It was Radical who put in the first attack, with Cecelia putting in a hard one at the end of the first lap. I countered which brought us to around the 102nd St. transverse, at which point Nanci took over for a hard pull down the hill, putting Maggie and Elena in perfect position for a two-pronged attack, which they took full advantage of, shattering the field at top of Harlem Hill.
Becky Koh and Gabby went with them on this attack and a few other riders attempted to bridge up. Nanci, Cecelia, and I reeled in most of the riders who had attempted to bridge, but left Deb and Corinne in no-man's land. I was afraid that if we chased them down we would bring too many of the field riders with us and they were too close to the lead group to risk that. Ellen Moses had also bridged up, which could have made it a dangerous 2-3 matchup but luckily our amazing Raddies at the front had no issues with that and just dropped everyone anyway.
So at this point, we back in the pack basically just rode around on a training ride for a lap and a half, with a bored racer occasionally putting in a little attack here or there, but mostly with the three remaining Raddies just controlling the field. With two laps to go, we decided to spice it up a bit, and Nanci did a repeat lead out down the hill, with Cecelia and I attacking over the top. Lisa Force came with us and we thought we had the break. We were working together hard and well and the group was out of sight behind us. And then by Tavern there they all were again. We still think there might have been a wormhole or something that enabled them to catch up so easily. And I have to say, given how much it hurt to stay away from the group for even that short a period of time, I have more admiration than ever for our fearless leaders at the front.
The group had gotten fairly tired chasing us down, however, and we continued attacking on the final lap. Cecelia and Lisa made one last hard effort around the reservoir on the west side, and were able to stay away through the finish, with Cecelia making mincemeat of Lisa to take 7th overall. I led out Nanci for the field sprint, and she did an awesome job fending off the field in a tough sprint for 9th. I crawled in for fourteenth or so, but who's counting at that point.
Needles to say, Maggie got the 1st place finish with Elena in 2nd!
NICE!
Monday, August 25, 2008
TOKENEKE From Elena’s saddle 8/10/08
Tokenke was fun. It turned out to be a pretty good sized field. About 50 girls started, plus about 25 of the 55+ men (we had a combined field). Radical brought 7 girls to the race!
The race started pretty fast as the 55+ men were pushing things. When we hit the hill at the end of the first lap, Evie and I got a nice gap on the field and I picked up the QOM. We kept going over the top of the hill and picked up a 55+ guy. The 3 of us worked together and stayed away for about 20 minutes before getting caught. Evie was taking some nice hard pulls and looked super strong!!! Ashley put in a nice counter attack when we were caught. I was pretty cooked from all that time off the front and was just trying to recover.
As we finishing the second lap, Maggie attacked really hard and got a huge gap on the field on the downhill. I was pretty excited as I thought it could have been a race winning move. It was not to be as Silke, a 55+ guy, and a few others masters chased her down.
We all drilled it up the hill and Ann Marie, Silke and I were bunched
as we approached the line. At about 200 meters from the line, I was trying to get my chain into the big ring, but it wouldn't move up. Damn! Ann Marie jumped first and took the win by about a 1/2 a bike length. I was closing fast on Silke but spinning out and she beat me by a couple of inches. An NEBC girl took 4th and Evie was just behind at 5th. I think we had something like 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 23rd plus the Queen of the Mountains. Nice racing everyone!
The race started pretty fast as the 55+ men were pushing things. When we hit the hill at the end of the first lap, Evie and I got a nice gap on the field and I picked up the QOM. We kept going over the top of the hill and picked up a 55+ guy. The 3 of us worked together and stayed away for about 20 minutes before getting caught. Evie was taking some nice hard pulls and looked super strong!!! Ashley put in a nice counter attack when we were caught. I was pretty cooked from all that time off the front and was just trying to recover.
As we finishing the second lap, Maggie attacked really hard and got a huge gap on the field on the downhill. I was pretty excited as I thought it could have been a race winning move. It was not to be as Silke, a 55+ guy, and a few others masters chased her down.
We all drilled it up the hill and Ann Marie, Silke and I were bunched
as we approached the line. At about 200 meters from the line, I was trying to get my chain into the big ring, but it wouldn't move up. Damn! Ann Marie jumped first and took the win by about a 1/2 a bike length. I was closing fast on Silke but spinning out and she beat me by a couple of inches. An NEBC girl took 4th and Evie was just behind at 5th. I think we had something like 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 23rd plus the Queen of the Mountains. Nice racing everyone!
TOKENEKE FROM ELENA'S SADDLE
TOKENEKE From Elena’s saddle
Tokenke was fun. It turned out to be a pretty good sized field. About 50 girls started, plus about 25 of the 55+ men (we had a combined field). Radical brought 7 girls to the race!
The race started pretty fast as the 55+ men were pushing things. When we hit the hill at the end of the first lap, Evie and I got a nice gap on the field and I picked up the QOM. We kept going over the top of the hill and picked up a 55+ guy. The 3 of us worked together and stayed away for about 20 minutes before getting caught. Evie was taking some nice hard pulls and looked super strong!!! Ashley put in a nice counter attack when we were caught. I was pretty cooked from all that time off the front and was just trying to recover.
As we finishing the second lap, Maggie attacked really hard and got a huge gap on the field on the downhill. I was pretty excited as I thought it could have been a race winning move. It was not to be as Silke, a 55+ guy, and a few others masters chased her down.
We all drilled it up the hill and Ann Marie, Silke and I were bunched
as we approached the line. At about 200 meters from the line, I was trying to get my chain into the big ring, but it wouldn't move up. Damn! Ann Marie jumped first and took the win by about a 1/2 a bike length. I was closing fast on Silke but spinning out and she beat me by a couple of inches. An NEBC girl took 4th and Evie was just behind at 5th. I think we had something like 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 23rd plus the Queen of the Mountains. Nice racing everyone!
Tokenke was fun. It turned out to be a pretty good sized field. About 50 girls started, plus about 25 of the 55+ men (we had a combined field). Radical brought 7 girls to the race!
The race started pretty fast as the 55+ men were pushing things. When we hit the hill at the end of the first lap, Evie and I got a nice gap on the field and I picked up the QOM. We kept going over the top of the hill and picked up a 55+ guy. The 3 of us worked together and stayed away for about 20 minutes before getting caught. Evie was taking some nice hard pulls and looked super strong!!! Ashley put in a nice counter attack when we were caught. I was pretty cooked from all that time off the front and was just trying to recover.
As we finishing the second lap, Maggie attacked really hard and got a huge gap on the field on the downhill. I was pretty excited as I thought it could have been a race winning move. It was not to be as Silke, a 55+ guy, and a few others masters chased her down.
We all drilled it up the hill and Ann Marie, Silke and I were bunched
as we approached the line. At about 200 meters from the line, I was trying to get my chain into the big ring, but it wouldn't move up. Damn! Ann Marie jumped first and took the win by about a 1/2 a bike length. I was closing fast on Silke but spinning out and she beat me by a couple of inches. An NEBC girl took 4th and Evie was just behind at 5th. I think we had something like 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 23rd plus the Queen of the Mountains. Nice racing everyone!
ERICA's BEST FINISH! TOUR of HIGHBRIGE 6/8/08
Tour of High Bridge:
I would say that about 15-20 riders lined up for the race. A lot of the New Jersey regulars, Betty, Elaine Molinaro, Carol Becht, Jackie, Becky Koh, etc., along with 4 Raddies. I had intended to start toward the front each time up the wall, but in my pessimistic distracted state I lined up at the back and had just made it to mid-field by the time we began the climb. I was relieved to find myself more or less still with the group at the top of the hill. Pretty uneventful first lap, went by pretty quickly. Quickly enough, in fact that we were at the base of the climb again before I knew it. I shifted down, but somehow didn't feel like I had shifted down enough. Tried again, but alas I was already in my 23. My 50-23 that is. Much to my dismay I realized that I had forgotten to shift into my 34. Aargh. Suffered through it and still came up with the group or just behind, but was concerned that I may have burnt out whatever energy and good will my legs had left for me.
Third time around, I shifted into my 34 WAY early, by the parking lots, just so I could be sure that wouldn't happen again. Hill felt relatively easy this time. Somewhere along the way there on that set of uphills we dropped about half the group. Cecelia did a great job of pushing the pace on the back side rollers and downhill to make sure we stayed away for the remaining two laps, and I was fortunate to be able to hold on.
I tried to pay more attention as we went around to where we were so as to be able to know when to sprint. I was still not totally sure how close we were going into the final turns, but asked Ashley if she'd like to take my wheel for the sprint. But then I realized I was going to be headed for the inside on the corner, which would be a terrible place to lead out from, so when it didn't look like a leadout was going to work, I just started sprinting. Scared myself a little coming around the final turn at speed but apparently I had a good gap going. I think I was one gear down from where I would have ideally been if I hadn't started by sprinting into a turn, and Jackie was able to bridge the gap and get a ride into the finish to take first. Nonetheless, I got second!!
I would say that about 15-20 riders lined up for the race. A lot of the New Jersey regulars, Betty, Elaine Molinaro, Carol Becht, Jackie, Becky Koh, etc., along with 4 Raddies. I had intended to start toward the front each time up the wall, but in my pessimistic distracted state I lined up at the back and had just made it to mid-field by the time we began the climb. I was relieved to find myself more or less still with the group at the top of the hill. Pretty uneventful first lap, went by pretty quickly. Quickly enough, in fact that we were at the base of the climb again before I knew it. I shifted down, but somehow didn't feel like I had shifted down enough. Tried again, but alas I was already in my 23. My 50-23 that is. Much to my dismay I realized that I had forgotten to shift into my 34. Aargh. Suffered through it and still came up with the group or just behind, but was concerned that I may have burnt out whatever energy and good will my legs had left for me.
Third time around, I shifted into my 34 WAY early, by the parking lots, just so I could be sure that wouldn't happen again. Hill felt relatively easy this time. Somewhere along the way there on that set of uphills we dropped about half the group. Cecelia did a great job of pushing the pace on the back side rollers and downhill to make sure we stayed away for the remaining two laps, and I was fortunate to be able to hold on.
I tried to pay more attention as we went around to where we were so as to be able to know when to sprint. I was still not totally sure how close we were going into the final turns, but asked Ashley if she'd like to take my wheel for the sprint. But then I realized I was going to be headed for the inside on the corner, which would be a terrible place to lead out from, so when it didn't look like a leadout was going to work, I just started sprinting. Scared myself a little coming around the final turn at speed but apparently I had a good gap going. I think I was one gear down from where I would have ideally been if I hadn't started by sprinting into a turn, and Jackie was able to bridge the gap and get a ride into the finish to take first. Nonetheless, I got second!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Radical on fire-Central Park Points Race 8/9/08-The view from Ashley's saddle
CRCA POINTS race 8/9
Race Format: Met points race with points 3-deep every lap- 5 laps.
We had a great Radical turnout for the points’ race and we had a plan which we all had a role for the race. Maggie, Cecelia and Evie were our sprinters, Jenny and Erica were the protectors for the sprinters making sure they were out of the wind and not working too much- Maria, Elena and I were to chase down attacks and also attack (either before the sprint or after the sprint- or both).
Before the race we saw that we had Sarah and Jaime Nicholson- no Ann Marie or Carol Gale. Upon seeing that Jaime, Maggie assignees Elena to Jaime’s wheel- we were sure that she would try and break after the sprint- Jaime was quickly annoyed that Elena was on her wheel and by the end of the first lap in Horse Sh*t alley, Jaime swung off the front with Elena going with her like glue- the look of annoyance on Jamie’s face was priceless. We got through the first sprint- and I am not sure of out placing in all of the sprints-but we did well, getting second several times, some firsts’ and a few thirds’. After the first sprint on the turn after the Met and before EG Jaime slows down and pulls off into the joggers lane- I hung back and checked out her bike in passing- she did not appear to have a flat- hmmmm... so I went to the very back of the pack looking for her thinking maybe she was going to slip onto the back of the group and try something funny- but she was not there. So I went back to the front we had to change our race plan. We planned to be more aggressive to tire out CC. All of a sudden Jaime blows past the field with speed- I was shocked along with everyone else. But we chased her down instantly- I think it was Cecelia that jumped on her wheel. Jaime gave a flick of the elbow telling Cecelia to pull through. This made Cecilia chuckle. She didn’t pull through. Jaime got so frustrated after Harlem Hill that she again went into the joggers lane and pulled out of the race- I was still waiting for her to blow by again but I think we ran her out of the race- I am still shocked by what happened.
We are only halfway into lap 2 but it was such a good story... so Elena, Maria and I traded attacks before and after the sprints for the rest of the race- getting some good gaps and being marked by a CC rider every time- so they were having to work :)
When we did not have a break going into the final lap I knew Maria, Elena and I should put in 3 good attacks down The West Side. Going up Harlem Hill I decided to put in the first attack halfway up the hill. I jumped and just went as hard as I could not looking back- I figured I was going to be caught and then Elena or Maria could hit them. I figured wrong- I had taken Alexandra and Becky and we had a big gap- we started to work the break- it was good- no Sarah- Alexandra really went hard in that break- we had a really good lead I thought- but I was still expecting the field to get us on that last lap-going up Horse Sh*t alley Becky let a gap open in the pace line- with Alexandra was leaving us- I had to make a pretty good effort to catch her again. We had lost Becky-Alexandra won I got second- Maggie did great in the sprints landing her in second place over all-was in 4th place overall- CC got third- and so we did well in bring home the points for Radical-
It was fun and I am very happy to know a break can go off in central
park :) I ill try that again for sure!
Race Format: Met points race with points 3-deep every lap- 5 laps.
We had a great Radical turnout for the points’ race and we had a plan which we all had a role for the race. Maggie, Cecelia and Evie were our sprinters, Jenny and Erica were the protectors for the sprinters making sure they were out of the wind and not working too much- Maria, Elena and I were to chase down attacks and also attack (either before the sprint or after the sprint- or both).
Before the race we saw that we had Sarah and Jaime Nicholson- no Ann Marie or Carol Gale. Upon seeing that Jaime, Maggie assignees Elena to Jaime’s wheel- we were sure that she would try and break after the sprint- Jaime was quickly annoyed that Elena was on her wheel and by the end of the first lap in Horse Sh*t alley, Jaime swung off the front with Elena going with her like glue- the look of annoyance on Jamie’s face was priceless. We got through the first sprint- and I am not sure of out placing in all of the sprints-but we did well, getting second several times, some firsts’ and a few thirds’. After the first sprint on the turn after the Met and before EG Jaime slows down and pulls off into the joggers lane- I hung back and checked out her bike in passing- she did not appear to have a flat- hmmmm... so I went to the very back of the pack looking for her thinking maybe she was going to slip onto the back of the group and try something funny- but she was not there. So I went back to the front we had to change our race plan. We planned to be more aggressive to tire out CC. All of a sudden Jaime blows past the field with speed- I was shocked along with everyone else. But we chased her down instantly- I think it was Cecelia that jumped on her wheel. Jaime gave a flick of the elbow telling Cecelia to pull through. This made Cecilia chuckle. She didn’t pull through. Jaime got so frustrated after Harlem Hill that she again went into the joggers lane and pulled out of the race- I was still waiting for her to blow by again but I think we ran her out of the race- I am still shocked by what happened.
We are only halfway into lap 2 but it was such a good story... so Elena, Maria and I traded attacks before and after the sprints for the rest of the race- getting some good gaps and being marked by a CC rider every time- so they were having to work :)
When we did not have a break going into the final lap I knew Maria, Elena and I should put in 3 good attacks down The West Side. Going up Harlem Hill I decided to put in the first attack halfway up the hill. I jumped and just went as hard as I could not looking back- I figured I was going to be caught and then Elena or Maria could hit them. I figured wrong- I had taken Alexandra and Becky and we had a big gap- we started to work the break- it was good- no Sarah- Alexandra really went hard in that break- we had a really good lead I thought- but I was still expecting the field to get us on that last lap-going up Horse Sh*t alley Becky let a gap open in the pace line- with Alexandra was leaving us- I had to make a pretty good effort to catch her again. We had lost Becky-Alexandra won I got second- Maggie did great in the sprints landing her in second place over all-was in 4th place overall- CC got third- and so we did well in bring home the points for Radical-
It was fun and I am very happy to know a break can go off in central
park :) I ill try that again for sure!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Radical Does it Again-Report By Maria
Sturbridge Road Race Pro123 4-26-08
Ashley, Erica, Elena and I represented the team in the P123 field. 45 miles, 3 laps. The new course had plenty of climbing and the finish line was at the end of a 3-4 mile climb.
The field was together on the first lap but broke up on the climb. At one point I found myself taking lots of wind up front and Erica jumped in to rescue me right when I needed saving. What a teammate! Our group was about 1/3 of the field on the second lap and included Elena, Ashley and myself. We did a fast rotating paceline to assure no stragglers joined us and maintained our tight little group until the finish line.
The pace throughout the race was challenging. I was happy I left my HR monitor in the car! I wouldn't want to know what numbers were appearing on the little screen. When we hit the final climb I waited for Anna Milkowski or Beth Miller to attack. I knew that they both were amazing climbers and one of them would be first to go. I got on a Terry Bikes girl's wheel as we approached the summit. I wanted to come around her so badly, but I kept repeating "patience, patience, patience" to myself. It was a head wind coming up the climb and Terry girl was tall and a perfect draft. Then, Anna went at around 200m, and a Terry girl followed her immediately. I came around The Terry girl as fast as I could, and made some ground toward the line, but couldn't get them. I almost pulled off 2nd since that racer's chain dropped just feet from the line, but she was far enough ahead that her placement was safe by a good wheel's length.
As a team we did awesome! No question we were the best team out there with 3 top ten finishes. Me in 3rd, Elena in 6th and Ashley in 9th!!!! Amazing team work and presence. :)
Ashley, Erica, Elena and I represented the team in the P123 field. 45 miles, 3 laps. The new course had plenty of climbing and the finish line was at the end of a 3-4 mile climb.
The field was together on the first lap but broke up on the climb. At one point I found myself taking lots of wind up front and Erica jumped in to rescue me right when I needed saving. What a teammate! Our group was about 1/3 of the field on the second lap and included Elena, Ashley and myself. We did a fast rotating paceline to assure no stragglers joined us and maintained our tight little group until the finish line.
The pace throughout the race was challenging. I was happy I left my HR monitor in the car! I wouldn't want to know what numbers were appearing on the little screen. When we hit the final climb I waited for Anna Milkowski or Beth Miller to attack. I knew that they both were amazing climbers and one of them would be first to go. I got on a Terry Bikes girl's wheel as we approached the summit. I wanted to come around her so badly, but I kept repeating "patience, patience, patience" to myself. It was a head wind coming up the climb and Terry girl was tall and a perfect draft. Then, Anna went at around 200m, and a Terry girl followed her immediately. I came around The Terry girl as fast as I could, and made some ground toward the line, but couldn't get them. I almost pulled off 2nd since that racer's chain dropped just feet from the line, but she was far enough ahead that her placement was safe by a good wheel's length.
As a team we did awesome! No question we were the best team out there with 3 top ten finishes. Me in 3rd, Elena in 6th and Ashley in 9th!!!! Amazing team work and presence. :)
Radies on Fire! Grants Tomb Domination
GRANT'S TOMB 3/4 RACE March 15, 2008-Through Maria's eyes
It was great to be racing with so many teammates in the field and on the sidelines. Radical Media dominated the race from start to finish. We controlled the pace much of the race, put in some beautiful attacks and had every attempted attack by others immediately covered.
On the last lap I jumped on a woman's wheel who seemed determine to win. I wasn't sure if the field was with us or not, so I just focused on staying on her wheel. After taking the final sweeping turn, I realized the pack was with us and I was second wheel. The pack was beginning to swarm around us and I feared getting blocked in, so I powered between the two women in front of me. I wanted so badly to give the team a win, so I went as hard as I could. I figured at any moment someone would nip me at the line, so I continued to give it everything I had until I was way past the line. I WON!!
It was a great win in the 3/4 field. The best part was and we got 4 top 10 places. What an amazing race
Central Park CRCA Club Race-April 12, 2008
Nice shot of Maria after a weekend of hard racingSunday, April 13, 2008 Central Park
It was a damp morning with slippery roads. Not the best day to have hill sprints up Harlem Hill. There were a good number of women at the start line considering the weather. Elena, Ashley, Cecelia (she's back!!) and myself represented the team.
The first lap didn't have the hill sprint, but Ann Marie took off on the hill and we all chased her down. On the descent to the second hill (the first hill sprint), there were ambulances on the right and riders and bikes on both sides of the road. Chaos! We all slowed down until the bottom of the hill and I took off early, just wanting to get away from everything and everyone. I ended up giving Sarah a great leadout by mistake! She took first in the sprint and I took 2nd. The following lap had another crash and a bike was in the middle of the road. A few of us shouted to the group about it, but a rider didn't see it and went down. I ended up taking 2nd in most of the hill sprints, Cecelia got us some points on one of the hill sprints and Elena took 3rd in the final sprint. At the line, I got 4th and Cecelia and Ashley were also in the top 10. With all of the points added up from the hills and the finish, Sarah took 1st, I took 2nd and Nancy took 3rd. As a team I believe we not only kept our lead, but also may have increased it by a few points. A scary race, but we all stayed upright and felt we raced well as a team.
Bethel CT It was Maria and Elena all the way!
Bethel, CT. April 13th -last race of the series
I warmed up on the road for a good 25 minutes and then lined up at the start. The pace was steady and the race was pretty uneventful. Lisa did a nice job of jumping to the front on the hill and increasing the pace a bit, but the field wasn't letting anything get away.
I rode on Ann Marie's wheel most of the race and took quite a bit of wind. The goal today was to work hard and have fun. On the last lap I fought other riders for AMM's wheel and on the last climb up to the line managed to stay right behind her. Then Andrea unexpectedly flew by us. I jumped to catch her and almost got AMM at the line. Andrea took the win, AMM took 2nd and I took 3rd. Elena took 6th.
When I went to confirm my placing the promoter told me to stick around for the overall series podium photos. Somehow with my 2nd place last week and my 3rd place this week, I managed to get 3rd overall in the series. It was a pleasant surprise for me. Nice. A trophy and $! Elena got 4th overall in the series and took home some cash as well. A good day for Radical Media in CT!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Battenkill April 19 2008 Maria our champ!
Battenkill.....2008
I got to the start line early to make sure I was in the front row. Elena and Erica soon joined me. Erica was going to see how she felt after the first 7 miles (since it looped back into town) and decide from there whether or not to continue. I whispered to Elena on the line that I planned to attack at the first set of hills at 8 miles and that she should come with me so that we could get away. (Ashley told me that this is where she got away last year and I remember the 123 coming apart there last year as well, so I thought it sounded like a good plan).
In order to make sure I had good position going into the first climb, I took lots of wind up front setting the pace. It was fine, I felt good and wasn't going very fast. We hit the first climb and Elena and I were right where we needed to be. The dirt was really dry and it was difficult to keep the bike steady, but I pushed the pace up the climb the best that I could. After descending I was surprised to find only one woman with me. We rode for a couple minutes and then about 6 other women joined us. I organized everyone to take 30 sec pulls. We worked together pretty well for the most part and soon there was no field or chase group in sight behind us.
At around mile 24 we hit the second set of significant climbs. Again there was quite a bit of sand and it didn't help that the pace car slowed down and was kicking it in our faces. We organized ourselves and within about a minute, the chase group behind us was out of sight!
At about mile 40-45 the heat really started to get to me. It was about 84 degrees out and very sunny. I had already drank 2 water bottles and had one left. I had eaten my whole gel flask mixture and only had one remaining gel. My thighs were screaming in pain, my head was pounding but I knew I could do it if I just focused. Only 10 miles or so to go. I knew I had another 10 miles in me somewhere. I took the last gel and some water and promised myself that I would destroy myself going for the win.
Mile 50 was the last set of climbs. These were especially sandy and treacherous. There were riders that had been dropped from other fields all over the place. I studied who was sliding and who seemed solid on their bikes and chose my line very carefully. When we finished the climb, there were just 3 of us! Andrea, Amy and myself. I didn't know if they could sprint, so I knew I had to conserve the best I could and play it smart. I knew that as long as I stayed upright and didn't have any mechanicals that I would podium, but somehow at this point that wasn't enough. I looked for the 1k or the 200m sign, but never saw either. We then came to the railroad tracks that we had ridden over earlier at the start, so I just went for it and sprinted. I wasn't sure if it was too early, but I didn't care. I gave it everything I had left and was determined to continue sprinting like a mad woman until I crossed the line.
After I crossed the finish line, I spent the next few minutes trying to catch my breath while I rode to the car for painkillers to ease the cramps. It wasn't until I was riding back to the start line to confirm my place that it hit me, I had just won. :)
I received a lovely cowbell as a trophy and a stuffed cow that matched the Radical Media kit perfectly!
It was 2 hours and 44 minutes of intense racing. I can honestly say this was hardest I have ever worked in a race.
Elena was awesome and despite her mishap in the sand finished in 5th place!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Elena and Ashley at Bethel March 9, 2008
Elena had another strong finish at Bethel.
It was really cold with heavy winds in Bethel this morning. About 15-20 womenshowed up. Ashley and I represented Radical. Anne Marie Miller , two Kenda girls, and Kathleen Billington were there as well.
On about the 3rd lap, Ashley, AMM, and a Kenda sailed up the hill and opened up a small gap. I sat on the front for a couple of seconds to see if Ashley was going to be able to get away. The other Kenda rider and Kathleen bridged up and I went with them. With the 30 mph winds up there in Bethel, it was tough to stay out of the wind. At some point, Ashley must have been caught in the wind because all of a sudden I didn’t see her anymore.
The 5 of us started working together and we were able to lap the rest of the field. AMM was really drilling it and she took the sprint (again), with Andrea (Kenda) second, Rebecca (Kenda) third, me fourth, and Kathleen (fifth). All in all, a good clean race for all.
It was really cold with heavy winds in Bethel this morning. About 15-20 womenshowed up. Ashley and I represented Radical. Anne Marie Miller , two Kenda girls, and Kathleen Billington were there as well.
On about the 3rd lap, Ashley, AMM, and a Kenda sailed up the hill and opened up a small gap. I sat on the front for a couple of seconds to see if Ashley was going to be able to get away. The other Kenda rider and Kathleen bridged up and I went with them. With the 30 mph winds up there in Bethel, it was tough to stay out of the wind. At some point, Ashley must have been caught in the wind because all of a sudden I didn’t see her anymore.
The 5 of us started working together and we were able to lap the rest of the field. AMM was really drilling it and she took the sprint (again), with Andrea (Kenda) second, Rebecca (Kenda) third, me fourth, and Kathleen (fifth). All in all, a good clean race for all.
March 8, 2008 Central Park Season Opener and Radical finishes 1st and 2nd!
Maria telling it like she saw it from the saddle in Central Park!
A good part of the first lap was pretty uneventful. A few attacks that were quickly chased until Maggie attacked near the carousel. Martha jumped on her wheel and since I was right there, I jumped on Martha's wheel and Cindy was not far behind. Lucky for Maggie and I, Erica was near the front of the field, so we knew she would help keep the field back anyway she could. The 4 of us rotated with Maggie and I doing most of the work. Our plan was to work with the Metro girls until the last time up Harlem hill and drop them at the top. It was obvious Cindy and Martha were getting tired since our pace kept slowing when they pulled through.
At the end of the third lap, near the carousel, Maggie gave me the sign and I attacked. Cindy tried to chase us down, but she couldn't answer the attack. Maggie bridged up to me and we increased our pace and we were out of sight in less than a minute. We rotated the last lap until the sprint.
I came across the line first with Maggie right beside me. Maggie had an another race in the afternoon that she decided to save her legs for that one. Thanks Maggie!!
A great finish with a Radical taking 1st and 2nd.
Great job Maggie and Erica. It wouldn't have been a Raddie 1, 2 finish today without the great team work.
A good part of the first lap was pretty uneventful. A few attacks that were quickly chased until Maggie attacked near the carousel. Martha jumped on her wheel and since I was right there, I jumped on Martha's wheel and Cindy was not far behind. Lucky for Maggie and I, Erica was near the front of the field, so we knew she would help keep the field back anyway she could. The 4 of us rotated with Maggie and I doing most of the work. Our plan was to work with the Metro girls until the last time up Harlem hill and drop them at the top. It was obvious Cindy and Martha were getting tired since our pace kept slowing when they pulled through.
At the end of the third lap, near the carousel, Maggie gave me the sign and I attacked. Cindy tried to chase us down, but she couldn't answer the attack. Maggie bridged up to me and we increased our pace and we were out of sight in less than a minute. We rotated the last lap until the sprint.
I came across the line first with Maggie right beside me. Maggie had an another race in the afternoon that she decided to save her legs for that one. Thanks Maggie!!
A great finish with a Radical taking 1st and 2nd.
Great job Maggie and Erica. It wouldn't have been a Raddie 1, 2 finish today without the great team work.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
2008 Racing Season Opens at Bethel March 1
Elena Leznik and Ashley Prine represented Radical Media in the first race of the season at Bethel on March 1st 2008.
It was really cold and for most of us. The high that day was in the 30's with a little snow in the afternoon. Ann Marie Miller was there, as was Anna Milkowski and a couple of girls from formerly of Target Training now Kenda Tire.
Ashley and I lined up with about 20 other girls. I was just trying to be among the first up that hill each time around and to catch a break. The pace was pretty high from the start and Ann Marie Miller looked really good. Ashely and I got caught out of position about 1/2 way through the race and missed a 3 gal break (Anna M., Ann Marie Miller, and a Kenda Tire girl) that stayed away for a couple of laps. The field worked together pretty well and we brought them back after a few laps. The field stayed together after that until the sprint which Ann Marie won, Anna M taking second, a Kenda Tire in 3rd, and me in 4th. Ashley got caught behind a small crush and finished a couple of spots behind me. A good, safe, and fun race.
It was really cold and for most of us. The high that day was in the 30's with a little snow in the afternoon. Ann Marie Miller was there, as was Anna Milkowski and a couple of girls from formerly of Target Training now Kenda Tire.
Ashley and I lined up with about 20 other girls. I was just trying to be among the first up that hill each time around and to catch a break. The pace was pretty high from the start and Ann Marie Miller looked really good. Ashely and I got caught out of position about 1/2 way through the race and missed a 3 gal break (Anna M., Ann Marie Miller, and a Kenda Tire girl) that stayed away for a couple of laps. The field worked together pretty well and we brought them back after a few laps. The field stayed together after that until the sprint which Ann Marie won, Anna M taking second, a Kenda Tire in 3rd, and me in 4th. Ashley got caught behind a small crush and finished a couple of spots behind me. A good, safe, and fun race.
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