,1980's zeus)

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